Upholstery vs Leathercraft: Which Workshop is Right for Your Team?
When it comes to team building workshops, there’s no one-size-fits-all. The best sessions balance creativity, collaboration, and a sense of achievement — while being enjoyable for everyone, no matter their skill level.
At Semper Hopkins Upholstery & Interiors, we offer two unique hands-on experiences for teams: upholstery workshops and leathercraft workshops. Both are beginner-friendly, both give participants a tangible takeaway, and both deliver those “wow, I made this!” moments. But how do you decide which one is right for your team?
Why Choose a Hands-On Workshop for Your Team Building Activity
When you step away from the usual PowerPoints and meeting rooms, and put tools in people’s hands, something shifts. These kinds of corporate workshop activities help break down barriers, spark fresh thinking, and create shared memories that last far beyond the away day.
Both our upholstery and leathercraft options are designed to:
- Boost creativity and problem-solving skills.
- Encourage collaboration and communication.
- Offer a mindful, phone-free environment.
- Leave participants with something they’ve made themselves — a lasting reminder of the day.
And the results speak for themselves:
- +55% increase in creative confidence.
- +33% boost in wellbeing.
- 100% of participants felt more relaxed compared to their daily routine.
- 100% wanted to explore more creative activities afterwards.
When your team feels inspired, valued, and re-energised, they bring fresh ideas, collaborate more effectively, and return to work with renewed motivation and focus.
Option 1: Upholstery Team Building Workshops
Our upholstery team building workshops are a great choice if you want to work with tactile materials and see a dramatic transformation in a short time.
In just a few hours, your team can create beautiful, functional items such as footstools, noticeboards, or storage crates. Everyone chooses their fabric, learns the basic upholstery techniques, and leaves with a piece they can proudly display at home or in the office.
Option 2: Leathercraft Team Building Workshops
Our leathercraft workshops offer a different kind of satisfaction — working with high-quality leather to produce something timeless and hardwearing.
In our Leather Belt Making Workshop, your team will learn how to cut, punch, and finish a belt tailored to their size and style. It’s a great introduction to leatherworking techniques, with a stylish and practical result.
These sessions are perfect for teams who like the idea of creating something they can wear, and want to try a completely new skill set together.
Choosing Between the Two
When deciding between upholstery and leathercraft for your team building workshops, there’s more than one way you can choose.
You could ask the team which they’d prefer to do — giving them the option can build anticipation and ensure everyone feels involved before the day.
Or, if you need to make the decision yourself, here are some questions to guide you:
- What style of project would my team enjoy more — textile-based or leatherwork?
- How are you going to use it afterwards? Will it be something for home, the office, or as a personal accessory?
- Are the team more into fashion or interiors?
- Is personalisation (like fabric choice) important, or would a classic, timeless piece suit us better?
- Do we want to explore a skill that’s detailed and precise, or one that’s more about bold, visual transformation?
Both options are equally engaging, equally rewarding, and suitable for team building ideas that focus on creativity, connection, and shared achievement.
My Perspective
I love both upholstery and leathercraft for different reasons. Upholstery is vibrant and tactile — it’s about transforming something with colour, texture, and personality. I enjoy watching a plain piece come to life when the fabric is added, and the fact that every item is completely unique to its maker.
Leathercraft, on the other hand, feels timeless. I love the precision, the smell and feel of the leather, and knowing you’re creating something that will last for years. A handmade belt is both practical and stylish — and it’s so satisfying to wear something you’ve made with your own two hands.
What both have in common is that they’re functional, built to last, and give you a lasting reminder of the skills you learned and the day you shared with your team.
Ready to Plan Your Team Building Workshop?
Whether you choose upholstery or leathercraft, you’re choosing a workshop that will spark creativity, bring your team closer, and leave everyone with something they can use and treasure for years.
We’ll work with you in a pre-planning call to align the workshop with your objectives, so you and your team get the most out of the day.
📅 Find out more about our team building workshops: Team Building Workshops
📞 Or book a call to discuss your event directly and let’s design a creative experience tailored to your team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any previous experience?
Not at all. These workshops are designed for complete beginners as well as confident makers looking to try something new.
What’s included in the price?
All materials, tools, and expert tuition are included. Each participant leaves with a finished piece they’ve made themselves.
How long does a workshop last?
Workshops run for a half or full day, giving plenty of time to learn at a comfortable pace and complete the project.
Can we customise what we make?
Yes! From fabric choices in upholstery to leather colours and belt hardware, every participant can personalise their piece.
Meet the Author
Emma Semper Hopkins is the founder of Semper Hopkins Upholstery & Interiors, based in a converted chapel in Cheshire. After starting upholstery as a hobby while renovating her family home, Emma turned her passion for sustainable making into a business that now delivers upholstery, leathercraft, and team building workshops.
With a background in corporate food retail, Emma understands the pressures of fast-paced work environments and champions the importance of creativity, confidence, and connection for both individuals and teams.
Through her craft workshops in Cheshire, Emma has helped hundreds of people rediscover the joy of making, learn new skills, and build lasting memories — whether through personal projects or corporate workshop activities.
