The Feathered Edge Robbie Richardson

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



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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:


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 hello@edgeupholstery.co.uk 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!

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 rob@richardsonandpaige.co.uk to let us know!

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!

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.