 All my work is special to me, but every once and a while I get the opportunity to work on really rare pieces. This rocking chair has been in its owner's family for many generations and was used by teachers in the family to grade papers on the extra large right arm which can be lowered and tucked out of the way when not in use. I replace and restored the seat to match the original close weave caning back. The last repair was done with splint and as you can tell it had aged and given way. I also added upholstery grade padding within the seat weaving to help distribute weight evenly, prolong the life of the new caning, and to make it a more comfortable seat. 
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I do not do upholstery professionally, but I like to take on personal projects and for friends and family. This week I finished up the two "captain's" chairs for a friend's dining room set. It's nice to diversify in materials once and a while..
...Call a professional! This bentwood rocker was brought in this week. The cane on the seat is pretty new and should have a lot more life left in it. However, when it was last replaced the old cane and spline was removed with a router power tool - a BIG no-no. Sheet cane removal should always be done with non-invasive hand tools to protect the wood and insure longevity of the furniture. It takes a lot more time and labor, but it is a step that should never be skipped. The router weakened the inside rim of the seat and when it was used 3/4 of the structure split apart. There was also very little glue holding the spline and cane in. UPDATE: Here is the finished restoration including gluing the seat back together and installing brand new sheet cane:    After taking over the caning & rushing business from my dad 6 months ago and a very busy holiday season, I have finally gotten a chance to create a website for Emza's Chair Caning. Business cards are still in the works- as a small business owner, being too busy is not a bad problem to have!
Here you will hopefully find helpful information and some great examples of why it is worth while investing in great furniture and family heirloom pieces. I have seen some really amazing transformations and looking forward to many more- the past 6 months have been just the very tippy-top of the restoration iceberg. Enjoy! -Emza |
E Emza Uphill
Owner/Craftswoman Archives
October 2016
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