Latest reviews

28 Aug 17'

Melinda Hopkirk reviewed: 3 Day silver jewellery making course

"I highly recommend the three day course. I was a complete beginner and by the end of the course had made four pieces of jewellery that I absolutely love. Jonathon was both extremely knowledgeable and a great teacher. He was generous with both his time and resources and left me confident that I would be able to pursue jewellery making as a hobby and more on my own. The course was well structured and Jonathon provided all the equipment and materials needed. I was made to feel very welcome and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I have no hesitation in recommending this course to anyone looking for a comprehensive introduction to jewellery making."

28 Aug 17'

Jaq Stewart reviewed: Mosaic day workshop on Orkney

"Had a fab day out and Catherines a lovely character. Great fun with the opportunity to release those creative juices. I'm pretty sure i'll be booking up for more courses in the future."

28 Aug 17'

David bunce reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Had a fantastic day with Alex, his knowledge and teaching was first class. Really hard work but so much fun, would recommend it to anyone to have a go."

28 Aug 17'

George reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I recently completed a days course given to me as a 20th birthday present from my parents. Despite watching countless online videos, I went into the day a complete beginner and left having found a new hobby. I was guided through all the basics of woodturning at a very easy pace, whilst Mark answered my many questions with great patience. I left many hours later carrying a wooden bowl and a head full of information, thankfully it had all been written down for me as well! As i had noted an interested in becoming a hobbyist, Mark was very helpful in recommending tools and lathes and where to look for maximum value. He also encouraged me to contact him if i had any queries when searching. All that is left is to persuade my parents to let me clear some space in the garage! For anyone with an interest in learning (young or old), I would highly recommend spending a day with Mark."

28 Aug 17'

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

"Having received the beginners weekend course as a Christmas present I was not entirely sure what to expect. Would I enjoy 2 days of hard graft? Would it be fun or a chore? Well I found it addictive! There is something very satisfying about creating a lasting (hopefully!) structure. A great antidote to modern computerised world. The tutors are very friendly and offer very helpful tips and guidance. There was a great team atmosphere and I gained the confidence to tackle basic wall repairs and construction. A really enjoyable couple of days in a beautiful setting. Highly recommended!"

27 Aug 17'

Heather Reid reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"This is the first course I've been on after a very long term illness. Kerry made me feel very welcome and relaxed. She took into account that I'm hard of hearing and placed me closest to her. She is a wonderful teacher and host. Although I knew some of the information about making candles, Kerry provided so much more during this course. She also gave me the confidence to try to make candles by myself which is a big step for me. She has instilled a passion within me to go and produce candles and that there will be mistakes made but that's ok, all part of the learning. For the first time in many years I feel excited and I can't wait to start poring my own candles in the Highlands. Kerry, you're a wonderful lady and I can't thank you enough x xx"

27 Aug 17'

Penny Mason reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"Absolutely fantastic day! Caroline is a superb teacher and brilliant artist. Just walking through her home is totally inspirational and feeds your own creativity. Highly recommended!"

27 Aug 17'

Claire Stonehouse reviewed: Two-day Silkscreen Printing Course: Design and Print Your Own Fabric £170.00

"Caroline's beautiful home and garden provide the perfect and inspirational setting in which she teaches and encourages artistic endeavours! Her 2 day silkscreen printing course was a very worthwhile and productive experience for me. The teaching is excellent and thorough. It is possible to immerse oneself in the whole process under her patient and knowledgeable guidance, and there is the satisfaction of producing a finished design. In addition, there is enjoyable and wide ranging conversation, and the delicious lunches provided by Caroline's husband! I hope to return to develop other printing techniques."

26 Aug 17'

Sally reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"An absolutely fantastic day with the very lovely Kate. I am now the proud owner of a beautiful squirrel! Kate is a great teacher, not only in the 'how to' of willow weaving but also in getting the proportions right. A wonderful day that went by really fast! A lovely lunch and refreshments throughout the day (thanks Dave!) and of course the company of Boris! Thanks so much Kate xxx"

26 Aug 17'

Debbie Bent reviewed: Glass blowing for beginners with Jon Lewis

"Amazing experience for my two boys in their twenties and me their mum. Jon was inspiring, calm and encouraging and we got to make marbles, baubles and a glass each. A very hands on few hours but with Jon's gentle support guiding us each step of the way. We loved it. The peaceful location next to the river was a bonus as we walked along and saw pigs next to the swans. We all want to come but this time with my daughter too."

26 Aug 17'

Jane Newson reviewed: One to one photographic tuition London - Online

"Fantastic course. So good to be able to relax and get creative. Richard was very supportive and encouraging and it was definitely something I needed to improve my picture taking. Would highly recommend it to anyone floundering with their photography."

26 Aug 17'

Thomas Pickering reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"excellent few days, Nigel was is an excellent tutor and an expert in his field. a real and true craftsman in every sense of the word. i was given free reign to produce whatever i could conceive, (within reason) with nigels help i was able to produce 2 damascus steel knifes. ten out of ten across the board."

26 Aug 17'

Sally Rowney reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"A really good 'fun woodturning' day of tuition. I was really surprised by how late Mark was prepapred to run the day in order to get the project (a bowl) finished. Mark also offers a 'technical woodturning day', for those wanting to take it up as a hobby and set themselves up with equipment. Mark is very knowledgeable and passionate about the subject. No question was to 'simple' or 'unaskable'. Depending on the fun/technical day Mark would give his answers with differing levels of depth. Bring lunch & snacks. Tea & coffee provided. Clean toilets are available, but if you book for a rainy day - take a coat as you have to leave Mark's workshop and walk across the yard to the toilet building. Mark gave good tuition in a helpful manner, allowing a degree of independence dependent on student confidence and ability. I completed a wooden bowl with a 'step/notch' purposely taken out from the rim to give the finished bowl a more hand crafted feel as it's not your run of the mill, bog standard churned out 'lathe-turned' bowl. I would recomment this course if you want to make something in a day. I can't comment on the technical course as I didn't do it, but Mark's depth of knowledge, teaching experience in colleges and own experience I'm sure would make the technical day course good too."

26 Aug 17'

David Thomson reviewed: Introduction to Precious Metal Clay Day Course

"Thank you so much for what can only be described as 'an incredible day'. From start to finish this course ( and staff ) totally exceeded my expectations. From arrival to departure there was an atmosphere that was 'genuinely' welcoming, and more importantly a learning experience that was second to none. I can 'highly' recommend this course to anyone without hesitation and if you are 'thinking' of enrolling, then do yourself a favour and take the plunge, you won't regret it. (even at my age!!) Good Luck in the future."

26 Aug 17'

Angela MacRae reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2 day Course

"I have just attended a 2 day course with Maggie and had a wonderful time. Maggie is an excellent teacher, extremely passionate and full of ideas and I am now definately hooked and she has given me the confidence to make more mosaics on my own. Thank you Maggie for a lovely 2 days and I can't wait to return again next year."

26 Aug 17'

Victoria Briggs reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I had an excellent day with Colin learning the basics of wood turning. Being a D&T teacher I wanted to get our school lathe back up and running and Colin gave lots of helpful advice about how I could apply things in a school situation. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and not only got lots of information relating to D&T but came away feeling very proud of my finished products. 5"

26 Aug 17'

Frances P reviewed: Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop.

"I had a wonderful day with Lyn and came away inspired to continue with the technique. Lyn is very giving with ideas to try whilst at the same time being sensitive to each person's individual approach and their desires for the type of work they would like to achieve. She gave lots of tips about equipment and how to use everyday objects to minimise costs as well as supplying a comprehensive hand out of suppliers. Focused work in a relaxed atmosphere. Great."

25 Aug 17'

Kirk Mayer reviewed: Blacksmith forgework Learning Experience Day

"A very enjoyable day, with plenty of helpful advice and coaching, along with answers to all my questions. Left with a poker and a bottle opener, both forged into shape through the day. Rob and Daren were good company to boot. Highly recommended."

25 Aug 17'

Tina skinner reviewed: Clay Day Workshop

"My son and I did this course. It was a wonderful introduction that also allowed us to develop our own style and thoughts within the projects Gerry set us. Gerry is a great teacher and lovely person to spend time with, she listened to our ideas and helped us make them happen. I could not recommend Fired Thoughts more highly.... We both want to do more and more with them in the future."

25 Aug 17'

Aaron Ebling reviewed: Piano Lessons

"An amazingly helpful and friendly teacher! Learning Piano was something that I really struggled to grasp growing up, but Laura has the ability to work around difficulties and incorporate them into my practice enabling me to improve. Laura's drive and passion for music helps to create a fun and inspiring environment to learn, and I cannot recommend her more!"

25 Aug 17'

Henrietta reviewed: Singing / Vocal Lessons

"Laura is passionate about singing but very empathetic to your needs, and is very happy for you to sing any style and pick your own songs. Laura always has a welcoming smile which gives you confidence even when you are full of nerves.! I love my lessons and have learned a lot, feel so much more relaxed and always look forward to the next one."

25 Aug 17'

Oliver Murphy reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"What a joy! Peter's Introduction to Greenwood course has to be the best weekend i've had all year. Peter is diligent and extremely experienced in his craft and has a lovely approach to teaching the various skills you learn throughout the two days. He guides and advises at a steady step by step pace to both the group and as individuals, helping you realise your own design. I'm certainly looking at dates for the chair making course. A charming location, weekend and tutor. Well recommended!!"

25 Aug 17'

Barbara Miller reviewed: Wire & mixed media sculpture courses with James Ort

"Again... Another great couple of days at The Phoenix Studio. Great tuition and support throughout the course. A beautiful setting and a great mix of people. You won't be dissapointed ! Thanks James:)"

25 Aug 17'

Fiona reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2 day Course

"I had a great experience at Maggie's recently and, although I don't think I'm artistic, I surprised myself. Maggie is so enthusiastic and encouraging so I felt able to experiment with different pieces and styles. I totally went for it and really enjoyed myself. A tour of Maggie's wonderful garden has me thinking already about my next project. A great workshop which I would thoroughly recommend."

25 Aug 17'

Sonja & Lenny Black reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"My husband paid for us to go together as a present. We both had an absolutely brilliant day. Neither of us had any idea what to expect. Siobhan is an amazing character who explains the process so well, but also lets you have a free run on what you want to do. I honestly thought it wouldn't be for my husband at all, but, he loved it. I never realised he could be so patient and artistic !!! I wouldn't describe it as a course, as courses are normally boring, this day is most definitely not boring. This is a great day out where you can create your own master pieces and it also makes you realise just how skilled Siobhan really is. We will both be going back again as our xmas prezzie to each other. Many thanks to Siobhan for giving us a great day."