Join me in Ashfield, MA, for a fun-filled 2-day bespoke lampshade workshop on May 2-3, 2026.
This is a new workshop event that many of you have been asking for. I’ve been making lampshades for over a decade and am excited to share this skill with you. No more boring white lampshades needed. Make one-of-a-kind lampshades that fit your decor and personality.
Attend both days for only $535
(Lampshade frames and some supplies are included with the class.)
This hands-on event is designed for DIY enthusiasts or professionals looking to expand their skill set. You’ll learn from a talented educator in the upholstery and soft furnishings industry.
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 doing it!
A Creative Event For All Skill Levels
2 Day Event Details
WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
- Class space is limited for this lampshade workshop
- The lampshade workshop duration is 2 days
- By the end of the lampshade workshop, you should have completed two bespoke lampshades ready to shine.
- The registration fee is $535, payable upon registration, and is non-refundable.
- The instructor will provide lampshade frames and styrene for the workshop.
- Each student is responsible for coming prepared with all necessary tools and fabrics. Your supplies for their project will be provided.
- A resource list will be provided upon registration.
- Sessions will run from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, with a 1-hour lunch break.
- If you have questions about fabric choices, please reach out (to info@kimsupholstery.com – in the subject line, write “Lampshade Workshop.”)
A PDF download will be emailed to you upon registration with further information.
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 $535.00, due upon registration, and is non-refundable.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Venue:
Ashfield Community Hall
521 Main Street
Ashfield, MA 01330
INSTRUCTORS
Kimberley Chagnon
Email: kimberley@kimsupholstery.com
LODGING SUGGESTIONS
There are many Airbnb’s in Shelburne Falls and Ashfield, MA.
If you’d prefer a hotel, I would recommend checking Northampton or Hadley, MA, which is about a 35- to 40-minute drive.
SCHEDULE
DAY ONE
Arrival – Students arrive at 8:30 am to get set up
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 Custom Lampshades – Choose to make either a fitted tailored, or gathered style lampshade.
In this workshop, you will learn
- How to template your fabric and balloon lining,
- Wrapping your lampshade frame
- Stitch the fabric and lining to your lampshade frame
- Make and apply bias binding tape to neatly finish the top and bottom of your shade
Have fun picking fabrics that show your personality and style.
Lunch Time – We will take a 1-hour break
Quitting Time – Expect to end the day at 5:00 pm
DAY TWO
What to Expect on Day Two – We will make a hard styrene drum lampshade
Here is what you will learn:
-
- Fabric and Styrene Preparation: Learn how to measure, cut, and prepare the fabric and styrene for lampshade crafting
- Assembly Techniques: Kim will guide you through assembling your hard 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 4:30 pm
TOOLS & SUPPLIES YOU WILL NEED FOR THIS WORKSHOP
- Scissors (sharp)
- Straight Pins (sharp and strong)
- Pencils
- John James Straight and small cured needles
- Erasable fabric marker
- Wonder clips or similar
Supplies:
- Fabrics (for two shades)
- Lining for one shade
- Thread to match your soft lampshade fabric
- Decorative trims (optional)
Supplied for you:
- 3/4″ to 1 ” twill tape
- 1/2″ Hugs Snug seam binding tape
- Styrene
- 3/8″ Doublesided permanent fabric tape
- Lampshade Frames will be supplied
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.”