Latest reviews

Tracey reviewed: Introduction to Soft Pastels 10-week face-to-face art course in Kidderminster West Midlands

"Raya created a course which was pitched perfectly! There are always going to be students at different levels whatever the subject and setting the course to ensure they all get the tutoring, encouragement and help they need is a balancing act. Our class was a mixture of absolute beginners, some who had dabbled like myself but not had formal teaching, and some who had attended courses elsewhere previously. I think the pace was adapted with care to allow for more/less teaching on subjects dependent upon the understanding of each student, but without having a detrimental effect on any one student's progress. I believe Raya achieved the course she had planned so carefully. She ensured everyone obtained the foundation of drawing, seeing and looking and from the groundwork we can all continue. Thank you Raya!"

Susan reviewed: Whittling Birds in Wood ... the Woodpecker - with Dave Harter, a 'Quirky Workshop' nr Ullswater & the Lake District

"Hello Annie, My sisters and I would just like to thank you, and Dave, for the wonderful day we had whittling our birds. Everything was fantastic, from your amazing food to us completing our birds with brilliant instruction from the very patient Dave. We are still reeling from what we achieved and some of us are still whittling and improving our birds further. Please will you pass on our thanks to Dave, we hope to come back to your lovely home to learn something new soon. Regards Susan, Christine, Liz and Linda"

Isabelle Sporidis reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"You guys! I nearly cried. Not because I was sad but because you actually helped me get over my fear of very sharp pointy knives. So if you think you are too weedy to handle a whacking great axe or deal with sharp tools - think again. I have a genuine phobia and the patience and care I was shown was worth 3 years of therapy! I also made a pretty nifty spoon and enjoyed a hilarious lunch with fellow spooners. You only get nice people doing this course. You will make a spoon. You will have fun. What's not to like?"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Isobelle, now you have got a 'handle' on the blades there will be no stopping you! Great to have have you here and glad you got so much out of the day. ATB Mark"

Sally Tovey reviewed: A night in the woods

"My son and I spent a night in the woods, we loved it, built our own dens to sleep in, had our own fire to boil our kettle on, we were right next the stream, it was lovely and relaxing, the only noise was the sound of wildlife. It was an amazing experience to sleep out in the woods, looking up through the trees at the stars. Phil made an amazing beef stew on the campfire, and cooked breakfast. We also did some knife craft. Perfect to get away from it all. Thanks Phil."

Andrew Thomas reviewed: Screen printing beginners workshop

"I really liked the workshop experience. I had a couple of ideas of what to print on my t-shirt and with Lara's help I really enjoyed the process and I was very pleased with the result! Definitely recommended."

Sarah reviewed: Watercolour Art & Spa 2 day full board learn to paint @ The Flackley Ash Hotel Rye Sussex

"The course was the perfect mix of fun, sociable, and informative and the instruction from Vicky and Beth was great. The hotel was lovely with really nice food and helpful staff. I learnt loads and came away with a few paintings to be proud of!"

Christine Robins reviewed: Watercolour Art & Spa 2 day full board learn to paint @ The Flackley Ash Hotel Rye Sussex

"Myself and two friends went to the painting weekend recently. I can only say I give it 10 out if 10 on everything. Hotel lovely, food and staff excellent. Vicky is a great teacher, patient and taught us so many different ways to paint. The class atmosphere is fun and we all got to know each other over meals etc. I’m not a natural artist but now have the confidence to paint my way, as Vicky and Beth encouraged us to just paint and enjoy ourselves. I cannot fault the course at all, I just wish it was for longer. We will definitely go back."

Clive freeman reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I very much enjoyed my one-day woodturning course with George Foweraker. The day was well structured, and by the end of it I had a beautiful finished wooden bowl to show for it, all my own work - under George's watchful eye and guiding hand. George started with a little introduction to wood itself, which showed where the different possible "blanks" for a bowl might come from in a tree trunk, and the challenges and possibilities with each position. Then I was introduced to my selected piece of wood, and we started setting it up on the lathe. As we worked together through the various different tools, George introduced each one, and showed me how to use it. His years of experience and patience came through, and I felt very comfortable taking up the tools. Once I'd started using each of them myself, he was on hand to guide and instruct as appropriate. All in all, I finished the day with a full day of hands-on experience, and a beautiful bowl. A great day's work! Thanks again - and to your lovely wife for the lunch."

AnnieMeatyard reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"A fun day spent in lovely serene surroundings. Sophie is an excellent teacher and nothing is too much trouble. I have never done anything like this before and despite not being particularly artistically inclined found it very satisfying. I can highly recommend Sophie's courses even if you carry it no further. It was lovely to meet different people and see how we all progressed over the day! Thank you Sophie???!"

siobhan hanlon reviewed: 'Clay as a Canvas' glaze decoration workshop in Tenterden, Kent

"I learnt so much about working with clay, using textures, and engobe paints and even some experimentation with porcelin clay. I am already looking forward to more workshops with Kate who is an inspiring tutor and helps you achieve the results you want whilst encouraging experimentation."

Maxine reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"A truly great week making a side chair in Sallerton Wood. Although I have very little experience in working with wood expert help was on hand from Andy for the tricky bits. Fabulous setting in quiet countryside. I didn’t camp in the wood on this occasion but will certainly do so next time. I came away with a lovely chair that I am proud to say I made just about, all by myself! A great course that I would thoroughly recommend."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks, Maxine, for your kind review. We're very pleased that you enjoyed the course, and like the lovely chair that you made."

Geoff Mitchell-Pickford reviewed: Fun Afternoon Pottery Wheel Throwing Session-West Wales

"Really nice atmosphere, and a really enjoyable experience for myself and my partner. Will definitely be recommending it to others!"

Jeni Graham reviewed: Spring Straw Fascinator Workshop

"Beth paced the workshop well to cover a lot of skills in a short period of time, and offered guidance throughout the course. All materials supplied were of a high quality and range to create a beautiful fascinator. Would definitely recommend this as a fun afternoon crafting."

Ian Sayers reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Great experience and I thoroughly recommend, be warned this could get very addictive! Adrian, Debbie, and Andy were an absolute pleasure to spend the day with, and so were the others on the course. Food was epic too!"

Louise reviewed: Willow Hare/Rabbit Workshop

"A brilliant day at The Willow Barn! Victoria was a great host. I love my willow hare and it has been admired by all. I am already planning my next visit and the endless cups of tea were a bonus!"

Karen reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Warrington, Cheshire

"What a lovely day spent with Joanne and friends. We all made our individual foot stool with our different fabrics, showing just how versatile a foot stool can look. Good banter and clear instructions given by Joanne. Everyone received help as required to complete their foot stool to an excellent standard. Would recommend this course. Also Joanne’s Mum makes the best scones ever. Would love the recipe!! Many thanks for a great time."

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you for your kind words Karen. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the day. I have fed back to my Mum about the scones, she's over the moon! I'll get the recipe to you asap :-)."

Guy Gendron reviewed: Box or tub making

"I took this class with a group in Berkeley, CA. This was my second course with Nigel, and it was another fantastic experience. Nigel is an excellent, engaging teacher with a wealth of knowledge and practical skills. The lessons were well designed, planned to build upon techniques, and to produce very creditable first forays in box stitching. I now have the confidence and techniques to continue honing my box making skill. I highly recommend any and all of Nigel’s courses."

Ally Clark reviewed: Candle making course (introductory) - in the heart of the Ashdown Forest, Sussex

"I would definitely recommend this course, Simon was very informative, and it was a great introduction to candle making. Looking forward to attempting to make more at home!"

Rachael reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"We wanted to try something different and create something unique and this activity delivered on every level. Jonathan is a very welcoming and generous host. He is a great teacher and is very patient (he needed to be). After practicing a few skills on copper wire, we broke for tea and cake and discussed our silver project. With guidance from Jonathan, so that we didn’t try to create an item well beyond our capabilities, we all chose a ring. The hours flew by. Jonathan made sure that we had a fun time and made something we could be proud of. Thank you - Rachael, Helks and Helen."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you to the "Bakewell Tarts". Lovely to meet you all and well done! Jonathan"

Catarina reviewed: Pottery throwing course, Aylesbury

"I loved the course. Charlie is very experienced and very helpful. I had no experience and was able to bring 3 pieces home. I went back to glaze them after the course and I would like to go back again for a few more sessions too. I liked that we had a wheel for each of us, and plenty of time to make mistakes and start again. The course is also also very affordable."

Charlie's Pots responded:

"Hello Caterina Thank you very much for your comments, it was a pleasure see you. If you are interested in a more advanced course, I am going to do a teapot making course over a Saturday afternoon and a Sunday in September or October 2019. Mail me if you are interested. See you soon Charlie"

Alex Knight reviewed: Wire sculpture course - birds in East Yorkshire

"We had a fab day with Susan making a wire goose. We were absolute beginners but with Susan's expert tuition it was made so easy and achievable. Beautiful home made cakes and bottomless cups of tea and coffee provided. Can't wait to go back and make something else....very addictive..."

Kay reviewed: Willow Hare/Rabbit Workshop

"Loved our day at The Willow Barn! So pleased with my willow hare, it’s already had many compliments. Victoria is a great teacher and the cups of tea were much appreciated! Thank you ?"

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

"Really enjoyed this course and I couldn't believe how much I have learnt in just one day. I would definitely recommend to others. Siobhan was so professional, but also lots of fun."

Sheila Downing reviewed: Introduction to Blacksmithing in North York Moors National Park

"Just spent a fantastic day learning blacksmithing basics with David. He is an excellent, experienced (and patient) tutor and teaches all techniques on practical pieces that can be taken home at the end of the day. I have learnt a lot for my first ever try at this really interesting craft, including how to correct my mistakes! I am happy to thoroughly recommend this course and David."

Yvonne reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Great course, excellent teacher - what more can I say? I'll be back!"