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Pickles & Polish is a warm, practical 4-week course for anyone who loves vintage furniture and wants the confidence to care for it, improve it, and bring a piece back to life—without the overwhelm.You’ll work on your own small piece with guidance each week, learn what actually makes a difference, and leave with new skills, new friends, and a home that feels more “you.”
Over four relaxed weekly sessions, we’ll teach the fundamentals of simple restoration and long-term care—things like stabilising wobbles, improving drawers and doors, refreshing tired finishes, and making smart choices about what’s worth doing (and what to leave alone). This is not a hardcore tool workshop. It’s a supportive studio-style course designed to be beginner-friendly, low-mess, and genuinely useful.
To keep it enjoyable (and safe), we focus on techniques you can repeat at home, with a clear structure, a small group, and plenty of time for questions.
What you’ll learn:
How to assess a piece: solid timber vs veneer, structure, and what’s realistic
Simple fixes that transform usability: wobble/stability, drawers, doors, hardware
Cleaning and care that protects character: patina-safe revival (without ruining finishes)
How to refresh and protect surfaces so your piece is easy to live with
The “your eye” framework: what makes a piece worth saving, and how to style it with confidence
What you’ll work on:
Bring one small-to-medium piece to improve over the 4 weeks. You’ll get guided help, a plan for your piece, and progress each session. If you finish you are welcome to bring another piece.
What’s included
4 weekly sessions (small group support) Limited to 10 per intake.
A practical course guide + checklists
$50 store credit to use at Plots & Pickles (perfect for pairing pieces, hardware, or finishing touches)
Time to browse the space and ask questions each week
Who it’s for:
You love furniture with character and want practical skills
You’ve got a piece at home that’s “nearly great”
You want a calm, social course to do solo or with a friend/mum/daughter
Who it’s not for:)
Full stripping, sanding clouds, spray painting, or heavy power-tool projects
Large furniture drop-offs or major structural rebuilds
We do have a full workshop so we can explore more options as required.
Types of projects:
tightening and stabilising (chairs, tables)
minor glue repairs (simple joins)
drawer/door alignment + glide improvements
hardware swaps (handles/hinges)
gentle clean + revive + wax/oil protection
touch-ups and small surface refreshes
Not allowed:
chemical stripping
heavy sanding (especially painted surfaces)
spray painting
major rebuilds
anything too large/heavy to manage safely
What you can bring:
Must be carried by one person and fit comfortably in the space.
Great examples: chair, stool, bedside, small side table, small drawers, mirror, small shelving.
Email/DM a photo + dimensions after booking.
4-week structure
Week 1: Assess + plan + first fixes (stability + “what matters most”)
Week 2: Drawers/doors/hardware week (big usability wins)
Week 3: Clean + revive + protect finishes (patina-safe)
Week 4: Final polish + styling/pairing tips + next steps
Policies
Transfers: You can transfer to another intake if there’s space (up to 72 hours before start).
Missed sessions: We can’t offer make-up classes, but you’ll get the guide/notes and we’ll help you catch up next week.
Refunds: Refundable up to 7 days before course start (or credit within 24 hours).
FAQs
Do I need experience?
No. This is designed for beginners.
Do I need to bring tools?
No. We’ll have basics available. If you want, you can bring your own favourite screwdriver.
Will we use power tools?
No—this course is intentionally low-mess and low-risk. (But we are flexible if needed).
Can I come with a friend?
Yes—many people do. Each person needs their own ticket (and ideally their own piece).
How does the $50 store credit work?
You’ll receive it at the first session and it can be used in-store or online within 30 days.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
37 Manly Park Avenue, Whangaparaoa, New Zealand 0930, 37 Manly Park Ave, Manly, Whangaparaoa 0930, New Zealand, Takapuna
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