Latest reviews

Val Rich reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"I am relatively new to working with wood and had not really considered woodturning as part of this. Thanks to a birthday gift of a days woodturning with Graham I have been bitten by the woodturning bug! Graham is an excellent teacher and is most informative, knowledgeable and above all patient! He also has a great sense of humour and put me at ease, especially when I found it a little difficult to master the holding of the chisel correctly. The day went by much too quickly and I feel that I learnt such a lot. I can see how woodturning can complement my current woodworking skills and that it will enable me to have a more comprehensive choice on what my future projects can be. As a result of this most recent enjoyable day I have decided to purchase a lathe and set of chisels and get started turning wood. I will definitely be booking another day woodturning with Graham and would thoroughly recommend him to anyone with an interest in wood. I also have to mention the home made quiche that was provided for lunch and the welcomed coffee and tea breaks! All in all a most enjoyable and enlightening day. Thank you very much Graham."

David Ingram reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Many thanks to Mark for a great day. I had no experience as a wood turner, but had done a little joinery with a view to furniture making. Mark tailored the day to compliment this and gave me techniques and loads of advice on setting up that will help me in the future. I could not have asked for more from him; he's friendly, patient, very knowledgeable, accommodating and an excellent turner. I enjoyed finding out about his work also, which he was more than happy to show me. Many thanks again Mark for a great day and I hope to be back to learn some more soon. Dave"

Aidan reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"A wonderful birthday gift. As an absolute beginner to woodworking, it was a very informative course. Mark is a great teacher and really helped me with the techniques and imparted his vast knowledge of woodturning. I cannot recommend this course enough. Whether you are just starting out or already have some experience, this is truly a great course."

Annie reviewed: Needlefelt Foxes at Chapter Arts, Cardiff

"Emma was so helpful and approachable. I had a great time I was also pleased with what I managed to achieve with my first attempt. Will definitely do another ?"

Edna reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"At this session I forgot to bring my wire which was essential for the chain I'm making. This was no problem Lucy managed to provide me with some which was even better than the original. We discussed design for this and my next project. Before I knew it the day was over. Another full and informative day with Lucy"

Shannon reviewed: Belfast beginners crochet courses

"My 10-year-old daughter and two of her friends recently attended a workshop with Emma and Phoebe. It was excellent. They came home with fun crafts they made themselves and supplies and templates to make more at home. My floor of my sitting room is now covered in colourful, errant pieces of yarn, like rainbow snow. Fantastic!"

Janet reviewed: Belfast beginners crochet courses

"I was a bit nervous about the course as I had knitted years ago but never mastered crochet. But the group were fantastic, all beginners like me and Emma gave us all one to one support helping us to get going. I surprised myself by making a square in one night! The cafe where the classes are held was so relaxed and we were able to buy drinks and snacks. I really recommend these classes as you meet new people and make friends and Im not a beginner any more!"

Duncan reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"Just returned from 3 wonderful days in Sallerton woods making a beautiful little stool under Andy's expert and thoughtful guidance. My stool now has pride of place in our lounge and will be a lovely reminder of a new skill experienced. So pleased I decided to camp on site to enjoy the full experience of this idyllic place. Thank you Andy and Jane."

Bev and John reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"My husband and I had a really enjoyable day with SallyAnne and couldn't believe how much we learnt, and made in just one day. She is a fabulous teacher; clear, patient and fun, and happy to tailor the day to what we wanted to make. We started with small obelisks then progressed to a large one, a sphere and samples of fencing and how to start a basket. There are lots of beautiful crafts around the cottage that inspire you to want to have a go. A wonderful change from the usual work day - highly recommended."

Harald Van der Linden reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Having read the fantastic reviews about Mathew's potters wheel throwing for beginners I asked Mathew whether he could organise a half day pottery workshop to entertain my family with partners (8 of us), to which he duly agreed. Mathew and his wife Rachel (herself an art teacher) welcomed us into their workshop where half of us worked on building with clay under the supervision of Rachel, whilst the other half of us got to grips with the potters wheel under expert tuition from Mathew. Half-way through the session we swapped around which meant that each of us managed to throw 2 pots on the wheel, as well as produce a Dutch canal house in clay. All will be fired and glazed by Mathew for us to collect later. Mathew and Rachel made this a real fun family experience. None of us had done anything like this before, but all of us would love to do it all over again! We'll be back...."

Deborah Harrison reviewed: Fascinator making millinery workshop Burton-on-Trent

"I had a great day at this millinery workshop. Rachel was patient, knowledgeable and skilled. The course was aimed at beginners and the techniques learnt were fantastic and relatively easy to follow. I can highly recommend this course for those wanting to attend in a small group setting with maximum benefit. I was so impressed with myself and the finished item, which i will wear with pride. Thanks again Rachel."

Carl Smith reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"Wow, what an amazing course. Absolutely brilliant all round from scenery, quality of the timber frame building, wonderful hand tools. Andy...well, Andy he's a wonderfully humble teacher, and his family are lovely. Plus you get a beautiful piece of furniture straight from the woods to keep, knowing its built in a sustainable way with no nasties :) Can't wait to sign up for another course with my daughter :)"

Rosie B reviewed: Two day Silver Jewellery workshop ~ Beginners/ or Ints..~ a 'Quirky Workshop' nr Ullswater & the Lake District, Cumbria

"Thank you for another wonderful course! I am thrilled to bits with the beautiful jewellery I made, it was such an enjoyable couple of days. Melinda was a great tutor. Thank you so much and see you at leather making workshops in July!"

Veronica Ferrier reviewed: Needlefelt Foxes at Chapter Arts, Cardiff

"Had a really lovely day with Emma and my fellow students. Emma was an excellent teacher, very informative and relaxed and the whole experience was great fun. Had never needle felted before but now feel much more confident, and would love to attend another session in the future. Very good value for money."

Daniella Gilligan reviewed: One-to-One Jewellery making course including wire work (beginners)

"What a fantastic day I've had with Jolene! I've learnt so much and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I have made several beautiful pieces of jewellery today and already received positive comments from family and friends. Jolene's workshop is a treasure trove, so many beautiful items to look at and inspire you. Jolene is an excellent tutor who makes you feel at ease and supports you to get the most out of the day. Highly recommend."

Christine reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"Had such a lovely experience the first time at the workshop, I went back to make some Christmas decorations. Julie is very friendly and helpful with her expertise and ideas. A very relaxing, therapeutic time with beautiful individual products at the end, will definitely go again."

Tina Koster reviewed: Chasing & repousse creative metalwork weekend in Edinburgh for beginners.

"I found the studio enchanting and very inspiring and could not wait to get started. Bryony's teaching pace is perfect, and I was surprised at how much I achieved in a day. I did not have a clue about what I wanted to work on when I arrived, but Bryony had a vast selection of material to choose from. I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in jewellery and or metal work, or in fact anyone looking for a very creative hobby. I am hooked!"

Rose quirk reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day

"I attended a day course and with Les's guidance, completed a bowl that impressed even myself, whos a beginner. . Good content and Les offers additional information plus is guided by the students. In fact I would consider attending again to devrlop more turning skills."

Georgia reviewed: Make a leather wallet at the Wolfram Lohr Hove Studio

"Wolfram was very accommodating and an excellent teacher. I felt like I picked up the techniques and the tools easily and very much enjoyed making my own wallet as a present for my husband. There was a great selection of leather and patterns to choose from too. The studio was unique and the smell of the leather was fantastic. Thank you Wolfram, I shall book again!"

Wolfram Lohr responded:

"I'm so glad you enjoyed it, we look forward to seeing you again soon. Please check our website for details. Sarah"

Silver jewellery workshop Jolene Smith reviewed: One day silver pendant and earring workshop

"My daughter bought me a voucher for my birthday for a one day silver jewellery workshop to make a pair of earings and pendant. I went with my friend Maragaret and not only did we come away with beautiful jewellery but learnt new skills under the excellent tuition of Jolene - the whole day was lovely and relaxed and fun - there were only three of us in the workshop so had lots of one to one attention. Jolene is very welcoming and friendly and made excellent chocolate brownies! The whole day was a joy from start to finish and I would thoroughly recommend this experience. It was also excellent value for money. I have worn my jewellery since and it has been much admired. Thanks Jolene for a great day. Terri"

Mr Rixhard Allanson reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"The day bought for me as a surprise gift for my birthday. A most enjoyable experience , the hosts very helpful and guided me through every stage of the day. I was most pleased with the items i made and will be a forever reminder of a brilliant day. Would highly recommend. Thankyou, Regards Richard"

Derek Goddard reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had a one day course as a present from my wife. What a fantastic day. Alex is a great tutor. He asked me what I wanted to make and then we worked on the design. Alex showed me the basics and then demonstrated what I needed to do at each stage of my project. Always on hand with advice and help when I needed it. A full days blacksmithing, with tea, coffee, biscuits & lunch. I'm so proud of my bird feeder and hook. I highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to give it a go."

Daryl Brydun reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2 day Course

"This is an absolutely fabulous course. Maggie is inspiring, encouraging, warm, approachable and the 2days flew by. My pal and I had so much fun and produced 3 wonderful mosaics between us. Maggie studio is a place of wonder and the setting is beautiful; a wonderful retreat from the rush of day to day living. I would recommend this course to everyone. Maggie is a thoughtful, caring tutor and guides and informs you in the art of mosaic. It was a tremendous experience."

Julie Townley reviewed: Hand spinning Advanced Level 3 accredited course at All in a Spin

"Wow where to start, as somebody who could spin wool, but was not sure how or why it was working, I have had so many lightbulb moments since starting this course, a whole new world of fibre possibilities has opened up to me. Dunja is an excellent teacher, who is patient, encouraging and very good at explaining different techniques, she has an wide range of equipment and fibres for you to try. The location of the farm in the stunning Black Mountains of the Brecon Beacons National Park, is an added bonus, that results in an intense, stimulating but also relaxing day away from modern day distractions."

Christian Lenehan reviewed: Build a Bowl Lathe & Learn to Turn

"Learned and talked about so much more than how to build a bowl lathe and turn wood (e.g. how to look after your body as a crafts person, how to look after your mind in a hectic modern world etc.) Thanks for an awesome course - thoroughly recommended"