5 Day Bring Your Own Project
£385.00
Times: 9.30-4.30 weekdays only
Duration: 5 days
Includes: Everything except project, fabric, fire retardant Calico if required, replacement seat cushions if needed
places available
Times: 9.30-4.30 weekdays only
Duration: 5 days
Includes: Everything except project, fabric, fire retardant Calico if required, replacement seat cushions if needed
This 5 day project course is ideal if you have your own slightly larger project such as a chaise longue, nursing chair or small wingback armchair. We will teach you how to completely strip your project back then, after a staple gun and tool induction, you will reupholster your project to your particular specification.
If you have any queries about the suitability of your project, then please contact us.
This course can be taken intensively over the course of one week, Monday – Friday or, depending on availability, it can be done on a flexible basis and run over more than one week. Please contact us if you have queries on availability. We may have other dates available than those listed.
Additional Information
| Dates |
Week commencing 4th Jan, Week commencing 18th Jan, Week commencing 15th Feb, Week commencing 22nd Feb, Week commencing 29th Feb, Week commencing 21st March, Week commencing 28th March |
|---|
Reviews(3)
Add a Review
Add a Review
-
Weekend Footstool Course
Courses £155.00–£175.00View Product
Times: 11.00-5.00
Duration: 2 days Sat & Sun
Includes: Everything you need to make the footstool except 1 metre of fabricIf you’re not sure whether upholstery is for you and want to try your hand at something new or if you just fancy getting creative and making an amazing project then our weekend course is perfect! Designed as an introduction to the craft, you will start with a solid hardwood frame, made in-house in our frame workshop. You will learn about the tools and materials used as well as covering lots of techniques from webbing, applying Hessian and wadding, cutting fabric, corners and shallow buttoning. You will also be introduced to Chalk Paint®, decorative paint by Annie Sloan and basic painting techniques and be able to choose from a pallet of 33 colours to paint your legs to match your fabric choice!
We keep the class size small with a maximum of 8 people to ensure that you get the most out of it and at the end of the two days you will be able to take your footstool home to show off your new found skills. Keep it and admire your handiwork or, alternatively you could always sell it to pay for your next course because trust us, you will be addicted!
You have an option of two sizes when making the footstool, the small which is perfect for smaller spaces and perfectly foot sized, coming in at 48cm x 36cm. Or if you wish to go large, then our 70cm x 48cm footstool makes that bit more of an impact! Either way you only need one metre of fabric.
-
Weekend Dressing Table Stool Course
Courses £165.00View Product
Times: 11.00-5.00
Duration: 2 days Sat & Sun
Includes: Everything you need to make the dressing table stool except 1 metre of fabricIf you’re not sure whether upholstery is for you and want to try your hand at something new or if you just fancy getting creative and making an amazing project then our weekend course is perfect! Designed as an introduction to the craft, you will start with a solid hardwood frame, made in-house in our frame workshop. You will learn about the tools and materials used as well as covering lots of techniques from webbing, applying Hessian and wadding, cutting fabric, corners and shallow buttoning. You will also be introduced to Chalk Paint®, decorative paint by Annie Sloan and basic painting techniques and be able to choose from a pallet of 33 colours to paint your legs to match your fabric choice!
We keep the class size small with a maximum of 8 people to ensure that you get the most out of it and at the end of the two days you will be able to take your dressing table stool home to show off your new found skills. Keep it and admire your handiwork or, alternatively you could always sell it to pay for your next course because trust us, you will be addicted!
-
3 Day Bring Your Own Project
Courses £255.00View Product
Times: 9.30-4.30 weekdays only
Duration: 3 days on any weekdays, subject to availability
Includes: Everything except project, fabric, fire retardant Calico if required, replacement seat cushions if neededIf you have your own project, which you would love to tackle, then our project-based course is the one for you. This course comprises of 3 days intensive but light-hearted tuition in modern upholstery. We will teach you how to completely strip your project back then, after a staple gun and tool induction, you will reupholster your project to your particular specification.
For this 3 day course we recommend you bring nothing bigger than a small fireside chair. Dining chairs, a headboard, a footstool or an ottoman would also be perfect.
If you have any queries about the suitability of your project, then please contact us.
This course is available to book for any 3 weekdays and runs from 9.30-4.30. Please select the week you would like from the dates available and we will be in touch to see which 3 days suit you.
Depending on availability this course can be done on a flexible basis and run over more than one week. Please contact us if you have queries on availability. We may have other dates available than those listed.
-
6 Week Evening
Courses £185.00View Product
Times: 6.30-9.30
Duration: 6 weeks, one evening per week
Includes: Everything except project, fabric, fire retardant Calico if required, replacement seat cushions if neededOur 6 week evening course comprises of six, three hour sessions, which will run on the same evening each week. The course is project based, which means you will select your own pieces for re-upholstery and we will teach you all you need to know to strip and upholster your particular project. Class sizes are kept small so that we can help you structure your learning experience around your project and we will happily work with you in advance of the course to point you in the direction of the right project. We know people work at different speeds, but you should be able to get a small nursing chair or set of dining chairs completed in 6 weeks.
The 6 week course runs over 8 weeks so that if you need to miss one or two of the sessions that’s ok, you can tag them onto the end. But please ensure when you commit to the course that you can attend 6 of the 8 evenings.
This course is suitable for beginners and those who have already done some upholstery. Please note that the largest project you could complete on the 6 week course is a small armchair/ fireside chair/ nursing chair. Larger projects may require extra sessions or another course and we do not guarantee that you will finish your project.
-
8 Week Business Start Up
Courses £2300.00View Product
Times: 9.30-4.30 weekdays only
Duration: 40 days
Includes: Everything except project, fabric, fire retardant Calico if required, replacement seat cushions if needed
Cost: £2300 divided into 4 payments of £575This unique course is aimed at those who want to learn the comprehensive skills required to be able to tackle a range of complex upholstery projects. Ideal for business start-ups, this course will enable students to build up a photographic and video portfolio of their work, which will document the techniques used and skills gained. This record will provide an invaluable reference tool to enable students to go on to independent work. Students will be encouraged to bring their own projects, which can be discussed and decided upon together with advice from us. Alternatively, we have some frames available that we can supply as part of the course with additional cost. Techniques and skills covered in this course depend on your requirements and it will be personalised and bespoke to your individual requirements. Techniques can include: shallow buttoning, deep buttoning, studding, sprung seats, sewing, webbing, cutting, measuring fabric, use of machinery, workshop set up advice and information about setting up in business such as marketing through social media.
Integrated into this course, and what sets it apart, is 2 weeks in your own self-contained workshop within our space. This integral two weeks affords you the opportunity to develop autonomous learning, whilst in a safe environment. You can use this time to work on client projects and earn money and get your business up and running whilst you learn!
This course can be taken on a totally flexible basis. The core hours are 9.30-4.30 Monday to Friday but you are not required to attend 5 days per week. You can even do this course on a day/ week basis if this suits you so please call us for a chat if you would like to discuss this in more detail, we’re always happy to help.
We appreciate that this course is a large amount of money to pay in one go so we have devised a payment scheme that allows you to pay for it in four smaller, more manageable instalments.
Upon booking your first week, which you can do online, you are required to pay the first instalment of £575. When you then book in for your second week you are required to pay the next instalment of £575. The same again when you book for your third and fourth weeks. No payment will then be required for week’s five to eight.
Please note that there is no specified timeframe within which you have to complete the 8 week course as it is entirely flexible.
Booking is simple –to book a place you can pay your first instalment of £575 using the Buy button on this page. When you want to book your second week, you simply call or email us and we will book you in.*
*Please note that we have a maximum class size of 6 and classes are booked on a first come, first served basis. If you want to check availability for the whole course before you book then please contact us.
-
Find a Ministry of Upholstery Course Near You
CoursesView Product
The classic footstool course is a one day extravaganza combining painting techniques with upholstery. You will start the day with a solid hardwood frame, made in-house at our Manchester frame workshop and throughout the day you will follow the step by step guidance of the workshop leader, learning all about the tools and materials used, as well as covering lots of techniques from webbing, applying Hessian and wadding, cutting fabric and corners. You will also be introduced to Chalk Paint®, decorative paint by Annie Sloan and basic painting techniques and be able to choose from a pallet of 33 colours to paint your legs to match your fabric choice! And at the end of the day’s course you will be able to take your footstool home to show off your new found skills!
The course includes everything you need to make your stool, you just need to supply one metre of fabric. All our course providers keep class sizes small so that you benefit from greater one on one teaching and if you then fancy making another footstool for your friend or family member (and trust us, you will be asked!) then kits, containing everything you need to make the stools, will be available to purchase on the day or via our website.
To find a course near you, you can select from the map or you can search via postcode or city. To book simply follow the instructions on the shop page.
-
10 Week Evening Cocktail Chair
Courses £355.00View Product
Times: 6.30-9.30
Duration: 10 weeks, one evening per week
Includes: Everything you need to make the cocktail chair except 2-3 metres of fabric (fabric guide will be sent upon booking)If you fancy our 6 week evening course but you don’t have your own project then don’t worry! This 10 week evening course offers the complete package so all you need is your fabric and away you go! Not only that, but you get an opportunity to make a stunning bang on trend, mid-century modern cocktail chair! These chairs are incredibly sought after so you can be the envy of your friends with your unique version, which you’ll be able to say you created yourself. In this course you will work alongside a maximum of just 7 other students, starting from a bare frame, which are constructed in-house in our frame studio from solid hardwood.
You will follow the step by step tuition of our Course Director, who will guide you each step of the way. It’s suitable for beginners to upholstery and those of you that may have tried your hand at some basic skills. The cocktail chair is constructed using a mix of traditional and modern upholstery techniques so this course serves as an excellent introduction to the craft and you will see immediate results as there is no need to strip the chair before you can crack on. Due to the nature of this course you need to ensure that you are able to attend every evening.
-
Cocktail Chair
Courses £385.00View Product
Times: 9.30-4.30
Duration: 4 days on any weekdays, subject to availability
Includes: Everything you need to make the cocktail chair except 2-3 metres of fabric (fabric guide will be sent upon booking)If you have got the mid-century bug but can’t find a suitable frame then this 4 day* course offers the complete package so all you need is your fabric and away you go! These cocktail chairs are incredibly sought after so you can be the envy of your friends with your unique version, which you’ll be able to say you created yourself. In this course you will start with a brand new frame, which are constructed in-house in our frame studio from solid hardwood. It’s suitable for beginners to upholstery and those of you that may have tried your hand at some basic skills. The cocktail chair is constructed using a mix of traditional and modern upholstery techniques so this course serves as an excellent introduction to the craft and you will see immediate results as there is no need to strip the chair before you can crack on.
This course takes place on weekdays only and is totally flexible, which means you can take it on any 4 weekdays to suit you, availability dependant. We may have other dates available than those listed. If you wish to discuss availability then please contact us.
For this project you will require 2-3 metres of fabric, dependant on whether you have chosen a plain or patterned fabric and dependant on fabric placement. A fabric guide will be sent to you upon booking but if you have any fabric queries please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
*Please note that 4 days is the average completion time for this project. We do not guarantee that you will complete in this time, as everyone works at different speeds. If you need an extra day this will be chargeable at £80/ day.
-
Chalk Paint®, Decorative Paint by Annie Sloan Essentials
Courses £65.00View Product
Times: 1-4pm
Duration: 3 hours
Includes: Everything needed
Cost: £65 including a FREE 1 Litre tin of Annie Sloan paint in your chosen colourThis workshop is aimed at complete beginners or those who have perhaps dipped their toe (figuratively speaking) into Chalk Paint® and its endless possibilities. Maybe you need some guidance as to how to get the best results or would like to develop your understanding of how it works and develop some more advanced painting techniques. This workshop is a relaxed, informal and fun few hours where like-minded people can meet, eat cake and have a go. You have to admit that sounds fun! You will cover three main techniques, which are one-colour heavily textured and dark waxed, two-colour distressed and cracked paint.
These are the most common techniques used to create a whole variety of looks and finishes and will take you onto the next level from just painting one flat colour. You will also learn about the woman behind the paint and other tips and tricks and get an opportunity to ask any questions you may have or troubleshoot any problems you’ve come up against.
Everything you need is supplied and you paint on boards, which you can then take home as a reference for when you go on to tackle your own projects. Tea, coffee and cake are included. This workshop is designed as an introduction and leads on perfectly to Creative Techniques. Also included is a FREE 1 litre tin of paint in your chosen colour.
-
Chalk Paint®, Decorative Paint by Annie Sloan Creative Techniques
Courses £75.00View Product
Times: 11.30am-2.30pm
Duration: 3 hours
Includes: Everything neededThis workshop is designed as a follow on from the Essentials Workshop and usually runs the following day. People can therefore either attend both workshops in one weekend or do Workshop 1 one weekend and Workshop 2 another, the choice is yours.
For this workshop you will need to have some experience with Chalk Paint® and it is highly recommended that you attend Techniques 1 before attending this workshop. It is aimed at people who wish to learn some more advanced techniques. You will cover gilding using metallic leaf, stencilling, crackled effect using Craqueleur, decoupage and image Transfer!
These skills are what will make you stand out from the crowd. Other people will look at your furniture and marvel and think to themselves “how did they do that?”
As with the Essentials Course, everything you need is supplied and you will be able to take your work home at the end of day. And of course there will be unlimited tea, coffee & cake!
-
Complete Chair Makeover
Courses £99.00View Product
Times: 9.30-4.30
Duration: 1 day
Includes: Everything required to make your chair & a tasty treat!Fancy combining a spot of painting and a dash of upholstery? Then The Complete Chair Makeover Workshop is for you! A one day course, during which you will learn to completely overhaul a ‘drop in seat’ dining chair. We will introduce you to Chalk Paint®, Decorative Paint by Annie Sloan and its many wonders and teach you how to strip and completely reupholster a seat pad using accessible tools and your choice of Annie Sloan fabrics. Throughout the day you will work on your own chair provided by us and at the end of the workshop you will leave with your shiny new chair to take home and show off to your friends. This course is ideal for complete beginners to upholstery and/ or using Chalk Paint®, Decorative Paint by Annie Sloan.
-
Italian Chair Masterclass
Courses £175.00–£255.00View Product
Times: 9.30-4.30
Duration: 2 or 3 days, see below for details
Includes: Everything you need to paint and reupholster your Italian Chair, you just need to bring the chair and fabricIf you have one of these chairs knocking around and feel a little daunted about tackling it, or maybe you’ve had a go and haven’t got the results you’ve wanted, then this is the class for you! This course is designed to arm you with the skills to enable you to get that professional look that you want. No more saggy seats, baggy pleats and learn all about the regulations surrounding fire retardancy in this 2 or 3 day course.
3 Day Course*
Do you want to learn the complete process? From stripping it all back to the bare bones, which tools to use and how to use them (how to tackle all those pesky staples!), how to transform the frame using Chalk Paint®, Decorative Paint by Annie Sloan and the complete rebuild of the chair, including deep buttoning the back and applying decorative nails; we’ve got it all covered in this 3 day course. If, however, you already do a lot of painting and feel confident in that area then you can skip straight to our 2 day version!
2 Day Course*
So you’ve stripped the chair at home and given the frame a new lease of life with a lick of paint? In that case come on our 2 day version, which focuses solely on the upholstery side of things! We’ll teach you everything you need to help your chair stand out head and shoulders above the rest! How to get that lovely rounded seat shape, that deep buttoned back, those tricky cuts around the legs and the professional finishes.
This course can be taken on any 2 or 3 weekdays to suit you. You can select a week from the dropdown box then let us know the days you wish to attend or alternatively please contact us on or 0161 637 1710 to discuss, as we may have other dates available.
*Please note that this is the average completion time but we do not guarantee that you will finish your chair in this time as everyone works at different speeds. If you do not finish you can tag on extra days at a cost of £80/ day.
Totally addictive and brilliant course
I can’t recommend this course enough – it is absolutely fab. As a complete beginner I was a little nervous at jumping straight in with a big chair to revitalise, but Anthony was just brilliant and patient. I learned so much and had a fantastic time. The workspace is superb, everyone is so friendly and the tea and cakes keep you going!! Can’t wait to try another course now…
Fantastic course
What a brilliant course. I was a complete beginner and wanted to learn as I worked. I stripped the chair layer by layer and reconstruction became a mix of traditional and modern techniques and though I booked additional days to complete the chair it was well worth every penny. I’d chosen a modern tartan fabric so matching was tricky but the finished chair looks fantastic. Anthony, Paul and everyone in the group were so supportive and patient as they led me step by step to the end. Already purchased/planning my next project. Beware it’s addictive.
Great Course
Really enjoyed the course and brought my own project a winged back chair. This is only my second project and I managed to complete it but I will put that down to the fantastic tuition I received. Recommend Ministry of Upholstery to anyone wanting to learn upholstery.