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NUA Quarterly Newsletter - Summer 2025

Announcements

Custom Workroom Conference  

Save the date for September 23-25, 2025 in Kingsport, TN at the MeadowView Conference Resort. 

The CWC is the only annual education event and trade show specifically for custom window covering, upholstery and soft furnishing workroom businesses. 

Register for the CWC!
Biltmore Estate Visit

Join the NUA and our host, Selina Scott of Blueprint Custom Furnishings, for a house tour of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC on Sunday, September 21, 2025 from 12-6pm. Following the house tour on Monday, September 22, 2025 we will all depart for Kingsport, TN at 11:30am. 

More details coming soon!

NUA Pre-Event for the CWC 

Join the NUA for our Annual Pre-Event at the CWC: NUA Birthday Bash!

This year the NUA turns 6 and we want to celebrate with you! Come mix and mingle with us before CWC registration opens on Monday, September 22nd from 2-4pm. We will enjoy games and prizes, connecting with friends and maybe even a few special guests! Light refreshments will be served. $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers. 
 
Register Here!
Discord Update

Have you joined Discord yet? We have created a new channel #educators-chat that is intended to be a place for members to share and ask questions about integrating upholstery education into their business. 

Log into your Discord now and check it out! 

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!

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:

How to Specify Fabrics for Window Treatments and Upholstery with Morris Mayer

Tuesday, August 12th at 1:00pm EST

In this webinar we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting upholstery fabrics, from performance and durability to aesthetics and application.

Tips and Tricks from the Professionals at PUN with Lindsay Orwig

Tuesday, September 9th at 1:00pm EST

In this webinar Lindsay will share what she's learned from the professionals on the PUN Facebook page. Including new and verified techniques involving safety, organization, new tools, cleaning, and saving time and space. She hopes you will take away exciting new ideas for your upholstery workroom business.
Members can view all past webinar recordings here.

Not a member? See what you're missing.

Check out our list of Upcoming Webinars.

Have an idea for a webinar? Email us at

NUA Volunteer of the Quarter

Samantha Kuczynski

Samantha Kuczynski is delighted to be recognized as the NUA's Volunteer of the Quarter!

Sam is the current NUA Vice President and owner of Stuffed & Tufted, based in Baltimore, MD. Before jumping into an upholstery career, she spent five years as the Props Artisan for a professional theatre, where she learned the basics. Without any formal training she has successfully owned her own business for seven years. Her work ranges from restoring an 1875 parlor set to fabricating new upholstery for custom built window seats. Sam has partnered with local furniture and cabinet makers, and collaborates with museums.

Sam began volunteering with the NUA in 2023 when she joined the board of directors. She quickly took on more responsibility as the Secretary in 2024, before currently stepping into the VP role.  Sam is an eager and engaged member of the Education Committee, and currently manages one of our essential email addresses.

Outside of the NUA and Stuffed & Tufted, Sam is currently focused on full-time care for her toddler.  In rare moments of downtime, Sam enjoys cooking and gardening, currently trying a hand at growing cantaloupes for the first time.

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!

Latest Blogs

At Upholstery Education, The Passion is Offering Excellent Professional Training


Upholstery Education has announced a dedicated new ownership group that represents both the West and East Coasts. This new team is comprised of industry leaders: Mandy Szigethy of Rose City Upholstery in Portland, OR; Marta Powers of MartaPOW LLC in Richmond, VA; and Justin Dazey of Castillo’s Custom Upholstery in Seattle, WA. Following founder Louise Cornick’s vision of bringing master upholsterers together with students, they are eager to continue Louise’s passion. With a strong commitment to excellence, they aim to enhance the educational experiences offered, ensuring that aspiring professionals, hobbyists, and experienced artisans can continue to master both traditional upholstery and modern restoration techniques.

Industry News & Upcoming Events!

Advanced Techniques in Leather with The Whimsical Chair and Casper Hill

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

News from our Partners

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!

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.

Upholstery Insight from Albright's Supply   

Upholstery Insight from Albright’s Supply is your go-to blog for supporting your growth in automotive and marine upholstery. Whether you're a pro or DIYer, we break down essential topics like vinyl, foam, thread, fasteners, welt, and more. Gain the knowledge you need to tackle any project with confidence. Explore all articles at https://www.albrightssupply.com/blog

Trivantage  

Find the fabrics, notions, and tools to bring your vision to life at Trivantage. Our exceptional offering includes over 9,000 products, including more than 1,000 high-performance designer fabrics from trusted brands like Sunbrella®, BellBloc®, and Phifertex®. There’s something for every setting—timeless classics to fashion-forward looks—in a wide range of colors and patterns. 

You’ll also enjoy a best-in-class experience when you shop at Trivantage—with a dedicated care team, hassle-free ordering, and quick shipping you can count on.

Discover the Trivantage difference: https://www.trivantage.com/designers-workrooms

Alan Richard Textiles 

Experience luxurious comfort with our SupremeSoft® 100% White Goose Down Pillows. Available in any custom sizes and filled with exceptionally soft, up to 800 fill power white goose down, these pillows offer unparalleled plushness and support. Encased in smooth, 100% cotton, they’re designed to elevate your sleep experience to new heights of indulgence. Perfect for those seeking the ultimate in luxury and relaxation, SupremeSoft® pillows promise an irresistible, restful night every time. Transform your sleep with the finest materials and superior craftsmanship. Experience the difference today at AlanRichardTextiles.com

American Down and Feather

What We're Reading

Industry News

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What We're Listening To

The NUA was founded in 2019 to inspire a rebirth of the upholstery profession. Our mission is to work together to support and advance the field of professional upholstery. Membership benefits include Continuing Education, Networking, Member's Only Resources, and more.
Join the NUA Today!
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