The Feathered Edge

By Robbie Richardson

Essential listening for upholsters and teachers alike, you'll hear an eclectic 'weaving together' of life and skills as we talk to some of the best upholsterers in our business and provide a forum for... more

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FAQs about The Feathered Edge:

How many episodes does The Feathered Edge have?

The podcast currently has 42 episodes available.

The Feathered Edge episodes:

August 13, 2024 Ep 8 - From Sketches to Stitches: Tom and Harriet’s Upholstery Adventures
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!

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1h 6min
August 06, 2024EP 7 Discovering Upholstery: A Journey from Middle-of-the-Road School Days to Crafting Masterpieces
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:
Website: Francis Tracy Interiors

Instagram: @FrancisTracyInteriors

Facebook: Francis Tracy Interiors

Contact Us: Got questions or want to share your upholstery stories? Reach out to Robbie at [email protected]
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43min
July 30, 2024EP 6 - Generations of Upholstery with Wes & Jes from Crown Upholstery
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:
their contrasting school experiences
Jes’s upbringing in an upholstery shop and the natural yet unexpected path she took. Wes’s transition from IT and body piercing to mastering the craft of upholstery.
How they manage their business, from client appointments to project scheduling.
The importance of mentorship in their careers and how they mentor others.
The value of building a supportive community in the upholstery trade.
Their future aspirations, including expanding their business and taking more time for personal pursuits.

And much more!
How to Find Jes and Wes:
Website: Crown Upholstery

Instagram: Crown Upholstery Instagram

Facebook: Crown Upholstery Facebook

Tune in for a fabulous episode filled with laughter, inspiration, and a wealth of upholstery knowledge from Jes and Wes.
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1h 10min
July 09, 2024Ep 5 - From Clown to Craftsman: The Journey of Mick Sheridan
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:
Mick’s candid reflections on his school days and his unexpected path to further education.

The influence of his father's trade and the pivotal moment that led Mick to pursue upholstery.

First Jobs and Career Shifts:
Insights into Mick’s early jobs, from paper rounds to working in IT and market research.

The transformative experience at a 3D furniture modelling company that reignited his passion for craftsmanship.

The Birth of a Craftsman:
The story of Mick’s move to Wales and the establishment of his upholstery business.

Training with his father and the challenges of setting up a new workshop.

Gorilla Upholstery
The whimsical and environmentally conscious art project that earned Mick the title of "Gorilla Upholsterer."
How Mick combines humour and creativity to raise awareness about waste in the upholstery industry.

Mentorship and Community:
The importance of community support and mentorship in Mick’s career.

Mick’s role as a mentor and his efforts to encourage new upholsterers.

Challenges and Aspirations:
Mick’s battle with arthritis and how it’s shaping his future plans.
Aspirations for the next phase of his career, including teaching and expanding his business.

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.
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48min
July 02, 2024Ep 4 - Upholstery Unleashed: Sharon O'Connor's Journey from Fashion to Furniture Revival
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:
School Days Shenanigans: How she balanced being the class clown with a love for learning.

Career Crossroads: The pivotal moment she decided against a degree in psychology and dove into the bustling fashion industry instead.

From Fashion to Furniture: The surprising transition from high-end retail to upholstery, spurred by an economic downturn.

Upholstery Passion: Discovering the art of reupholstering vintage furniture and building a business around sustainable practices.

Business Insights: The highs and lows of running an upholstery business, dealing with customer expectations, and the importance of not panicking in stressful situations.

Mentorship and Growth: Sharon's commitment to mentoring new upholsterers, sharing her knowledge, and fostering a supportive community.
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:
The importance of following your gut instincts in career decisions.

Embracing change and turning unexpected challenges into opportunities.

The joy of rescuing and reviving vintage furniture, turning passion into a sustainable business.

Tips for aspiring upholsterers and small business owners on navigating the industry and finding success.
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!
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1h 11min
June 25, 2024Ep 3 - An Upholsterer's Journey with Justin Dazey
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:
Interior design years: Justin's decade-long stint in interior design, managing showrooms, and leading a team of designers.

Transition to upholstery: How a break from the hectic design world and a fascination with antique furniture guided Justin to upholstery. Discover the serendipitous moment that launched his new career.
Craft and Training:
Hands-on learning: Justin shares his training experience under various upholsterers and his continuous quest for knowledge, including courses in San Diego.

Mentorship and community: The importance of having mentors and being part of a supportive upholstery community.
A Day in the Life:
Balancing act: Justin describes his typical day, splitting time between his bustling Seattle shop and a serene home workshop.

Customer interactions: The joys and challenges of working in a fishbowl environment, with constant engagement from the local community.
Philosophy and Advice:
Hear Justin's tips on maintaining positive relationships with clients and viewing them as teammates.
Aspirations:
Justin shares his wish for a stronger local upholstery community in the US.

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.
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42min
June 18, 2024Ep 2 - The Upholstery Journey of Hannah Ellis: From Environmental Management to Craftsmanship
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:
Hannah explains how she discovered her passion for upholstery after a stint in environmental management and motherhood.

The moment she realised upholstery was her calling and her immediate addiction to the craft.

Training and Mentorship:
Starting with a leisure class, Hannah's informal apprenticeship and the importance of continued learning.

The significant role of mentors like Gareth Rees in her professional growth.

Teaching and Sharing Knowledge:
Hannah's shift to focusing more on teaching, both leisure classes and AMUSF courses.

The dynamic and rewarding nature of teaching upholstery.

Challenges and Joys:
Discussing the frustrations of not always being able to fully realise creative visions due to client constraints.

The joy of transforming beautiful pieces with quality craftsmanship.

Future Aspirations:
Hannah’s goals for Horsehair and Hessian, including expanding to include various crafts and workshops.

Her desire to see upholstery taken more seriously as a trade and the importance of encouraging younger generations.

Get in touch with Hannah:
⁠Horsehair and Hessian Website⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠
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:
Website: The Feathered Edge

Facebook & Instagram: @featherededgepodcast

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.
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35min
June 11, 2024Ep 1 - Upholstery Adventures with Nic and Claire from Edge Upholstery
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:
How They Met: Nic and Claire share the amusing story of how their paths crossed in Shoreditch Design Room and how their shared work ethic and love for upholstery brought them together.
Starting the Business: From pub plans to setting up a limited company, they discuss the early days of Edge Upholstery and the bold decisions they made to establish their brand.
Building a Brand: Learn how they navigated the challenges of finding clients, the importance of cold calling, and the unexpected benefits of community connections.
Teaching and Learning: Discover their teaching adventures, including their Tuesday evening classes and the upcoming intensive springing course with Gareth Rees.
Daily Life in the Workshop: Get a glimpse into their daily routines, from feeding the dog to enjoying early lunches with Love Island on in the background.
Advice for Aspiring Upholsterers: Nic and Claire offer valuable tips on starting your own business, the importance of continuous learning, and staying connected with the community.
Future Aspirations: Despite their contentment with their current success, they discuss their goals for the future, including honing their traditional upholstery skills.

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:
For more information on Edge Upholstery, visit their website or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

Interested in their courses? Email them at [email protected] or slide into their DMs.
Support the Podcast:
Don’t forget to like to catch every episode

COMING SOON: Subscribe to enjoy the podcast extra—an additional 10-15 minutes of content each week. Your support helps keep the podcast running!
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42min
June 06, 2024Ep 2. From Upholstery to Podcast Mastery: an insight into Robbie's inspiration
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:
Robbie shares the inspiration behind starting a podcast, originating from long dog walks during lockdown and a desire to give back to his trade.

Discover how a mastermind group and a serendipitous suggestion led to the birth of The Feathered Edge.

2. Challenges and Triumphs:
Robbie opens up about his initial technical struggles and the steep learning curve he faced.

Hear about his emotional rollercoaster before releasing the first episode and the self-doubt he overcame.

3. Guest Hunting Adventures:
From convincing notable figures in the upholstery world to join the show to navigating rejections, Robbie recounts the highs and lows of securing guests.

Learn about his most memorable interviews and the surprising global reach of his podcast.

4. Fun and Quirky Quickfire Round:
Enjoy a rapid-fire session where Robbie reveals his favourite tools, hobbies, and unexpected preferences.

Discover his love for biking, pub lunches, and the quirky fantasy of having bunny ears and a fluffy tail!
Future Plans:
Robbie shares exciting future plans for the podcast, including the ambitious idea of live recordings in front of an audience.

Learn about his long-term dream of retiring in France while continuing to contribute to the upholstery community.
We need you!
Is there someone you'd love to hear from on the podcast or maybe you're interested in being a guest yourself? Drop us an email [email protected] to let us know!
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19min
June 04, 2024Turning the Tables: Robbie Richardson on Craftsmanship, Creativity, and Life
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:
The Roots of Passion: Discover how Robbie’s grandfather, a skilled cabinet maker, influenced his journey into upholstery. From the scent of wood shavings to the therapeutic hum of craftsmanship, Robbie’s nostalgic recounting is a testament to familial inspiration.
Favourite Materials: Ever wondered what materials an upholsterer loves working with the most? Robbie shares his love for traditional elements like horsehair and Hessian, and even the challenging yet satisfying experience of working with leather.
Memorable Projects: Prepare for a touching story about a seemingly ordinary chaise longue that turned into a magnificent piece, bringing a client (and Robbie!) to tears of joy and nostalgia. It’s a reminder of the emotional impact of preserving and transforming furniture.
Challenges and Creativity: Whether it's dealing with unconventional client requests or problem-solving on the fly, Robbie discusses the creative and sometimes demanding nature of the upholstery world.
The Trade’s Future: Robbie and Hannah explore the importance of attracting younger generations to the trade. They discuss the need for more recognition of crafts like upholstery and the value of hands-on skills in an increasingly academic-focused society.
Life Beyond Upholstery: Learn what keeps Robbie grounded outside of his professional life, from his love of cycling and cricket to his passion for music. Plus, a special shoutout to his partner Nik for being his rock.

Highlights:
Industry Insights: Gain a deeper understanding of the upholstery trade and the delicate balance of preserving craftsmanship while embracing creativity.

Inspiring Stories: Be inspired by the stories of transformation and the powerful impact that skilled craftsmanship can have on people’s lives.

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:
Like and Subscribe: Ensure you never miss an episode!

Follow Us on Social Media: Join our community on https://www.facebook.com/FeatheredEdgeUpholsteryPodcast

Leave a Review: We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback.
Thanks for listening, and until next time, keep those creative juices flowing and happy upholstering!
...more
22min

FAQs about The Feathered Edge:

How many episodes does The Feathered Edge have?

The podcast currently has 42 episodes available.