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- DIY IN A DAY – PLUMBINGThe Goodlife Centre, London£210.00
Bookable via our website ➡️ https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/diy-in-a-day-plumbing-148
⋆⋆⋆Learn how to tackle some basic plumbing tasks around the home in this practical, hands-on workshop.
During this one-day weekend workshop, our experienced tutor will walk you through some ‘dry’ exercises to top up your skills in the ‘wet arts’ of your home.
Plumbing = Water in and water out. There will be plenty of time to learn how to isolate the water supply, fix a leaky tap, rescue something from a U bend and unclog a blocked sink. All the basic essentials that you need to be able to do yourself without the expense of calling someone in.
Learn the principles of replacing a tap, if the replacement washer didn’t do the trick, or if you are just a fashionista that wants the latest design. Get the know-how of how to fit a washing machine and a dishwasher to the ‘loo’, where you will learn how to replace any non-working part in your cistern.
Warm up your knowledge of your heating system – how it works and how and when to bleed a radiator or adjust the pressure on your boiler.
You will also practice how to remove and replace silicone sealant around the bath and shower. So you can go home and give your bathroom a mini-makeover, without spending a fortune.
All of our courses take place in a safe environment. There is no use of blow torch or welding equipment and no running water systems. Every exercise is done on dry disconnected examples but with enough detail to add confidence to any learner.
This course is created to add to any homeowner’s proficiency and sense of self-sufficiency. It will also benefit housing landlords who want to take on minor repairs in their properties.
Leave with the confidence to tackle some basic plumbing jobs around the house and gain some independence.
All personal protection, tools and materials are included. Beginners welcome.
- INTRO TO WOODWORK – WOOD STOOL WEEKENDThe Goodlife Centre, London£380.00
Bookable via our website ➡️ https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-wood-stool-weekend-8
⋆⋆⋆Suitable for absolute beginners. Enjoyable for everyone.
One weekend workshop. 10am – 5pm.
By popular demand – a content-packed two-day basic carpentry woodwork course spread over one weekend. Beginners will be given plenty of help and more experienced students may work at their own pace. Make your own pine wood stool and take it home with you to be admired by friends and family.
This is a great starter workshop that introduces the skills of how to measure accurately, cut precisely, and join planks together using dowels. In addition to this, the legs- made from class broomsticks – are connected to the base using a ‘wedged through tenon’ which is a classic woodworking joint and produces a very strong and pleasing result. The tools used include handsaws, chisels, planes, and spokeshaves and you can even get a chance to try an old-fashioned ‘bit and brace’ drill if you choose. If you are contemplating our longer ‘Carpentry for Beginners’ course, this can be a great way to gain confidence.
Beginners will be given plenty of help and more experienced students may work at their own pace. If your knowledge of woodwork is a feint but a fond memory of CDT or carpentry at school, you are in the right place.
Our experienced tutor will guide a small group through the design and making of an elegant pine stool using traditional hand tools.
The workshop focuses on jointing wood with dowels, using and caring for a plane and chisel, using spokeshaves, and drilling with an auger.Intrigued? Come and find out more.
All personal protection and the use of tools and materials are included.
This workshop takes place over one weekend: 10am – 5pm. - INTRODUCTION TO BOOKBINDING – TRAVEL JOURNALThe Goodlife Centre, London£140.00
Bookable via our website ➡️ https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/introduction-to-bookbinding-travel-journal-2
⋆⋆⋆‘Gotta go- I’m working on a book.’
‘I didn’t know you are a writer.’
I’m not. I’m a book binder’…..If you would like to create a unique gift for someone or own something special that you have made yourself, then bookbinding is a pleasurable pastime and easy to replicate at home. We have an evening taster course or a weekend day workshop. All of our bookbinding workshops are led by Joe Dixon. Joe is a professional binder and restorer with a busy workshop in London. His teaching style promotes confidence and all of the courses are suitable for absolute beginners.
One-Day Travel Journal Workshop
In this one-day course, students will learn how to bind their own travel journal complete with pencil holder. Students will fold, sew, trim and case in an A5 notebook which is a perfect journal for your travels.
All tools and materials are included. Joe will be able to show you everything you will need to get going on this fascinating pastime. Bespoke books make awesome presents and writing in a book you have ‘made’ is a very special experience.
We supply a varied selection of papers and cloth to create your own design. This workshop is also suitable for beginners and takes place over one day 10am – 5pm.About Joe
Joe Dixon is a London-based bookbinding tutor, book restorer and producer of bespoke hand-bound products.
With over 10 years experience teaching bookbinding and associated arts, he offers a full range of courses and workshops aimed at both beginners and advanced students. Joe also restores leather and cloth bindings as well as offering a bespoke bookbinding service. - MAKE A FRENCH MATTRESS CUSHIONThe Goodlife Centre, London£210.00
Bookable via our website ➡️ https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/make-a-french-mattress-cushion-9/
⋆⋆⋆How to make a French ‘Mattress’ cushion
Have you admired the latest hand sewn cushions that are featured in a lot of Interior decor magazines?
In this 1-day weekend course, you will create a 40 x 40 x 7cm sample French cushion using the ticking 100% cotton fabric and other materials from sustainable resources. You will be introduced to the necessary materials and techniques needed to make this type of cushion, including choosing the right fabric, measuring and cutting, sewing techniques, and stuffing methods.
The workshop will teach you all the steps, including how to identify the different types of materials that can be used to make one. You will learn how to select the right fabric, including considerations such as texture, weight, and durability.
Next, you will be introduced to the techniques involved in measuring and cutting the fabric, including how to create a pattern, and how to ensure that the cushion will be the right size and shape. You will also learn how to sew the pieces together, using traditional upholstery techniques, to create the characteristic pinched edge and tufted style.
This project crosses the techniques of home furnishings and upholstery.
By the end of the day, you will have gained an understanding of the materials and techniques involved in making a beautiful and comfortable French cushion. You will have the skills and knowledge needed to create a unique and personalized cushion that will add elegance and charm to any room.
