What Jo did next reviews

Sylvia Shepley reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"Jo was so supportive & helpful. I recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn a new skill ( or attempt to !). I didn’t manage to finish my chair but feel confident enough to do this at home. Jo is happy to give any further tips, if I get stuck - what more could you want ?"

What Jo did next responded:

"You did really well with a huge fully sprung seat from scratch and the back too! Keep in touch :) x"

Shelly reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"Jo, so so sorry Ive not written this review before now, times flew by....ha ha Top course, my friend Sophia has reviewed our experience perfectly, I also wish to add, lovely studio, it has a little charm about it and Jo lets you feel right at home! I thoroughly enjoyed myself and our time in York city centre, fabulous 2 days, and yes we did work hard ha ha and it was worth it! With my new skills im currently doing up two chairs at home, you'll be proud of me Jo x I would recommend this course, you learn so much, and Jo is a lovely lady xx"

What Jo did next responded:

"Thanks Shelly! Glad you liked the studio - it's my creative home... Send me photos of your chairs - and remember I'm here to advise if you need help xx"

Millie Barlow reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"We went to Jo's class to learn as much as we could about upholstery and it was brilliant! We have a wood working business and are occasionally asked to look at upholstered pieces, Jo gave us excellent professional advice and guidance on how to approach a range of project. We worked on dining chairs with both modern and traditional upholstery methods which were very rewarding. Jo is a fantastic teacher and we learnt so many skills!"

What Jo did next responded:

"Thanks Millie! Good luck with your business! x"

Sophia reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"I had an amazing couple of days attending this 2 day course with my friend. Jo is a brilliant teacher with a wealth of knowledge in her field and she managed the group really well. I left with lots of new skills and more confidence to approach new projects. With the added allure and interest of York City centre I found this to be such an enjoyable experience and one I highly recommend. I love my newly upholstered chair. Thank you Jo!"

What Jo did next responded:

"Thanks Sophia! You and Shelly were great fun and such hard workers. You both achieved a lot in 2 days and managed a night on the town! Hope to see you both again sometime...! x"

Rachel Thornton reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"Absolutely brilliant course with fab instruction from Jo. She is a great teacher with the patience of a saint, a great sense of humour and excellent skills to share. Lovely studio right in the center of York! Highly recommend! Thanks Jo!"

What Jo did next responded:

"Thanks so much Rachel! Great deep buttoning skills! Hope to see you again sometime x"

Amy reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"Jo is a very knowledgeable person and explained everything clearly and simply. She demonstrates the cuts that need to be made to make your piece of work look professional. I now have the confidence to try bigger more complicated pieces. Thank you so much Jo."

What Jo did next responded:

"Thanks Amy! You're a very diligent student and have done a great job on your little chair..."

Lesley Evans reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"I took a wing-backed chair to revamp it. WOW, JO certainly knows her craft inside and out. Such an experienced tutor, yet friendly, approachable, so professional and s wonderful artist who shone through so much talent. Even when I took the dreaded tartan material which is not recommended at all, so hard to match. But Jo helped me when I was clearly out of my depth, giving me so much confidence to do more at home. Plus the lovely tea as and when required and a lovely group of like-minded people. Just FABULOUS. Can't wait for my next course with Jo. Don't be worried or nervous to try a new skill, Jo is one of the best tutors I've ever had, and I've done lots of courses over the years. ( Just don't take tartan material. Lol)"

Alex Gadsby reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"An absolutely excellent course with a brilliant teacher! I had so much fun over the course with Jo, reupholstering a lovely 1940s chair I inherited from my grandma. Jo is an excellent, calm, quiet, patient, funny and attentive teacher. She was always ready with top tips, advice and encouragement. I really appreciated her letting us figure some things out for ourselves (which built confidence) and never being on top of us. The class size was small - just 4 of us - so we all had plenty of help as we tackled each stage. It was great watching others upholstering different styles of chair. The materials provided were high quality and I even got to take away the wool scraps for composting. It’s definitely not gentle work - I was knackered at the end of each day, but buzzing with the progress I’d made. The venue is really central in York and you work in a cool artists’ studio surrounded by Jo’s own amazing artwork. I came up from the Midlands and made a weekend of it, staying nearby and enjoying the lovely shops and places to eat on the doorstep. I’d never tried upholstery before, though I definitely had an advantage having used a sewing machine before. I finished the course with a newly padded and covered seat and back, with clear instructions for final finishing flourishes back at home. I’m absolutely delighted with what I managed to achieve in the time. It’s like a brand new chair and I expect it’ll get another 70+ years of wear. Thank you Jo for all your help and support. I’m already scouring Facebook marketplace for my next doer upper and may well be back for more!"

Suzanne & Terry reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"Had great two days. Learned much. Jo is excellent tutor offering as much or little support and info as needed. Everything explained well. Recommend course. Terry May be reupholstering the whole house when we get back home. Thank you Jo."

Paula Wilson reviewed: Upholstery and cushion covers with Jo Walton

"Jo has been invaluable in improving my sketchy knowledge of traditional upholstery. Her teaching approach is hands on with a thorough explanation of each stage, and I have learnt so much in the three weeks I have been attending her drop in classes. I can't wait to get back to continue my learning experience..."

Debra Willison reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"I took an old wingback chair and wanted to learn how to recover it. My recovering was a quirky one. So I called before I signed up to the course to check first. Jo explained " normally on your first attempt, nothing huge( mine was) no checked material ( I did) leather not advisable (I did)". But Jo was great, she asked me to send pictures so she could advice and I explained I was crafty minded, she gave advice before I even signed up to the course. Jo was always there to advise and assist throughout the day and explained each step, but also allowed you to get on with it, so you were learning by doing it. I picked up a lot of new skills not just from doing my chair but from all the other people on the course too. I also changed my mind on my fabric choice on the first day. But my chair was brilliant I loved how it turned out. The whole weekend was nice and relaxing and your so close to the York town centre and all the street cafes. Totally recommend it!"

Jackie Lewis reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"Very enjoyable two day course - the time flies. Jo teaches traditional techniques and her advice and expertise is invaluable. I learnt so much but Jo also gives you the confidence to go on to tackle further projects at home. I did four dining chair seats but was able to see and learn from others who were doing more ambitious projects. Absolutely recommend this course, thank you."

Maria Tuffs reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"What a fun two days! Jo was an excellent tutor. Advising where necessary and overseeing that instructions were being carried out. I stripped the chair prior to attending the course. I had taken my top cover fabric with me, but all other materials were provided along with tools to carry out the work. The chair was an ambitious project but Jo guided me through the basics with patience, and I will finish the project at home. There were seven of us in the group, ladies and a man. Interesting to see such a variety of projects and the pleasure to see completed items. I fully recommend this course."

Rowena reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"I took a chair with an upholstered back and seat, so was pushing the envelope in terms of scope for a weekend. I had loads of contact with Jo beforehand regarding what I could expect to achieve and also about a broken spring that needed replacing. The studio is in the centre of town which means there is loads of choice for lunch, you get a one hour break, which you need. The course is brilliant. There were 6 people on the October weekend and we were doing 5 different types of chairs between us. 3 of us were using traditional techniques and 3 more modern using foam etc. Jo is a really good teacher and only explained each step as we came up to it. When necessary she gave a time limit for a particular task, which was brilliant when I started getting tempted to "faff" too much. Jo kept everyone busy and I believe everyone achieved what they wanted. I was really impressed with what I got done and thoroughly enjoyed myself as well. It is hard work and more physical than I'd appreciated but that only serves to enhance the sense of achievement once you get your work home. I would thoroughly recommend this course."

vikki Fillingham reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"I attended Jo's weekend course in May. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting like minded 'up cycling' people and got as much from watching other people's chairs transforming over the two days as I did from learning how to upholster my modern high backed dining chair. Jo's focus is teaching traditional upholstery methods no staple guns! she is a great teacher - patient and down to earth and there was lots of laughter over the couple of days. The studio is very relaxing and the walls showcase some of Jo's artwork - it was such an inspiring environment but not daunting even though most of us were novices when it came to upholstery and not traditional artists. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Jo's course. A really refreshing and inspiring weekend"

Barbara Sellars reviewed: Upholstery and cushion covers with Jo Walton

"I have been attending the Tuesday drop in class for 6 months now and in that time I have re-upholstered 6 dining chairs, 2 footstools and I am currently attempting a challenging large Victorian chair. All this has only been possible because Jo is a brilliant tutor she gives you not only the skills to achieve so much in class but also the confidence to continue your project at home, she explains the how & why and doesn't make you feel a complete twit if you don't immediately grasp what she is telling you! I feel proud of what I have achieved with Jo's help and now I find I am constantly on the look out for tired, worn out pieces of furniture to 'beautify'. Thank You Jo"

Jackie Ward reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"A fantastic weekend. Jo was an excellent instructor who obviously enjoyed her craft and sharing a huge range of skills. The relaxed atmosphere and great company made two days of hard work fly by and the delight of completing a chair to be proud of was amazing. I will certainly be booking again!"

Kathryn reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"Loved every minute of my upholstery weekend with Jo. I learnt so much in a great relaxed atmosphere and came away with a gorgeous upholstered chair I couldn't quite believe I did! Can't wait to get started on my next project. Thanks Jo for all your tuition and patience. The best course I have ever done."

Lulu Bousfield reviewed: Upholstery and cushion covers with Jo Walton

"I started the Tuesday morning classes a couple of months ago with quite a difficult chair for a total beginner! But I can honestly say I have enjoyed every second. Jo makes you feel very relaxed therefore you enjoy yourself. The 3 hours felt like 3 mins. The concentration is something I have always found hard but finally in my old age, I can do it!! I am very proud of myself but I could not have achieved a difficult chair and foot stool (so far) without Jo. I wish she had been my teacher when I was little then I would have gone far! She is a brilliant teacher."

Yvonne reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"Weekend upholstery workshop with Jo excellent in all respects. Good company and knowledgeable tuition with a light touch. Very enjoyable and informative with a successful outcome - chair completed!"

John reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"This course allows a complete beginner to achieve results that look professional in only two days. Good workshop space and a small group with expert tuition makes for a great learning experience. I would recommend this course."

Corinne reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"Two days later and I am still buzzing from the course. Fantastic teacher. Great atmosphere. I learnt so much and I cant wait to get started on my next chair. Thank you Jo."

Jacqueline reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"I've just completed Jo's upholstery course and I'm thrilled at what I achieved. I upholstered a bench seat using foam and covered 2 dining chairs. Although I didn't choose to do a traditional seat like the others I still feel I learned what to do by following the other students. The studio is right in the middle of the city, a perfect location to explore after the course, and to enjoy the local cafes at lunchtime. I'd highly recommend this course."

Chris Berridge reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"I attended Jo's weekend course a month ago with the traditionally sprung back seat base from my vintage Austin and a leather hide. I now have a well shaped and comfortable seat upholstered in leather, and I did it myself! This was an enjoyable and relaxing weekend with a good tutor. Jo is an expert upholsterer but she also knows how to teach. I liked the fact that I was able to do the work myself but Jo was there to guide and show me whenever I needed it. She took a great interest in the actual job I was doing and understood the appearance I wanted to achieve. All excellent and good fun - thank you."

Jo massingham reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"Returned home from attending Jo Walton's upholstery weekend the proud owner of a rather spanking upholstered chair by me!!! Jo was an excellent teacher oozing with knowledge..... Very patient......beautiful studio to work in , really relaxing.... Thank you Jo for sharing ."