About Us


ModHomeEc is a lot of Home Ec, a lot of Shop Class, and very little cooking.

I am Shelly Leer a.k.a. ModHomeEcTeacher.
I earned a B.S. Degree in Textiles and Design Education from Butler University. After taking a detour as a paralegal, I found my way back to a more creative life. I started my own upholstery business, which I owned and operated for more than fifteen years. During that time, I did custom work for customers, designers and fabric stores, as well as designing and selling children’s furniture.

I had the opportunity to run a sewing program at a women’s shelter. When I saw the satisfaction the women and their children got from creating their own designs, I knew I had to teach. For the past two years I’ve been teaching upholstery to anyone who wants to learn how to convert a tired, worn out piece into a revitalized, fresh, glowing beauty. The best thing I can do is to share the back room, professional tips and techniques I learned throughout my years in this business.

Mod Home Ec is a dedicated teaching studio with everything you need to learn how to create, restyle and design furnishings for your home. We help you put your inner designer to work, as well as teaching you everything you need to create a dazzling showpiece for your home.

In addition to all that fun, I get to write a weekly DIY column for The Indianapolis Star.

Here’s where you can find us. It’s a little tricky to find.

LOCATION: ModHomeEc
1101 E. 54th Street, Studio D
Indianapolis, Indiana 46220

There is no signage yet. We are just east of the Monon Trail and east of Reese Kitchens, and right behind Surroundings and Rosalind.
Here is a map to my shop. You have to turn south off of 54th street between Reese and Surroundings. My space is painted white with gray trim.

“A moving picture is worth a thousand still photos of upholstery techniques.” Shelly Miller Leer

“Look forward to Fridays not just because it is the weekend…
but because I get to go to Upholstery Class!!!!!!” Katie Tuohy Rochford

We love to hear feedback from our readers as well as seeing your projects and home improvements.

Shelly Leer
shelly@modhomeec.com