Latest reviews

Anne Lockley reviewed: 1 to 1 mount cutting for your next exhibition

"Before attending this course I was a complete novice and had little idea of what it would involved. I turned up with some of my grandson's artwork, feeling apprehensive but was quickly put at ease by Lynne's friendly manner. Her instructions were clear (excellent paperwork was provided) and she demonstrated each stage which was good for a kinaesthetic learner like me. Nothing was too much for Lynne and she was quick to help when I made a mistake, offering advice on how to deal with this, keeping me calm. As the day progressed I grew in confidence, eventually taking home beautifully framed pictures; my grandson is delighted with them! I now have the equipment and am enthusiastic to use my new found knowledge. I would wholeheartedly recommend Lynne's course."

Chris G reviewed: A General Leatherwork Skill Day

"Doing It Right The First Time. Over the past seven years I have been a making leather goods by myself. Through the direction of a few young teachers and YouTube videos I’ve learned how make a few leather items. I’ve always enjoyed making things by hand however, the quality of my workmanship has never been to my satisfaction. My work has always lacked the consistency that I’ve always found with professionals. Last week I had the opportunity to visit the U.K. and I thought that I would take the chance to visit Nigel Armitage`s workshop. Fortunately, Nigel had a window of time available and I dropped by for a lesson. This ended up being the highlight of my trip. :-) Nigel initially audited my skills and gave me clear explanations to resolve my problems. Calm instruction was evenly paced avoiding any feelings of confusion or being overwhelmed. He explained that the fundamentals of cutting, measuring and sewing are crucial to not only create an item to be proud of, but to do it with confidence and speed. Nigel demonstrated his methods and I copied them under his careful guidance. The day after the lesson, a follow up email was sent reviewing the points of what we had done. Nigel didn’t actually mention this phrase but I felt that it encapsulates a philosophy that I walked away from his lesson. “Doing it right the first time”. Arriving back from my trip I eagerly returned to my own little workshop with much enthusiasm and I can immediately see the positive results from my work. Mr Armitage is instructor who not only has the workshop skills to create beautiful goods but also the demeanour and interpersonal skills of a great teacher. I felt like I have walked away from the best leathercraft course in the world. I`ll definitely be making another visit. Chris G"

Susan John De parra reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"Well what a brilliant day! Whether you have no idea ,or, think you have, Jake gives hands on tuition, encouragement and guidance on every aspect of what is involved! Relaxed, informative and insightful ! I had reservations of not being up to the job! Well, there is far more to the art. Finesses, precise and so so engaging! I am thoroughly hooked on this ancient yet current art form. Definately an experience that I feel enriched to have had. The history of tools and finishing on this work , left me privileged to have shared with my other half. We both would recommend this unique opportunity! Thank you Jake ! A true gent of your profession and Artistry. Sue and Andrew."

Hedge Ironworks responded:

"Wow, thank you so much for the kind words. It was an absolute pleasure having you both in the workshop!!"

Esther reviewed: Drum Lampshade making at ShedLight

"I attended the course today with my niece and we both had a fab morning making our lampshades. The end results looked quite professional ( a surprise to both of us!!) Vanessa was absolutely lovely, very helpful and supportive throughout. Would recommend to everyone ?"

ShedLight responded:

"Thank you Esther! It was lovely to meet you and your niece Amy and I really enjoyed the morning too :)"

Vaughan Aitken reviewed: Sword making course

"Just completed the course and it was epic. The fact you could taylor your sword to your own taste was brilliant and not just a standard template."

Lilly reviewed: Learn to make either silver earrings or a pendant

"Had the most lovely, crafty and relaxed time, and am most pleased with my jewellery. Would highly recommend!"

Caroline Lee reviewed: Learn to make either silver earrings or a pendant

"Thank you so much for a really enjoyable workshop. I was amazed I could make anything wearable but I really love my pendant. It was a lovely day. Your informative and encouraging approach - and patience! - helped me feel inspired to have a go. I hope to come along to another workshop soon - and I'll try not to break any blades!"

Lisa reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Myself and best friend did the silver ring course. It was brilliant. It was really relaxed and Jonathan is a great teacher. Really patient and totally puts you at ease. We both made beautiful silver rings and came away feeling very happy with our day. We had coffee and cake too always a bonus! Thanks Jonathan."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Lisa You both did really well and it was a pleasure to meet you both.And your tip about the wire supplier was very helpful! Jonathan"

Cessa reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"Charlie is such a positive, patient, lovely woman, I am happy I got to meet her. I have never made candles before so this was a completely new experience for me. You get to pick the type of object you want your candle wax to be in, you also get the option of making it scented or coloured. In between the session there is a tea/coffee break which is amazing because I got to learn a little bit about the people in the group, what they do, their interest and share some laughter. You get great tips of museums and galleries to go visit, places to eat, top 5 things to do or see. I loved my experience and my candles, so I highly recommend this workshop !"

Sophie reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"We had so much fun making candles with Charlie at the Flamingo Studio. It was so informative as you actually learnt how to make candles without being pressured into buying extra products. Charlie was very knowledgeable about the scents and what would work and what wouldn't while also letting you be experimental. The cakes that her sister made as well were the perfect touch after 2 hours of candle making fun!"

Peak Upholstery reviewed: 4 day course in upholstery, soft furnishings or loose covers

"I have had the pleasure of spending three glorious weekends in the company of Angie, amidst her endless knowledge on both traditional and modern upholstery and soft furnishings. My first project (an Edwardian winged-back chair) was by no means modest and I knew just by speaking to Angie it would be completed in the traditional way that I wanted. I am so happy with the result! The workshop is set in the most beautiful surroundings and very easy to reach from Matlock Town. On the 4 day course we were offered lunch which consisted of locally sourced and homegrown produce and it was food to die for. I haven't quite finished with Peak Upholstery yet so I will be returning very soon with another project. Which ever course you decide to do it will be full of laughter, learning and a weekend you won't want to end!"

Sam Cameron reviewed: 4 day course in upholstery, soft furnishings or loose covers

"I have had the pleasure of spending three glorious weekends in the company of Angie, amidst her endless knowledge on both traditional and modern upholstery and soft furnishings. My first project (an Edwardian winged-back chair) was by no means modest and I knew just by speaking to Angie it would be completed in the traditional way that I wanted. I am so happy with the result! The workshop is set in the most beautiful surroundings and very easy to reach from Matlock Town. On the 4 day course we were offered lunch which consisted of locally sourced and homegrown produce and it was food to die for. I haven't quite finished with Peak Upholstery yet so I will be returning very soon with another project. Which ever course you decide to do it will be full of laughter, learning and a weekend you won't want to end!"

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 Introduction 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"