Latest reviews

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

"Just completed 2 days of wood turning under Graham's knowledgeable tuition. Thoroughly enjoyed the learning process which was tailored at a speed that I felt comfortable with, Graham was very patient especially when I needed certain technical instructions/techniques repeating. This was my second visit and I doubt it will be my last. All in all, a great environment to learn a fascinating new skill and feel encouraged to pursue this new interest further which I will certainly do. Would certainly recommend Graham to anyone with an interest in wood turning."

Jon Arrenberg reviewed: Bees for Development Sustainable Beekeeping Weekend Courses 2024

"This was an excellent course which was eye opening, thought provoking, very well delivered and enjoyable. I have been keeping bees for about 4 years and I wish that I had attended the course before starting. I have been a conventional beekeeper and increasingly concerned about the sustainability of what I was doing and the course has shown me a much better way of operating. It will certainly lead to a change in the way I am going to keep bees from now on and I have already started on the construction of two top bar hives after sending back a couple of Nationals that I had just bought from Thornes. A big thank you to all involved. Wonderful food."

Hazel Scott reviewed: China mosaic workshop with China Petals

"I absolutely loved this course. I had never attempted this before and so have a real sense of achievement. It was fun and I had a super day. Great teaching and very patient with beginners. Highly recommended."

China Petals responded:

"Thank you so much, we're really glad you enjoyed your time with us."

Andi reviewed: Paint The Tree of YOUR Life art & personal development

"Kas is offering a unique course that reached parts of me I didn't know were there. Her kindness and perception are unique too. A most valuable course I'm so glad I did"

Annie Page reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"I can only echo the other reviews. It was an excellent day. I'll never look at another spoon in the same way again."

Alex Graybow reviewed: Paint The Tree of YOUR Life art & personal development

"I would highly recommend this wonderful opportunity to experience Kassi’s unique form of self-discovery and personal development through intuitive art and Paint the Tree of Your Life. I love to work in an intuitive way and see a visual expression of my feelings. I felt I got to know and understand myself a little better through each stage of creating the tree of my life. Kassi supported my process throughout the group. Her warmth and curiosity enabled me to deeply explore the images and my process. There is no pressure to share, however when I did it felt that I was being witnessed by a very supportive group of people. This warm and non-judgemental environment has given me a sense of freedom from my more critical voices."

Diana Carteur reviewed: Two day mosaic course with Joy Sturgess in Scarborough, North Yorkshire

"I already had some experience of making mosaics but learnt the reverse method for the first time on this course- and learnt all about andamento- flow- in how to lay the tiles. The quality of materials and the tuition on how to plan a mosaic were outstanding, resulting in a thoroughly enjoyable experience."

Sarah Fisher reviewed: Two day mosaic course with Joy Sturgess in Scarborough, North Yorkshire

"I made a mosaic (door number) which I am very proud of- Joy was strict about the technique and is a very knowledgeable and supportive teacher. It was an immersive yet relaxing experience, Joy allows you to make mistakes and then learn how to put them right- so you learn skills that you can use on your own in the future- I would like to lean more about designing a mosaic- what works and what doesn't- I cannot think of many better ways to spend a weekend doing something new, creative, exciting and a great relaxation too."

Judy Bell reviewed: Mosaic courses with Joy Sturgess, Scarborough, North Yorkshire

"I chose this course because Joy seemed passionate about mosaic and there weren't any other courses in the right area. The course was well managed and the task- to complete a mosaic to take home- was achievable. I made a lily mosaic and Joy helped me translate the picture I brought with me into a design. Joy is friendly and helpful and I would take a further course with her to increase my skills and experience in mosaic."

jodie wingham reviewed: Leather Workshop One - on - One

"I attended a one to one workshop with Sarah recently and it was brilliant! I had been on a previous course with Sarah, the half a day course, which was also fantastic and decided I had to come back to learn more and the one to one course Sarah provides was just what I wanted. Sarah was very informative and helpful, her knowledge is immense but with this she does not make things overtly complicated ensuring you have enough information to make what you want and in the process learn what you want too. By the end of the day I had made a fantastic bag which I love, and the skills to practice myself with leather work. I would recommend attending a course to anyone."

Williams Handmade responded:

"Thanks Jodie, you did a great job on your bag, looking forward to seeing what you make next, thanks Sarah"

Louise Stevenson reviewed: Creative Paper Cutting (1 day) in the Peak District

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day at Zantium learning how to begin papercutting. The tutor was excellent, teaching us the basic skills necessary, but also encouraging us to design our own pieces within the first hour. As a complete novice, I was thrilled with what I was able to achieve in such a short time and will certainly be continuing with this new craft. Zantium Studios is set in an idyllic hamlet and the studio itself was flooded with beautiful natural light . Inspirational artworks surrounded us throughout the building. Food was excellent with homemade soup and cheese for lunch and delicious flapjacks and cakes (still warm from the oven) in the afternoon."

Alan reviewed: Paint The Tree of YOUR Life art & personal development

"This was an amazing exprience for me. I really enjoyed the process of creating the tree with the helpful support of Kassi. As well as being lots of fun it also gave me an opportunity to learn about myself. Kassi is a warm, respectful and patient facilitator. She is available when needed but lets you get on with it too. Kassi has created a wonderful, supportive and creative environment in which to explore yourself through art. Well worth doing."

Barbara Stevenson reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"Wonderfully relaxed, fun morning with The Candle Alchemist. Four of us - daughter, grand-daughter, grandson and I enjoyed learning candle dipping making a variety of unique candles in lovely colours. Anita was so patient with us absolute beginners and we felt very proud of our creations. Thank you Anita for a great craft session. See you again soon!"

Bob Halsey reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"Ian is very obviously passionate about wood and it's impossible not to have some of his enthusiasm rub off on you. With his instruction and support we produced lovely and useful oak and ash stools. Thoroughly recommend this 1 day course as an introduction to working in green wood."

Steven Shannon reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Fantastic day... Adrian and Debbie are the perfect hosts, excellent tuition throughout the day from Adrian, extremely knowledgeable light hearted with no pressure or expectation. The whole group supported throughout, Lunch was very good a vegetarian stew and baked potatoes followed by apple crumble delicious! The day flew by and we all left with two very well made momentoms.. Would highly recommend this course well worth every penny."

Mike Dunn reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"Ian is very knowledgeable, interesting and a good teacher. We had an extremely enjoyable day. I would recommend this course to anyone."

Liz Priest reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"My Mum and I went to Sophie’s needle felting workshop day on 14th April. We had never done needle felting before but by the end of the day I had created an elephant ? & mum made a sheep ?. We thoroughly enjoyed the day which went by so quickly. Sophie explained the process of needle felting in an easy understandable way with a step by step approach. Sophie gives you confidence and was attentive to us as individuals and as a group. We had a lovely group of ladies who all created a beautiful collection of ? a ? and a ?. The surroundings were beautiful and we were served coffee and bus units and a fantastic lunch. We were inspired to carry on needle felting at home and brought a starter kit from Sophie. This Worksop is ideal for people with no experience of needle felting and you will be amazed at what you create & take home. Equally if you have experience the worshop would enable you to learn new techniques, tips and broaden your knowledge. This is all a testament to Sophie’s knowledge & teaching approach. We would highly recommend attending Sophie’s workshops."

Dave English reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"Great experience and support , advice available for all abilities."

Dennis Martin reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"There has been a fifty year gap since I last tried my hand at wood turning and, as with a lot of things, tools and techniques have changed during that time. I was a trifle rusty. Colin quickly determined the style of coaching that I respond to best and, over a two day period, patiently guided me through the steps required in order to get me started again. He explained what had to be done, why it had to be done and how to do it before demonstrating how to do it myself. He then observed my attempts and corrected me (diplomatically) has I tried to apply the skills he had imparted. It was a very useful two days and I would recommend Colin and his courses to anyone that wishes to take up the craft or improve their existing skills. Most enjoyable and very useful."

Brian Prothero reviewed: An introduction to wood turning with Gregory Moreton (2 Days)

"I am hugely grateful to Gregory Moreton for giving me the woordturning bug! His teaching is excellent and very accommodating and he inspired me to look forward to 'retirement' which will definitely include woodturning. 2 of the most worthwhile and helpful days I can remember.Great facilities with loads of common sense as well! Keep up the good work, Gregory!"

Anna reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I really enjoyed my day at Lucy's studio. She was very knowledgeable and had many years experience to guide me through the day. In one day I managed to create 2 beautiful bangles. Lucy allowed me freedom to make my own creative choices about what I made whilst guiding me on what was achievable for a beginner. Highly recommend."

Ulrike Ranson reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"I had never spun before but was somehow inspired by the spinning wheel my parents have stored in their attic for years. I really enjoyed the different processes and experiences spinning offers, feeling the fleece, listening to the wheels, seeing the thread forming, and being thrilled by the end result. Elaine is a great teacher and mentor, very patient as well as knowledgeable and offers this course in her warm and cosy house. I can only recommend it."

Georgia Redpath reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I had a one-to-one day with Ed, at ACAVA studios / Spode Works in Stoke. As someone who works with glass, I wanted to know more about the possibilities of plaster model-making and lathe turning. I also had lots of questions...! Ed was brilliant, friendly and patient. We were able to discuss various options, and then move on to turning and carving the plaster. I left with a much better idea of what is possible with plaster, some handy hints and tips, and a plaster blank so I could continue my voyage of discovery at home. It's great to watch and learn from someone with skill, who knows their materials and tools."

Mike reviewed: Make a Windsor chair

"Really great green woodworking course. Ben is a really nice guy and everyone takes home a stunning ash chair. I was bought the course as a present and would definitely recommend it to others. Learned so much and cant wait to take on another woodworking project"

Hannah Sheppard reviewed: Bees for Development Sustainable Beekeeping Weekend Courses 2024

"A fantastic immersive weekend learning about bees, their society and what they need from nature to continue pollinating a third of the world's food. The five tutors presented an incredible bank of knowledge and insight and even taught us how to build our own hive. I have left the course enthused to learn more and already making a plan about how and where to keep bees, and also how to advocate for bees to my local council, county council, fellow gardeners and neighbours. It became apparent through the course how different the sustainable approach to beekeeping is vis-a-vis other more interventionist approaches, and how modern farming methods can be so destructive. So, thank you Bees for Development; I am glad to have started my journey with bees, with you."