Course Overview:

This hands-on workshop is designed to teach participants the fundamental skills and techniques needed to restore and upholster a traditional balloon back chair over the course of two and a half days. Participants will learn the foundation of traditional upholstery and timber restoration, from assessing the condition of the chair to the final finishing touches. 

Day 1: Friday Evening- Chair Assessment/stripping

• Introduction to upholstery and timber restoration

  Tools and materials overview

  Safety precautions

  Chair assessment: Identifying structural issues and damage

  Removal of the upholstery components

Day 2: Timber restoration- French Polish

• Strip the chair of its existing finish, Repair the frame and refill tack holes

  Learn the traditional technique of French polishing. 

Please note that you are not expected to complete all of the timber restoration within the course hours, you might need to finish this work at home with the provided supplies. This timing won’t impact the upholstery skills section.

Day 3: Upholstery 

• Introduction to upholstery materials and tools

  Basic hybrid upholstery techniques: traditional base with modern finish

  Learn how to build a base with jute webbing, sew in springs and leash them. Build the next layer with hessian and cocos fibre, rebuild the seat with a profile and foam. 

Learn how to make double piping, 

Course Details:

• Duration: 2. 5 days (16 hours) 

• Instructor: Britta de Laat, upholsterer and timber restoration specialist

• Prerequisites: No prior experience required, but basic DIY skills are helpful.

• Materials: All necessary tools and materials will be provided. 

• Bring: One metre of fabric and a balloon back  chair- or purchase either from us

Additional Notes:

• You’ll need a metre of fabric, plus Gimp or contrasting material for double piping. This you will need to source this before the commencement of the course. You can source your own upholstery grade fabric order it through us . Please check out our website which includes links to our favourite Fabric suppliers.

   If you would like to see any samples, please get in touch and we will have them sent to your home. Please allow 2-3 weeks prior to the course for this process. 

Alternatively, come 30 min early and purchase fabrics from us (limited choice)

• Tea, coffee, water and biscuits will be provided during the workshop.

  Pack your own lunch. We have a microwave and fridge in the workshop. Alternatively, there is a coffee shop in walking distance

  Please wear appropriate clothing that may get dirty and enclosed shoes. 

• Limited seats available, so early registration is recommended.

Registration Fee: 899.- In tuition fees and interior materials.

A minimum of 4 Students required, to run the course

Where: 73/ 6 Bellambi Lane, 2518 Bellambi

When: 24-26th of May 2024

Friday 6-9pm ( We will have a glass of wine and some snacks)

Saturday and Sunday 10-4pm