The professional 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.
Your Upholstery Journey in 3 clear guides
Start simple, learn the right techniques, then move to bigger projects. A clear method, built to last.
This is Céline aka The Girl With a Hammer
My name is Céline Vanier, I’m a professional upholsterer and you may know me as @the_girl_with_a_hammer on Instagram.
I share everything about upholstery here on this very special upholstery platform! So you’ll find many upholstery tutorials and tips, plus everything you need to know about my international upholstery classes in France (Annecy).
My mission: Provide the upholstery resources I wish I had found 15 years ago when I was feeling alone with my upholstery books, dreaming about my future workshop.
Trusted by Upholstery Enthusiasts Worldwide
80+
Video Tutorials
Step-by-step guides
15+
Years Experience
Professional expertise
500+
Students Taught
Worldwide community
100%
Professionnel Techniques
Traditional and modern methods
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
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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.
Need help? Use the forum!
Never be afraid to ask a “simple” question or ask for help. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been upholstering for years, our community forum is where the magic happens. Connect with fellow craftspeople, share your projects, ask questions, and get advice from experienced upholsterers around the world.
Never hesitate to ask a “simple” question, we’ve all been there, and every expert was once a beginner.