Latest reviews

6 Sep 17'

Lee & Sophie reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"We had a wonderful time with Jamal making our own stained glass window. We would both highly recommend his course. Thank you again."

6 Sep 17'

Colin Webb reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I attended a pre-booked "1 day session" with Mark a couple of weeks ago but due to continued ill health I have delayed submitting my review as I did not want anything to compromise what I have to say about this remarkable man, in every sense. The inverted commas at the beginning are due to the fact that in my case, due to my situation, we agreed to split the "day" over two consecutive half days, but due to myself this seriously ran into day 3, in the main, driven gently by Mark to ensure the initial objective for the course was achieved. From the outset he was patient and understanding, showing empathy without what can be at times patronising sympathy. I took up wood turning after being forced to retire early from quite an executive position, and as such needed some structure in my day. I did the norm, books, DVD and you tube, but I should have made Mark my introduction into wood turning and indeed my first port of call. His passion is only matched by his amazing ability in his craft. the passion of which he naturally transfers to the student. He is honest with his views on the "traditional laws" of woodturning, which can only end up confusing students of the craft, safe working practices are a different manner entirely. As I have made very obvious I suffer from ill health, I am an amputee and have chronic pain issues, so if you are a similar position don't hesitate to at least talk to Mark, on the back of his glowing reviews that it what I did. It involved a 362 mile round trip on my part and a bit of an ordeal, however I would happily and hopefully will do it all over again, and yes it is worth every penny. One last thing, Please encourage him to think about writing a book as I did, as his knowledge, ability and passion needs to be left as a legacy for generations now and to come, and no I am not writing him off, just overstepping the line. Thank you again Mark for everything."

5 Sep 17'

Katy reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Brilliant course. Jo was friendly, knowledgable and very open about the candle making industry. I learn a lot and had great fun at the same time. Location was stunning. Huge choice of scents to use and Jo is happy to answer questions after the course. Useful for me as I am making some to sell over Christmas. I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in making candles for fun or thinking about starting a business."

5 Sep 17'

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

"Enjoyed the day woodturning with Andy. Good course and would go again."

5 Sep 17'

Diana Dench reviewed: Two day needle felting a wired armature animal

"Amazing! Brilliant! Such fun! I cannot recommend this 2 day needle felting course that I have just taken with Karin enough. Wish it hadn't finished and I was spending more time learning with her. Will definitely do another one with her and am now completely hooked!!"

5 Sep 17'

Mary Baker reviewed: Two day needle felting a wired armature animal

"A wonderful experience. I was a complete novice she taught me so well and gave me confidence to really own my creature. I never expected to be able to produce such a wonderful animal. I am known to be clumsy but with Karin's gentle guidance i am thrilled with the end result. I didnt want the 2 days to end and am now awaiting the chance for another workshop. Do go if you get the chance"

5 Sep 17'

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

"My Dad and I had a great day woodturning with Andy. As a complete novice, I appreciated Andy explaining to us the tools and techniques involved and by the end of the day we had each produced a respectable looking bowl; with a little help from Andy along the way! Andy was very knowledgeable and helped coach us through the process. The workshop is very well equipped and in a great location in the New Forest. The lunch and tea breaks were also welcome! I would recommend the course to anyone looking for an introduction to woodturning and would be keen to go back and learn some more myself! Thanks for a great day Andy."

5 Sep 17'

Fleur Porter reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I spent a day with Chris learning not only blacksmithing techniques and producing two pieces that I am extremely happy with, but also learning some of the history behind it. Chris is a very patient and encouraging teacher complimented by his knowledge. I throughly recommend Chris' course (even though I want to keep it to myself because he is already very popular and I can't wait to go back!) Thanks for a great day, Chris"

5 Sep 17'

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

"Penny is the most inspiring teacher, her teaching style was relaxed, patient & encouraging. The insight into her love & skill in her subject was so refreshing and really motivated me in the session and after at home! The space was beautiful and creative. I came home with a piece I am proud of and will definitely be rebooking soon."

5 Sep 17'

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

"Excellent teacher and workshop! Penny's enthusiasm for her subject is infectious and and her relaxed, informative and encouraging teaching style is very inspiring. Not only did I create a piece of original art textiles to take home with me but had a thoroughly enjoyable time in a lovely setting with coffee and cake; perfect!"

5 Sep 17'

Edward George reviewed: Green Woodwork and Pole Lathe day

"An excellent day with Chris. The setting is fantastic, food was great, plenty of opportunity to chat (over tea). Chris has a great knack of teaching at just the right level, supporting and helping when needed and allowing us to get on with it when we were feeling more sure footed. I am now building my own equipment based on follow up information he was generous enough to send me. Highly recommended!!"

5 Sep 17'

Vida reviewed: Wire & mixed media sculpture courses with James Ort

"An amazing 2 days. The minute you walk into James's studio you will be transported to another world. The studio is bright and sunny, overlooking a beautiful 'wild meadow' garden filled with James's work and friendly chickens. You cant help but leave behind all of your everyday stresses. I have little artistic skills. However James has a easy natural teaching style and is so encouraging that even I felt I could be successful. He started with a demo and together with his able assistant got everyone started individually. The remainder of the 2 days he was there guiding and helping every person with an boundless amount of energy and enthusiasm. Everyone in the group achieved an amazing sculpture and mine has taken pride of place at home outside my main window. It makes me smile every time I see it and I cant wait to make more pieces. It was a busy 2 days but I feel I have had a holiday. I cant wait to go back again. Forgot to say that in addition to being a talented artist, James is an amazing baker. His lemon drizzle cake was delicious."

5 Sep 17'

Louise Fisher & Nick Howson reviewed: Make your own wedding rings - Bristol

"We had a great time making our wedding rings! Excellent step by step instruction throughout and we were able to go at our own pace. We had such a great shared experience learning new skills and are so happy with the result. It was great to see how the practice rings compared to the real thing when we got them back and can't wait to exchange our rings on our wedding day as now they are even more personal and special to us. Thank you for a great experience that will we always remember."

5 Sep 17'

Kelvin reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"This was my second time at the forge, this time with my 15 year old son. We both had a fantastic time, my son made several things that he is very proud of, the only problem is I now regularly have to share my modest home forge with him as he's so enthused after a day with Nigel! With Nigel's help and guidance I was able to complete a sculpture that turned out very well and will take pride of place in our garden. Also Nigel very generously changed the set-up of one of his large presses to dome a very thick piece of steel I had brought with me that I could do a particular project at home that would otherwise have been impossible for me to do. This trip to the forge (staying in the shepherd's huts) was intended as the high spot of our holiday and it certainly was, once again I'm hoping to return again in the not too distant future."

5 Sep 17'

Duncan Carmichael reviewed: A Practical Dry Stone Walling Workshop Central London

"The class was brilliant - John quickly put us at ease, explained what we had to do, and we got started with wall building straight away. We were provided with feedback and instruction on the go, and John's warm, friendly, humorous, and positive approach meant we were able to improve our skills in a short time. The venue is beautiful and we were lucky to have plenty of sunshine - this wasn't hard work at all, it was fun! Thank you!"

5 Sep 17'

Brittany Rachin reviewed: 2 Day felting course with naturally dyed fleece, Wild Rose Escapes, Highlands, Scotland

"My friend and I went up for a weekend to the beautiful Highlands to take Wild Rose Escapes' 2 Day Felting course. Rosie is a fabulous host and teacher. We enjoyed learning about felting and the process of both wet felting and needle felting. The course is kept small so we have space to create! Every person on the course can choose what they would like to make and Rosie taught us and helped us along the way. We are so happy with our finished products and are looking forward to trying more felting projects on our own. Last year we attended the Natural Dyeing Course and loved that as well! Thanks Rosie!!!"

4 Sep 17'

Dry Stone Walling (DSW) Workshop Central London - For a Hen Celebration reviewed: A Practical Dry Stone Walling Workshop Central London

"Totally Fabulous!!! John helped me to arrange a DSW workshop for my friends Hen Party activity. Right from the start he was so helpful! I had no idea at all about DSW when I started this, I was struck by his enthusiasm which is totally contagious and he organised a fabulous session for us. It was a mixed group, and everybody really enjoyed it. I would thoroughly recommend this as a group activity - really fun and a great way to get to know people! And Redcross way is a brilliant location - you have a view of 'The Shard' as you build your wall!"

4 Sep 17'

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

"Had an absolute amazing time, a fun way to spend your day after a long day at work. I would definitely recommend this to any ages. Penny is an amazing teacher and will guide you though step by step would definitely do it again"

4 Sep 17'

Glyn Owens reviewed: Woodcarving for beginners - two day course in Suffolk

"My daughter bought me a set of courses for Christmas after I retired some three years ago and I have never looked back. First thing was a nice house sign with lettering and quatrefoils. Gerald has a great attitude and teaches the use of tools and techniques which would be difficult on ones own. Besides there is a great cameraderie with classmates and it is fascinating to see what others achieve."

4 Sep 17'

Dudley Watts reviewed: Woodcarving for beginners - two day course in Suffolk

"My woodcarving interest started some 10 years ago at an adult education class in Norwich. My enjoyment was 200% but progress was slow. When the classes were disbanded we were so pleased that Gerry took up the cudgel and set up courses in Long Stratton to enable us to keep up our new found skills. It's a great atmosphere in the workshop and I have achieved projects that have amazed me. The tuition cannot be faulted, the classes are friendly and you can do whatever you want knowing that help is always at hand. Tools and wood are available and Tuesday afternoons have become something to look forward to."

4 Sep 17'

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

"I had always wanted to try wood turning so i booked two days with andy, had a great time, andy is great teacher really learnt a lot and would definitely recommend andy to anyone who wants to learn about wood turning . I will definitely be rebooking for another lesson"

4 Sep 17'

Roger Sinnhuber reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Had a great day at the forge with Alex. It was the first time that I done any blacksmithing, so I was a little apprehensive. I needn't have worried - Alex explained and demonstrated the techniques very well. I was pleasantly surprised at what could be achieved in a day with his help and guidance. I now have a pair of fire tongs that I'm really pleased with. His courses are very popular and I can see why!"

4 Sep 17'

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

"Penny has a great ability to pass on knowledge and skills at the same time as encouraging your own individual creativity. You come away feeling confident to use the skills you've learned and inspired to make more. So nice to learn in such a relaxed friendly environment."

4 Sep 17'

Cathy reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"Our beautiful pieces of fused glass arrived today following our really enjoyable day in the glass workshop, it was like Christmas unwrapping them. My 15 year old daughter and I made very different pieces that reflect our personalities; we were privileged to be the only students that day so we had Amanda's undivided knowledge. The workshop really lived up to the reviews (lunch included) and was well worth the 3 hour round trip to Cornwall. Thank you for such an enjoyable day."

4 Sep 17'

Scarlett Wallace-butler reviewed: Screen Printing for All - Beginners & Refreshers

"Wonderful course to do, I learnt everything I need to know about silk screening and how I can set up space to do it at home and amazing techniques For stencilling I've not seen anywhere else, amazing!! Was a very enjoyable experience and a lovely atmosphere in the workshop would definitely recommend!"