Furniture Upcycling Workshop 2 - Restore & Restyle Wood

Revive your tired old furniture & learn to bring out the beauty of the wood.


Done up North
Done up North
Instagram followers 13k followers
5.0 (1)

7.5 hours Class size 1 to 10 guests    

  £137 - £147 (£147 per guest when you book for 1 guest, £137/guest for 2+ guests) (PayPal Pay in 3 available)

On Furniture Upcycling Workshop 2, you'll learn more advanced techniques for repairing, restoring, enhancing, and protecting the natural wood to upcycle old furniture.
If you would like to upcycle a project with a combination of restored wood and painted areas, you can do this on a Weekend Workshop or book any Workshop 1 followed by any Workshop 2.
You'll get to find out the key techniques to update old or tired furniture with a stylish new look and how to make sure it doesn't chip or scratch and stays looking good long term with professional refinishing know-how.
No experience is necessary, and you'll take home your lovely re-finished piece and the knowledge and confidence to tackle even more upcycling projects.
If you've already got some experience and are looking to improve or to try out new techniques, you'll also be able to benefit from this class, particularly as I share so much industry-insider info and tips that you can put to use on your projects!
Furniture upcycling doesn't require a lot of investment to get started and is a great thing to be able to do to extend the life of older items, add a personal touch to your home, and bring some more creativity to your life.
But it really is worth learning the best techniques, tools, and products to use as it will:
  • Save you wasting money on products and tools
  • Make the process more straightforward and more enjoyable (very important!)
  • Save you time rooting for answers on Google or Facebook when you get stuck!
  • Make your project results better looking and you happier with them
  • Mean your creative efforts will stay looking good long-term
This 1-day workshop will cover:
  • Understanding how to assess your furniture and the different preparation needed
  • Planning your colours & designs, including creating custom mixes using colour theory
  • Carrying out any repairs needed including to damaged veneer
  • Exploring different methods to strip finishes and prepare for new ones
  • Working with stains and other methods to enhance / change wood tones, including colour theory for selecting
  • Understanding the different types of finishing products and what to use when
  • The best way to apply a really durable, smooth protective finish
  • How to make and use Shellac to revive old and damaged wood
  • Using elements of design to disguise areas, accentuate or modernise your furniture including touching up the grain using acrylics, gilding, painted tape design or stencilling
  • Installing new hardware such as knobs / pulls (optional)
To also learn about upcycling using Modern-style painting techniques and design have a look at Workshop 1 or check out the Weekend Workshop which comprises both workshops.
What you'll get
  • All paint, materials, tools, and protective wear (aprons, masks, gloves etc.) will be provided.
  • There is the opportunity to pre-select a specific paint colour for your project, otherwise, you can choose (with help if needed) on the day.
  • You'll also get access to a specially created private online resource area where you can view and download an accompanying class guide and other useful information to help you when you move onto your next project.
  • Refreshments and snacks will be available throughout the day.
Knowledge required
No experience is necessary for this workshop and it can be taken as a standalone class.
However, if you wish to learn prep work and painting techniques for furniture as well, I recommend doing Workshop 1 first or coming on the Weekend Workshop which covers both workshops as one.
What to bring
You simply need to bring a small unpainted wooden piece of furniture to work on such as a side table, chair or simple, small bedside cabinet.
Ideally, it will be in need of some repair if you wish to explore restoration techniques but there will be a range of projects at the workshop to learn from.
You can also choose to bring the doors/drawers of a chest of drawers, or sideboard etc. if you want to learn how to tackle a larger piece you already have.
I'll ask you to send a photo before attending and outline any ideas you might already have, and together we can make sure it's going to let you get the most out of the day and, more importantly, take home your piece fully finished!
Suitable for

This class is great for individuals and couples as well as for a date idea, team building activity, birthday or hen do.

This experience would also be a unique gift for her, gift for mum or gift for couples.

Location

The Workshop, Parkfield Farm - Park Lane, Meols, Wirral CH47 8XT

Furniture Upcycling Workshop 2 - Restore & Restyle Wood location
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Your teacher

Done up North
Done up North

Instagram followers 13k followers
5.0 (1)
female Women-owned

Hello, I'm Nicky Cash and through Done up North I share my love of Upcycling and ways to bring more creativity your life.
I'm an award-winning Furniture Upcycler and Designer - and Northerner! - who has featured in interiors magazines like Reclaim and Real Homes, demonstrated at events such as Grand Designs Live, Living North Live, Leeds International Festival of Ideas and exhibited at leading design shows like Clerkenwell Design Week and Decorex. 
I am one of the designers who have featured on BBC1's Money for Nothing which showcases amazing upcycling projects creating from items rescued from refuse centres.  
I have been upcycling professionally for over 9 years having left behind the 9-5 life in the City in search of a more creative life back home 'Up North'! 
I've been teaching other aspiring furniture upcyclers online and in person for over 5 of those years and I absolutely love getting to be part of your creative adventures and sharing in your enjoyment of what you can achieve - especially those of you who say you are not creative. 
(Spoiler alert - you are too!)
My main goal is to inspire everyone to have a go at repairing, restyling and repurposing and enjoy the many benefits it brings to your home, your life and your well-being - as well as of course being a much more planet and purse friendly option that can help you live a less consumerist, less stressful, more meaningful life. 
I'm happy to personalise private workshops, talks and demos if you are looking for something specific for a group or your organisation, please get in touch for a chat.
Here is what people on past workshops have said:
"Just completed the upcycling workshop with Nicky at Done up North. It was a very relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Lots of useful tips and help along the way. Nicky makes the day very enjoyable and meeting other like minded 'upcyclers' from those of us who are novices to those already giving it a go. I would highly recommend her workshops. I especially enjoyed giving the geometric designs a go (with Nicky's help) and I am pleased with my finished result."
"Nicky was brilliant!!!! A mine of information on all aspects, learning different techniques, with masking tape blows your mind with the outcome. It was a real fun experience and the time just whizzed by. It was great to see other people’s vision for their pieces and the results. Book on to a workshop you will not be disappointed. A great big thumbs up from me "
"Before I started working with Nicky, I was struggling to know where to start with masking tape design and what order you did the different steps. But I’m so glad I joined her workshop as I learnt all the skills I needed. Nicky really helped me get clear on the process, the tools required, how to avoid mistakes and importantly, when mistakes do happen, how to correct them!"
"I was not feeling confident about my skills and I was worried about making basic mistakes. Now, I feel so much more prepared to take on work and challenges in my journey with upcycling! Nicky provided awesome resources and guidance that I can keep with me forever."
"Nicky's tutorials are so informative. Her work is inspirational. Highly recommended."
"I really loved doing the furniture painting course with Nicky. She’s so patient and kind, very knowledgeable and incredibly generous with her time. I was so pleased with the end result. The course is great value for money in amazing surroundings and I feel empowered to get on with some projects solo now. Highly recommended."

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2026-07-03 15:00:00
class 1E57MXLBSX b30fa37a8c654059964d2a78c24cea95 production liverpool Liverpool North West GB liverpool