Hi!
My name is Janneke and I run Flamingo Upholstery. I am originally from the Netherlands, but have lived in the UK for many years and I have now settled here in Glasgow's Southside. I feel very much at home amongst the Glaswegians and love their chat and friendliness! I run Flamingo Upholstery from a workshop space in Glasgow's west end, where I pour my passion and skills into every project.
Professional Background
Bringing your furniture to life through expertise and dedication.
Accredited diploma
Membership
10+ years of experience
My Story
My upholstery journey began over a decade ago when I was ready for a career change and eager to channel my creativity. I decided to give upholstery a try, and fell in love with the craft on the very first day. The endless variety of materials, techniques, chair styles, and fabrics—it was pure heaven! That initial spark set me on a long path of learning, attending various courses, earning a diploma, and gaining hands-on experience by working on as many pieces as I could.
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Over seven years ago, I took the plunge and began working full-time from my own workshop. Since then, my business has grown steadily year after year.
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Every day in the workshop is a joy. I love working with fabrics, colours, and textures, carefully building up the layers of a chair and transforming it into something special. Each new project excites me, and I take great pride in the journey from start to finish. I strive for precision in every step, from pattern matching to the final touches, always willing to go the extra mile to produce exceptional work.
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A few years ago, I began running leisure classes to share my love for upholstery. Teaching others to create their own unique pieces is incredibly rewarding.
Training
I am skilled in both traditional and modern upholstery techniques. Traditional upholstery, in particular, is a true craft—taught by only a handful of specialist training centres across the country. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn these timeless techniques.
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My training began at Kendal Upholstery and continued at the Stirling Upholstery Craft Centre, where I earned an accredited Diploma from the Association of Master Upholsterers (AMUSF) in June 2016, graduating with distinction—a highlight of my journey! Following this, I gained valuable experience working with an established upholsterer, where I honed my skills by completing commissions and assisting with teaching.
This combination of training and hands-on experience has been fundamental to my craft.​
Workshop
In the summer of 2017, I partnered with a fellow upholsterer and shared a workshop space in Dennistoun, Glasgow.
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In February 2024, I moved to a new workshop in Whiteinch, Glasgow. I’m fortunate to share this creative space with talented individuals: Robin, Colin and Louise. Working alongside other creatives has been a fantastic experience—it’s not only inspiring to exchange skills and ideas, but it also makes the workday so much more enjoyable!
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The workshop itself is a bright and spacious space located on the first floor, with access via wide stairs at the back of the building.
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I’d love for you to visit the workshop and see all things upholstery!
