Latest reviews

nigel peacock reviewed: Weekend landscape painting in watercolours

"Georgina's teaching is very helpful both in providing advice on individual paintings and in encouraging us to try different techniques, styles, and media. A typical session will include short demonstrations or exercises, and we always have time to work on our own paintings. I value the freedom to work with my own choice of subjects and media. Our mixed-ability group has a wide range of artistic experience and interests, and Georgina tailors her teaching to our individual needs. I started as a beginner about three years ago, and I am confident that my own painting has developed due to her teaching."

Fraser Halley reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"I was given a surprise present by my wife, Diane, of a day's introductory wood turning course at Graham Turner's workshop in the New Forest. It is many decades since I did anything which could be described as craft woodworking - the last time was at school, more than half a century ago, so I didn't know what to expect. Since then I have fiddled about with saw, hammer and drill on DIY projects about the home, which can only be described as "amateur" at best. The course provided by Graham was a revelation. Much to my surprise and satisfaction I came away with a wooden candle stick and a wooden bowl, both completed by me and looking pretty good! Graham's infromal and friendly approach was just right and his tuition was excellent and timely, particularly when I looked like getting into difficulty. I would strongly recommend anyone to go on the one day course, either like I did, as a surprise recipient of a gift from my wife, or certainly for anyone thinking of taking up wood turning. Thank you Graham for an excellent day Fraser Halley"

Half day clutch bag reviewed: Half day leather clutch bag / ipad case

"We had a really fantastic morning on this course with Sarah. She is so kind and patient, and so good at what she does! I will definately be back for more! Thank you!"

Hayley Holmes reviewed: Wheel thrown mug workshop

"So glad I booked a course at Loam! I bought the voucher online for the 2.5 pottery throwing session as a birthday gift for my Mum. We attended the course together and we had a really special day. The studio is the perfect workshop setting! Jack was a brilliant teacher - we both learnt so much! We can’t wait to see our glazed pieces - and we look forward to booking again in the future. Can’t recommend it enough!"

Sam Read reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing and hand building full day

"Such fun! Really enjoyed our day. My daughter and I were engrossed from beginning to end, and found the whole day so interesting and relaxing. And we devoured the delicious soup and bread too! Richard is very patient and a great teacher - he clearly loves what he does and it shows. Would highly recommend for couples, friends or parents with a creative child. Would love to return, to throw some more!"

Michelle Yates reviewed: Upholstery weekly classes

"I can’t rate this course enough. Karen is quite possibly the most patient, kind and very talented teacher you could ask for if you want to learn the craft of upholstery. From covering a small stool to making your own from scratch. The classes are small which means you get lots of attention should you need it and learn in a very friendly relaxed environment. I probably shoudn’t mention Karen’s delicious home made flapjacks and cappuccinos to die for which makes the course exceptional value for money!"

Shelby green reviewed: Half day leather clutch bag / ipad case

"So happy with my clutch!! Loved it, lots of leathers and designs on offer. Sarah is a lovely and patient teacher."

Emma Rogers reviewed: Beginners paper cutting session at MAKE, Portsmouth in Hampshire

"A fantastic afternoon learning a new craft. Tea and cake was provided and the workshop was relaxed and well organised. Aimee was so welcoming and friendly."

Clive Oakes reviewed: A Practical Dry Stone Walling Workshop Central London

"John is a lovely fellow, engaging, encouraging and very helpful. The course was informative, empowering and fun."

London School of Dry Stone Walling responded:

"Hello Clive - Thank you for your feedback. The day soon passed and great progress was made by the group. Your 'Cheek End' in particular, is a good example of how much time is required to achieve the desired result. The feature would work with the seating arrangement discussed. Your handling of the stone and getting your 'eye in' developed continuously during the day and was a positive input for the group. Take Care, Best Wishes John"

Stephen Parr reviewed: A Practical Dry Stone Walling Workshop Central London

"I attended John Holt’s course at Mudchute. I was a part of a small group of 5 students of varying ages and abilities. John took great pains to explain the building procedures in detail and extremely clearly. He was very patient and diplomatic and his years of experience in the craft shone through. Before we started building he made us deconstruct an existing wall and this was a brilliant introduction because we could easily understand the disciplines involved in a practical way. By the end of the day we were patting ourselves on the back for the work of pure beauty and supreme excellence that we had managed to construct under his guidance and we all walked away considering ourselves to be true experts in the craft of dry stone walling. A truly satisfying day."

London School of Dry Stone Walling responded:

"Hello Stephen, Thank you for your positive comments. I felt you and the group developed very well during the day which can be quite daunting and demanding. It does take time and what may have been perceived as 'slow work' the end result was achieved to a really good standard. There were many Q's and A's and feel you will now get used to using your own stone and be able to continue the Italian rebuild with confidence and vigour. Take Care and Best Wishes - John"

Chris reviewed: Axe or bladesmithing weekend workshop – 2 days making your choice of a seax, bushcraft, bowie or chef knife

"What a fantastic two days this was. Matt and Ali are lovely people and made me feel very welcome and looked after. Matt is a patient, knowledgeable and thoroughly kind chap who put up with my endless barrage of questions with much good humour. Ali looked after both of us with a regular supply of refreshment and I personally appreciated her encouraging comments on my progress. The connection I felt to my knife during the forging is unique in my experience. To see something as unyielding as a piece of grey steel transform through your own effort and imagination into a beautiful object is wonderful . As I made a kitchen knife I will hopefully have many interactions with it over the years to come. Hopefully I will have a chance to come back and try my hand at something else."

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

"Myself and my adult son signed up for a beginners course, and were very pleased with the result. Andy explained things well, and assisted in sorting out elementary mistakes we made, showing us what to do to avoid them. By the end of the day we had both produced reasonable bowls, and been given ideas on how to improve our techniques. We both came away with the idea of going back again to improve our skills."

Pat Fox-Leonard reviewed: Needle felt workshop

"A really fun day with new skills taught clearly and in a very friendly atmosphere. Would not hesitate to recommend this day court to anyone. The venue was excellent with good lunches available. The sheep is looking at me now as I write this."

Matt Carhart reviewed: Forged in flames (Forged in fire experience)

"A full day knife making, I was in my element. Andy and Dave are very helpful, would definitely book again!"

Tim Quine reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I have just spent two thoroughly enjoyable, satisfying and educational days with Colin. As a complete wood-turning novice and admirer of turned wood, I was keen to find out whether wood-turning would provide an outlet for working with my hands and for creativity. Colin’s tuition was just what I needed. He patiently and clearly provides the right balance between theory and practice and enabled me to come away from the weekend with pieces that delighted and surprised my family as much as me. Colin strikes just the right balance between guiding, correcting and making space to learn by practice. Unequivocally and whole-heartedly recommended. Very Many Thanks Colin."

Sue Sharnwall reviewed: Needle Felting Workshop - Standing Mouse with Scarf

"Had so much fun on a previous Mouse workshop, love every minute of it! Would highly recommend Rosie."

Rebecca Bean reviewed: Beginner Borosilicate Glass Falling Leaves Mobile

"Loved this course with Lizzie. She was very patient and explained every step! I made leaves and a little bird to put on the tree, and it's now hanging in my kitchen window. I'm looking forward to doing more classes with Lizzie!"

Mike and Caroline Bews reviewed: Wood turning courses

"My wife bought me a day of tuition with George as a birthday present at the end of November 2018 and we both went along to Burnham on Sea early in January 2019. George and his wife Susan, both made us feel very welcome and after a good cup of tea and some introductions, we got to work. George has a clear love of his subject and was very clear (and patient) in explaining the basics to us both as (more or less) complete novices. After explaining some basic theory principles about wood grain, shrinkage, cutting direction etc and having given us a safety brief, George selected some sycamore blanks and prepared them for mounting on the lathe. He then expertly guided us, step by step through all the processes of making the blank round, shaping and finishing the outside, then hollowing and finishing the inside. At every stage, George constantly helped, advised, cajoled and motivated us. When necessary he stepped in and helped, but he was very restrained in doing that and largely left us to make our own mistakes, so that we felt the finished items were genuinely our own work. The turning lessons were never too long - being regularly interrupted with breaks, tea, biscuits and a delicious home cooked soup at lunch time. We both thoroughly enjoyed the experience and will definitely do more in the future. Thanks to George and Susan for their hospitality, patience, training - and good company.""

Maria Castigliore reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Had a fab day on the silver jewellery boat. Jonathan was great, really helpful and gave us lots of useful hints and tips on how to make some really lovely pieces of jewellery. His baking was great too - a man of many talents! Thank you so much for a lovely day, would recommend this course to all."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"I was very impressed with your soldering skills on the day - a very good steady hand is important Well done and thank you Jonathan"

Rachael Evans reviewed: One day leather bag making workshop

"Thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Rosanna was very knowledgeable and patient and I was thrilled with my finished product. She had a lovely selection of leathers however a more vibrant selection of linings would have been fantastic. I used my bag immediately and I feel like I have had it for years... I love it. The venue was perfectly located with easy free parking and a glorious cafe in the same site. Would definitely return. I also purchased Rosanna’s book which is very well put together with lots of useful tips and instructions to follow."

Enzo Orlando reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Had a lovely day on the silver jewellery boat making my own jewellery. This was a present for my girlfriend who loves jewellery. We made bracelets, rings and bangles. Jonathan was very nice and helpful. He provided us with lovely home made cake and coffee. I really recommend this course. It's fun and enjoyable."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Enzo - lovely to meet you both. I hope you are enjoying the jewellery and yes, the cake was very good that day! Jonathan"

Phoebe Douglas reviewed: Candle making workshops

"Where to begin! Sometimes it can be quiet scary going to do a course on your own - this was not the case for Angharads candle making course. Instantly on arrival I felt at ease being greeted with a smile and a cup of tea. Angharad has a natural talent at making people feel relaxed in her company, which is something quite special. The course was fantastic. I learnt so much and feel confident in my new found candle making abilities. I left with more candles than I thought I would be and have been actively burning them all over my house! We worked with soy wax, rapseed, parafin and bees wax. So you really do learn a whole range of various techniques. The settings around you are completely and utterly idyllic. So peaceful, which adds to the therapeutic aspect of the whole course. I left feeling warm and happy, which I think everyone needs at the beginning of January! Angharad, you are a wonderful teacher and person and it was an absolute pleasure to meet you and to be welcomed into your beautiful home. Thank you for your patience and your kind nature. It really made the day what I needed it to be. Book this course!! It’s so worth it."

Tom reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day

"As well as being an excellent craftsman, Les is a very accomplished, attentive and personable tutor. Completely open and keen to share his own hallmark techniques, tips and tricks. A thoroughly enjoyable day tailored to exactly what I wanted to learn. Recommended!"

Kate Darby reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"We had a fantastic day! It's amazing how much we did in a day and we both have a lovely piece of jewellery to wear home. Jonathan was great - and kept us well fed and watered with tea and cake too. I will definitely be recommending to all my friends and family Thank you"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Lovely to meet you both and well done with the jewellery making. Thank you for the kind words Jonathan"