Insurancebroker

If you are lucky enough to have a window with a wonderful view, you will want to be sure to choose an appropriate window dressing that will complement and enhance that view, without detracting from it or blocking the light. A carefully selected window valance can provide just the right look. The various types available can be used as a stand alone decoration, or combined with curtains, blinds or shutters to create a unique effect. While high quality sewn valances are a really classy style, there are also no-sew varieties available.

Traditional formal valences were heavy creations of rich tapestries, often with thick fringing. More modern designs are informal, light and free flowing, made from cotton or linen. Some frequently used valance styles are described below.

The Balloon valance is so named because of the way it hangs. Doubled fabric is gathered and secured in equally spaced intervals along a pole, and the material between balloons out to give the required effect. To create extra shape, the balloon sections may be stuffed with tissue paper or a softer material. Lightweight cotton fabrics are effective balloon valances, and bold patterns such as stripes are a good choice.

A swag valance is another style, which can either be fairly short or extend to the floor either side of the window if desired. Two decorative brackets are placed on either side of the window top. The material is folded like a concertina, and hung across the two brackets. For larger windows a central bracket may be required to support the weight of the material. Heavier materials hang well but may be a little too much for the brackets so choose carefully.

To create a formal valance, such as a pleated valance, you will probably require heavier material that will retain its shape. If you wish to use a less heavy fabric, it will work better if you line it first. Material for a pleated valance needs to be cut and lined carefully so that the underside shows equally at every pleat. For this reason you might want to avoid making pleated valances unless you are a talented draper. Pleated valances are attached to a board hung from the wall by strong brackets.

Valance placement is as important as style to create just the right effect. To lengthen windows, the valance should be hung so that the bottom only just covers the top of the window. To shorten overly long windows, the valance should be placed lower down and can be quite long to hide the expanse of glass. As a rule of thumb, a valance should not cover more that one third of a window or the window will appear swamped in fabric. If you have a two story window it can be cut in half with a valance, which complements the dcor of the lower room. However, you may lose some of the height and space creates by the two story window.

Window valances are simple to create and some require little or no sewing ability. The main consideration when using valances for interior design is how the valance will work with the rest of the decorations in your room. Unless you want your window to act as the focal point of the room you want to be careful not to make your valance too overpowering.

The Ford Motor Company, along with rival General Motors, has been going through a time of severe testing due to concerns about product quality and relevancy, profits, and long term viability. The net result is that Ford is planning on closing numerous plants and will lay off as many as 30,000 employees, a historic cutback that may only be the tip of the iceberg. Is Ford finished or will the company be able to regain strength and compete successfully in the years ahead?

Ford has certainly taken its lumps and for good reason. Profits in the North American market are nonexistent with losses actually in the multibillion dollar range. Despite the red ink, all is not lost for the blue oval as the company remains very profitable overseas. In addition, its three U.S. divisions have much to offer if some serious changes are incorporated. Here are my suggestions for change:

Ford -- The strongest division for the automaker is the one that bears its name. Fords strength is in its line of pick up trucks and SUVs. Select car models including the Mustang and Fusion are also strong sellers. Fords weakness can be found with its small car line, the Focus, and with dated models including the Crown Victoria. Better for Ford to scrap their small car lines altogether and import cars from Mexico or overseas. In addition, the company should concentrate on overhauling the Crown Victoria and introducing an all new Ranger compact pick up truck. Finally, Ford is getting out of the minivan business as crossover vehicles, such as the all new Edge, will replace that category. This latter retreat is wise as the category is saturated and the expense of developing a successful new minivan can be diverted to concentrate on shoring up other product lines.

Mercury -- Many have been predicting that Ford would scrap its Mercury division altogether. However, among the many management decisions announced recently indicate that Mercury will stay. Together with Lincoln, the two brands are weak and are in need of much assistance. Mercury cars for decades have been nothing more than reworked Ford models therefore its brand identity has been diluted. It is time for Ford to help Mercury come up with a clearer personality and a line of vehicles that are inspiring, not boring. A good start would be to develop a car all Mercurys own, such as a retro Cougar coupe.

Lincoln -- There was a day when Lincoln and Cadillac battled for preeminence for sales leadership in the American luxury car category. Lincoln long ago ceded the fight to Cadillac, a GM division with new and exciting products. Currently, Cadillac outsells Lincoln by more than 2 to 1 and does battle with the likes of Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes. For Lincoln, a new Town Car is needed plus a decision must be made regarding just how much the division should rely on trucks and SUVs to identify the brand. Currently, Lincoln line up includes more truck models than cars. Reviving a historic model, such as the Continental, could be a smart choice and putting some money into the LS is another. Curiously, the make is changing the name of its newest model, the Zephyr, to the MKZ after only one model year.

Ford is floundering and it is particularly noticeable in two divisions, Mercury and Lincoln. Its Mazda connection, which has yielded several models including the Escape and Fusion, has been a success. Tapping its Volvo association to help with larger cars and with engineering would be wise and Ford should work closer with its Jaguar division to produce additional vehicle lines. The current LS, derived from the Jaguar S Type is an example of an earlier collaboration that wasnt utilized to its fullest extent.

All hope isnt lost for Ford, but the companys image has been tarnished. The seed of greatness remains, but the company must act quickly in order to regain consumer confidence and stop the ever deepening erosion of its sales base to foreign makes.