Latest reviews

11 Oct 17'

Adam Jacobs reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"Dave's spoon carving course is excellent. I was shown safe working practices with the axe for roughing out a blank, and with the knife for finishing. I would highly recommend the course to anyone wanting to learn the art of spoon carving."

11 Oct 17'

Kerry Berber reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"I had a great time on this course. Matt explained things very clearly each step of the way in a friendly and encouraging way. He helped ensure that I went home with a finished piece, which fills me with pride and happy memories every time I look at it. Fantastic day which I thoroughly recommend."

11 Oct 17'

Joe Berry reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners course - 1 to 1

"Great day. Recommend to anyone. Both Tim and Phil were very informative and skilled. Felt well looked after and great value. Thanks"

11 Oct 17'

Dee Jarlett reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"I'd done a bit of spoon carving before, but I thoroughly enjoyed using the axe to make the first stages this time. It gave me confidence to make kindling this summer! And I made the biggest spoon ever!"

11 Oct 17'

Graham Timmins reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"What a fantastic workshop! So much learning, packed effortlessly into a relaxed and spacious programme. Loved Dave's style, which was methodical and thorough, with plenty of awareness of safety and best practice and of our own limitations as (mostly) beginners, yet his guidance was expressed with lightness and humour and never in a way which might have cramped our style or reduced our confidence. Instead we were inspired from the first moment to believe that this unlikely skill was something we could easily learn with practice. And indeed, we did all have something to take home at the end of the day! We started with learning to use the tools properly: hand axe, carving knife and finally the bent knife for the spoon bowls. We practised a whole series of different cuts and strokes and then got to work on carving a butter spreader, which we had done by lunchtime (and which I now use every day!). In the afternoon we made our first spoons, which in my case needed a bit more work at home afterwards to finish - made possible by Dave's support extending to advising on and sourcing suitable tools for us to purchase. One warning though: this hobby is highly addictive! None of us wanted to stop at break times (which Dave wisely insisted on, to avoid slipping concentration leading to accidents) and now a month later I still can't stop spoon carving even when it's raining outside, so my house is full of wood shavings!"

11 Oct 17'

Ian Dickinson reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"I really enjoyed my day in the yurt learning spoon carving with Dave. I had some familiarity with the primary tools already, but Dave took us all - beginners and improvers - on a nicely paced introduction or refresher on safe but effective techniques for knife and axe. This lead on to carving a butter-spreader, mostly as a training exercise but at least one student did use his spreader at the lunch break! After lunch, we went through all of the main stages in carving a spoon or scoop. We were all so engaged in the process that we were reluctant to put down our tools at the end of the day. Dave is a excellent teacher and craftsman, so he knows what he's about but more importantly does a very good job of explaining, demonstrating and assisting one-to-one when needed so that he can pass on those skills. The venue worked very well, and the size of group was just right - large enough for some camaraderie, but small enough that Dave could make sure that everyone was keeping up. A good day. Recommended."

11 Oct 17'

Dave Cockcroft reviewed: Green wood tables workshop at Lambside Farm - Week 1 (6 Days) Week 2 (3days)

"This is an ambitious and unique course. Peter is a fine guide and tutor in both design and technique. For me the process of making a table top was completely new, whilst the legs and supports were more familiar as an extention of my chair making. Visiting a woodyard to select timber was something I'd previously found very intimidating but going along with Peter helped me feel able to negotiate this on my own in the future. Peter's thoughtful support and minimal intervention were just what I needed. He was always available for a discussion on design aspects and reassuring when I was concerned the table would wobble more than I wanted. He also enabled me to make it in sections so I was able to transport it more easily and with less chance of damage. The workshop is a nice relaxed space and being able to work outside in good weather is a great bonus. The table I made was really beautiful and the people I made it for were more than delighted. If you want to make a table don't hesitate - do this course."

11 Oct 17'

Lewis Smith reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners course - 1 to 1

"We had great fun on this course and would highly recommend it. Very well run by Tim and Phil and they were both very helpful and knowledgable."

11 Oct 17'

Lawrence Kitchener reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"I can only leave glowing positive feedback for this fantastic 2-day course with Philip. He is such a craftsman, and his knowledge so extensive it was great to be a student of his. The course is very well organised with everything you need, including lots of hot drinks and biscuits! The atmosphere was really good. I was one of eight in the group and it was nice to meet like minded and fun people, all with slightly different projects to work on. Peter is very good teacher, patient, encouraging and with good humour. He is very fair at dividing his time as equally as he can to all his students. I felt that I had learnt and achieve lots, even in just two days. I am keen to do more of Peter's courses in the future."

11 Oct 17'

Sue Hughes reviewed: Beginners 1 Day Traditional Stained Glass Course

"The one day stained glass workshop was a Christmas gift that took a long time to organise. Thank goodness I did, because it turned out an excellent and memorable day for myself, my sister and friend. We didn't have any high hopes and just wanted to produce something that wouldn't be shoved in the drawer (I've been on a few craft courses!) With Gill's expert tuition, an abundance of patience and encouragement we were all over the moon with what we managed to produce (with input from Gill I might add) It was an extremely busy day with a superb lunch thrown in by Gill - what a women!! We would all definitely recommend this course and I'm already thinking about Gill's 6 week course. Many thanks and best wishes from us all. Sue x"

11 Oct 17'

Beth reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I bought a day for my boyfriends birthday and ended up signing myself up for the day as well. After all the reviews I had read about Mort I thought I couldn't let Sean have all the fun. We had a brilliant day and really learnt a lot. I would really suggest booking with Mort. Such a lovely and knowledgeable chap. He has a rather subtle way of helping you along and I was thrilled with the candle holder I came away with. I think we were quite demanding in the ideas we had for such a short space of time so I would recommend going with simple ideas that can always be expanded and jazzed up if you have time."

11 Oct 17'

Jane W reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"A one-off pottery lesson as a birthday present, and it was hugely enjoyable and satisfying for a novice potter ! I learned to throw pots and decorate tiles, and returned later to collect my glazed items after firing. So pleased with my efforts, and many thanks Chris."

11 Oct 17'

Kira reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"Travelled from Malta for a one to one mould making course with Ed. So happy that I came across Ed's details, he is a wizard of plaster, knows everything and even more. I didn't expect to learn so much, I didn't know how complicated it's to make a perfect mould, a mould that will last and will produce excellent slipcast pieces. Make sure that your phone has enough memory on it, there will be a lot of pictures, especially if you are newbie, there will be a lot of things you don't expect. Ed is fun and is very patient, and he makes sure that you will learn what you came for. I definitely will continue to work with Ed, hopefully next time in Malta. Thank you Ed!"

11 Oct 17'

Beth Wyles reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing and hand building full day

"Richard is a highly skilled, patient and fun teacher, and as a beginner, I would highly recommend this course to learn or even improve on throwing pots! I really enjoyed the experience and would definitely go again!"

10 Oct 17'

michael reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"You can expect full days astride your shave horse. Time flies as you shave away. First day was spent making umpteen struts for my chair (turned out I made too many) Second day and we were onto the chair legs. I think that was how it went . . . but time tends to stand still in Sallerton Wood. Not quite sure how, but at the end of 6 days I had a fine chair of ash with chestnut arms. In between times I spent a week in the woods, out in the elements. Coffee break in the morning and bread and cheese for lunch, very pleasant company and expert tuition from Andy who has buckets of enthusiasm and the tool, or specialised form for each stage of construction and a helpful tip along the way. Recommended."

10 Oct 17'

Jim Crokatt reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"I spent the day from 10-4.30 learning a huge amount of information about woodturning . I am probably intermediate in level but l learnt a great deal to up my game both in the practicality of deep bowl turning and hollow shape turning. I rang Andy the previous evening and he had prepared 2 pieces for me to work on as well as giving a continuous cascade of knowledge and tips and tool advice ( especially in the sharpening of tools) The day exceeded my expectations and well worth £125 including the 2 pieces to take home. And a fine lunch by Ms Brown. I would thoroughly recommend this learning opportunity."

10 Oct 17'

Rachel Smith reviewed: Christmas Pudding - needle felting workshop with The Lady Moth

"Such an excellent afternoon. I loved making a little robin, which had been much admired. The pace was perfect, allowing all of us to keep up. Zenia was clear in her explanations and patient and helpful with us. I would love to do another course with her. Highly recommended."

10 Oct 17'

Sarah Shelton reviewed: Conscious Interior Decor; For holistic living

"Another brilliant course yet again! We did a part 2 interior design with the same ladies as in part one. This covered the scale drawing, lighting and flooring. The food was delicious as usual and the cakes in plentiful supply. Do not attempt to come if you are on a diet it will not work! Our tutor Lucy was a wonderful host, lots of great information hints and tips. These courses are highly recommended. Look forward to part three instalment in 2018"

10 Oct 17'

Sarah Robins reviewed: Christmas Pudding - needle felting workshop with The Lady Moth

"I spent a fascinating afternoon last Sunday learning about the range of wools to use and the technique of how to build up the structure of a robin. It was totally addictive and the time flew by. Zania is a very patient, knowledgeable and charismatic teacher. I would thoroughly recommend this course to any budding felter."

10 Oct 17'

Judy Thomas reviewed: Needle felting course with FURZIE at Trumpet Corner Tea Rooms, Ledbury, Herefordshire

"Great course day went too quickly, food was great!!"

10 Oct 17'

Nicola Morgan reviewed: Beginner’s Soapmaking Workshop in Salisbury

"First time on one of Catherine's courses, certain won't be the last! I participated in the soap making course, never made soap or anything similar before. Catherine was very informative & her passion for the natural, herbal approach shone through. Small group, excellent resources & stunning setting. I had an amazing day, & made some delightful smelling soaps which will be ready to give as stunning Christmas gifts!! Win win!"

10 Oct 17'

Helen Dixon reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"Thoroughly enjoyed the two day course. I now have three skeins of slightly uneven wool and have bought a spinning wheel so I can practice. The course was a great introduction which gave information from getting a fleece, cleaning it. preparing it and spinning. The fact I could already treadle was a help but the two days was time to get started. Lunch was very nice too. Highly recommend this course if you want to make a start at spinning."

10 Oct 17'

Frances Bell reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"I had such a lovely morning at Kerry's candle making workshop. The atmosphere was very relaxed and friendly with lots of laughs but we also all learnt a great deal as Kerry's knowledge is second to none. I was so impressed by the way she ran the workshop ensuring that we all came away having made our own bespoke candle and scented fire lighters. Delicious hot chocolate and home made cake were an unexpected bonus! We'll definitely be back and I would recommend the workshop as a fantastic and fun activity for all!"

10 Oct 17'

Phil Coates reviewed: Beginner’s Soapmaking Workshop in Salisbury

"A really good day. Catherine really knows her stuff, shares her experiences and is very pleasant. As someone who doesn't really setle in a workshop environment I can thoroughly recommend it."

10 Oct 17'

Nancy Stanton reviewed: Beginner’s Soapmaking Workshop in Salisbury

"Catherine managed to be professional, thorough but personable all day. She knows what she is doing and her precise delivery of 'how to' made it all very clear. Highly recommend this day."