Atelier Hopkins

Jennifer Hopkins was born in Hanover, a small farming town in Ontario. She and her three older sisters were taught by their mother how to “make everything out of anything.” They were taught to be imaginative and make beauty out of discarded items. “People throw lots of fun stuff in the garbage,” Jennifer adds.

Why Upholstery?

Jennifer went on to study Fine Arts at Sheridan College in Oakville. Then she studied and worked at Concordia in Montreal. But it was after a weekend upholstery course in Kingston, Ontario that she discovered her passion about 12 years ago. What started as a hobby soon became a full-time job. First, she reupholstered furniture for her home, then for her friends and soon sold pieces in home decor shops like the now-defunct Kokün in Sutton. She opened up her very own workshop called West Brome Upholstery in Bondville before working with Atelier Ulric & associés shop in Waterloo. When the latter closed down in May 2022, Jennifer opened Atelier Hopkins at 255 Knowlton Road in the same building as Raffields in Lac-Brome.

Fabrics and Furniture

This is where she now hides and exhibits some of her latest handmade treasures. Although very discreet, Jennifer loves to play with loud, fun and unusual fabrics. Bring her your dullest piece of furniture whether it be a couch, chair, bench or headboard. She will make it a centrepiece with fabric you can choose on the spot. Jennifer has a soft spot for turning your sentimental fabrics and objects into pieces to hold onto for the rest of your life.

On the shelves

On the shelves at the Atelier Hopkins shop, you can also find smaller items. “There is a lot of heavy lifting to do in the upholster trade so making these gives my body a break,” she says. You will find tote bags made of army tent rubber and thick unbleached cotton with funky and sweet machine-typed messages sown into the liner for more uniqueness. Note that she can customize these messages. You will find beautiful and bright cushions made out of tea towels and a new collection called Lunatic Fringe but also quaint, plush and classic pouches, purses, quilts and kaftans. 

Sustainable Objects

Sustainability is super important to Jennifer. “If you think upcycled and repurposed stuff is expensive, the question you should ask yourself is ‘why is new stuff so cheap?’ Furniture from 1970 and older is sturdy and made with real screws, wood, coils, not cardboard. I can’t compete with Wayfair and Ikea prices but my stuff will hold for at least 20 years,” Jennifer states. 

Pop-Up Shop

On June 15^th, Atelier Hopkins will do a collaborative pop-up shop with two other upholsterers: Mélanie Guimont from Granby and Lucie Mainville from Moma Studio in Waterloo. It will happen outside with drinks, music and fun. Jennifer is proud to be one of these women in what used to be a predominantly man’s trade. Come and see what these creative tradeswomen are capable of and take a peek into Atelier Hopkins. For any kind of project, contact Jennifer  by email: atelierhopkins@gmail.com.

Geneviève Hébert