Chair Makeover: Wood & Fabric Painting Workshop with Kathy Holmes & Pipi Tustain

In this two-part hands-on creative class, you’ll give an old chair new life, transforming a plain wooden chair into a personalized piece of functional art!

You’ll learn the full process of upcycling a chair—from prepping the surface to adding custom painted designs. Whether you want a bold statement piece or a subtle refresh, this class gives you the tools and guidance to make it happen.

What You'll Do:

Sand & Prep the Chair- Learn how to properly sand down the wood to remove old finish or rough edges, creating a smooth surface ready for painting.

Paint the Wooden Frame- Then, choose your color scheme and painting style—go bold, classic, distressed, or artistic—as you bring the wooden frame back to life with fresh paint.

Fabric Paint the Seat- Next, we’ll move to the seat! Using fabric paints, you’ll design and decorate the upholstered seat with your unique design. You'll learn how to apply fabric paint so it's flexible and durable, making your chair both stylish and functional.

Finishing Touches- Seal and protect your work with optional topcoats or finishes and leave with a completely one-of-a-kind chair!

This two-part project gives you the chance to explore both furniture painting and textile surface design in one class. By the end, you’ll walk away with a fully custom chair that reflects your personal style. Perfect for beginners to DIY furniture, creatives looking for a new outlet, or anyone who wants to give new life to an old chair.

Materials Provided:

A limited number of chairs are available to purchase or bring your own.  

We will provide sandpaper, paint (for both wood and fabric), brushes and sealants. As well as the canvas to reupholster the seat.

Choose Your Chair Prep Date:

Saturday, January 10^th, 2026 @ 10:00 am or

Saturday, January 17^th, 2026 @10:00 am

*Once you enroll in the class Kathy will reach out to confirm if you want to purchase a chair or bring your own as well as book your prep spot.

Fabric Painting Date:

Saturday, February 7^th, 2026 @ 10:00 am - 1:00pm

About the Instructors:

Pipi Tustian is a well-known member of Vancouver Island's vibrant art scene, and she has been creating beautiful and functional art for almost 30 years. Pipi has always been fascinated by the natural world, and this is clearly evidenced in everything that she creates. A fervent fan of flowers, Pipi loves to share her love of bright, bold, beautiful colour.

Kathy Holmes is a woman of many artistic talents whose work is defined by both tenacity and creativity. Whether she is painting, crafting, or exploring new mediums, Kathy approaches every project with a distinctive vision and an unwavering commitment to her craft. Her ability to blend imagination with discipline has earned her admiration from peers and community members alike. Beyond her artistic pursuits, Kathy has been a pillar in the community, dedicating countless hours to volunteer efforts and local initiatives.

Art Course Participant Guidelines