Upholstery – make a footstool in a day with Lucy Thomas

Materials and Processes Picture framing, gilding, decorative finishes and upholstery Furniture

Ref: K1D13658

Location: London
£350
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About this course

Experience making your own mid-century modern upholstered footstool.

Course Description

A mixture of modern and traditional upholstery techniques with a focus on sustainable design.

We will work using pre-cut & treated birchwood leg frames and bases, along with natural latex, hair & coconut filler, which we will cut to form in the studio.

You will learn how to use traditional tools, including magnetic tack hammers, tack lifters, mallets and regulators. In addition, you will shape the filler and apply & fix edge rolls. Then, you will tension the upper upholstered section with the calico and tack. You will cover the upper in Top Fabric and secure it using electric staple guns. And to complete the project, you will attach the base & legs to the footstool upper, and we will all stand back and smile.

This course is suitable for beginners. No experience is required. You need to be interested to learn some basic upholstery techniques and create your own footstool.

Topics covered:

Using traditional tools for upholstery

Working with natural latex, hair and coconut fibres for filling

Shaping fill and fixing edge rolls

Tensioning the upper

Fabric cover fixing with staples

Course outcomes:

Everyone leaves with their own upholstered birchwood footstool

Developing an understanding of basic upholstery principles

Building hands-on confidence with upholstery tools

Timetable

This course takes place in London.

9.30am arrival on the day.

Teaching hours 10.00am - 4.45pm

Course Materials

Included

  • The course fee includes all the materials needed to create your footstool.
  • We provide access to the necessary tools to complete your footstool, but these are not to be taken away.

What students need to bring

  • In this course, you will be working with tools and materials that can be heavy. Please ensure that you wear sturdy shoes and sensible clothing. No sandals or open-toed shoes.

Additional information

Breakfast refreshments and a light lunch will be provided. While a vegetarian option is made available, we are unable to cater to specific food intolerances or food allergies.

Tutors

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”.

Courses of interest

Interested in a career in woodworking?

Our Foundation Degree specialising in Furniture is designed to give you well-rounded woodworking theory and craft skills to become a self-employed maker or craftsperson, to continue your studies in higher education or to find employment in the creative industry sector. Find out more