This is Céline aka The Girl With a Hammer
Hi, I’m Céline!
I’m a French upholsterer, and you may know me as @the_girl_with_a_hammer on Instagram.
I learned my craft the traditional way, through four years of apprenticeship with the Compagnons du Devoir. In 2012, I opened my own workshop, Le Boudoir des Étoffes, on the shores of Lake Annecy. Reupholstering chairs, dressing walls in fabric, working with beautiful textiles: that’s my everyday life.
Here, I share what I’ve learned along the way: step-by-step tutorials, the little tips that make a big difference, and everything about my upholstery classes in France.
Why I created this platform: when I opened my own workshop, I suddenly had no master at my side to ask. Just my books, and a lot of questions. This is the ressource I wish I’d had back then.
Trusted by Upholstery Enthusiasts Worldwide
80+
Video Tutorials
Step-by-step guides
15+
Years Experience
Professional expertise
450+
Students Taught
Worldwide community
100%
Professionnel Techniques
Traditional and modern methods
Your Upholstery Journey in 3 clear guides
Start simple, learn the right techniques, then move to bigger projects. A clear method, built to last.
Inside a tutorial
Numbered steps, real workbench shots, the exact gesture you need to see, in photo and video.
Not a finished photo with a caption guessing at the process.
Let me guide you from beginner to confident upholsterer
As an upholstery teacher, I’ve guided students from complete beginners to confident craftspeople. Here’s what I’ve learned: everyone starts with the same questions, the same struggles, the same dreams of creating beautiful pieces. Whether you’re holding fabric for the first time or ready to tackle advanced techniques, you’re not alone in this journey.
Online Academy
80+ step-by-step video tutorials, the professional methods behind each one, and the community to ask when something’s not clicking. Every technique comes as photo steps and video, so you can follow the way that works for you. Tips and tutorials added monthly.
- Photo and video for every technique
- Tools, materials & suppliers pro tips
- Access to exclusive support forum
- Monthly new content updates
- Learn at your own pace
Cancel anytime, no commitment.
Want to go further? Workshop Intensives in Annecy
5-day hands-on courses in my Annecy atelier, max 4 students, one complete chair restoration from frame to finish.
Want to learn upholstery? Even Architectural Digest says this is the right place
Want inspiration for all those ‘DIY reupholster chair’ searches? Check out Celine Vanier, an upholsterer and fabric dealer based in France who shares her creations on her Instagram account, @the_girl_with_a_hammer, which has more than 100 upholstery chair transformations to make you beeline to the fabric store.
— Architectural Digest, Nov. 11, 2022
Everyone has the same questions and I’ve been there myself. Starting my own apprenticeship and upholstery business wasn’t easy, I know every struggle and question. This is why I want this special upholstery website to be the “online upholstery resource” I wish I had found 15 years ago.
The french Upholstery Reference online
Beginner’s Guide, Professional methods & Step-by-Step Tutorials
From the first staples to professional finish. A clear learning path, whether you’re just starting out or refining your craft.