About

IMG_0292I was challenged to write this blog, dared almost, by a very good friend who was able to identify that somewhere inside of me is a frustrated creative stuck in a near-paralysing state of inertia.

My name is Jon Sanderson-Turner and at the point of writing this I am a Learning and Development Manager from Stourbridge in the West Midlands. I say ‘at the point of writing this’ because although I enjoy what I do professionally, one day I hope to be able to write something different at the end of ‘I am a….’ and I hope that it’s something that makes use of my creative talents and it’s something that I can do every day. It would also be nice if it pays the bills. All I need to do now is try to work out what the ‘I am a….’ might be.

As the first days of 2011 approach I have decided it’s time for action. I have a bit of a plan and through this blog I hope to chronicle how it all works out.

14 thoughts on “About”

  1. Hi John
    The blog is brilliant!
    The chairs you picked to start off with are very cool and I know you said you aren’t 100% happy with them but they look damn fine to me… you will be on that club chair in no time!
    All the best with everything.
    Caroline

    Reply

    1. Hi Caroline,

      Thanks! I’m really enjoying it and hoping to get far more creative as my skills progress. Send the club chair up!!

      Really good seeing you both yesterday – see you in a week or two, maybe you’ll have your own blog by then?

      Reply

  4. I have just discovered your website and read your blog. I love it as it relates so much to myself. I started upholstery as a hobby which then developed into doing up chairs and selling them in small antiques centers. I had a short course in upholstery and continue to ‘apprentice myself’ as unfortunately I’m not in a finacial position to go on intensive courses which I would love to do. I often find myself lacking in self confidence when I come across something I haven’t done before but have great self gratification when I have accomplished it. Your blog is so informative and helpful, please continue with the good work as I look forward to following it

    Reply

    1. Hi Mandy,

      What a lovely message! It’s great to hear of other people who have become upholsterers via a non-conventional route – I really am enjoying it so much and my confidence and speed is improving all the time.

      Thanks again for taking the time to say hi!

      Reply

  5. Hi Jon,
    Hope things are going well for you. Can I pick your brains? I am terrible at pricing up jobs and have found that it seems to be an upholsterers closely guarded secret when it comes to pricing. I have just had an enquiry to re-cover (not upholster) a parker knoll type rocking chair with wings, in union jack fabric. I have no qualms about doing the chair except that I think it’s going to be a nightmare matching the fabric, therefore time consuming. What sort of price would you quote? Hope you don’t mind me asking đŸ™‚

    Reply

  6. Just found your blog yesterday and binge read the whole lot in one evening. I started upholstery last year and attended a weekend, then a week long course. Loved reading about your projects and challenges and recognise many of the latter already. Enjoyed even more as I’m close to your area, in fact I was born in Stourbridge! Look forward to reading more of your blog posts. Good luck with your business, your talent is very apparent from the photos and descriptions you give.

    Reply

      1. Yep I love it!!! Was hooked from the start. Just frustrated by lack of time (full time working and not another option at the moment!!) and lack of space….materials plus a growing collection of chairs (future projects in the conservatory, loft and garage currently). Thanks for your reply.

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