Latest reviews

18 Sep 17'

lesley reviewed: 1 day basic shoe making course

"Judi's one day workshop was just what I was looking for and more. I came from London and stayed at a lovely BB in the town, kindly recommended by Judi, only a five minutes walk in the morning. Judi was very informative, a brilliant teacher, so helpful and relaxed. All the materials were provided - cake and coffee as well. It was fabulous to finish the day with a wonderful pair of shoes. All my friends were very impressed. Thank you Judi."

18 Sep 17'

Rachael Kidd reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I had a fantastic weekend. The whole set-up is perfect for two days. Sebastian has got the balance just right; enabling a relaxed but highly productive atmosphere! I learnt so much but never felt overwhelmed. We were all very different students, with different approaches and confidence levels. Sebastian adapted to each of our needs very quickly and we all flourished. I will be doing this course again for sure. The setting is also beautiful."

18 Sep 17'

Karen & Vic Clark reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I bought a 1 day Blacksmith workshop for my fathers b'day present and decided to try my hand at it too. We had never done anything like this before so did not really know what to expect with regards to our ability. With Nigel's expert tuition we were able to produce 6 great pieces each - a poker, small shovel (we prefer to call a "Burger Flipper" as we intend to use it on the BBQ), a decorative jam pot spoon, a pot, key ring and a beautiful poppy. We thoroughly enjoyed our day, loved Nigel's stories of work he had done and the people he had met along his journey. Many friends have seen our creations and been surprised at how great they are considering we are total beginners. If you are considering doing this workshop - my advice would be to give it a go. I'm sure you will surprise yourself and you will have a day to remember. Happy Forging ."

18 Sep 17'

Jill Harrison reviewed: Weaving for beginners and intermediates on four shaft looms at Flight Weaving Studio

"I have had two days of one to one tuition with Janis at Flight Weaving and I've had a ball! Janis made me feel very relaxed in her lovely studio and nothing was too much trouble. She obviously has a huge knowledge of weaving and was happy to share that knowledge with me. The loom I used was excellent quality as were the yarns and the range to choose from was fantastic, a real feast of colour and texture. If you decide to get weaving tuition from Janis I can guarantee you won't be disappointed, but be warned you'll want your own loom by the time you leave!"

18 Sep 17'

Hussain reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"The weekend box making is real joy. No matter how much woodworking background one has, there is a lot to learn from Mark who is a very creative craftsman. I am glad i came for this course it was well worth it. Thank you Mark. You have certainly made me a more confident woodworking hobbiest. Hussain"

18 Sep 17'

Maureen Kernan reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"I had absolutely no experience of pottery whatsoever; I received an introductory voucher as a Christmas gift in 2016 and I have kept the weekly classes up since then. The classes are relaxed and friendly but very educational. Louise teaches many techniques and provides all the tools and materials one needs. Self expression is encouraged but Louise is always on hand to offer suggestions for new projects. I love these classes and would encourage any one to join the group whether experienced or beginner."

18 Sep 17'

Sallie reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"So many firsts for me this weekend, including the first time I have written a report on-line! I had to!!! What a fantastic course. The family were amazed at the box I created - if I can anyone can. Mark is an excellent teacher. There were two of us on the course and the other person had far more experience than I, even having his own work shop. I would definitely class myself as a beginner but I was not made to feel inferior in any way. On arrival we were asked what type of box we wished to construct - 2 different shapes, mitre or dovetail corners and 3 different lid mechanisms. We chose completely different styles of box and Mark showed us the both the techniques required, calling the other over when demonstrating the next step. I have never used machinery before - Mark was very clear in his instruction and I felt very safe as a result of his attention to detail. Each piece of equipment (hand or machinery) was explained as in what it does and how it is used. He also taught us some maintenance tips for hand tools e.g. sharpening chisels. Mark has provided details of suppliers (materials and tools) should we wish to have a go at home. We were made very welcome. There was the opportunity to have a drink whenever you wanted but I became so engrossed I forgot - until we were told it was lunch time! Thank you so very much for a fabulous weekend. I have a beautiful box - they don't keep the best wood for themselves. I will definitely be back when I can."

18 Sep 17'

Sandra Lee reviewed: Sewing for the Terrified 2-day Intensive

"Before I attended Catherine's classes, I had little idea of how to use my sewing machine properly or how to sew even simple items well. Now, when I wear something I made, I actually get the occasional compliment!"

18 Sep 17'

Gerti Morton reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"Green woodworking is addictive! This is now the third course I have attended at Sallerton Wood and I will certainly return to make another chair. I was gratified to realise that I could safely be more independent in producing good quality components for my chair, whilst getting expert assistance whenever necessary. Andy managed the expectations of us students well; allowing whatever freedom was possible to adapt a core design to suit the purposes we had in mind... but he will undoubtedly be glad when from next year he can offer a 2 day extension to the course if tutees plan chairs with either arms or rockers! The weather was dreadful but the experience totally positive and the chairs AMAZING. Thank you Andy."

18 Sep 17'

Mike Baker reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I had done no stone carving before, but found I was able to produce a piece that I was really quite pleased with. On some art courses I have found tutors to be little too full of their own ability, and this has produced negative stress and a poor learning experience. Sebastian has a very light touch. He is always ready and willing to offer advice, but also happy to let you progress at your own pace and this certainly worked well for me. The tools, materials and setting are all excellent and I enjoyed the whole experience very much."

18 Sep 17'

Mark Butler reviewed: Spoon carving beginners course

"Just had a great day in the woods with Simon and Nigel, can only echo previous comments that it's a relaxed day with great tuition from a couple of proper gents - I learnt a lot and very happy to come away with a spoon shaped object and some fledgling new skills!"

18 Sep 17'

Patrick reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Sebastian generates a very relaxed atmosphere, and managed to inspire all the people on the course to generate some really great sculptures. He was very knowledgeable and helpful, with practical and creative help provided with great charm. The venue was great, with views over the fields to the Birdlip escarpment."

18 Sep 17'

Rachael reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

18 Sep 17'

Sara Howard reviewed: Beginners candle making private workshop - Marlow, Buckinghamshire

"A fantastic morning and learnt so much. Sarah was brilliant and the perfect balance of fun and informative. I've already made my first Candle at home and am hooked!"

18 Sep 17'

Claire Pretty reviewed: Ceramic raku workshops - Joy Gibbs Price Ceramics

"A fun and informative introduction to Raku pottery. Very enjoyable would definitely recommend."

18 Sep 17'

Dianne kilburn reviewed: Fabulous felt picture 2 day masterclass near York

"The masterclass was excellent. I arrived with both a challenging and a more simple picture as my inspiration for the 2 days and Bridget did not hesitate to suggest that I attempted the more challenging picture . Throughout the two days Bridget guided me on the composition of the picture sharing with me her knowledge and experience. I am very thrilled with the results and have learnt so much on how to use colour and techniques to achieve the desired results. The 2 days were very relaxed and informative. Bridget is very generous with her time and experience providing you with confidence to have a go on your own!"

17 Sep 17'

Anita Chewins reviewed: Silk painting using cold-wax, stamps, sugar & more - workshop at The Mulberry Shed

"A fantastic course! A great introduction to a new craft. Sheila is most welcoming and takes you through the stages of silk painting in a friendly and relaxed manner. The Mulberry shed is located within a beautiful village in Somerset. I would highly recommend this course!! Thank you very much Sheila. Kind regards Anita."

17 Sep 17'

Enid Proud reviewed: Watercolour painting afternoons at The White Room Art Studio

"I am a beginner and having never used watercolour before I have found this course excellent. Julie is a brilliant teacher who is always encouraging us to try out different techniques, introducing the group to new artists and their works and giving support and help when needed. I really enjoy the course and the friendly atmosphere of the group."

17 Sep 17'

Anne reviewed: Fused glass day course - beginners/intermediate

"Thoroughly enjoyable day, I would really recommend it. Really pleased with what I was able to achieve with Nicky's guidance and support , despite my not having had any experience of glass cutting before. The small group size allows for plenty of individual help and assistance, hence good progress being made and allowing us to try different skills/techniques and use different types of glass."

17 Sep 17'

Jo christopoulos reviewed: Chalk Paint furniture workshop for beginners

"I really enjoyed this course, I had no idea whatsoever before starting and sue showed me exactly what I wanted to know. Would love to go back again and can't wait to get started on something ?"

17 Sep 17'

Caitlin reviewed: 2 day blacksmithing courses

"Had a fantastic time on the weekend blacksmithing course - everyone came away with pieces they could be proud of. Aaron was a knowledgeable and VERY patient teacher! We were able to cover a good range of techniques, but the course didn't feel too overwhelming to a complete beginner. I had great fun and would highly recommend to anyone looking to try out a new skill."

17 Sep 17'

Susan Howe reviewed: Fabulous felt picture 2 day masterclass near York

"Bridget is an inspirational teacher, she is patient and develops both experienced and novice participants. I came away with a piece of work I could never have imagined making and a set of techniques I know I will use in the future. I cannot recommend highly enough."

17 Sep 17'

George Cox reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I had a great day at Artistry In Wood yesterday and can say that it was a very enjoyable experience. The day went really quickly and I didn't want to stop to go home. George and his wife were very welcoming and made me feel very at home. During the day I made a lovely bowl for my EQP and this was all thanks to George's expertise and excellent teaching ability. I have learnt a lot from the day and would definitely come back and recommend to others."

17 Sep 17'

Keith Kirby reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"I can't speak highly enough of Andy's six day chair making course. I had a absolutely fabulous time.Andy is an expert in his field and can tailor his tuition so that ALL skill levels (I happen to have a degree in furniture design) really have a sense of achievement and fun at the end of the six days. Together with Jane and the rest of our class I was made to feel relaxed like being home from home. It's a true testament to Andy's well thought out teaching that despite it raining most of the week we hardly noticed. All tools,which Andy keeps honed to be really sharp and materials are provided to ensure that you will finish up with a heirloom piece of furniture to be proud of. If you're not sure, just jump in with both feet you'll have the time of your life! Thank you Andy and Jane look forward to seeing you again!"

16 Sep 17'

Sue North reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"Throughly enjoyed this course and would highly recommend it. Adela is very knowledgeable about making mosaics. The atmosphere is very relaxed and three hours passed by in a flash! It is the perfect introduction to making mosaics."