Latest reviews

29 Nov 17'

Simon Bellamy reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"I have always wanted to have a go at bladesmithing, like many especially after watching forged in fire recently and was lucky enough to get myself on this course last week. Well, not as easy as it looks! but had an absolutely brilliant time, Graham was extremely knowledgeable about the craft and explained all the stages from start to finish, I tend to ask a lot of questions with everything I do and Graham was more then happy to answer with demonstrations. The course was at a nice steady pace which gave me the opportunity to watch listen and and put in to practice what I was being shown. Not once was I told I hadn’t done something correctly but was shown how to correct and move the metal which gave a lot of confidence. Great lunch provided in a really nice location and endless coffee on what was a frosty morning ?. On top of this I actually managed to creat a knife to take home that I am extremely proud of. I really can highly recommend this course to anyone that wants to have a crack at making a knife and learn some of the skills required to bladesmith. Will definitely be booking in again !"

29 Nov 17'

Simon Bellamy reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"I have always wanted to have a go at bladesmithing, like many especially after watching forged in fire recently and was lucky enough to get myself on this course last week. Well, not as easy as it looks! but had an absolutely brilliant time, Graham was extremely knowledgeable about the craft and explained all the stages from start to finish, I tend to ask a lot of questions with everything I do and Graham was more then happy to answer with demonstrations. The course was at a nice steady pace which gave me the opportunity to watch listen and and put in to practice what I was being shown. Not once was I told I hadn’t done something correctly but was shown how to correct and move the metal which gave a lot of confidence. Great lunch provided in a really nice location and endless coffee on what was a frosty morning ?. On top of this I actually managed to creat a knife to take home that I am extremely proud of. I really can highly recommend this course to anyone that wants to have a crack at making a knife and learn some of the skills required to bladesmith. Will definitely be booking in again !"

28 Nov 17'

Claire Martineau reviewed: A relaxing day of clay making

"I thoroughly enjoyed this workshop. What a lovely way to learn about creating with clay: a warm welcome, home baked cookies to get us started, straight forward demonstration of techniques and plenty of time & clay to have a go - just brilliant! Go on, treat yourself!"

28 Nov 17'

Lucy Kuzara reviewed: Blacksmithing taster course one day

"Wow! What a great day I had at the Bluefoot Forge! As a complete novice this first experience of forging was better than I could ever imagine. A fantastic day with Pete at his lovely forge where together with the other participants I watched Pete as he was transforming a simple piece of metal into something wonderful. I couldn't wait to get started so I could try and do the same. With Pete's guidance and help I was able to make my own pieces - a lovely leaf and a perky snail! I really enjoyed the session , I have learnt a lot and I hope to return for a longer course sometime soon. Pete's wife Heather was a wonderful host too. She made us feel so welcome in her home and treated us with some delicious home made lunch, teas and coffees. Thank you very much!!! Lucy :)"

28 Nov 17'

Lily reviewed: Beginners Hand spinning - 'From fleece to fibre’ - at All in a Spin

"Had a really, really brilliant day learning to spin with Dunja. She's an excellent teacher, really patient, and the day gives a great introduction to spinning from start to finish. The studio is gorgeous, and in an amazing location, i would definitely recommend it!"

28 Nov 17'

Barbara reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I was looking for an unusual early Christmas present for my partner and this course was brilliant. We had a very good time with Mark and Jill and thanks to their skills and patience, we both managed to carve great spoons, enjoy a delicious meal and have a nice walk in the woods."

28 Nov 17'

Corinne Winwood reviewed: Kiln formed glass day workshop

"Helen is a great teacher and makes everything so simple. Can’t wait to see what we produced and will definitely return."

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28 Nov 17'

Helen Dubovie Brown reviewed: Embroidery Hanging-"Stitch for the Soul" with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"This has been a super day. I found it very relaxing and satisfying. The atmosphere was very friendly and supportive. I'm looking forward to the next workshop! Thank you."

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28 Nov 17'

Ros Hallett reviewed: Embroidery Hanging-"Stitch for the Soul" with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"What an enjoyable way to spend a day! Julie is a sympathetic and inspiring teacher, guiding us out of our comfort zone to produce fabric art that at the start of the day I wouldn't have believed I could do! I will be back for more. Thank you so much."

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28 Nov 17'

Christine Barnsley reviewed: Embroidery Hanging-"Stitch for the Soul" with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"What a wonderful day! Well organised and Julie is a great teacher. Love the fact that you go home with a finished piece of artwork. Thoroughly enjoyed myself. Thank you for a lovely time."

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28 Nov 17'

Fiona Gee reviewed: Embroidery Hanging-"Stitch for the Soul" with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Great day. Can't quite believe I came away with a unique creative seascape to go on the wall. Really enjoyed the workshop and suitable for all levels. Thank you."

28 Nov 17'

Sue reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"A fabulous day learning to upholster dining chairs in a beautiful, relaxed setting. Lucy is a super teacher - warm, supportive and encouraging. So kind going the extra mile to lend me her tools so I can finish off at home -much appreciated! As mentioned in other reviews, the coffee, cake and such are amazing and really add to a great experience. Will definitely be back with another project."

28 Nov 17'

Steve Maund reviewed: An introduction to spoon carving with JoJo Wood

"The reason for attending this course was to improve my safe cutting techniques and learn how to carve efficiently. Very enjoyable time carving in a relaxed atmosphere with a small group of like minded people. Great venue and food, I would recommend spoon carving to anyone."

28 Nov 17'

David Marks reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"I had never used a lathe in my life before but have always been fascinated when seeing one used. The course was most enjoyable from learning about trees and wood to the use of tools and equipment including safety. Not only was Simon a good teacher but an enjoyable person to be with and at the end of the day I came away with a dibber that I had made and an enormous amount of new knowledge. I only wish that I had gone on the course when I had first retired as the cost of setting up is quite small compared to say, golf. I am now 79 years old and think it is too late to take it up further as an enjoyable pastime. Don't leave it too late to learn this new skill. However I really enjoyed my day in the woods and meeting Simon."

28 Nov 17'

Alison reviewed: Fabulous felt picture 2 day masterclass near York

"Brilliant course. Bridgette is a very patient teacher and knows how to mix and match colours and textures. Will definitely be booking another course."

28 Nov 17'

Jenny banks reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"What a fantastic day, I learnt such a lot in lovely environment with really nice people. Oh and a amazing Chocolate Cake, I’ve signed up for another course too with Dawn"

28 Nov 17'

Eileen Hall reviewed: Quilling for Mother's Day with Learn to be Crafty

"I highly recommend this very informative and helpful course. The instructors Fiona and Helen are knowledgeable and very friendly. The courses they are offering are varied and there will be something for everyone regardless of experience. The cakes are scrumptious too!"

28 Nov 17'

Sam reviewed: Willow Christmas reindeer

"A great day out with my best friend who had invited me along to make use of a voucher she had from last Christmas. Despite my impatience and perfectionism at times undoubtedly making me a frustrating student, Victoria was patient and encouraging. She was quite right too when she said that when I got my reindeer home I'd realise what a good job I'd done! I agree now. I really enjoyed the course and the end product. I have been spreading the word too about the Willow Barn!"

28 Nov 17'

Kristina Carr reviewed: Stone Carving 2 day Introduction Courses in East Yorkshire at Micklethwaite Studios

"An excellent introduction to stone carving - I'm hooked! I had a thoroughly enjoyable weekend learning the basics of the craft. Alan skilfully demonstrated the use of the tools and after choosing a pattern for our relief we were soon onto creating our own piece. As an absolute beginner I was surprised at what I managed to achieve by the end of the weekend. Throughout Alan gave encouraging tuition and positive feedback with supportive input from Tracey. Alan and Tracey have created a learning space which combines gallery and teaching workshop most effectively. They have a warm, relaxed style and are impart their evident knowledge and artistic skills in a gentle manner. Ample refreshment was provided throughout the day. I highly recommend Northern Sculpture and I'm very keen to return!"

28 Nov 17'

Laura Butler reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"What a lovely way to spend a day. In no time at all we were making our weaves and experimenting with different wool, textures and techniques. Alice is a great teacher and so talented. Working in her studio was really inspiring as we got to be surrounded by her amazing work. The location at the Hot Walls was also great- creating a perfect opportunity to scour the beach for driftwood afterwards!! I bought a loom from Alice to experiment at home and I'm addicted. Thanks so much- see you soon!!!"

27 Nov 17'

Claire and Helen Slater reviewed: Full day fused glass course with breakfast, lunch and all materials included

"Thank you SO much to Sharon and Kim for introducing me to this amazing craft. I loved it so much that I have been on a second course (4 weeks after the first one). The day is all geared towards learning and being looked after. From the amazing bacon butties and pastries for breakfast, to the teaching of basic techniques and help when needed, lots of encouragement, delicious lunch and afternoon tea. I came away feeling really positive and with a sense of achievement that I had created a unique piece of art work which now has pride on place in my window. On my second course with my daughter, I made some Christmas tree decorations and a couple of cabuchons. Helen made some Harry Potter inspired coasters: Slytherin Snake and a Hufflepuff badger. At all stages of the day, Kim and Sharon provided help and guidance in their specially built studio. I am sure these wonderful ladies will be seeing me again on an annual basis!!"

27 Nov 17'

Lois reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"A lovely day learning a traditional craft! It was very satisfying to build our baskets from scratch and to understand through hands-on, excellent step-by-step tuition how basketmaking works. Julie's knowledge, enthusiasm and wonderful skill made this a very enriching day. Highly recommended."

27 Nov 17'

Helen Archer reviewed: Creative gift wrapping in Derbyshire

"What a fantastic day, fun and informative. Jo is a brilliant teacher, explaining everything clearly and patiently and demonstrating the techniques clearly, even awkward shapes are now not scary any more! No more shop bought gift bags for me from now on, I'm inspired! Horsley Lodge as a venue is easy to find and very welcoming. We were really well looked after with freshly baked biscuits and home made scones at lunch time. All beautifully decorated for Christmas too. Thoroughly recommend this course and Jo as a teacher,"

27 Nov 17'

Diane reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Another lovely day learning to make cards and Christmas ornaments from fabric and machine embroidery, good company, excellent tutor, warm and friendly atmosphere. I recommend it!"

27 Nov 17'

Geraldine reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"Brilliant day, so organised and very patient tuition. Never made to feel a failure even when needing loads of help. Home made cakes provided were wonderful. Thanks so much for such a fun day. I recommend this good value day."