On this course, you will have the opportunity to customise the piece you work on, taking home your own uniquely designed pinboard. You will be introduced to a range of modern and traditional upholstery tools and techniques, and we will use sustainable, natural and revalued materials. You will also have the chance to discuss the benefits of different materials and learn how upholsterers make material choices.

The aim of the course is for you to learn and use some basic modern upholstery skills, experiment with colour and design, and enjoy a fun, informal and friendly workshop. While the course is not physically demanding, you will need a good hand grip to complete the project.

What will you be making? You will create a 39cm diameter upholstered fabric cork pinboard, fabric-backed and ready to hang. You will be able to make your own colour choices and design the pinboard with your own pocket and bungee configurations using the materials provided.

All tools and materials will be supplied for you to use on the day.

Process: You will work with pre-cut 39cm diameter FE ply discs and cut out a cork base using craft knives. (If needed, we can have the cork pre-cut to shorten the run time.) You will apply cork spray to the FE ply. Polywadding will be applied to the top of the cork, and you will feather the edges. You will select your base colour, cut velvet and temporarily tack it to the disc using traditional upholstery tools to ensure the correct tension. The top fabric will then be stapled in place and the temporary tacks will be removed. You will select the fabric for the pocket configuration, position it with temporary tacks, then staple and remove it as before. You will select bungee elastic, configure it and apply it with a staple gun. A platform cloth (or calico if you prefer) will be attached to the reverse of the pinboard.

Finally, you will attach a hook to the reverse, completing your pinboard.

Included

On this course the tutor will supply all of the materials. Your tutor works with deadstock Linwood velvets and will bring a range of fabrics for you to select from during the session. Your tutor will bring a copy of a Japanese Colour Theory book, which can help suggest unusual and complementary combinations if you need some inspiration.

What students need to bring

• An apron

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Evening Timetable

Students arrive between - 5.30pm-6pm
Course teaching - 6-9pm
Teaching finishes - 9pm

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.

Refreshments 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.

Access 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.

Safety Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations Please refer to our terms & conditions below

Disclaimer 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.

Terms & Conditions