Latest reviews

Pam White reviewed: Collagraph Printmaking with Megan Evans + self catered accommodation

"Megan is very helpful, instructive in a nice informal setting. Well worth a visit."

kate reviewed: Glass Fusing with Float Glass - Oxford

"I did this course with my two teenagers after checking it was suitable. I've done lots of craft courses before, but this was the first time they had accompanied me. They had a great day, and came away excited about their creations and what they had learned - in fact my 14 year old son, who is hard to get through to at times, told me spontaneously in the car on the way home that this course had been 'one of the best things I've done in my life'! The craft was well explained and there were plenty of supplies for us to dabble with when trying the new techniques. The only possible negative is that the space is really very small, and although there were only 5 participants (and we were told this was a 'small group') we were quite crowded and often on top of each other. A plentiful supply of drinks and biscuits sealed the deal as far as the kids were concerned! You come away with a small glass square that has been fired during the day, which is an excellent idea - the rest needs to be collected after a few weeks, or can be sent on. We would definitely recommend this course."

Shelley reviewed: Make a footstool workshop

"I really enjoyed this workshop. Not having any previous experience in anything remotely crafty i did wonder what i was going to go home with, but i can honestly say that due to great teaching and easy to follow steps i was really pleased with the result. Thank you!!"

La Di Da Interiors & Gifts responded:

"Thank you for your feedback"

Richard Piercy reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"I have read and wholeheartedly agree with all the reviews above! I too am preparing for my own forge!! My signed copy of Peat's excellent book is already well thumbed and plans afoot for some projects."

Ceara Mongan reviewed: Skincare Workshops using Herbal Infusions

"Dianne was very welcoming into her beautiful home, and I very much enjoyed a lovely day of soapy talk and making. I booked straight away for her cosmetic course and really icouldn't recommend enough."

Aroma Natural responded:

"Hi Ceara. Many thanks for the lovely review, it's so kind of you to take the time to write this. I thoughly enjoyed the day with you and look forward to your next workshop later. xx"

Claire reviewed: Making a mosaic with slate

"Thoroughly enjoyed this course - Rachel is an excellent teacher! I did a full day course and brought my 14 year old niece along - as a measure of how good the course was, this is the longest I've seen my niece without a phone in her hand in ages! She loved it! Great to have a course that is suitable for a mix of ages and abilities. The full day offered great flexibility to be able to experiment with different materials, colours and techniques, and to make multiple pieces. Excellent value for money (and lovely lunch too!). This was my first experience of mosaic work, and I'd thoroughly recommend this course."

Nicci reviewed: Hand sewn mohair teddy bear making course in Cumbria

"You couldn't ask for a better teacher in the craft of hand-sewn bears than Lyn. She has years of experience making miniature jointed hand sewn mohair bears; Knowing the best way to work with the materials, the right stich size and the best strength of thread etc. Loads of mohair colours and hair lengths to choose from. Lyn's relaxed teaching style makes the atmosphere wonderful, we laughed our way through the bear making, when not concentrating on our stiches. Whether you want to make a smiling bear or the grumpy traditional bear face, Lyn has done them all and guides us well. At the end a beautiful mohair bear that will bring back lovely memories. It's definitely worth checking out the photos of Boo Bears. And it's in Cumbria, one of the best places in the world."

Boo Bears Cumbria responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Nicci."

Linda Lindan reviewed: Textile design one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"I had an absolutely lovely day yesterday on the Textile Design Workshop. I was fully immersed in colour, shapes, patterns and being introduced to techniques of applying my interpretation of what I saw to paper and fabrics. Penny gives demonstrations and provides guidance whilst at the same time encouraging you along to do your own thing. It was hard to peel myself away but then Penny had the most amazing home made soup and breads, cakes and coffee, so I had to! I would have liked to have just stayed there and continued into the night but I will just have to return again instead!"

Glenn reviewed: Woodturning workshops - one day

"I spent two days with Steve, and enjoyed every second. He carefully assessed what I already knew, and took my learning on from there. He was very responsive when I asked for specific skills and knowledge. I learnt a huge amount, and it has given me great confidence and inspiration to return to my workshop. I've completed an apple and a pear just like Steve showed me! The workshop is extremely well laid out for teaching, and there seem to be no skills or tools that Steve doesn't know about or have the ability to demonstrate. His immense experience in both commercial and decorative turning give such great depth to his teaching. Lunch is delicious, and he will ensure you leave with one or two finished pieces to enjoy. Highly recommended."

Heather Coulson reviewed: Spoon Carving Workshop - One Day

"Thoroughly enjoyable course. Very relaxing (apart from when you're using the drawknife...but even that is very satisfying!) Mark is very helpful. Definitely recommend this course!"

Daniel Brooks reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"Excellent course. Challenging but enjoyable. Peat and Eammon were first class tutors with the experience needed to help the students achieve results that at first seemed to be beyond the ability of complete novices!"

Jill Stephenson reviewed: Wet felted bowls, vessels and vases

"This was a truly enjoyable workshop and I am so pleased with my bowl. The class venue was light with sufficient space to work. And there was tea and biscuits to sustain us. Kat's pre-class organisation was excellent every thing I needed was laid out to hand and there was a rainbow of coloured wool to chose from. Her instruction was faultless and I particularly appreciated her enthusiasm and support of my efforts. I look forward to coming to another of her workshops."

Kevin (The Hammer) Pearson reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"For Peat, ably assisted by Eamon, to take 8 enthusiastic amateurs, and get them to produce such a wide range of quality ironmongery, was a miracle! The whole approach to the course was professional and friendly, without being patronising. Peat has a wealth of knowledge, and it was a privaledge to have him as the course tutor. In a world of smart phones and instant gratification, the Quinnell Blacksmithing course is not only a fanatastic memorable occasion, but also a personal milestone in my craft achievements. Thank you all."

Emily Prier reviewed: Hand sewn mohair teddy bear making course in Cumbria

"Fantastic teacher, full of enthusiasm and good humour. Making the bear is fun and any tricky bits Lyn was quick to help and put me right. The hard work is definitely worth it as the end result fab. Looking forward to making lots more bears with Lyn."

Boo Bears Cumbria responded:

"Thank you so much Emily for your kind review, Your bears are beautiful."

Clive reviewed: Introduction to welded metal sculpture

"Three of us ventured across the bridge to Alan's studio on the edge of Swansea so that we could learn (or in one case improve) welding skills. Alan proved to be a good teacher whose welding and teaching skills are both excellent. At the end of the weekend we came away with three unique pieces of art and a lot more knowledge and skill than we had before. I'd recommend this to anyone with an interest or a desire to do something different."

Peter Heim reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"Outstanding course, and better than I imagined. Peat supported by the ultimate " we can fix that problem" Eamonn were great, and I was pleasantly surprised to see how much we actually did hands on, rather than theory. Even my highly cynical family are impressed with the work I built ! I would recommend this course to anybody, but would also recommend as suggested pre-course, strengthening up your hammer arms. I'm pretty strong but felt it after 3 days. Now planning to go on Peats tool making course."

John flynn reviewed: Rustic Sign Making Workshop Teesside

"Went with some friends, Shelley guided us through every stage of making the sign and we were all happy with the results, ahe even does flat pack kits (lol) with all instructions so you can do them at home. Once again a big thank you to Shelley."

Dorothy reviewed: One-to-One Private workshop

"My daughter and I did The stained glass mosaics workshop on 3rd March. Once again a brilliant time had by all, Gigha is an excellent teacher so kind and patient, in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Lovely lunch and treats throughout the day. We were so pleased with our creations at the end of the workshop. Highly recommended. We will be back Gigha."

Michael McMorrow reviewed: Rustic Sign Making Workshop Teesside

"What a brilliant course, attended with my grandson and daughter, and got totally immersed in making the sign what a brilliant way to craft"

Louise reviewed: Hand sewn mohair teddy bear making course in Cumbria

"A welcoming, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Lyn is a a very experienced, enthusiastic and knowlegable tutor, giving constant support to the group, during a step by step approach to creating your beautiful bear. Basic back stitching experience is advantageous to get the most out of the sessions. The end product us definitely worth the effort, 'Create something beautiful'. Once you've completed one you will be planning the next in no time."

Boo Bears Cumbria responded:

"Thank you Louise, very kind words, I'm looking forward to hearing all about Crufts and seeing at the next workshop."

Esther Theodore reviewed: Jewellery making with Precious Metal Silver Clay - Full Day Workshop

"Thanks so much Charlotte. The workshop was brilliant - so fascinating and fun! I love my earrings I made! Thanks for taking so much time to explain everything so clearly and help us make jewellery we will treasure for years to come. It was a super experience!"

Katherine Tellum reviewed: One Day Pottery Throwing Course, including lunch - Hampshire

"Fantastic day, looked after really well. Jack is a great teacher and puts you at ease! Would thoroughly recommend to any ability as was much a fun day! Hopefully later on in the year (when less busy at work) I'll sign up for the 10 week course! Thanks again"

Dave Higgs reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"1) Great course 2) Great instructors who gently MAKE you DO IT YOURSELF 3) Friendly environment 4) Amazing experience I loved learning about working with metal, it was a great 3 days of HOT learning. Metal is unbelievably flexible and easy to work with as long as it’s ORANGE HOT."

Diane reviewed: Camp, Carve and Canoe:

"Recommended. The three of us came 150 miles for this half day course and it was worth it! None of us had tried our hands at willow weaving before and this great introduction resulted in a nifty and beautiful little willow tray, not perfect (it's not as easy as Jonathan makes it look), but I was very pleased with my first attempt. Jonathan, the trainer, is hugely skilled in willow work and basketry and also a very good teacher. There were eight of us in the group altogether which meant we had individual help from Jonathan when we needed it. Although not that far from Norwich we felt we were in deepest Norfolk it was so quiet and peaceful at the venue overlooking the marshes. Thanks also to Mary and Stephen at Moco who made us welcome"

Jane Dale reviewed: Beginners paper cutting session at MAKE, Portsmouth in Hampshire

"Very enjoyable afternoon papercutting. Everyone could go at their own pace, and it was a relaxed and engaging activity. Aimee's instructions were clear and it was a lovely setting for the class. Great cake and company. I would recommend this to beginners in papercutting. Jane"