Latest reviews

10 Apr 18'

Beverley reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"Poppy Rose pottery classes are great! Beginners to experienced potters and everyone in between will learn new skills and techniques, be inspired and take home their creations. Classes are small, relaxed and fun and Lou is a helpful, encouraging tutor and ... is a Top Potter :) I’ve also enjoyed felting classes and quilting at Poppy Rose .Get involved!"

10 Apr 18'

Sam Briant reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"Would highly recommend this course. The guys were friendly and welcoming. After a health and safety run through it was straight onto the forge. Being a small group meant if anyone needed extra help the tutor was able to spend time explaining the best way to approach the problem. Came away with 4 pieces which was more than i thought i could make. Even though the saturday was a long day i could have carried on for longer and the time flew by. Really enjoyed the whole weekend and planning another visit as i have loads of ideas for more projects. We stayed in leatherhead and were only a 5 min drive from the site which was easy to find."

10 Apr 18'

DVC reviewed: Hand spinning for Beginners Level 1 accredited course at All in a Spin

"This was a fascinating course which gives you a greater understanding into what goes into every stage of turning fleece into a balanced two ply yarn. The two taught days are informative and enjoyable. Dunja is a great teacher - warm, knowledgeable, patient and passionate about her craft. She is also very available when you are doing the ‘homework’ section of the course. Yes, there is homework and you are obliged to do it. Answering all the questions, washing your fleece, preparing it and producing the samples does take a bit of time, but it is so worth it. By the end of the process, you really do feel that you have a thorough understanding of everything involved and you will be absurdly proud of your own swatch of washed, spun, plied and crocheted (or kitted or woven) material. Dunja’s working farm is in a breathtakingly beautiful location and the converted barn in which you are taught is attractive, well lit and warm."

10 Apr 18'

Isobel Everett reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"My first day in Lucy's workshop was more than I was expecting. Yes, Lucy is a fantastic teacher; I had forgotten the pleasure of being well taught. My creation is bringing me joy and I feel so proud of myself. But I also want to mention the serenity, shared thinking, creative process and whole environment which is so conducive to learning. A memorable day."

10 Apr 18'

Neil Child reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Brilliant day with Mark. Cant believe how much I learnt. I have a background in metal work using lathes , millers, drills etc and thought i could use the same techniques with wood and now realise how different the skills are. I am still using a belt drive 1950s metal lathe but have adapted it for the change in height and angles works but very slow so may have to invest in wood turning lathe. (bit stubborn though adapt and overcome ha ha) Mark was so patient and makes a generous amount of coffee. once again brilliant day with a very knowledgeable and skilled craftsman. Thanks Mark."

10 Apr 18'

Beverley reviewed: Taster Session – throwing on the Potters Wheel with Pris McGirr

"Really great fun, loved it and easy style of teaching."

10 Apr 18'

Jan reviewed: Taster Session – throwing on the Potters Wheel with Pris McGirr

"A very enjoyable session. Lovely group. I think I've got the bug!"

10 Apr 18'

Leah reviewed: Taster Session – throwing on the Potters Wheel with Pris McGirr

"I had a wonderful time and surprised myself that I could actually make something. I met some lovely people and Pris was amazing. Thank you for my afternoon."

10 Apr 18'

Sarah Phillips reviewed: Make a Windsor chair

"This is a brilliant course, divided into achievable weekly stages, all of which were really enjoyable. Ben is an excellent teacher, clear and also patient with anyone who is finding the new skills tricky to master. It opened my eyes on a whole new world. Try it! I would highly recommend the course and would love to do more myself."

10 Apr 18'

Viv T reviewed: Taster Pottery Session

"Not having done pottery before I was excited and a little nervous as to what to expect at the Introduction Class. I need not have worried as Joan gave me all the support I needed in a relaxing, friendly atmosphere. Joan's workshop is magical and I was surprised as to how much pottery I was able to make. I enjoyed the class so much that I came home and booked another session straight away!"

10 Apr 18'

Marion KItchener reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"Sophie was very patient and encouraging with everybody. I had needle felted before but still came away with some good tips. Lunch was excellent. I recommend this course to those that have never felted and those that have."

10 Apr 18'

Adrian Jones reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I spent a highly enjoyable and informative day with Mark recently, being a complete novice he was very patient with my questions and able to both provide answers and then demonstrate them. The course itself was very comprehensive and I feel that I would be confident making a start on my own. The additional information provided after the course is very useful - in particular the shopping list of recommended products to get started. Overall very highly recommended and I would not hesitate to return for another days tuition."

10 Apr 18'

Lizzy Norman reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"I had such a lovely weekend on this course, learning something new and getting creative. Will is extremely knowledgeable and clearly a master of what he does. I finished the weekend with two lovely leather items and keen to make more. Would highly recommend."

10 Apr 18'

Alice reviewed: Blacksmith forge experience day - introductory course with use of power hammer

"I had a great time learning to forge and weld in the workshop. Chester was very patient and there was a very relaxed atmosphere."

9 Apr 18'

Adrian Rigg reviewed: One day blacksmithing course

"I can thoroughly recommend Julian's courses. Had the one day blacksmith course and learnt an invaluable amount of information and technique, which has urged me to consider blacksmithing as a long term hobby. It is evident Julian has a tremendous amount of knowledge, skill and patience, and is also a perfectionist who likes to see things through to completion. Thanks Julian, thoroughly enjoyed today."

9 Apr 18'

Laura reviewed: Micro Macrame - Beaded Bracelet

"Wendy is a calm and patient teacher, and everyone came away with a lovely macrame bracelet along with a new skill!"

9 Apr 18'

Linda Rogers reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"What a brilliant course! Julie is a very talented teacher who is patient and encouraging. Our small group finished the day with a real sense of achievement and very proud of our finished baskets. The day passed by very quickly as Julie mixed demonstration, activities, and breaks for the delicious cakes! I would recommend this course to anyone who would like to learn a new craft in a friendly and relaxed way. I came away inspired thank you Julie."

9 Apr 18'

Tracy reviewed: Hand built ceramics: Make your own jug and bowl

"I booked this day course as part of an Easter trip away in the Lake District. It took us about an hour to get there by car. We had 3 generations of family there and everyone loved it. We made a couple of pieces each with Penny's guidance and then she showed us how to paint them in the afternoon. Penny's knowledge and hospitality is amazing, we could not fault the day and the lunch provided was delicious. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone!"

9 Apr 18'

Jo Foster reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Really great course. I learnt so much on my 2 days with Bill and came away with some beautiful leather items into the bargain! Bill is an extremely knowledgeable and supportive teacher and so kindly stayed on a little on my 2nd day to enable me to finish my project. Thoroughly recommend this course."

9 Apr 18'

Robbie reviewed: Small Leather Goods Workshop

"I had a great time learning from Richard and came away with a leather belt that I love. I had no previous experience with leather making and do not consider myself to be very creative, but Richard guided me through the process and taught me a lot about leather and belt making. I thoroughly enjoyed the course, would definitely do it again and I would recommend for any skill level."

9 Apr 18'

sue reviewed: Micro Macrame - Beaded Bracelet

"What a lovely Macramé bracelet class where I learned a new creative skill on a wet Sunday morning. Wendy is very patient (just as well as I seemed to be the last one to finish every time) and very knowledgeable. I left the class eager to show off my new bracelet (which looked shop-bought, in a good way!) As soon as I arrived home I showed my daughter how to make a bracelet with the kit I bought from Wendy. Watch out everyone this Christmas, guess what you're going to get from me??!!"

9 Apr 18'

Emma Patrick reviewed: Macrame - Plant Hangers

"I enjoyed this so much I have booked into the macramé wall hanging class. The class was well taught and I am pleased with what I produced."

9 Apr 18'

Jane Fearon reviewed: Silver clay beginners course - Lori Ridgway

"An amazing experience ........ had a fab time and made some beautiful pieces...I still can't believe I made them !!! Lori is a lovely inspiring lady and an excellent teacher, very patient and explained the different stages simply and in full detail, I didn't want the morning to end ..... I cant wait to get back and do the 2 day course. Thanks Lori"

9 Apr 18'

Anne Bartholomew reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Free Machine Embroidery Course with Dawn Ireland Such a lovely day. Dawn's workshop is a model of good practice. She is welcoming and organised with a portfolio of inspirational work for different interests and skills and an abundance of colourful materials to use . She offers constructive advice and encouragement throughout. Her hospitality and environment enhances the enjoyment....including lovely cake and gorgeous cats! Dawn is a talented textile artist and I learned a lot of new techniques which I take away and hope a little bit of her magic has rubbed off!"