Reduce, reuse, reupholster? Under the instruction of Harriet Ingerslev, students at Marion Recreation are giving their furniture new life.

Now nearing the end of her third class in Marion, Ingerslev said reupholstering furniture is a way to create a special piece in a room.

“The ambiance of a room is decided by the furniture and the furnishings,” she said.

Ingerslev studied upholstery in her native England.

“I was taught in a guild school of upholstery in London when I was a newlywed because I couldn’t afford the furniture I loved, so I bought something from an antique warehouse and took the classes,” she said.

For 18 years, Ingerslev has taught the art of museum-quality reupholstery in the U.S.

At a recent Wednesday morning class, Ingerslev helped Marion resident Jennifer MacDonald, who has been working on a family heirloom. After getting a pricey quote from an upholsterer, she decided to take the class and do it herself.

“There’s no way he would have done what she’s teaching us to do. He would have used a staple gun where we’re using nails,” said MacDonald. “My family is very excited I’m doing it.”

MacDonald stripped her great-grandmother’s turn-of-the-century wooden couch down to the frame and is slowly bringing it back to life with hand-tacked webbing, copper springs and horsehair stuffing.

On the other end of the spectrum, Dennis and Jane Pucello of Rochester are re-covering a sofa they purchased on Craig’s List. The couch, less than 10 years old, was scratched up by the previous owner's cat.

“We were very fortunate to find this class because the other classes won't allow you to bring anything this large because there isn’t enough storage room,” said Jane. She added that the daytime class made it easier for her and her husband to attend.

“We go to bed early,” she said.

Although the two projects are very different, both the Pucellos and MacDonald said they take a lot of work.

“But part of the fun is learning,” said MacDonald. “You wouldn’t do this if you were just trying to save the money. It’s because you’re interested in it.”

Inerslev’s classes are generally 10 weeks long. She also has her own upholstery business. For more information, call 508-748-9620.