Latest reviews

John Lyons reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Had a great day with Bob, on his Hammer Skills course. I am not a physically strong person and am recovering from long-term illness, personally I didn't expect to be able to cope with holding a hammer for a day. However, Bob was aware of my needs and abilities. He gently guided me through a series of skills, gradually improving skill-on-skill through the day. I wanted to know if I could take up blacksmithing as a hobby to make garden furniture/sculptures and came away knowing that "yes" I can do this! Thanks Bob...much appreciated! I am very happy to recommend your course to my friends, family and business associates! (Just so long as you don't get too busy to be able to take me back for more training!!!)"

William Darrall reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"Just arrived home after what can only be described as a fantastic day! Kate was so welcoming and such a great tutor to have showing us the skills involved in making such brilliant pieces of work, Dave what can we say.. the lunch was amazing, and what great guys you are! would highly rate this activity Course to anyone enty level or advanced, we came home sith two amazing finished work of arts, this really was a birthday to remember.. thanks again"

Steve Woodbridge reviewed: The Drawing Circus comes to Towersey

"What a fantastic day. Interesting settings both outdoor and indoors. Great poses and a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere created by Phoenix Studio and the Drawing Circus. Together with lovely music. What more could one want. Thank You"

Donna Borthwick reviewed: Upholstery & upcycling, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday 8 week courses

"Excellent tuition from Victoria. Friendly and welcoming environment."

Amber Threapleton reviewed: Glass Fusing with Enamels Taster Class - Make a Tealight Curve

"Great from start to finish . Really enjoyed being able to try something new and being taken through it step by step. Steve was really encouraging , patient and enthusiastic which meant we came away with a lovely creation of our own. I learnt so much in such a short space of time"

Debra Beebee reviewed: The Drawing Circus comes to Towersey

"We had a lovely morning. The right amount of guidance and then lots of short opportunities to go and draw. We had never drawn before and the morning was fun and gave us confidence to keep drawing. It is a lovely environment and James and his family at the Phoenix Studio really make you feel comfortable and welcome."

Matt reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I don't know what I can say that hasn't already been said. I really enjoyed my one day course. Came home with a nice bbq spatular, a poker and a knife! I will 100% be returning to fransham forge most likely for a 2 day course next time as I've left wanting so much more time in front of the anvil. Nigel is a great teacher and a clear master at what he does. He's clearly led a full life and shared many of his interesting stories. All in all, it was everything I was hoping my first blacksmithing experience would be. Highly recommended."

kit Ealea reviewed: Silk painting workshops

"A great day for a really good birthday present . Bridget is very warm and friendly. She gives you lots of supports and tips to get you started on your piece of work. A delicious home cooked lunch ( soup and cake). Her partner is a chef."

Bridget Arnold responded:

"Thank you Kit for the lovely review !"

Jan Jacob reviewed: Beginners Weaving with the Rigid Heddle Loom - at All in a Spin

"Just returned from a 2 day beginners & improvers rigid heddle weaving course; it was fantastic - Dunja is an excellent tutor, patient, knowledgeable and inspiring. A perfect 2 day break (lovely overnight accommodation, too)! Thank you so much, Dunja x"

Mark Jones reviewed: Green Wood Creative Seating - 6 Day Course in South Devon

"A great learning experience! 6 people from very different backgrounds, with little in common. Some of us new nothing , some of us new something. Some had detailed ideas on paper, some had a vague idea or no idea at all. The things we all have in common now are beautiful, unique pieces of furniture thanks to Peters great knowledge, expertise and patience. Peters workshop is a well equipped and inspiring space with a good amount of room both inside and out. Highly recommended!"

Elizabeth Farrington reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"I have just got home after an amazing day with Jo. I can’t stop smelling my candles , they smell so good. Jo was so helpful with everything. I have a disability and Jo went out of her way to help. Even walked out to the car with me when it was hammering down with rain and carry my candles for me. Jo’s knowledge is excellent even thou I make wax melts I learnt so much and had so much fun. The day went so fast. Highly recommend this course 11 out 10 . Even had a lovely lunch well worth the hour and twenty minutes drive . Can’t wait to make more candles now. Thank you ?"

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thank you for this lovely review Elizabeth. It was great to meet you and interesting to learn a bit about what you do too. I'm searching that "Mulled Wine" as we speak! Take care and keep in touch. Good luck with everything. x"

SUE SMITH reviewed: Pyrography workshop, Keyhaven, New Forest, Hampshire

"What an outstanding day! Relaxed and informal, yet inspirational and supportive - what an amazing teacher. Still can't believe we beginners produced such lovely work. Everyone should try this."

Sharon Thomas reviewed: Plying, String, Cordage & Useful Twists

"I loved this course. It was such a unique and brilliant idea and one which proved useful in so many ways. Helen is a great tutor. She is enthusiastic and encouraging and really brought the importance of cordage and its many uses to life. Not only did she teach us lots of useful techniques but she brought a wealth of knowledge on the significance of the subject throughout history. It was really thought-provoking to understand how what we were doing was relevant across both time and geography. The group on the course was lovely too and we all came at this with differing backgrounds and interests but making something amazing out of all sorts of wonderful materials brought us all together. I now keep thinking of more ideas for different types of cords. It’s a really great course to inspire creativity in anyone and I would highly recommend it. Thank you Helen."

Joanna Fletcher reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"Fabulous day, Caroline is an excellent teacher full of encouragement and patience. Lovely time in her studio surrounded by her inspirational art. I am an experienced Mosaic artist yet always still learning and came away itching to try out new techniques and materials"

Jonathan Lynch reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"Spent the day last week with my son, 25, turning two beautiful sycamore bowls. What a satisfying experience. The other reviews do not lie - Chris is a very knowledgeable and patient teacher and a pleasure to be with. I can't recommend this course highly enough and would certainly like to return. Thanks Chris."

Nicole Morrelle reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Wow fab day on the boat with Clair and Jane hi guys nice to meet you and Jonathan our clever tutor so proud of my ring and will hopefully add to it soon definitely recommend this ❤️"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Nicole Great to meet you and well done with your silver jewellery making. It would be good to add those spinners to your ring some time! Jonathan"

Steve reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"Enjoyed a very pleasant weekend in the woods and came away with a substantial piece of kit and a range of skills for future use. Overall, a very generous course."

Carole McWilliams reviewed: Mixed Media workshop with Clare Cosens

"Really enjoyed this course. Clare is an excellent teacher and is happy to share her extensive experience and flair for design. I had attended Clare's Gelli Printing course first (also excellent) so had several background sheets to use on the day. All participants did something completely different and we learnt lots of techniques and different approaches to producing a finished mixed media project. Can highly recommend this course."

Angela Mary Krzyzanowska reviewed: Mosaic Making Day in the Cotswolds

"What a lovely way to spend a day - and to have something to show for your efforts at the end of it! Gill was very informative in an informal way - it felt like a day chatting with friends, but I also learned a lot about how to produce a good mosaic. Gill's work (on display) is a great inspiration to show what can be achieved. It is definitely something I want to try my hand at - look out family and friends, I can see coasters on the way for Christmas presents!!"

Dale Towers reviewed: Photography Days

"What a brilliant day I had. Echoing what others have said, only me and 2 tutors. I contacted Sue and Richard a few months ago, as I have been asked to take photographs at my Nieces wedding in a year. I have been taking photographs for the last couple of years, but wanted to know a little more to help me prepare for the wedding. They definitely helped me from learning what a few more of the buttons do on my camera, to experimenting with different lenses to demonstrate various techniques. The whole course was tailored to my needs and my current level of experience. The course is run at a very relaxed pace, but covered everything I wanted to and more. Thank you for a great day Dale"

Jan Jenkins reviewed: Lino printing at Danywern

"What a fabulous day! The course was such an enjoyable experience. Rachel is so knowledgeable, organised and enthusiastic about all aspects of printmaking. I loved all the processes of making the stencils, choosing colours, pulling the squeegee and the big reveal! And I took home a beautiful cushion cover to adorn my sofa. Rachel's homemade lemon drizzle cake and lunch were delicious. I'm looking forward to another course in Rachel's really interesting studio."

Alison Soskice reviewed: The Drawing Circus comes to Towersey

"It was a wonderful afternoon. The models and the tableaux were exciting to draw and the music added to the magical atmosphere and helped to sustain concentration."

Krishan Vara reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"The day was like being at your mates workshop, having a good chat and creating some amazing work. Ian is incredibly competent, passionate and has a deep understanding in the history of the craft. Amazing practitioner too as I was able to have a nosey around his workshop at some of his projects. The day unfolds at a good pace and Ian is never more than a wood shaving away for some advice or keeping you moving in the right direction. A great day with a great guy (tutor)."

Andrew J reviewed: Beginner's DIY Hand Sanitiser Natural Soap Course

"Great course, informative, practical and a fun group. Roxana is very helpful and knows her stuff! Highly recommend.."

Sarah Mills reviewed: One day silver jewellery designing and making workshop

"Bridget was an excellent tutor, friendly, approachable and very knowledgeable. I had a really fun day, learning lots of new skills making a pendent. Despite the piece not going quite the way we planned Bridget went her way to make sure I went home with a quality piece of jewellery. Her workshop is suitable for anyone wishing to have a fun day learning masses about silversmithing and a desire to make their own piece of silver. I shall be recommending this workshop to friends."