About ME
Karen Wodar
I've always had a passion for art, design and fabrics but decided to study Accountancy and Finance in University!
Following a 15 year career in Finance and then the birth of my daughter, I decided it was time for a more creative career. I attended some weekend courses and got the upholstery bug. I just loved taking an old piece of furniture that needed some attention and turning it in to something beautiful and usable.
So, I took the plunge and spent three years re-training in upholstery with the Association of Master Upholsterers & Soft Furnishers. The course was fantastic and it confirmed that upholstery is the job I love and want to do. I met some amazing and inspirational people there too.
After I qualified, I set up my business and I now work in my studio in Kirkcaldy, in the beautiful Kingdom of Fife. I love working with clients, to help them create unique furniture that they couldn't buy in a shop, to repair items or to re-upholster an heirloom that has sentimental value.
Reusing & Recycling
The furniture industry and "fast furniture" has a huge negative impact on the environment. As part of my training, this was an area that I found really interesting and worrying!
The wonderful thing about this job is that we are reusing and reinvigorating existing furniture. I think that reupholstering furniture is doing a little bit towards minimising the impact on the planet. I'm also excited by a number of manufacturers bringing some innovative products on to the market, that are more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
I really look forward to talking to clients about this and investigating the new options that are out there. Let me know if this is something you would be interested in when we discuss your project.