The Goodlife Centre - Practical Workshops in Central London

Bookable via our website ➡️ https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/upholstery-bring-your-own-chair-wednesday-eve-9/
⋆⋆⋆

KEY PROJECT: RE-UPHOLSTERING YOUR OWN CHAIR.
Suitable for beginners and fun for advanced learners.
This workshop is led by Krasmira Nikolova, an experienced upholsterer.

We provide the use of all upholstery tools and equipment including compressed air staple guns. Basic upholstery materials that you require for your project will be moderately charged on a pay-as-you-use basis and will be dependent on each chair’s requirements. We can advise you on the purchase of your top fabric and we have a lovely library of fabric samples to help make up your mind. The Goodlife Centre sells all the basic tools and materials for use on projects worked on at home.

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.

The course is suitable for both beginners and those who have a basic knowledge but little experience who wish to extend their expertise.

Choosing a suitable chair
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.

The chair on the right was completed in about 12 weeks.

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.

Available on Wednesday evenings from 6:30pm to 9pm. The cost is £330 for a 5-week consecutive pass, or £640 for a 11-week consecutive pass plus materials used. The use of tools and machinery is included.

The use of tools and machinery is included.
All materials will be charged at nominal rates. Some materials will not be kept in stock but can be ordered. Approved projects can be stored at the centre. We cannot offer additional time to work on your project outside of workshop times.

Bookable via our website ➡️ https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-basic-wood-joints-61/
⋆⋆⋆

A beginner's course that goes straight to the heart of woodworking.

This five-week evening course will focus on timeless variations of wood joints that can be used for an endless amount of woodwork projects. Develop your skills with a saw, chisel and plane so that you can measure and mark out your work, cut, fit and glue joints accurately, ensuring your woodwork is strong, durable and darn good-looking.

Learn these classic wood joints while you hone your making ability, and set free your ideas for furniture, box-making and all things fabulous. During the course, you will learn the uses and advantages of each joint as you construct a framework of sample joints. This project is a classic learning method.

The half-lap joint can be used to make frames for pictures, perimeter door frames for panel or glass doors, dust dividers in cabinets and in many other situations. Because the half-lap does not add any thickness to the pieces of wood being joined, there are virtually no limitations for using it.

The mitred half lap is an elegant yet strong corner joint, with its diagonal cut constructed with an internal half lap,

The tee halving is a versatile joint which is often used in internal cabinet frames and simple framing and bracing.

The half dovetail is a very strong type of joint because of the way the ‘tails’ and ‘pins’ are shaped. This shape makes it difficult to pull the joint apart and virtually impossible when glue is added. This type of joint is used in box constructions such as draws, jewellery boxes, cabinets and other pieces of furniture where strength is required.

All use of tools and materials included.

Perfect for beginners.

Bookable via our website ➡️ https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodcarving-daytime/
⋆⋆⋆

Woodcarving 4 days
If you have ever marvelled at the fine detail or flowing lines of a wood carving, you may have wondered what it would be like to carve

In this four-day workshop, expert wood carver Jon Hall brings his experience, City and Guilds training and expertise to this day’s enjoyable teaching. Even if you have never held a chisel before or can’t draw a design, Jon’s method of carving will build confidence and correct technique in an energetic and inspiring manner.

If you have admired the woodcarving skills of long-gone craftsmen in stately homes or seen anyone use a chisel to craft sinuous shapes in wood, this inspiring workshop will begin to connect you with the satisfaction of creating an object in wood.

You will create 4 projects: a spoon, a Celtic knot, a wooden bird and leaf in relief.

Week 1 – Spoon
Each spoon will be carved using seasoned wood and we will use Lime – a light, silky smooth and close grained wood- used by great master carvers in St Pauls Cathedral and stately homes.

You will learn how to create a spoon from Lime wood- a traditional seasoned hardwood that holds detail and is a pleasure to carve with a cut out decoration detail in the handle. This can be a straight handle or a heart, but if you have an idea for a simple design, we can try and make this possible too.

Your spoon will be a gift to keep for yourself or give to your loved one.

Love Spoons.
In folk museums and heritage craft collections throughout Europe and the UK, you can sometimes see versions of these charming ‘Lovespoons’- some with one or two hearts carved out of their handles.

The traditional lovespoon was made by a man who gave it to his beloved in order to show his skills and commitment. Her father would also have been able to see the man’s craftsmanship.

Some of them are full of complex symbolism. A lock denoting security, a cross for faith, horseshoes for luck, bells for marriage and some including interlinked chains.

As a ‘pastime’, many hours were spent on them and sailors passed their free time embellishing them with mermaids and anchors.

Week 2 Celtic Knot
you will learn to carve in limewood – the same wood that Grinling Gibbons used to carve the ornate decorations in stately homes and churches.

Jon Hall will guide you through the process of shallow relief carving to produce a handsome Celtic endless knot with boldness and depth.If you have your own idea for a motif, bring it along and we will help you adapt it for your project.

Week 3 Bird
This one-day workshop is designed for those interested in learning the art of carving a small three-dimensional object. You will learn about the tools required for carving, the types of wood and techniques for carving and finishing a simple wooden bird.
By following a step-by-step process of carving a 3D object, from the selection of a suitable wood to the final stages of sanding and finishing. Participants will gain knowledge of carving techniques of carving in the round.

Week 4 Leaf
You will carve a Leaf and learn the sculptural techniques of woodcarving, By following the contours of a fresh leaf, you will learn the fundamentals of this skill.

As sharp tools are the key to success, you will also practice how to keep your tools in top condition to achieve the results you desire.

We supply all the tools and materials and can advise you on which simple tools to buy to carry on this fascinating hobby.

Beginners welcome.

Thursdays 10- 5pm

Bookable via our website ➡️ https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/basic-tiling-morning-56/
⋆⋆⋆

Not quite sure where to start with a tiling project? A bit daunted by the thought of tiles falling off the wall if you do get them on? What about those half tiles at the corners… and cutting a curved shape?

If the idea of tackling a tiling project yourself is terrifying, yet you yearn for the skills to have a go, then this weekday morning workshop is just for you.

In this hands-on practical workshop, we will guide you through choosing appropriate tiles for the job, sizing up, planning out, and preparing the surface.

You will use the correct adhesive to tile a small area and learn how to grout in between the tiles to ensure a watertight finish.

You will also practice cutting straight lines and curves. Come and break our tiles instead of yours while you practice.

Bring photos of problem areas and leave with expert advice and confidence to help you complete your very own project at home.

All personal protection, tools, and materials are included. Suitable for absolute beginners. Enjoyable for everyone.

Bookable via our website ➡️ https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/basic-tiling-evening-44/
⋆⋆⋆

Not quite sure where to start with a tiling project? A bit daunted by the thought of tiles falling off the wall if you do get them on? What about those half tiles at the corners… and what about drilling into the tile?

If the thought of tackling a tiling project yourself is terrifying, yet you yearn for the skills to have a go, then this evening or half-day weekend workshop is just for you.

In this hands-on practical workshop, an experienced tiler will guide you through choosing appropriate tiles for the job, sizing up, planning out, and preparing the surface.

You will use the correct adhesive to tile a small area and learn how to grout in between the tiles to ensure a watertight finish.

Practice cutting straight lines and curves. Come and break our tiles instead of yours while you practice.

Bring photos of problem areas and leave with expert advice and confidence to help you complete your very own project at home.

All personal protection, tools, and materials are included. Beginners welcome.

Bookable via our website ➡️ https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/woodwork-step-up-low-wood-stool-evenings-35/
⋆⋆⋆

This lovely six-week evening course is another charming project from our cherished Edwardian instructional woodwork manual, ‘Carpentry for Beginners’. The projects in the book are perfect for learning basic woodwork skills and we have refined the instructions to incorporate a modern craft construction.

This classic ‘child’s stool’ is a handy ‘hop up’ you can use if you have shelves you can’t reach at home and small ones can reach the sink by standing on it. It measures 40cm x 22cm x 26cm high. We use a redwood pine wood that releases a heady and uplifting scent when cut, chiseled, and planed.

Even if you have never used any tools, our expert makers will teach you the processes you will need to take home a future heirloom along with a very special sense of satisfaction that comes with crafting by hand.

Over six evenings you will learn how to measure and mark timber accurately, use a chisel and a vintage ‘Granny’s tooth’ hand router to cut out grooves to house the legs into the sides of the stool.

By the time you have finished your useful step-up stool, you will have become familiar with many of the basic woodworking hand tools and increased your confidence to go on and do more general woodwork at home.

This course takes place over six Thursday evenings, 6.30-9.00pm. All use of tools and materials included.

Bookable via our website ➡️ https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-traditional-upholstery-evening-26/
⋆⋆⋆

KEY PROJECT: TRADITIONALLY STITCHED AND SEWN-EDGED FOOTSTOOL

All of our upholstery classes are for absolute beginners. It doesn’t matter which one you choose to take first. Each technique that is offered is part of all the processes that every upholsterer has to learn.

6-week workshop. Thursday nights. 6:30pm – 9pm.

A perfect course for a beginner. Jumpstart your knowledge of traditional upholstery skills and methods.

Over six Thursday evenings, experienced upholsterers will guide you through the wonderful world of upholstery and help you build a fabulous footstool using traditional methods. You can leave your project at the centre in between classes.

Before the advent of foam in the middle of the twentieth century, the only way to make wooden seats more comfortable was to build up layers using available materials. Our small fabric footstool (above) is built from layers of woven webbing, hessian, vegetable fibre, animal hair and calico and is sewn with specialist needles and stitches. Although this method is more labour-intensive than the modern method of using foam, it is much longer lasting and preferred in more expensive pieces of furniture. This is the method used in many traditional chair seats, so once learned, you can apply this method to your own projects.

We provide everything for the workshop, from the wood frame to the set of natural beech wood legs that are included for you to paint or stain as you wish. Choose from our selection of top fabrics, or bring your own. You will need about a metre of fabric and you will not need it until the final class. The use of all tools and materials is included. We also have a selection of specialist upholstery tools and all the materials that we use in our workshops for sale at the Goodlife Centre for you to continue your new hobby at home.

Beginners welcome.

This course is run on a Thursday evening over 6 consecutive weeks. 6:30pm – 9:00pm

Bookable via our website ➡️ https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/large-hardwood-box-2/
⋆⋆⋆

• 12 Fridays 10-5 pm- dates below
• Suitable for beginners.
• Small class size
• Supervised use of professional woodwork machinery
• Learn how to use jigs and rods
• Finished box size W500 mm x D 295 x H350
• Solid wood carcass construction with birch and walnut plywood details.
• Course -£1680.00 inc VAT. Tools and materials supplied.

Enjoy 11 full days of learning how to make a beautiful, hinged lid box with drawers to hold tools or any precious objects you want to stow.

Expert furniture maker and tutor Marcin Waszak has developed a unique course to be held on 11 full days at The Goodlife Centre.

The course will begin with important Health and Safety know-how. You will learn some wood technology, practice with using the woodwork machinery and how to create ‘Jigs’ and ‘Rods to make woodwork more accurate and faster.

Marcin has designed an elegant box which features many elements of fine furniture. It has a hinged lid and two drawers and is constructed of solid hardwood.
Preparation and process;

• Rough-cut solid timber (carcass)
• Oversize cut birch plywood
• Planer and thicknesser oversize for students to use the machine and finish machining to the final sizes
• Preparing the veneer to be pressed onto MDF panels (student design) or cutting the MDF veneered panel – oversized (top panel)
• Understanding jigs and how to build and use them (jigs for cutting the grooves and hinges)
• Routering grooves for the top panel
• Sanding inside before the glueing process
• Gluing process
• Cutting the lid off (band saw or router)
• Routering the hinge slots
• Rough-cut solid timber (drawers)
• Cutting grooves for the drawers to slide in and out, also, cutting the grooves for the bottom panels
• Designing the tray (separations)
• Finishing (satin Osmo)

Marcin says:
‘I will approach the sessions with a solid introduction not only to Health and Safety but also to give an understanding of materials and tools. I believe it’s important to understand the nature of different types of wood and how they react (i.e. depending on variety, cut or thickness) when handling it, glueing or using different tools. There will be a great focus on how to use tools and machinery in the correct way for best results.

We will be starting with a technical drawing explanation and introduction to the material and the design itself. I would love to know people’s backgrounds before we start the session so everyone will feel more comfortable and confident to work as a team.

I will have prepared a cutting list to make things easier so we can start making (and having fun) as soon as possible.

I would like to make the sessions inclusive and provide a safe space for everyone. I always take people’s abilities into account and endeavour to be there for students who want to share their struggles in order to make the making experience something they can enjoy.’

About Marcin
Marcin Waszak (MA in Product and Furniture design) is a designer, maker and teacher at the accredited Rycotewood Furniture Centre in Oxford. He is a passionate and patient tutor.

DATES
April 19th, 26th – May 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, – June 7th, 14th , 21st, 28th – July 5, 12

Missing a class- this is a content-rich class and it will not be easy to catch up or redo a missed day, so please consider this when contemplating joining the course.

Fridays 10am – 5pm

Bookable via our website ➡️ https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/carpentry-for-beginners-step-up-low-wood-stool-weekend-18/
⋆⋆⋆

Suitable for absolute beginners. Enjoyable for everyone.

Saturday & Sunday 10am – 5pm.

‘Step up’ or low wood stool

This new weekend course is another charming project from our a cherished Edwardian instructional woodwork manual, ‘Carpentry for Beginners’. The projects in the book are perfect for learning basic woodwork skills and we have refined the instructions to incorporate a modern craft construction.

This classic ‘child’s stool’ is a handy ‘hop up’ you can use if you have shelves you can’t reach at home and small ones can reach the sink by standing on it. It measures 40cm x 22cm x 26cm high. We use a redwood pine wood that releases a heady and uplifting scent when cut, chiseled and planed.

Even if you have never used any tools, our expert wood worker Geoff Davison will teach you the processes you will need to take home a future heirloom along with a very special sense of satisfaction that comes with crafting by hand.

Over two consecutive Sundays you will learn how to measure and mark timber accurately, use a chisel and a vintage ‘Granny’s tooth’ hand router to cut out grooves to house the legs into the sides of the stool.

By the time you have finished your useful step up stool, you will have become familiar with many of the basic woodworking hand tools and increased your confidence to go on and do more general woodwork at home.

Saturday & Sunday 10am – 5pm.

Bookable via our website ➡️ https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/diy-in-a-day-drills-286/
⋆⋆⋆

Learn the basics at this fast-paced but relaxed one-day workshop.

A perfect starter for all those annoying jobs around the house that you feel you should be able to tackle…if only you knew how. We know it’s frustrating to wait for it to be done and then get charged for it and we understand it can be a bit daunting to head into a wall with a power drill.

Pick up the skills to hang curtains, blinds, and simple shelves on any wall. Learn to drill into wood, brick, tiles, or hollow walls with confidence. We will show you how to judge what is behind the walls before you drill.

An enjoyable ‘ hands-on’ one-day workshop that covers many of the common aspects of basic DIY. If you have just bought your home and have realized it didn’t include a landlord to fix stuff, or just don’t want to rely on someone else, this day is for you. There is plenty of time to practice on several exercises over the day.

The workshop also covers hanging pictures and heavier objects like mirrors, cupboards, and flat-screen TVs. You will learn how to hang a hook, fix a baton, and then a pair of level shelf brackets.

Finish off the day learning how to fit shelves into awkward alcoves – a handy skill you can use to fit work surfaces too. Learn how to select the correct drill bit, wall fixing, and screw to secure things confidently. The day will also include a chance to fill small and medium holes in wood and walls to prepare your surfaces for painting.

Along the way, we show you how to remove old wall fixings and what to do with the ones you can’t. This a fun fast day with plenty of tools to try and lots of advice on which tools to have in a basic toolkit. If you are thinking of upgrading your drill, you can test all of the ones we use and feel more knowledgeable about what you want to buy.

This course is especially suitable if you are not handy or if you are able, but not that confident, about tackling small but important tasks in your home. We will also suggest how to tell if a task is appropriate for DIY or GSI (Get Someone In).

You will take home a set of skills that will last a lifetime.

All tools and materials included. Perfect for beginners.