Upholstery Classes in Annecy: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to every question you have asked about my upholstery classes: formats, prices, fabric, travel, accommodation and shipping. For questions about upholstery itself, tools or the online tutorials, see the general upholstery FAQ.
Where do the classes take place?
In my professional upholstery atelier, Le Boudoir des Etoffes, 58 Route d’Annecy, 74290 Veyrier-du-Lac, France. The workshop is right by Lake Annecy, around 40 minutes from Geneva Airport.
Which class formats do you offer?
Two formats, both in a very small group. The 2-day class runs on a Friday and a Saturday (14 hours): you bring your own chair or build a square foam stool from A to Z. The 5-day course runs Monday to Friday (35 hours): you upholster a complete piece from the bare frame to the last nail. Not sure which one to choose? See the classes overview.
How much do the classes cost?
The 2-day class is €1,199 per person, VAT included, plus €127 incl. VAT for the stool structure if you choose the stool project. The 5-day course is €2,450 per person, chair frame or stool structure included. In both formats, all upholstery materials are included. Fabric, decorative nails and trimmings are not.
When are the next classes?
Dates are listed on each class page: 2-day class dates and 5-day course dates. Each session is limited to 4 students, and once a session is fully booked, no additional dates are added.
I live in the UK. Can I come without taking a week off?
Yes. Several 2-day classes are scheduled right before a UK bank holiday: fly in on Thursday evening, learn on Friday and Saturday, enjoy Annecy on Sunday and fly home on the bank holiday Monday, with just one day off work.
Do I need any experience?
No. Both formats are open to complete beginners. Enthusiasts who have already tried a few projects are welcome too, and so are professional upholsterers who want to refine a technique or discover a new one. Tell me your level when you book and I will adapt your project.
Which chair can I work on during the 5-day course?
Your frame is included and made in France. You can choose an adult-size cabriolet chair, a kid-size cabriolet chair, a kid-size Voltaire chair or a square upholstered stool, in the wood finish of your choice: natural or stained wood with matte varnish, White Linen paint, Lamp Black, or another Little Greene colour for an additional fee.
Can I work on a different chair model than the ones you offer?
Yes, it is possible, for an additional fee depending on the model. Send me a photo or a description of the chair you have in mind when you book, and I will tell you whether it can be done in the time available and how much it would cost.
Can I bring my own chair?
Yes, that is one of the two options of the 2-day class. Send me a photo of your piece when you book: I will tell you honestly what can be achieved in two days, and what you will be able to finish on your own afterwards.
Traditional or modern upholstery: can I choose?
Yes. You choose between traditional upholstery, with hand-tied springs and natural fibre padding, and modern upholstery with foam. All materials are included whichever technique you choose. If you are not sure, we decide together when you book.
Do I need to bring my own tools?
No. Professional tools are lent free of charge during the class. If you would like to leave with your own tools, you can buy them on site.
What about fabric?
You can bring your own fabric or order one through me. I can source any reference from many brands, such as Nobilis, Pierre Frey, Manuel Canovas, Elitis, Coordonné, Jane Churchill, Nina Campbell, Larsen, Misia, Casamance, Camengo, Osborne & Little, Romo, Kirkby and Colefax & Fowler. As a general rule, you will need up to 1.5 metres of a plain fabric in standard width. Some fabrics are much easier to work with than others, so choose according to your level:
| Beginner friendly | Medium difficulty | Expert friendly |
|---|---|---|
| Woollen fabric (including mohair velvet) Jacquard Synthetic velvet | Cotton velvet Heavy linen | Sateen Silk velvet |
What about trimmings and decorative nails?
Trimmings like double welting or braid are the easiest way to finish a seat as a beginner. I will tell you the exact length for your model (as a reference, a medallion armchair needs about 6.5 metres). You can bring your own or order them with me on the first morning of your class.
Decorative nails are a beautiful option too, but they take a little more time.
What language are the classes taught in?
English. A little French can of course be used if needed for French-speaking students.
What are the daily hours?
Class starts at 9:30 AM, but the workshop is open from 9:00 AM. We work from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM, which makes 7 hours of training per day. And I hope you are not allergic to croissants: I bring them every morning so we can start the day with a little breakfast together.
What about lunch?
- The one-hour lunch break can be taken on site, with a microwave available
- There is a convenience store nearby
- You can also picnic by the lake, just a few minutes away
Do you still offer private lessons?
No. All classes are now taught in very small groups of 4 students maximum, which still leaves plenty of room for individual attention.
How do I get to Annecy?
If you fly, the easiest option is Geneva Airport in Switzerland, about 40 minutes by car from Annecy. From Paris, there is also a direct train to Annecy, around 3 hours.
How do I get around, and is there parking?
Biking is the easiest way to get around Lake Annecy, and bike rental is easy to arrange through your accommodation. Taxis and Uber are another option.
If you rent a car, keep in mind that Annecy is very busy in summer. The workshop has one parking space in front, and more spaces just across the street. They are free most of the year, but paid from May to mid-September (up to around €40 a day). That is why we love bikes so much here!
Where can I stay?
I recommend Le Clos du Lac, a beautiful guest house with only 4 suites, perfect for staying all together after class while keeping your own privacy. Once you have booked your course, Isabelle from Le Clos du Lac will contact you by email or WhatsApp. Please do not try to book online: the suites are reserved for upholstery students during course periods. You are of course free to choose any other accommodation.
How far is Le Clos du Lac from the workshop?
About 2 km: 7 minutes by bike, or 15 to 20 minutes on foot.
How do I get my piece home?
Shipping is not included in the course price, but I can help you organise it. Stools and kid-size chairs are the easiest to take home, often even by plane. Otherwise:
- Kid-size chairs: postal service, around €200 to the USA depending on destination and insurance
- Adult-size chairs: a carrier like DHL, around €500 to the USA
Can I pre-order the shipping?
Yes. Book the pickup at the workshop (58 Route d’Annecy, 74290 Veyrier-du-Lac) for the Tuesday after your class, with these package details:
- Adult-size chair: 20 kg, maximum size 90 cm high, 60 cm wide, 60 cm long
- Kid-size chair: 15 kg, maximum size 80 cm high, 50 cm wide, 50 cm long
Please note that your invoice covers the course, not the chair, since the course is what I sell. If you want to insure your parcel, you will need to estimate the value of your piece yourself.
What about packing?
Cardboard boxes, bubble wrap and tape are provided free of charge. As an option, for an additional fee, we can build a bespoke inner structure to protect your chair during shipping, and pack it for you.
Do I get access to the online tutorials after the class?
Yes. Class participants get 3 months of free access to the Hammer Club, to revisit techniques and keep progressing at home.
How do I book, and what is the cancellation policy?
Contact me on WhatsApp or by email at thegirlwithahammer@gmail.com to check availability. Payment and cancellation terms are detailed in the general terms (PDF).
Do you give upholstery classes outside France?
It is not in my immediate plans, but if a great opportunity comes up I could definitely export myself to teach outside France. In the meantime, the online tutorial library is the best way to learn from me wherever you are in the world.
Still have a question? Ask me on WhatsApp or email thegirlwithahammer@gmail.com.