The Traditional Upholstery Workshop offering courses, workshops and a diploma in traditional & antique furniture upholstering.upholstery, chair, cushions, fabric, antiques, fabrics, decorating, home interior, home, videos, learn, video, do-it-yourself, how-to, how to, home business, work from home, be your own boss, boss, entrepreneur, start-up, tape VHS, hobbies, fabric, furniture

I just wanted to say thank you so very much for your endless patience and truly excellent teaching over the past few months. I have learned an incredible amount in a relatively short space of time through your brilliant hands-on yet very structured approach. The enormous amount of skill and knowledge that you have at your fingertips made the time I have spent at your workshop a really worthwhile and wonderful interlude which has been truly life-changing. You really have opened up a whole new world of possibilities to me – thank you and watch this space!
Julia Christodoulides, Hertfordshire

I can't imagine a more perfect way to learn a new skill than to spend time at The Old Piggery on one of Liz Mark's upholstery courses. The combination of skilled and patient tuition--pleasant, well equipped workshop set in glorious countryside-- a choice of excellent accommodation--it's very difficult to tear yourself away--but very easy to think of reasons to return!!
Maree Murphy, Isle of Man

Making the decision to complete the Traditional Upholstery Workshop Diploma Course in 2006 was easily the best decision I made last year.

Even at the end of the very first day, with every under-used muscle in my body crying out for attention, I was immensely proud of what I had achieved and that sense of achievement just grew and grew.

Apparently effortlessly, Liz will guide you towards a professional result beyond your perception of your own ability - and then push you a little further.

The end result after just one week is at least one piece of furniture upholstered to a professional standard by YOU - and a personal determination to come back for more.

By the way, I was actually rather sceptical of the glowing testimonials proclaimimg the merit of shared experience - but I was wrong.

Whether discussing the reality of setting up an upholstery business or watching someone else sweat over their deep-buttoning, sharing with people who have the same passion is really rewarding.

So my advice is unequivocal. Go for it.
Sarah Bonallo, Luxembourg

"After making the huge decision to completely change career into furniture 're-invention', I set about trying to find an upholstery course that would quickly, but very thoroughly, equip me with the relevant skills.
Liz Marks' Traditional Upholstery Workshop was amazing. During the six week diploma course, I managed to complete a number of very different pieces of furniture to a standard that I am still utterly amazed by!
The course is second to none, the teaching - led by Master Upholsterer, Liz Marks, is patient, incredibly kind but firm and of an outstanding quality, as is Liz's second in command, Pam.
After completing the six week diploma course, I found I was able to tackle any project that has come my way.
But the experience was much, much more than that. The days were exhausting, as much to do with the intense concentration as the physical exertion. It was the experience of being away from the hustle and bustle of normal life and meeting people from all backgrounds, the converted 'piggery' where the course is held on top of a hill looking over a beautiful valley (on a clear day you can see the sea) and the incredible hospitality at the local pub where I stayed, made for a just brilliant experience that I will never forget.
I would recommend this course to anyone, whether for a complete career change or just to learn a new skill. This is the best.
The Traditional Upholstery Workshop has changed my life."

Kate Pritchard, (www.treaclefurniture.co.uk)
Essex

Students' comments

These are just a small sample of the letters which our students have sent us after completing our courses!

I just wanted to say thank you so very much for your endless patience and truly excellent teaching over the past few months. I have learned an incredible amount in a relatively short space of time through your brilliant hands-on yet very structured approach. The enormous amount of skill and knowledge that you have at your fingertips made the time I have spent at your workshop a really worthwhile and wonderful interlude which has been truly life-changing. You really have opened up a whole new world of possibilities to me – thank you and watch this space! Julia Christodoulides, Hertfordshire I can't imagine a more perfect way to learn a new skill than to spend time at The Old Piggery on one of Liz Mark's upholstery courses. The combination of skilled and patient tuition--pleasant, well equipped workshop set in glorious countryside-- a choice of excellent accommodation--it's very difficult to tear yourself away--but very easy to think of reasons to return!! Maree Murphy, Isle of Man Making the decision to complete the Traditional Upholstery Workshop Diploma Course in 2006 was easily the best decision I made last year. Even at the end of the very first day, with every under-used muscle in my body crying out for attention, I was immensely proud of what I had achieved and that sense of achievement just grew and grew. Apparently effortlessly, Liz will guide you towards a professional result beyond your perception of your own ability - and then push you a little further. The end result after just one week is at least one piece of furniture upholstered to a professional standard by YOU - and a personal determination to come back for more. By the way, I was actually rather sceptical of the glowing testimonials proclaimimg the merit of shared experience - but I was wrong. Whether discussing the reality of setting up an upholstery business or watching someone else sweat over their deep-buttoning, sharing with people who have the same passion is really rewarding. So my advice is unequivocal. Go for it. Sarah Bonallo, Luxembourg "After making the huge decision to completely change career into furniture 're-invention', I set about trying to find an upholstery course that would quickly, but very thoroughly, equip me with the relevant skills. Liz Marks' Traditional Upholstery Workshop was amazing. During the six week diploma course, I managed to complete a number of very different pieces of furniture to a standard that I am still utterly amazed by! The course is second to none, the teaching - led by Master Upholsterer, Liz Marks, is patient, incredibly kind but firm and of an outstanding quality, as is Liz's second in command, Pam. After completing the six week diploma course, I found I was able to tackle any project that has come my way. But the experience was much, much more than that. The days were exhausting, as much to do with the intense concentration as the physical exertion. It was the experience of being away from the hustle and bustle of normal life and meeting people from all backgrounds, the converted 'piggery' where the course is held on top of a hill looking over a beautiful valley (on a clear day you can see the sea) and the incredible hospitality at the local pub where I stayed, made for a just brilliant experience that I will never forget. I would recommend this course to anyone, whether for a complete career change or just to learn a new skill. This is the best. The Traditional Upholstery Workshop has changed my life." Kate Pritchard, (www.treaclefurniture.co.uk) Essex "My time up at The Traditional Upholstery Workshop with you as teachers will remain as one of my most treasured times. I could not have had nicer people guiding me through the many hours of intensive labour." "I have to say I'm both exhausted and excited, all thanks to you. The former because I have just completed 6 weeks of the most intensive but enjoyable course I have ever been on, and the latter because I am excited about the future ahead, wotking within a business and craft that I have learnt from you. A very big thank you!" "I just wanted to say a huge 'Thank You' for giving me a taste of your wonderful world of possibilites! I had no idea that there was so much involved in a basic drop in seat! My dusty old oak dining chair was transformed in just one day, into a beautiful gleaming majestic frame for the lovely cushion (which took a little longer!). I was so impressed with the skill and knowledge that all the tutors and students possesed (as I was a complete novice compared to you all). It was fascinating to watch the daily transformations of all sorts of different chairs from their humble beginnings, been stripped and lovingly moulded, with your exacting standards, using only the best natural fibres, into independent works of art! I felt on a high of discovery, although I was physically exhausted using muscles that I did not know even existed! I am firmly hooked and am looking forward to scouring the country fairs for my bargain finds that I can rebuild into something of my own , with your expert help!. I hope my next visit is not too far in the future, although you are so full it's like trying to book a table at the Ritz!"