Nelson Valderrama asks Claude AI to create a sample of a cost optimization analysis, based on a simulated small shade fabrication shop. The numbers in this graphic do not represent real data, but rather it illustrates what Claude can produce. Photo: Nelson Valderrama Most companies likely would welcome an employee with a doctorate who works [...]

Over the past 20 years, the question I’m asked most often by canvas makers, upholsters and my students is “How much should I charge for this project?” Daily, someone is asking that question on the Advanced Textiles Association forums and industry Facebook groups. As business owners, we must consider several factors, such as: Markup, Hourly [...]

Regardless of the style, make your seat covers wrinkle-free and pleasing to the eye. Some canvas fabricators get excited when a customer asks for seat covers, helm covers and bolster covers, while others begin to get anxious.  Those that welcome these types of jobs find them to be manageable in size—having less fitting time, less [...]

ID 339327683 © Yuri Arcurs| Dreamstime.com. I have been sewing for the better part of 52 years. My dad started a custom canvas company in 1963, when I was a teenager, and I eventually went to work with him. That is where I really started learning about sewing machines. Over time I learned how to use [...]

As the recruiting manager for Made in the Shade Tent Rentals, I embody the first hurdle on the road to employment. If 100 people apply for one job, close to a quarter will make it to the first interview with me over the phone.Of that quarter, fewer than half will make it to an in-person [...]

Weatherproof screen frowns are attractive while keeping out the elements. There are so many marine canvas-related products, like the weatherproof frown, which have almost faded into the past. This is primarily due to mass producers taking shortcuts by creating cheap imitations of the original. The weatherproof frown protects the zipper from any exposure to rain, [...]

A newly installed three-piece custom AquaMat® set that was made from Teak II Slate AquaWeave™ on a 2008 Formula 27PC. In our second year of business at River Custom Canvas LLC, we were looking for an add-on product to offer customers and recognized a demand for marine flooring. We met with vendors at the Miami [...]

Photo: 74311385 © Rawpixelimages | Dreamstime.com I was recently speaking with one of my coaching clients and the subject of professional curiosity came up. Curiosity is a catalyst for creativity, problem-solving and continuous improvement.  By creating a culture of curiosity, we can tap into the collective creativity of the people who work with us and for [...]

Snap hooks are an easy way to attach sail shades and frame straps using a common deck-eye (or pad-eye) mount. After 20 years of teaching the art of canvas-making and fabricating canvas for our customers, I have become a whistleblower on myself. Seeking humility requires a true confession, after all. Even the best shops fall [...]

There are still some clients who love classic canvas awnings. The frames and skins of these unique awnings were fabricated for Boozer’s Brew in Gulfport, Miss. Remember that old saying “If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life?” Well, when too many days in a row end with [...]