Latest reviews

15 Nov 17'

Simon Dowdy reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"A great day for my 18 year old son.His birthday present turned out to be a fantastic triumph thanks to Andy’s paitience and tutorage. A proper charcoal forge (not gas) gave my son the full experience which even with the sweat and aching arm couldn’t wipe the broad grin from his face. Thanks Andy you really made his day"

15 Nov 17'

Phil Flack reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"My girlfriend and I decided to book a candle workshop with Anita. She is such a good teacher and is very patient and knowledgeable. The setting is lovely too. Such a beautiful room which is full of character and charm. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there and made a lovely little selection of different types of candles. The pace of the course was ideal. We were allowed plenty of time to choose our fragrances and designs. During the candlemaking we had some great chats with Anita who makes you feel so at home and as though you've known her ages. And with M83 and Bob Marley playing in the background it was all very relaxed! I'd recommend it to anyone and would not hesitate to return for another course. As a bonus, it's only a short distance from Newborough Forest and Llanddwyn Island. We managed to do a course in the morning and have a lovely coastal walk in the afternoon."

15 Nov 17'

Vanessa Teal reviewed: Make your very own clutch bag/small tablet device case/sleeve

"I had a fabulous time doing the leather workshop. I found the facts about leather really interesting and I learnt a lot. I had great fun making my card holder/wallet and with Richard's excellent guidance and patience I ended up with a beautiful and durable card holder which I am very proud of. I am not a creative or artistic person so I had my doubts as to whether I was going to be able to make anything worth keeping but the instructions were very clear, the tools to complete the products were all there and explained to us so I had no difficulties making my card holder/wallet. I can recommend this course to anyone regardless of their level. I can't wait to do another course."

15 Nov 17'

Bryan Rampton reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"Ian is a top bloke very patient and knowledgeable. It was a relaxed day working with my hands to create something myself with Ian's guidance that I could take home at the end of the day. Highly recommend."

15 Nov 17'

Jonny Porteous reviewed: Highland stool making course - Scottish Highlands

"Amazing course with Aaron! Great way to chill out and learn new skills. All the tools were top class and being shown how to use them properly was really useful. Fantastic experience and leaving with a product of your handywork leaves you with a amazing sense of achievement. A must do course!"

15 Nov 17'

Anne Crawford reviewed: Glass fusing class - powders and enamels

"My glass fusing course was a well-hinted-at birthday present and it was a great day out. Only a small group of us which meant that the day was full of good hints and loads of opportunities for Sarah to help those of us who needed more support!!! She was patient, friendly and passionate about what she does. I would recommend this to anyone. Enjoy !!"

15 Nov 17'

Hannah Milner reviewed: Weekend Stool Making Courses

"I loved this course. I had no prior experience and when I arrived and saw what we were going to make I thought i'd never reach that standard in two days! Yet I came home with a beautiful handmade stool that everyone admired! The tutor was enthusiastic and very informative and guided us at a good pace through the two days. We all sat in the courtyard for lunch and got to know each other, a lovely sociable atmosphere. Cant recommend this course enough!"

15 Nov 17'

Andy Cross reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"I have only had my lathe for a few months, and despite trying to teach myself from online videos I had hit a 'limit' as to what i could do. Grahams teaching method makes it easy to understand how and why the wood behaves as it does, I am planning another session after practice, practice, practice! I would recommend Graham to anyone, i came away with a completely new approach in using some of my tools, and a lovely bowl that now takes centre stage in our kitchen. Thank you again Graham I will certainly be in touch again."

15 Nov 17'

Graham smith reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Excellent day,priceless help and advice,friendly tuition and plenty of tea! Went in knowing nothing and came out with confidence to go and buy my own lathe and get on with it. Would recommend to anyone, complete beginner or otherwise i think there's always something you can learn."

15 Nov 17'

Emily Bunton reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"I bought this experience as a gift for my other half for his birthday. He had an amazing day and he loved every second of it. It was fun and interesting. John and the others running the course were friendly, helpful, super skilled and all round incredible craftsmen. We're going back in December for another crack! Thanks for an amazing day - totally recommend it to anyone as something fun, interesting, rewarding and different to do!"

15 Nov 17'

Audrey Elliott reviewed: Fused glass Xmas decorations: morning workshop YOU MAKE YOUR OWN GROP UP

"An excellent afternoon making Christmas glass decorations. Everything was laid out and ready for us, and there were plenty of decorations to choose from. Julie was an excellent tutor and host. Very pleased with our finished decorations and we can't wait to do another course. Very good value for money and we would certainly recommend this course."

15 Nov 17'

Alison Humphries reviewed: 1 Day Fused Glass for beginners workshop at The Silver Zebra studio Cheshire - Est 2004

"Having attended the introductory 1-day course I recently attended a further 2-day course which extended my knowledge and enabled me to use different materials including glass paints and stringers and well as learning about kiln carving. I was again amazed how many projects you are able to complete during Deborah's courses. Lots of useful advice is given including how to obtain and set up a kiln. The other highlight of a course at The Silver Zebra is the excellent lunch. Hope to come back in the future."

15 Nov 17'

Alison Humphries reviewed: Mosaic (1 day) in the Peak District

"I attended a one day "Introduction to Mosaic" at Zantium studios in November 2017. I have to say it was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. Alison welcomes you to their lovely home and provides tea and coffee while you browse books for ideas. Next it is off to the airy and bright studio where Peter has a huge range of materials available for you to choose from. After some helpful guidance on cutting and pattern design you are ready to start. I was amazed that I was able to make two coasters and an item to hang on the wall having never attempted the craft before. Peter is on hand to offer advice and tips and provides you with grouting to finish your project(s) at home. A tasty lunch is provided plus afternoon tea and cake. All in all a fabulous course and I am hoping to do one of the longer courses next year. Thank you to Alison and Peter!"

15 Nov 17'

Charles Fletcher reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a satisfying day. My youngest daughter bought me this day as a birthday present. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and would recommend it to anyone. Adrians tuition was first class as was Andys help; Debbie has to be commended for the excellent catering. This is a day you can disappear into. Thankyou"

15 Nov 17'

Olivia & Liam reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"We spent an absolutely fantastic half day at Ian's workshop making a pair of rustic stools. With little prior knowledge of the skills involved, Ian taught the basics of green woodworking, and through his gentle guidance and demonstration, we learnt so much from the day and returned home with two beautiful stools that we are so proud of. Ian's workshop is wonderful - full of interesting bits and bobs, and it was great to spend time with someone so dedicated and enthusiastic about his craft. We hope to return soon on another of his workshop days - and would highly recommend Ian's courses to anybody- keen woodworker or complete novice. Thank you Ian!"

15 Nov 17'

Linda reviewed: Beginner's sewing course - bags and bits with Craft My Day

"Rachel was so lovely and patient. The course taught us how to use a sewing machine and then we came home with a home made bag. Facilities were excellent and tea/coffee offered too. Small groups, so lots of help available at all times. Looking forward to another course in the future. Thank you Rachel for a lovely morning, and yes I've bought a sewing machine."

15 Nov 17'

Stephanie Price reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"What a great two day course. Fab atmosphere, beautiful studio, lovely people, expert knowledge and guidance... loved every minute of it. Can’t wait to put the new skills into practise. Thank you"

14 Nov 17'

Stefon cieschinger reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Attended this course on the 11th of November absolutely loved it Nigels a top bloke had a laugh and learnt loads of new skills would recommend this course to anyone thats looking for a great day out and to learn something new I'll definitely be going again"

14 Nov 17'

Susan Chrisp reviewed: Felted flowers workshop

"I'm new to working with felt and found the workshop very interesting. Lena is an excellent teacher and breaks down difficult concepts and ideas into easy to understand instructions. She takes her time and made sure that everyone was able to produce some lovely flowers. The afternoon was really fun and friendly I will definitely be attending more of her workshops."

14 Nov 17'

Howard Peel reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"At 46 this is the first review I've ever left - the course was so enjoyable & valuable, I'm compelled to make comment. Ade 's instruction was spot on, plus I was picking his brains on all things blacksmithing, I learnt so much - the day flew by. I'm quite amazed at the pieces I made, by far exceeded my expectations. I'm a veggie & gluten intollerant, Debbie & Ade could not of been more accommodating. I'm defiantly setting myself up at home with a little fire pit & anvil in the garden to play. In todays world of smart phones & tech, to be in that room in front of a fire pit hitting a glowing red hot steel bar on an anvil was so grounding, primal, it felt just great! I urge all to give it a go - let the stress melt away. 10 out of 10, I'll defiantly be back for more."

14 Nov 17'

John reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Thank you for a very enjoyable 2 days, and for your patience in trying to sort out 40 years of self taught bad practice and mistaken techniques. I think you have set me on the path to a new era of enjoying turning."

14 Nov 17'

Lindsay Mills reviewed: Willow Christmas reindeer

"Great to be back at Willow Barn with Victoria and accompanied by daughter and daughter in law to be. Excellent constructive help and encouragement from Victoria and we all succeeded in producing very different reindeers . They were much larger than anticipated and packing three plus ourselves into the car continued the enjoyment of the day. Partners were suitably impressed, the deer will join piglets from earlier in the year! Many thanks Victoria we may well return again with your new ideas for classes."

14 Nov 17'

David Hall reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"A great new experience with a fun, informal group of fellow novices. Steve's expert understanding, and guidance, meant we could all (especially my 15 year old daughter) be proud of our designs. Steve was even happy to discuss our ideas before the course; I recommend giving him a ring and bringing any stencils with you, so you can make the most of your day! With endless creative possibilities, the resulting glassware is mesmerizing with both bold composition and intricate detail. The only negative is that it's SO addictive!"

14 Nov 17'

Corrinne reviewed: Fused glass day course - beginners/intermediate

"This was a wonderful day spent in a lovely surroundings. Nicky was very good at explaining everything and very supporting with some great ideas. This was my first attempt at working with glass, but I was very pleased with my results. I would recommend this to anyone that would like to try it as you will be surprised with your results."

14 Nov 17'

Martin Taylor reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I was given this days course as birthday present and I can say it was one of the best courses I’ve been on. The location was really nice and the forge was very well equipped. Both Adrian and Andy were excellent instructors, very friendly and helpful. I would really recommend this to anyone wishing to try this out for the first time."