Latest reviews

Robert Kingsbury-Barker reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"Amazing workshop, genuinely one of the most enjoyable things I've done in years! We did a 90-minute introduction to spoon-carving last weekend, and it's fair to say none of us wanted to stop at the end of the session. To take a piece of wood and, under expert tuition, turn it into a spoon, was a deeply satisfying experience. Stephen is an excellent tutor, never saying "You must do this" but gently guiding you towards an understanding of both tools and materials - he's also great company, with a constant supply of stories and advice. Suffice it to say we're all very interested in booking further courses with Stephen. Highly recommended!"

Jon Ward reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"Brilliant course, you get stuck in and start making things within the first hour which I didn’t expect and by the end of the weekend I had produced some very useful items. I’m thinking about going back or doing another course with them sometime as I enjoyed it so much."

Caroline from Southampton reviewed: Embroidered landscape with words, with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Have travelled from Southampton to do this workshop and have enjoyed it much. Thank you!"

Stephanie from Telford reviewed: Embroidered landscape with words, with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"What an absolutely lovely workshop. As a complete beginner to embroidery, I was a little unsure how I would get on, but I shouldn't have worried. Julie was an amazing teacher, with the most beautiful craft studio. If you love craft courses and trying something new, come to Tigley Textiles! Thanks Julie, I've found a new hobby!"

Linda from Hampshire reviewed: Embroidered landscape with words, with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Came along with my daughter in law as a birthday present , and it was a brilliant day! It's been a long time since I did embroidery and it was such a relaxing and enjoyable workshop. Julie was fab and it was a very inspiring setting. I'd love to come back!"

Christine Shannon reviewed: Embroidered landscape with words, with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Julie is truly inspirational. She has reignited my passion to stitch. It was fun and she is an amazing tutor. Thank you! I will be back!"

Shirley from Droitwich reviewed: Embroidered landscape with words, with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"I came on the course as a complete novice and took home a piece of work I am very proud of!"

Lynne M reviewed: 'Applique & stitch' discovering Machine embroidery: a 'Quirky Workshop' nr Ullswater & the Lake District

"Thank you so much for a fab day yesterday .. The whole day was lovely from Sarah's Ames' class to the yummy homemade food and friendly people Many thanks Lynne M x"

Hannah Rosebury-Lowe reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"Highly addictive! Elaine is a fantastic tutor, endlessly patient despite my apparent incompetence! I did eventually get the hang of it & left with a head full of information-being a 2 day course,most of it has sunk in too. Lunch was delicious, friendly atmosphere & a fun way to spend a weekend. I have a few sheep & hope to spin their wool and now feel confident in how to prepare the fleece & that it's only practice with a wheel standing in my way. Since return home I have successfully carded & spun fur saved from my Spitz dogs on a drop spindle,I am hooked."

Pat T reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing Workshop by Clare Cosens

"Had a great Saturday morning enjoying a Gelli plate printing class. A small group meant that the tutor Clare was able to give us all individual attention. We all produced some wonderful pieces. Very relaxed atmosphere which enabled us all to tap into our "creative" side. Definitely recommend."

Martin Saint reviewed: Box or tub making

"This was my second course with Nigel and they just get better and better. Tub making is notoriously difficult to master but with the tuition, enthusiasm and overview of Nigel, I am well on my way to producing a quality, professional tub. I can’t recommend Nigel’s Leatherworking courses enough, just starting out or been working with leather for a while, do yourself a favour and spend a day with the best"

Spoon carving for beginners reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"What a fantastic afternoon! So lovely to take a moment out of busy London life to get back to our roots and work with our hands! Stephen is a brilliant instructor and also wonderful company for an afternoon. And as for the carving, an hour and a half taster had us all thoroughly hooked, we could've stayed for hours! Thank you Stephen for an amazing experience, we will definitely be looking into visiting for more!"

Sue Williams reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"Having blacksmith ancestors in the dim and distant past, 1100 yrs ago to be precise, I've always wanted to do a bit of smithying! I found it quite difficult at the start, being female, not very big, and unused to hammering, but John and his Team were very patient and on-hand when I need some help. It was tremendous fun, once I got the hang of things and would thoroughly recommend an Experience day to anyone considering taking up a challenge. It's very important to think carefully about what one wishes to make. On the day I attended the others were a great bunch and I think we were all thrilled with the objects we made to take home. thank you Sue Williams"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Sue you would have made your ancestors proud with your project, it was pretty good. I hope to see you again in the future to make another project. I will pass on your comments to the team. best wishes John"

Claire reviewed: Beginners spoon carving taster session

"This is a really good course. Just the right level of challenge, extremely informative and friendly. The day went by in a flash because the carving and instruction were so absorbing."

Joe Evans reviewed: Make a Windsor-style stool

"This was a superb course. Ben was a great teacher - clear, patient and highly knowledgeable. He created a warm and supportive atmosphere, and kept everyone bouyant and motivated. The process was well-paced over the two days, with no sense that you were either being rushed or waiting around. All of the tools and materials were of the highest quality and the finished product is beautiful, functional and an object to be proud of for years to come. I’d recommend this course, and Ben as a teacher, without hesitation."

Helen Jackman reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Kate is a fantastic teacher . Everything was clearly explained and she gave us plenty of encouragement and help if required. Really pleased with what we achieved in such a short time. Would love to do a longer course but I live too far away :("

Origami Stars reviewed: Origami Stars

"A lovely little course, perfect in the run up to Christmas. Well conveyed verbal instructions backed up by clear concise written instructions and diagrams that were printed to take home. A wide range of papers to choose from, both in size and theme. All in all very enjoyable and very informative."

Jeremy Smith reviewed: Introduction to coppicing

"Attended this course in October 2018, run by a super bunch of very knowledgeable and enthusiastic tutors. Spent a few hours learning the theory and biology of the trees, but mostly worked outside learning to use a range of hand tools ( and learnt how to sharpen them too). Course has a nice pace to it, not too intense, but covers a lot of ground and the team are always happy to discuss points and expand on ideas. Recommend this to anyone who wants a few days in the fresh air being mildly active, as well as those like me who have purchased their own wood and want to gain some practical skills."

Melanie reviewed: Make a live-edge bench or table

"This is fun! Building your own wood bench is a great experience! And doing this in such a friendly and welcoming atmosphere like in Ben's course is even better (and I'm not only talking about the nice cup of tea and free biscuits ;) ). Ben really makes the difference. He's always spot on, knows what you're doing and takes the time to explain every step in detail, also a second time if needed."

Paul reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"An excellent course that has given me a good grounding in proper woodworking. Richard takes the time to show you how to do things properly and I was very impressed with the outcome at the end of the week. As well as the project piece I thoroughly enjoyed working on other techniques which Richard was only too happy to help with and also getting to make some pieces on the lathe and scroll saw. All in all an ideal course for beginners and occasional woodworkers who want to improve their techniques."

Karen reviewed: Sandcast glass with wire inclusions

"Absolutely brilliant 2 days, I loved every minute and can’t recommend the course highly enough. Jenny is generous and open in sharing her techniques and experience with the glass and makes wonderful tea & cakes to keep you going."

Jenny Ayrton responded:

"Thank you Karen, I really enjoyed the weekend too!"

Val Nichol reviewed: A day on the tiles: one-day mosaic workshop

"Great day. I am very pleased with my mosaic,which Fionas advice and instruction made possible. The studio is comfortable and welk equipped, and the tea/coffee/cake supply was excellent!"

Cathy Phillips reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"This course is exceptional. I have been working with Martin for about 18 months and it is my "happy place" among the stresses and strains of life. Martin is very patient, respectful and inclusive. He creates a relaxed environment and is encouraging so that I feel I am learning all the time and proud of my achievements. I would recommend this class to people of all abilities - I am definitely at the learner end but still able to create some beautiful work."

Michelle reviewed: Full day mosaic workshop for beginners - Meriden, West Midlands

"It was a fabulous day spent learning a new skill in a wonderful setting. Anne is a super teacher, providing guidance throughout the day in her amazing workshop and looking after us so well with a lovely lunch and refreshments. Relaxing, enjoyable, inspiring! Thank you Anne."