What is a Career Professional™?

A Career Professional™ is the designation given to students who successfully complete one of the exciting new Career Professional™ programs at the Custom Home Furnishings School .

What is the Custom Home Furnishings School ?

Founded in 1995 by internationally known industry expert Cheryl Strickland, the Custom Home Furnishings School (formerly known as the Professional Drapery School ) is the only school of it’s kind in the world that specializes in educating Workrooms, Upholsterers, Installers and Designers.

What Career Professional™ Programs are offered?

The school offers the following seven programs: Window Coverings, Advanced Window Coverings, Bed Treatments/Pillows, Installation, Slipcovers, Upholstery, and Cornice.

How long does it take to earn the designation of Career Professional™?

All programs can be completed in one to two weeks, depending on the chosen program.

What is taught in a Career Professional™ Program?

Each program covers the proper methods, tips, techniques, tools, and business practices needed to run a successful business. Classes are taught by highly-accomplished professionals with years of experience in the custom home furnishings industry.

Can I really start a career when I complete a program?

Yes, you will be prepared with the knowledge you need to begin an exciting career. One of the biggest benefits of attending the school is gaining the confidence needed to run a successful business or grow an existing one.

Simply complete the additional classes in the desired program and you will receive your Career Professional™ designation and all of its benefits.  Former students who have already completed all of the classes in a given program will automatically receive their designation.

What if I have already taken some classes at the school?

Simply complete the additional classes in the desired program and you will receive your Career Professional™ designation and all of its benefits.

What are the benefits of this program?

Along with a fast start to a new career, or taking your existing career to a new level, you will receive an engraved wall plaque with your name and program designation. You will also receive a Career ProfessionalT logo which can be used on your business cards or embroidered on clothing. All graduates will be announced in the CHF Magazine. As an added benefit, you will be listed in the Career ProfessionalT section on our extremely popular website, along with a link to your website. This listing helps people locate trained professionals in their area of the country.

What do the Career Professional™  programs cost?

WINDOW COVERINGS 
11 Days / $2189
Business basics, tools, equipment, workroom secrets, and fabrication techinques are covered in this program. You will fabricate and take home a sample of a rod pocket panel, pinch pleat panel, sheer panel, balloon shade, Roman shade, swag, jabot, basic valance, and assorted trims. Includes Classes: WT 100; WT 101; and WT 102.

ADVANCED WINDOW COVERINGS
9 Days / $1791
This program includes drafting patterns, creating soft cornices, fabricating Kingstons and Empires, and designing cascades, jabots, and horns. The instructor will show you techniques for creating hobbled shades, shaped banding, and other advanced embellishments. This program also covers high-end techniques as you fabricate a bump-interlined drapery panel. You will also learn how to work with odd-shaped windows, bays, and arches. You will create an arched-top, goblet pleat panel. Includes Classes: WT 103 and WT 104.

INSTALLATION
7 Days / $1393
Students learn business basics, measuring techniques, proper supplies, tools, and equipment needed to install soft window covering, mini-blinds, and verticals. Students actually install and dress an assortment of window coverings and learn a multitude of tricks-of-the-trade and timesaving tips. This program includes commercial applications, motorization, and odd-shaped windows as well. Includes Classes: Installation 101 and Installation 102 Techniques.

SLIPCOVERS
7 days / $1393
This program teaches how to make professional fit-like-a-glove slipcovers from start to finish. Topics include: pricing, marketing, fabric selection, measuring, calculating yardage, pin-fitting, sewing, cording, and cushions. You will also learn about furniture undergarments, placement of difficult patterns, finishing a slipcover without a skirt, and creating unique designer skirts. This class builds your confidence as you learn to fabricate slipcovers for more difficult furniture like wing-back, channel, barrel, and overstuffed chairs. Includes Classes: Slipcovers 101, 102, 103.

UPHOLSTERY
13 days / $2587
This program covers business basics, proper tools, equipment, fabric selection, and supply considerations. Students will learn step-by-step how to upholster on new frames and will reupholster a wing-back chair, from tear-down to completion, including tying springs, webbing, padding, pattern placement, cushion fabrication, skirt construction, skirt placement, single welting, double welting, decorative nails, and hand-finishing curved areas. Includes Classes: Upholstery 101 and 102

BED COVERINGS / PILLOWS
7 Days / $1393
In this program you will learn how to measure, calculate yardage, design, and price all types of bed coverings, including bedspreads, coverlets, comforters, duvets, and dustruffles. You will have an opportunity make sample treatments and operate a hand-guided quilting machine. You will also learn how to design and create a wide variety of decorative pillows and shams. Includes Classes: Fabricating Bed Treatments and All About Pillows.

CORNICES
5 Days / $995
In this specialized program, attendees will scale, design, and draft custom patterns to be used as they cut, build, and upholster a shaped cornice. Students will learn how to use the proper tools, discover tips and tricks, and discuss business practices and pricing methods. The instructor will take students beyond the basics as they learn to create multi-dimensional cornices and cornices for speciality windows and bays. Advanced embellishing techniques are also covered. Includes Classes: Basic Cornices and Advanced Cornices.

How do I sign up?

Call the Custom Home Furnishings School at 800-222-1415 and we'll be happy to help you.