Latest reviews

Nigel and Brenda Clews reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Our great day with George started 6 months earlier when Brenda, my wife picked up a chisel for the first time and tried carving at a Maori settlement in New Zealand. Building on the rewarding sense of working with wood, I booked us in with George for a day of wood turning tuition as her Christmas present in 2018. Total novices to wood turning, we arrived in Burnham on Sea on a sunny bank holiday Saturday to spend the day acquiring some new skills. George is an accomplished teacher, generous with his praise and passionate about his subject. You learn about woods, grains, tools and lathes and importantly progress at your own pace - with George helping and keeping a watchful eye on progress. We finished with 2 very different bowls turned in sycamore, one a traditional bowl emphasising the natural grain and features of the wood, the other a shallow bowl with a lacquered paint finish. Both are a good size and now on display in our house. Throughout the day, Sue, George's wife kept us refreshed with drinks and lunch, all taken away from lathes in their beautiful and mature garden. The experience was good value for money and great fun. We will be coming back to try our hands at turning again."

Michael King reviewed: Green wood chair making - 6 day woodworking course in Devon

"It was a terrific course that joined 5 members of our family; our differing ages (33 to 71) and differing levels of apparent experience in amateur and conventional woodworking, which made not a jot of difference to our enjoyment and the quality of the chairs we each took home. "Peter's non-interfering teaching style, his honesty, gentleness and experience enabled me to learn so much." " I was really chuffed to come away with an attractive chair, having started with no experience or knowledge of green woodworking. I loved making my chair, every stage of it, and have returned home feeling very excited and motivated to do further projects." We can each highly recommend this course - it is hard work but the need to focus and concentrate (albeit with support when needed) means it is also successful in lifting you completely away from your mainstream work and home distractions. Do this course, especially if you are otherwise busy!"

Pauline reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing Workshop by Clare Cosens

"Thank you Clare for a really excellent Gelli printing morning. Clare is an excellent tutor with lots of great tips to make sure you have a fabulous experience. I would certainly go again. Lovely relaxed atmosphere."

Kay Bryan reviewed: Weekly precious jewellery / Silversmithing classes

"Flux n Flame is a haven of creativity, friendship and a safe place to express yourself through jewellery making. Al and Jesa have taken me to places that I didn’t know existed in my walk to discover how deep my creativity goes. I am constantly learning and have developed a freedom of flow that I have never experienced before. They are so patient and have gently encouraged me to widen my view. The class is chilled but also a hive of activity, I love the moment in the day when suddenly you realise it’s gone quiet and everyone is in the zone. There’s no place I’d rather be than at the bench at Flux 'n Flame."

Melville reviewed: Make an arts and crafts copper clock with Bryony Knox

"A thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding week where not only do you learn new skills, you also get a special piece to take home at the end of it! Never having done this before, I was surprised that this could all be achieved during this short course! Bryony is a gifted maker and her intuitive and relaxed teaching style makes this course a special experience. Melville (arts & crafts clock course student)."

Clive Parsons reviewed: Stained glass beginners workshop, Cardiff, Wales

"I started as a complete novice and took home an A4 stained glass panel that has pride of place in my kitchen window. Angelina was really patient and helpful throughout the whole day. Everything we needed was supplied, including lunch. A great course that I thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you Glass by Design."

Glass By Design responded:

"Thanks so much. You made a lovely panel and very glad it is in pride of place. Hope to see you again soon."

Sally Avery reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I really enjoyed my experience with Alex making a two-leafed birdbath over the course of two days. He gave me confidence in thoroughly instructing me in how to use the furnace to best effect then allowed me to undertake the various methods on my own carefully overseeing my work and offering helpful advice. I never felt hurried or out of my depth and was proud to produce something for my garden which I will treasure - and will be of use to the wildlife in my garden! Thanks Alex"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Sally, thanks for the great review. Really glad you are happy with what you made, I hope it sits happily in your garden for years to come. Alex"

John Summers reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I had a thouroughly enjoyable and inspiring day with Mark - which went by far too fast. The one to one nature of the course enables him to tailor his teaching to each pupil's level of skill (or, as in my case, lack of it) and, particularly at the start of developing a hobby, this seems to me an excellent investment. He offers very good back up notes, with a lot of very sensible do's and don'ts. I very much hope to go back when I've become more proficient."

Hayley Bond reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"Absolutely loved this course! It was a great day with loads of laughter but lots of learning too! I have come away from this course with valuable knowledge and some glasswork that I’m super proud of, all this is down to Siobhan who is obviously very talented but a very patient and fun teacher. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who fancies learning something new and having a great day, thanks Siobhan!"

Anon reviewed: Basic beekeeping

"Knowledgeable and informative presenter, relaxed style, excellent lunch."

Anon reviewed: Basic beekeeping

"Loved the whole experience, food was excellent too."

Anon reviewed: Basic beekeeping

"Very knowledgeable teacher, all valuable. Actually handling the bees was great, but the theory equally useful and interesting."

Freda Sellars reviewed: Needle felt workshop

"A perfect venue for a relaxing day making a hare. Needle felting is a new skill to me but Louise guided us through all of the different techniques required with ease. Thanks for a wonderful day."

Carol Bain reviewed: Screen printing beginners workshop

"I have been to two of Lara’s workshops and enjoyed every minute, could have stayed all day! Lara is an excellent tutor, I am very much looking forward to attending another course soon. Screen printing is a magical process, the possibilities are endless. The studio is welcoming, bright and inspirational, a fantastic opportunity to take some timeout, meet like minded people and let your creative side flow. All materials are included, no need to bring anything, but your willingness to learn something new. I have so far created a design for a tote bag and a tea towel. Thank you Lara."

Louise reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"Great teacher, lovely to talk to and very knowledgeable. This was my first time doing pottery and after one lesson I want to do more"

PoppyRose responded:

"Thank you for your review, I'm delighted you enjoyed your pottery experience. Best wishes, Louise"

Fiona McNamara reviewed: Dry stone walling course Lancashire/Yorkshire/Manchester/Leeds/Sheffield/North West

"I recently attended the course with my 22 year old son and I can honestly say (despite a storm coming through on one day!) that it was extremely rewarding and there was never a dull moment. The level and detail of the teaching was top notch and I feel that I am able to tackle my own project with confidence and gusto. A very positive and fulfilling experience."

Dog with a Bone responded:

"Fiona was hard working, determined and also had some good ideas of how to lay out stones prioer to putting them on the wall. Fantastic student, a real grafter and her son was good too - a great team."

Andy Halsey reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"A great one day introduction to french polishing, all hands on and working at my own pace, with guidance from a very knowledgeable tutor. Everything was explained as I went along and at the end of the day I finished the piece I had taken with me to a very good standard."

Nichola McKay reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"I completed Kerry’s Business Candle Making workshop a few months ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. The 1:1 session was perfect and allowed for time to go through my pre-prepared questions. Kerry has a lovely honest approach and the course content is perfect for those who wish to start a business. Good notes, delicious cake and tea are a bonus! Thanks Kerry!"

Simon Hill reviewed: Full Day Woodturning tuition from Registered Professional Turner in Dorset, South West

"What an incredible day! Very happy with my first sycamore bowl. Looking forward to returning to see Joe again"

Joe Creed-Kaile responded:

"Thankyou Simon, it was great to meeting you."

James Priest reviewed: One day blacksmithing course

"I had one of the best days for a long time working with Julian. I haven't done much metal work since school days 40 odd years ago, but I've always had an urge to revisit it. In my view Julian is a great teacher with the right balance of explanation, teaching by example and letting you get hands on. We discussed a project in the morning, over mugs of tea, that would be challenging but achievable in the day. Julian's mix of technical experience and artistic flair with a real practical and down to earth approach was wonderful and led, not only to achieving something I'm proud of, but to a great days conversation and something I'll remember for a long time. A thoroughly engrossing day, that I'll be keen to follow up on! Many thanks for welcoming me into your workshop Julian!"

Rachel Davies reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing Workshop by Clare Cosens

"I had an absolutely lovely morning on Clare's really great little course. Clare is an excellent teacher - really creative with lots of advice and ideas, I would definitely recommend her courses. Very relaxed atmosphere in Clare's little garage studio - with tea and biscuits too! The time went so fast, but Clare made sure we timed everything and ended with lovely prints. I've enjoyed it so much that I've booked to take my sister now for her 50th birthday and my Mum in law for her 80th. You don't need to be able to draw, just enjoy being creative."

Lyndsey Addison reviewed: Fused Glass - Taster

"Enjoyable couple of hours making 2 coasters. Julie is extremely helpful and a great teacher. I have booked further sessions as I enjoyed so much."

Bex Silvester reviewed: Taster pottery throwing lesson (various dates)

"A wonderful introduction to throwing a pot! The setting is easy to find, lots of parking and beautiful inside. It's a light and airy studio with excellent facilities. Jack has a fantastic teaching style and is obviously a very skilled potter. He took great care to explain the process and then was always on hand, with tremendous encouragement and calmness, to help when required. It is also great value for £50, with my three little pots sent on to me after firing for a small p&p fee. I really enjoyed this taster morning and would actively encourage anyone who fancies having a go to book with Jack. I only wish I lived closer, I'd join a ten week course in a flash! Bex x"

melanie a rampeearee reviewed: Beginner's spinning

"Booked into Cathy's spinning workshop on this site. Was in a lovely venue in Crosby, Liverpool. It's very handy that Cathy is running these workshops locally. Had a brilliant fun day, Cathy and her mum Jean were lovely, very friendly and patient with us all. It was a small class which made it possible for Cathy to spend time with each one of us to assist. I enjoyed the class so much I decided to continue spinning and I purchased a wheel. Since the first workshop over a year ago Cathy has helped me with spinning troubleshooting and her wealth of knowledge has helped me to progress and tweak my spinning, thus making me more confident with my spinning. Definitely recommend Cathy's workshops."

Lazykate Textiles responded:

"Thanks Mel, We enjoyed getting to know you and your mum, the day was great. Thanks for leaving such a nice review, i really appreciate it."

Dave Duggan reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"This was my first attempt at stone carving and I was very pleased with the way the course worked. Short introduction to fellow course members and tools by Sebastian then right into having a go. Sebastian is very helpful with advice on how to progress with our various ideas of what we wanted to make. I have been inspired to have a go at home Facilities are simple and working in the outdoors on a lovely sunny weekend was ideal. Indoor facilities are available if the weather's not so good. Great - thank you Sebastian"