This 2 day course gives you an in-depth experience of Done up North style furniture upcycling with Nicky at the Studio in Leeds.
You'll go right through the process of transforming a tired, old piece of vintage furniture from start to finish and even through to a photo shoot at the end.
You'll walk away with an unique creation plus a wealth of knowledge and confidence to go on to create many more yourself.
Past attendees on this course have listed their pieces for sale as soon as they have returned home so you can be sure of just how thorough this learning experience is!
Over the 2 days, I'll share so much of what I've learned for myself over the past 6 years upcycling and developing my style - and answer absolutely anything you want to know, whether its about restoring vintage or running an furniture upcycling business yourself.
And while it's certainly information-PACKED, I am really delighted that everyone feeds back about the learning being so enjoyable as it's really important to me that we have fun creating too!
I've set about creating an inspiring work space for you so it's not only a lovely environment to learn in that gets you excited about the whole world of Upcycling furniture, it really helps those design ideas flow!
That's something we will spend time chatting about on the workshop, with paint charts out, planning out the makeover of your pieces so you get a real taste for pulling together a design.
You can bring along any new fittings you want to add too as you can learn about installing them.
It really is quite a unique course bringing together the design aspect and modern wood refinishing techniques (including stripping process), upcycling and adapting with new fittings, as well as the usual prep & repair techniques and paint finishes, you would expect.
And of course you'll have me by your side giving you get very individual support as you learn as class sizes are capped at 4 at the very maximum.
The course covers the following
- Sourcing and understanding vintage furniture
- In-depth prep including stripping and priming
- Repairing your furniture including filling
- How to paint with a smooth modern, professional finish
- Planning your new design
- Geometric design application techniques (or other design techniques if preferred)
- Understanding different products available
- Understanding and applying protective finishes
- Refinishing, fitting and replacing hardware
- Styling and photographing your furniture
- Useful advice and tips on Furniture Refinishing as a business
Here is what some of the past attendees of the Course have had to say:
"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."
Workshop run time:
10am-5.30pm Saturday and Sunday
(Can be arranged on other consecutive days if enough interest)
The Workshop usually runs once a month except for holiday seasons when it is scheduled by demand.
See the Date options for any scheduled dates or select 'On Request' and I'll be in touch to arrange a date to with you!
Workshop venue:
Done up North
Unit 12c Springfield Mills
Bagley Lane
Farsley
West Yorkshire
LS28 5LY
View map
Closest recommended accommodation is The Calverley Arms - 4 mins drive
(Please email me for more options)
Closest airport is Leeds Bradford - 12 mins drive
The closest train station is New Pudsey (or a 20 min taxi from Leeds Station)
What's included:
All paint supplies and tools required for the class
Colour charts and Handouts
Protective equipment such as aprons, gloves and dust masks
Refreshments & snacks
Discounted access to further learning / support
On the day discounts for Paint & etc.
Attending the workshop:
You simply need to bring an un-painted medium size piece of furniture to work on and any replacement or additional fittings you wish to add to your piece, plus any design inspiration you have got already (don't worry if you don't!).
As an example, a small chest of drawers would be a good size to fully experience all the different stages in a weekend. The smaller, the more time you have to explore the design & finishing techniques.
It's anticipated that you have had some experience of painting even simply items at home for for yourself and are looking to improve your technique using professional methods and take your knowledge of upcycling and design further.
If you are a complete beginner or would like to start a little more slowly and build up, have a look at my One Day Class or my Live Online Introduction class
There is plenty of parking and the Studio is fully accessible.
If you have any questions about the class please email studio@doneupnorth.com
Please see the Terms & Conditions
*Classes are kept small for the best experience but may not run if the minimum number has not been met for that date, but we'll re-book you on the next date you can make.
