Tina Ortman

Restore furniture or enhance original designs with the addition of pattern, texture, and comfort in a workshop that explores the possibilities of upholstery. Starting with a basic chair, we strip the layers to discover how an upholstered piece is constructed, then reverse the process by installing webbing, springs, and padding with the final embellishment of fabric. Whether your interest lies in adding upholstery to your own furniture designs or renovating existing furniture, students come away with the knowledge of the basic tools, techniques, and materials of upholstery. Furniture to be upholstered must be approved by the instructor before the workshop starts.

The art of upholstery is visual, tactile and logistical. This workshop presents the tools, techniques and materials used to create and restore upholstered furniture. Students strip a piece to the frame, which reveals how it was constructed. Participants then reverse the process, building the layers back up to recreate the original or modify with new flourishes. Students bring a piece of furniture approved by the instructor. The unique challenges of each piece are used to teach the whole class the many variations of the craft.