LEARN UPHOLSTERY WITH LULLCO
TRANSITIONAL LEARNING
What is transitional learning? I like to think of it as an exposure to the industry. Even if you walked into an upholstery shop vowing to work for free for a shot at learning the ropes from a pro, they are likely to turn you away at the door because training someone with ZERO skill or experience costs a shop time and money they don’t have to spare. That’s where I step in.
In an effort to make my transitional Upholstery education as accessible as possible, I offer my lessons in a variety of formats. From drop-in Bring Your Own Piece Workshops, to weekend intnsives, you are sure to find an Upholstery Class that works for you. My Sponsor a Student Program will even allow you to take them for FREE! Read on to learn more.
BRING YOUR OWN PIECE UPHOLSTERY WORKSHOPS
My Bring Your Own Piece Workshops are designed for you to bring in your own projects, at any stage, with an level of experience. Your 3 hour workshop includes access to all of the tools you will need to complete your piece. Materials are also on-hand and available for purchase.
CHECK THE SCHEDULE
WEEKEND CAMPS & PRIVATE PARTIES
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
SPONSOR A STUDENT
Save 2/3 the cost of professional upholstery services by sponsoring a student to complete your project. Every participating student received FREE access to classes. The process is simple, sponsors apply to participate, the students evaluate the project, and the sponsor pays for the cost of classes and materials to have their project completed. It’s a great opportunity for students to learn and for sponsors to support the growth of the industry.
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STUDENT RESOURCES
I’ve been working for nearly 2 years now to pull together resources for the DIY and transitional learning community. As a self taught furniture fabricator I had to scour the internet for answers to learn enough to understand what I was doing. No one was giving that information away. Check out what is available and join my club for additional support.
GET TO WORK
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES
I teach my classes 3 days a week from Maker Works in Ann Arbor, MI. I try to schedule my classes to meet the needs of any student who may come through the door. The schedul e below is current as of July 2, 2023.
MONDAY MORNINGS
10 AM - 1 PM- 3 Hours of hands-on instruction
- All tools included
- Materials available for purchase
FRIDAY EVENINGS
6PM - 9PM- 3 Hours of hands-on instruction
- All tools included
- Materials available for purchase
SUNDAY MORNINGS
10 AM - 1 PM- 3 Hours of hands-on instruction
- All tools included
- Materials available for purchase
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
WHO CAN TAKE CLASSES?
WHO CAN TAKE CLASSES?
You’re all about doing it yourself, right? My upholstery classes let you take that knack for DIY to a new level. Bring in your creativity, and I’ll show you how to transform everyday pieces into something uniquely yours.
If you’re looking to bring more to your business, upholstery could be your next big thing. Our classes provide the skills to create custom-made, high-quality furniture solutions. It’s not just about profit – it’s about passion, craftsmanship, and making a mark in your field.
You’re in search of a hobby that’s both rewarding and fun? Look no further. Upholstery isn’t just practical – it’s a creative outlet that brings a sense of accomplishment. And who knows? It might become more than just a hobby.
We all have those friends who we create unforgettable memories with. Why not add upholstery to that list? Our classes offer a unique shared experience that’s about more than just making furniture – it’s about making stories.
For those seeking a different kind of gathering, upholstery could be your answer. Create lasting mementos, learn something new, and above all, have fun. It’s a party with a purpose.
If furniture and design are your things, then it’s time to deepen that interest. Our upholstery classes allow you to restore and reinvent furniture pieces, giving them a new lease of life. It’s about cherishing the old and crafting the new.
If you’re in the resale business, upholstery can transform your offerings. It’s about adding value to secondhand furniture and creating unique pieces that attract discerning customers. This skill could be your next game-changer.
For those always on the lookout for something new, why not try upholstery? Step out of your comfort zone, learn an exciting skill, and discover a new part of yourself. It’s an adventure in craft that could lead to surprising places.
ANYONE CAN LEARN UPHOLSTERY
Not all of my students come to my classes to learn to be professional. Some are there for fun or just want to make something cool for themselves.Some come through the door just to learn how to fix something they love or has been passed down for generations. Whatever your motives, I promise you, you don’t need permission to get started, and I’m here to see you through to the finish line.
THE UPHOLSTERY TRADE IS DYING
Ever since the COVID-19 shutdown, the resale industry has skyrocketed, surpassing a value of more than 16 billion dollars. However, acquiring fast furniture has become increasingly difficult with supply chain and shipping demands, as manufacturers no longer prioritize mass production. Instead, there is a growing demand for older, well-crafted furniture that can be customized or refinished to meet individual preferences.
Unfortunately, the upholstery trade in the United States has suffered due to the automation and outsourcing of manufacturing. Many skilled tradespeople have retired or left the business, without passing down their knowledge or skills, leaving a significant shortage of resources for designers, contractors, residential and commercial clients seeking custom upholstery work and refinishing.
HOPE FOR THE FUTURE OF UPHOLSTERY
As someone who had to close my own fabrication business due to similar challenges, I understand the need for support and training. Recognizing this gap in the industry, I decided to focus as much energy as I possibly could to train as many people as possible, in hopes of rebuilding the trade.
Today I offer In-Person Upholstery Workshops, Weekend Retreats, LIVE Demos and FAQ’s, and a supplemental support group called the LullCo Upholstery Club on facebook, where you can get real-time help from home with your projects. With the support of my Sponsor a Student Program, I hope to make my transitional upholstery education as accessible to as many people as I can.
Together, we will navigate the initial hurdles of embarking on an upholstery journey, master the fundamental skills involved, and learn how to attract clients, set boundaries and sustain your efforts. Moreover, you have the opportunity to earn income by working with clients who are interested in collaborating with students.
Whether you’re seeking to decorate your home to match your personal style, maximize the value of your time, earn extra income, or expand your skill set to enhance your professional development, my platform offers the perfect opportunity. Join me today to unlock your potential to help me rebuild this dying trade.