Renew & Repurpose is a course to upskill participants in the craft of marquetry and furniture upcycling, for women experiencing mental health challenges.

Over six weeks, you will learn the historic craft of marquetry with a contemporary twist. You will learn how to upcycle furniture and homeware into high-end products through the use of veneer. There will be the opportunity to create a design that reflects your own personal style.

Individually and as a group you will restore items that you can take home, or restore pieces that will be donated to residents experiencing furniture poverty reducing items to landfill

Through supportive sessions you are invited to learn new skills and the basics of marquetry and furniture upcycling. Group numbers are small, and no previous experience is needed.

The course will cover:

Week 1: Understanding the basics of marquetry – Coaster making project

Week 2: Designing your own marquetry

Week 3: Marquetry cutting techniques

Week 4: Preparing an upcycling project for marquetry

Week 5: Gluing and veneering

Week 6: Sanding and polishing

Tutor Amber Bailey formerly trained in furniture conservation and restoration with a specialism in marquetry before studying French marquetry at the prestigious École Boulle, Paris.

Amber went on to work for a Super Yacht company in Wales. She is now a Creative Facilitator, teaching a range of craft courses in the South East as well as running AmberJoy | Creative studio, creating bespoke shop products for cultural and heritage sites.

Renew & Repurpose is run by Fabrica a space where everyone can take part in the arts. For over 25 years Fabrica has strived to remove barriers to access, supporting people to connect through creativity via person-centered, co-produced provisions with health and wellbeing at their core.

This course is funded Another Way Women’s Foundation. The Another Way Women's Foundation help women realise their worth and reach their full potential through empowerment and education.