Latest reviews

Jackie Needham reviewed: One day needle felting workshop with Celestine and the Hare

"I had a wonderful day needle felting a panda last year. I'd never done needle felting before, but Karin is such a knowledgeable and supportive teacher that when I got home I had the skills, confidence and inspiration to continue making more little animals of my own. I loved being in the company of Karin and her family of magical, felted creatures, met some lovely people and enjoyed the day immensely."

Tony Saberton reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Fantastic day learning how to work the the metal into something more! Bob is fantastically patient and has a critical eye for seeing what's going wrong. With just a few words he told me exactly why I wasn't getting the right result so the next attempt was always better! My wife is very impressed with the letter opener, slightly less impressed with the bottle opener (which has been put to good use tonight!) and loves the expertly crafted horseshoe. I hope I'll be back but you can rest assured I'll be recommending the day to everyone. Thanks for a truly enjoyable memorable day!"

Alison Milton reviewed: One day needle felting workshop with Celestine and the Hare

"Karin Celestine is a fabulous teacher, a great story teller and makes her workshops immense fun to attend. Do go to one, you won't regret it."

Cathy Hopkins reviewed: Holiday ceramic sculpture workshop for children 8+ (and adults)

"Thanks for the really enjoyable course. My boys came away bouncing up and down saying 'can we do another session please?!'. I love your teaching approach with the children and it's such a lovely relaxed atmosphere"

Chris Vardy reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"I recently did a wonderful weekend clay sculpting course with Beatrice and found her an inspirational and encouraging teacher. Just wished I lived nearer so I could attend regularly."

Alexandra Elvin reviewed: Weekend ceramic sculpture workshop (one day)

"A wonderful course. Learn-as-you-go in a relaxed atmosphere. Be inspired by Beatrice's works which are displayed everywhere and by the talent of fellow students. Beatrice is encouraging, straight talking, knowledgeable, patient and kind, I thoroughly enjoyed the 2 days and I learned so much. Highly recommend it. Alexandra '"

Hazel Tye reviewed: Curtain making

"I have little sewing experience but I managed to learn how to make a professional looking curtain, Denise was an excellent teacher who was clear, concise and very patient. She showed me how to measure a window at different points to making each part of the curtain step by step and on a one to one basis. She welcomed me into her home and made me feel very relaxed and competent. I cant wait to start making curtains for my own home. Totally recommend this course for anyone starting out and wanting to learn how to make a basic curtain or just learn something new"

Robert Dick reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"I attended a two day course covering French Polishing and other furniture finishes. I completed the restoration of two pieces of furniture which I am extremely pleased with and have used the skills to restore some other pieces at home. Ollie was very helpful and patient throughout the processes and I would recommend his courses to anyone who wanted to learn the basics or improve their skills."

Chris reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"A most enjoyable course in a beautiful location with an excellent tutor. Many thanks Sebastian. I really enjoyed learning to work with stone."

Cheryl reviewed: Hare sculpture - mixed media course with Nikki Szabo

"I loved this workshop. Nikki is a very accomplished tutor. I am an artist and not easy to instruct as I have my own ideas about the creative process. Nikki guided me, showed fantastic patience and was very flexible about me diverging from some of the finishing details of the hare. She is also very good at tutoring without interference, a rare quality in a teacher! The space is great and Nikki is generous with her refreshments. Highly recommended, beginners to experienced artists."

NIKKI SZABO responded:

"Thank you Cheryl, It was so lovely having you on the hare workshop, Melania the hare looked absolutely fantastic! All the very best of luck for your open artist studios this weekend! Nikki x"

Andy reviewed: Blacksmith forgework Learning Experience Day

"My 14 year old son and myself just spent a fun filled day learning the art of blacksmithing with Darren. As we are looking to set up our own hobby forge, it was great to learn so many techniques that go into this great craft. We were soon moving hot metal from forming clean tapers through to making square corners, My son came away very happy and excited, clutching a small decorative knife (made from mild steel not able to be hardened) and myself a number of pieces showing the different techniques I learnt and a fire rake. Darren was extremely friendly and knowledgeable, lunch was good from the local bakery, tea, coffee, water and biscuits where available all day. I would recommend this course to anyone that wants to learn how to blacksmith or those who would like to spend the day experiencing how this magical art works. A great day !!"

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

"Great course, excellent food. Clear instructions leading to being able to make something that I didn't think was possible in such a short time I can thoroughly recommend this."

Cat Roberts reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"Philip is very knowledgeable and paid great attention to detail and explaining why we needed to do certain things in a particular way. Was quite happy to answer questions, even ones that may have been quite obvious to the rest of the class with more experience but I was a complete novice. He shared his time evenly between all the students and was happy for us to look and learn from other students projects. I now have a completed reupholstered piano chair that will be being made into a footstool. Looking forward to booking another course soon to learn more skills in reupholstering. Cat"

Nicola reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"I attended this course which was held in a truly beautiful surroundings. The course provider was warm and welcoming. She took a real interest in her students as a person and what they wanted to achieve from her course. The Course was well presented, facilitated, educational and factual. I would highly recommend attendance for any "crafty person"."

Nic Hayward reviewed: The Drawing Circus comes to Towersey

"The Drawing Circus at Towersey exceeded all expectations. As a newcomer to life drawing, it was a fabulous experience, very relaxed and friendly, with musical magic too. I am glad I stayed for the whole day, as I learned lots and definitely plan to go again next year. Thank you to all concerned."

Sam Andrews reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Thanks for a great day Nigel. Had a great time at Fransham Forge on Saturday and staying in the shepherds hut. Your workshop is amazing. Made some fantastic pieces, never thought i would be able make things that look so good on my first day. Would definitely recommend and maybe come back for a couple more days."

Jean and Pete reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"Both my husband and I , attended a weekend end course with Phillip, working on the same chair. Philip is an excellent teacher. We both felt on the first day, maybe we wont be able to do this, but with the excellent guidance by Phillip, we now are looking forward to booking another course with him to go a little further with our chair. Tea coffee and cakes were on hand through the day. We would absolutely recommend the course to anyone. He's a great Guy."

Ruth W. reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"Had a lovely morning with a small group of beginners. Anita is a natural teacher who manages to teach in a relaxed and fun way whilst ensuring that instructions are clear and easy to follow. I made 4 perfect candles and numerous scented tealights. A very enjoyable workshop in a beautiful setting which I would happily recommend to anyone with an interest in candles!"

graham cooper reviewed: Mono printing using the magic colourful Viscosity Technique

"Excellent course. Emily is highly experienced, imaginative and encouraging. Viscoisty is a fascinating technique and it was very well taught and demonstrated."

Beth Biddies reviewed: Weekend ceramic sculpture workshop (one day)

"Following a break from making sculpture, Beatrice's 2 day course was the perfect way in which to 're immerse' myself back into making. Beatrice is incredibly attentive and helpful, offering constructive feedback in a supportive and encouraging way. The small group sizes also enable sufficient opportunity for one-to-one support and in depth conversations about the sculpture making process, as well as group discussion. Thank you very much - I am so glad I decided to attend the course and look forward to hopefully signing up for more!"

John Doré reviewed: Whittling course

"Martin covered all of the skills and techniques needed to begin whittling and produce a couple of pieces to take home. The course covers health and safety, recommendations and advice on knife selection, knife sharpening and of course, you get to make things! Martin is very encouraging and helpful, offering lots of advice to the beginner and the day was fun, informative and relaxing. He also provides a lovely (home made) lunch and plenty of tea, coffee etc. A fantastic day with a really nice bloke!"

Emily reviewed: Enamelling on silver - Cloisonne

"Excellent course. Highly recommended"

Sandy Norton reviewed: One day leather bag making workshop

"What a fabulous day, Rosanna is a great and patience teacher, very knowledgeable and lovely. A lovely selection of leather to choose from. We came away with lovely bags, which don't look home made, you really can make a unique bag of your own. I can't recommend the course enough and my friend and I going to try and do the 2 day course in the future."

Sue alfrey reviewed: One day leather bag making workshop

"My lovely friend Sandy bought me the course as a birthday present, what an amazing gift! I had a truly brilliant day, I made a cross -body clutch bag, Rosanna was patient, encouraging, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about her craft, I came away with a bag that I am so happy with. I have lots of comments about it, as I made it, and the experience bought for me, as far as i am concerned I have made a bag for life. Thank you Rosanna and Sandy."

Rachel Tapp reviewed: Try Enamel workshop - suitable for all abilities

"Wow! Teresa gave me and two friends a fantastic enameling taster workshop at her professional studio in Blackwell. A lovely friendly lady, with a patient and relaxed tutoring style. She gave us individual attention and lots of choices, and ensured her explanations were geared to complete novices. She also provided a wonderful light lunch platter, tea and cake - a perfect chilled afternoon experience. Lovely memories, and a souvenir piece of our own artwork to take home. Highly recommended as a treat for yourself, or a gift for the person who has everything! Thank you Teresa! ?"