Latest reviews

Fiona Sharp reviewed: Dyeing with Woad

"Really lovely course, very interesting and I learned such a lot from Susan. Very pleased with the items I dyed. Definitely worth booking."

Susan Martin responded:

"Thank you for your review, much appreciated. Glad you enjoyed the course."

Steve K reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"I was not expecting to be able to Arc and MIG weld after just one day! David is a very professional and knowledgeable host, taking time to answer and explain all questions. Also, thank you for helping me with my exhaust bracket, appreciated. *Review written at the welding facility on 09/06/18, hard copy kept at premises."

Alex C reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"Perfect explanations and very helpful. We got stuck in right away, I loved it!. Dave is a great teacher and put me through my paces while also stopping to explain and show corrections where necessary. *Review written at the welding facility on 09/06/18, hard copy kept at premises."

Nathan F reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"The course was excellent, perfect for the work I need to do on my land rover. There's nothing that needs improving, the course was as advertised, and David provided support and assistance all day. *Review written at the welding facility on 30/09/17, hard copy kept at premises."

John M reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"The atmosphere was informal and friendly and I really enjoyed the day, perfect for a beginner like me. *Review written at the welding facility on 09/06/18, hard copy kept at premises."

Andrew H reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"An excellent and informative day. Plenty lot of hands on practice with constant help and advice.  *Review written at the welding facility on 09/06/18, hard copy kept at premises."

John Coombs reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"I did the one day course a couple of days ago and I want to go again. Andy is a competent and very able instructor. He made me feel relaxed and at home right from the start. Clearly there is a limit as to what can be done in a day, but I came away with a couple of fairly respectable spatulas and a hefty mallet and I am well pleased with that. Next time though I want to have a crack at one of the pole lathes. Oh, I should that the setting is stunning at that the catering was pretty good too. Andy make a good brew and they keep on coming. Thanks Andy,. See you again in not too long I hope."

Saly Middleton reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"As the recipient of this wonderful birthday present I was looking forward to an informative and practical learning experience. It was all of this and so much more! Lucy's expertise in her craft is obvious from the beginning, but the gentle way she guided us through creating and making our unique pieces of jewellery makes it a thoroughly enjoyable day. Throughout, her enthusiasm and attentiveness to both my daughter and myself, enabled us to keep going even when we thought things were not going according to plan! The end results amazed us both and I am so proud to be wearing my ivy leaf with trailing curl! I now have the incentive and enough basic knowledge to see how I can alter my glass studio, to make room for combining my lamp work beads with silver work. Thank you Lucy for creating an inspirational day, relighting my creativity! Sally M."

Steven Hanley reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"A wonderful experience. Set in the heart of the woodland, it is a very hands on course. Effective demonstrations of how to make each object, and then it is up to you to try. You experience using shave horses and pole lathes. All the work is done by hand. No electric tools in sight. Andy is friendly, and has good coaching skills. I did wonder if I would be bored, and itching to go home. Not a bit of it. Time flew by. I'm even thinking of doing another course."

Angela Whitehead reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"Great weekend, good venue, good company, had fun crafting. Help when required and lots of things to try. Thoroughly enjoyed it"

Ben Hanley reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A brilliant day for me and my father. My dads first time at the forge and my second. Adrian and Andy were great meaning that dad and the rest of the class could do the beginners course while I did something a little different. The guys and Debbie are brilliant making you feel right at home as soon as you step through the door creating a wonderful relaxed atmosphere so everyone can get on making their own treasured creations. This course is great letting you channel your inner artist into making something from a lump of steel or if your like me and not the artistic type you get to learn some great skills ( Plus there's something intoxicating about hitting hot metal with a hammer!!!) Artist or engineer you'll love this course, it's great therapy and hugely satisfying creating something from scratch by hand. I cannot recommend this enough, my second visit and i'll be back for a third!!"

tracy fordham reviewed: Flower Arranging Workshop

"Thank you SO much Naz, mum and girls for the flower workshop - my friend Sue and I thoroughly enjoyed it and learnt lots! Everyone was really friendly and it was a lovely way to spend a Saturday morning - very therapeutic! Thanks again and I'm sure we'll be coming to another of your workshops in the future!"

Sally-Ann Eburn-Knowles reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"Amazing weekend scrap booking with old friends and new. Fabulous venue with grounds you can walk round with good wholesome food. Can guarantee when you leave on the Sunday you will be counting down to the next one"

Glennis Dewey reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"Excellent course and leadership! Can’t praise Linda enough, well organised and nothing was too much trouble for her"

Barrie Fisher reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"As I have reached that time in my life when it is time for retirement and also having started woodturning again after many years. It was a pleasure to have Mark guiding me in the right direction and correcting points in my techniques. I have already started using some of these new ways of turning and it has also made it more enjoyable, even down to holding the tools in my left hand. mark is easy to talk to and is enthusiastic in passing his knowledge on to others, he is relaxed when working with you. Well worth taking the course. The complete day went very fast with plenty of cups of coffee thrown in during the day. I would recommend taking a course with Mark to anyone who wants to improve themselves or even getting started, and it is well worth the five star rating. Mark has sent through information for various aspects of woodturning and supplied a comprehensive set of notes. Must thank Mark for the day and will be looking to take part in another course in the future, possibly on shapes with cut outs etc. Many Thanks Mark"

Simone pietersz reviewed: Beginners and improvers oil painting workshop

"Beautiful surroundings to paint and relax for a couple of days. The host, Ernie is very hospitable and patient which makes one feel at ease. His work is very inspiring and he encourages you to be free in your expression."

Judy reviewed: Make your very own Tote bag

"I absolutely loved this course. I was a total beginner so didn't really know what to expect but Richard walked me through the whole process, from planning the design, cutting, and stitching, to riveting and burnishing. It was a brilliant day and I walked away with an amazing bag at the end of it. I would definitely this course!"

Simone pietersz reviewed: Learn the techniques of the Old Masters course / workshop

"Ernie Butler, artist, is an excellent tutor and mentor in the field of painting in the old masters techniques. His work is exceptional and he will take you on a journey back to the days where beauty meets simplicity."

Jessica B. reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"My mum desperately wanted to learn how to work with silver to go with her already stunning glass beadwork and I saw a great opportunity in a day's tuition for a birthday present for her and some creative time for me. We had a lovely day choosing leaves from Lucy's stunning garden and learning the basics of working with silver to create beautiful silver necklaces. She provided wonderful personal tuition and helped mum understand how this would fit in with the glass giving her extra time and attention to help her start off. A great birthday present and I had a lovely day and gained a pretty leaf pendant. Highly recommended."

Gilly Skeemer reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Attended this course with my husband hoping to get him to explore and get involved in my love of all glass crafts and especially the art of fusing glass. My objectives were met. We both thoroughly enjoyed the day, learned a lot and had fun doing so. The only downside was that the day flew. Well done Martin for presenting this opportunity and creating a brilliant course. The atmosphere was relaxed and we came away very happy. The pieces we made all turned out well. We are using the coasters already."

Kate W reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"Has a great time on this super workshop, very informative with lots of must know facts. Really fun to learn as a hobby and Ideal and cost effective for personalised gifts. I've already started on making more at home!"

Nicola Knott reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"We had a lovely day with Chris in his Ashburton workshop. As complete novices he put us at our ease and he is an excellent tutor. We were very proud of the bowls we made and had a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. Lots of tea and biscuits and we found Chris easy to talk to. Definately something I would like to learn more about."

Tony Carter reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"I attended a two day course on basket making at Off The Rails in Ladybank. A lovely venue and Jane is a very good course leader. I had a relaxed weekend with my own basket at the end of it. Highly recommended."

Craig Harrison reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I paid for a course for myself and my partner Debbie, christmas present for her! (do I know how to show a girl a good time?) and we both loved it......class size was just right, the instruction and guidance given throughout the day was excellent and the food was unbelievable......and so much of it too. We will be signing up for a return visit. Craig"

Mary reviewed: Tilly & the Buttons Cleo dungaree dress - Beginners dressmaking

"Really enjoyed my first attempt at dressmaking. Everything was explained really well, and we had our own pattern to keep. I feel more confident to try other things, and will definitely be coming to more of your workshops, looking forward to making a top on Saturday. Thank you"