Latest reviews

Roger Trett reviewed: Woodturning courses in Norfolk

"Just spent the day with Nick and must say it was a very enjoyable experience. Not undertaking any woodturning since school 58 years ago so was starting from scratch. Excellent and patient teacher. My wife very impressed with the bowl (much to her surprise as she says that I have no creative flair!!). Now looking to take it further. Thank you Jane for the lunch."

Ruby Bender reviewed: Felt Pictures-Painting with fibres - intro to 2D wet felting/felt making

"A really fantastic workshop! Incredibly insightful and taught in a way that made it relaxing and enjoyable. I took so much away from the experience, not only my lovely felted pieces but also the skills and knowledge to continue making at home. There was an abundance of beautifully coloured felts to work with and no short supply of tea and biscuits either. I couldn't have enjoyed myself more and left feeling very inspired."

David Howard reviewed: basics of photography workshop milton keynes

"The day started indoors going through the basics of Shutter Speed, Aperture and ISO. We then went into the spacious grounds to put into practice what we had learned. After a while we returned indoors where Dave went through our photos and gave us hints and tips. This was the pattern for the day. The number of delegates on the course was ideal. We had the right balance of time on our own to take photographs and time with Dave talking and advising us on settings, lighting and composition, etc. From the start, Dave's depth of knowledge about photography was apparent and his obvious enthusiasm was on show for the whole day. Since the course Dave has kept in touch via email and is always open to answering questions and giving advice. I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn the ins-and-outs of their camera."

Sheila murray reviewed: Amanda Hislop Workshop - Developing Sketchbooks as a Rich Resource

"Amanda is a very experienced artist and tutor. I was very inspired by her techniques and look forward to creating my own work on my creative path."

Vicky reviewed: Beginners 2 sterling silver stacking rings jewellery course

"I contacted Sarah to arrange a valentines/anniversary surprise for my boyfriend and I. She was absolutely brilliant, really quick to get back to me to plan a slightly different day (one ring each - but for us to make each other’s) and she even got us some bubbly to celebrate! oh and thanks to her husband too who supplied coffee’s during the day. During the course she taught us each step and let us explore different techniques/ styles so we could create a unique piece each. We absolutely love our rings and have them as a reminder of a fabulous day out and great way to celebrate our relationship! I would 100% recommend and would deffo go back! Also her jewellery collection is beautiful, she is a very talented jeweller. Thank you:)"

shirley Beckett reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"We had a lovely time at the candle making workshop and made most welcome by Kerry. Learned everything we needed to know about making our own candles. I will be attempting my first one as soon as I get home!"

Samantha Sensesligil reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"My mum bought me the day course with Rowena for my birthday. We stayed in lewes over night and the day in the pottery. I couldn't recommend rowena enough i learnt how to throw where step by step made 4 bowls in the morning. Mum found she couldnt use the wheel so Rowena taught her how to do a coil pot. She is an amazing teacher, very easy to talk to makes you feel comfortable. Myself and mum could sing rowenas praises and will think of another trip next year. I cant thank you enough rowena. :0)"

Penny Sychrava reviewed: Felt Pictures-Painting with fibres - intro to 2D wet felting/felt making

"I loved this course - working with felt is amazing, the colours are beautiful and the end results were much better than I expected. I am not particularly artistic but I produced something I really liked. Heather was very clear and patient and the atmosphere was relaxed and very calming. The location was also great. I now know exactly what to do if I wanted to do felting on my own."

Bernice reviewed: Amanda Hislop Workshop - Developing Sketchbooks as a Rich Resource

"Amanda introduced us to her style of working. There was a good mix of discussion, teaching points and personal encouragement. Although we all had the same insturctions there was a wide variety of work produced. This is the second workshop I have taken with AManda and I thoroughly recommend attending any that you can. The venue is easily accessible with adequate parking. Becca organises great tutors and I am already booked onto another two this year."

Ellie healey reviewed: Lino printmaking in the Dales

"I was anxious about this course press-ganged into it by my sister and friend. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Penny is lovely, relaxed supportive atmosphere. I have never done anything like this and have done nothing arty for a long time. Penny gives so much information about all manner or painting/ print processes it’s really whet my appetite. Thanks Penny x"

Heidi reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"I wanted to learn upholstery for an A Level project I was studying at school. Lucy helped me produce a fantastic upholstered chair. Her tips and expertise helped me gain confidence to complete my project in school to a high standard! The day was relaxed and good fun, the lunch was amazing! Thank you Lucy."

Michael Allen reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing Workshop by Clare Cosens

"A fun, relaxed and engaging beginners' workshop that I will definitely be recommending. Clare is a great tutor, very encouraging and makes you feel very at home."

Yvonne Cunnane reviewed: Clay portrait weekends with Karin Ort

"I am an experienced amateur sculptor. I have attended several sculpture courses at other venues. I thoroughly enjoyed the course- Clay portrait weekend taught by Karin Ort. She is friendly, knowledgeable and could cope with my desire to make a sculpted head at a different scale to everybody else with ease. Her tuition is very informative and she makes encouraging suggestions to improve your work. I learned a lot. Karin’s approach is an intuitive one rather than a measured ‘sight size’ approach. There are some really interesting, inspired pieces on site. The venue is an informal community delightful and friendly. Everything you need is provided."

Diane Stafford reviewed: Felt Pictures-Painting with fibres - intro to 2D wet felting/felt making

"A really interesting and enjoyable course over two evenings. Heather made everything very clear and easy, provided great materials and ensured we all made something we were pleased with. I had never felted anything before but would now like to do more and feel quite confident about starting on my own. I'd also like to do another course with Heather. Highly recommended."

Yvonne Conchie reviewed: Bronze Smelting and Casting

"Expert leader - an archaeologist / ancient metallurgist from Sheffield Uni. Interesting discussions and great hands-on experience smelting copper from malachite and then casting a bronze axe head. Feel confident having a go at replicating some of what I've learnt in the garden at home."

Jean reviewed: Fabulous felt picture 2 day masterclass near York

"I really enjoyed this course. It was a relaxed and friendly weekend. I learned a lot and Bridget is so knowledgeable and enthusiastic which is catching. However, I agree with a previous reviewer about having to wait for pointers on what to do next. I realise Bridget is very keen to help everyone and give some one to one help. I took photos but when I got home it was hard to remember everything. I think a handout with the basics and order of the process would be very helpful. That said, I can thoroughly recommend Bridget's workshops and I am thinking of doing another one in the not too distant future. Thank for making this a great learning experience especially for a nervous first time felter."

Richard L reviewed: Hands On Strip & Build a Bike Day: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Dear Annie and Dan, Just a quick email to thank you for yesterday’s bike maintenance course and for your fantastic hospitality. I got a lot out of the course and now feel more confident to try a few maintenance tasks myself. Regrettably, they won’t be accompanied by the lovely soups, biscuits and scones that we enjoyed yesterday! Best wishes Richard"

Julia reviewed: Lino cutting course - Laura Andrew Art Studio, Lincoln - Linocut lino printing

"This course was so much fun!! I had such a brilliant relaxing time making my very own lino print! I now have handmade cards, prints and gift tags to give to family and friends. Laura Andrew is an excellent teacher of craft and was so encouraging . She is also a very talented artist!!!! I chose to make a lino print of my favourite goose!!! Delighted with the results."

Jane Braun reviewed: Beginners Weaving with the Rigid Heddle Loom - at All in a Spin

"I am a relative novice in relation to weaving, my previous experience consists of an enjoyable two hour workshop in Suffolk where the loom was set up on arrival and I just shuttled a bobbin back and forth, and being about 6 years old and wrapping string around cardboard before wiggling bits of long grass through the threads... . I enjoy most crafts and having recently moved to Wales felt it was time to put my toe in the weaving water. A quick search online brought me to All in a Spin, and after a couple of emails between myself and Dunja I found myself in the company of 5 other would be weavers at her delightful, warm and welcoming studio. (I believe that the classes are generally no more than 5 but my friend hopped into the car at the last minute wanting to share the adventure...). The class started promptly at 10.00 and Dunja's clear explanation, patience and step by step approach took us from warping the loom to weaving and then finishing in 6.5 hours. We all managed to make a scarf and there was choice as to pattern and colour, which gave the class a personalised feel. Dunja was there every step of the way to help overcome any missthreads and tangles or just to advise and explain. Hot drinks and biscuits were provided, (an introduction to McVities thins), and the lunch break allowed us as a group to chat and share experiences. (There was a microwave if anyone was wondering). All in all a wonderful day and, with the clear printed step by step guide that Dunja provides, I feel that if I were to invest in a rigid heddle loom I would probably be able to get weaving. Oh, and I came away with a lovely checked scarf! Thank you Dunja, I'll be back....."

Jini reviewed: Wild pottery workshop - dig your own clay in the woods, bonfire/clamp kiln firings

"It was absolutely enchanting from start to finish. It wasn’t just the clay, the handling of it, the creating, the fire-making… but the magic which you imbued it all with, and the care you took. I felt very well looked-after. Your light touch, the sense-door exercise, the poem…all really moved me. You have a rare combination of gifts. As someone who feels artistically clumsy it was wonderful to feel I achieved something creative. And that special woodland. I want to do it all over again! I’m going to recommend this to all my friends."

Margaret Leach reviewed: Candlemaking for Beginners

"I took part in Rob's candle-making workshop this morning with two other ladies. It was a hugely enjoyable experience and great fun. I am absolutely delighted with my five hand-made candles. I have already been on Whatsapp to lots of friends telling them all about it and sharing photos. I always watch 'Countryfile' on Sunday evenings but I haven't even turned on the tv! I am busy looking at some of the websites recommended by Rob and making my shopping lists. Rob was very patient and an excellent tutor and I would highly recommend his course."

Henry Porter reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"If you’re considering taking a blacksmithing class, I highly recommend allowing Mort to guide you through this fascinating craft. The day was fantastic, we were introduced to the basic tools and techniques and it wasn’t long before we jumped in and got our hands dirty! I choose to forge a chef’s knife, and ended the day with a blade far better than I could have hoped for. Mort was friendly, knowledgeable, and an entertaining tutor (and was even kind enough to provide transport to and from the train station). Take this course!"

Louise Heatley reviewed: Introduction to Weaving

"This was a lovely way to spend a day! Charlotte’s beautiful hand dyed yarns were available to weave with. The lunch was fabulous, at the vegetarian restaurant on the premises. I was very happy to come away with a framed piece to be proud of. Charlotte was also really flexible and showed me some things outside the scope of the course to help me with the loom I have at home. I would thoroughly recommend this course, and it’s very reasonably priced too."

Fruitbat Textiles responded:

"Thank you for your lovely comments Louise! It was a pleasure to have you for the day and help you along your weaving journey! And your sample was beautiful! As I said, if you need any help with your loom just give me a shout! ?"

Sandra Shipley reviewed: Willow Piglet workshop

"I really enjoyed the willow class and meeting with Victoria. She's really good at keeping the class interested in the history of willow. Her expertise is amazing with items she has made and with her help I now have a willow piglet which I am very proud of making. Excellent class, great coffee and biscuits. Would recommend highly. Thanks."

Janis Young reviewed: Lino printmaking in the Dales

"My second course with Penny and another very enjoyable day. She is a great tutor, has a very well equipped studio and we had a lovely lunch too. Looking forward to the next one."