Join us in Flowery Branch GA for a fun-filled 3-day Lampshade – Pillow – Zipper and More Lampshades Workshop May 2-4, 2025.
This is a new special event with 3 well-known industry instructors.
Sandra Vansickle from North Carolina
Donna Cash from Georgia
And Me! Kim Chagnon from Massachusetts
Hosted by Donna Cash of Designs by Donna Atlanta.
Attend all 3 days for only $899
This hands-on event is for the DIYer or the professional who wants to add more to their skill box. You’ll learn from three talented educators in the soft furnishings industry. On Days One and Three, you’ll learn to create two uniquely different-style lampshades using different techniques and skills. On Day Two, you’ll learn two pillow styles and how to sew in those often-dreaded zippers perfectly.
Whether you are a DIYer, a beginner, or a professional workroom, you will leave the workshop with new knowledge and confidence. We limit the class size to eight students, giving you more one-on-one instruction. By the end of the workshop, you will have finished pieces you can show off to your friends and family.
Expect to learn new techniques, acquire new skills, and have fun!
A Creative Event For All Skill Levels
3 Day Event Details
WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
- Limited to 8 students
- The event duration is 3 days
- By the end of 3 days, you should have completed two lampshades and two pillows.
- The price to attend is $899, due upon registration – Non-Refundable unless we can fill your spot.
- Instructors will supply Lampshade Frames for the workshop.
- Students will come prepared with their fabrics for the projects
- Sessions will run from 8:00 am to 4 or 5:00 pm – with a 1-hour lunch break
- Each student is responsible for coming prepared with all necessary tools and supplies for your project (Our sponsors may donate some supplies)
- If you have questions about fabric choices, please reach out (to info@kimsupholstery.com – in the subject line, write “Lampshade/Pillow Event.”)
A PDF download will be emailed to you upon registration.
By attending this workshop, you agree to allow Kim’s upholstery to take photos or videos of you for marketing and promotional purposes.
WORKSHOP PRICING
- eight students per workshop
- The cost is $899, due upon registration—non-refundable. (Lunches, lampshade frames, and some supplies are included.)
CONTACT INFORMATION
Hostess:
Designs By Donna
5837 McEver Road
Flowery Branch, GA 30542
Email: donna@designsbydonnaatlanta.com
INSTRUCTORS
Kimberley Chagnon
Email: kimberley@kimsupholstery.com
Sandra Vansickle
Email: Sandra@sandravansickle.com
Donna Cash
Email: donna@designsbydonnaatlanta.com
LODGING SUGGESTIONS
SCHEDULE
DAY ONE
Arrival – Students arrive at 8:00 am to get setup
Introductions – We will take a few minutes to visit and get to know one another.
Getting Started – Then it’s time to start.
What to Expect – Soft Tailored Lampshades with Kim Chagnon
In this workshop, you will learn how to pattern your fabric and lining, wrap your shade, and attach the decorative and lining covers and finishing details for a sleek look.
Have fun picking fabrics that show your personality and style. For this style shade, avoid directional fabrics like stripes.
Lunch Time – We will take a 1-hour break (lunch included)
Quitting Time – Expect to end the day between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm
DAY TWO
Start at 8:30 am
What to Expect on Day Two – Perfect Pillows & Zippers with Donna Cash
This hands-on workshop will teach you how to sew two different pillow styles, including specific details for each style. You will have the opportunity to refine your pillow-making skills as you sew an invisible zipper next to a welt cord in a knife-edge pillow and learn the ins & outs of sewing a pillow with Turkish corners in a second pillow. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewer, Donna Cash will guide you through each step to ensure you leave with a beautiful and professional pillow. Join us for Perfect Pillows & Zippers and grow your confidence by taking your sewing skills to the next level.
Lunch Time – We will take a 1-hour break (lunch included)
Quitting Time – Expect to end the day between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm
DAY THREE
What to Expect On Day Three – How To Make A Cone-Shaped Lampshade with Sandra VanSickle
Here is what you will learn:
-
- Fabric Selection and Preparation: Discover the art of choosing the perfect fabric to suit your home decor. Learn how to measure, cut, and prepare the fabric for lampshade crafting, ensuring a precise and elegant finish.
- Assembly Techniques: Sandra will guide you through assembling your lampshade frame and seamlessly attaching the fabric. You’ll master the art of folding, tucking, and applying your chosen fabric to create a beautifully tailored lampshade.
- Finishing Touches and Customization: Elevate your lampshade with unique finishing touches. Don’t forget to explore creative options for embellishments, trims, and accents, allowing you to personalize your lampshade and make it truly one-of-a-kind.
Lunch Time – We take a 1-hour break (Lunch included)
Quitting Time – Expect to end the day about 5:00 pm
TOOLS & SUPPLIES YOU WILL NEED FOR THIS WORKSHOP
- Scissors (sharp)
- Straight Pins
- Pencils
- Erasable fabric marker
- Wonder clips or similar
Supplies for all 3 days
- Fabrics (for two shades and two pillows)
- Lining for one shade
- 3/4″ to 1 ” twill tape
- 1/2″ Hugs Snug seam binding tape
- Styrene
- 1/2″ Doublesided permanent fabric tape
- 3/8″ Doublesided permanent fabric tape
- Decorative trims (optional)
- Instructors will supply Lampshade Frames
- Thread to match your Bellshaped lampshade fabric
What people are saying about our workshops…
“What a fun weekend. Five very different chairs, all complete and looking incredible. I enjoyed Ashfield so much. I stayed at a wonderful Air BnB owned by two artist and their dog Charlie. Each day we worked non stop, in this spacious and well lit barn, provided by our host Amy, along with incredible comfort food. Kim guided us with every detail, introduced us to new tools and tricks to give us confidence and pride in the results. Big thank you to Bill and Kim for setting this up. We are fortunate to know you.”
“The three day upholstery workshop I took with Kim from Kim’s Upholstery was fabulous! I found Kim to be energetic and knowledgeable. The class was composed of five women with five different chairs. This did not phase Kim in the least. She was able to transition from assisting one attendee to another with ease and made it seem effortless. I am very happy with my finished chair and feel confident in attempting to upholster another chair after taking this class. I know she is an email or phone call away if I have any questions. I highly recommend this class to anyone interested in upholstering, beginner or intermediate.”
“I attended a three day workshop in Northborough, MA last year with 4 other ladies and we had a blast learning and enjoying each other’s company whilst working hard. We had Kim with us all the way, and each of us having a different chair, we learned different skills watching them do their chairs. Kim helped us from the bare wood upwards until the finished product and it was a pleasure. She explained every technique we did and the correct order of upholstering our piece of furniture. Now, if we have any questions we know that she is only an email or phone call away from asking her questions. I am a hands on learner so this was very helpful having Kim by my side all the way.”