If you are struggling with upholstery skills, you’re not alone In any upholstery community where people are learning new upholstery skills you might read some comments like this: “I’ve been working on this sofa for 3 years…. I can’t seem to finish it.” “I’ve made my cut wrong 4 times and I don’t have any more fabric.” “I covered this chair with a sheet so I don’t have to look at it anymore.” “My husband wants me to do something with this project or put it on the curb.” “I’ve tried to sew this cushion 4 times. I can’t get the corners to line up.” These comments are evidence that you are inde ..read more

A few perspectives from an attendee in one of our Hands-On Workshops “I’ve been lucky enough to both attend and host Kim’s Upholstery Workshops and here are some perspectives on my experiences as an attendee.” – says DeniseThe Golden Ticket – You’re IN! In the story Charlie and the Chocolate Factory there is a scene where Charlie is sitting with his grandparents carefully opening chocolate bars and searching for the golden ticket to the Chocolate Factory. Remember that? My first Kim’s Upholstery Hands-On Workshop made me feel a little like I’d won the golden ticket. I danced around in the w ..read more

Has your husband ever asked you for holiday gifting ideas? “The kids are asking for gift ideas. Is there anything you’d really love? Can you help me out here?” Would this be one of your answers? “You know what I’d really love? I’d really love a non-kinking air hose.” It’s certainly not what anyone would expect to hear but that, and a few other specific items over the years have made for some very happy occasions. Below is a list of some other upholstery-oriented gift ideas. Feel free to add your favorites to this list, then send this link to your loved ones. The list is organized from less ex ..read more

Make your available workspace work! Blog by Denise Bryan  One of the reasons I joined Kim’s Upholstery was to learn a new skill that would be useful and money-saving for my family. Let’s be honest: I like nice things. If you’re acquainted with the phrase “champagne taste on a beer budget” you speak my language. I have an eye for good quality, vintage things, and I’m constantly remaking my world. This kind of decorative hobby can be very costly if you don’t have some DIY skills, and this is exactly why I joined Kim’s Upholstery’s Membership. As my skills have grown over the years I’ve b ..read more

Blog written by Denise Bryan I recently delivered a pair of custom upholstered wing chairs to a client. At delivery, the smiling, delighted client asked for arm covers, which weren’t in the original job, and she asked for them to be made in a very specific way.  I had to order more fabric to construct these arm caps, and that took some time. Ten days after delivering the chairs I delivered the arm covers. The client was happy with the arm covers and she was still delighted with her chairs. She told me about showing the wing chairs to her friends and visitors at the garden club open house ..read more

With 36 years as an educator herself Denise knows a bit about learning so having her write this blog for us was a no-brainer.  Be sure to take a look at Denise’s About page on her website.  We’d love to hear how you learned in the comments below.  Enjoy!  “Where did you start learning upholstery?” There is a frustrating conversation that comes up over and over again in DIY and professional upholstery groups: “Where did you learn to upholster?” Are you self-taught, or not? Sometimes, in public forums or on social media, there is corresponding shade thrown toward those ..read more

With 36 years as an educator herself Denise knows a bit about learning so having her write this blog for us was a no-brainer.  Be sure to take a look at Denise’s About page on her website.  We’d love to hear how you learned in the comments below.  Enjoy!  “Where did you start learning upholstery?” There is a frustrating conversation that comes up over and over again in DIY and professional upholstery groups: “Where did you learn to upholster?” Are you self-taught, or not? Sometimes, in public forums or on social media, there is corresponding shade thrown toward those ..read more

Have you ever wanted to upholster your own round ottoman but felt intimidated by the process? You are not alone! Upholstering can seem like a daunting task for the first-time DIYer, but with the right instructions and a little bit of determination, it is easier than you think. This DIY Round Ottoman guide will take you step-by-step through the entire process, from selecting the materials to completing the final touches. This guide will look at two round ottomans with two completely different styles, a tufted round ottoman in leather and a round ottoman that has a smooth top and no tufting.&nb ..read more

Creative minds and those working in a creative skill, like upholstery, oftentimes work alone. It is the nature of the work. However, it is so nice to get away at least once a year and network with other creatives in the same space!  As an educator, I see the need for networking with our peers. It is how many of us learn new skills and grow in our craft. While our online membership community provides the ability to ask questions and network virtually, there really is something about an in-person connection that cannot be replaced. Members of our upholstery community have the ability to me ..read more

What is an upholstery niche? How do I create my own niche? These are both excellent questions that I receive a lot when advanced upholsterers are starting out in their upholstery business.  A niche is a specialized focus of the market for a particular industry, product, or service. In an upholstery business, your niche will look different depending on whether your business model is performing custom work for clients or designing and creating pieces to sell. You can read more about starting an upholstery business with these different business models here! Once you have your business model ..read more