Furniture Design

In-house creative teams are redefining what great brand work looks like. This session explores how Monzo built a world-class creative studio from within, establishing clear creative vision, strong craft standards, and a talent model that allows creativity to lead, not just execute. Great in-house creativity depends on strong internal partnerships. Coral shares how Monzo’s studio works across marketing, product, and external agencies, building trust, designing processes that protect quality, and navigating organisational complexity without compromising creative ambition. **Event Overview** In this fireside chat, Coral Garvey, Creative Director at Monzo Bank, offers a candid look at building and scaling a high-performing in-house creative studio. **01 - Building a World-Class Creative Studio from Within** What it takes to establish the right foundations for an in-house studio, from defining creative vision and craft standards to designing talent architecture that scales. Coral shares how to move beyond a service mindset and build a team that leads creatively, not just executes. **02 - Making Creativity Work Across the Business** How strong in-house studios partner effectively with marketing, product, and external agencies. Learn how trust is built internally, how processes are designed to protect creative quality, and how to navigate organisational constraints without dulling creative ambition. **03 - Culture, Craft, and Scaling Without Losing the Edge** An honest look at the realities of growth, what breaks, what needs rebuilding, and how to maintain a safe, high-output creative culture as expectations rise. From early missteps to momentum-building moments, this is a behind-the-scenes view of creativity at scale. **Speakers** **Coral Garvey - Creative Director, Monzo** Coral Garvey is a multidisciplinary Creative Director from NYC, now based in London, working at the intersection of brand, product, and culture. She is currently Creative Director at Monzo, a leading global fintech bank, where she leads brand strategy and creative execution across design, writing, marketing, and product. Coral has been instrumental in building Monzo’s internal Creative Studio, establishing global brand systems, and directing integrated campaigns, product launches, and experiential work, while embedding brand thinking directly into the product experience and supporting international growth, including the US market. Previously, Coral was Creative Director at Depop, helping scale the platform into a global Gen Z cultural force, and Chief Creative Officer at Playground, an experiential Web3 platform. Her work spans global brands including Adidas, Diesel, and Under Armour, with a practice rooted in culturally driven storytelling and bold creative leadership.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-flip-lid-dovetail-box-6-evenings-53/ ⋆⋆⋆ **Course:** Intro to Woodwork – Flip Lid Dovetail Box **Duration:** 6 evenings 6.30-9pm /6 afternoon 2.30-5pm or 2 days 10-5pm / 5 evenings 6-9pm / 5 afternoons 2-5pm **Next start date:** Check our website: https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/intro-to-woodwork-flip-lid-dovetail-box/ **Suitable for:** Confident beginners. Some basic woodworking experience is useful for this course but not necessary. **About:** Using a fusion of hardwood and softwood, this six week evening course will teach you the fundamentals of woodwork and give you an opportunity to use classic hand tools; brass backed tenon saws, sharp wood chisels and delicately honed vintage wood planes. An absorbing course for confident beginners and a enjoyable learning experience for anyone with a little woodworking experience. Using a fusion of hardwood and softwood, this six week evening course will teach you the fundamentals of woodwork and give you an opportunity to use classic hand tools; brass backed tenon saws, sharp wood chisels and delicately honed vintage wood planes. This well proportioned flip lidded box is constructed of European Redwood using a single dovetail joint at each corner and the fitted hardwood lid is attached to the base by a handmade ‘dowel’ peg hinge. The project will familiarise learners with many classic woodwork techniques and is taught with patience and enthusiasm by Andy Nicholl, who has devised this informative and challenging project. You will take home a treasure to treasure and we hope it will enthuse you to learn how to make many handmade woodwork projects in the years to come. If your keyboard weary hands have been needing a skill to fulfil and satisfy a yearning desire to create something you can hold, come and join us in our well equipped and inspiring workshops and discover the wonderful world of woodwork.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-traditional-upholstery-evening-37/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-traditional-upholstery-evening-37/) ⋆⋆⋆ **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

• What we'll do Want to Play Basketball in London? Step 1. Visit our website [https://www.basketble.com](https://www.basketble.com) Step 2. Find the game you want and sign up Step 3: Get confirmation email and Come Out & Play \*Note: You need to sign up on the website and the attendance is not monitored through meetup. • What to bring • Important to know

**PLEASE PAY FOR ANY GUESTS YOU BRING!!!!** **PLEASE PAY BEFORE YOU ATTEND IN THE EVENT THERE'S A WAITLIST YOU WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE ATTENDING TO WAITLIST IF PAYMENT ISN'T MADE 4 HOURS BEFORE THE SESSION START TIME.** **IF YOU HAVE BEEN MOVED TO THE ATTENDING LIST PLEASE PAY WITHIN 2 HOURS OR ELSE YOUR SPOT WILL BE FOREITED TO THE NEXT PERSON IN THE WAITLIST.** This is an all levels badminton SRP session hosted by Kevin.O @ Brentwood Centre CM15 9NN **Session:** This session has a runtime of 2 hours starting from 20:00 to 22:00 (24 clock format). **Shuttle type**: The shuttle type used will be feathers (Sheer Yellow) **How to get there:** From the town centre you can take bus 61 to blackmore from Bus Stop High Street (Stop B) to Pilgrims Hatch Leisure Centre (5 Stops) \*\*From Brentwood railway station you can take 60 to Warley way, Eagle way (StopID: esxgajgd) to Pilgrims Hatch Leisure Centre (7 Stops) **Payments:** All payments can be made via direct bank transfer here please add **"Your name - SRP Badminton or Your name - date of session"** as a reference when you send the payment. We have a 24 Hour cancellation policy, if you cancel within 24 hours from game time payment will still have to be made, failure on payments will result in revoked access from future games till its paid off. Please pay for any guests you bring. **Session Fee:** £10.00 pp (Per Person) **Account Name:** Bolaji Olakitan **Account No. :** 75191151 **Sort Code:** 04-00-03 **Bank:** Monzo The Host will organise people into new pairs before each new game to avoid repetitive games and allow everyone to play as many matches as they can. Please bring your own racket, appropriate clothing and a refillable water bottle there is an available water fountain and a vending machine. any questions or concerns please email [sweatyracketplayers@gmail.com](http://sweatyracketplayer@gmail.com/) or text message 07990330521.

**Welcome to StitchUp** – a welcoming social group that embraces individuals of all skill levels, providing a shared space for crafting in a social setting. **Bring your current project**, whether it's knitting, quilting, embroidery, or any other textile craft. Work on your project or piece while having a chat with us. Some people knit, some people mend or just join the conversations. If you are starting new, I’m sure we can give you tips, but generally this is not a class or workshop and you will have to bring your own materials. Also keep in mind that we sometimes don't have a table, so something that requires table space might be difficult to do. **Background** – StitchUp began among friends with a shared love for textile crafts, evolving into a thriving group with regular meetups. Unfortunately, the group faced a decline during the COVID-19 pandemic but we would now like to revive these regular meetings in a social, in-person setting. **Tickets** – There is a small ticket price to partially cover the costs for the use of this platform. I do not earn any money from this. Extra money will go back into the group.

DROP IN's WELCOME *if you'd prefer to skip the queue and book in advance, you can purchase tickets [here](http://www.soholifedrawing.com/store/p81/Thursday_Drop-In_Life_Drawing%3A_1_Session.html)* £13.00\* Soho Life Drawing is a non-profit drawing group in central London that aims to make life drawing affordable and accessible. We believe that creativity is an essential part of well-being that is often stifled by the demands of busy schedules or fear due to lack of experience. We want to change that. Whether you're a professional, student, or amateur artist you'll find yourself at home at Soho Life Drawing. Located in one of London's most central locations, our drop-in classes provide an easily accessible and nonjudgemental space for you to hone your life drawing skills. We offer a portfolio boosting mix of both short and long poses with new models every week, making us a great fit for professionals and novices alike. Our members come from literally all walks of life, so don't be afraid to drop by if you have no background in art--at Soho Life Drawing, you are guaranteed to find a supportive place to explore your artistic abilities. Here's why you'll love Soho Life Drawing It's a Great Space!--Our sessions are held at one of London's best kept secrets--the historic Quaker Meeting House, which provides an oasis of calm just minutes away from Leicester Square Station. Short and Long Poses!--Our sessions begin with short, gestural poses and move up to a longer sustained pose. Our models are personally vetted professionals, and some of the best in the business. No Need to Bring your own Supplies!--We provide clipboards, and pencils, paper, and rubbers are available on site. Tea and Biscuits!--Yes, that's right. We provide tea and biscuits to keep your energy up during the breaks! Also, quite often homemade cookies! Drop-ins Welcome!--No need to book in advance! So come by and check us out—we look forward to seeing you there! Timetable 6:30-7:30 PM Guided Life Drawing Tea Break 7:30PM-7:40PM: Tea Break 7:40-8:40 PM: Life Drawing: Longer Poses \*We charge by the Session: £15.00 1 Half; £18.00 2 Both Halves For more about us please visit www.soholifedrawing.com We also host private events. For more information visit www.privateartevents.co.uk

Learn how to build websites using AI and start your own web design business - no experience needed. Includes training, tools, and a 12-month opportunity. Official partner: Tide Bank \| Powered by Brand Backie and a custom AI website builder\. **This isn't just a course. It's a business opportunity.** We'll show you how to: * Build websites using AI tools * Start and grow your own web design business * Find and sign up paying clients * Get your entire business system set up for FREE for 12 months (conditions apply) *** **PLEASE READ EVERYTHING BEFORE BOOKING** *** **WHAT MAKES THIS DIFFERENT** This course was created by the people who actually built the tools you'll be using: * **Brand Backie** — an AI marketing tool that helps you promote your services and find clients * **Custom AI Builder** — a brand new AI website building platform that lets you create websites without writing any code We also work with **Tide**, a business banking platform that gives you the proper banking setup to run your business legally from day one. We didn't just study this stuff — we built it, we use it, and we'll show you exactly how it works. *** **WHO IS THIS FOR?** This is perfect for you if you: * Have no background in web design or tech * Want to earn money online * Are thinking about going freelance or starting a small agency * Want to learn AI tools and "vibe coding" (building with AI instead of writing code) *** **WHAT YOU'LL LEARN** * How to find businesses that need a website * How to reach out to potential clients and get them interested * How to build a professional website using AI — fast * How to deliver your work in a clean, professional way * How to set up and run your own agency *** **WHAT YOU GET** * Hands-on training with AI website building tools * Access to a custom AI builder with built-in lead generation features * A step-by-step plan to launch your agency * A chance to qualify for up to 12 months of free access to the full system *** **THE OPPORTUNITY** By the end of the session, you'll know exactly how this business model works and whether it's the right fit for you. If you decide to move forward, you'll be guided to open a Tide business bank account. This is the banking layer you need to legally operate your agency. You'll deposit a small amount (usually around £100) into your own account to get things up and running — this is your money, not a fee. Once that's done, you'll get: * Up to 12 months of free access to the full AI agency system (conditions apply) * Ongoing support as you get started * Full access to the website building and lead generation tools * A clear action plan to land your first clients *** **WHY COME?** * Start a real online business from scratch * Learn a skill that can generate income * Build websites in minutes, not days * Get clarity on how to find and sign your first clients * Leave with tools and a plan you can act on immediately *** **FORMAT** In-person, practical workshop *** **SCHEDULE** * 4:00 – 4:20 PM: Welcome and overview * 4:20 – 4:50 PM: How to get clients (beginner-friendly system) * 4:50 – 5:30 PM: Live AI website building demo * 5:30 – 6:00 PM: Q&A and next steps *** **ARRIVAL - Be on Time!** This is a structured session - everyone starts together. Please arrive on time. If you're more than 15 minutes late, you won't be able to join, as it's disruptive to the other attendees. *** **LOCATION** Sierra Quebec Bravo, Canary Wharf, London. Ask reception when you arrive and they'll point you to the right room. *** **WHAT TO BRING** * A laptop (recommended) * A willingness to learn and take action *** **IMPORTANT** The 12-month free system access is offered to eligible participants based on their commitment and suitability. *** **BOOK YOUR SPOT** If you've been thinking about starting something for yourself, this is a great place to begin. Spaces are limited — register now. Follow us to hear about future workshops.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/make-a-french-mattress-cushion-16/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/make-a-french-mattress-cushion-16/) **⋆⋆⋆** **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 50cm x 55cm x 12cm sample French cushion using 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 step-by-step how to create your own, 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. This project crosses the techniques of home furnishings and upholstery By the end of the weekend, 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

* We will meet outside the Design Museum main entrance (pictured below), nearest tube High Street Kensington. * We will explore the museum (free entry) for about 1 hour where we will see displays of contemporary design and innovation, from the everyday to the cutting edge. * Then we'll have a stroll through Holland Park, including the Dutch Gardens and Kyoto Gardens with wonderful photo-ops. * We will end our walk at Kensington High Street. Optional drinks/lunch at the end of the walk. What to bring: Comfortable footwear Water Photo-taking gadgets and chargers An umbrella just in case (it's London after all) The walk is free for members who have subscribed for an annual membership. For other members the fee is £5 cash/card on arrival to contribute towards the organiser's meetup fees and costs. The annual pass option is £15 payable by cash/card on the day. This will provide access to at least 40 walks per year (members are welcome to bring a guest to each event). All walks are free for the NHS staff (also welcome to bring a guest). ***'No Show' Policy:*** *If the member replied 'yes' but did not attend the event, did not update the RSVP and did not inform the organiser on 3 occasions – this triggers an automatic removal from the group. That's once for events with a waiting list.*

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/make-a-piped-cushion-60/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/make-a-piped-cushion-60/) **⋆⋆⋆** For everyone who would love to make their own cushions for seats and sofas. The perfect way to fit out your camper van or jazz up your shed. Whether it’s a square scatter cushion or an elegant piped boxed cushion, learn the process in our one-day weekend workshop. If you are not confident with a sewing machine, we suggest you make the square scatter cushion. During the day you will be able to sew your creation to make either a 40cm piped, square cushion or a square 3” deep 35cm piped boxed cushion to take home. An expert upholsterer will guide you through the process of cushion-making to ensure a crisp fitted result. Master the techniques of measuring, marking and cutting accurately to maximise fabric use and how to pattern match. Learn how to make piping using bias-cut strips and piping cords. We will also show you how to fit a zip along one side so you can take your cover off for washing. All materials (including hypoallergenic cushion pad or foam pad) are provided and you will be able to choose your fabric from a small selection we have at the centre. You may bring a metre of your own soft furnishing fabric if you choose. Please make sure to avoid velvets, stretch or satin as these are more suitable to an advanced learner. A linen-weight fabric is ideal. We have well-maintained domestic Janome and Bernina machines to learn on. These workshops are kept to a small number and everyone has a dedicated machine. If you would like to build up confidence with a sewing machine first, we suggest our one-day ‘[Intro to Machine Sewing](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/intro-machine-sewing/)’ workshop. Book early to ensure your space.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-1-day-shelf-bracket-53/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-1-day-shelf-bracket-53/) **⋆⋆⋆** Ideal for everyone with a hankering to ‘make’ rather than ‘assemble’ something in wood with traditional hand tools. This one-day workshop is a great introduction if you lack time or commitment to take a longer course. In this safe and friendly workshop, you will learn how to plan your work, where, and how to buy suitable wood for use in making simple projects at home. You will use the tools you will need to build a basic kit and the day includes a demonstration on keeping your tools sharp. Using easy-to-follow directions in this ‘hands-on’ practical day, you will learn how to measure and cut accurately, how to use a chisel to make a classic wood joint and how to use a plane to make your wood smooth. You will drill the holes to glue and screw your work together. Everyone works with a complete set of tools and makes their own project, under the guidance of an experienced tutor. During the day you will make two ‘gallows style’ brackets and attach them with wood-plugged screws to a 50cm shelf. This is fitted with simple hardware to hang and display your work. This workshop is suitable for all ages. Small class size = plenty of attention. For those aged between 10 and 18, an older guardian can accompany them on the course if required. Please contact us if you intend to do this. If you enjoy the peace that comes with traditional skills, this day can build into a lifelong pastime. This workshop always sells out fast. All personal protection and use of tools and materials are included.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/make-a-plant-holder-39/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/make-a-plant-holder-39/) ⋆⋆⋆ A good woodworker has a number of basic joints in their virtual toolbelt that they can use for any project. We have devised a lovely one-day introduction to woodwork skills which is a homage to the not-so-humble mortise and tenon joint – one of the essential joints required if you are looking to create sturdy pieces of furniture that can be fitted together like a beautiful 3D puzzle. A mortise (or mortice) and tenon joint connects two pieces of wood mainly when the adjoining pieces connect at right angles. In its most basic form, a mortise and tenon joint is both simple and strong and comprises two components, the mortise hole and the tenon tongue. The tenon, formed on the end of a piece of wood generally referred to as a rail, fits into a square or rectangular hole cut into the other, corresponding piece of wood. The tenon is cut to fit the mortise hole exactly. It usually has shoulders that seat when the joint fully enters the mortise hole. The joint may be glued, pinned, or wedged to lock it in place. Over the course of this hands-on, practical day the tutor will give you careful direction in the use of using traditional tools. You will learn how to measure and cut accurately, how to use a chisel to make four ‘mortise and tenons’, how to use a plane to shape and apply a smooth finish to edges, and how to slot it all firmly together. The result will be a strong, standing plant pot holder that will proudly support a plant to brighten up a corner of any room and stand as a lasting testament to your joint making skills. An elegant 20cm white pot is included for you to take home with your new plant pot holder – we’ll leave it to you to decide how to fill it. This workshop is suitable for all ages. Small class size = plenty of attention. All personal protection and use of tools and materials are included. Suitable for beginners.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/lino-block-printing-4/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/lino-block-printing-4/) **⋆⋆⋆** **Suitable for:** Suitable for beginners. No prior experience is required. **About:** Spend a day learning to cut a lino block, ink up and print onto fabric. On this one day workshop you will gain an introduction to the lino printing technique onto fabric. You will create your own one color lino print on fabric, an artwork ready to hang on your wall or perhaps as a gift for someone. Taking inspiration from natural objects, plants and images provided and learn to free your hand and mind with the process of mark making itself. Katharine will guide you through the process of carving your own piece of natural linoleum which you will then ink up and print onto your prepared piece of fabric multiple times using a brayer roller. You will make your own creative decisions as you go with as much or little guidance as you need, while always bearing in mind mistakes can lead to positive and new outcomes!

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

**Let’s catch up and take an afternoon break.** **Grab a coffee or snack and let’s chit chat! Gayle and I will bring adult coloring books and/or a simple craft if you’d like to unwind and relax.😊**

Thanks for being a part of the CABS Meetup Group! We meet @ the COFFEE UNDERGROUND on Indianola Avenue. We play many different games @ CABS - bring your own or play one of the OVER 2000 in our library. What are your favorite games? What was the last game you played? Hope to see and game with you soon! Check us out on Facebook! Doors open early on Saturday Mornings at 10am and around 4pm on Fridays if you are interested in learning new / simpler games ... or new to the hobby or just want to check us out come in early just after noon and we will show you around before the crowd grows. Stay for a game or two, an hour or two or for the day! Your first visit is free and after that it's $5 a meeting or you can join for the year! It's Your Move

**TBA**

Let’s meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullers’ novella, The Ballad of The Sad Café.

**TBA**

CABS First Friday of the month gaming!!! Door opens at 4pm and will go until the last game is played or the closer for the night needs their sleep.