About our studio…
Mary and Marge started the studio from their beliefs in the value of:
- reconditioning or ‘up cycling’ structurally sound and ergonomically designed furniture that may, or may not, have historical or familial roots
- recognizing the potential for related accessories (ottomans, cushions, pillows) to enhance the living experience in one’s home or small business environment
- appreciating the role that design, materials, textures and tones play in adding to our well being
- using or reusing sustainable products as often as possible
About Mary . . .
Mary practiced architecture for over twenty years with the firm of Hammel Green & Abrahamson, while designing and building furniture evenings and weekends for friends. During her upholstery training in Hickory, North Carolina, Mary was taught by veteran employees of several companies (Sherrill, Vanguard, Lee Industries, Fairfield Chair). She completed instruction in fabric cutting, sewing, upholstery and spring tying while apprenticing with two local upholsterers. Mary along with Marge, attended upholstery seminars at the Tresithick Upholstery & Restoration training program in Cornwall, England in 2015 and 2017. Mary also has a Masters Degree in Art Education from the University of Minnesota.
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About Marge . . .
Marge began upholstering as a hobby in the mid 1980’s under the guidance and instruction of Sister Clare Collins, CSJ, in St. Paul, MN, shortly after graduating with a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the College of St. Catherine. Sister Clare was a great mentor and a no-nonsense teacher who promoted “recycling” old furniture to bring it back to life and giving customers a comfortable place to sit after a hard day of work, a result she held in high regard. They worked together (and shared stories of growing up on farms) weekly until 1996, when Sister Clare, at age 90, passed on her upholstery tools to Marge.
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