Latest reviews

21 Nov 17'

Andrew Shipman reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"Just attended the one day woodturning course with Chris. As a complete novice he was the perfect tutor, patient with detailed explanation and support throughout the day resulting in a beautiful bowl. His practical but thorough approach to the safe use of machinery and tools was spot on. His demonstration and explanation of techniques has inspired me to take up woodturning as a hobby."

21 Nov 17'

Dave reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"Just done another great course with Colin learning even more about blacksmithing. Can't wait to do another course, brilliant day from a excellent teacher many thanks for all your help"

21 Nov 17'

Carol reviewed: Willow Christmas reindeer

"Had a great day , well organised, very relaxed, lots of help and patience . Absolutely loved the craft and would encourage anyone to try ."

21 Nov 17'

Ros Hoyle reviewed: Willow Christmas reindeer

"My husband and son are amazed that I’ve managed to make such a lovely willow reindeer and it’s all thanks to Victoria’s great teaching! From the welcome to the final group photo we had a great day with plentiful cuppas and friendly banter. I’d thoroughly recommend this course."

21 Nov 17'

John reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Brilliant two days with Nigel. Learnt a lot and was surprised at how much I managed to do. Poker, pooper scooper and acorn on the first day. My partner wanted a bullrush and I made several on the second day. She is over the moon and is planning where to put them in the garden. Hope to return."

21 Nov 17'

Laura reviewed: Silver clay 2 day course for beginners - Lori Ridgway

"Lori was a great teacher, very patient and knowledgeable. I had a great time and look forward to the next course!"

21 Nov 17'

Jayne reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"My Mum encouraged me to have a go as I don't have the patience for many creative pastimes. I really enjoyed it; Chris is very good, responsive to whatever you wish to achieve. I had such a good time, I booked 6 more lessons. I'm making Mum a Christmas present now - she might regret the initial suggestion!"

21 Nov 17'

Hermione Macdonald-Thomson reviewed: Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop.

"I had a great time learning all things encaustic. Thank you for sharing your marvellous tips n tricks with me ! So generous of you , I only wish we had had more time to play ! MY colleagues were very impressed and want to also learn the technique too! So, again many thanks for such a welcoming and thoroughly enjoyable day ….you are fab!"

21 Nov 17'

Victoria Curren reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"What a wonderful way to spend a sunny Sunday morning!! Lovely cosy and friendly atmosphere in Kerry's beautiful kitchen. Kerry taught us everything we need to know about candles including making our own and burning them too. The candle we took home is delightful!! Would highly recommend this course to others! Thanks again for having us, Kerry x"

21 Nov 17'

Jane Guy reviewed: Free Motion Embroidery Pictures in Buntingford, Hertfordshire

"This was my fourth session with Sue and the opportunity to try something new. As always Sue's clear explanations and demonstrations gave me the confidence to tackle new materials and techniques. To come away with a completed wreath was a real sense of achievement and the fact that my friend and I chose completely different styles is a further tribute to Sue. If you want to escape for a few hours of creativity this is the course to try!"

21 Nov 17'

Jean Sherrington reviewed: Friday mosaic making

"I really enjoyed my time at the mosaic workshop, Audrey and Morag were on hand all the time to assist and encourage you. I was pleased with my first attempt although I didn’t quite complete it but Audrey gave me enough materials to finish it at home. I would recommend the class to anyone. Jean Sherrington"

21 Nov 17'

Pat reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"Wonderful place for creative workshops set in the heart of Derbyshire. Lucy gives a very warm welcome and the whole day is punctuated by frequent hot drinks, home-made cakes and also a really tasty lunch. It was very interesting to see the various projects that students were involved in and glean snippets of useful information. Lucy is very generous with her advice, not just on how to make things, but where to find the best bargains or recycling centres. I needed some follow up advice from Lucy and she replied very promptly - all in all a very enjoyable workshop."

21 Nov 17'

Amanda reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"My friends and I had a fabulous day on the upholstery course. A beautiful setting at Lucy's home with home made cakes endless cups of tea and a hearty lunch. Lucy's knowledge, skill and patience helped us all. As beginners we did not know what to expect but found we quickly began to learn and we were all really pleased with our results. I am definitely going to book another course. Thank you Lucy x"

21 Nov 17'

Anna reviewed: Beginners daytime 4 week sewing group with Sandy Loosley

"It was a most enjoyable session and Sandi was brilliant ! We are hoping that maybe she will run some other classes in the New Year."

21 Nov 17'

Rob Huxley reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"When I retired from work my work colleagues knew I had taken up wood turning as a hobby and presented me with a voucher for a days wood turning tuition with Mark. I went onto Marks web site and checked out the gallery and read the reviews, they were all excellent with great feedback and compliments of Marks skill in passing on knowledge of wood turning in a friendly professional way. Having read all the reviews back to 2 years ago I spotted the review from Wolfgang and knew he was a member of our Club at West Midlands wood turners. At our next meeting I spoke to Wolfgang and told him I had a day booked with Mark. He said I was in for a very special day, His experience with Mark was fantastic. On arriving at Marks workshop I was met with a warm welcome and a cup of tea whilst mark asked me what I wanted to get from the day. I explained I had been turning for about 14 months and had been self taught with some assistance of our club members including Wolfgang (who is a very proficient turner now). We had discussed briefly on the phone my experience and the areas I felt I need to get more tuition on to develop my skills. He had asked me to take some work I had done and my tools. He looked at the work I had done and he explained the areas that he felt he could help me improve on. He looked at my tools and explained the different profiles and the reasons why he chose specific profiles and this became much clearer and we went on later in the day to re-profile some of my gouges which I have seen the benefit of since returning to my own workshop. Mark's teaching skills and friendly approach put you instantly at ease. He covers all the basic Health and safety and good working practice guidelines and has hand outs prepared for his students which he makes additional notes on as you go through the day. I could fill the page with a step by step appraisal of my day with Mark but if I had to sum it up in a few words it would be "Absolutely Brilliant from Start to Finish" Thank you Mark"

21 Nov 17'

Lesley Spencer reviewed: Willow Christmas reindeer

"Victoria is an excellent teacher, she kept the group of 10 on track to provide an enjoyable and informative willow weaving workshop. I came home with Dapper, a good sized reindeer suitable for many years of outdoor use. However, I love him so much he is taking pride in the house this year. Brilliant day, thank you Victoria. X"

21 Nov 17'

Norah Richards reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"Having just completed my second weekend course, I am now hooked! Philip is incredibly patient and knowledgeable and manages to balance teaching through modelling - without 'doing it for you'. He is knowledgeable and experienced, but very happy to hear our own thoughts on what we would like to achieve. Both weekends were full of lovely, enthusiastic people. I will be booking again for next year! Thank you Philip."

21 Nov 17'

Carolibe Davenport reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Chris was a thorough, informative and above all patient tutor. It was helpful to have a range of tools to try whilst the regular breaks for coffee, biscuits and a really good lunch helped to focus the mind. A course worth travelling for - and indeed some of us did."

21 Nov 17'

Kaska reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"I absolutely loved learning with Jane. As an absolute beginner I was amazed to have created such wonderful work under Jane's guidance. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone wanting an introduction to working with willow!"

20 Nov 17'

Abi Rudd reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"I had a fantastic day carving with Chris and I love my spoon. There were 5 students in the village hall, plenty of space and light on a winters day. The day was full but not pressured and Chris took time to explain techniques for the complete novice, so I came away feeling confident and ready to carve at home. Lunch was delicious as was afternoon tea and cake. The whole day was really special, an early and perfect Christmas present...but now I need to ask Father Christmas for an axe!"

20 Nov 17'

Derek reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Have just spent two days at Fransham Forge learning from Nigel’s vast knowledge and experience. He showed how metal has it’s own life and how to work it to make a variety of items. It was two enjoyable, relaxed days with Nigel’s fund of stories. A look around the sculpture park is a must to see Nigel’s artistic talent."

20 Nov 17'

Helena reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"Jane is a great teacher. Providing really clear instructions, plenty of help when needed. I really enjoyed myself."

20 Nov 17'

Linden Smith reviewed: Willow Christmas reindeer

"Thoroughly enjoyed the whole day. I really was not expecting to come away with something that looked so good as I'm not artistic or creative so I was absolutely delighted my creation actually looked like a reindeer5. Victoria was a great teacher and nothing was too much trouble - plenty of tea and coffee too. Excellent value for money and would definitely like to attend another of Victoria's courses."

20 Nov 17'

Amy reviewed: Stained glass summer workshop in Hampshire by Stardust Stained Glass

"Fantastic day making Christmas decorations and great value for money. Loved the finishing touches such as a wide variety of tea, homemade cakes, embellishments such as ribbons, beads and then tissue paper and a bag to wrap it all up. Looking forward to doing another course with Sarah; she is lovely and very knowledgeable"

20 Nov 17'

Andrew Chilcott reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"I had a great day with Andy, could not believe how fast it went. I was very pleased with the quality of the knife I made with Andys expert help, I have come away with something unique to keep and use. Thoroughly recommend to anyone looking to do something completely different and very gratifying!"