Latest reviews

1 Oct 17'

Robert Banks reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"My wife was scouring the internet looking for a unique 5 year wedding anniversary gift and found Ian's website... and im very glad she did. My brother and I met Ian at his workshop on the Saturday morning, and the first job was to make a wooden mallet out of what seemed an old tree trunk! That was hard work in itself, learning how to effectively swing a hatchet. We then spent the day using various woodworking tools to make a rustic oak table using traditional methods. With a hour or so ledt over, we were also able to make a walking stick each. My table now has pride of place in my living room, the walking stick is used frequently when we're off rambling. Would I recommend this course? Without hesitation! Ian was a great laugh, full of patience and funny anecdotes as we crafted away... oh and tea. Plenty of tea!"

1 Oct 17'

Neil & Lisa reviewed: One day Wedding Rings Workshop Jewellery course for couples.

"We attended the wedding ring workshop run by Sarah, as we wanted something unique and special to us both. The day was fantastic, we both really enjoyed our time and Sarah is a fantastic teacher, with patience and understanding that we had never done this before. We were so happy with the finished rings and knowing that we had crafted them with our own 2 hand made it that much more special. If you’re thinking of doing this, stop thinking and book. I promise you will not regret it. If we could give 6 stars we would."

1 Oct 17'

Aidan Woodburn reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"Such a great day spent learning all about the process of wood turning! It was fun, interesting, and extremely satisfying to work with Chris on creating something from a lump of a log to a smooth circular bowl at the end of the day! Chris was a fantastic tutor in each step involved in the process and I came way with a great deal of awe and respect for the craft, plus a proud owner of my own created first piece which Chris assisted me in creating in just the right way: to teach and advise in a safe and calm way for a beginner like me, but also allowing me to add my own slant to the piece and I felt like it really was my own. I would thoroughly recommend this experience to anyone and everyone as it is a great day out, and Chris will be a perfect tutor for people of all abilities and levels of confidence. Thanks, Chris, see you again!"

1 Oct 17'

Megan reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"What a great workshop and host. Kerry was nothing but fabulous and knowledgeable, I came home full of ideas and newly learnt knowledge about candles and candle making. I couldn't fault the class at all as she had all the details perfect down to personalised name tags at the seats and the seriously good cake! Can't wait for the scent blending class next year!"

1 Oct 17'

Cheryl Davies reviewed: Silver clay leaf course - Lori Ridgway Featherstone

"We had a brilliant day making a necklace from a leaf, Lori is very welcoming and lovely, she is a fab teacher and makes beautiful jewellery. A relaxing few hours producing a unique special piece, will definitely do another workshop :-)"

1 Oct 17'

kerry Allan reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making - Ely

"A interesting delve into the world of jewellery making. Jonathan provided an excellent day all round. Lots of information, instruction, humour and enthusiasm. Homemade refreshments and lunch and lots of info to encourage setting up your own thing. A very enjoyable day. Will be returning to learn how to gem set. Excellent value."

1 Oct 17'

Lee Umney reviewed: Make a Windsor-style stool

"Absolutely loved this course! the time went so quickly. Great atmosphere. Nice surroundings for lunch. Ben is a great, patient and approachable teacher. Could not ask for more. Highly recommend this course or any of Ben's - you will be amazed by what you start off with and what you go home with!"

1 Oct 17'

Rebekah Cochrane reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"I had such a fantastic time yesterday on the candle making workshop. I found it very informative and fun and I definitely have developed a new interest in candle making. Thank you Kerry for such a warm welcome and a wonderful, interesting and fun morning. I can’t wait for the diffuser and scent blending workshop next year!"

1 Oct 17'

Ros sanders reviewed: Felt art and hand stitch with Marieke Tomlin a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"I thought that making a pair of felt slippers would be so easy - just sew up some felt and hey presto ! But no we had to make the felt ourselves ... Lovely Marieke helped us to gradually build up layers of merino wool and patiently explained how to create patterns and colours. We worked so hard rolling and soaping and throwing and massaging and chatting -but what a result. An amazing pair of very cosy slippers which I designed and made myself ! A lovely day - helped by delicious soups and 2 puddings for lunch and scones with jam and cream for tea. Highly recommended!"

1 Oct 17'

Jill Balmont reviewed: Willow Plant Supports (1 day) in the Peak District

"I had a great time, and I love the things we made. I will definitely try to have a go myself, and to book further courses with Zantium Studios."

1 Oct 17'

Pam reviewed: 1-to-1 Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"What a great course this is. I spent a fantastic day with Lynne (who is a great host as well as tutor). A lovely lady who is so helpful and encouraging. I learnt so much about mount cutting and displaying art work/textiles. A mine of information and happy to share this with her students. Lynne has great patience too. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone interested in displaying art work. I hope to do more courses with Lynne in the future."

1 Oct 17'

Caroline Warlow reviewed: Felt art and hand stitch with Marieke Tomlin a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"What a fun day. We went home exhausted, each with a very different pair of wearable slippers. Annie joined in and happily supplied bundles of towels to mop her floor as we added more and more lovely organic soap and water to our creations as we rolled and rolled trying to remember which way up it was and how many layers we'd done. (Future sessions could do with some sort of chart to mark off as one goes along - all the chatting takes one's mind of the job at hand.) Annie's helpers provided a choice of three delicious soups (I tasted all three!) and two puddings for lunch at a table set out in the sunshine in the garden - time to gather our energies for the afternoon. Thanks especially to Marieke who managed to get her instructions across against all the chatter, while making her own perfect pair."

1 Oct 17'

Bobbie Dewsbery reviewed: Textile design one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"Penny's great course is inspiration and really educational. You get to learn how to hand design and print a cushion cover, and also have lovely little mini works, which as testers make little pictures. Learning hand printing techniques, colours and playing colour. Things you can take home and carry on with. It was really well worth the money. We had a ball."

30 Sep 17'

CAROLE reviewed: Needle felted puffin

"Fabulous day, great company and a very satisfying course making the felt hare. Thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you so much Rachel."

30 Sep 17'

S Clarke reviewed: Green Man stone carving in Yorkshire

"Helen and John are excellent tutors. Thanks so much for helping to develop my skills and for being so friendly! The West Riding Stonecarving Association is a brilliant place. You've worked really hard to produce such a good workshop."

30 Sep 17'

Sue Hughes reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making - Ely

"I had fab day with Jonathan on the one day silver jewellery course. Jonathan is an amazing jeweller and brilliant teacher, very generous with his knowledge and time and obviously very passionate about his trade - you can't help but get hooked. I was thrilled with my makes having never made any jewellery before and already looking to book on another course to learn more. We were so well looked after all day and refreshments, biccies and the lovely lunch just topped the brilliant experience. Thank you very much."

30 Sep 17'

sue reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Had a wonderful day with Jo @ The White Candle Company. Very informative and fun day !Jo made a gorgeous lunch for us we had a lovely time. Had loads of handmade candles to take home and use. Would highly recommend."

30 Sep 17'

Janet Hood reviewed: Felt making for beginners - learn how to make a beautiful piece of wet felted fabric

"An enjoyable afternoon. Kat gave clear and precise instructions with lots of beautiful merino wool to choose from. Kat makes crafting lots of fun too."

30 Sep 17'

Belinda Oakley reviewed: Willow Plant Supports (1 day) in the Peak District

"I had a wonderful day creating some striking structures with willow. Our tutor explained everything clearly and was very helpful at every stage. The weather was kind and the setting beautiful and relaxing. Our hostess was welcoming and attentive, providing drinks and delicious food and treats. I've been inspired to have a go at home with the willow from my garden."

30 Sep 17'

Sue Pesterfield reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"Lacking confidence and experience, I soon felt at home. I was able to ask questions and enjoyed the location, facilities, cups of tea and food. I gained confidence, enjoyed learning from Andy who is a patient and positive teacher. It is brilliant to be able to make things from scratch. Three techniques, and three useful tools made. Certainly a great introduction to working with green wood."

30 Sep 17'

Jackie Anthony reviewed: Fused Glass (2 days) in the Peak District

"As I was new to glass fusing, I struggled with glass cutting on first day, but soon picked it up on second. At the end of the 2 day course, I had learnt, how to cut glass, different types of glass, and what they are used for, and how they are likely to come out when fired. I really enjoyed it and was pleasantly surprised with my end result. Great hosts, in a lovely countryside setting, offering tea, coffee and biscuits with lunch included in the fee. Look forward to improving on my next course."

30 Sep 17'

Lorna Watts reviewed: Screen Printing for All - Beginners & Refreshers

"A truly wonderful course run with a warm friendly atmosphere. Caroline took me through the process of preparing the screen and exposing the acetate image to create a stencil before we practiced mixing ink and printing. Caroline had many useful tips and expert advice on how to set up in your own home with cost saving ideas on equipment. The experience has refreshed passed knowledge and given me new skills. All in all a worth while experience and really enjoyable day."

29 Sep 17'

Teresa Davies reviewed: Potter's wheel pottery - half day course Siramik

"Have always wanted to have a go at pottery,so my daughter and I attended and what a great time we had. Yoka is an excellent teacher, her love of her craft shines through and she explains everything clearly and we are soon at the wheel shaping and throwing an actual pot. The sense of achievement we felt when we actually produced a decent bowl was the spur to make a better one, and another. In total I produced 3 bowls and a mug, not bad for a complete beginner. Throughout the afternoon Yoka was a wonderful host, the studio is set in beautiful countryside and the workshop is inspiring, with examples of her amazing creations all around. I would highly recommend this taster course, and hope to return soon to throw another pot."

29 Sep 17'

Angela Carey reviewed: Willow Animal Sculpture (2 days) in the Peak District

"An excellent course in wonderful, welcoming surroundings. Very organised, the artist enabled each of us to complete our desired creation, calmly and confidently, when we thought we would run out of time! Excellent lunches provided, with 'on tap' teas and coffee. Highly recommended!"

29 Sep 17'

Helen reviewed: Introduction to Soft Pastels 10-week face-to-face art course in Kidderminster West Midlands

"Did not know what to expect but Raya soon made everyone feel at home and we were quickly to work on our creations. Raya is an excellent teacher, engaging and encouraging and provides an excellent choice of wool and frames for use on the course. It was fascinating to see how the pictures evolved throughout the day and lovely to take something beautiful home as a memento. Highly recommended by someone who was a complete beginner! Helen"