🪑 Western Upholstery Workshops

with Sierra and The Rusted Roan at the Cowgirl Art Collective

Learn the skill. Finish the piece. Leave proud.

You don’t need experience.
You don’t need a shop full of tools.
You don’t need to be “crafty.”

You just need to be willing to try.

If you’ve been staring at a chair you love but feel too intimidated to start, or you’ve watched a hundred tutorials but never felt confident enough to dive in, this is for you.

We take it step by step. No guesswork. No judgment. Just real learning and real progress.

Who This Is For

These workshops are built for beginners and those ready to expand their upholstery skills.

For the ones who:
• have a piece they care about but are afraid to ruin
• start projects and stall out halfway through
• want to learn something real with their hands
• crave creative time that leads to a finished result
• are ready to prove to themselves they can do this

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.

This isn’t about perfection.
It’s about capability.

What You’ll Leave With

This isn’t a sit-and-watch class. You’ll be doing the work.

You’ll leave with:
• a finished piece you’re proud of
• the confidence to tackle future projects at home
• a clear understanding of tools, materials, and techniques
• the satisfaction of saying, “I did that.”

And yes, students finish their chairs in our workshops.

Why People Travel Across the Country for These Workshops

Our workshops don’t stay open long.

Most fill within minutes of being listed. Not because of hype, but because people know what they’re getting: real guidance, real results, new skills, and meaningful connections.

Every student completes their chair.
No one is left behind.
No one is expected to “just figure it out.”

This is hands-on, step-by-step instruction designed so you succeed.

Workshop Options

Open Workshop Days — $450 per day

Work on your chair alongside a small group with hands-on guidance the entire time.

Perfect if you want:
• real-time help without the cost of a private lesson
• the encouragement of working alongside others
• a full day focused on making real progress

You’ll receive one-on-one instruction while also benefiting from the shared learning that happens when people create together.

You’ll Learn:

• proper upholstery techniques step by step
• padding and support systems
• fabric layout and application
• decorative nail application & finishing details
• how to avoid beginner mistakes

Chair Prep Requirements

To ensure we can focus on upholstery, your chair must be:
• torn down
• repaired
• painted or refinished

After registering, you’ll submit a photo for approval to confirm it fits the workshop timeframe.

Chair frames, fabric, and padding can be provided at an additional cost.

🪑 1-Day Bench & Dining Seat Workshops

Designed to be completed in one day. A full win without overthinking it.

You’ll Learn:

• fabric placement and alignment
• foam and padding basics
• clean corners and professional finishing
• how to assemble and upholster a bench or seat

You’ll Bring:

• bench base or dining seat
• legs (if building a bench from scratch)
• fabric & finishing supplies

Tools are provided, and you’ll receive a simple shopping list after registering.

Chair Workshops (How Many Days Do I Need?)

Chair projects vary in complexity and pace.

Most beginner-friendly chairs require:

• 2 days in a private lesson
• 3 days in an open or group workshop

Examples include:
• open arm chairs
• rocking chairs
• other occasional chairs

You’ll reserve your first day at checkout and can add additional days as needed.

If you’re unsure, I’m happy to help you choose the right fit.

👉 Our workshop participants leave with an unfinished chair.

Private Lessons (Limited Availability)

For those who want fully individualized instruction and a deeper dive into upholstery.

Ideal if you:
• have a complex piece you would like to work on
• want intensive one-on-one guidance
• are working toward professional skills

Private lessons may complete some chairs in 2 days that take 3 days in a group setting.

📩 Contact for availability: [email protected] 

Private Group Workshops

Create something meaningful together.

Perfect for:
• girls’ weekends
• creative retreats
• team building
• celebrations

📩 To reserve dates for and pricing for you private group, email : [email protected] 

✈️ Traveling or Flying In? You Can Still Do This.

Many students travel to attend, and you don’t need every detail figured out before you book.

Most secure their seat first, then we sort out the logistics together.

Options for Traveling Students

Fly in and use a shop-provided chair
Available for select workshops.

Bring or ship your chair frame
Some students ship them ahead of time or bring it with them.

Ship your finished chair home
We can help coordinate shipping your chair home after the workshop. Students cover shipping costs.

If you’re unsure what makes sense for you, reach out. I’m happy to help.

🤎 Traveling Alone? You Won’t Be the Only One.

Many students come by themselves.

They couldn’t find someone to go with them.
They weren’t sure what to expect.

And then they came anyway.

By the end of the workshop, they’re sharing meals, swapping stories, and cheering each other on like old friends.

There’s something powerful about a room full of people interested in the same craft, willing to try something new.

💬 What Students Are Saying

“What an amazing experience! I absolutely adored being a part of this workshop. Getting to know the women, learning about the art, the venue, and surrounding area was all such a blessing.”

“It was one of the best retreats I have been on. I had a wonderful time and hope to attend more Rusted Roan events in the future.”

“Thank you for going the extra mile to make me feel welcomed and comfortable. I learned so much and had fun too. It motivated me to keep going with other pieces of furniture!”

 What’s Provided

• professional instruction
• use of tools during the workshop
• guidance before and after
• a simple materials list
• a supportive, encouraging environment

⚠️ What You’ll Provide

• fabric
• foam & padding
• bench base or chair frame
• finishes (paint/stain if desired)

Your piece should reflect your style, not mine.

Why Spots Go Fast

Workshops are intentionally small so everyone gets real help when they need it.

That means:
• no waiting around
• no getting lost in the crowd
• a focused, supportive environment

It also means seats disappear quickly.

❤️ More Than a Workshop

This is about finishing something.
Choosing yourself.
Learning a skill you can carry for the rest of your life.

Many students return home with more than a finished chair. They leave with new friendships, new connections, and a sense of possibility they didn’t expect.

Some discover a fulfilling hobby that gives them a creative outlet and a reason to slow down.
Some find purpose in bringing tired, forgotten furniture back to life for their own homes and families.
Some begin taking on pieces for friends and their local communities.
And some go on to build businesses or step into entirely new careers in the upholstery trade.

It doesn’t have to become a business to matter.
It’s about realizing what you’re capable of and carrying that confidence into whatever comes next.

And if you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it.

🎟 Reserve Your Seat

If you’re ready, I’d love to have you.

👉 Reserve your workshop seat in Virginia City, Nevada