Latest reviews

Helen Edwards reviewed: Two day mosaic course with Joy Sturgess in Scarborough, North Yorkshire

"I was interested in this course having already done the direct method on one of Joy's courses. I also have wall areas and I think I would have to use the indirect method to cover. I learnt how to use different types of materials and sizes of tile together and also how to make a mosaic on paper initially. I made a 20cm x 20cm wall mosaic of a humming bird. I find Joy an excellent and very patient teacher, and really enjoyed the interaction with other students and the tutor with lots of different materials, everything provided in an airy comfortable work space. We had time to discuss next steps and other courses in mosaic we would enjoy- I do want to continue. I would like to learn more about the design process and working with found objects."

Carole H reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Yet again, a wonderful day’s tuition with Lucy. This time learning how to work with Titanium and change its colour. After a couple of test samples, a perfect blue for my design was achieved. The day over so quickly, I leave with lots of inspiration, and can’t wait for my next visit in May."

Christine Cassanell reviewed: Two day mosaic course with Joy Sturgess in Scarborough, North Yorkshire

"I'm interested in crafts and have always wanted to have a go- I found that you need to have patience but Joy is an excellent teacher and i enjoyed being able to translate one of my own photographs of a puffin into a mosaic design. the course inspired me and I would like now to do another mosaic course using the direct method to make a mosaic with found objects."

Jean reviewed: Make a mosaic panel with Fiona Gurney of Box of Frogs Mosaics

"It was a really enjoyable class, loved learning a new technique. Thank you"

Peter S reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"I don't usually review things but in this case I'm making an exception. I joined the course because I volunteer for the National Trust in South Cumbria and have helped repair gaps in walls a couple of times. This course is very well organised with clear guidance and plenty of encouragement from friendly, knowledgeable and experienced instructors. Apart from the brief but important "classroom" sessions the two days were spent dismantling a dilapidated section of wall and rebuilding it, working as a team to produce the finished product - a very satisfying experience."

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

"I would like to express a huge thank you to Roger for helping me build a large fairy , luckily I had my husband to help as well , he did the difficult armature with Roger assisting . Roger is very talented and patient and was very encouraging as I was very bad at soldering but I hope to get better . This is a brilliant craft to get involved with and something very different , I now have learnt another skill to add to all my others . Thank you again Roger and hope to see you at Burley ."

Sam Wakefield reviewed: Conscious Interior Decor; For holistic living

"I attended a 1-2-1 session with Lucy about 2 weeks ago. I couldn't have asked for a better day. My aim was to get an understanding of interior design as a novice to develop a training package for the company I work for. Lucy was fantastic from start to finish, she asked exactly what my needs were and what I wanted to achieve form the day. This was completely bespoke and tailored to what I needed. When I arrived I was greeted with coffee and cake, we then went through the agenda of the day. Ate a fabulous lunch made by Lucy and again more coffee and cake before heading to the to the decorating centre which really helped put everything I had learnt into practice. The majority of the day was learning about colour and how to use it which was great as that was exactly what I had stated I needed. Highly recommend the course, Lucy was amazing, down to earth and ,made me feel very welcome. The day exceeded my expectations."

Rhodri Jenkins reviewed: Pole-lathe turning taster days: spindle turning

"A good course in a lovely National Trust parkland setting. Its only a taster course so just one day to see if you like it and want to take it further. I loved it so I will be making my own lathe and learning the craft."

Gary Rusby reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"An excellent course with expert friendly guidance. Everyone went home with a knife they can be proud of."

Gary Rusby reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"An excellent course with expert friendly guidance. Everyone went home with a knife they can be proud of."

Dave Tunks reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"Great course.. Blew away the myths that had been ingrained all those years ago in school woodwork. With the right tools, sharpened, and set up the right way.. and patience, it can be done! Flat and square.... For me, that was a victory. This is a great introductory course. Taking time to understand the materials, and more importantly the tools, and how to set them correctly is as it says... fundamental. Aidan is a great mentor.. his relaxed approach, combined with a huge knowledge, and a clear enthusiasm for his work means its an easy environment to learn in. I'd definitely recommend this as a starting point for anyone that thinks they have an interest in woodworking. It may get expensive with a new workshop fit out :o), but to I'm going back for Fundamentals, part 2 as soon as I can..."

Mary Davies reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing Workshop by Clare Cosens

"This is a very interesting course especially if you like messy craft. Clare is an excellent tutor and enabled us all to take home several prints we could be proud of. Looking forward to building on this experience with the mixed media class. Tea and biscuits provided too !"

KAB reviewed: Christmas Pudding - needle felting workshop with The Lady Moth

"Fabulous afternoon making felt owls. Zenia is so good at putting you at your ease. Most attendees were absolute beginners and yet we all finished the afternoon with a wonderful little owl. Zenia gives clear instructions that are easy to follow. Time flew by. I would really recommend this course."

The Lady Moth responded:

"Thank you :)"

Leon reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"Really enjoyed this course. Adele's explanations were easy to understand, all the materials were provided and I'm really pleased with the mirror I embellished."

Laura Ghent reviewed: Pole-lathe turning taster days: spindle turning

"Had a fantastic day at Lower Brockhampton Estate on the Pole Lathe Turning. Maurice was very knowledgeable and excellent at teaching us the basics of wood turning (also very patient with my poor attempts at times!). We were taught what to do and which tools were used for what and were then free to explore and get a feel for using the lathe, but help was readily available from Maurice if we needed it. We were free to make whatever objects we chose. Would thoroughly recommend the course and will definitely be doing this again in the near future!"

Anne Nudd reviewed: Candle making course (advanced) - in the heart of the Ashdown Forest, Sussex

"Simon was a friendly, knowledgeable and patient instructor and happy to answer all my questions. This is an enjoyable and worthwhile workshop for anyone interested in learning about candlemaking."

Sue Powell reviewed: Painting and Drawing one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"Feeling very relaxed and enthused by Penny's art class yesterday. After a warm welcome and introductions to the other participants the class started with an introduction to basic drawing techniques. A welcome light lunch of hot soup and olive bread was served and I must say this was delicious. Coffee cake followed which was perfect made by Jane and created fun chat about the eggs used from her hens. Back to the art and the afternoon was spent on painting a still on to a canvas. Lots of support and encouragement from Penny and I arrived home with a great memento of the experience. A lovely day with lovely people, thank you Penny. I think you will see me again."

Gary Bickmore reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Beautiful location and blessed with fantastic weather. I had a brilliant day and learnt so much that I can take away and apply myself at home. Mark and Jill are patient and expert teachers that support and guide you throughout the day. Excellent advice on techniques and equipment that you might want to look out for should you choose to take up this art. A delicious home made lunch and a nice walk through the woodland with advice on tree types and things like coppicing and woodland management. I couldn’t have asked for a better first experience spoon carving and have gone away with knowledge that will last a lifetime. Thanks to everyone at Walderchain Wood."

Tracy Hardy reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"I found the mosaic workshop such an inspiring experience. Adela was so welcoming & eager to share her experience. Her work on display is stunning. I am so pleased with the piece I created in the workshop that I am now interested in attending the outdoor mosaic workshop Thank you Adela"

Sara Christie reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Had a great day in the Easter holidays with Lucy. Such a fabulous relaxing, creative day, never could have imagined I could have made a bracelet and ring that looked so good. Lucy's calm, friendly gentle teaching and expertise, resulted in something I was so proud of, and even got my rings polished in the process! Thank you so much, cant wait to do more with you and already booking my next 2 days. Cant recommend a day with Lucy highly enough."

Jenni reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"I'm so glad I booked this course - I wasn't sure what to expect but after reading the other reviews I decided to take the plunge! Such an great morning! Anita has a really friendly and relaxed style of teaching which made the class fun as well as interesting - It was very hands on, and included lots of candle making tips . I feel confident to how have a go at home. Thank you Anita!"

Leonie reviewed: Make your very own clutch bag/small tablet device case/sleeve

"Big thanks to Richard for such a great workshop! I really left feeling I had learnt an age old craft and now I can make my own hand stitched leather accessories. I learnt about the different leathers, where I can buy everything I need to start making accessories and top of the list was learning the whole making process from start to finish! I am using the gorgeous card wallet/coin purse I made and already have people asking me where I bought it from. I take great pride in telling them that I made it. :-) Thanks Richard, I hope to book the clutch bag workshop soon."

nicky reviewed: Needle felted puffin

"I had a great day & learnt lots of new skills as well as meeting some great people& I made a badger which actually looks like one so very impresses as it was my first attempt. Happy to recommend to others and will be booking further sessions i hope"

2 Inspire You responded:

"Thank you so much Nicky! I am glad you had a good day and look forward to seeing more photos of your lovely badger. Remember we are here if you need any more support please get in touch."

clare cunningham reviewed: Stained glass introduction at Blue Kite Stained Glass

"A wonderful way to spend a day - creating a beautiful, colourful and professional looking panel to take home and hang in a window. I am very pleased with my panel and it is already in a window shining splashes of colour on my room! Iain is helpul and informative and guides you through the different processes involved with patience and a smile. Excellent value and a great experience!"

Blue Kite Stained Glass responded:

"Thanks Clare, glad you enjoyed it, you all produced great work, well done!"