Welcome to another delightful episode of The Feathered Edge, where upholstery meets storytelling with your host, Robbie Richardson!
This week, we're thrilled to chat with the dynamic duo, Tom and Harriet, who recently ventured out from the Bristol Upholstery Collective to carve their own path in the world of upholstery. These two may fly under the radar, but their journey and craft are anything but ordinary.
In this episode, Tom and Harriet share:
**School Days Shenanigans**
From Harriet’s rule-abiding ways to Tom’s rebellious streak, discover how their early years shaped their creative minds.
**The Art of Finding Upholstery**
Neither planned on becoming upholsterers, but life had other ideas, leading them to discover a passion that combined art, history, and craftsmanship.
**Crafting Connections**
How a chance meeting with Leigh-Anne Treadwell at the Bristol Upholstery Collective became a turning point in their careers.
**Balancing Business and Creativity**
Hear about the joys and challenges of running separate upholstery businesses under one roof, and how they manage to share a workspace without cutting into each other's time (literally!).
**Teaching and Mentorship**
The duo’s commitment to teaching and helping the next generation of upholsterers, ensuring the craft lives on.
Tom and Harriet’s story is one of creativity, resilience, and a love for bringing history back to life, one chair at a time. Whether you’re an upholstery aficionado or just curious about the craft, this episode is packed with inspiration, laughter, and a few quirky stories that you won't want to miss.
**Key Takeaways**
1. The unpredictable journey of discovering a passion later in life.
2. The importance of mentorship and community in the world of craft.
3. How balancing creativity and business is both an art and a science.
**Stay Connected**
Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for updates.
Enjoyed the episode? Drop us a review and let us know what you loved!
In this episode, Robbie chats with Mark Clemas, a Master Upholsterer who turned a simple hobby into a thriving career.
Discover how a redundancy in the 90s recession led Mark to architectural model making, and eventually, a deep dive into the world of upholstery.
Mark shares his journey through various upholstery courses and chats about Susanna, the mentor who inspired him to fully embrace upholstery as a career.
Find out how Mark juggles running a gift shop with his wife, Tracy, and his upholstery business, often blending the two.
Mark also talks about the camaraderie and daily support he receives from fellow upholsterers, and discusses the gender dynamics in upholstery and his experience as one of the few men in his courses.
For those new to the trade, Mark offers some sage advice on avoiding the temptation to hoard fabric and furniture and the importance of maintaining an efficient workspace!
It's a great episode with something for everyone so tune in and let us know what you think!
Connect with Mark:
Contact Us: Got questions or want to share your upholstery stories? Reach out to Robbie at Rob@richardsonandpaige.co.uk
Welcome to The Feathered Edge, the upholstery podcast!
This week, your host Robbie Richardson takes you on a journey 4000 miles across the pond to Knoxville, TN, to meet Jess and Wes of Crown Upholstery.
This dynamic duo brings a rich history of upholstery knowledge, a fresh approach to the trade, and a hearty dose of humour and inspiration.
Join us as we delve into their fascinating backgrounds, learn about their unique perspectives, and discover how they balance tradition with modernity in their craft, and listen to them talk about:
And much more!
How to Find Jes and Wes:
Tune in for a fabulous episode filled with laughter, inspiration, and a wealth of upholstery knowledge from Jes and Wes.
Join us for an engaging and lighthearted conversation with Mick Sheridan, a master upholsterer with a story as unique as the furniture he creates.
From his school days as a self-proclaimed clown to becoming a respected figure in the upholstery community, Mick's journey is filled with twists, turns, and plenty of laughs. Discover how a chance encounter with a high-end furniture factory inspired Mick to follow in his father's footsteps, and how he transitioned from working in IT offices to hands-on craftsmanship.
Early Days and Education:
First Jobs and Career Shifts:
The Birth of a Craftsman:
Gorilla Upholstery
Mentorship and Community:
Challenges and Aspirations:
How to Find Mick Sheridan:
Website: https://micksheridanupholstery.co.uk
Tune in for a delightful episode that’s sure to inspire and entertain, whether you’re a seasoned upholsterer, a budding craftsman, or just someone who loves a good story. Don’t miss Mick’s unique blend of wisdom, wit, and unwavering passion for his craft.
Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Feathered Edge, the podcast that stitches together stories of creativity, passion, and entrepreneurship in the world of upholstery.
Today, we're sitting down with the ever-energetic Sharon O'Connor from Vintique Upholstery.
Sharon's journey is a vibrant tapestry of twists and turns, from her early dreams of criminal psychology to her unexpected yet delightful plunge into the upholstery world.
In this episode, Sharon shares:
Join us as Sharon unravels her story, packed with laughter, wisdom, and a few unexpected twists.
Whether you're an upholstery enthusiast or just love a good entrepreneurial tale, this episode promises to be a delightful listen.
Key Takeaways:
Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates and behind-the-scenes content.
Feedback: Love the episode? Leave us a review and share your thoughts!
In this week’s episode of The Feathered Edge, we're going on a transatlantic journey to Seattle, USA, to chat with third-generation upholsterer and history enthusiast, Justin Dazey.
Dive into the world of upholstery, where craftsmanship meets curiosity, and discover how Justin’s passion for antiques and interior design led him to a fulfilling career in upholstery.
Career Path:
Craft and Training:
A Day in the Life:
Philosophy and Advice:
Aspirations:
How to connect with Justin: Find him on Instagram @exercises_and_utility or visit Castillo's Custom Upholstery in Seattle. He loves sharing his knowledge and meeting fellow enthusiasts.
If you enjoy this episode, why not hit like and tune in for the next episode of The Feathered Edge. You can support the podcast by subscribing and get access to Podcast Xtra - an extra 10-15 minute segments each week.
In this week's episode of "The Feathered Edge," we're chatting with Hannah Ellis from Horsehair and Hessian.
From her beginnings in Suffolk to becoming an AMUSF Accredited Training Centre, Hannah shares her passion for upholstery and teaching.
Discover how she transitioned from environmental management to the creative world of upholstery, and learn about her dedication to continuous professional development.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation about following your passion, the joys and challenges of teaching, and the future of the upholstery trade.
Episode Highlights:.
Transition to Upholstery:
Training and Mentorship:
Teaching and Sharing Knowledge:
Challenges and Joys:
Future Aspirations:
Get in touch with Hannah:
Call to Action: Don’t forget to subscribe to "The Feathered Edge" podcast and catch our weekly extras! Follow us for more inspiring stories and tips from the world of upholstery.
Follow Us:
Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review and share it with fellow upholstery enthusiasts!
Join us next week for another deep dive into the world of craft and creativity.
Welcome back to The Feathered Edge, the upholstery podcast that’s all about sharing stories and sparking inspiration. After a 2.5-year hiatus, we're back with a brand new series, and we couldn’t be more excited to dive into this week's episode!
In this lively and engaging episode Nic and Claire, the dynamic duo behind Edge Upholstery, share their incredible journey from meeting in a workshop in East London to setting up their own thriving upholstery business.
Expect laughs, insights, and a few glasses of wine as they recount their story of passion, creativity, and hard work. Tune in and get inspired by Nic and Claire’s journey, their humorous anecdotes, and their invaluable advice for anyone looking to dive into the world of upholstery. This episode is sure to leave you with a smile and maybe even a spark of creativity!
Key Highlights:
Gareth Rees Springing Course: Nic and Claire detail their exciting upcoming course in August with Gareth Rees, focusing on different springing techniques from around the world. It's a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to deepen their upholstery skills.
Get in Touch:
Support the Podcast:
Welcome to another (bonus) episode of The Feathered Edge, the podcast that unravels the intricate threads of upholstery and life stories, with your host - Robbie Richardson.
In this light-hearted and engaging episode, Robbie continues his conversation with Hannah, diving deep into his unexpected journey from upholstery to podcasting.
1. A podcast is born:
2. Challenges and Triumphs:
3. Guest Hunting Adventures:
4. Fun and Quirky Quickfire Round:
Future Plans:
We need you!
We're coming back!
We've got a new name and a brand new look but we promise you'll still want us to be your go-to upholstery podcast as stories come alive, and inspiration abounds!
As a little bonus to warm up for our new season officially kicking off next week, we’re flipping the script this week as our editor, Hannah, takes over the mic to interview our very own host, Robbie Richardson.
It's a glimpse into the life and loves of the man behind the microphone. It's a two-parter so be sure to look out for part two later this week!
Packed with heartwarming anecdotes, industry insights, and a good dose of humour, you can't help but be drawn in to Robbie's world.
Let’s dive in!
In this Episode:
Highlights:
Coming soon: You'll soon be able to subscribe to catch all the latest stories and updates from "The Feathered Edge" and listen to our Podcast Extra Show, with additional 10-15 minutes of exclusive content each week.
Stay Connected:
Thanks for listening, and until next time, keep those creative juices flowing and happy upholstering!
At the In Stitches podcast HQ, changes are afoot. In this episode, our host Robbie Richardson gives an update on what's happening.
In this week’s episode, Robbie talks to Rowena Murphy.
After being housed round the corner from an upholstery shop, Rowena began her journey into the world of upholstery. From being homeless and living on other people’s sofas to working on the AMUSF course at Shoreditch, hear how upholstery helped to better Rowena’s mental health, turned her passion into her work, and how she found her love for the craft.
In this week’s episode, Robbie talks to Helena, Anna and Lucy who are in their second and third years of the AMU course at the Bristol Upholstery Collective.
Despite creativity running in their families, neither one of this week’s guests planned on going into a career in upholstery, nor could they have predicted just how life-changing it would be for them when they started.
From working in corporate roles to falling in love with the trade, hear how all three ladies swapped their 9-5 jobs for a place on a course at the Bristol Collective and how they’ve found their experience in the industry so far.
Since helping her Grandad in his workshop as a young child, Sharon has always had a passion for crafting.
During her school years, Sharon loved art and woodwork lessons, and at 16 moved away from home to study a 2-year BTEC course at college. From there, she went on to have a career in fashion retail, whilst continuing to create things on the side for fun.
Tune in to hear how Sharon swapped her retail job for a chance to study at the Ministry of Upholstery and how that has changed her life for the better.
In this week’s episode of In Stitches, Robbie is talking to Susie Stanway, who has recently completed the BSUF's Advanced Traditional Diploma.
During her school years Susie knew she wanted to do something to feed her passion for creativity but never considered upholstery as an option. A successful career in fashion marketing followed but, after 20 years, she needed a change.
Tune in to hear how taking a leisure class led to Susie falling in love with the craft and throwing herself in at the deep end, beginning her journey into a new career in upholstery.
In this week's episode Robbie talks to student upholsterer Debbie Cave.
From being a teenager, Debbie always had a passion for crafting, initially wanting a career in cabinet making. Unable to study the relevant course to enable her to pursue her dream, she ended up having a ten year career with NatWest and gaining a degree in Psychology and Counselling.
Tune in to discover how a chance find on Amazon's bookshelves led to Debbie finding Alex Law's course and beginning her journey in to upholstery, and why she thinks you shouldn't let anything hold you back from giving things a go!
In this week’s episode of In Stitches Robbie is chatting to Aimee Payton, who is coming to the end of her studies at AMUSF.
Even as a teenager, Aimee had a passion for textiles, going as far as getting a masters in the History of Design and Decorative art to pursue her dreams. Tune in to discover how Aimee had a 12 year-long career working at the Ashmolean Museum, before stumbling upon the world of upholstery, falling in love with the trade, and subsequently making the decision to see where it could take her.
You probably wouldn’t expect to find a former film lawyer working as an Upholsterer but today’s In Stitches guest, Delyth Fetherston-Dilke, had a very successful career as a lawyer with Warner Bros. before switching paths.
Now the proud owner of Delyth Upholstery, Delyth shares her experiences and thoughts on becoming an upholsterer, as well as explaining what she believes would benefit students/new upholsterers going forward.
Listen in to find out which career she has found the most challenging (you might be surprised!) and hear about an interesting find she once made whilst tackling an old chair!
Chatting to Robbie in this week’s episode of In Stitches is Paula Johnson, a first-year student at the AMUSF.
In her teens, Paula was interested in art, textiles and food, and decided she wanted to pursue a career in food thinking it would pay the best! Cheekily contacting BBC Good Food magazine to try and secure some work experience led to a career in food journalism working for some well-known and respected companies.
So why did she leave behind a career she loved, what made her turn to upholstery and what’s it like being a student again? Tune in to find out!
Next up in the ‘In Stitches’ hotseat is Giuliana Cortese, who is currently a first year student at the BSUF.
Although Giuliana always knew that she wanted to follow a creative career path, Upholstery was not her first choice. A successful work placement with fashion royalty, Vivienne Westwood, inspired a love textiles, shoes and accessories and Giuliana found a career in the fashion industry.
When changes in manufacturing left her feeling deflated, she started her own business in Italian food but eventually found herself looking for a new path. We hear how she found Upholstery quite by chance, why she feels all students would benefit from being given an introduction to running a business, and the excitement of falling in love with something new.
