Come Learn. Make.

Laugh. Upholster.

Small, joyful workshops where fabric becomes art and friends become makers.

Step into a space where creativity and craftsmanship come together.

My workshops are a mix of hands-on learning, laughter, and the joy of making something with your own two hands. Some take place in my Colorado studio, where tea, tools, and inspiration are always within reach; others happen on the road, in the studios and spaces of fellow makers who invite me to teach and share their communities.

Each workshop has its own rhythm. Whether you’re diving into upholstery, lampshades, or textile crafts, you’ll learn traditional techniques in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere. Beginners and seasoned makers alike are welcome.

Join an upcoming workshop or invite me to yours, let’s make something beautiful together.

Current Classes for 2026

  • Sewing Introduction

    January 31, 2026

    Art Center
    Cantril School Building
    Castle Rock, CO

    Learn More

  • Bespoke Lampshades Workshop

    March 13-14, 2026

    Workroom Tech, Tryon, NC

    Learn More

  • Sewing Pillow Cover and Zipper

    March 16, 2026

    Art Center
    Cantril School Building
    Castle Rock, CO

    Learn More

  • Sewing Introduction

    April 20, 2026

    Art Center
    Cantril School Building
    Castle Rock, CO

    Learn More

  • Sewing Pillow Cover and Zipper

    May 12, 2026

    Art Center
    Cantril School Building
    Castle Rock, CO

    Learn More

  • Sewing Introduction

    June 1, 2026

    Art Center
    Cantril School Building
    Castle Rock, CO

    Learn More

  • The Workroom Cadre: Shades & Shades

    July 30-31, 2026

    DoubleTree by Hilton Denver

    Westminster, CO

    Learn More

Why Classes & Workshops?

I started teaching upholstery because I wanted to share the joy of transformation — the moment an old chair becomes something magical again. My workshops are relaxed, hands-on, and designed for all skill levels. You’ll leave with a finished piece and a big smile.

Each class is a blend of craft, creativity, and connection. You don’t just learn how to upholster — you learn to see everyday materials with new eyes.

Would you like to discuss hosting a workshop at your location?

I would love to hear from you!

What are Students Saying?

  • "Rhonda was an exceptional teacher. She is very knowledgeable and more than happy to share what she knows as well as trick and tools that make the job easier. This was a great 3 days of learning and making connections and the leather chair I am bringing home is a treasure. I will be taking classes from Rhonda again."

    — Mary Beth Herman

  • "I had the recent opportunity to host a leather workshop that Rhonda taught. It was such a great experience. If you are thinking about hosting or taking a workshop with Rhonda, Do It! She’s a excellent teacher that is passionate about not only upholstery but about sharing her love of leather. As a skilled upholsterer and a life long learner, she’s in a perfect position to transfer her knowledge to others. You won’t regret taking any workshop with Rhonda!"

    — Nancy Sargent

  • " The class was a perfect small size for what we had to accomplish in three days. Rhonda Shanahan filled the days w/ great content for small chair leather upholstery. Classmates were lovely and generous, and our host, Susan Woodcock with Workroom Tech, was so supportive."

    — Heather King

  • " I have participated in two of the open upholstery workshops with Rhonda and The Whimsical Chair, and have learned so much. First, I have learned that upholstery is HARD WORK! But it is so rewarding when you get to the end and have a beautiful new/old piece of furniture. Rhonda is a patient and informative teacher, and is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to her craft."

    — Randa Taylor

  • "I have been working as a professional upholsterer for the past several years, but have always shied away from working with leather. After an in-depth one-on-one consultation with Rhonda Shanahan of the Whimsical Chair, I'm ready to take the plunge and add leather work to my repertoire. Rhonda's work is impeccable and she is a fantastic teacher: skilled, patient, creative and personable. If you are an upholsterer (or aspiring upholsterer) looking to enhance your skills, and particularly if you are seeking to learn leather work, I cannot recommend education/advisement from The Whimsical Chair highly enough."

    —M Rhodes

  • "Excellent workshop for beginners and more advanced people. Rhonda is a wealth of I formation for techniques and how to find the tools you need to be successful. I HIGHLY recommend her for helping people get started or to improve."

    — Hope Ken-RU

  • "I took Rhonda’s leather workshop and learned so much! What a thrill to be able to work freely with all that leather. Rhonda is a knowledgeable and patient teacher. I now feel confident in offering leather as an option to my clients."

    — Amy Petersen

See All My Google Reviews

Past Workshops & Shared Tables

Over the past few years, Rhonda has taught a wide range of small, hands-on workshops, including leather upholstery, lampshades, French mattress cushions, and tuffets. Some have taken place in her Colorado studio; others have been by invitation at workshops, schools, and creative spaces she loves.

At the moment, there are no home-studio classes scheduled for 2026, as Rhonda’s calendar is filled with invited workshops in locations across the US. New courses will be added as dates and locations align, and studio workshops may resume.

If you’re interested in hosting a workshop or would like to be notified when new classes are announced, please reach out.

Contact Me!

3-Day Leather Upholstery Workshop, Castle Rock, CO

These immersive workshops invite students to work confidently with leather — from understanding hides to building refined, functional pieces. First introduced in 2022, the leather classes have become a favourite for students ready to deepen their upholstery skills in a supportive, focused setting.

(With thanks to Casper Hill for their continued support and beautiful hides.)

1 Day French Mattress Cushion Workshop Castle Rock, CO

Rooted in traditional upholstery methods, these classes explore proportion, layering, and hand-finishing. Students create beautifully structured cushions while learning techniques that translate across many upholstery and soft-furnishing projects.

Lampshade Workshop at The Whimsical Chair in Castle Rock, CO

These workshops focus on structure, balance, and creative expression. Students learn traditional lampshade techniques while working with fabric, frames, and trims — leaving with a finished piece that brings both warmth and personality into a space.

Tuffet Workshops at The Whimsical Chair in Castle Rock, CO

Tuffets are deceptively simple — and incredibly rich in learning. These workshops guide students through shaping, sewing, and building from the ground up, offering transferable skills that carry into many future upholstery projects.