30 YEARS,
30 MAKERS,
ONE GRAND MAKE
(and MAYBE a world record attempt!)
Join me, as I celebrate my 30th year in upholstery… for what could (and should) be a world record grand footstool make.
On 16th May 2026, I’ll be bringing together 30 people to make a Queen Anne Footstool...at the same time, in real time,
from wherever they are in the world.
When I finished school in my small Derbyshire town, a mere 30 years ago, and headed into an upholstery apprenticeship, I had no idea just how life-defining that choice would be.
It was tough, but I kept my head down, I listened, I learned, I removed staples from places staples shouldn't be. I walked in a boy and walked out a man, and can confidently say that it made me who I am today. I owe my career to that apprenticeship and I am forever grateful for the tough love of my peers and mentors.
Skip forward 15 years, and in the blink of an eye, I was the mentor passing on my skills and training the next generation of upholsterers. It was then that I realised my life’s purpose and why I continue to teach to this day.
Back in present day Derbyshire, I’ve come full circle and it feels only right to mark that moment!Why am I doing this?
The grand make
During lockdown, I undertook the inaugural Grand Make - an online upholstery make-along (or make-athon, even)…and honestly, it was absolutely epic.
To this day, the most footstools I’ve ever taught in one go was 22. A good number, sure, but I think we can beat that.
You in your space (shed, garage, spare room, kitchen table).
Me in mine.
30 of us, all building the same piece together, step by step.The tunes will be on, the chat will be flowing and by the end of it you’ll have made a proper piece of furniture and probably 30 new friends (myself included) to boot.paying it forward
This isn’t just about me, breaking records, or just having a big upholstery knees-up.
It’s about passing something on.
I want a young person to experience the same spark I did and find the the joy, the confidence, the superpower that upholstery can provide.
With that in mind, part of the proceeds from this Grand Make will be assigned to gifting a school leaver a place on my Foundations of Upholstery online course, along with direct mentorship from me.
how it works
Join me live on Zoom on Saturday 16th May for a full day (09.30-17.00) of making, where I’ll guide you step-by-step through building your Queen Anne footstool with music, chat, giveaways and support all the way.
what you’re GUARANTEED
Everything you need to make a Queen Anne Footstool measuring approx. 50cm x 35cm (except fabric), delivered to your homeA proper making-day playlist of epic tunesThe best chatCreating something you're proud ofPrizes throughout the dayPlus one big (super secret) prize
who’s it for?
Honestly?
Anyone - past students, new faces, experienced, beginner – all are welcome here!
but won’t I need fancy tools?
No!
We don’t want not having fancy upholstery tools to be deal-breaker, so if you can beg, borrow (but please don’t steal) the following, you’re all set:
A staple gun - pneumatic/ electric/ decent manual - all will work for this
Staples
Scissors
Something to remove staples - staple remover, tack lifter, flat headed screwdriver and a pair of pincers or pliers
A regulator or a flat headed screwdriver
A small hammer
what about fabric?
That’s where it gets fun…
I’m creating a bespoke fabric design to mark the occasion — available to purchase (design coming soon).
You can choose my design, order through us from a selection of fabric houses (with a discount), or go off and source your own.
All you’ll need is 1 metre — just avoid anything too thin or stretchy.
Are you in? Course you are!
Come and be part of it and say you were there. Secure your place now with £49 deposit, balance to be paid beginning of May.
times: 9.30-17.00 (end time approx.)
date: 16th May
cost: £149 (pay £49 now, we will contact you at the beginning of may for the balance)
What you’ll get:
Full kit including frame, legs, foam and sundries sent to your home (UK mainland included — for international delivery, just get in touch)
A full day of creativity, making, and proper good fun
The chance to win prizes throughout the day — including one big one
The knowledge that you’ve helped fund a young person’s first step into upholstery
be in the room where it happened
For something a little extra, there are just 3 exclusive spaces to join me in the studio and make along in person.
What you’ll get:
One of 3 spaces at our studio (New Mills, Derbshire, SK22 3HS) to make along in-person with me
Full kit including frame, legs, foam and sundries
A full day of creativity, making, and proper good fun
The chance to win prizes throughout the day — including one big one
The knowledge that you’ve helped fund a young person’s first step into upholstery