Latest reviews

1 Oct 13'

Annie Dean reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"We (family of 4) had a fabulous day last month at one of Jane's tapestry weaving workshops. Even our 13-year-old who wasn't keen at the idea became completely engrossed and produced a lovely piece. Jane put loads into the day, providing us with a bespoke design of the lovely seaside view from our living room window so we now have a beautiful set of four to remind us of a wonderful day together. Highlights of the day were - an extremely warm welcome; very comfortable, large and inspiring studio space with unrivalled countryside views; delicious lunch with home baking; Jane's tireless enthusiasm and encouragement and Graham (Jane's husband, and studio assistant) who was so kind and attentive to all our needs. We're all looking forward to booking our next workshop (even the 13-year-old!)"

22 Sep 13'

Katie Sanderson reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"I have attended several courses each has been fantastic, I've learnt lots and my confidence has grown. I now have a kiln at home and still love enamelling."

22 Sep 13'

Kate Dixon reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"I attended Jane's course this weekend and I absolutely loved it. I was a complete beginner yet came away with a piece of work that I am very pleased with. Jane gave individual help to us all continually and we all worked at our own level. Add to that a delicious morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea plus very good company and this was an ideal way to learn and have fun! Thanks a lot - I'll definitely be back."

21 Sep 13'

Gill M reviewed: A stool making day

"Great course(s)! Done two now - I have a beautiful stool / bedside table and now a hedge chair which is so nice nobody else is allowed to sit on it! The setting is great relaxing and welcoming, the instruction is clear and you learn so much more that just how to make the stool or chair. There was also lot of banter and laughter, our group ended up in the pub to celebrate our achievements with great local tipple from the Scottish Borders Brewery. Altogether the best weekend I'd had in ages. Try it - You'll be amazed at what you can create."

19 Sep 13'

janine blackmore reviewed: A stool making day

"What a fantastic weekend. I really didn't know what to expect having never lifted so much a saw prior to the course and I sincerely doubted that i would be walking away with a 'hand crafted'chair at the end of the two days - how wrong could i be!! Eoin and Gail were delightful and inspirational instructors,and, alongside their sense of humor and patience, put everyone at their ease with their'can do'attitude. The course was inspirational and i will certainly look at wood in a different way ( today we were scouring our local woodland area for branches in which to turn into legs and spindles).The course was well worth travelling over 300 miles to attend and i would recommend it to anyone wanting to do something satisfying and enriching."

18 Sep 13'

Helen Bristow reviewed: Cake Decorating Workshop

"Amazing :)! More fun than I've had in ages and the cakes were scrumptious! Ann was great and highly skilled. She even allowed me to go wild with her glitter!"

17 Sep 13'

Alex Miller reviewed: A stool making day

"The stool-making course was brilliant! Beforehand I thought it would be a fun and novel way of spending the day, but several months have passed now and so many times when i see a woodland or even a lone tree, I think of the things I learned that day, from the shave horse to sustainable management of our forests. The instructors were great fun and extremely helpful, and the hands-on nature of the course meant i really earned those cups of tea! Thank you for a wonderful experience, and I'm looking forward to coming back for more." Alex"

16 Sep 13'

Kerry-Anne Martin reviewed: A stool making day

"Just back from the best weekend I've had in a long while making a chair. What an amazing achievement having turned up on Saturday morning with absolutely zero experience of tools or woodworking and leaving Sunday afternoon with a complete chair. I can't recommend it highly enough! Eoin and Gail who were facilitating the course were wonderful. Very inspiring and helpful giving you just enough instruction and knowledge to move you along but without being patronizing and letting you take the lead. And they were extremely patient too - a question was never too stupid! I have my chair at home and have to keep passing by it to touch it and remind myself that I really did create it!"

16 Sep 13'

Brian McD reviewed: A stool making day

"Great day out making stool. Every stage of 'construction' easy to follow after a little introduction with the addition of the 'feel good' factor when complete. Has given me inspiration to start woodworking and get creative."

16 Sep 13'

Brian Reeds reviewed: A stool making day

"This was my second course with the BigTreeSociety. Last year I made a stool and last week I was back there again with my target being a shave horse. Eoin and Gail facilitated the two days with humour and intelligence, making sure that the four of us followed our own route but advising why some of our ideas might not work and suggesting how to achieve the effect we wanted. I picked up a lot more about trees and wood and the skills necessary to achieve the objective. And we had some great moments of humour. I have already recommended this course and the centre to friends and neighbours. It is an easy and enjoyable way to learn something new in an environment which is relaxed and friendly. Go on, have a go, you really will enjoy it!"

11 Sep 13'

Christine Hewlett reviewed: Leather Mask Making

"This was one of the most enjoyable courses I have experienced. Personal attention given by the course provider. Excellent facilities, good pace of teaching, relaxed atmosphere. Definite value for money and I would highly recommend this course to others."

9 Sep 13'

Isabel Pichonnaz reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"I spent an excellent pottery week at the Paddock Studio. Rowena is a great teacher. She's helpful, encouraging and constructive. This week gave me plenty of ideas and a new motivation. Thank you! 5"

5 Sep 13'

Jo Strong reviewed: Wet-on-wet oil painting face-to-face workshops

"Karen made me feel very welcome and at ease. The day course was very informative and Karen explained everything as we went along and also gave lots of tips and tricks. Ended up taking home a very lovely Roses Painting. Karen was also able to supply Jenkins books, brushes and paint. Fantastic. Highly recommended :-) Jo"

4 Sep 13'

Trish PW reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"This really is a great course if you wish to learn all about candle making; it covers so much and you really do learn all that you need to know to go solo. I had a fabulous day and felt totally inspired by the experience and cannot wait to make my own products. Sakeena is a lovely lady and an excellent teacher and I am thrilled that I made the effort to go on this course - I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone who is thinking about it!!"

4 Sep 13'

Stephen Bristow reviewed: Spoon carving with green wood

"I never thought I would be able to make a chair that I would be proud of.... but Jo's laid back teaching style and excellent tools and materials enabled me to do just that. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants a week away from it all with a great teacher and good companions, all working away using traditional green woodworking methods and locally grown timber. Thanks Jo!"

1 Sep 13'

Jenny Litten reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"This was an excellent course and Dilys is a brilliant and knowledgable teacher. I attended the course with my Dad and sister who had done some enamelling before but I was a complete beginner and she was fantastic at helping all of us produce pieces that we were really pleased with. She showed us a variety of techniques and skills and we all came away wanting to do more enamelling! I'd highly recommend this course. Thank you Dilys for a very enjoyable day."

1 Sep 13'

Richard Mussett reviewed: Amazing encaustic art for two people Day Course

"My wife and I did this together. Excellent value and Phil is so encouraging, patient and an excellent teacher. For two complete novices to be able to each do and take home pictures of such quality using the techniques that we were shown was truly amazing. I have never enjoyed doing art as much before in my life. We lost all track of time and we are getting Phil’s starter kit and will definitely be having more sessions with Phil. It was a shame the session had to end; we both switched off and became absorbed in this art form. Thanks again for a great time Phil. ... Read More"

1 Sep 13'

Sue Graham reviewed: Sew Easy!

"Comprehensive information on a variety of crafts with very good information on locations"

31 Aug 13'

Amanda Howe reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"This spinning course was amazing! Theresa was extremely knowledgable of all different kinds of sheep and their wool. She was able to help answer any questions I had about wool and spinning. Theresa is a fantastic teacher. I would recommender her for anyone who wants to learn how to spin."

28 Aug 13'

Venetia Young reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"This was an amazing week. The teaching was very good and thorough. The work we all did was produced to a professional standard that I didn't know I could ever achieve! i will definitely go back for the second course"

28 Aug 13'

Manon Wilson reviewed: 'Home-Made' Adult Craft Course- Bath

"Finding funky Art classes after leaving work has given me much more than a very enjoyable way of spending a morning and making new friends. I now have skills to make things I would never have thought possible. Making unusual presents for friends and family. Not sure it is for you - just try it, you will soon discover your creative side. There is something for everyone. Have fun!"

27 Aug 13'

Sarah Lawrenson reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"Recently returned from a weekend course run by Sharon at Alston Hall, Lancashire. She is such an infectiously enthusiastic lady, who went to great lengths to get everyone 'settled in' and prepare a piece of their choosing to carve. She is effortlessly talented, generous with her tools and equipment, and so positive and helpful in her tutoring. If she comes up again next year I will certainly be there-thanks so much Sha! Can't wait to come carving with you again! xx"

26 Aug 13'

Isaac Tapping reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"I really enjoyed it. I'd like to do it again sometime."

26 Aug 13'

Rachel Tapping reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"My son and I had a really good day with Simon. We worked hard and felt very supported and encouraged by Simon's attitude and confidence. We've really got the bug now and I can't wait to have another go."

26 Aug 13'

Carol Baines reviewed: Learning the Ancient Art of Enamelling on Copper with Dilys Fisher

"A thoroughly enjoyable course. I have just returned from Ammerdown after a week of enamelling with Dilys and a wonderful beginners' group of 4. Dilys gradually introduced us to the basic techniques and processes, whilst teaching us more as she encouraged us to develop our ideas. Endlessly patient and always enthusiastic, she found ways to help us to create our designs. There were no mistakes here, just opportunities for learning!"