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Custom Workroom Conference Recap
Those who have been lucky enough to attend the Custom Workroom Conference at one time or another will understand why here at the NUA we get so excited about it every year: it’s kind of a big deal!
Check out our recap here!
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Call for NUA Board Nominees
We are seeking nominations and applications for open positions for the 2026-2027 term. The open positions are President, Treasurer and Directors at Large. Nominations and applications are being accepted until November 1st.
If interested, please email volunteer@nationalupholsteryassociation.org
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Our NUA Merch Store is Now Open!
We’re thrilled to announce that the National Upholstery Association’s Merch Store is officially open! Stock up on exclusive NUA-branded items that show your pride in our vibrant community of upholstery professionals.
From stylish apparel to handy accessories, there’s something for everyone. Plus, every purchase helps support the NUA’s mission to uplift and connect our industry.
Don’t wait—shop now and represent the craft you love!
Thank you for supporting the NUA!
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Webinars
The NUA holds webinars on the second Tuesday of every month at 1:00pm ET. Registration information for webinars are emailed to members two weeks prior to the event. Here's what we have planned next:
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Intermediate Spring Tying Techniques with Gareth Rees
Tuesday, November 11th at 1:00pm EST
In this webinar Gareth will expand on an earlier discussion if spring dynamics, how they work, effective lashing methods for a range of furniture styles and methods for choosing the right gauges and heights. |
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From Fabric to Finish: Elevating Upholstery Care for Your Clients with Katie Reuther
Tuesday, December 9th at 1:00pm EST
Join us for a practical and engaging session designed to empower upholsterers with essential knowledge about fabric maintenance and cleaning. We’ll bridge the gap between selecting new fabrics and caring for them long-term, walk through the full upholstery cleaning process, and share expert tips on spot cleaning and decoding cleaning codes. You'll leave with tools to become a trusted resource for your clients, helping them protect their investment—and your work—for years to come. |
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NUA Volunteer of the Quarter
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Grace Reff
Grace Reff has been a board member of the National Upholstery Association since 2020. She currently serves as the chair of the Education Committee, which fosters opportunities for collaboration, learning, and visibility within the trade. Grace is also the owner of Grace Ann Upholstery, a Nashville-based upholstery workroom.
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Volunteer with the NUA!
Volunteers are the heart of our organization.
Our board and committees are composed of unpaid volunteers - small business owners, manufacturing professionals, and upholstery students - who are all passionate about supporting and advancing the field of upholstery.
Please consider becoming an NUA Volunteer - learn more here!
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Latest Blogs
Custom Workroom Conference 2025
Those who have been lucky enough to attend the Custom Workroom Conference at one time or another will understand why here at the NUA we get so excited about it every year: it’s kind of a big deal!
From the classes, to the parties, to the networking and community strengthening, not to mention the industry-specific full-day trade show extravaganza filled with everything a quality workroom owner could ever want. It’s a good way to take a few days “off” from work, while still adding value to your business. And it gives many of us an excuse to see places in this country that we might not otherwise get to visit. (Hello, Kingsport, TN.)
Read more on the blog!
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Industry News & Upcoming Events!
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Community Meeting: Overcoming Barriers to Teaching
October 30th, 2025 at 1:00pm via Zoom
Are you passionate about sharing your upholstery skills but find yourself hitting roadblocks when it comes to teaching? You're not alone—and this month, we’re tackling it head-on.
Join us for a real-talk conversation about the common challenges upholstery educators face—whether it’s confidence, curriculum planning, student engagement, pricing your classes, or even imposter syndrome—and how to move past them.
Register here.
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Advance Textiles Expo 2025
November 5th-7th in Indianapolis, IN
CONNECT with over 4,500 textiles professionals. DISCOVER the newest innovations in the marketplace. SOURCE from over 300 exhibitors to drive your business forward
Find out more here.
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Back-to-Back Education Opportunities from Workroom Tech
November 5-6 and November 7-8, 2025 in Tryon, NC
Join Rhonda Shanahan for the Bespoke Lampshades workshop, November 5-6, followed by the 2025 Slipcover Summit, November 7-8, with instructors Jonathan Bennett, Robin Matthews, Emily Pettit and Susan Woodcock. Workroom Tech is in Tryon, NC, a charming small town at the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains. Start planning your education-vacation and see all the details at www.WorkroomTech.com/classes
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Community Meeting: Balancing Upholstery with Young Kids
November 13, 2025 at 1:00pm via Zoom
Let’s be honest—balancing sharp tools, sticky fingers, nap schedules, and upholstery projects isn’t easy. Whether you're sneaking in sewing during naptime or teaching classes with a toddler in tow, you're not the only one trying to do it all.
This community meeting is a judgment-free zone where we’ll talk about the realities of parenting (or caregiving) while pursuing your passion for upholstery.
Register here.
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Upholstery Education: San Diego Masters
February 15th-20th
Join us for a study of traditional and modern methods in an exploration and modern methods in an exploration of form and technique. With two master upholsterers, you will create three chair backs: en tableau and voila style. With Armand Verdier teaching traditional methods and materials, and Gareth Rees recreating the same form with modern methods, you will learn the advantages and challenges of both approaches. The tutors will also present lectures about design and shape in period furniture. This six day intensive is open for all levels developing skills and knowledge. We hope to see you there!
Find out more here.
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The Curtains & Soft Furnishing Resource Library
The Curtains & Soft Furnishings Resource Library has a long history of providing education and support to anyone interested in creating beautiful window treatments and soft home furnishings, for themselves or for their business. Providing the most up to date fabrication methods, keeping up with child safety regulations and all the latest trends for the home, the Library is a curated collection of webinars, instructional videos, downloadable pdf’s and so much more. You will also find support and answers to yourquestions, by colleagues and industry experts in our private Forum. Join the Library today!
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The Whimsical Chair
Discover the art of upholstery and soft furnishings in fun, hands-on workshops designed for students of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your techniques, you'll learn professional methods, tools, and materials to transform your furniture and soft furnishing techniques with confidence. Each workshop focuses on practical skills, including upholstery, lampshade making, and French Mattress cushions. You'll leave with a completed project and the knowledge to tackle more on your own. My Workshops are creative, supportive, and packed with tips from real workroom experience. You can find more details at https://thewhimsicalchair.com/workshops.
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Casper Hill
Every Stitch Matters.
Casper Hill offers the right thread for every project — whether you’re perfecting a topstitch or building something made to last outdoors.
Serafil Thread – Trusted for its smooth finish, UV resistance, and professional results on leather and upholstery.
Outdoor Pro Thread – Built for the elements with superior fade resistance and long-term strength.
Crafted for professionals. Made to last.
Sample Cards available now — just $15 through December 31st!
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C.S. Osborne & Co
C.S. Osborne & Co. provides upholsterers the finest range of tools, needles, upholstery buttons, decorative nails and furniture supplies. Our sister company, Massasoit/Tackband, provides metal tackstrip, flex grip, decorative nail trim and all types of furniture webbing. Please contact us for more information on all of our upholstery products! www.csosborneupholsterytools.com www.tackbandUSA.com
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Alan Richard Textiles
Alan Richard Textiles is your trusted source for premium tools, decorative & vintage trims, custom pillows, high-quality upholstery thread, & more. Our extensive selection includes everything professionals need to add the perfect finishing touch, from luxurious french & scroll gimps to durable threads and stylish accents. Whether you’re refreshing classic pieces or creating bold new designs, our expertly curated products ensure quality and style in every detail. Visit https://alanrichardtextiles.com today to explore our wide range of tools, trims, pillows, window treatments, and accessories designed to inspire and support your craftsmanship. Make every detail count with Alan Richard Textiles!
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Trivantage Plus
Exclusive discounts on foam and more: Perks of Trivantage PlusTM
Trivantage® Plus members enjoy year-round savings, including 10% off Albany Foam upholstery and marine foam, as well as exclusive discounts on Bellbloc®, PremoBond® and select tools. Additional perks include flat-rate same-day shipping, free memo samples, and partner discounts. NUA members also receive 25% off a TV Plus membership with promo code NUA25.
Learn more at: https://www.trivantage.com/plus-intro
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American Down and Feather
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What We're Reading
Industry News
Have you or your business been featured in an article?
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