Make an Upholstered Headboard

2-day hands-on workshop - fun, friendly, rewarding!



12 hours Class size 1 to 2 guests       £375 (PayPal Pay in 3 available)

Two-day Learn and Make Upholstery Course - 4 people max.
No experience required: fun, informal, friendly, and you get to take your very own upholstered headboard home.
We will make an upholstered standard double headboard. Upholstered in your choice of top fabric, you will be able to choose from one of 3 agreed design templates. We will work with modern sustainable materials.
The workshop takes place in my studio at Star Brewery, which is right in the heart of the historic market town of Lewes, East Sussex, just one hour from London and 15 mins from Brighton by train. Lots of shops, places to eat, drink, and places to stay, see below!
Each person will upholster and construct their own standard-width double headboard using a mix of modern and traditional upholstery techniques. Everyone will leave with a completed and beautiful piece.
  • We will work using a pre-cut wood template; each student will choose their template ahead of the workshop.
  • We will use natural latex, hair, and coconut fillers, which we will cut to form at the studio.
  • You will learn how to use traditional tools, including magnetic tack hammers, tack lifters, mallets, and regulators.
  • You will shape the filler and apply and fix edge rolls.
  • You will tension the upper upholstered section with calico and tack.
  • You will cover the upper in top fabric and secure it using electric staple guns.
  • If using buttons and piping, these will be applied.
  • You will attach the bed struts and stand back and smile.
Dependent on the interests of the group on the day, I will talk through different ways to upholster, fabric and material selections, and share details on suppliers, etc.
I try to tread lightly with the pieces I make and am delighted that all Rounded by workshops focus on the use of natural, sustainable, and recycled materials, employing techniques (and materials) which allow for repair, ensuring that everything we make is made for life, not landfill.
What you'll get
All tools and materials for use on the day are included. 4 people per session.
Tea, coffee, and biscuits are included throughout.
Everyone leaves with their own upholstered headboard with universal struts, ready to attach to a wall or bed base.
Knowledge required
This workshop is for everyone, total beginners and returnees alike!
What to bring
You will need to bring your own top fabric and trim. The fabric must be upholstery weight; no leather or suede, please. I will advise the meterage when you select your template.
I’ll be talking you through and demonstrating how to use the tools and how to work with the fabric, but I will have printouts and pencils at the studio should you also wish to take notes.
Please do bring a refillable water bottle.
Wear clothes that you are comfortable in, that you don’t mind getting dirty or catching a thread on. If you have an apron, bring one. Wear closed-toe shoes with a good sole as we will be working with metal tacks and hammers, and will be standing much of the day.
Wear layers; it's good to have options!
We will use a variety of tools, some of them sharp, some electric, etc. Instructions, best practice, and demonstrations will be given, but use of all tools, equipment, and materials is at the student's own risk.
What more do you need to do? Nothing more. Once booked, I will send you the headboard template choice and then advise on fabric meterage. Other than that, I look forward to meeting you and guiding you to make a fabulous headboard on the day!
Location

Studio 14 Star Brewery Lewes - Star Brewery, Lewes

Studio 14, Star Brewery, Lewes BN71YJ is a ground floor studio, in the heart of Lewes with paid parking close by and just five minutes walk from the Station. If travelling by car you will be able to park up temporarily outside of the studio to collect your headboard at the end of the workshop. How do I get there? Lewes is on the Southern Railway Network with regular trains to & from Brighton (15 mins) and London Victoria (1hr 10m) and also the 28/29 Bus Route. Is there parking? Paid parking is available throughout Lewes, and, as you would expect, is cheaper in the car parks than on street, the closest are The Maltings & the Needlemakers, but there are several within a short walking distance. Parking is free in all paid on street bays and car parks in Lewes on a Sunday & overnight, and on Saturdays parking is £1 at County Hall (10 mins walk from the Star Brewery)

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Your teacher

Rounded by
Rounded by


I am a designer maker living and working in East Sussex.
I produce modern upholstered footstools. Useful objects, made well.
My practice is informed by the idea that “If you can’t fix it, you don’t own it”.
Alongside regular upholstery jobs (recovers, repairs, reupholstery), I run Rounded by. making & selling upholstered birchwood modern footstools; using 100% natural & recycled materials, these pieces are made for life, not landfill.
With none of the corners that so frustrate upholstery newcomers, I thought the Footstools made the perfect 1 day workshop experience and now run these monthly at The Paddock Studios, Lewes and as a guest tutor further afield. Folk come, learn, laugh, make & leave with their very own footstool.
I trained as a Prop Maker at Central School of Speech & Drama, and on graduation worked in Theatres & Festivals including The Young Vic, Stephen Joseph Theatre & Edinburgh Fringe. I fell into marketing films, working at Universal and then Paramount Pictures for years, before realising how much I missed making, so began training in traditional upholstery at the Thomas Calton Centre, and then in more depth at The Good Life Centre, both in London.
Three things I know : Never underestimate the power of a biscuit. Measure twice, cut once. It's risky wearing flip flops in the workshop.

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