Latest reviews

Caryn Paladina reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"The two day course run by Ollie which I recently attended was tremendously enjoyable and informative. It was very well planned and executed and we all benefited from a lot of patient individual attention, with everything being carefully explained and demonstrated. Can't recommend Ollie highly enough and I'm very much looking forward to my next furniture renovation course."

O Harley reviewed: Contemporary Furniture Refinishing & Upcycling with Woodcare - 1 Day Beginners

"I spent two very interesting and informative days with Ollie for a French polishing workshop. He is very patient and the atmosphere is both relaxed and industrious. He was very generous with his time and his knowledge, and I have contacted him since to ask his advice. Ollie clearly loves what he does and I felt lucky to be learning so much from him. I am sure I shall return to learn more."

Julie Sarahs reviewed: Contemporary Furniture Refinishing & Upcycling with Woodcare - 1 Day Beginners

"French polishing & wood care course. I took my own piece of furniture to work on. Felt very welcome & comfortable in Ollie's workshop. We worked way over the planned times to which I am very grateful. Ollie is very patient, generous with his knowledge & time. I have learnt loads, have a shopping list of tools & materials I need. Have workshop envy!!!!!"

Martin Stanhope reviewed: Contemporary Furniture Refinishing & Upcycling with Woodcare - 1 Day Beginners

"This course is a superb introduction into woodcare and furniture upcycling. Ollie will show you how to take a piece of furniture that's very much an 'ugly duckling' and turn it into a swan!"

Vickie Whitelaw reviewed: Wire wrap ring making workshop at Sheila Kerr Jewellery, Irvine, Ayrshire

"We had a lovely time for our first wedding anniversary doing our wire ring wrapping. Sheila is clearly very talented not just as a jewellery maker but also as a teacher. I have received so many compliments on the ring i made which makes it even more special."

Sheila Kerr Jewellery responded:

"Hi Thank you for taking the time to review my workshop. It was really enjoyable showing you both how to create the ring and particularly as it was your first wedding anniversary. I’m also very pleased that you are wearing your ring. Thanks again. Regards Sheila"

Ingrid keary reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"Loved the style and pace that Ollie brings to his course. He brings a wealth of knowledge and guides you through to create a beautiful finished piece. Highly recommended"

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

"This was an awesome natural wool retreat! From the foraging for plants to use for dyes, to dyeing over fires, to Eco printing on silk, to spinning, it was the most fun fiber learning experience ever. Everything was accomplished at a seamless and easy pace. The accommodations in the refurbished "Old Stables" (in the rural pastoral countryside) were comfortable, spacious, and homelike. It was next to a bird sanctuary and offered lots of places to walk. The accommodations provided for both privacy and a place for the group to visit, eat meals, and get to know each other. The meals were delicious and nutritious. Loved the day of hiking in Glen Affric too. Rosie is an amazing facilitator, instructor, and cook who pulls everything together with ease!"

Katie Smith reviewed: Contemporary Furniture Refinishing & Upcycling with Woodcare - 1 Day Beginners

"Ollie is passionate about wood. His two day course was packed full of detailed information and tips to up cycle old furniture. The take away contact and hints sheets were particularly useful after the event as there are so many skills to take on board over two days. His kind, calm, unassuming manner makes you feel less of a novice from the start. He takes time to talk through your ideas and will demonstrate different techniques whilst your working piece is drying. He has exacting skills, and enjoys modern design as well as treasuring the history of cherished furniture. I would willingly spend time under his tutorage again as his knowledge is vast and his stress free way of working suited me well. Thank you."

Janet McNeill reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"I thoroughly enjoyed the two day French polishing course. Ollie is a perfectionist, and an excellent and very patient tutor. At every stage Ollie explained what needed to be done, showed how to do it, and then encouraged me to do it myself to a high standard. I am now the proud owner of two beautiful inherited antique chests of drawers, rather than just neglected heirlooms!"

Tim Matthews reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"Very much enjoyed the day. It was a great introduction to blacksmithing. Jake familiarised me with the key equipment that I’d be using and gave a clear demonstration of how to make various items. Jake articulated every step of the process which helped me thoroughly understand the procedure of producing each piece. The workshop is great, it’s authentic. There’s no computers, no air conditioning; just metal, fire and dripping sweat . An exceptional day and would recommend to anyone who is looking for an good personal introduction to blacksmithing. Many thanks Jake."

Lampshade Making reviewed: Fabric printing & lampshade making workshop

"Ria is a very patient and knowledgeable teacher. We both came away with lampshades we are going to use - mine is going to be a Wedding present for someone and I'm really happy with the result. The setting is lovely and we also enjoyed lunch from the cafe. I've recommended to a friend already! Ria gives enough input so that you get a fantastic results but still feel that you designed and made it - a perfect balance!"

Vinny Cain reviewed: Intermediate woodworking course

"I knew I was going to enjoy this course . What I didn't know was how much I would enjoy it. Ciarán seemed to have time for everybody and has the patience of a saint. Lunchtime came round too quickly and so did finishing time each day because I was so engrossed and enjoying it. I can't recommend Ciarán and this course too much it is excellent. Thanks Ciarán."

Oliver Piepereit - OP Woodcraft reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Being a flat worker (As Mark called me) I thought it time to learn the art of wood turning. Mark was a great tutor who has a wealth of knowledge and experience not to mention a great eye for design. I did two days learning numerous techniques which i'll take forward into the world of sculpture. Mark was really patient, could see I was a little nervous and by the end of the tuition I felt really comfortable at the lathe. I'll be back for more tuition without a doubt. Keep up the good work!!"

Alex Sullivan reviewed: Custom Leather Working Course

"After deciding to increase my skill level and expand my knowledge base, I paid a visit to Nigel. He took me back to basics and helped me to solidify my leather working techniques. Nigel is a great teacher - as seen in his Vimeo channels - and explains even difficult procedures in simplified terms to help you understand. I will certainly be back for another lesson. 10/10 would recommend"

Alyson Ward reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"I cannot rate this course highly enough. Martin is an excellent and patient teacher, allowing each class member to work at their own pace. He is always encouraging and happily shares of his many years of experience in this craft, allowing us to learn from what has gone well for him. The facilities at the workshop are also excellent. There is never any waiting around for equipment to become free, every class member has exactly the tools needed. He is always very aware of our safety and teaches us best practice with regards to health and safety. It is also very helpful to be able to purchase some items from Martin which he supplies at very competitive prices. I have met some lovely people on Martin's course and look forward to returning."

Deborah Williams reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"This is an excellent course! As a beginner, Martin will show you both the traditional way of making leaded stained glass and also the Tiffany method, you will then have a chance to produce a piece of your choice using either of these new skills. Martin is a patient, well organised teacher with a wealth of knowledge and ideas and the classroom is well set out with all the equipment easy to find. I thoroughly recommend this course."

Don sangster reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Book two days with Mark, what a wonderful experience I had. Mark was very patience knowledgable teacher no doubt very talented man my confidence grew and grew as the time went bye. I would definitely be recommending Mark to anyone interested in all aspects of woodturning. I’ve taking away so many tips and tricks wonderful two days. Money will spend."

Esther Taylor-Head reviewed: Watercolour painting afternoon workshop - birds, animals & nature - with artist Laura Andrew

"Thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this course. Laura is a very accomplished and talented artist who managed to guide me through my work with ease to produce pieces that I didn’t think I was capable of. Couldn’t recommend this day any more!"

Matt rodney reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - one day course at Sculpture by the Lakes with John Davey

"A great patient teacher , who passed on his knowledge of the tools used and type of stone to be carved , anyone can easily carve under johns instructions, a great way to spend a morning , well recommended *****"

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Matt - thank you for your review of John's stone-carving course and so happy you had a good day. If you are ever thinking of joining another if his courses he will be here teaching on 2nd September."

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

"It's been fabulous to explore my creative side and I've learnt so much. Martin has been very encouraging and supportive, pointing in the right direction when I needed it too. The others in the class have been inspiring with their wonderful creativity. Highly recommend these classes."

Valerie reviewed: Candle making course (advanced) - in the heart of the Ashdown Forest, Sussex

"Great course! We got to learn so much about candle making and had lots of fun at the same time. Reccomend to those who want to learn everything there’s to know about candles whether as a fun thing to do, or business ideas in mind. Thank you very much to Simon and Robert."

Kay Heyworth reviewed: Natural (cold process) soap making workshop with afternoon tea

"I had a lovely time with the other ladies and Jools. We learned such a lot. We had had a lovely lunch and as a coeliac I was catered for the same. I left with six soaps that we all made and am now waiting with slight impatience for them to cure. She went through all the different ingredients and their properties, and we left with a lot of handouts which I have found very useful I would definitely recommend this course."

Yvonne Kerry reviewed: Fabric printing & lampshade making workshop

"I had a lovely day doing this course. Ria has a great personality and explained everything very well. She made lots of useful suggestions to make our original ideas come to life. The group was small so there was lots of individual attention. Ria even made me feel confident about freehand drawing my own shapes and making the stencils for my fabric printing! I came away with a fun nature-themed lampshade for my bedroom. I'd really like to make a couple of smaller shades now for my wall lights! The course is well worth doing and was a very enjoyable day. As an aside, the on-site restaurant is very good too!"

Michaela Kenworthy reviewed: Create a ceramic animal sculpture with Twisted Earth Ceramics at Ilkley Manor Studio

"I booked a course for 4 friends and I to celebrate my Birthday and we could not have imagined how good the day would be. Richard is so down to earth and friendly, he makes you feel really relaxed and at home. He goes out of his way to keep the day relaxed so you can enjoy it. When we arrived we were shown around the studio and offered tea and biscuits before being shown where we would be working for the day. We were given a piece of clay and Richard demonstrates each step to you so you can create your masterpiece at your own pace. The atmosphere was relaxed and very sociable. It was a beautiful day so we all ate lunch outside in his garden and chatted some more before returning to the workshop. You are asked to bring your own lunch as there weren’t any shops nearby to buy food. Richard works from a number of different venues so I guess it depends on which one you are booked at as to whether there are any food outlets nearby. On completion of our masterpieces (we chose to do highland cattle) we were given a date from which we can collect our cows to allow Richard to fire them for us. It was such a fabulous, fun filled day doing something really different that I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes ‘creating’ things. He said he did dinosaur workshop days for kids and even offers one-one days for those who want to take their new interest to the next level. It’s an affordable fun day that you should have a go at. We will definitely be back!"

Elisabetta reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Attended on a Saturday morning with my daughter. Didn't know what to expect. I was surprised at how much you can learn in a few hours. Kerry is very knowledgeable and willing to share her "secrets". I would really recommend this course to anyone looking for something fun to do. The village it is in is very pretty too. I was visiting from Ireland and I was able to return home with a lovely hand-made (by me) souvenir. Scents that Kerry has are so numerous, and fantastic."