Upholstery with a Master

Visit www.epicwoodworking.com for Woodworking Courses with Tom McLaughlin, Furniture Plans, Neighborwood Membership discounts, and more!
⚙️ SHOW NOTES: This video provides last step instruction on how to upholster the slip seat of our Queen Anne Footstool, the very one built through the Online Course of the same name. A visit with career upholsterer Joseph Portinari offers more than the how-to, but also some vignettes into a craftsman of many years with many stories to tell. Listen closely, Joe is a funny guy!
⚙️ To build your own Footstool with our Full-size Plans and Online Course visit: www.epicwoodworking.com/produc...
⚙️ WATCH LIVE: The Live link for future Shop Night Live events are available each week at www.epicwoodworking.com/SNL
⚙️ RELATED VIDEO RESOURCES : • Queen Anne Footstool Course and Plans with Tom McLaughlin: www.epicwoodworking.com/produ...
• How to Design a Queen Anne Footstool with Tom McLaughlin • How to Design a Queen ...
⚙️ EPISODE LINKS:
• BeA 71/16-421 Fine Wire 22-Gauge Stapler (as recommended by Joe): amzn.to/3Cy3GTH
• Upholstery Black Cambric: amzn.to/3Rfd1DX
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LIVE EVENTS are filmed in the shop of Tom McLaughlin, host of TV's Classic Woodworking and Shop Night Live. Tom loves to pass on the craft of woodworking by creating projects to present in live video form backed by his over 30-years of experience making fine custom furniture.
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FTC Disclosure: In general, the links we provide through Amazon are affiliate links, which means we will receive a small commission if you purchase something using that link. Affiliate arrangements are not a focus for us, but we do want you to be aware of this one.

[@averyportinari841]

This is my family’s business, very proud to see this shown to the world ❤

[@EpicWoodworking]

Oh that’s awesome, I’m so glad you got to see it…and I’m very proud to know him! 👍😎

[@cbrady126]

Thanks to Joseph for the lesson, narration and stories!

[@ToriBreeAvery]

Is Joe still with us? I just watched today, and was inspired! 🥰

[@amandacarmel6084]

That’s so cool! Do you upholster as well?

[@kmcclarney]

You should be proud I got into the upholstery business a while back for medical furniture. I was contracting it out and one day the older couple that was doing it for me looked at me and said why don't you learn to do it? They explained to me none of the younger people wanted to learn and I could tell they were desperate to leave their years of knowledge behind to someone else. Long story short and many sessions with them I'm still doing ot today 8 years strong. I'm sad to say the man has passed and his wife has retired. I've unfortunately lost track of where she went. I think of them every day as I put a staple or stitch into some material

[@QueenBee-ed2vt]

People underestimate how valuable this skill is. The cheap imports of today do not compare to the quality furniture of the past. I love to re-upholster old pieces. Love watching a master at work. God bless him.

[@kyrellosekladious9828]

This old man deserves an Oscar for life time achievements 👏

[@martywhiskersdoggity9392]

My father was a Danish trained Apprentice Upholsterer... His certificate of completion is in Danish, French, German and English. When my folks immigrated in 1948 to Washington State ( where we had relatives)... he was able to quickly get hired into a shop.... later in life he ran a very successful Shop of his own.... ( for 15 years)...

[@EpicWoodworking]

That’s so interesting, one of my favorite Danish designers and makers worked during that time, Hans Wegner. In fact I recently made a “round chair” inspired by his design. They did some beautiful upholstery using what is now commonly called “Danish cord.” I wonder if it’s something your Dad was familiar with given it’s a kind of woven seat covering and may not be considered “upholstery” Thanks for sharing and watching! 👍😎

[@lmac36]

I learned so much in 16 minutes! Wow! Such a joy to watch him work away at this. His corners were absolute perfection!! ❤️

[@EpicWoodworking]

Glad you enjoyed it! He definitely knows the craft…and this was a very simple job to him. 👍😎

[@fdort3971]

I'm just learning to refurbish items...now I won't struggle with the corners!

[@boblasley5640]

What a joy to watch Joe ply his craft and make it look so easy. IF I live to be 82, I hope I get around half as well as Joe does!

[@EpicWoodworking]

I know what you mean Bob, thanks for watching! 👍

[@arlenem9697]

There is nothing more wonderful than watching an old master craftsman at work. This is handmade workmanship, which you don't learn in school these days. The manufacturers these days don't put the quality in the products they sell; sadly, it's all about money. Beautiful God-given talent.

[@user-fj9lv7qh8c]

Nothing so pleasing as to watch a master craftman do his thing! Bravo!!!

[@SJustice]

I've never wanted to apprentice before, but I'd sign up in a heartbeat to work with Joe! So much knowledge and life experience to learn from - and he's so charming! 😍

[@ResinEssenceByCheri]

Awww Joe. He did such an amazing job and his mastery and skills do make it look simple but you know darn well, years of feeling his fabrics, his fingers have more knowledge than his eyes.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Without a doubt, no substitute for experience like that! Thanks for watching 😎👍

[@n40tom]

I used to do this . As you can tell a lot of what you do you go by feel also. You let the material talk to you. Thanks for the video and it has been so many years since I seen a tack hammer and the one he has is at least from the 1960s I would say. Take care and be safe

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thanks, I had wanted to do a video for quite a while with Joe. I’m so happy for him how well he was received. And I love those old tools too! 😎👍

[@xpkareem]

I love watching old timers do the craft they've been doing forever. You can learn so much. They do things by instinct they've been doing it so long. Yea he does make it look easy.

[@DucTran-ce6mg]

What a masterwork! He truly is a classic American craft master. Thanks for the great video.

[@EpicWoodworking]

My pleasure, thanks for watching! 👍

[@richardkatzman1215]

It’s nice to see there are still craftsmen applying their trade. What’s even nicer is that it’s done in the USA. Beautiful work!

[@tracystinson4986]

I could sit and watch you work all day long sir! It is so effortless as he works every step to completion. The stories and projects you have done over the years would be so fascinating to listen to. I am truly grateful that you have shared this project with the whole world and it's an honor to have watched your expertise at work. Thank you and God bless Joe.

[@usagi32211]

Watching this made me nostalgic for weekends with my dad when we'd watch This Old House and New Yankee Workshop. There's something about listening to good people who mastered their crafts and loved sharing the information that's so beautiful.

[@AnotherScreenname]

Love seeing a craftsman at work!

[@hebelson444]

I could watch this 100 times….mastery !

[@cathyb2204]

I would watch a channel of his religiously. Nothing like seeing a skilled professional at work.

[@jodilea144]

I really enjoyed watching this. Thank you for taking the time to document Joe’s craftsmanship. 😊

[@jodiemcclary4457]

Beautiful work. Love those corners!

[@irenovatedmv]

I thoroughly enjoyed that. So much, that I’m about to watch it again!!!

[@grahamh6201]

Wow....i have no connection to the industry...but to watch this young man at work, was so awesome. Reminds me of my dad..GRHS..worked till 82...and another observation.. no APP..no AI..no hi tech used to complete the task.. absolute pleasure to watch a craftsperson at work. thank you for sharing..wishing you years of great health..

[@EpicWoodworking]

Yes, I’m sure Joe appreciates your observations and kind words! 👍😎

[@scenicnomad8744]

It's a thing of beauty to watch someone who has mastered their craft go through the motions and make it look effortless. Guaranteed if I tried to do this it would be a hot mess 😂

[@Lawry579]

A joy to watch such a skilled craftsman at work. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@konkandesi]

Not only informative, soothing to see a master craftsman at work!

[@ce8084]

So cool! I’m in my late 60’s and love to see things well made. I pray for this to touch the youth and revive quality workmanship! Thank you for sharing.

[@TheLablover3]

Love that barn/upholstery shop, I’m trying to get an upholstery business going and it’s so wonderful to see a master! Love it!

[@paulgerber6723]

Just the way he touches the peace as he works on it shows you the love of craft.

[@alexgehales]

Something wonderful to see a skilled craftsman a work

[@kellyburgessart]

Truly enjoyed this video and the mastery of both artists. Thank you for sharing.

[@mahoganydreaming6335]

Wow! Joe and his work are absolutely beautiful! Loved this!

[@ArtHeld]

Excellent video! Great to hear and see it done. Thanks.

[@sarawelder1]

What a pleasure to watch such a master!

[@tpost974]

Amazing! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences. It's an honor to watch and learn

[@ThePinkHammerLA]

Beautiful work!!!! I'll do this with my next bench upholstery project

[@galewhiteman2047]

What an amazing piece. The time and care was wonderful to watch. I learned so much.

[@tamicowilliams1423]

The pride in his workmanship is fabulous. I really enjoyed watching

[@WatersandWilderness]

Joe's got it going on! I enjoy watching a master at work.

[@Alice-xb1nk]

watching this brought me so much joy

[@kimgilbertsen8216]

So I just happened upon your video this morning! It is absolutely heartwarming to see that craftsmanship of this nature still exists! Thank you so much.

[@GOGOSLIFE]

That man is awesome! I can't imagine how much knowledge he has about his craft.

[@enochpeter]

What a pleasure to watch! Enlightening and well-produced. How impressive that he shines his work shoes.

[@classenschristopher5691]

Nice to see how he did the corners, and the tools he uses. Those long shears for the padding esp. Awesome video. So nice to see a man and his craft.

[@knopeace]

This was a lovely video. Thanks for sharing the knowledge and letting us have the privilege of meeting Joe 😊

[@johnrizzato9192]

I like how you throw your tools down when you’re finished using them. I do the same thing. 😊

[@HeidiJansen]

Feeling very inspired. Thank you so much. 🥰

[@kevinalmeyda]

That was a wonderful video. I appreciate everyone’s skills to make that piece such a work of art.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thanks Kevin! 👍

[@victoria86nj]

This was fascinating to watch. The seat turned out beautiful. I love the red colour!

[@barbaramccarroll9540]

Magnificent, thank you for the lesson.

[@turkeybaconranch5385]

Beautiful Work, So satisfying to watch the process!

[@chrisp.76]

Thanks for showing this. Very interesting!

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thanks Chris! 😎

[@glotrim]

I sell an innovative lighting product to high end upholstery shops and I’m blessed to have met the crazy talented individuals masters of the trade learn so much all the time

[@douglasliterski8406]

Thanks so much! This kind of quality content is such a joy to watch. The footstool with that awesome seat is just beautiful.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thank you Doug, so glad you enjoyed it as I did being there! 👍😎

[@casst346]

wow! what talent! great great high quality craftsmanship!

[@patricksalter5412]

Thanks Tom. Nice to see finishing touches.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thanks Pat, always feels good to see something come together with the help of a gifted seasoned artisan like Joe! 👍😎

[@darrellblair5818]

I used to do upholstery on the side years ago. This video has given inspiration to do some again. Excellent video. Great craftsman. And yes, the air stapler is a must have tool.

[@davidmatke248]

That was terrific. He made it look so easy.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thanks David, I’m glad you enjoyed it! The seasoned pros always make it look easier than it is! 😎

[@terrysknary]

Thank you tom & kris for bringing this & just for being great people !

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thank you Terry, ❤️ back at you! 😎

[@_dooley]

Joe... what a guy. It's an honor to watch a master craftsman at work. Like the first time I saw Tom. The video where he was making a chest of drawers for Fine Woodworking. The intricate details are what differentiates basic from wow.

[@taylormade9693]

I just came up on this video. It’s a great lesson for all of us to learn something new or learn a different way to do it. I love it that he puts plenty of staples to hold those straps. Thanks for sharing. Blessings.

[@rubyokosi6946]

It’s great that people share knowledge. Everyone who learns will not be great at it only a few will have the gift ❤thank you sir

[@Ree11Ree]

Awesome video, I’ve had an old footstool for years that I wanted to reupholster but didn’t know how to go about it. After watching this video, I believe I can do it. Thanks

[@mikelongo4689]

You're right Tom, he does make it look easy! Beautiful job!

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thanks Mike, we had fun with it!

[@tjtampa214]

That is a thing of beauty. Excellent work, sir. A labor of love, as they call it.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Yes, I’d have to agree. Thanks for watching. 👍

[@deborahbrayley]

Beautiful work !!!

[@guerreroegeg]

REAL REAL nice work,love it😊

[@tonycruz2302]

What a pleasure to watch. When old Joe is gone, don't forget to turn out the lights and close the door.

[@masonmansitomargiela1399]

Beautiful shop, Godbless this men amd give him much more years. Love to see people that are experts in their crafts. Thank you for the video

[@markjohnson4053]

A very good video. He walks through it perfectly.

[@danielpreilly77]

This guy is certainly a pro, strong hands and swift craftsmanship

[@WoodworkingEducation2022]

It is always great to see a master at work. It must be great learning from Joe!

[@lauren.jburkett4334]

❤

[@lmartin3601]

Excellent class. Thank you.

[@sharonkendricks4777]

I also learned a lot from this upholster especially the webbing and when when he covered the webbing with that material and also when he mention making your fold material toward the front instead of the side now I have to go back and see which way I put mine from extra plywood footstool for watching TV many thanks

[@kmcclarney]

He is a master. I reupholster furniture for hospitals for a living and still learned a thing or two from this video

[@MrBassflute]

Gorgeous work. Amazing. I hope he’s taught some young folks how to do this properly. Wonderful, thank you both.

[@TorBoy9]

Excellent quality. Perfect corners, which I continue to need improvement on. It is heart warming to see a master at work, even if it seems like just a lowly foot stool.

[@averymaples8472]

His hands are so beautiful!!! There is such value in quality work and those who do it. Fabulous job Joe.😊

[@joeguilfoyle1922]

That was awesome to watch. Thank You!

[@EpicWoodworking]

Our pleasure! 👍

[@aussiegirl2148]

Beautiful work and that was so interesting to watch, thank you.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thank you! I’ve enjoyed visiting Joe for years, it was fun to share the experience on video and see such a positive response for him…it meant a lot to his family too 👍😎

[@melissataylor5494]

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

[@anakonda3035]

Beautiful, meticulous and detailed work!

[@EpicWoodworking]

Yes, Joe is a great artisan! 👍

[@1misericordia]

What a perfectionist! Love to watch him! Thank you great man.

[@EpicWoodworking]

I have to agree, thanks for watching! 👍😎

[@anicedoak5816]

Thanks for bringing Tom Portinari's work to our attention. So straightforward. I love his use of modern foam, dacron etc to produce a great seat that takes nothing away from the design of a traditional "small bench" footstool. Now, for the chair in my basement!

[@Challenger662]

Beautiful work!❤

[@jefferycherrysr6568]

Thank you for this video. I just recently reupholstered a foot bench and I didn’t know how to do the corners but now after looking at this video, I see exactly how to do the corners great, great video.

[@JenniferPChung]

He made that look so easy. The corners are top notch!

[@ignace4044]

Beautiful work

[@amelfarhatamel]

I am a rooky when it comes to reupholstering, I wish we could see the reference for tools and fabrics used in that video.. beautiful to watch

[@JimmyLee0757]

I love to watch Master Craftsmen do amazing things, that I only wish I had the talent for. Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thanks Jimmy, I’m with you on that! 👍

[@angelamaya3938]

I love his work and his attitude1🎉 beautiful work! I learn so much in a few min! God bless you MR.

[@shamrock4500]

Beautiful work.

[@boyelroy3626]

Thank you, joe for sharing your mastery in upholstery

[@EpicWoodworking]

Joe’s the best! 👍😎

[@sazennonumber]

Wow, that is gorgeous! He truly is a master. So peaceful and fun, a very lovely man.

[@elvis1736]

That cotton stuff he uses does miracles. I used it over sew foam and sewed 1” pleats for my hot rod and wow it really made them tight. I’m new to this love these videos

[@creatornavi2615]

Love your work!

[@janmelton7979]

Joe you are a true master! Loved watching you work. Piece looks beautiful. Thank you so much.

[@EpicWoodworking]

He sure is…and that was a beginner level easy project for him. I hope to show more complex projects 👍

[@estherfrost4006]

Thank you for sharing this video! I was hunting for something to give me the confidence to take on a project, and I stopped right here! It’s refreshing and educational to see a true master ply his craft vs. an imitation (a DIY influencer) try to pass for the real thing. Plus, his stories were soo much fun to listen to!! So much better than the prattling on and on in other videos! I’m taking on re-upholstering our dining room chairs, and I’ve just been watching Joe on repeat, working and telling his stories. If I manage to accomplish even a fraction of the quality he’s putting out, this will be an unparalleled success! And all thanks to you for sharing him with us!

[@linhdasagen6498]

Wow!! He is such a gem. Expert!! He is national treasure!

[@user-mw8yg3nv6m]

This video is invaluable! Such great knowledge

[@EpicWoodworking]

Yes, I agree, Joe is a special guy and artisan! 👍