About this subject
Give that treasured piece of furniture a new life with upholstery. Learn to practise heritage crafts using traditional techniques and materials including cane, paper and Danish cord.
Learn the skills to upcycle and bring out the beauty of furniture. Or start working with wood to make new pieces.
Explore the world of carpentry in a fully equipped workshop.
In woodwork, learn how to use power and hand tools. We will teach you how to mark and cut-out joints so you can work on your own unique project.
In these courses you can work on your own project at your own pace while being guided by a skilled tutor.
Our courses run over a period of weeks for a term. We have three terms in the year from September to July plus short courses at the start of summer. We also offer more specific one-day workshops throughout the year.
Enrolments open every term in March, July and November. If courses have already started you may still be able to join so please contact us.
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Course levels
- Introduction courses will give you a taste of subject. You can then progress to a longer course.
- Beginners courses are for those with no previous experience. They would also suit anyone who would like to refresh there basic skills.
- Improvers courses are for those with some previous experience. They would suit anyone wishing to develop their skills further.
- Advanced courses are for those who have lots of previous experience. They would suit anyone who can work independently. But, still want the support and guidance of a tutor to improve.
- Mixed Ability courses are suitable for those with any level of previous experience.
Saturday and one day workshops
Workshops are short courses on a particular area. They are usually one day or less.
Saturday and one day workshops
Upholstery
Learn all the necessary skills and techniques to create your own unique piece to take home. You will start with stripping down to finishing trims. You will then work with form, textures and colours to create a desirable piece of furniture.
Transform your item with traditional and modern upholstery techniques. You may want to use hair, wadding, tacks and traditional stitched edges or foam, glue and staples.
Woodwork
Get started with woodworking skills in our equipped workshop based in Molesey. Learn to use hand and power tools to create individual pieces to use and treasure.
Carpentry
Learn the basics of accurate and effective carpentry. You will complete three set projects focusing on basic carpentry techniques, with a final project of a planter, garden obelisk or bar stool which will incorporate your newly acquired skills.
Discounts and support with fees
We have many discounts and fee support options. These include money off your first course if you are a library member, Surrey Heritage user, or over 66.
We include a small charge in the fees. It covers the cost of materials used by tutors for demonstrations. The fee does not include the cost of materials and equipment used by learners, unless stated otherwise. If you have any questions, please ask when enrolling. We advise you not to buy extra materials for a course until your enrolment is confirmed.