Uphol-Stories: Elaine Blazys
One of the things that most impresses me about Elaine is her determination to learn not only upholstery but also paint techniques and finishes. She invests money, time and travel in her quest to master these arts. She seeks out people who can assist her in her own journey. This resonates loudly with me, because it’s also my story. I’m so excited to see her business bloom.
For Elaine Blasey, upholstery is more than just a craft—it’s a passion, a creative outlet, and a path to something greater. While she currently holds a demanding full-time position, she has been diligently working toward establishing her own upholstery business, EBlazys Designs. Though her business does not yet have a public presence, her work is already finding appreciative homes, with many of her chairs selling and even being displayed in a friend’s gallery in Virginia.
Elaine’s love for upholstery began years ago with simple chair projects, but her skills truly started to develop during the pandemic when she completed the DIY Upholstery Course by Chair Whimsy. She continued to refine her craft, eventually seeking out more advanced training. That search led her to Cobani Bleu, where she found a workshop that perfectly balanced expert instruction with hands-on experience. She arrived with a French chair and a self-professed “cushion phobia” and left with newfound confidence, having completed a beautifully upholstered chair with a custom cushion. One of her proudest moments? Hearing Nancy say, “That’s pretty good, Elaine!” about her first cushion—an affirmation that she was on the right track.
One of her proudest moments? Hearing Nancy say, “That’s pretty good, Elaine!” about her first cushion—an affirmation that she was on the right track
Beyond upholstery, Elaine’s creative pursuits extend into interior design, furniture painting, and home décor. She is currently working toward her certification in interior design through the New Institute of Art and Design and continuously seeks opportunities to enhance her artistic skills. She attended an Annie Sloan painting retreat in the south of France last spring and will soon head to the Business of Paint Academy in Georgia to further her expertise. Hailing from Florida, distance is no deterrent for Elaine. Opportunities to learn are an investment in herself and her dreams.
Elaine’s ultimate goal is to turn her upholstery passion into a viable business, whether through online sales, trunk shows, or another creative avenue. Her five-year plan is already in motion, fueled by her dedication to learning and her love for making old furniture new again.
For Elaine, upholstery isn’t about speed—it’s about joy. When asked how long it takes her to complete a chair, her response is always the same: “I don’t care. Chairs don’t talk, and I’m in my happy place!” With her determination, talent, and growing expertise, there’s no doubt that Elaine’s upholstery journey is only just beginning.
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