It's the New Year, brimming with potential, ready for a change? Ready to learn something new, be creative, save money and the environment! At this time of year many of us are looking for a new direction, often for a simpler life.
We yearn to develop ourselves and find an outlet for our latent creativity.
Traditional upholstery can become a hobby, a career and a lifelong love, providing you with new skills and great personal satisfaction.
You will be able to take real pride in your hand crafted creations.
Above all of this, reupholstering furniture is fun! Everything old can be new once more.
Revamping traditional and modern furniture yourself and professionally finishing chairs or sofas with a beautiful fabric could be the ideal New Year's resolution for your home.
Save Money Reupholstering furniture is fun, rewarding and done for love not money.
However, in these straightened economic times it is important to think about cost.
Taking a long term view, focusing your efforts on high quality furniture that lasts will prove a wise financial move.
Excellent furniture is more than just attractive.
A well-constructed chair or sofa can be reupholstered decade after decade and recovered year after year as fashions change.
Don't replace your seating every few years, choose quality and save money in the long term.
How to Start It's dark and cold outside.
Upholstery is a fantastic indoor hobby at this time of year, after the holiday period when attention turns to the year ahead.
Learning traditional skills and working with your hands can create a very positive feeling for many people, a real sense of achievement and purpose.
So where do you start? Following step-by-step instructions from books or attending local classes will allow you to complete first projects in a matter of weeks.
In terms of furniture, even pieces in your home that are badly worn or falling apart can be transformed.
Family treasures and favourite pieces should be the first starting point.
However, if you need to find a place to buy antiques this is a great time of year to find a real bargain at fairs, auctions, reclamation yards, car boot sales and a range of other local places.
For inspiration and design ideas you can look through the glossy magazines and pick out your ideal styles and fabrics.
My tip is to go for something striking.
Your first project may be simple and uncomplicated.
Everybody with patience and dedication can learn the crafting skills required to construct seats which can last up to 25 years, with the top fabric changed as often as you please.
The best advice to a beginner is to choose a chair with a simple form, square and uncomplicated.
Follow traditional upholstery methods to gradually construct your seat layer by layer and finish with an unusual fabric or colour to add some joy to your home.
I love using velvets or wools with a strong colour to bring vitality to my home.
New Year, New Start So don't join a gym, swear off drink or go on a diet this year! Develop your hand crafting skills and learn to upholster.
Do something positive for yourself and your home.