Get ready to strip down with...
The Chair Affair
Richmond, VA
Fri-Sun, June 27-29*
*Meet-and-Greet 6/26, 5-7pm
Join us for an exclusive 3-day class to reupholster your own chair under the expert guidance of Kymm Clark from LullCo.
What Is The Chair Affair?
The Chair Affair is a 3-day class hosted by Unsprung University in Richmond, VA with guest educator Kymm Clark of LullCo. During this workshop, a limited group 8 students will each bring their own chair to fully reupholster, working at their own pace with the expert guidance and individualized attention of both Kymm and Jonathan Bennett - owner of Unsprung Upholstery, and founder of Unsprung University. Join us for a weekend of fun!
You Will Learn How To
01
Strip down and prevent damage.
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Plan for comfort and durability.
03
Accurately measure for success.
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Think ahead to avoid errors.
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Work towards your vision.
First, A Word From Our Sponsor
The Chair Affair is proudly sponsored by our friends at Foam To Size!
Foam To Size, a wholesale foam seller, is small enough to give you the personal touch you deserve and large enough to meet any quantity of foam or upholstery supplies that you need. Their products range from upholstery foam to marine foam and lumbar bolsters.
Foam To Size now offers foam cutting and replacement and Dacron wrapping for individual cushions or sets!
What Makes The Chair Affair Different From Other Classes?
Instruction at your own pace, tailored to you.
Beginners and experts alike can receive individualized hands-on training, all while working at your own pace.
Learn more than just your own project.
Being in an exclusive class gives you the opportunity to shadow and learn from others' projects.
Consult with Kymm and Jonathan before arriving.
Prior to meeting in person, have a one-on-one video call to plan the work and prepare for project success.
A fusion of fun, community, design, and DIY.
Together with Kymm and Jonathan, this class is a chance to come together and build more than just your project.
What Kind Of Chair Can I Bring?
Heads Up: we'll ask you to provide dimensions and a description of your chair when you sign up for the class.
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French/Louis XV Chairs
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Chesterfields & Side Chairs
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Bergere Chairs, Settees & Benches
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Dining Chairs and Slip Seats
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Ottomans
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Don't know if your chair is right? Get in touch! learn@unsprung-u.com
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What to avoid: chairs with lots of tufting or multiple buttons, nailhead trims/finishes (if you want to replace with the same), complex lines or seams, and semi-attached cushions
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Meet The Teachers
Kymm Clark
Kymm Clark is the visionary behind LullCo, a modern upholstery studio redefining furniture restoration as an interactive, high-energy experience. With more than 500 trained students and a mission to make upholstery fun, accessible, and empowering, Kymm has turned traditional techniques into an art form for makers, DIYers, and professionals alike.
Jonathan Bennett
Jonathan Bennett is the owner of Unsprung Upholstery, and founder of Unsprung University. With experience spanning more than 25 years, Jonathan finds passion in unique design, as well as education and the process of learning. In 2021, the Window Coverings Association of America named Jonathan the recipient of the Jill Robson Memorial Scholarship, a program founded to promote education in the industry.
FAQs
How much is tuition? What's included?
Tuition for The Chair Affair is $1,695 - due in-full at the time of reserving your seat. This price includes:
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the cost of interior materials (foam, Dacron, jute webbing, springs, etc.)
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in-advance personalized instruction with Kymm and Jonathan
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access to Unsprung Upholstery's workshop in the event you need a space to strip down your piece (dates and times for "stripper nights" to be announced)
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on-site individualized instruction during class
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the use of all tools and materials necessary for success
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your own personal work station fully equipped for your individual use
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access to an industry meet-and-greet, 5-7pm Thursday June 26th
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daily coffee and light snacks
Tuition does not include:
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your lodging and main meals (breakfast, lunch , dinner)
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your exterior materials (fabric, finishes and trims)
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the "teardown kit" provided to you in advance.
The "teardown kit" is available as an additional purchase, to take home with you after class wraps.
What do I need to do to prepare?
After purchasing your seat in the class, expect a follow-up introduction email from Jonathan and Kymm. Three weeks before the class, Kymm and Jonathan will be available to take video calls with you to review your piece, discus planning for success, and give additional personalized instruction on stripping down your piece. Prior to arriving for the class, your piece will need to be fully stripped down - if you are coming from out of town and need tools to work, we can send you a "teardown kit" in advance, which you'll then bring back with you. These kits are available for purchase to take home with you once the class is done.
What about fabrics and trims?
Unsprung Upholstery, the host of Unsprung University's "The Chair Affair", is a fully equipped shop including all standard trims and finishes. If you haven't yet selected a fabric, we encourage you to order through us at a discount of 20% off retail price. The fabric you choose will first need to be reviewed in-person by Unsprung University. If you are from out of town, this will look like having a sample delivered to our shop located at 6945 Lakeside Ave no later than April 20th. If we have concerns about the fabric, we'll immediately work with you to make a recommendation for a fabric vendor and/or specific fabric we recommend in order to ensure the success of your project. Once approved, the final fabric will need to be delivered to the shop (6945 Lakeside Ave, 23225) no later than May 10th, or delivered to you and then brought in with your piece.
Who is Jonathan, and what's Unsprung Upholstery?
Jonathan Bennett is the owner of Unsprung Upholstery, a luxury residential upholstery workshop located in Richmond, VA and host to Unsprung University. The Unsprung Upholstery team is comprised of skilled individuals at the top of their craft, who collectively hold over 200 years of experience in the industry. Given this rich wealth of experience, Unsprung Upholstery is able to masterfully take on projects that range from residential reupholstery to more complex custom work. Unsprung Upholstery brings an artful eye, attention to detail, and superior craftsmanship to any project.
What is your cancellation/refund policy?
Please note that once you have purchased a ticket to an event with us it means that we have reserved space, time, and attention exclusively for you. SINGLE-DAY EVENTS: Cancellations less than 7 calendar days before the scheduled start date are nonrefundable. MULTI-DAY EVENTS: Cancellations less than 60 calendar days before the scheduled start date are nonrefundable. Cancellations more than 60 days before an event's scheduled start date will be refunded 50% minus any services fees incurred and add-ons that have been purchased. You may cancel by emailing us at learn@unsprung-u.com. In the event we need to cancel or postpone the event, we will provide as much notice as possible, and a full refund.
Can you suggest a hotel?
Our shop is located just 10 minutes outside of downtown Richmond, a thriving and vibrant small city with great food, art, and culture. If you choose to stay in the downtown area, please be aware the area empties out after working hours and on the weekend (these would include the larger hotels, such as the Omni, DoubleTree, and Marriott). If you want to stay in an area that's more like a local city neighborhood, highly walkable, and with easy access to restaurants, bars, and more -- try Googling hotels and inns in "The Fan" or "The Museum District". When in doubt, call us at the shop and we'll be happy to point you in the right direction! 804-716-9652
How do I get to you?
We assume you'll be driving since you need to transport your chair to and from our shop. We're located at the intersection of Lakeside Ave and Hilliard Rd, which is conveniently by the botanical garden. If you follow signage towards Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, you'll end up right by us! From Downtown Richmond (I-95 North): On I-95 North take Exit 80, the Hermitage Road/Lakeside Avenue exit (Virginia State Route 161). Keep to the right and take the right at the first light onto Lakeside Avenue. You’ll see two brown Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden signs. Follow Lakeside Avenue for 1.5 miles and the shop will be on the right as you approach the intersection with Hilliard Road. From Washington, D.C. (I-95 South): From I-95 South take Exit 83B, the Parham Road Rt. 73 West exit. On Parham Road, quickly get into your far left lane. There is a small brown Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden sign on the right, but please note you will need to get into the left lane. At the second stoplight, take a left onto Brook Road (also known as Route 1 South). There is a small brown Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden sign at this intersection. At the fourth stoplight, take a right onto Hilliard Road. Continue until you reach the intersection with Lakeside Avenue (there will be a laundromat directly on your left, and a 7-Eleven in front of you on your left). Our shop is located at this intersection, next to the laundromat. From Charlottesville (I-64 East): Come into Richmond on I-64 East. Get onto I-95 North to Washington, D.C. On I-95 North take Exit 80, the Hermitage Road/Lakeside Avenue exit (Virginia State Route 161). Keep to the right and take the right at the first light onto Lakeside Avenue. You’ll see two brown Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden signs. Follow Lakeside Avenue for 1.5 miles and the shop will be on the right as you approach the intersection with Hilliard Road. From Williamsburg (I-64 West): Come into Richmond on I-64 West. Get onto I-95 North to Washington, D.C. On I-95 North take Exit 80, the Hermitage Road/Lakeside Avenue exit (Virginia State Route 161). Keep to the right and take the right at the first light onto Lakeside Avenue. You’ll see two brown Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden signs. Follow Lakeside Avenue for 1.5 miles and the shop will be on the right as you approach the intersection with Hilliard Road.