Latest reviews

24 May 18'

Gill Jones reviewed: Clay modelling - sculpt a portrait head

"3day sculpting course- Portrait .Having wanted to do sculpture since school, centuries ago, I finally found a course. What a pleasure it was. The 3day course was brilliant. Sally ( the organiser) was so welcoming , and Miranda an excellent teacher. She encourages you to see things as they actually are,and enables you to translate them into your own piece of work. Beginners and experienced all blend together, and the day flies by!"

24 May 18'

Carole H reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I was so lucky with the weather for my first visit in May, enjoying lunch and tea breaks in Lucy’s picturescque garden. The irises were in bloom and I sat under the spectacular scented wisteria, looking out towards the Clwydian hills: very relaxing. Throughout the day, I absorbed numerous hints and tips (as usual); this time, about different ways of finishing metals; I also had a recap on riveting. The day ended so quickly, but I am returning soon - to continue my project with stone setting. Can’t wait!"

24 May 18'

Suzy Berry reviewed: Fused glass workshops for all

"Me and my boyfriend went for a day course in fused glass at the beginning of May. Karen was friendly and welcoming from the moment we arrived. It was easy enough to find and Karen kept in contact before to make sure we knew where we were going. We’ve never done anything like this before, Karen was extremely knowledgable and taught us everything we needed to know for the day plus a bit more! It was great fun and a lot easier than I thought it would be. She gave you the flexibility and guidance to practice and then create your own mini masterpieces! We came away with 2 coasters each and a bigger peice, my boyfriend made a bowl and I made a clock (a bit more complicated but Karen helped me through it!) it’s a great fun day and a really good price, the lunch was lovely and we got to sit outside. I’d definitely recommend it, we were complete novices but the other lady who joined us had done some before and Karen handled the different level of knowledge and expertise like a pro."

24 May 18'

Gill Davies reviewed: Nuno Scarf - An Introduction to Nuno Felting

"My friend and I spent a blissful day in Emma's studio each making a scarf using the Nuno felting technique. Emma is a warm and welcoming tutor who explains each step very clearly and provides hands on help and advice at all stages. I would strongly recommend this course."

24 May 18'

Elaine Muddiman reviewed: Clay modelling - sculpt a portrait head

"Miranda is an excellent Tutor...so patient and encouraging even to total novices as I was! She really does help you to see 'around corners' and think around the work without it feeling too technically baffling. Sally always has the Studio up and running, it's such a light airy welcoming space with everything to hand that you need....including the kettle! The three day course is brilliant because you can get totally immersed in the piece and see the process through to completion. Excellent value, excellant teaching .... and lovely relaxed friendly company!"

24 May 18'

Amanda & GIllian reviewed: Furniture Painting Workshop in the Cotswolds

"We are really not understanding the high ratings of other Reviewers and Silver Craft Course Award. We unfortunately were extremely disappointed with many aspects of the Workshop. It did not represent value for money and we note that the course fees have increased from £110 to £125 per person since we attended 16 May 2018 (with additional supplement for Saturdays). A second course for Furniture Repairs and Repurposing was listed at an eye-watering £175, now amended to £125 per person. This highlights the feeling we had that this is mainly about opportunist raising of cash rather than providing excellent courses. Chris and Celia were personable and offered refreshments through the day. However the main reason for attending was to build on existing knowledge and learn about preparing furniture for painting and getting a good finish on furniture. The course did not hit the spot and we came away underwhelmed. Having been on other arts and craft courses the key failings were: # Lack of planning/planned outcome - by allowing people to bring any piece of furniture it is hard to plan activities/timings. Maybe being more prescriptive over type/size of furniture or providing a smaller item and options would help. There was no plan, there were no hand-outs. We were promised hand-outs would be forwarded by email after course. Still nothing received. # Poor organisation and lack of materials available. Choice of paints was dreadful - insufficient quantities of colours available and poor quality. Luckily we had taken some of our own paint pots. Course start time was postponed until 11am and we left by 4pm so it was hardly 1 day as expected. Given we did not have time for wax to dry (if applied) before leaving we ended up funding items of furniture, paint and wax/varnish ourselves. # Uninspiring environment - courses are held in tea shop (closed during workshops) where interior design business is promoted, hats are for sale, painted furniture and home pieces are ticketed for sale. The poor quality of the painted items rang alarm bells with us and the environment did not provide inspiration or confidence in the expertise/experience/creativity/knowledge of the 'tutors'. All rather amateur when, for the price, we were expecting professional and slick. # Techniques - not all the different techniques listed on course information were demonstrated. Information on those that were mentioned was provided in an amateur way without clean samples of technique outcome on furniture or boards. Little forethought or planning and not much time spent on any of the topics. Would advise people to shop around for a workshop costing less and be more sceptical of ratings supplied."

24 May 18'

Amanda & Gillian reviewed: Gelli Printmaking with No5workshops Group Booking

"Attended morning Gelli Printing Workshop on morning of 18 May 2018 and thoroughly enjoyed the session for many reasons, many of which reinforce the views expressed by other Reviewers. The location is stunning with its own separate workshop full of inspiring pieces and all the tools, materials, equipment you could possibly need. It was fun and great to learn something new. Also very good value for money. Armi has loads of experience to share and was very hospitable, an excellent tutor. She was well organised and had planned the session very well - she was encouraging and assisted with getting the creative juices flowing. Armi also providing helpful hand-outs and some cards/envelopes to take away for mounting our prints. Cake provided was also delicious. Would definitely like to attend another course or organise a private session with some friends to do some more Gel Plate Printing."

23 May 18'

Kim Garrett reviewed: One person - Full day 6 hours sculpture/soldering brazing wire forming course, specialising in insects, fairies

"Roger is brilliant. I really enjoyed this course. Although my soldering skills were / are lacking, Roger was very patient and supportive. It was not my expectation to come away with a completed project, so I was not disappointed not to have done. What I did come away with, that was totally unexpected however, was a thorough knowledge and understanding of how what Roger has to teach can be applied to any project I would want to develop for myself, which in my opinion is priceless. It was a pleasure to spend the day with someone who is genuinely enthusiastic about what they have to teach, easy company and very very good at what he does. Thank you Roger - I will keep practising ;-)"

23 May 18'

Alison Mcevoy reviewed: Basic woodworking and DIY course

"I just completed the basic woodwork course. David is a great tutor, who is patient and approachable, and took his time to cover not only the set programme, but any other concerns and questions I had about the project I hope to tackle. At the end of the day, I felt not only more knowledgable on how to carry out my project, but much more confident. The workshop itself is a delight! Kim"

23 May 18'

Nicola Preston reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"A really great day in glorious surroundings with the very patient Ricky and Adam. Ricky is such a calm teacher and I was amazed at how much we achieved in a day. Great fun, highly recommended and very proud of my creations!"

23 May 18'

Stuart Marlow reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"I'd been keen to try blacksmithing for a while now, but have no experience in this field. I was bought the 4hour lesson and managed to get when there were no other "students. The forge was as I expected, covered in soot and smelling of burnt steel. It has everything you need and set out really well. What I didn't expect was Andy. Top bloke. Really friendly and for me was really knowledgeable and enthusiastic, which is exactly what you need. Always had something to say and explained the reasons for what you were doing. There is no mucking about either. Straight into it... forging the knife from a molten billet of steel and four hours later having a finished article (well for four hours work anyway). Andy talks you through each step and shows you what to do "once" so you get the feeling you actually make the knife, which I have to say is so very rewarding. For me personally this was a brilliant experience and have now got the bug. I'm already looking at booking a further session to learn more. I would highly recommend for anybody interested in blacksmithing/bladesmithing."

23 May 18'

Christele reviewed: Make silver jewellery - one day workshop

"I attended a one day workshop run by Cathy and I loved it. Cathy is a great teacher and I learnt a lot in a day. I made a ring and earings from scratch and my friends were really impressed . She has definitely inspired me to enrol an evening class near me."

23 May 18'

Katarzyna Pracik reviewed: Frame Baskets, 2 days with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"My second time at Broadrake with willow weaving. You guys are amazing. Phil show us plenty of new skills, I met a great bunch of people and had a grand time. Food was excellent. After 2 days of pleasant labour in stunning scenery I went home with 2 baskets and some cuttings that now have grown into a mini willow plantation ;) I will be coming back! Can not fault this course; money well spend."

23 May 18'

Neil M reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"A very thorough and interesting day. Dave is extremely patient and always gets straight to the point; a great teacher. An all round great experience, might even do it again! *Review written at the welding facility on 19/05/18, hard copy kept at premises."

23 May 18'

Brian W reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"An excellent course, nothing could be improved. *Review written at the welding facility on 19/05/18, hard copy kept at premises."

23 May 18'

Conrad V reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"Very interesting and enjoyable! *Review written at the welding facility on 19/05/18, hard copy kept at premises."

23 May 18'

Andrew E reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"The course content covered more than enough for me and could not be improved. A really enjoyable day. *Review written at the welding facility on 19/05/18, hard copy kept at premises."

23 May 18'

Nicholas K reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"The course was excellent and there's nothing I can think of that needs improving. *Review written at the welding facility on 19/05/18, hard copy kept at premises."

23 May 18'

David Thompson reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"My wife arranged this for my sixtieth birthday surprise, had been mentioning my desire to do something just like this. I couldn't believe my good fortune when an old colleague of nearly thirty years ago was doing this course. I remembered that Bob Pickard was a Blacksmith and had to take a subaticle from smithing. Well he certainly knows his stuff and his skill is something to be envied, he put me through a very enjoyable experience, yes for periods my arm gave way but a five minute break and a little refreshment enabled me to go on. You do learn very quickly that it is not how hard you hit but the accuracy of the hit and with Bob's patience managed to produce a basic implement, a fork, which I know show off to family and friends. I do think that my tale will lead to others booking. I can only recommend the experience, one that you will always remember. Excellent Bob."

23 May 18'

Stephen Read reviewed: Woodturning Course in North Yorkshire with Philip Greenwood RPT

"I had a hankering to try wood turning and needed as much info as I could get before committing any money. Philip gave me practical experience of basic techniques, a list of dos and don't, types of lathes to consider, which tools to use, safety requirements, filtration problems and solutions and a range of prices from basic to, well, definitely not so basic! All in all an excellent course if you are thinking of starting wood turning. The course was geared to me and what I could do which I found very helpful and it made the whole experience extremely enjoyable. Highly recommended."

23 May 18'

Ricardo reviewed: Basic woodworking and DIY course

"I enjoyed this course very much and I recommend it to anyone interested in taking woodwork as a hobby. The course gives you an overview of all basic woodwork techniques and gives you the opportunity to watch a woodwork master in action."

22 May 18'

Jacque reviewed: 'Bag in a Day' Practical Leather Course - Mini Bucket bag

"I did this course last year and absolutely loves it. A few of my friends have done it since and loved it too. Georgie helped me make such a lovely bag. I love it more and more everyday as it improves with age. Thoroughly recommended this course. The food was great and the venue lovely! You will not be disappointed."

22 May 18'

Sarah Bru reviewed: 'Bag in a Day' Practical Leather Course - Mini Bucket bag

"I did this course a few months ago and I absolutely loved it. Georgie's guidance is warm and accurate and takes you through all the steps to make your bag. You are given plenty of room to apply your creativity and personality which I really enjoyed. I more than recommend this course if you want to learn about leather and would do it again without hesitation. Thank you Georgie!"

22 May 18'

Paula corbett reviewed: Felt slippers - felt-making workshop with Debra Esterhuizen

"What a brilliant tutor and a fantastic course. I absolutely loved the studio it was so welcoming and vibrant a veritable aladdin's cave of material. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. and will definitely be attending another of Debra's courses. The Appleby Hub is a lovely place with a very friendly feel and a nice café downstairs which does lovely food."

22 May 18'

Paula corbett reviewed: Stained Glass Nuno Felted Scarves Online Class

"I attended this course in May and had a wonderful time. Lena was a wonderful tutor and I came home with a beautiful landscape. I will definitely be attending another on Lena's courses and can't recommend her highly enough. Thank you Lena."