Why have ordinary when you can have extraordinary?
Made with your wedding dress!
About Jenny Ellis - Owner of
The Artful Chair
When I married my husband and moved to Asheville, NC in 2004, I had the unique opportunity to reinvent myself. As a perpetual "MAKER" I had experiences in my own business ventures of clothing design, window treatments, and selling home furnishings. I tried a few different things after arriving in Asheville, but none of those really made me truly happy.
There was a point where he asked "What have I always wanted to do but never had the opportunity to do it?" I really loved the furniture world, and had visited High Point Furniture Market several times. I also had a degree with variety of technical skills in fashion design and sewing high end clothing.
After going to High Point and seeing the larger picture, what I wanted was to design, make and sell chairs with beauty and flair, somewhat like I would design and make dresses, with unique fronts, stunning backs, and embellished sides. With my husband's coaching and me blindly not knowing what was ahead of me, I began a journey of reinvention. I started with upholstery classes at a nearby technical school, and then my creativity exploded. Every chair was an art challenge. I loved the transformation process. I loved finding orphans and giving them a new start, maybe it was a reflection of my life of sorts. And most of all I loved the response I was getting from my upholstery teacher, and my fellow classmates.
The final test was to see if the local market would embrace my designs, and ultimately put money in my pocket. I reached out to local furniture shop keepers and did little "Trunk Shows" literally in the back of a rented truck, and thats when I finally saw the potential. As Pablo Picasso said, "Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist". I went from consigning my chairs locally, to opening a small studio and gallery in our artist community, to online website and social media sales. My biggest client is making themed chairs for Biltmore Estate's many gift shops.
The Artful Chair Retail Gallery
My gallery is located 170 Lyman Street, Studio 5 on the Upper Level, in the River Arts District, Asheville NC. There you will find my one of a kind designs for sale. Chairs, Pillows and leather accessories. I ship everywhere, so stop in to see and purchase, or shop right here on my website.
Learn How To Make Your Own Artful Chair Masterpieces
Are you ready to take your upholstery skills to the next level? I will be sharing my most creative designs and easy to follow instructions with fun creative how to videos. Feed your creative spirit and go beyond ordinary, and create extraordinary.
NOW while supples last!
Receive a FREE BUNDLE of TOOLS when you purchase ANY Class BUNDLE! Click below to learn more.
Ever After Wedding Dress Chairs
Yes you read that right, I can turn your beautiful dress into a one of a kind statement piece that you will "chairish" forever. Mom or grand mom can turn their dresses into a special getting ready chair for her daughter, or the bride can receive it as a gift from the bridal party! We can design and collaborate with your dress right in front of us on the table, together with all the options to make it perfect. The usable surfaces are covered in durable fabrics, velvets, or leather, and the back and sides with showcase your dress.
One-on-One Creative Retreat
Would you like individual or group help on your own DIY project(s)? One on One teaching for a weekend, a day or hourly is totally available. Basic upholstery skills are required. Gather your friends, or come by yourself and have a creatively fun time in Asheville NC. Each retreat is crafted individually for your needs.
