A Morning at The Chapel: Making My Own Fabric Notice Board

A couple of weeks ago, I treated myself to something completely different, a morning workshop at The Chapel with SH Upholstery.

Emma Semper-Hopkins runs several craft workshops from footstools to wreath making and interior design, but it was her fabric notice board workshop that specifically caught my eye. So I finally booked myself on so I could try my hand at something I had never done before, upholstery.

I went in with zero knowledge and wasn’t sure what to expect, but the idea of coming away with a beautiful, handmade fabric notice board really appealed to me. It sounded like the perfect mix of creativity, practicality, and learning something new.

The Chapel, located in Scholar Green, Cheshire, is a beautifully renovated space, full of light, character, and atmosphere. It’s set up perfectly for workshops, with everything laid out ready to go, and a lovely sense of calm that makes you feel instantly at home.

In all honesty, I’m a little jealous, it’s the kind of space I would love to have for my own sewing business and Christmas stocking worshops (which I currently run from home).

Under Emma’s expert guidance, I was taken through the whole process step by step.

From selecting the fabric and preparing the base, to stretching and attaching the fabric, and fixing the ribbons and buttons, every stage built up to something that felt more and more like a finished piece.

Even though I’d never done anything like this before, the instructions were very clear and supportive, and I never felt out of my depth. It was such a satisfying feeling watching it come together.

By the end of the morning, I had a handmade fabric notice board in a rich red fabric, with criss-crossed ribbon and button details.

It’s practical, sturdy, and perfect for me to hang up in my kitchen, replacing the cheap, generic one I ha been using, which I bought from a local discount shop.

I couldn’t stop smiling when I held it up for the first time (as you can see from the photo!).

This workshop was a real reminder of how rewarding it is to step out of your usual routine and try something new. Not only did I learn a new skill, but I also walked away with something useful and stylish that I made myself.

If you’re local to Cheshire and looking for a creative experience, I can thoroughly recommend attending one of SH Upholstery’s workshops at The Chapel. You don’t need any prior experience, just a willingness to give it a go, and you’ll leave with something truly unique.