Latest reviews

13 Nov 17'

jim Lindsay reviewed: A Dry Stone Walling Workshop Bedfordshire

"I had an excellent day along with my son. Having been involved within construction in different roles for many years it had always been an ambition of mine to learn the art of DSW. I wasn't disappointed. I found John to be a very enthusiastic ,most knowledgeable instructor, who obviously gets great satisfaction in passing on his extensive knowledge to others, with his directing and instructing at different stages of construction . Thank you John we had such a good day. Jim & Shay"

13 Nov 17'

Jill Cornforth reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"Probably worth admitting upfront that I'm a returning customer on Lucy's workshops - which is a good review in itself! As ever, the day flew by with Lucy being attentive, knowledgeable, helpful and keeping us supplied with delicious lunch and cake! I think that Lucy gets the balance just right - you want to come away feeling like you've achieved something and learnt new skills but equally (for me at least) the day feels like a treat and not all hard work. I find that every time I attend one of Lucy's workshops, I come away inspired by new ideas, both from Lucy herself and the other attendees. I think it's a real positive that people take different projects as it gives an opportunity to pick up different tips throughout the day. I came away from the day with a recovered seat pad for a drop-seat chair, a new cushion to brighten up my living room, an enthusiasm to start a project I've been putting off for over a year and a smile on my face!"

13 Nov 17'

Selwyn Runnett reviewed: Treatment free beekeeping in horizontal hives - Leo Sharashkin

"Dr Sharashkin was excellent. It was one of the best courses I have attended on honey bees. The content was comprehensive and covered all the key aspects of the subject. His presentational style was superb, making complex aspects of the subject areas comprehensible. He is clearly committed to taking beekeeping a sustainable path and he was certainly inspiring in what he had to say. It will certainly change my approach to bee-keeping. It was fantastic to be able to hear such a well regarded US-based advocate of sustainable beekeeping here in the UK. There was also plenty of opportunity for questions and discussion both during the formal sessions and also during the breaks. The course was well structured. I would recommend that anyone interested in treatment free beekeeping and keeping bees in horizontal hives should attend this course if it is repeated in the UK. My only reservations concern the venue for the course. Parking was difficult. The external area immediately around the training room was muddy. This together with a 'no shoes' rule within the training room and also in the separate building where the toilets were located, resulted in constant changes of footwear - a nuisance in the middle of November. However, in all other respects the venue was good."

13 Nov 17'

Emefa reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I thoroughly enjoyed Sebastian’s stone carving course. The workshop is located in a very natural and relaxing environment. Sebastian himself is a very skilled and intuitive teacher. I absolutely recommend this course."

13 Nov 17'

Michele Cawte reviewed: Fused glass day course - beginners/intermediate

"I love Nicky's workshops. She offers just the right amount of guidance and instruction, allowing you to be as creative as you want, offering tips here and there but always allowing the participant to do what they want. I would thoroughly recommend this workshop to anyone wanting to explore glass fusion. I'm already looking forward to booking my third session!"

13 Nov 17'

Rachel Price reviewed: Silver Jewellery making class at Sandra Kerns Jewellery studio, Little Sampford

"Went for a day with my mum and sister and we loved it. Sandra was very patient with us and enthusiastic, showing us different techniques and examples of textures we could achieve. A talented silversmith, so many beautiful creations. She understood what each of us had in mind and helped us get there! Tea and biscuits and good chat along the way too, would recommend to anyone."

13 Nov 17'

Isabel Senior reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"A truly relaxing and restorative venue imbued with the spirit of wood. Nigel is a gentle, informative and inspirational teacher, sensitive to our different needs and experience. Highly recommended by me too!"

13 Nov 17'

Mike Powell reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This was my first experience of blacksmithing so I had little idea of what to expect. The day was absolutely fantastic. Very practical and hands-on right from the start with great supervision and coaching from Adrian and Andy. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and the time flew by. As an absolute beginner it was amazing to come away with a couple of finished pieces. This gave me the confidence to want to come back and have another go which I am planning to do soon. Thanks for an excellent course - good company, great humour and some new skills to practice. Also the lunch was delicious - thanks Debbie!"

13 Nov 17'

Carla reviewed: Fused glass day course - beginners/intermediate

"I had a throughly enjoyable day, and would recommend it. Great fun!!! Never attempted anything like this before but was so amazed at what I'd achieved. Nicky is so knowledgeable and patient. It's a small group so you get individual guidance which enabled me to create a beautiful piece of glass art which now has pride of place in my home. The best day ever!! Can't wait to go again"

13 Nov 17'

Kate Lockwood reviewed: The Annie Sloan complete chair makeover Workshop at La Di Da Interiors

"A very full day - but what an achievement at the end! Steph is an excellent tutor who takes on board the level everyone is working at and adjusts accordingly. Excellent tea, coffee and cakes and smashing fish and chip lunch. Would recommend to anyone!"

13 Nov 17'

John Nixon reviewed: Make your very own clutch bag/small tablet device case/sleeve

"Richard gave clear and succinct instructions and demonstrations at every juncture in the making of the project. With his help I transformed a piece of raw leather into a useful and very professional looking iPad device case. I’d highly recommend this course."

12 Nov 17'

Julianna Nigo reviewed: Make your very own clutch bag/small tablet device case/sleeve

"I made a pouch on my very first leather workshop. I didn’t think it’s possible, but Richard explained step by step and showed me how to make it. I love what I made, and people compliment me on it all the time."

12 Nov 17'

Chris and Gill Hartley reviewed: One day blacksmithing course

"My husband bought me a blacksmithing course for our 6th wedding anniversary (iron) and it was fabulous. We both loved it. Julian is a very knowledgeable and passionate chap and this is forged into each piece of work. My husband and I would utterly recommend the course, it is dirty work, physically tiring but very much rewarding. My husband is disabled and Julian accommodated this with ease. Fabulous day."

12 Nov 17'

Marie Perrin reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"As a novice jewellery maker I spent a challenging and fun day with Lucy in her studio creating a beautiful silver pendant. With her expertise, knowledge and guidance we worked through many processes including annealing, soldering, wire wrapping and much more. In her well- equipped studio I was able to learn a range of skills which will enable me to embark upon my own future jewellery projects: the handouts and photographic record will provide an excellent reference. Throughout the day we chatted about many other creative ideas and processes which opened up a world of possibilities!"

12 Nov 17'

Graham Johnson. reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Just had 2 great days { 10/11th November} Plenty of hands on experience. Nigel was very helpful with loads of knowledge which he was happy to share. Plenty of banter with lots of hard work. Worked with some really great people on both days. Made a poker, BBQ shovel, an acorn key ring, a leaf pendant and my pride and joy a 5x poppy display made ready for remembrance Sunday. I would highly recommend this course for anyone who likes to get their hands dirty and not afraid of hard work. Lots to take home and show your family. A special thank you to Nigel. Cheers buddy!"

12 Nov 17'

SUe Brewer reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"I went on Alice's workshop last weekend in Gunwarfe Quay. I really really enjoyed the day. I actually managed to use 3 colours which I haven't done before. I would love to do another day in Alice's own studio. I would recommend this relaxing but informative workshop to anyone interested in textiles."

12 Nov 17'

Ian Webber reviewed: Wood turning courses

"What a great couple of days with George at His workshop in Burnham on Sea. Having been turning for about 3 years, self taught, with second hand tools, I thought it was about time to get some tuition. George tailored the days to suit my requirements, theory, safety, correct use of tools and their profiles all discussed in depth. The first day we completed a Cedar of Lebanon bowl, with a better finish than I have achieved in 3 years! All down to sharp and correct tools (not sanding) Day two we went through various spindle turning techniques, coves, beads, v.cuts etc. Then George suggested that I complete one of his bowls, again the interior of the bowl had a good finish. The two days were interspersed with lunch and tea breaks provided by Georges wife Susan. All in all, I had two great days, filled with good advice, plenty of tips and tricks and good humour from George. I now feel more confident, l that I learnt more in these two days, than I have in three years (being self taught!) Hopefully I will be back. Thanks George and Susan."

12 Nov 17'

Sarah Tinkler reviewed: Marvellous Mosaic one day workshop

"I absolutely loved my one day workshop with Lindsey. I had no prior experience at all but had always fancied trying my hand at mosaic. Lindsey was the perfect tutor, explaining everything I needed to know but encouraging me to learn practically by making my own piece under her guidance. I am so happy with the piece I made and my family can't believe it. I feel confident enough to have a go on my own at some basic pieces and will definitely go back to Lindsey for another workshop as I progress and become more ambitious!"

12 Nov 17'

Steph reviewed: Mosaic (2 days) in the Peak District

"This is the third weekend mosaics course that I have attended at Zantium Studios. They have all been superb courses with excellent tuition and individual support from Peter and wonderful home made lunch and snacks from Alison. The studio has a lot of light, plenty of room to work in and good choice of mosaic tiles. Good relaxing weekend. Highly recommend this course."

12 Nov 17'

Lynda Conroy reviewed: Glass Fusing and Slumping for Beginners and Improvers

"I was an absolute beginner, the teachers were extremely patient and encouraged me to try and do things that I thought might be beyond my capabilities. I have made 7 items from a simple coaster to cutting petals and making a 'Poppy Bowl'. As the class was on 'Remembrance Sunday' I will always look at this and remember a really wonderful, but tiring day with other like minded friendly people.5"

12 Nov 17'

Jeff Kiveal reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"I undertook the 2 day beginners course with the Lancashire Branch and thoroughly enjoyed myself. The tutors were extremely knowledgeable and friendly and made everyone feel welcome and relaxed. It felt amazing to have contributed towards the building of a drystone wall which will now be standing for far longer than I will. I still have a quick look at it whenever I walk by and still feel that tingle of pride."

12 Nov 17'

Carole reviewed: Needle Felting Workshop Owl Brooch

"I attended this workshop & was very impressed. Milly is a very patient & friendly teacher allowing the group to feel at ease & not be afraid to ask questions, I was amazed how quickly the 3 hour session went. A true transformation took place from batts of wool to a wonderful little Santa, I now feel I have the basic skills to complete more needle felting projects. Would thoroughly recommend."

12 Nov 17'

Kimmy reviewed: Needle Felting Workshop Owl Brooch

"I did this three hour workshop. Everyone was made to feel totally at ease doing something completely new and we all enjoyed every minute. We all came away with a lovely handmade Santa Gnome. We all said we will definitely be back to do another workshop. Thank you Milly for your time and patience"

12 Nov 17'

Learn to make glasd beads reviewed: Learn to Make Glass Beads - Lampwork Taster Sessions in Kings Langley

"I spent a fantastic Friday with Kristy learning some of the basics of lampwork to make glass beads. Kristy is an excellent tutor, and clearly has lots of experience and amazing enthusiasm. After the introduction and basic (common sense) safety information, we began with a demo, followed by straight into my first bead. The day progressed with interspersed demos of new techniques, and chances to try them out. regular breaks were important, as it requires very intense concentration. I finished the day by making some to my own design, based on the techniques I had learned. I had a brilliant time, learnt some new skills, and am considering getting some basic equipment to carry on at home. Would thoroughly recommend this course and tutor :)"

12 Nov 17'

Christine Howard reviewed: Beginners Weaving with the Rigid Heddle Loom - at All in a Spin

"Brilliant course! The workshop facilities are excellent and Dunja's teaching is well paced, very informative, clear and friendly. It was a relaxed day with lovely people, fiendly chat and the satisfaction that comes with learning a new skill. As a complete weaving novice I was pleasantly surprised how simple the rigid heddle looms are to set up and get weaving fast and delighted to come away with a useable scarf. We did the improvers weaving course the day after and couldn't wait to get started! Thanks to Dunja being very accomodating we were able to have three days of tution to learn weaving and spinning whilst staying the the fabulous Weaver's Cottage just next to the workshop. The cottage is very well set up, as fabulous views and it was lovely to settle in for an evening in front of the log burner after a very enjoyable days learning."