This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

It's February on the Wasatch Front—the month of sucky weather, cabin fever, the seasonal affective disorder and cannibalism.

It's obviously time for an indoor hobby!

We suggest you sign up for Furniture Refinishing in University of Utah's Lifelong Learning program.

Instructor Lon Clarence Durrant (does that name not reek of turps, shellac, sawdust and dovetails?) will teach you to "restore the original beauty and function of any piece of furniture." (Well, maybe not that circa-1967 La-Z-Boy recliner you picked up at DI.)

It's a hands-on, anything-goes class at Alonzo's Refinishing, 154 Navajo St., Salt Lake City, where Lon will walk you through stripping, patching, sanding, staining, coloring, touch-ups and finding a dumpster for disposal of "learning experiences."

You can bring a small project or get your restoration chops by working on the class project.

The class begins Feb. 18 at 9:30 p.m. and will set you back $129 in tuition and fees—but it could save you from bludgeoning your roomie.

For more information or to register: http://bit.ly/w1ck2T