'Make It Work' with Websters

As I sat on the train, Bristol-bound, I wasn't sure what to expect out of the day. I was meeting the famous Leigh-Anne Treadwell of Make It Work and Upholstery Courses South West to conduct a workshop along side at the Bristol 2015 Lab.

Once I arrived in Bristol, I was met by Leigh-Anne and her overflowing van of goodness! Never had I seen so many beautiful fabrics, use paint tins and tired chairs waiting to be reloved. We managed to squeeze me and my Websters in and off we went to Bristol 2015: Websters & Make It Work!

This harbourside shop opened mid-February as a space to engage in workshops and public activities that promote going green and sustainability in the city. Bristol recently received the 2015 European Green Capital award, the first UK city to be awarded, for their efforts in working towards creating Britain's most liveable city. 

It didn't take long to get our display's up and workshops ready. With the help of George and other friendly Bristol 2015 workers (volunteers?) we were ready to get making in no time!

Our businesses, though vastly different, performed seamlessly together. I grew such an incredible appreciate for Leigh-Anne and her new Social Enterprise, Make It Work, that focuses on restoring furniture with long-term unemployed people in an effort to build self-confidence and gain new skills. "This project aims to be based in a vibrant and inspiring workshop/retail space in the heart of Bristol, and will train and employ people to work alongside professional producers of high quality traditionally handcrafted goods within a positive working/ learning environment."

Like I said earlier, the workshop flowed seamlessly. On one side on the tables, you had the 'mixing of Websters' and painting of chairs. On the other side, you had the upholstery course. Everyone picked a chair, picked a colour of paint and matching (or not matching!) fabric and began repurposing their chairs!

Some painted first..


















...some reupholstered first.









Either way, everyone had a great time. It was such a satisfying workshop for the ladies as they gained the skills to reupholster and repurpose tired furniture. I also demonstrated different techniques for painting and ageing including: distressing, waxing, colour washing, and more!

All in all, it was a very successful trip to Bristol! All that nervousness for nothing! Leigh-Anne was a warm, welcoming, beautiful soul and I would love to work with her again in the future. For a really great upholstery course, be sure to check her out for a course near you!

Lots of love,

Devon