What we’re about
The Goodlife Centre provides interesting practical ‘hands on’ workshops where everyone can gain new skills and enjoy expanding their confidence and abilities. All classes are open to men and women and are intended to teach skills to beginners and are not intended as trade training courses. We do not test or evaluate – so you can relax while you learn.
Our workshop leaders are all experts in their field and enjoy passing on their knowledge in an informal and safe environment. In any course, you will learn by practice and enjoy the support of fellow classmates. The classes are small, which makes plenty of time for one on one learning.
Some of the evening workshops incorporate on going learning. You can return to increase your level of understanding.
If you are frustrated by your own inability to tackle a task, or resentful of having to pay someone to take care of simple home maintenance – welcome. We know how annoying it is to have to wait till some handy side kick can get round to the tasks you wish would just get done.
For many who spend their days typing at a keyboard or in a job with abstract goals, the level of satisfaction from learning a practical skill is a wonderful stress buster after an unfulfilled day.
If you are a DIY phobic, a bit wary or a Gung Ho ‘Let me at it’ type, our small practical classes aim to fast track you through the basics, guided by professionals who will share their expertise to instill you with the confidence to go it alone.
If you hanker for more knowledge about maintaining your property or would just love to learn more skills – Come on down.
Please contact us via our website to ask any questions.
* Listings for our events on Meet Up is for information only. *
* Booking is ONLY possible via https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk*
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- CARPENTRY FOR BEGINNERS – 6 DAYS – WOOD TABLEThe Goodlife Centre, London£650.00
Bookable via our website ➡️ https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/carpentry-for-beginners-6-days-wood-table-3/
⋆⋆⋆Using a mixture of traditional hand tools and modern drills and saws, experienced Woodworker, Len Conway will guide and inspire you as he teaches age old techniques in joinery. As you begin making objects traditionally constructed from seasoned pine, you will learn how to use and care for chisels, saws, planes and spoke-shaves. Len is an experienced woodworker and teacher.
Students will work on a variety of exercises – designed to incorporate simple to advanced joints and tools that build confidence and independence.
Over 6 weeks, we will cover many aspects of traditional carpentry tuition. There will be lots of practical exercises in each session including a project to make a simple frame table that you will take home.
Students will work on a variety of exercises – designed to incorporate simple to advanced joints and tools that build confidence and independence.Over 6 weeks, we will cover many aspects of traditional carpentry tuition. There will be lots of practical exercises in each session including a project to make a simple frame table that you will take home.
- CARPENTRY FOR BEGINNERS – 10 EVENINGS – WOOD TABLEThe Goodlife Centre, London£540.00
Bookable via our website ➡️ https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/carpentry-for-beginners-12-evenings-wood-table-36/
⋆⋆⋆In this throw away age, when all the furniture we own is assembled and not built, we are pleased to offer an opportunity to spend some precious time learning how to use ageless tools to make something everlasting from wood – a beautiful softwood coffee table.
These 12 afternoons/evenings are a perfect starting point for many aspects of woodwork that will give you confidence to choose and replicate basic wood joints into other projects.
Using a mixture of traditional hand tools and modern drills and saws, our experienced tutor will guide and inspire you as they teach age old techniques in carpentry. As you begin making wood joints traditionally constructed from seasoned pine, you will learn how to use and care for chisels, saws, planes and spoke-shaves.
You will work on a variety of exercises – designed to incorporate simple to advanced joints and tools that build confidence and independence.
There will be lots of practical exercises in each of the first six sessions. You will then begin to make a simple frame with birch plywood top that you will take home.
Step I – We will get familiar with some tools of the trade:
- Introducing basic tools. Equipping a toolbox for home carpentry.
- Timber selection/marking out and cutting. Tips on woods, saws and drills.
- Using a plane, different types of planes. Sharpening tips and practice.
- Using a chisel and its uses. Sharpening tips and practice.
Step II – You will use planes, chisels and marking tools:
- Simple joints and why we use them.
- Half joints, lap joints. Practice using chisels and planes.
- Bridle joints and a mortise and tenon
Step III – You will make a simple project to take home:
- Work from selected pine and measure, mark and cut pieces.
- Choose and make joints, assemble and secure with adhesive or screws.
It’s fast paced but with the support of the tutor, you will complete your own project to make a simple frame and legs for a small table with a smart birch plywood top.
Absolute beginners. No prior experience in woodworking or woodcarving is required for this course. The use of all tools and materials is included.
- UPHOLSTERY – BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR – DAYTIMEThe Goodlife Centre, London£695.00
Bookable via our website ➡️ https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/upholstery-bring-your-own-chair-daytime-20/
⋆⋆⋆This is a fantastic chance to up-cycle and personalise a family piece you have at home or a junk shop find and a great way to immerse yourself into the wonderful world of upholstery.
If you are a newcomer to upholstery, there are a couple of pointers to help you choose a chair to work on. Choose something that has one or two flat planes – a seat and a back – as curves and arms are more complex and take longer to achieve.
If you are a complete beginner, you could bring something more simple such as an upholstered footstool. More experienced upholsters can bring more complex pieces. Your chair can be traditionally built or modern, but be aware that some modern pieces have been constructed using machinery and are difficult to recreate by hand.
Click here for a detailed PDF of suitable chairs.
Please email info@thegoodlifecentre.co.uk with a photo of your chair prior to the course so we can answer any suitability questions and advise if your chair is suitable.
We have very limited storage at the centre, so we can only store smaller pieces during the course. Please make sure the total dimensions are less than 1000mm high by 750mm wide, with a depth of 750mm.
Please note: We cannot offer additional time to work on your project outside of workshop times.
Suitable for absolute beginners. No prior experience is required for this course.
