Latest reviews

10 Nov 17'

Marion Taylor reviewed: Beginners candle making private workshop - Marlow, Buckinghamshire

"Fab course Sarah explained everything very well. Very relaxed. You also get to take home loads of different candles - that you have made. I would 100% recommend this. A couple of the ladies on our course had been to other courses run by Sarah and had returned."

10 Nov 17'

Diane McCollen reviewed: Bee Experience

"My family bought me a voucher for a bee experience for my birthday. I have always been interested in bees but had never thought about going to such an amazing visitors centre and been able to open up full hives of bees and watch baby bees hatching & see the queen laying her eggs, all going about their business as if we weren't there. Kath was with me throughout the experience and she was an amazing font of knowledge, answering all my questions and she let me hold frames full of bees and honey. We even found a new queen and marked her so she will be easier to spot in future. The Bee Experience lasted for over 1 hour but the time flew by. Afterwards, we tasted different honeys from different hives and the flavours were amazing. I am going to buy some vouchers as christmas presents for friends & family ( even children) as it is such an amazing experience. I would highly recommend it to anybody."

10 Nov 17'

Sarah N reviewed: Furniture Painting Course with Afternoon Tea in Sheffield by South Yorkshire Interiors Academy

"Great course, lot's of laughs and came home with a beautiful piece of furniture."

10 Nov 17'

Sue Meads reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Just like old times . Thank you for a smashing day full of banter and laughter and the end product, a super bowl of which I am justifiably proud as it is the first time I have been anywhere near a lathe in two years. I think it just goes to show I must have had a damned good teacher when I started out! Thanks again to George, and , of course, Susan."

9 Nov 17'

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

"This 2 day initial training I had with Lancashire branch was very well organised & run. The trainers were professional & friendly, they made me feel comfortable & confident with building a section of dry stone wall. I would recommend this training to any person who is interested in walling. It was great to work as a team & also to work in your own space to practise, ask & learn new techniques from others. All the participants were so helpful & friendly & nice to each other. A great 2 days in the fresh air & countryside."

9 Nov 17'

Garry Evans reviewed: Christmas Wreath with Powertex, with Craft My Day

"If its like any of the other courses at this venue it will be amazing ,great value for money,informative and great fun."

9 Nov 17'

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

"I only have one regret and that is I didn't enrol on this course years ago! I had an appreciation of the heritage and uniqueness of dry stone walls before but until I went on the course I hadn't appreciated that they were a work of art and if you are very lucky you have a chance of creating something beautiful. The two days were well organised and a pleasure to participate in, everyone was friendly and the organisers knew their stuff. Everywhere I look I see walls in need of repair, it is vital that we carry on and it is through organisations such as this that it can be made possible. Keep up the good work !"

9 Nov 17'

Leigh Patterson reviewed: Powertex Medium Standing Angel

"I throughly enjoyed the Angel Powertex course, it was well organised, excellent tutor and I am absolutely thrilled with the Angel I made. I would recommend others to do this course. I never realised Powertex could be used in so many projects and am really enthusiastic to start experimenting further."

9 Nov 17'

Hazel Towle reviewed: Pembrokeshire Maddie Janes Mosaic

"A warm welcome to a thoroughly enjoyable few hours with Maddie. She gave us good clear instructions, helped us all individually and was calm and smiling through it all! We all came away with a mosaic tile and a feeling of accomplishment. Thank you Maddie for a great course."

9 Nov 17'

Sally reviewed: Learn pen and wash painting techniques with artist Anne Barnham

"Class was well run and good value for money - £25 for whole day, specialist materials provided tho we were asked to bring own basics, Would have been helpful if Anne had stipulated what kind of watercolour paper to bring and whether to stretch it - turned out to be rough surfaced min 400gsm which didn't need stretched - but I muddled through! And Anne had spares *:) happy Venue was a bit tight for ten but manageable. Enjoyed course thoroughly - lovely atmosphere - and intend to book her perspectives class."

9 Nov 17'

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

"I only went along to keep my wife company but to my surprise, found that I had a really good time and felt that I was learning a really valuable skill. Having originally thought it wouldn't be for me, I now find that I'm a convert"

9 Nov 17'

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

"I attended the course in August and was very impressed with all the instructors and the volunteers who were helping out. In addition to being informative, it was great fun and I was very pleased with my efforts. I really want to carry on with this activity and will be going along to the practice meets whenever I can"

9 Nov 17'

Beverley Bruce reviewed: Pottery making party in lovely seaside studio

"I had such a good time and made about 5 different things. I liked being able to choose what to make but also have the benefit of your experience, ideas, molds and tools. And of course, the experience of having a bash at the potters wheel. I would highly recommend your course."

9 Nov 17'

Peter Pearse reviewed: Oval Steam-bent Shaker boxes Evening Class in London

"I have been learning woodwork skills from Tom Trimmins for about 5 years, and keep coming back for more! He has taught me (and many others) how to use hand- and power-tools (and how to use them properly and safely), about the properties of many different woods and about how to disguise my many mistakes. I have made: many boxes, a stool, a medicine cabinet, a table and a rocking chair, among other things. Tom is a good, amusing and relaxed teacher, as well as being a great woodworker."

9 Nov 17'

Debs Steele reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"A fabulous course in a tranquil rural setting. Jo is an inspirational and knowledgable teacher who generously shares her expert knowledge with her students in her beautiful barn home. Jo significantly limits the number of students on her courses, to enable her to give each one personal attention. I had a fun, productive and very enjoyable day in a good-natured and relaxed atmosphere. I learnt a huge amount about candles, melts and hanging wax Christmas decorations, which I shall put to good use to make gifts for friends and family. A delicious home-made soup for lunch - the break allowing time for our candles to set. The finishing touches with the wrapping of our products to take home, really was the icing on the cake. A wonderful experience. Highly recommended."

9 Nov 17'

Joanne fellows reviewed: Beginning Your Beekeeping - Two Day Beginners Course

"Great course a must for beginners. We were well looked after by manual farm and no question too small for the trainers. Brilliant course a must"

9 Nov 17'

DVC reviewed: Improvers Hand Spinning - Next Steps in Hand Spinning - at All in a Spin

"Having already attended Dunja’s Beginners’ Spinning course and two of her weaving courses, we know Dunja as a brilliant, patient teacher. She is also expert at her craft. In this course, you learn about different types of fibres and practice spinning them. Different fibres behave entirely differently and much entertainment was had in the first few minutes of trying a different fibre, as our tiny class of three got to grips with the different drafting length. By the afternoon we were confidently handling different fibres. Then we learned to prepare more unusual fibres, such as using combs to prepare longer wool. After lunch, we begun the blending section, where we blended different fibres together on a drum carder. This was so much fun. Blending different colours and fibres, including different types of silk (try the recycled Sari silks in jewel colours) and wools, gave unexpected, serendipitous results. Spinning theses carded fibres was a voyage of discovery. My partner and I are both hooked. We are now the proud owners of two second-hand spinning wheels and are finding new sources of fibre wherever we look. We have yet to approach the local alpaca farm, but I definitely have my eye on the dog. Have fun!"

9 Nov 17'

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

"Having undertaken Beginners’ Weaving and Intermediate Weaving, my partner and I already knew what a fantastic teacher Dunja at All in a Spin is. I am not surprised that she has won awards. Her gorgeous studio was toasty warm with its wood burner, but the initial stage of the course involved going outside, meeting some of Dunja’s sheep and being introduced to a fleece in its whole, unwashed glory. You are encouraged to touch the fleece and understand which sections of the fleece will make good yarn and which sections will cause problems and why that is the case (remember, rubbish in, rubbish out). Then you take some fresh fleece sections to wash and dry, which turns out to be a surprisingly simple. Using dry pure Clun fleece from Dunja’s own sheep you learn to prepare rolags (or carded rolls of fleece) for spinning. Then, the moment you’ve been waiting for, you spin ... or not. If you are like my partner, the technique clicks right alway and you are producing an even yarn in minutes. If you are not a natural and find it tricky, it will take longer, but with Dunja’s expertise and careful observation of what you are up to, you will definitely get the hang of it by the afternoon. Spinning is a wonderful feeling. Like any craft, there is that sense of quiet joy at producing something with your hands, but with spinning there is an almost euphoric high in seeing fluffy clouds of woolly stuff turn into smooth, even yarn at your fingertips at a ridiculously high speed (aka the slowest setting at which the wheel can turn). It seems like magic. By the way, my tip for learning to spin is treat it like learning to ride a bike - it is easier if you keep that wheel going once you get your balance. Don’t stop! In fact, you won’t want to stop once you’ve started. If you are thinking about trying this course, go for it. You will love it."

9 Nov 17'

DVC reviewed: Beginners Weaving with the Rigid Heddle Loom - at All in a Spin

"My partner and I took the Beginners’ Weaving course at All in a Spin with Dunja Roberts because we wanted to learn something completely different. We had an amazing time. Dunja is a careful, patient instructor and both of us felt we learned a huge amount during the day. The other people on the course were lovely and the studio is gorgeous. By that weekend we had decided that we had to get our own rigid heddle looms. Two months on and we have already woven 14 scarves between us, most of which are to be sold for charity. Whilst the device is simple, a rigid heddle loom can produce remarkably complex and beautiful designs and with Dunja’s guidance, you simply can’t go wrong. We booked in for Weavers’ Intermediates shortly after collecting our looms."

9 Nov 17'

Jean an,d Keith hadley reviewed: Pottery making party in lovely seaside studio

"We had a thoroughly enjoyable day. Really fun and informative day. Look forward to seeing the end results."

9 Nov 17'

Shelima reviewed: Pottery making party in lovely seaside studio

"We booked the course as a date activity and because it was something we always wanted to try. The course was value for money as we got to try different techniques as well as using the wheel (which really was the best bit!). Jenny was very welcoming and friendly. The venue was homely and we were lucky with great weather to enjoy the beach and its fab cafe (large portions and good food). I would love to return to have another go when the children are a bit older as i am sure they will enjoy it too."

9 Nov 17'

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

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day at Dunja's farm on the one day course 'Beginners Hand Spinning'. I am a complete novice and Dunjas clear, precise, tailored tuition was just what I needed. The setting is very relaxed , studio well equipped , directions clear and a very warm welcome . I came away inspired to practice , practice and look forward to continuing in my Spinning development ."

9 Nov 17'

Yana Georgieva reviewed: Glass fusing class - powders and enamels

"An excellent course and a wonderful day! Sarah's kind, knowledgable, supportive and very creative. I was able to work independantly whilst still guided by Sarah. Would definately recommend! Yaba"

9 Nov 17'

George reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Loved the course. Came away feeling that we had learnt a skill to take away and refine. Chris is very engaging. Easy to be around and clearly incredibly passionate about what he does. You only need to look at how he works the wood to see that he is a very proficient artist. You are in capable hands - he is not just some one who practices wood carving as a hobby, he is dedicated and it shows. Very hands on day. What is wonderful is that you start with a round of wood and you personally work it all the way to a usable spoon. It is extremely satisfying to do. Relaxed atmosphere. His mum puts on an unbelievable homemade spread for lunch. It should be noted that tea and drinks and food alone are VERY well provided. It was delightfully unexpected. No pack lunch nonsense ! For the money its a bargain compared with other courses I've been on. Go for it"

8 Nov 17'

Lisa Richardson reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"Myself and two friends spent the day with Sally Anne making small stags and a hare. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and we were thrilled with what we had made in just one day, it didn’t seem possible. Sally Anne is an excellent teacher and shared with us lots of knowledge around her crafts. Barley is also a lovely village with 2 pubs and a cafe on the car park so you can combine your course with a nice lunch. I can’t wait to book on to another course and will definitely be recommending to friends."