Its a wrap! 2023 Chair Nerd Newsletter
VISIT THE CHAIR NERDS & A GOOD SHOP DOG AT THE NATION'S ONLY CHAIR WEAVING SCHOOL & MUSEUM
2023 Wrap Up, 2024 Classes, Gratitude & THE BOOK...S!
2024 CLASSES: January 8-12 Hand-woven Chair Caning
DISCOUNTED DANISH CORD WEAVING - March 4
All Levels Boot Camp Mon-Fri, March 11-15 & 18-22
Our in-person ALL-LEVELS Boot Camp is happening a little early this year due to an intern coming over from FINLAND! Last year we had students from Canada and Tasmania, and across the US. This year we are also chatting with folks from the UK and Belgium. It's truly a global craft.
Join us to learn the basics of Paper Rush, Shaker Tape, Splint Reed, Pressed Caning and Laced Caning in our 2 week series. Great for beginners, those looking to start a business or new hobby, or for weavers looking to refine their skills! Students will complete 5 chairs during the 2 weeks. Save $250 by signing up for all 5 classes or choose one or two classes by clicking on the individual class in our online shop.
Note: We are happy for experienced or innovative beginners to learn alternate patterns in our hand-woven chair caning classes, like honeycomb, star, or daisy variations.
Discounted Danish Cord Weaving Class - Monday, March 4th: A couple of proper Møller chairs are available for students to learn traditional Danish Cord weaving. We would normally make a decent wage on these chairs, but we wanted to offer the opportunity for students to learn. The frames are too expensive for us/others to purchase so we have to wait until a kind client allows us the opportunity for educating the masses!...or in this case 2 lucky students. 1 day class is $150 [$200 discount included].
Please spread the word! We are extending our discount to colleagues and students into 2024. Call 828-707-4553 or email to sign up.
Members of The Furniture Society & The SeatWeavers' Guild, and Women of Woodworking: $100 off 1-2 day classes. $150 off 5-day hand-woven chair caning class.
Full-Time students: $150 off 1-2 day classes. $200 off 5-day hand-woven chair caning class
Note: Discount does not apply to the Danish Cord Class on Monday, March 4. Class cost is only $150 since you won't be going home with a tangible product.
The Art of Seating at The Mint Museum in Charlotte
This collection of Diane DeMell Jacobsen, PhD features 200 Years of American Design - stunning upholstery, innovation, stories, and of course, #canespotting. Currently on display until Feb 25, this particular exhibit is the best curated of any of the others we have seen - which is 5 - we have seen this exhibit 5 times in 5 cities and it is worth the trip every time. There is now a catalog available for purchase.
Dior 24 - #Cannage is all the rage!
Since 1947, Christian Dior is obsessed with the cane pattern. You can find it impressed in eyeshadows and on their leather boots and purses. It's embossed in gold around lipstick cases, and this season's line is full of #canespotting - well deserved.
The Book:
Drum roll....the book is now The BookS! We wrote too much and our chair caning book is now 2 books! One on Seat Weaving, and one on Chair Caning. Because really, chair caning is too complicated and dynamic to cram into one book. In fact, I recently purchased a book from Pernila Blixt in Sweden that is 141 pages dedicated to hand-woven chair caning.
All content is turned in and we are now editing the first book. It should go to the printer by the end of January and be out in April. The second book will come out in October (a nice birthday present for Brandy).
It's been a tough few years with the pandemic and the time "off" to write. We are very grateful to everyone who has been so patient with us and we are super excited to return to a normal full class schedule in 2024. We are especially grateful to Blue Hills Press for their patience and guidance. Buy their other books: very nerdy!
THE LATEST BENTWOOD TABLE COLLABORATION
The latest caned bentwood table joined Derek Hennigar of Ordinary Furniture in Philadelphia for the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show! These forms have been fun and challenging to weave and they look really posh with a clear glass top or sitting next to a handmade chair! Visit Derek's website to see more impressive furniture.
We are so grateful to Derek for reaching out to collaborate with us and for being so patient while we push deadlines. We have two more in the shop ready to weave.