Florida in February welcomed me with its warmth and sunshine!

I had spoken with Melodie several times on the phone and through email before arriving in Sarasota.  Feeling like we already knew each other we greeted one another with a big hug.  Melodie and I were definitely a great fit.  She welcomed me into her home and made me feel like I was part of the family.  We chatted the first evening about how excited we were to be doing this workshop together.  We also discussed how the next 4 days were going to play out and off we went full steam into a fun filled 4 day workshop, neither of us sleeping much that night as the excitement was spinning in our heads.

So many paint finishes to choose from

Paint finishes by the Gathering Place More paint finishes

On Day one Melodie took the lead teaching her painting techniques and showing everyone what products she worked with to create these beautiful finishes.  The number of paint samples Melodie had created were not just awesome but made us all feel like kids in a candy store and your mother is telling…. just pick ONE!

Sure enough by the end of day one each student had picked their paint choice and finished their chair frames.  Everybody picking a different color palette to compliment their fabric perfectly.

Painting the frames on Day One

Martha chose a brown for her legsMelodie using a gold finish

Sheila painting her chiarAlicia using a black finish

Let the upholstery begin

Sheila Martha Meloide Alicia Wendy

The next three days we were knee deep in upholstery.  Starting from the frame up, students worked to complete each of the chairs they had chosen for the workshop.  Some pieces seemed simple at first glance, but you know that when learning a new skill nothing is as “simple” as it seems.  Working through the process and learning the skills to complete their projects everyone had that moment of feeling a little overwhelmed.  Not losing their desire, everyone was able to walk away with a completed chair and a whole new appreciation for the art of Upholstery!!

Thank you Melodie for making the time to take me to the beach to watch the sunset!

Melodie and Kim Sunset in Sarasota

If learning upholstery is something you’re interested in check out my other workshops and online tutorials.  Take time to learn something new every day and bring a little color and joy to your life.

See you on the inside,

Kim