Latest reviews

17 Apr 18'

Karen Prentice reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"My husband and I both attended Alan’s spoon carving course this weekend and had a really great day. We both found Alan to be extremely enthusiastic and knowledgable about the whole process. He had a wide variety of tools for us to try and we have managed to source some on Allan’s recommendations. The course took place in Alan’s home and was a lovely welcoming environment. We were treated to a lovely lunch and tea and coffee during the breaks. I had bought my husband the course as a birthday gift and decided to go along too. Would thoroughly recommend this course and thank you Alan for being so inspirational."

17 Apr 18'

David Duke reviewed: Furniture Making - Cabinetmaking Fundamentals in East Sussex

"New skills, comprehensive instructions, absolutely would recommend."

17 Apr 18'

Karen Prentice reviewed: Alien spoon carving

17 Apr 18'

Giacomo Maltman reviewed: Furniture making SKILLS WEEK - Essential cabinetmaking hand skills - 5 days in East Sussex

"Having not done anything like this before, I feel I learnt a great deal. From the first morning until the final hour new skills and techniques were being shown and valuable knowledge passed on. I enjoyed John's thorough teaching approach and feel he probably covered more detail than anyone else could possibly fit into one week - things like; steel types, different kinds of oil, sharpening angles, blade steepness etc. All valuable info that I'd not really given much thought to previously. The workshop itself was a great place to be for the necessarily long days we spent there. Light and airy with plenty of good quality tools (and cake) to try. I also enjoyed looking around the other workshops a great deal. Seeing what everyone was up to was quite inspiring."

17 Apr 18'

John Gove reviewed: Furniture making SKILLS WEEK - Essential cabinetmaking hand skills - 5 days in East Sussex

"The course is well designed with the beginner in mind. I thought I knew how to use a plane and chisel, How wrong can you be? .John was very clear with his teaching and instructions and always ready to answer questions and help with both minor or major problems. Would highly recommend this course."

17 Apr 18'

Dominic Rudd reviewed: Furniture making SKILLS WEEK - Essential cabinetmaking hand skills - 5 days in East Sussex

"Well paced instruction, clear and understandable demonstrations and bags of time to practice. I never felt rushed. I liked John’s instructional style and gained a great deal of confidence from accomplishing to tasks and projects. The workshop and equipment were well thought out. I’m often a bit overwhelmed by the amount of stuff in some people’s workshops but John seemed to have just the right amount of kit which was in excellent condition. And I am left with a clear idea of the minimum amount of stuff I need. I really appreciated the ability to use the workshop in my own time before and after the instruction. I felt trusted and that I was treated as an adult. I liked the way we focussed on the important skills and didn’t spend unnecessary time on less productive things. I was really chuffed with the results...the box and board. And i feel really pleased with the skills involved in producing them. John gave us five full days! No skimping! I will and have recommended the course."

17 Apr 18'

Flora reviewed: 2 day - Chicken wire sculpture - make a 3D hare at Swallows & Artisans, Lake District

"Fabulous course, wonderful hosting and delightful accommodation. Can not praise highly enough! Possibly the most attractive studio space ever. I look forward to going back."

17 Apr 18'

Catherine Moore reviewed: Machine made lined curtains

"I was a complete beginner when I had my first lesson. Janet has taught me not to be scared of my sewing machine and I have gone on to make Roman blinds and am now making these for friends and charging them. I have learnt so much and would recommend these classes."

17 Apr 18'

Torie reviewed: Macrame Pot Hanger Workshop

"Once again I cannot praise Alice enough, having attended her Introduction to Loom Weaving a few weeks ago I was itching to get stuck into the macrame course! Beautiful calm environment, fabulous coffee and highly influential teaching. I was so sad to leave as I’d gotten used to coming each week to learn something new! I’ve learnt so much valuable information from Alice herself, let alone her workshops. I could go on for hours, I cannot recommend her enough. She’s fantastic."

17 Apr 18'

Sam Davies reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Can I give 6*? ?? A fabulous day which sadly is going to cost a lot of money because I'm now infected with the "bug"! and now need to buy a lathe!! Mark was patience personified. He wasn't pushy and is most definitely his own man; owing allegiance to no brand or school of thought. As a result he is pragmatic and phlegmatic. I am saving up for another day's training - so roll on my birthday :-) This man is a natural teacher and I whole heartedly encourage anyone to attend a taster day."

17 Apr 18'

Ally Matheson reviewed: Highland stool making course - Scottish Highlands

"This is a cracking course. If you're not sure just go for it!"

17 Apr 18'

Sarah Brown reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Possibly one of the best 'Me days' I have had... Adrian and Andy are there to support and guide you through the briefs. I came away very much inspired by the work they do and certainly with more practical knowledge than I turned up with. I am delighted with my creations and am now the envy of friends and family who have seen them. I did spend most of the trip home to Leeds working out my own home forge! Debbie's delicious veggie cuisine, cakes and bakes at lunchtime and afternoon tea are definitely something to look forward to along with the sense of achievement you'll get after an industrious few hours in the forge. I would have no hesitation recommending the taster course, I hope to be back to visit very soon!"

17 Apr 18'

Neil Robson reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"An excellent course well structured and well lead. The setting is delightful, the team is amazing and their passion for the art is completely contagious. You may burn yourself or get a blister, you certainly will get tired and dirty. I did. Didn't stop me loving every minute. Objects can hold our memories, I now have three that will outlast my lifetime, each time I look at them I'll remember and smile."

17 Apr 18'

Lou Ovens reviewed: One day leather bag making workshop

"What an amazing and inspiring day. Lovely studio, really bright and a great space to work in. Rosanna is very clear and methodical and leads you through the process step by step. I am so delighted with my bag - can't quite believe I made it myself. Such a great selection of leather, and good equipment. If I could spend all my days like this I would be very happy. Thank you for the inspiration and guidance!!!"

17 Apr 18'

Chris Dyson reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"I attended this course with five other people and I think I can safely say we all really enjoyed it. Julie was an excellent teacher and by her careful demonstration of the technique's needed to make our basket we all succeeded. If anyone was having problems executing a technique Julie was there to gently advise and help. Although it was a full-on day from 9.00a.m. to 5.00 p.m. with a short break for lunch I do not think anyone minded. Julie had provided a variety of tea's, coffee and homemade cakes which were available throughout the day. All the tools and the materials needed to make our basket were provided. We all went home thrilled with the beautiful basket s we had made."

17 Apr 18'

Elaine Dunphy reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"Philip is a patient and nurturing teacher who helped and supported me on this, my first upholstery course. His high standards and attention to detail, meant that my (nearly) finished projects look much better than I thought possible, after just 2 days. I now feel confident to finish my work and to also start on a new project. I had an arm injury when I attended the course and Philip was understanding about this and provided additional help when required. The tips and hints you gain from attending the course - not only from Philip, but from the group - are invaluable. I enjoyed meeting a lovely group of people at the weekend. I hope to attend another course in the future. Thank you Philip for all your help and encouragement."

17 Apr 18'

Robert Swan reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"A great course and tutor! I felt welcome straight away, at ease and relaxed with the tranquil surroundings of Alan's home, we started of with a quick talk about spoon carving and a cuppa, then into the beginnings of carving from the types of wood used through axe use then into carving, with plenty coffee breaks and a lovely dinner provided by Alan's partner, all round a really lovely way to spend a day. I now look forward to receiving my own carving equipment and continuing what I have learnt"

17 Apr 18'

Chris reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"Absolutely brilliant course. Was bought this as a Christmas present. The forge is right at the bottom of a private road. When you get there, Andy hands over a lump of metal, explains the science behind it, turns on the forge, then it’s about 4 and half hours of fire, hammers, and grinding. You come away absolutely knackered, massively satisfied, and you’ll have a very cool knife for cutting steaks and wood. Would recommend this as a brilliant gift for anyone stuck in an office. Thanks Andy! Chris"

17 Apr 18'

Kate Pasvol reviewed: Sand Casting in Glass with Jon Lewis and Ewa Wawrzyniak

"I have attended this exciting and addictive course numerous times and Jon and Ewa provide a wonderful creative atmosphere for all ability levels. I always come away with new ideas to follow up."

16 Apr 18'

Julie Holland reviewed: 1 day basic shoe making course

"A fantastic day making lovely slippers. Amazed by the many elements involved. A great day to relax and achieve something different. Truly recommend. Thank you judi."

16 Apr 18'

Freda Cronk reviewed: Introduction to silk painting - workshop at The Mulberry Shed

"Sheila made us very welcome in her lovely Mulberry Shed workroom which was a delight of colour and design. I had never done any silk painting and was keen to see what I could achieve. Sheila took us through the key techniques and materials in a relaxed and easy to understand way, she then helped us individually to structure our art and achieve a really lovely result on silk. It was a lovely way to spend a Saturday and I would recommend Sheila's course, in fact I'd be keen to go again with my daughter."

16 Apr 18'

Carolyn (Hereford) reviewed: Embroidered landscape with words, with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Fabulous day @tigleytextiles today. Thank you Julie !"

16 Apr 18'

Paula reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"Denise is a great teacher, I started the day doubtful that I could make Harry the hare but with Denise's enthusiasm and expertise I did. Very enjoyable, good location and a very tasty lunch. Great fun and I now want to do more. Thank you"

16 Apr 18'

Sue (Powys) reviewed: Embroidered landscape with words, with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Great day! Loved every minute of it, including the cake! So inspiring- I shall be making more, thank you Julie"

16 Apr 18'

Annie( Hereford) reviewed: Embroidered landscape with words, with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"A most enjoyable day creating. A confidence booster as I though I had forgotten most of the skills and stitches. Julie is very patient and a very good teacher."