Chair Caning Work Sessions
With Paul Doyle
Do you have a chair that needs to be restored? Interested in learning how to repair a family heirloom by yourself? Paul Doyle will lead you on your caning journey in small group working sessions over the course of three weeks.
Bring a chair that you would like to repair and learn the basics of applying weaving skills to chair caning.
The proper tools will be provided to repair your chair. Note that registration will close a week before the first session in order to order the materials.
Please note: Unlike a typical workshop, where groups work on the same skills and project from start to finish, our work sessions are more informal. Work sessions (compared to workshops) are best for learners with some fiber arts/weaving experience.
Three Sessions
Day 1 – Friday, April 24, 2026
Day 2 – Friday, May 1, 2026
Day 3 – Friday, May 8, 2026
Chair Caning FAQ’s
Wow! How long does it take to cane a seat?
- Smaller chairs can take 6 to 8 hours of hand caning. Larger chairs can take up to 20 hours. During this work session, you will learn the basics of getting started on your recaning project and may need to finish independently depending on the size of your project.
How long have you been caning chairs?
- About 20 years now. It’s therapeutic actually. Keeps me off the Internet.
What is Cane?
- Cane grows from a vine native to Indonesia. It grows about 60 to 80 feel long. They strip off the outer layer. The vine will grow a new outer layer over time and it can be harvested over and over again.
Will you do it for me?
- I offer caning services! Find me at the Los Ranchos Growers Market and at the Railyards in Santa Fe for further inquiries.
- Skill level Beginner +
- Age appropriate 18+
- Materials fee $20-30 (Paul will be in contact with you upon registration to ensure that you have the right quantity and size of cane for your project.)
- Students should bring
a chair to cane and two hand-towels (one is for keeping the cane wet, the other for wiping water off the wood).
