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 👏

[@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!!!

[@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! 👍

[@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! 😍

[@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.

[@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.

[@cathyb2204]

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

[@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 😎👍

[@paulgerber6723]

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

[@jodilea144]

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

[@DucTran-ce6mg]

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

[@EpicWoodworking]

My pleasure, thanks for watching! 👍

[@konkandesi]

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

[@bigred4379]

❤what a joy to watch! I’m a tradesman myself. I love to hear about the proper tools and techniques from a master, and the stories , too!😀 For a lot of us, teaching is all we have left at the end of a career,and if we don’t teach, the trade will disappear. So many have nearly been eliminated . Thank you so much for taking the time to share your work, and joes, too!

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thank you, I agree it’s my pleasure and I think Joe would say the same. Something about getting older comes the natural desire to open the doors and pass it on. I appreciate it, and thanks for watching! 👍😎

[@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.

[@AnotherScreenname]

Love seeing a craftsman at work!

[@tamicowilliams1423]

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

[@tonycruz2302]

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

[@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! 😎👍

[@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 😂

[@codybroken]

LOVE how he tosses every tool aside after use.

[@thomasinlondon2849]

He has durable tools. But generally I think he knows exactly what those tools can handle. To others, I’d suggest to treat tools with as little impact as possible.

[@alexgehales]

Something wonderful to see a skilled craftsman a work

[@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! 👍😎

[@michaelshikle5336]

That old man is absolutely a true master!!!!

[@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

[@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!

[@victoria86nj]

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

[@johnrizzato9192]

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

[@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. 👍

[@Lawry579]

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

[@kmcclarney]

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

[@danielpreilly77]

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

[@serengetilion]

Wow, he's 82. Amazing

[@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

[@juliegricco3878]

This is amazing work. I'd LOVE to see him do a tutorial just on the corners, explaining exactly where to cut the fabric.

[@TheMoonlightCraftsman]

I like how he’s talking about the “old timers”….lol…I’ve been interested in upholstery, thumbs up

[@EpicWoodworking]

Yes, when he says that he’s really reaching back and I felt the connection myself. 😎

[@peggrimes7404]

Wonderful to see a master craftsperson at work!

[@EpicWoodworking]

Agreed, thanks Pat! 😎

[@anakonda3035]

A master is right!

[@poppamichael2197]

Another treasure, in so many ways, from Epic Woodworking. Like you Tom, Joe is a master of his craft. with skilled hands applying just the amount of tension or pressure as he shoots in each staple. Joe's work reminded me of a day more than 70 years ago when I watched in awe as an uncle, who was a professional upholsterer, rebuild an old overstuffed easy chair. He used similar webbing, and a short (approximately 8") webbing stretcher to tension each strip before spitting an upholstery tack from his mouth to the back of an upholstery hammer (like the one Joe used), and then whacking it home. But even though I had seen it done, years later when I had the occasion to make my own benches, I went to a local upholstery shop to have the seats made professionally. Sincere thanks to Joe Portinari for an excellent demonstration.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thank you Poppa, I share your sentiments with that kind of experience. I always love to watch a master at work. I’ve enjoyed quite a few furniture upholstery projects with Joe. Wish I had videos of some of those to share! 😎

[@linhdasagen6498]

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

[@woodworker288]

Enjoyable to watch. That’s the difference between store bought junk. And we’ll made piece. Thank you for the video.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thanks Steve, it was fun to see it come together firsthand. And Joe told me later that was among the simplest example for an upholstery demo. 😎

[@irenovatedmv]

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

[@WatersandWilderness]

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

[@jodiemcclary4457]

Beautiful work. Love those corners!

[@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!

[@scottyhughes9179]

This is beautiful work. I studied furniture design and traditional upholstery in college back in the mid-1970's. We learned to 'spit tacks', no air tools were used when doing upholstery in school. The furniture I upholstered 50 years ago is still in use today, my teacher was a master. I'm just now starting to get back into this with an Arts & Crafts rocker I just recently restored, and ready for seat upholstery. Your video has been inspirational. Thank you.

[@DennisMathias]

I hope he gets to see this and know the thousands of people that appreciated him doing it!

[@elmerkilred159]

That man's hands are stronger than Vice-Grip pliers.

[@caringdrug8497]

I would want to watch more videos from him. He would be a great teacher.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Yes, I thought the same thing after shooting this one. I asked Joe and he said he would be open. He was a little embarrassed that the project was such an easy and basic one. He will be shocked to learn his simple project video is up around 25K views! Thanks for watching 👍😎

[@caringdrug8497]

@@EpicWoodworking Not many people know how to do those corners correctly and he made it look easy. Does he mainly work with leather or does he do a wide verity of fabrics too?

[@kevinalmeyda]

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

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thanks Kevin! 👍

[@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.

[@_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.

[@galewhiteman2047]

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

[@sarawelder1]

What a pleasure to watch such a master!

[@kellyburgessart]

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

[@GOGOSLIFE]

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

[@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.

[@1deerndingo]

The problem is that he makes it look sooo simple. It's just so nice to watch a real tradesman. One who worked through less tech era's that had to rely on skill, knowledge and training rather than the amount of $$$ they could spend to buy a machine to do it.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thanks Danny, yes, he sure does make it look easy. And you can see by the strength of his hands, he has applied himself in a direct way to the work! 👍

[@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! 👍😎

[@enochpeter]

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

[@TorontoHospitality]

Great job.....Im going to redo my office chair..... Also I love the comment " believe it or not I shine these shoes" Then he responds " Your right I dont believe you"

[@JMACIEL20120620]

BLESSINGS UPON THOSE HANDS WHOSE ART SPREADS THROUGHOUT ONES EYES AND HEART.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Beautiful saying, worth meditating deeply over. Thank you. Is this yours or an aged quotation? I may put that on my wall to see and read often as a regular reminder of the rich value of this work and sharing it with others. 👍😎

[@JMACIEL20120620]

IT'S MINE. BELIEVE. I JUST DID IT DUE TO WHAT I WATCHED. YOU ARE PART OF THAT. USE IT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORDS. ALL THE WAY FROM BRASIL.@@EpicWoodworking

[@Thumpiez]

I wish this was a world of masters some times you want to fly with the eagles but you cant when thier is only turkeys around. Today its hard to find a real master these days but thier is a lot of pretenders its so satisfying to see soothing skills some people listen to music and some to the nature channel but for me pure skill is soothing to my soul!!!!! nice work.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Yes, Joe is certainly a master! 👍😎

[@sazennonumber]

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

[@terrysknary]

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

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thank you Terry, ❤️ back at you! 😎

[@marcoramirez2895]

Amazing craftsmanship! Joe would be a Great Mentor. Needs a young apprentice to soak up all that knowledge and expert techniques.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Couldn't agree more! Thanks for watching 👍

[@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

[@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.

[@yellowbird08]

Whisper those corners in. Magical skills. 💛

[@liannelewis3622]

What a lovely man.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Agreed! 👍

[@mahoganydreaming6335]

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

[@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.

[@WoodworkingEducation2022]

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

[@lauren.jburkett4334]

❤

[@inspectr1949]

Thank you Tom, a trip down memory lane for me; I grew up in Gloversville NY which for decades was the leather, upholstery , glove capital of the world even spent a couple of summers as a kid some 60 years ago working in the leather shops but as Joe pointed out the trade was a guarded secret, sadly that industry there has all but gone away. Even my dad who was a carpenter didn't teach me his trade because he knew of the pit falls and a college education was the way to avoid them.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Pretty interesting Michael, I love hearing those kinds of memories! 👍

[@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

[@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!

[@stevebussell5568]

Thanks for the field trip Tom. Great to see a master at work (yourself included for stool).

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thanks Steve, so glad you enjoyed it as I did! 😎

[@silvestrepanzer5265]

I love the shop...I want one just like it!

[@EpicWoodworking]

Yes, I love walking in there every time! 👍😎

[@knopeace]

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

[@mikelongo4689]

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

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thanks Mike, we had fun with it!

[@lindamangoldbooth7789]

Rest his soul, my Dad did upholstery and took I ride in his work. We were amazed at how he upholstered with a mouth full of tacks and upholstery hammer. He never ised a staple gun.

[@averymaples8472]

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

[@MakenzieHallie]

I could watch this all day. What a skilled craftsman!

[@tpost974]

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

[@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

[@Alice-xb1nk]

watching this brought me so much joy

[@garylcarrier]

A pleasure to watch a Master work!

[@1misericordia]

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

[@EpicWoodworking]

I have to agree, thanks for watching! 👍😎

[@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! 👍

[@MrBassflute]

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

[@JenniferPChung]

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

[@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.

[@boyelroy3626]

Thank you, joe for sharing your mastery in upholstery

[@EpicWoodworking]

Joe’s the best! 👍😎

[@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! 👍😎

[@kevinglennon2770]

God bless a New England craftsman! I loved this video - thanks Tom. Now I want to drive up to New Hampshire to meet Joe!

[@HeidiJansen]

Feeling very inspired. Thank you so much. 🥰