Latest reviews

28 Sep 17'

Grégoire reviewed: 2 day blacksmithing courses

"A wonderful experience from start to finish. My first email was greeted by kind Trudi who was very helpful in organising my week-end and discussing with Aaron the blacksmith how my special request could be done. I wanted to build my first hammer, and to my great surprise they offered me to do that in the course of a one-on-one session with Aaron Friday before the weekend course, AND still come on the first day of the course for the same price as the weekend's. I absolutely loved spending the day with Aaron, hammering away with the sledgehammer while having a laugh and a lovely chat with the good man. Aaron showed passion that's rarely seen these days, and genuine enthusiasm about helping me make that hammer. I learnt a great deal in the process ; either by just listening to him comment his own actions and explaining his instructions, or by questioning him on sometimes not-so-relevant matters over tea breaks. Saturday was more about learning the basics from scratch to smith in autonomy, which is good-different and it's harder than we think so I am glad I could do both days under Aaron's supervision. We would normally think a personal request is asking a favour, but Aaron is actually eager to work on something different and I am very glad to have helped him somewhat to make his own hammer at the same time because it's really been a blast. At the end I caught up with my girlfriend who told me she had spent an excellent time with Trudi who happens to own a shop in Carmarthen, so you could just pop in. But if you can't, just trust me, it's one of those things to have down on the bucket list. I walked away happy, with a magnificent hammer of very nice feel and gorgeous polished shape and gradients of colours, as well as a pair of tongs and a coat hanger, but above all with good memories and good faith in humanity. Thanks to both of you, T. and A. Take care !"

27 Sep 17'

Pauline reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"I have been attending the pottery sessions for over a yr now. I am thoroughly enjoying the sessions. Lou( teacher) provides a very friendly atmosphere and gives us one to one attention every wk. The classes are in small groups and is very relaxed. I started with pinch pot bowls and have made various pieces including a clock, Christmas decorations and a teapot? I highly recommend these classes for anyone who is interested in making crafts"

27 Sep 17'

John Cocker reviewed: Spoon carving course (1 day)

"My partner organised a Spoon carving day as a birthday gift. I didn't really know exactly what to expect from the experience, or just what I was going to achieve throughout the da The pace of the day was just right, instruction was great. The use & purpose of tools clearly explained. A delicious lunch & regular tea/coffee breaks made it an overall great day & above all, I found it very therapeutic. An even though my hand carved "spoon" at the end the day might not have looked anything like Davids, practice makes perfect & I hope to find time to put into practice, what I learnt from the day."

27 Sep 17'

Phil Leng reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"Such a good experience. Ian is knowledgeable, patient and fun. The time he spent showing us how to make our stools was impressive. He really felt for the wood and our hands working it and managed to pass on that empathy. The finished article is saleable yes, but its going to stay with me to remind me of an ace day. Thanks Ian!"

27 Sep 17'

Anne Alsop reviewed: Rustic Furniture Making – 2 day course

"A very relaxed , welcoming and supportive environment. The tutor was clear in his instructions and demonstrations. A group of only six gave plenty of time for individual attention when needed . Tools were in good condition and plenty available for most steps of the project . Mark organised the time so we had other tasks to do while waiting our turn with the powered tools (which were only used when necessary ! ) A very enjoyable and rewarding course - I've already signed up for another training day with this tutor"

27 Sep 17'

Carrie kintore reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Had a lovely morning on this workshop. Learnt lots about candles and scents and got lovely coffee and cake to boot too! Highly recommend!"

27 Sep 17'

Barbara reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"I had a wonderful morning this morning with Kerry at her candle making course in her beautiful home. Kerry is a wonderful host and it was clear we all had a great time. She shared a lot of her expertise and tips and we came away with the lovely scented candle and Christmas scented pine cone fire lighters we made. We also indulged in delicious hot chocolate and tea and cake. Such a lovely way to spend a morning! I would recommend this course to anyone and I suspect all the folk there this morning will be back when she starts her diffuser course! Thank you Kerry."

27 Sep 17'

Jackie Nothnagel reviewed: Full day fused glass course with breakfast, lunch and all materials included

"Thoroughly enjoyed the day with Kim and Sharon. They were so helpful and we actually managed to get many lovely pieces made with all their help. Breakfast and lunch was wonderful and 'Kim's' cake was yummy. Thanks ladies for such a fun day! Jacks and Debs"

27 Sep 17'

Claire Wilson reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"What a fantastic time I had at Jo’s candle making workshop. Came away with so much information and made some gorgeous smelling candles."

27 Sep 17'

Louise Young reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Wow what a lovely morning I had today with Kerry at her workshop and had such fun making my own candle and pine-cone firelighters. I learnt lots of new information about the process of not only making candles but tips on the best way to burn them. I'd highly recommend if you get the opportunity to book either yourself in or get a group of friends together for a friendly and welcoming time with a fabulous host."

27 Sep 17'

Stewart Blakesley reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I found the course terrific,a perfect level of instruction in a relaxed and friendly setting.Very hands on with a superb bowl to take home. I would recommend you to anyone . Stewart."

27 Sep 17'

Gabrielle reviewed: Whittling course

"This is such a brilliant course, I can't recommend it enough. Wood whittling is something I've always wanted to try and as a total beginner I was quite nervous. Martin is such a brilliant (and patient!) teacher and by the end of the day I couldn't believe what he'd helped us create. Being in a small group is so useful as you get lots of one-on-one time with Martin. I left feeling so positive and ready to try some new projects. I'll definitely be booking again in the new year to progress my skills even further! Thanks so much again Martin, it was just brilliant."

27 Sep 17'

Thomas van de Sande reviewed: Timber framing courses

"This course was really great! I learned so much in this one week about the framing of green oak! Most stuff is impossible to learn from books, and is explained clearly, patiently (and repeatedly if needed :) ) by the excellent teachers of this course: Alan, Connor and John. Their skills in using all the tools is most sophisticated. Most suprising part for me was the detail given to correct scribing and marking out the joints, since this proves to be as important as chopping away the green oak. Again, the tricks and tips for correct scribing to curvy, wobbly green oak cannot be found in any timber framing book. As for the complete experience: the cooking of Mary is simply fantastic! Also the camping in the woods and the nightly campfires adds to the real woodland experience."

27 Sep 17'

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

"Andy is an excellent teacher, very knowledgeable and patient and I had a fabulous two days learning the basics of wood turning. I would highly recommend this, it is a great course."

26 Sep 17'

Derek Noble reviewed: Hedge Laying (2 Day Course)

"Apart from learning in a very hands-on way, it was a most enjoyable and fun course. Instruction was clear and attentive and the skills will, hopefully, be retained for ever. Next time, could you organise the weather to be slightly warmer, please."

26 Sep 17'

Martina Phillips reviewed: Creative self discovery

"I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole 7 weeks of creating amazing projects. The course made me realise that I am not only able to produce some beautiful products but more importantly that I am able to take myself on a new journey in my life. Just like the beautiful products, I can create my own future. Sandra has been very friendly and supportive and made her course very relaxing and inspiring. I would certainly recommend the course to anybody who is looking for something different and original."

26 Sep 17'

Georgia Brown reviewed: 100% Natural Beauty Product Making Workshop

"Dear Naz - just surfacing now to say a HUGE thank you for the amazing workshop - the girls had so much fun and talked incessantly all the way home and for days afterwards. Each time i picked up a product, Freya told me the whys and wherefores of it…. - we now no longer use the conditioners and she is keen not to wash her hair ever again !?? Soap is a gonner and she is excited to do another course ! Well done!! Nicole (Olivia’s mother) also was fascinated by the tales Livi told her and is keen to join Midas and do some courses. All great ! I look forwards to seeing you again soon and thank you so much again. Best regards G xx"

26 Sep 17'

Poulia Tsakiri reviewed: Learn To Make Perfume Workshop

"Hi Naz your course was (if not the best) one of the best courses I ever attended. thank you for the lovely two hours and the information you provided. I look forward to joining soon again one of your courses. thank you Poulia"

26 Sep 17'

Ross Andrews reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"This was my first foray into needle felting, and I amazed myself by ending up with a very creditable fox :). Sophie was very clear and patient and took us through all the steps - everyone made an animal or bird of their choice and I think we were all pleased with the results. I highly reccommend this course - it was fun, relaxing and rewarding."

26 Sep 17'

Constance Abbott reviewed: Embroidered landscape with words, with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"I attended Julie's Hares and Dragonflies workshop and am so pleased with my picture. I had a lovely day. Other than cross stitch, I have never attempted embroidery before so whilst I was slightly frustrated at my lack of dexterity and speed, the workshop has encouraged me to have a go at mastering some of the basic embroidery stitches. Julie's work is beautiful and I am inspired by what can be achieved. Thanks Julie, for your patience and kind tuition."

26 Sep 17'

Vanessa B. reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"Great weekend course, learnt so much not only from my project but also observing others too. Philip who is clearly very knowledgeable indeed was very patient and kind, he would often during the course gather us round a table to learn how to do a specific technique, welcomed questions enhancing the overall experience. He had all the tools ready for you and you receive a full set of instructions before your first day. My first project is rather large and ambitious and he is very encouraging indeed guiding me step by step to ensure I do the job correctly. I was able to send pictures and discuss with him my project beforehand so I arrived on the day with a clear understanding that it wouldn't be completed in two days. I am booked for the next one and look forward to learning more and more. Truly delighted with my progress so far as was everyone else with their smaller but completed weekend projects."

25 Sep 17'

Helen Logan reviewed: Christmas Pudding - needle felting workshop with The Lady Moth

"Spent a wonderful Sunday afternoon creating a very cute needle felt Robin. Relaxed learning space with hands on input from our lovely teacher Zenia. I've caught the needle felting bug!"

25 Sep 17'

shirley wittering reviewed: Christmas Pudding - needle felting workshop with The Lady Moth

"What a fascinating afternoon, I was amazed at how the shapeless mass of wool became a cute little round robin. The feeling of the shape forming under my fingers was very good, I shall definitely do some more. Zenia explained the processes very clearly and was most patient. The tea and leibkucken was a great incentive too!"

25 Sep 17'

Chelley Lucas reviewed: Christmas Pudding - needle felting workshop with The Lady Moth

"I had the pleasure of taking the needle felt robin course. It was fantastic. A really good way to spend an afternoon. The instructions were clear and it was easy to follow. Zenia is a great teacher, she really explains everything well and is on hand to help with he tricky bits. It's very satisfying to see your robin come together and I can't wait to try more. I can thoroughly recommend this course."

25 Sep 17'

Susanna Shepherd reviewed: Pottery throwing workshop Saturdays or Sundays

"I would thoroughly recommend this course. Each person had their own wheel, unlimited clay and recieved plenty of individual attention when required from Nadia. It was a really enjoyable, relaxed afternoon punctuated with tea and lovely homemade cake. I will definitely be returning!"