The spark that lights the fire
My Story
Looking back on how I went from working in Food Retail at the Co-operative to having my own upholstery brand it all started when I wanted to furnish my new home.
Sometimes that is all it is, one moment that changes your path forever….
I wanted our new home to have unique period pieces with a modern twist. And just like that, I discovered a new passion of mine; industrial, traditional period and French furniture.
I quickly recognised that to restore these beautiful authentic pieces I needed specific training. So, I embarked on another exciting adventure and enrolled on an evening upholstery course at the Ministry of Upholstery In Manchester. I worked predominantly on Victorian & period furniture. My first project of many was a stunning wingback chair and I loved learning these new skills.
The truth is, I started on my upholstery course because it was a release from my stressful job. It gave me purpose to learn from others and up my skillset while taking my mind off work.
I’m not a person to go to a spa day to relax. I like to relax when I’m doing something like pottering in the garden, baking or making something for my home.
With a lot of hard work and dedication, I got further training and experience working with my dad, and as the story goes, we created SH Upholstery. You can read all the challenges and how we got to our beautiful workshop and started working here in the chapel- just click here.
With the platform and the skills, I’ve gained over the past few years, I have decided to embark on a new venture to help more people find an escape that will bring them as much joy as it did to me. That is why I am starting my Upholstery workshops coming soon in Winter 2020.
Who is it for?
The workshops are perfect if you want a taster into the world of upholstery. Step away from the daily grind and unleash your creative side. Learn a new skill and
have the instant satisfaction of making a small piece of furniture.
You can also buy a place at the workshop for a creative loved one. It will make the perfect sustainable gift if you are looking for something fun and unique.
If you’d like to be updated for when the workshops are live, sign up for updates here.
What will you learn?
The workshop is an introduction to the craft. You will learn about the tools and materials needed for upholstery. You will be taught techniques like applying webbing, hessian, foam, wadding, measuring and cutting fabric, stapling, cutting corners, making and applying buttons. We keep the class size to no more than six people so you will get lots out of the day. We supply you with the tools & materials for the course, you will just need to bring your own fabric.
Meet the tutor aka ME!
You will be taught on the day by Emma, an experienced upholster and the Director of SH Upholstery (read Emma’s story here). All the frames are hand made in house by Ian (Emma’s Dad).
Do I need to bring anything?
Just your exciting self and a metre of fabric to cover your new piece of furniture. We can give help and advice if you need it.
Where is it?
The workshop is held from our beautiful workshop a converted Chapel in Scholar Green, a peaceful setting in the Cheshire countryside.
How much does it cost?
The workshops will start from £165 . The workshop is an introduction to the craft. You will learn about the tools and materials needed for upholstery. We supply you with all the tools & materials for the course, you just need to bring 1m of your own fabric. If you need any help with this get in touch. Or you can buy fabric from us.
We are looking forward to launching the upholstery workshops later in 2020. If you’d like to be updated for when the workshops are live, sign up for updates here.
