Why Sarah chose to join us for a Upholstery workshop – Q&A with Sarah Toolan Tivnan
Interested in crafts and wanting to find a new skill to turn your hand to? Meet IT Business owner Sarah Toolan Tivnan, one of our recent workshop participants, who came and joined our Deep Buttoned Footstool workshops…
Tell us a little bit about yourself Sarah?
I’m Sarah, I run an IT recruitment business. Married for 10 years and spend my time with my Husband and stepson Jack. I love cooking, drinking, and pretending to exercise. I’m 50 in January and feel like doing the upholstery workshop, I have ticked something off my list. It’s one of the best things I have done in a long time.
Why did you decide to do an upholstery workshop?
I’d got to the point that I starting saying “yes” to everything. I decided to “lean in” to any opportunities to come out of my comfort zone and make things happen. I’d previously stepped out of my comfort zone and joined a business networking group and met an amazing lady called Catherine Sandland and I went on her workshop. From that I had access to lots of wonderful opportunities/workshops/network and training sessions. I saw this workshop on facebook late one night after a few drinks I thought Yes I’m doing this – so I sent it to my best friend and she said yes let’s do it.
What did you want to get out of the workshop?
A footstool that I’d made 😊 – I certainly didn’t know how much I was going to love it. What did you enjoy most about the experience? I enjoy learning new things and the social interaction, plus the satisfaction of having created something original and unique. It’s a little bit of ‘me’ time too!
How did you feel after the experience when you saw your furniture at home?
I couldn’t tell enough people about the footstool I’d made. People have come to my house and said “I like your footstool” and I tell them immediately I made it. This workshop is one of it’s own. I’ve never come across this kind of workshop before. To come home with something you’ve made and really focussed on for the full day and had a great time with just enough people it’s really special.
Did you enjoy being involved in the design process?
I’m so proud to have been a part of the whole process. Someone asked me if I’d just covered the stool… Excuse me, I did the whole thing thank you.
Would you recommend this experience and why?
This is an unforgettable personal experience. People don’t do this kind of thing every day but it’s so rewarding to walk away having had a wonderful day, met like minded people and share something together. I tell everyone about the workshop, Emma, and Ian. You have to get involved Thanks again for a lovely day. I’m sat working in the kitchen with my feet up on my actual footstool 😊
If one of our upholstery workshops sounds like something you are interested in, you can view and book our individual workshops here. Alternatively If you are interested in making a group booking (for more than 4), complete the Group Bookings form here , and we will get back to you. Alternatively call us on 01260 609021 to discuss your needs.
