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The Artful Chair Experience: 

Become an Artful Chair Student

There’s something incredibly powerful about restoring a chair with your own two hands — and even more powerful about discovering a skill you never knew you had.

At The Artful Chair, students don’t just learn upholstery techniques. They learn how to see a chair differently. How to slow down. How to trust the process. And how to turn a worn frame into something both beautiful and usable.

Our classes are intentionally small — just four students at a time — allowing for personal attention, hands-on guidance, and a truly supportive studio environment. No rushing. No intimidation. Just thoughtful instruction, creativity, laughter, and steady progress.

Whether you’re brand new or building on existing skills, you’ll learn professional upholstery methods in a way that feels accessible, fun, and deeply satisfying.

You’ll leave with:

  • A new, confidence-building skill
  • One-on-one instruction in a relaxed studio setting
  • A sense of creative accomplishment you didn’t expect
  • A beautifully restored chair you can proudly take home

Many students arrive unsure. They leave amazed at what they created. 

I'm Jenny Ellis, Creative Director, Designer, and Upholstery Mentor. Here, you'll find inspiration and instruction to help spark your creativity and create heirloom-worthy works of art.

After years of sharing my designs in my Asheville studio & gallery storefront and selling them in high-end gift shops like the Biltmore Estate, I’m thrilled to show you how to create masterpieces of your very own. 

-Jenny

Register for an In-Person Class

By the end of this course, you’ll have not only a beautifully reupholstered chair but also the skills to take on future projects with confidence!

Any Skill Level, Small Classes: Only 4 students per session for personalized attention. Classes are 1 day a week for 8 weeks, 3 hours per session. Life Happens: one make up class is allowed if you need to miss a class.

Tuesday Mornings:

8 weeks in person

 
Begin Sept 15, 2026
Mornings 10-1 pm
Marshall, North Carolina 
FULL

Tuesday Afternoons:

8 weeks in person

 
Begin Sept 15, 2026
Afternoons 2-5 pm
Marshall, North Carolina 
FULL

Thursday Mornings:

8 weeks in person

 
Begin Sept 17, 2026
Mornings 10-1 pm
Marshall, North Carolina 
FULL

Thursday Afternoons:

8 weeks in person

 
Begin Sept 17, 2026
Afternoons 2-5 pm
Marshall, North Carolina 
FULL

Full Weekend:

8 week training in 3 days

Sept 18, 19 & 20, 2026

Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9-5 pm:
24 hours of class learning,
1 hour lunch break
Marshall, North Carolina 
FULL

Full Weekend:

8 week training in 3 days

Oct 23, 24 & 25, 2026

Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9-5 pm:
24 hours of class learning,
1 hour lunch break
Marshall, North Carolina 
$699

Full Weekend:

8 week training in 3 days

Nov 6, 7 & 8, 2026

Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9-5 pm:
24 hours of class learning,
1 hour lunch break
Marshall, North Carolina 
$699

Interested in Winter 2026-2027 Classes? 

Wait list sign up to be the first to know!

**NEW**

Mentorship 

If you’re interested in a more personalized learning experience, I’m also accepting inquiries for private one-on-one mentorship.

Each session is tailored to your schedule, skill level, and creative goals. You’ll build a strong foundation in traditional upholstery while gaining insight into my signature techniques and creative methods for transforming an ordinary chair into something extraordinary.

Fill out the form to join the mentorship interest list.