Interior and exterior confidence
Create Academy has been such a great resource. I'm in the middle of renovating a bungalow with a very large garden and the courses have offered a wealth of inform...
Harvey
Jun 10, 2026
A Complete Guide to Modern Upholstery
Part 1 - Where to begin
with MICAELA SHARP — Sustainable designer and modern upholstery expert. TV presenter and interior design judge.
Lesson 7 of 68
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For your first upholstery project, I’ll be teaching you how to make a headboard. It’s the perfect way to familiarise yourself with the key skills you’ll need to take on the more advanced projects later in this course.
From the Lesson Workbook
Part 1- Where to begin
For your first upholstery project, I'll be teaching you how to make a headboard. It's the perfect way to familiarise yourself with the key skills you'll need to take on the more advanced projects later in this course.
An introduction to headboards
For our first project together, you'll be learning the techniques required to upholster anything flat. Many people will begin their upholstery journey by applying these techniques to a drop in dining seat; however, I have chosen to teach you via a headboard project. The skills are exactly the same, but a headboard offers more opportunity to build your confidence, as well as make something really impactful for your home.
Headboards come in all different shapes and sizes. Rather than a simple rectangle shape, I would encourage you to go for a more fluid design with curves to achieve a really high-end look, and a headboard that is totally bespoke and unique.
As well as shape and size, there are also different finishing touches you can add to your headboard to give it an extra layer of detailing. Studs, fringing and piping can all be factored into your design – in this course, I'll be demonstrating how to add piping.
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Interior and exterior confidence
Create Academy has been such a great resource. I'm in the middle of renovating a bungalow with a very large garden and the courses have offered a wealth of information to dive into and explore new ideas. I'm...
Harvey
Jun 10, 2026
Absolutely love Create Academy
Absolutely love Create Academy! The instructors are extremely informative, and it is beautifully filmed. Create Academy is great value for money and plan on renewing my subscription yearly because there are ...
SG
May 31, 2026
Magic in small spaces
Butter's creativity is stunning! Her ability to incorporate brilliance in small gardens is magical!
Carla
May 30, 2026
Your Instructor
Micaela Sharp
Sustainable designer and modern upholstery expert. TV presenter and interior design judge.
Micaela Sharp is a professional upholsterer, interior designer and broadcaster who champions the art of reupholstery and its ability to breathe new life into pre-loved furniture. Growing up, Micaela learnt both carpentry and sewing skills from her grandparents. It was this knowledge, alongside a passion for sustainability and longevity, that inspired her to take up upholstery and set up her own practice. Whether it’s designing furniture from scratch, reimagining a tired armchair into an heirloom to be cherished for years to come, or creating a room scheme layered with fabric and colour, Micaela brings her unique creativity and inventive flair to every project.
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