Latest reviews

Shiralea reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing Workshop by Clare Cosens

"Great little course, intridincing you to gelli printing techniques, well worth going. Thanks Clare for a creative morning."

Michelle Wood reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"An absolutely fabulous day out making silvery jewellery with the very patient and accommodating Jonathan Kettle. Superb and very impressive end products made in silver after a morning practising in copper and yummy carrot cake and tea all in beautiful surroundings on the canal in Droitwich. I would thoroughly recommend this course to everyone. Thanks Jonathan for a lovely day."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thanks for the positive review and recommendation. It was a pleasure to meet you and your family - you all produced some beautiful silver jewellery and developed some new skills. Welcome back anytime! Thanks, Jonathan @TheSilverJewelleryBoat"

Christine reviewed: Art & Craft Days - Teddy Bear - Needle Felting Workshop

"Had a really lovely day - perfection."

Carol reviewed: Art & Craft Days - Teddy Bear - Needle Felting Workshop

"Had a good day - thoroughly enjoyed the course - have found a new hobby! Particularly impressed by the food, the layout - all beautiful."

Emily reviewed: Art & Craft Days - Teddy Bear - Needle Felting Workshop

"Absolutly loved the class today with mum. Have never been before and hope to come back again soon"

Carol reviewed: Art & Craft Days - Teddy Bear - Needle Felting Workshop

"Had such a great time here today! Thank you. I will be highly recommending and hoping to book on another course! loved the course and equally loved the afternoon tea!"

Justin & Tracey reviewed: One day needle felting workshop with Celestine and the Hare

"We had the most wonderful day making our Teacup Dormice all in the very pleasant company of Karin and other felters. Learned a great deal from a very talented and natural teacher. xxxxx"

Celestine and the Hare responded:

"Thank you, so lovely to have you both there and happy birthday too!"

Rob McCusker reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"Had this day course as a present last year and finally got round to doing it. Absolutely loved it! Aaron was great, very interesting and I could have watched him work all day. Learnt so much in a short time and made some really useful stuff to take home. Now have the Blacksmith-ing bug!"

Bruce Eyley reviewed: Wood turning courses

"George, thank you for a fantastic day wood turning. As an enthusiastic beginner I needed to know some basic skills and build confidence to achieve repeatable results. Your steady, coaching approach enabled me to learn how to make a turned bowl in a safe and creative way. The key skill I picked up was the attention to detail when it matters to make a high quality product. I was really surprised by the ease we did several different finishes and then cut them off to end on the final choice. The whole day was an enjoyable discussion about tools, techniques, wood types, sharpening systems, abrasives, form and finishes. I would advise anyone to have this lesson in the first few weeks of getting a lathe. Thank you and your wife for a great day."

Amanda McLachlan reviewed: One day needle felting workshop with Celestine and the Hare

"Karin is an amazing teacher - I never thought I'd be able to make something I love so much, as it was my first time needle felting. It was a hugely enjoyable day and I can't wait to go on another one!"

Celestine and the Hare responded:

"Thank you so much, was fab to have you there and loved your dormouse!"

Larissa and Tom reviewed: One day silver jewellery designing and making workshop

"My husband and I received a workshop day with Bridget as a wedding gift. We designed and made a pendant and bracelet. Bridget is lovely, patient and very helpful providing her wealth of knowledge. We did not expect to be so involved which was a lovely surprise and both came away with a sense of real achievement and two beautiful items. We highly recommend a day with Bridget making a bespoke piece of jewellery. I cannot wait to attend another workshop! Thank you Bridget!"

Alan Foxworthy reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"This course was very kindly given to me as a Father's Day gift. Being a perfectionist I must admit I was a little sceptical about what I was going to come away with, as I have never done anything like this before! I could envisage me pounding a lump of metal within an inch of its life, and people saying "nice ....what is it"? How wrong was I .... Graham and David were awesome! Every step was clearly explained, demonstrated and overseen plus any questions were Swifty answered. During the day, all refreshments were provided, as was the lovely dinner - there was plenty of time for breaks whenever you needed or wanted one. I would highly recommend this course to anybody who has any interest in knives, forging or crafts ..... You come away with a real sense of achievement! I for one will be going back again! Thanks guys, talk soon."

Alan Foxworthy reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"This course was very kindly given to me as a Father's Day gift. Being a perfectionist I must admit I was a little sceptical about what I was going to come away with, as I have never done anything like this before! I could envisage me pounding a lump of metal within an inch of its life, and people saying "nice ....what is it"? How wrong was I .... Graham and David were awesome! Every step was clearly explained, demonstrated and overseen plus any questions were Swifty answered. During the day, all refreshments were provided, as was the lovely dinner - there was plenty of time for breaks whenever you needed or wanted one. I would highly recommend this course to anybody who has any interest in knives, forging or crafts ..... You come away with a real sense of achievement! I for one will be going back again! Thanks guys, talk soon."

Sam Wildridge reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"Had an absolutely amazing day with the guys at Anvil Forge!!! Mark, Spencer and Steve were fantastic teachers. Course is taught at really good pace, moving quick enough that its interesting throughout but not so fast that you cant keep up.. would strongly reccomend to anyone thinking of giving this a go to get on z course and do it.... Already planning on going back for more! Thanks"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Sam I am really pleased the guys looked after you today and that you had a great time. I would have loved to stayed for the day but had family commitments so couldn't be there but knew you would be in good hands. You are welcome back anytime. best wishes John"

Debbie Twell reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"As a 'newbie' to Stained Glass, I began working with Martin just 6 months ago, however I have been delighted with Martin's teaching, encouragement and support throughout....... and am now most definitely hooked on Leaded Glass and Tiffany Glass art. I thoroughly recommend Martin as a tutor and his well equipped workshop at Abbeydale. When you start you will be challenged by this addictive medium, but Martins teaching and enthusiasm will soon get you over any frustrations and very quickly you will have made brilliant pieces of glass art with a fantastic feeling of achievement. Everybody who attends the workshops is really friendly and happy to share, and its great being surrounded by amazing ideas. Looking forward to returning in September!"

Evelyn Brown reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"I was blessed that I was given a voucher as a Christmas present and was able to book my day with Jo when it was suitable for me. I thoroughly enjoyed my day making candles under Jo's supervision, the class was small so there was a very relaxed atmosphere and the lunch was excellent and I will be visiting again. I would recommend this course 10/10"

M Francis reviewed: Craft classes for adults - introduction to mixed media art journaling

"Lovely atmosphere, like minded people learning new skills. Corinne was so helpful, knowledgeable and patient. The crafts were new to me but she made them easy to do. Enjoyed each evening. Sad it’s finished for the holidays. Can’t wait for the next course."

Alastair Munro reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"We gave a day's blacksmithing to our son-in-law as a birthday present. When it had to be rearranged due to heavy snow early in the year, my wife and I asked if we might attend as well. Mort agreed and we had a great day on a blisteringly hot Friday in July. My wife and our son-in-law had clear ideas on what to make and Mort enthusiastically sketched up the drawings into template size. Thanks to Mort's clear and positive coaching/teaching, they both produced a piece of work to be proud of. Despite my lack of skill, Mort encouraged me (and corrected my many errors!) so that I too had something to take home. The day over-ran, but Mort made it clear that we WOULD finish our works of art no matter what! A great day with a real enthusiast and artist for a teacher. Look out, Mort, we may book another day with you. Thank you so much."

John Siddall reviewed: Glass Fusing with Enamels - Two Day Course

"It's hard to add anything further to the glowing accounts from previous course attenders. We had a great time, Steve and Hannah made us so welcome and the technical assistance from Steve was first class. He is such a talent and generous in sharing his skill and artistry. Would love to do more!"

Alastair Barclay reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"I found the course held at Ardington interesting and rewarding. Although it was only one day I came away with a good insight into various techniques which I hope to build on in the future."

Lucy Williams reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"I recently attended a French Polishing course run by Ollie and it was by far the best and most informative course I have been on. I was given one to one tuition which meant that I learnt in one day what probably would have taken a week in a full class. Ollie tailored the course specifically for the type of furniture I wanted to work with, so instead of learning lots of things that weren't necessary, it was all relevant to me. Ollie was patient and very knowledgeable and encouraged me to ask questions if something wasn't clear. It was hugely practical and I have gone on to use what I learnt in this course on a daily basis as I now restore and sell furniture. I am so happy that I chose this course from all the many others that are out there."

Denise Goode reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"I recently attended a two day, Renovation & French polishing course with Ollie. He took the time before the course to find out what I wanted to get out of the time and I brought along two good, mid-century pieces of furniture that looked ‘wrecked’. Ollie is a brilliant tutor, he really listens, explains thoroughly, demonstrates and then encourages you to try it out. I couldn’t have enjoyed the days more! I got everything I wanted out of the course (and more) and have already started putting my new found skills to use. And as far as the ‘wrecked’ furniture is concerned I could not believe how they were transformed. Thank you Ollie for such a good course and looking forward to the next one."

Christina Pinel reviewed: Resist Felting - A Felt sampling Day: Cracked Mud, Nuno Resists & Felt Trapunto

"A great day of felting led by an excellent tutor. Workshop well organised with plenty of resources and materials so that students could learn new skills and complete three different wet felt samples."

Emma Jackson (Silversoles - Felted Textiles) responded:

"Dear Christina Many thanks for your review - I hope you are enjoying using your new felting skills. Best wishes Emma"

Ros reviewed: Hand-Spinning & Natural Dyeing Retreat, Highlands, Scotland

"Highly recommended whether you are a beginner in fibre crafts or already experienced. All the activities were well organised and fascinating, with brilliant end products for the participants to share. Most importantly, Rosie organised it really well and took everyone's needs into consideration – nothing was too much trouble for her. Accommodation in the Old Stables was excellent and very comfortable. Rosie worked hard all day and all evening, not just organising the activities, but also cooking wonderful wholesome, mainly organic meals, including home-made bread every day."

Annette Booth reviewed: Upholstery and soft furnishings 2 day course

"I have been going to evening classes with Angie for a few years now and absolutely love them. They are fun, creative and allow me to escape for a few hours each week I have learnt so much, upholstery, curtain and blind making, loose covers etc etc Thank you Angie, you are a star ⭐️"