My sister and fellow upholsterer Gina, of Gina B Interiors, and I ventured into London to catch a few of the furniture shows this week. It was a gloomy and wet day - but the upholstery was glowing!

Just had to share a few of our favourite pieces at 100%deisgn and Tent London: all made in Britain, and lots recycled from old materials!

Grey buttoned chair and yellow sofa by James - young guy with lots of beautiful pieces - perfect addition to any mid-century styled house.

Painted and papered chest, and psychodelic graphic upholstered armchair by Parris Wakefield. These would cheer any one up - we had a smile at these colourful pieces.

Upholstered fronted console, and pendant lights using recycled croqueting - by Furniture Magpies: love the using of upholstery in non-traditional ways.  Lovely people. They have classes too!

Hanging rail made of wooden rulers - easy to made and so effective

Chairs in Korla fabric print graphic by Galapagos - perfect pairing of vintage styled furniture and graphic fabric. 

Quilted and buttoned swivel based armchair, in grey and red wool, by Steurt Padwick. These were high-end pieces.

Painted and papered chest by Zoe Murphy - one for the annie sloan fans to try?

And fascinating lighting by Jon Male, made of recycled glass lamp shades - these stand about 5 foot, tall and proud like chess pieces, glow gently. Would love a couple of these to cheer up a gloomy space.

I would highly recommend a visit to Tent London - did not make it to Design Junction, but is on my list for next year (heard it was the best of all the shows..).  Decorex this week.

Great start to the classes in Woodford this year. We have a wonderful set of students, and I feel it is going to be a good year.

A few students have finished off projects from last year: Lisa is modelling Jenny's wingback armchair in Pink chenille, and Lisa's own 1930's armchair is next door finished in a warm tweed check. Graduated with style!

Other projects have have just started include a parker knoll - plans to finish this in a deconstructed style; a comfy bedroom chair with buttoned seat and back; a beautiful Edwardian fireside armchair with sprung base; a sprung double ended bench finished in satin; a pin-cushion style chair with fixed base; and a modern wingback armchair finished in a cream chenille.  We have a mixture of really interesting projects.

Will keep you posted on everyone's process ... 

I am delighted to announce a new class on Tuesday afternoon in Woodford.