Maker Faire Milwaukee 2023

John's chair caning

Home: Wisconsin, United States

We are John's caning/JW cane and rush. We replace seats and backs to restore the seats to historic and usable condition. We are a 50+ family business that is dedicated to keeping this lost art alive.

http://www.johnscaning.com

Categories: Craft, Education, Fabrication, Wood and Metal Working,

John's chair caning - Maker Faire Milwaukee

Makers

Teresa Arenz

I have been caning since I was 8 years old. At 60 I still love what I do. I also love my church, teaching Sunday, and directing our children's Christmas musical. I also make beaded jewelry in the Indigenous people style. I have been married for 38 years and have two adult sons.

Eric Arenz

I apprenticed with my grandfather when I was 15. He was a master caner and taught me this amazing skill. I branched off with rushing, danish cord, splinting as well as the traditional press/machine caning. My day job is as warehouse guy at UPS. I love my day job but I really love doing this business that my grandparents started. I love camping and have been married for 5+ years.

Jan Wilke

My husband and I started this business in 1972. We also started the Rummage-O-Rama at State Fair Park in West Allis, WI in 1969. The business grew out of a need from our dealers to have these chairs restored. Although John has passed my daughter and grandson have done this business proud. I also enjoy puzzles and diamond painting.