Latest reviews

Claire reviewed: Making a mosaic with slate

"Thoroughly enjoyed this course - Rachel is an excellent teacher! I did a full day course and brought my 14 year old niece along - as a measure of how good the course was, this is the longest I've seen my niece without a phone in her hand in ages! She loved it! Great to have a course that is suitable for a mix of ages and abilities. The full day offered great flexibility to be able to experiment with different materials, colours and techniques, and to make multiple pieces. Excellent value for money (and lovely lunch too!). This was my first experience of mosaic work, and I'd thoroughly recommend this course."

Nicci reviewed: Hand sewn mohair teddy bear making course in Cumbria

"You couldn't ask for a better teacher in the craft of hand-sewn bears than Lyn. She has years of experience making miniature jointed hand sewn mohair bears; Knowing the best way to work with the materials, the right stich size and the best strength of thread etc. Loads of mohair colours and hair lengths to choose from. Lyn's relaxed teaching style makes the atmosphere wonderful, we laughed our way through the bear making, when not concentrating on our stiches. Whether you want to make a smiling bear or the grumpy traditional bear face, Lyn has done them all and guides us well. At the end a beautiful mohair bear that will bring back lovely memories. It's definitely worth checking out the photos of Boo Bears. And it's in Cumbria, one of the best places in the world."

Boo Bears Cumbria responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Nicci."

Linda Lindan reviewed: Textile design one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"I had an absolutely lovely day yesterday on the Textile Design Workshop. I was fully immersed in colour, shapes, patterns and being introduced to techniques of applying my interpretation of what I saw to paper and fabrics. Penny gives demonstrations and provides guidance whilst at the same time encouraging you along to do your own thing. It was hard to peel myself away but then Penny had the most amazing home made soup and breads, cakes and coffee, so I had to! I would have liked to have just stayed there and continued into the night but I will just have to return again instead!"

Glenn reviewed: Woodturning workshops - one day

"I spent two days with Steve, and enjoyed every second. He carefully assessed what I already knew, and took my learning on from there. He was very responsive when I asked for specific skills and knowledge. I learnt a huge amount, and it has given me great confidence and inspiration to return to my workshop. I've completed an apple and a pear just like Steve showed me! The workshop is extremely well laid out for teaching, and there seem to be no skills or tools that Steve doesn't know about or have the ability to demonstrate. His immense experience in both commercial and decorative turning give such great depth to his teaching. Lunch is delicious, and he will ensure you leave with one or two finished pieces to enjoy. Highly recommended."

Heather Coulson reviewed: Spoon Carving Workshop - One Day

"Thoroughly enjoyable course. Very relaxing (apart from when you're using the drawknife...but even that is very satisfying!) Mark is very helpful. Definitely recommend this course!"

Daniel Brooks reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"Excellent course. Challenging but enjoyable. Peat and Eammon were first class tutors with the experience needed to help the students achieve results that at first seemed to be beyond the ability of complete novices!"

Jill Stephenson reviewed: Wet felted bowls, vessels and vases

"This was a truly enjoyable workshop and I am so pleased with my bowl. The class venue was light with sufficient space to work. And there was tea and biscuits to sustain us. Kat's pre-class organisation was excellent every thing I needed was laid out to hand and there was a rainbow of coloured wool to chose from. Her instruction was faultless and I particularly appreciated her enthusiasm and support of my efforts. I look forward to coming to another of her workshops."

Kevin (The Hammer) Pearson reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"For Peat, ably assisted by Eamon, to take 8 enthusiastic amateurs, and get them to produce such a wide range of quality ironmongery, was a miracle! The whole approach to the course was professional and friendly, without being patronising. Peat has a wealth of knowledge, and it was a privaledge to have him as the course tutor. In a world of smart phones and instant gratification, the Quinnell Blacksmithing course is not only a fanatastic memorable occasion, but also a personal milestone in my craft achievements. Thank you all."

Emily Prier reviewed: Hand sewn mohair teddy bear making course in Cumbria

"Fantastic teacher, full of enthusiasm and good humour. Making the bear is fun and any tricky bits Lyn was quick to help and put me right. The hard work is definitely worth it as the end result fab. Looking forward to making lots more bears with Lyn."

Boo Bears Cumbria responded:

"Thank you so much Emily for your kind review, Your bears are beautiful."

Clive reviewed: Introduction to welded metal sculpture

"Three of us ventured across the bridge to Alan's studio on the edge of Swansea so that we could learn (or in one case improve) welding skills. Alan proved to be a good teacher whose welding and teaching skills are both excellent. At the end of the weekend we came away with three unique pieces of art and a lot more knowledge and skill than we had before. I'd recommend this to anyone with an interest or a desire to do something different."

Peter Heim reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"Outstanding course, and better than I imagined. Peat supported by the ultimate " we can fix that problem" Eamonn were great, and I was pleasantly surprised to see how much we actually did hands on, rather than theory. Even my highly cynical family are impressed with the work I built ! I would recommend this course to anybody, but would also recommend as suggested pre-course, strengthening up your hammer arms. I'm pretty strong but felt it after 3 days. Now planning to go on Peats tool making course."

John flynn reviewed: Rustic Sign Making Workshop Teesside

"Went with some friends, Shelley guided us through every stage of making the sign and we were all happy with the results, ahe even does flat pack kits (lol) with all instructions so you can do them at home. Once again a big thank you to Shelley."

Dorothy reviewed: Glass Fusing for beginners

"My daughter and I did The stained glass mosaics workshop on 3rd March. Once again a brilliant time had by all, Gigha is an excellent teacher so kind and patient, in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Lovely lunch and treats throughout the day. We were so pleased with our creations at the end of the workshop. Highly recommended. We will be back Gigha."

Michael McMorrow reviewed: Rustic Sign Making Workshop Teesside

"What a brilliant course, attended with my grandson and daughter, and got totally immersed in making the sign what a brilliant way to craft"

Louise reviewed: Hand sewn mohair teddy bear making course in Cumbria

"A welcoming, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Lyn is a a very experienced, enthusiastic and knowlegable tutor, giving constant support to the group, during a step by step approach to creating your beautiful bear. Basic back stitching experience is advantageous to get the most out of the sessions. The end product us definitely worth the effort, 'Create something beautiful'. Once you've completed one you will be planning the next in no time."

Boo Bears Cumbria responded:

"Thank you Louise, very kind words, I'm looking forward to hearing all about Crufts and seeing at the next workshop."

Esther Theodore reviewed: Jewellery making with silver clay - one day beginners workshop

"Thanks so much Charlotte. The workshop was brilliant - so fascinating and fun! I love my earrings I made! Thanks for taking so much time to explain everything so clearly and help us make jewellery we will treasure for years to come. It was a super experience!"

Katherine Tellum reviewed: One Day Pottery Throwing Course, including lunch - Hampshire

"Fantastic day, looked after really well. Jack is a great teacher and puts you at ease! Would thoroughly recommend to any ability as was much a fun day! Hopefully later on in the year (when less busy at work) I'll sign up for the 10 week course! Thanks again"

Dave Higgs reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"1) Great course 2) Great instructors who gently MAKE you DO IT YOURSELF 3) Friendly environment 4) Amazing experience I loved learning about working with metal, it was a great 3 days of HOT learning. Metal is unbelievably flexible and easy to work with as long as it’s ORANGE HOT."

Diane reviewed: Camp, Carve and Canoe:

"Recommended. The three of us came 150 miles for this half day course and it was worth it! None of us had tried our hands at willow weaving before and this great introduction resulted in a nifty and beautiful little willow tray, not perfect (it's not as easy as Jonathan makes it look), but I was very pleased with my first attempt. Jonathan, the trainer, is hugely skilled in willow work and basketry and also a very good teacher. There were eight of us in the group altogether which meant we had individual help from Jonathan when we needed it. Although not that far from Norwich we felt we were in deepest Norfolk it was so quiet and peaceful at the venue overlooking the marshes. Thanks also to Mary and Stephen at Moco who made us welcome"

Jane Dale reviewed: Beginners paper cutting session at MAKE, Portsmouth in Hampshire

"Very enjoyable afternoon papercutting. Everyone could go at their own pace, and it was a relaxed and engaging activity. Aimee's instructions were clear and it was a lovely setting for the class. Great cake and company. I would recommend this to beginners in papercutting. Jane"

Nicky Anderson reviewed: Introduction to Off-Loom Weaving Workshop, Crawley, Hampshire

"Ellie was very welcoming and friendly. Lovely venue. After demonstrating the basics and introducing us to our little personal baskets of tools and beautifully printed instruction leaflet over a cup of tea, we were let loose on a range of gorgeous fibres plus to weave with; chunky yarns, beautiful natural fibres which I would never have guessed were made from banana, rose plants etc, hand spun and hand dyed yarns, wire and even glittery fibres and pompoms. We were shown examples of previous makes and it was left to us to decide whether to weave a wall hanging, coaster or just weave and see what happened! I originally planned to make a coaster, but thought the opportunity to try out such lovely and unusual fibres available was too good to miss, so strayed a bit and just experimented with making shapes, very patiently guided by Ellie; and changing colours and fibres adding in a little fringe on the way. I was pleased to learn how to warp the loom and to take the piece off and finish it as I had only worked on a previously set up loom. Our creations were all very different and I think we were all pleased with what we had achieved. The three hours flew by. I very much enjoyed and would certainly recommend the workshop."

Elka responded:

"Hi Nicky, thank you so much for the review. Wonderful to meet you and i’m so glad you enjoyed the workshop. I loved you woven piece. Very best wishes, Ellie"

Carol reviewed: Paint your own piece - furniture workshop - North Wales

"The course was a gift from my son and daughter in law, it's got to be one of the best presents ever. I spent the day at the workshop giving a new life to a coffee table that I have had for at least thirty years, Charlotte was brilliant, as a novice she puts you at ease and gives you confidence right from the start, the skills that she passes on will stay with me. Charlotte also provides everything that is needed paint, filler and brushes. I shall certainly be returning as it has given me a new interest and the gift vouchers are a brilliant idea."

Charlotte's Country Commissions responded:

"Sounded like you had an amazing day out Carol. You did very well with your coffee table and had lots of inspiration and colour ideas which always helps the project run smoothly. Hope to see you again at another workshop with another piece of furniture! :)"

Adrienne reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"I had no prior experience of wood turning, but still managed to produce a beautiful bowl by the end of the day. With cups of tea and a home-cooked lunch, this was the perfect way to spend a very enjoyable day."

Alison Townley reviewed: Intermediate throwing with Richard Heeley

"This is my first short course and I was blown away by the amount of instruction, hints, tips and one-to-one guidance Richard provided in the two days. The facilities were great plenty of space, well-lit and a lot warmer than my garage-studio! I have a Shimpo wheel, like those used in the course, so was right at home with it. A couple of the others in the class took a little while to get to grips with a different kind of wheel, but were soon throwing beautiful pieces. I was somewhat apprehensive before attending that I wasn't quite skilled enough for an 'intermediate' course, but was reassured from the outset and made to feel comfortable throughout. The class had a wide range of abilities and Richard managed to cater to us all. Richard is clearly passionate about pottery and very keen to share his knowledge and experience. His enthusiasm was infectious! He managed to strike a great balance between demonstration/instruction and hands-on time so that we were able to learn loads and apply it there, with him keeping a watchful eye and giving each of us plenty of input, encouragement and development. The Potclays team were also great, offering help and advice as well as making us feel welcome. I heartily recommend this course for anyone looking to improve their throwing skills."

Potclays Ltd. responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely feedback, Alison! We're delighted you enjoyed and learned such a lot from Richard's workshop. We'll be sure to pass your comments on to him and to our staff. Hope to see you again soon!"

Esther McQyillan reviewed: Wool spinning course

"Spent a fantastic morning with Rosemary at the spinning class. Such a talented teacher who knows so much and shares her knowledge in an easy and understandable way. I'd really recommend a class like this whether you're a novice like me or want to learn more about wool and spinning. The time just flew past. I loved it. Thank you Rosemary"