Latest reviews

Nicole Corbin reviewed: Weekend Bobbin Lace Making - Daytime Mixed Lace Workshops (Barnham, West Sussex).

"A very enjoyable course. Tina is both knowledgeable and patient. I will be attending more of her courses."

Tina's Bobbin Lacemaking responded:

"Good Afternoon Nicole It was lovely to see you last Saturday at the Idrija Workshop, and very happy that you enjoyed the day. Looking forward to seeing the finished piece at your next visit to a Workshop, as it will be good to see the finished piece worked in a silk thread. Thanks for your continued support."

Kim Clarke reviewed: Introduction to green wood craft - a two day course

"I attended this course last weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact I came away with a strong desire to continue and have already downloaded plans to make my own shave horse ! Dave Jackson is a great tutor - extremely knowledgeable and very patient. I'd like to attend another of his courses in the future"

Richard Carne Hughes reviewed: Two Day Stone carving course, Gloucestershire (Cotswolds)

"My wife bought me this course as a surprise and i coukdnt have asked for anything better. We had a warm welcome from David and Kaye and they looked after us (four in the group) in every aspect. All of us were total beginners but by the end of the 2 days we talked away (albeit dustier) with a finished piece of work. David is an excellent tutor and gives just the right amount of advice whilst leaving you to create your vision Kaye was the ultimate host and her cakes, biscuits and lunches were superb. Thanks very much both and i strongly recommend this course to everyone. Regards Richard"

Ian Tilston reviewed: 2 day blacksmithing courses

"Two brilliant days at the forge with Aaron and three new friends, who had started the weekend just as fellow students. Aaron has the enviable combination of skill as a blacksmith, excellent communication skills (ex teacher) and ability to demonstrate his craft to students of all abilities. The four of us all came away with a selection of items that we had made ourselves and of which we could be proud. The course, and the range of projects that Aaron can give you to do, will suit all abilities; and strength is not a necessity to really enjoy blacksmithing. I have already sign-up for a second weekend and can't wait to get back to the forge."

Dick Dove reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"Great working area with individual benches and all equipment supplied plus expert ands hands on instruction and guidance from Martin. It’s been a tremendous experience and highly recommended for all ages. Thanks you."

Gerry Stuart reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"David made The Blacksmith Experience a thoroughly enjoyable day. He started by covering Health and Safetl in what is a hazardous environment. His instructions throughout the day were always clear and precise and I never felt under pressure. The fact that I came out of the day with two lovely pieces of ironwork ( much admired! ) owes much to David’s teaching and technical skill. Thank you , David, for a great day."

Chris Whitfield reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A very good enjoyable day lovely people and a good informative course. Thanks chris"

Claire Ann Lane reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"A most enjoyable, informative and satisfying day. We’d never done anything like this before, but Jamal was excellent at showing and teaching us what to do- such a talented man!"

Sue Fisk reviewed: Stained glass one day course for beginners: one-to-one

"I had the most amazing day with Emma. She is a wonderful, kind and patient teacher. I am not a very confident person and Emma made me believe in myself and gave me so much confidence. I came home with a beautiful mirror, which had lots of angled cuts that I had achieved myself. Emma has given me the confidence to try something else. I cannot recommend her enough. Brilliant"

Helen reviewed: Introduction to weaving on a frame loom at Bristol Textile Quarter

"A very relaxed session learning the basics of loom weaving with inspiring yarns, individual tuition, advice and guidance."

Dave & Bec reviewed: Rustic oak garden bench - one day course

"What a fantastic day! I bought this for my wife as a Christmas gift, and we got to take it on a sunny Mother's Day. Ian taught us so much and gave us the skills to make a lovely bench. A full day and we definitely caught the bug--we will be back to make more in the future. Definitely recommend--you won't be disappointed!"

Matt Sims reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I am more than happy add my positive comments to the ratings given by those who have followed one of Mark's courses. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge that he passes on with great style and enthusiasm. The day was 'full on' lasting 9 hours+ with a short break for lunch. That said it flew by and at no stage did I feel the session was losing shape....and the pleasure at creating something (a bowl) I would not have dreamt myself capable of at the start of the day was a great way to finish the day. Mark worked me hard but in a good way always accentuating the positive. I feel I learnt a tremendous amount that will allow me to progress....."

Fiona reviewed: "West Coast Chair" making course - Scottish Highlands

"After thoroughly enjoying the one day “Half Log” stool course and two-day Highland Stool courses, I decided to go for the 5-day West Coast Chair course. It was a small group of five – everyone was really friendly. Aaron is a natural teacher – he knows when you need a bit of help and very patient. Aaron would demonstrate each stage prior to you having a go yourself. If something did not go quite to plan, he would find a way to fix it. I thoroughly enjoyed working in the outdoor workshop – fresh air, working the wood by hand and great company! It was a relaxing and rewarding way to spend five days off work! By the end, I made a beautifully crafted chair, which I am very proud of! Built to last! It is certainly a talking piece! Thank you!"

Fiona reviewed: Highland stool making course - Scottish Highlands

"After attending the one day “Half Log” stool course, I got a taste for green woodworking and without hesitation, signed up for the two-day Highland Stool course. I really enjoyed the two days working out in the woods with a friendly group of like-minded individuals. Aaron is a great tutor! I learned a range of techniques over the weekend! I am very proud of my stool! A terrific way to spend a weekend! Thank you!"

Alyson Huxtable reviewed: 2d needle felted pictures

"Booking the course was easy and Rachel was very helpful and replied promptly to e mails. The venue had easy parking and good facilities .Rachel and Rhian were very friendly and informative. They gave clear instructions and advised on different techniques and gave assistance when required.There were a wide variety of materials available to use. I would definitely recommend Rachel's courses."

2 Inspire You responded:

"thanks Alyson, it was great to have you and your daughter with us. I would love to see where you have gone with your pictures since you left us and hope that you have enjoyed the final stages. looking forward to seeing you on some of our other workshops x"

Andrea reviewed: Leather Crossbody/Messenger or Tote bag

"I did the cross body bag course at the beginning of March and i have been using the bag ever since!. Very enjoyable learning day and it is great to end up with such a nice and useful project. Richard has a lot of patience and is very clear with the explanations.I would highly recommend the course."

Rosemary Cochrane reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Just spent two days one to one workshops with Lucy learning some of the skills of stone setting. Lucy is an excellent teacher with just the right balance of demonstrating, watching, encouraging and helping! I learnt so much from working alongside her. The workshop is amazing and has everything you would expect from Lucy’s years of experience as a skilled jeweller. It is such a peaceful space and her garden too is a delight. I hope to arrange another visit once I have had time to practice the skills I have been taught so far. March 24/25th 2019"

Evelyn Risner reviewed: Residential two day machine embroidery workshop

"Produced fab piece of embroidery and re-learnt a lot that I'd forgotten about free machine embroidery. Lunch was great and Ruth very good company. Recommend."

Rob Umney reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"The course was perfect for beginners regardless of ability. The tutors were extremely friendly and knowledgeable, providing clear demonstrations and always at hand to provide help and guidance. I got to make a number of 'objects' to take home which were far beyond my expectations! Huge thanks to Ambrose and Eamon whose enthusiasm and patience made for a very satisfying and unforgettable weekend (along with heaps of food and cakes from the lovely Quinnel family)."

Deborah Judd reviewed: Still Life with Posies & Pots - a drawing and painting workshop in Derbyshire.

"Another lovely day at the Slipper studio. Experimenting with a range of creative drawing techniques. I felt lacking in confidence when I arrived but Liz is such an expert teacher that I soon found myself totally consumed in the pieces. Such a treat to spend a day drawing in such gorgeous surroundings. Thank you Liz"

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Thank you. You produced some beautiful pieces. Always a pleasure to have you at The Slipper Studio. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Catherine Bell reviewed: Week-day (Three Day) Bobbin Lace Making - Daytime Mixed Lace Workshops (Stoke d'Abernon, Surrey).

"A very relaxed atmosphere, I had a lovely day with an excellent teacher, I learnt lots. Cath Bell"

Tina's Bobbin Lacemaking responded:

"Good Afternoon Cath Thank -you for supporting the Idrija workshop, and I look forward to seeing the completed Angel ready for Christmas 2019. I hope you go onto other Idrija projects. Regards Tina."

Fiona Galbraith reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"What a fantastic day my daughter, my partner and I had with Matthew at Dimblebey Ceramics. We were made to feel so welcome. The course was fun and Matthew was an excellent teacher. We were all complete novices yet each of us went home with several pieces of pottery. Many thanks."

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Fiona, Thank you for your lovely review. I had such a fun day teaching all of you, not only seeing everyone's progression but the competition grow throughout the day. The beautiful forms that you all created are all drying, these will be fired over the next couple of weeks ready to collect. Best wishes Mathew"

Chris Hooper reviewed: Woodturning courses in Norfolk

"An excellent hands on course. Nick was completely adaptable in his manner and training skills, for me to be successful. His knowledge was not only wood turning but his enthusiasm, patience, teaching and listening skills . This course exceeded all my expectation. I was determined to have a good time and fun as was Nick. I learnt so much during the two days and was able to put into practice what I'd learnt, making sure wood turning was the craft for me . I would thoroughly recommend this course run by Nick one not to be missed by anyone interested."

Clyde Redfern reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"An outstanding day delivered by a real craftsman who took time to ensure I was able to produce a high quality stained glass panel. This is something I have wanted to do for a long time with a view to producing more panels at home as a hobby, I am so pleased I found Jamal as he has filled me with confidence. I can't wait for my birthday to get my next voucher to attend the glass painting course he runs."

Roma Gee reviewed: Mosaic (2 days) in the Peak District

"Everyone was so friendly and supportive of the group. An excellent weekend. The food was lovely too!"