🪑 One-Day Upholstery Workshop (with add on day options)
Open Workshop — April 24, 2026 — Virginia City, NV
This workshop will be held at The Cowgirl Art Collective | Rusted Roan Studio in Virginia City, Nevada.
This one-day workshop is the starting point for all open workshop projects and a great introduction to upholstery.
I’ll guide you through each step in a small group setting, no fancy equipment or prior experience required.
You’ll leave with real progress on your piece and the confidence to continue your upholstery journey.
What Can Be Completed in One Day
One-day workshops are ideal for:
• bench seats
• dining chair seats
• simple upholstery projects
If you are working on a larger chair, you may need additional days to complete your piece.
👉 No one leaves with an unfinished chair.
Small Group, Hands-On Learning
This is an open workshop day, which means you’ll be working alongside a small group of up to five students, the same supportive format used in our out-of-state workshops.
This shared environment offers:
• individual guidance
• encouragement and community
• shared learning and inspiration
Many students arrive not knowing anyone and leave with new friendships and connections.
What You’ll Learn
• foundational upholstery techniques
• padding and support basics
• fabric placement and application
• clean corners and professional finishing
• how to avoid common beginner mistakes
Need More Time for Your Chair?
Some chair projects require additional time depending on size and complexity.
When you register, you’ll first reserve your first workshop day.
If your chair requires more time, you can add Days 2–3 together to complete your project.
Typical open workshop timeline:
• Day 1: foundations and seat fabric
• Day 2: inside and outside back padding and fabric
• Day 3: finishing, and details
If you’re unsure whether your chair will need the additional days, I’m happy to help you decide.
Chair Prep (for Chair Projects)
To ensure we can focus on upholstery, chairs must be:
• fully torn down
• structurally repaired
• painted or refinished
You’ll submit a photo after registering to confirm it fits the workshop timeframe.
Chair frames, fabric, and padding may be available for purchase if needed.
After you register, you’ll receive complimentary access to an online prep course that guides you through tearing down, repairing, and preparing your chair frame.
It’s there to support you, not overwhelm you, so you arrive confident and ready to focus on upholstery during the workshop.
What’s Included
• professional instruction
• use of upholstery tools
• pre-workshop guidance
• a materials checklist
• a supportive, encouraging environment
What You’ll Provide
• fabric
• foam & padding
• bench base or chair frame /repaired/painted/stained and ready to upholster
Traveling From Out of State?
Many students travel to attend. You can:
• bring or ship your chair frame
• use a shop-provided chair (when available)
• ship your finished chair home
If you’re unsure what works best, we’re happy to help you plan.
Who This Is For
Beginners are welcome. No experience is required.
Our community tends to be women, but men are absolutely welcome. If you’re willing to learn and show up ready to work, you belong here.
Reserve Your Workshop Day
This registration secures your first workshop day.
If your project requires more time, you may add Days 2–3 (for a total of 3 days) together to complete your chair. These add on days will immediately follow the date listed above.
I can’t wait to upholster with you.
~Sierra
