Latest reviews

Eloise reviewed: Introduction to silk painting - workshop at The Mulberry Shed

"I had the most incredible time at the Silk Painting Workshop at The Mulberry Shed. Sheila is the most wonderfully talented artist and teacher as well as being the most lovely person to spend a whole day workshop with!! I had never done silk painting before and arrived with a couple of vague sketches but not knowing any of the techniques or what you can produce from silk painting. Sheila guided me through everything, starting with a hankie that I used to practice a wide variety of techniques before going onto a bigger piece which I decided to be an art piece rather than a scarf. A week or so after the workshop my silk painting and hankie arrived in the post all steamed, washed and pressed and I love it so so much. I never thought I could create a piece of silk painting art like this before the workshop! Absolutely lovely day, amazing teacher and an outcome to be very proud of! Can’t wait to go again soon!! Couldn’t recommend enough!"

Carol Pantling reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"I could not wait to get going on making a journal and Lynne was so accommodating in fitting me - there were just two of us the day I attended and we had a fabulous day. Lynne was a great teacher, very patient, full of inspiration and tips, she was also open to any ideas and suggestions from us. Plenty of choice of leather colours, thread binding and elastic closures. All in all a wonderful day. Thank you Lynne"

Pam Hansford reviewed: Introduction to making mosaics (Beginner level)

"I thoroughly recommend this Making Mosaics course. Sally is an excellent teacher. She is very encouraging and patient. I really enjoyed learning to make mosaic coasters. I felt I had achieved all my aims. A really lovely day thank you Sally."

Nigel East reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Completed a one day blade course. Spike is engaging and clearly enthusiastic about his work. He spent time in discussing all aspects of the work we were doing, from safety aspects, management of the forge and in working the metal itself. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and can’t recommend it highly recommend enough! Looking forward to going again!?"

David Roberts reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"The day with Mark was a present from my mum after mentioning wanting to give it a go on passing a few months before. Having not been on a lathe for 30 years since my A Levels, I was a little bit apprehensive to say the least about my level of skill and how I would fare throughout the day. I needn't have worried though. I soon discovered that my memory of working with wood was was a little patchy at best and it was a quick decision to start at the beginning and cover the condensed course. From the start, Mark put me at ease and was very clear about what we hoped to achieve during the day. His experience and knowledge was immense and his relaxed manner made learning easy. Even with an obviously sore throat, he explained, hinted, and corrected patiently and concisely with a good balance of demonstration and verbal instruction. As his advert suggests, there was also an ample amount of tea and coffee at hand! The day was superb and I cannot wait to get power up to my shed, fire up my lathe and put what I learnt into practice. It is certainly something I will be continuing with and I would definitely consider booking another day with Mark. Oh, and big thanks for the shopping list and advice - a huge help as it is a bit of a minefield out there!"

Roger Davies reviewed: 2 day blacksmithing courses

"My buddy and I had a great weekend with Aaron. he has a happy knack of adjusting the course to suit the students. We learned a lot, and had fun doing it. The smithy is well equipped. This is a very good course."

Lori Sather reviewed: The spirit of Shetland knitting holiday

"Very informative and great classes"

Danny King-Smith reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"What a great day! Spike is very knowledgeable and passionate about blacksmithing and it shows in how he talks about what you're doing and why you're doing it. A great learning experience, I highly recommend and am planning on doing more of his courses in the future."

Shivani Murarka reviewed: Beginners candle making private workshop - Marlow, Buckinghamshire

"I attended a workshop run by Sarah in August. Sarah was just fantastic with great knowledge. She taught and guided me to make the most beautiful variety of candles. She made sure to not only give useful hints and tips but also take lots of photos and note to help us remember ever small detail of the process. I've done a candle making course before but what I thought was unique about this course with Sarah was the way she taught me to use different waxes for a whole creative range of candles - from moulded candles, to t -lights to stick candles, floating candles we made them all! After this workshop I can’t wait to start experimenting with candle making at home. Thank you Sarah!"

Nicholas Rogers reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Many thanks to Mark for a really good day. Mark's patience and knowledge for wood and woodturning make him a perfect teacher. Plenty of tea and coffee throughout the day and Mark's teaching abilities are second to none. I didn’t really know what to expect because I had only been turning for a few months and maybe had some bad habits but Mark takes his time to make sure that you are fully comfortable with the course material, rather than rushing through to meet a pre-determined finish time. At the end of the day I was able to take home my very first oak bowl and other exercise pieces with plenty of reference material and a knowledge to carry on turning as a hobby. Since the course, Mark has been more than happy to answer any questions I have regarding technique and equipment. He is a very nice person, and clearly has a passion for teaching, and I would not hesitate to recommend his wood turning course to anyone. I will be joining a club soon and look forward to seeing him teaching again."

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

"Really good course conducted in a friendly and encouraging environment. There are plenty of books and examples of completed projects available for inspiration. All materials and tools are provided in a designated workshop with plenty of adjacent parking. Refreshments and toilet facilities available next door throughout the day in a nice clean cafe and drinks available in the workshop. Course started with instruction on how to cut glass shapes and layer pieces to make a sun catcher, then progresses to cutting and encapsulating foil and paper designs,, using glass powders and glass shapes to make coasters and a bowl. Martin is an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and patient teacher who encourages participants to develop their own creative ideas. By the end of the class everyone had produced several pieces with an amazing variety of styles and techniques. We all enjoyed the course and were left wanting more. Highly recommended."

Mary Flynn reviewed: Piano Lessons

"My 7 year old daughter has been having lessons with Laura since earlier this year. She is clearly very passionate about her music and has an excellent background knowledge. My daughter has progressed really well and loves coming to the lessons each week!"

Pauline Parr reviewed: Heritage teddy bear making - residential

"I warmly recommend this course. My friend and I had a lovely weekend spent making a charming little bear in a beautiful part of England! Lyn helped us all to create a jointed bear in our choice of mohair. All materials are included in the cost of the course, making it good value for money. Lyn is an excellent teacher - patient and very encouraging. Most of us were new to bear-making, but we all went home having completed our own bear, each with their own character. To finish, we had to 'stick at it' over the two days and some of us had a bit of stitching to complete as 'homework', but the finished bears were well worth it! The number on the course is limited and Lyn ensured that we received individual attention when we needed it, as well as keeping us well-supplied with tea and coffee. My friend and I stayed at Kathy's guesthouse. We enjoyed her hospitality and cooking, and fell in love with her two dogs!"

Sue Cramb reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I was given a one day course with Mark as a wedding anniversary present. I'd wanted to have go at woodturning for a few years but have little experience with woodwork in general & was nervous that this lack of experience would hinder my progress. I needn't have worried, Mark was very patient & encouraging. He has a wealth of knowledge & experience & like all good teachers makes you feel you can succeed. I produced a beautiful bowl & he has made me feel that I should carry on improving this new skill. I will, but hopefully attending one of his longer courses first. Thank you Mark for giving me the confidence to pursue a new hobby."

Helen Robertson reviewed: Stained Glass Mosaics Course

"My two day course was wonderful. Ann is very knowledgeable and was very patient and helpful, and Will did a fantastic job of cutting pieces with his power tools and also had lots of useful hints and tips. The surroundings are so relaxing, I felt really at home. I'll be returning soon to finish another piece, I can't wait. Thank you"

Blue Sky Mosaics responded:

"Thank-you for your review Helen, I so enjoyed having you on the course."

Chris Almond reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day at the Forge with Nigel, With his help & advice I amazed myself at what I was able to achieve. What topped the day off was the night spent in the shepherds hut, a fantastic experience and I would recommend this course to anyone considering it"

Clare Hickson reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Kerry welcomed us into her lovely kitchen and offered us tea or coffee. The workshop was very well organised and very informative. Kerry is very passionate about her candle making and her enthusiasm was passed on to the group. Everything was explained well and at a good pace. Homemade cake was available with our mid morning coffee. A very enjoyable morning!"

Mykie Leong Chadwick reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"Brilliant course! Great mix of knowledge and hands on skills, the day flew by! Jason and Louise are so passionate and helpful. We left the day with an awesome item we made ourselves and the confidence to consider trying our hand at leather working at home. Best craft course I’ve attended!"

Suzi Springfield reviewed: Oil painting workshop at Back Room Art Stourbridge

"Heather is a super teacher; knowledgeable and supportive. Had a lovely time rediscovering the joys of silk painting.... in a much easier way than when I first had a go some 15 years ago! The workshop is well equipped and has a homely, relaxing atmosphere - mainly due to Heather’s kind nature and the appearance of the rather handsome cat (Chewbacca) All in all a super session; definitely going back for more! If you’ve never tried it, I’d urge you to give it a whirl... you won’t regret it! Thanks again Heather! Sue Springfield X"

Ann Millers reviewed: Introduction to wet-felting: handbag, iPad case or something else!

"Had a lovely day with Cathy and family learning the wet felt process and was very pleased with the bowl I made. Cathy is a great teacher and had lots of ideas and suggestions. Beautiful location, generous hosts and a very productive and enjoyable day. Highly recommended!"

JILL CONNELL reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Fab workshop, lovely lady, wonderful candles & she makes cake too! Thanks again Kerry !"

Deb C reviewed: Stained glass panel

"Enjoyed the day at Parndon Mill learning the art of stained glass with Margery. We all took our colourful item home. We learned the basics of cutting glass, how to deign and prepare a pattern for our designs and successfully assembled our small panes. Hope to have another go now I have a better idea of what can be done and my ability."

Helen Moore reviewed: Mixed Media Textiles

"2nd time i have beeen to Dawns course , calm informative guidance loved the day and most of my work . cant wait to go again , delios cake , very friendly"

J Hunte reviewed: Needlefelted Piglet Workshop in Leicestershire

"Wonderful workshop! Great teaching and I finished my piece which was great considering this was my first try. Will definitely do this again."

Marie-Claire reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"My 13yr old son Conor and I had a lovely day yesterday on the spoon carving course. Mark was a great, patient teacher who has a wealth of knowledge about carving and wood. We had a lovely walk around his woods which was very informative and a great homemade lunch of soup and cake. A great day that I’d highly recommend to anyone interested in outdoor activities."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Thank you very much. I'm glad you both enjoyed your day. Lots of tool shopping next, I guess. ATB Mark"