Latest reviews

Sarah Martyn reviewed: Fisherton Mill in Salisbury - Silver Clay Jewellery Workshop - An Introduction to Silver Clay

"I really enjoyed my time on this course. I didn't realise in advance that the jewellery I would be making with the silver clay would actually be, once fired, pure silver! And it seemed like magic watching it happen. Fiona was very clear and organised and the session was really enjoyable. I went home with a necklace and a pair of earrings and I now proudly wear them when I go out! I was really pleased with what I managed to achieve as a total beginner."

Julie Kelly reviewed: Creating shadows and light in your collagraph prints, course in artists studio near York

"Really well structured and fun course . I learned the basics ( and more!) about collagragh printing over these two days and really want to do more .Emily is welcoming , extremely knowledgeable and demonstrates everything so you can feel confident to get on and have a go . In short ... I loved it , and would recommend it to anyone !"

Gary Taraldsen reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"I attended bobs 1 day hammer skills course as a birthday present from my fiancee. I had an absolutely awesome day thank you so much bob. I learnt so much from bob who is a natural teacher and very patient, he taylors the course around you. I came away with a new passion absolutely loved my whole day drove home grinning like the Cheshire cat, my fiancee loved her new candle holders. I would highly recommend this course to everyone I will certainly be back bob very soon got loads of ideas."

David Jackson reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"A magical day of forging with the charming Nigel; with Robin, Julian and me. Knowledge, expertise, amazing stories and kindness - and catch phrases for life! 'The hammer will find you!' 'It's a design change!' 'The blacksmith's vice has no teeth and this one's actually made from an old canon'. Surrounded by scary heavy hammers and monster machines; with welding, twisting, cutting and honing. And a new knife made from hardened steel saved from an ancient wrecked farm machine. There's even a giant whistle in the woods - and Nigel's a surprising whistle player too with hundreds of beguiling tunes! Two peacocks in the tree, the wonderful wood and a cosy Shepherd's Hut. What more could you ask for? What a total inspiration!"

Ruth reviewed: Learn to sew a reversible tote bag

"Great workshop, really enjoyed making the tote bag. Judi explains everything step by step making it very easy for a newbie sewer. We got the template and instructions to take home, so I will be making a lot more. Fabric is great quality, and the bags are very useful. Don't hesitate If you are considering doing this, its great fun!"

Sheila Ridgeon reviewed: Creating shadows and light in your collagraph prints, course in artists studio near York

"I had so much fun and learned so much I'd recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn the basics of collograph printing Emily was very organised and her spacious studio well set out to provide an excellent working space She was generous with her time and information and not at all precious about her materials or tools and very informative about her methods and techniques It was exciting to see the results that could be achieved with simple materials I came away with a stack of plates, prints, ideas and information as well as a desire to do more"

Elaine reviewed: Mosaic day workshop on Orkney

"Excellent tuition and support given by Catherine, who was obviously experienced and enthusiastic in mosaics. All resources were provided and once we had chosen our designs and been shown what to do , we were able to continue independently asking for help if needed. It was a busy but very enjoyable day in a lovely interesting venue."

Charlene Lundgren Frischer reviewed: Felting and natural dyeing craft holiday in the Highlands of Scotland

"Words really are insufficient to describe how grateful I am for such a lovely, funny, charming, warm, hilarious, silly, breathtaking, beautiful, meaning, creative, week. From the minute we were picked up at the station we knew we were in good hands. The house we stayed in was so comfortable, and Rosie's meals were exception - she never stops working! We met all the animals, sheared Lavender the sheep who thinks she is a dog - the beautiful goats - and Otto the dog who thinks he is a sheep. Rosie is brimming with knowledge about plants and herbs and flowers and the dyeing process. Gathering local flora, dyeing wool over open fires in their woods and then finally using all the wool in a needle felted project run by Fi Oberon was so exciting and interesting. We had a lot of good laughs too. Rosie also took us on hikes to visit the River Affriq, Plodda Falls, and admire the beautiful scenery. I highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to get away for a week into an uncluttered and more simple world, and also for those who love nature and love to create.... Rosie and Alex and their two adorable children - could not do enough for us. Rosie and Alex are an amazing couple - and so inspirational."

Molly reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"A brilliant course, Bill the tutor is highly skilled and is a fantastic tutor. He is very knowledgeable and guided me through all elements of upholstery from Making reusable templates, woodwork and construction of frames to buttoning and the final upholstery. I really enjoyed myself and feel ready to make more! A great course and great value for money."

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Thank you Molly for your kind comments, much appreciated. I enjoyed the 3 creative days and you produced work to be proud of. Good luck and hope to speak soon."

Mel Cairns reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"Andy clearly has a wealth of experience and knowledge and is a genuinely good teacher who can encourage and enthuse as well communicate technique. As a complete beginner I approached the day with some apprehension but I needn't have worried - Andy was patient and helpful but never patronising. The workshop was very well equipped and though initially daunted by all the machinery and kit around us, by the day's end I felt comfortable using the lathes, chisels and finishing materials. My son and I both came away feeling not only that we had learned a lot in short time but ,importantly, we had enjoyed the experience, had felt totally engaged and left feeling that woodturning was something we could take on."

Debbie Rossall reviewed: Felting and natural dyeing craft holiday in the Highlands of Scotland

"Excellent course informative with good instructions clear and concise handouts. Accommodation and food five stars. Excellent tutors"

Gerry Gedge reviewed: Handspinning workshop

"After finding out, while on a trip to Norway, about one needle knitting called naalbinding I decided to give it a go and once started I began to imagine what it would be like to make a scarf or hat right from the sheep. With this in mind I was talked into joining one of Diane's spinning courses by my partner Carol. Some weeks later we found ourselves at Blaze farm wondering what we had let ourselves into. Diane immediately introduced herself and her Dad George who helps her with the course. His knowledge ranges from the sheep in the fields to the gansy on the back and this includes practical and theoretical knowledge of the gear needed with all its many technicalities. Anyway without ado Diane immediately ordered coffee for everyone, took orders for lunch and made everybody feel at home and welcome and then we were set to work. As a retired seaman who spent much time working with ropes, cordage and canvas I knew that there were strong links to working with and producing wool and other yarns. I always loved the practical side of work and still engage with rope work by making mats and other decorative things from natural fibres to keep my hand in. I have worked in some historic sailing ship refits and once sailed in a replica viking ship which was traditionally rigged. What followed over the next five hours of the course was like being back on board ship doing what I really enjoyed alongside enthusiastic people who felt the same. The talk used to be of finer points and attention to detail and was always with an attitude of helping each other. In exactly the same way Diane and her Dad George are dedicated to spinning and it's preservation and both of them revel in their craft. It is their attitude and enthusiasm which is so impressive and that's what is so valuable and important to those just starting out in learning such a wonderful process. This course has something for everyone and is highly recommended. Thank you both"

Dianr Johnson reviewed: Make, paint & upholster your own footstool

"An excellent course- I received fantastic tuition that has provided me with many skills for future use. Alan is a great teacher and,believe me, he can help the most ‘cack-handed’ of us produce a useable, aesthetically pleasing footstool. The course is great fun and I met a great group of people. I would highly recommend this course, it really is fantastic value for money- and Wendy, the soups for lunch were fab. Thank you"

Richard Carter reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Brilliant, fantastic teacher and an excellant course, I learnt so much in such a short time, Bill was such a good teacher, nothing was too much trouble, he did every thing he could to help, direct and encourage you, fantastic course would recommend it to any one. And thank you Bill for all your help."

Michael Moore reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"I had a very interesting and really informative afternoon thanks to Claire. I was very lucky to have a one to one lesson (not including Daisy!) and learned a lot from an excellent teacher, and it was amazing to see the transformation from a little piece of clay to heart pendant and letter pendant. I will certainly be making use of the information sheets provided by Claire to try using silver clay at home. I would highly recommend this course, and Claire to anyone interested in silver jewellery making."

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"Many thanks for your comments Michael it was lovely to meet you. You made some great pieces of jewellery!"

Stained glass class reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"Great fun informative day As a complete beginning I came away with a beautiful leaded glass window hanging, enough info to feel I could make another and now can’t wait to join the next class to learn more ?"

Jeremy Carruthers reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Bill is an experienced leather worker and I doubt there is anything about leather craft that he does not know. He is also a kind, patient, and able teacher, and generous with his time - I ended up staying way after the allotted time in order to finish my work. There were three of us on the course which was a great number as he was able to spend time with all of us on our individual projects. We learnt about the various types of leather, and how it is produced and the effects of the different tanning processes. He taught us how to design a pattern, how to cut, how to stitch, how to use tools safely and effectively, and he gave us a useful list of contacts and suppliers to take away. I made a belt on the first day and a leather ring-binder on the second and I am amazed not only at how much I learnt but also how much I achieved in just two days. I unreservedly recommend Bill and his courses to anyone interested in practical leatherwork."

Charlotte Venables reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Bill has the patience of a saint. Great teacher and can’t wait to put into practise what I’ve learnt. Thank you so much"

Jane reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"Came with a group of friends for a candlemaking class - fab location, we all had a great time -very patient teacher who also makes it fun. We all took home some lovely candles. Thank you, we will be booking again!"

Rachel Clarke reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"Coming from Australia I wasn’t sure what to expect or what wood we might use but I Had a fantastic day with Dave. His knowledge is second to none and even though I have made spoons several times before I learnt some new tips and tricks. Dave’s course was worth every penny and I would highly recommend it."

Sandy F reviewed: Distressed painted furniture course with refreshments

"Fabby course. Came home with a lovely painted vintage chair. Gill knows her stuff x"

Gillian Bathe reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"Family friendly classes. Another class another group of students. Matthew le Breton was able to continue with makers of different abilities and intentions. I was impressed how he handled a lively boy of about 10, building on the parts of to work which most appealed, whilst making sure that not only was everyone safe but also progressed their own projects. Matthew encouraged a calmer, safer, quieter and more thoughtful approach to help the youngster to employ his love of cutting (rather expensive) glass as a means of creating an abstract mozaic panel. The foil wrapping was found to be frustrating for the less dexterous and Matthew also found time to assist in this. As a teacher myself I might encourage parents in family groups to take on more of an 'assistant' role if only to share out Mathew's necessary attention between other course participants. I think that parents might need to be aware for some children, the whole day might be too long and more frequent food breaks and variation in activities or a half day session might sustain short attention spans better."

Peter Allen & Lisa Christopher reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"My daughter and I joined Andy for a day in his workshop and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. He was very patient with us and taught us lots of Woodturning techniques. We both came away with a cedar bowl (most of which) was made by us on the lathes. Andy’s wife Martine kept us supplied with teas and coffees throughout and made us a lovely lunch. All in all a fun, relaxing but educational day. I would recommend this course for anyone thinking of getting into Woodturning or someone just wanting to ‘have a go’ thanks Andy & Martine."

Jean Harris reviewed: Green Wood Creative Seating - 6 Day Course in South Devon

"A great course. I arrived with an idea of the sort of bench I wanted to make and ended up with something far nicer and far beyond what I thought I would be capable of. The workshop is very well equipped and Peter guides one through patiently and expertly. A wonderful way to spend a week and build up green woodworking skills."

Gill Membery reviewed: Beginners Weaving with the Rigid Heddle Loom - at All in a Spin

"Myself and my husband did this course with Dunja. It's set on a beautiful farm, she was very patient with us, we where thrilled to come away understanding so much more. We couldn't wait to get home to set up our loom. We will definately return to do follow on courses, such a lovely day, and so pleased with the results. Thank you Dunja."