Lucy Thomas
Lucy is a designer maker living and working in East Sussex. She produces modern upholstered footstools. Useful objects, made well. Her practice is informed by the idea that “If you can’t fix it, you don’t own it”.
Ref: D1D36695
On this course, you will learn modern and traditional upholstery techniques while creating your own upholstered single stool. You will become familiar with a range of upholstery tools, materials and techniques, and take home a finished birch frame stool. The course uses sustainable, natural and revalued materials, and there will be opportunities to discuss the benefits of various materials and how to choose them. You will have the chance to select your own custom colour top fabric.
The aim of this course is for you to learn a variety of modern upholstery skills that will extend beyond this project, thanks to the broad range of activities included in the workshop. The course is fun, informal and friendly, with a focus on hands-on learning. It does require stamina, as we will be standing for much of the time, and you will need strength, hand grip and concentration.
What will you be making?
Top Fabric
Process
Finally, we will attach the base and legs to the stool, and you can stand back and admire your work.
On this course, the tutor will supply all the materials to make the stool apart from your choice of top material and matching/or contrasting thread.
Wear clothes that you are comfortable in, that you dont mind getting dirty or catching a thread on. Wear layers as our work is quite physical at times and, if you have an apron, bring one. Essential - wear closed toe shoes with a good sole, as we will be working with metal tacks and hammers, and will be standing most of the day.
Top fabric: please note, it must be upholstery weight and no leather please. Stripes, checks and thick pile velvet can be more challenging. If using a pattern, please ensure that the pattern drop repeat is less than 30cm and/or that you are happy with the placement of the pattern on a 40cm circumference for example, a 55cm parrot would likely end up being headless/footless. The tutor is happy to advise on your fabric choice, but you will need to send a photograph and details through to the Bookings Office.
Thread: Please bring matching thread colour or contrasting thread if you so choose.
Please contact the Bookings Team at: [email protected] to make your selection.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Daily Timetable
Course teaching: 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive: 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)
Morning teaching: 11am-1pm
Lunch break: 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching: 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes: 5.15pm
Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the Materials to bring section.
Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.
If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.
Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.
Please refer to our terms & conditions below.
The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.
Lucy is a designer maker living and working in East Sussex. She produces modern upholstered footstools. Useful objects, made well. Her practice is informed by the idea that “If you can’t fix it, you don’t own it”.
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