Latest reviews

26 Jul 17'

Sarah Storer reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"A great way to 'have a go' at blacksmithing. The course was relaxed but I still managed to create three items over a weekend that I'm proud of. Everyone was really friendly and supportive, encouraging creativity. It's a testament to how much everyone in the group was enjoying the course that we all continued working on our pieces even after the official end time on the first day and had to be (gently) encouraged to leave!"

26 Jul 17'

Clinton Askew reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"The course was an excellent introduction to Blacksmithing. I wanted the opportunity to create an object rather than just learn techniques and this course provided the perfect blend of creativity, techniques and hands-on support. The weekend brought together a group of people from different backgrounds and we all enjoyed the experience. I look forward to building on this course."

26 Jul 17'

Robin Drury reviewed: Art in the Garden Fullers Mill Waterside Gardens Suffolk Drawing and Painting

"Fullers Mill Garden is just glorious. Lucy & Amanda goaded us into a creative response. Result - a new awareness of the possible. Game changing. Made for a beautiful day. Thanks both xx"

25 Jul 17'

Emma Queensborough reviewed: Pottery throwing sessions on the potter's wheel in Norfolk

"A thoroughly enjoyable experience on every level! Pat is a fantastic teacher who guided me over the two hours from being a complete novice to producing some fairly decent and totally useable pots! A very relaxed and friendly atmosphere made this a great activity to completely switch off from the hum drum and get immersed in learning new skills. Superb tea too Pat! I would thoroughly recommend and I can't wait to try it again! A great evening with a dear friend...just because! Thank You!"

25 Jul 17'

jodi buckley reviewed: Hand-Spinning & Natural Dyeing Retreat, Highlands, Scotland

"I don't even know where to start! Rosie's Dye to Spin adventure in the beautiful highlands was a dream come true. Rosie and Alex are welcoming hosts and their farm is beautiful, filled with sheep, chickens, goats, a rabbit, Otto the dog, Lavendar the lamb, and two adorable children. The house accommodations were nice and comfortable. There was plenty of space to spread out and knit until the wee hours. The woods and pastures surrounding the property were breathtaking. During our week on the farm, we learned the techniques of the process to turn a newly shorn fleece into eco dyed yarn. It was fascinating to see what colors we could create from the local flora around us. Bridie is a wonderfully patient spinning instructor. We were taught the basic skills to allow us to pursue spinning, should we desire. We also had a needle felting tutorial, we got to participate in a "waulking wool" song tradition with Ele, and had a nice introduction to fair isle knitting by Catherine. What I didn't expect, were the amazing meals cooked for us daily! What a treat. The food was healthy, delicious and plentiful. I can't say enough about my week in highlands. It was everything I had hoped it would be, and more!!"

25 Jul 17'

Colin & Shirley Scott reviewed: 3 Day beginners Fused Glass crash course - Silver Zebra studio Cheshire - Est 2004 by one of the UKs leading glass artists

"Thoroughly enjoyed all three days, learnt a lot, made a lot of pieces, met lovely people and shared some delicious food. Can't recall being so satisfyingly absorbed in an activity. Deborah is an excellent teacher, generous with her knowledge, ideas and materials. Course is excellent value for money."

25 Jul 17'

Peter Thompson reviewed: Blacksmith forgework Learning Experience Day

"Had a brilliant day with Robin and Darren. Both very knowledgable and easy to get on with. The day flew by and I came home with a mezzaluna and a bottle opener, really pleased with both. Food was excellent and he makes a cracking cup of tea. Would recommend this to anyone that has an interest in metalworking."

25 Jul 17'

Rachael Butler reviewed: One day pottery making course for 2 people in Norwich, Norfolk

"Excellent tuition from an inspiring teacher! From arrival we were made to feel welcome and relaxed within Pat's studio. We learned about the types of clay, how to prepare it and the basics of wheel thrown pottery techniques. Pat is an outstanding tutor, patient with beginners and always ready with a new challenge for those with more experience. Whether you are advanced in ceramics or a complete beginner, Pat will take your learning and techniques to higher levels. Thank you Pat. We had a fabulous time in your studio."

25 Jul 17'

Carolyn Littlewood reviewed: 3 Day beginners Fused Glass crash course - Silver Zebra studio Cheshire - Est 2004 by one of the UKs leading glass artists

"Had an amazing time, met new friends, learned so very much, ate wonderful food and brought away memories and many glass inspirations, the whole thing was well taught with an informality that made everyone comfortable with the work they produced."

25 Jul 17'

Paul Counter reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"I have some traditional woodworking experience, but this was a fascinating insight into the process of green woorworking. Actually taking a growing tree and, over the course of a few hours, felling, splitting and then carving out some useable objects was a wonderful experience. Even my teenage children enjoyed it. Andy and Jane are excellent hosts and instructors. 8 would thoroughly recommend this to people of any level of experience."

25 Jul 17'

Dominique reviewed: Furniture painting workshops / Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

"Fantastic course, just what I was looking for. Nyree gives the right amount of information and help to give you the confidence to take on furniture painting projects. Lots of tips and enough techniques to give you a good feel for the possibilities. Well done Nyree and thank you."

25 Jul 17'

Catherine Pinnock reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"A lovely day to try something new! Caroline took us through the rudiments of cutting tiles and set us going with what we each needed to create our own unique piece. We had help all along the way and timely demonstrations of each stage. We had a lovely soup and rolls lunch in her beautiful garden, and tea and cake! I didn't quite finish but that was no problem as I came away with what I needed to complete my piece. A grand day!"

24 Jul 17'

John Rogers reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"This is the second course I have attended at Sallerton wood the first being a two day stool making course about a year ago, it served me well in taking on a six day chair making course. Doing the stool making first gives you a good grounding in the use of the tools and the techniques and I felt allot more confident, I only say this as before the stool course my woodworking skills were zero. It is not absolutely necessary to do the stool course first as as the quality of the training and guidance you will get from Andy Morton is second to none, he is very patient and always on hand to guide you through the difficult bits and it is amazing what you can achieve in the six days. Everything is done with hand tools and the wood is from the woodland you will be working in. Sallerton Wood is about 10 acres with under cover working and eating areas should it rain but working outside under the trees with the birds singing and the sun shining, absolutely brilliant. I'll be back next year to make chair number two. John Rogers"

24 Jul 17'

Ali Andrew reviewed: 2-Day Traditional Stained Glass Painting Course for Beginners

"Nathalie has a lovely teaching manner, she is passionate and patient and obviously an extremely talented artist. It was really interesting to learn the different techniques for applying the paint to the glass and how to create different effects. I was just sad when it ended! A great 2 day course!"

24 Jul 17'

james reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"The course was fantastic we covered the 7 basic forging techniques and had adequate time to put the skills Pete was teaching us into practice. Pete guided us carefully and clearly so when he sent us off to complete the next stage of the course we had a clear idea of what we were supposed to do, and if someone was unsure Pete was happy to explain in another way until it was clear. During lunchtime we were provided with plenty of food and drink which was delicious and filling. In summary the course was well worth it and the techniques I have learned will remain with me forever and have allowed me to pursue forging my own path."

24 Jul 17'

Madoka Davis reviewed: Christmas Decorations in Art and Floristry

"Absolutely enjoyed our session today!!We had a family painting day out session at the beautiful setting by the creek. My 8yrs and 6yrs daughters love art and craft but I know nothing about art. There are a lot of places running art and craft activities during the summer holiday,but we wanted to go one step further, learning some painting skills as much as having fun. Jo was very friendly, knowledgeable tutor and very patient with my youngest daughter who was trying to go her own way. This is the wonderful way of spending time with our children and we will definitely book another session soon.Thank you very much."

24 Jul 17'

Marian I Chawner reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"I cannot recommend this lady enough. My family bought a one on one day for me, as a special birthday present. On first telephone contact, she was war, friendly and very accommodating. We arranged a date 21st June 2017. I arrived on an extremely hot day. Jo went out of her way to provide regular drinks and even bought strawberries to munch on. The whole day whizzed by. At no point did I feel a numb skull as every step to design, work and make my silver pendant and earrings, was clearly and succinctly explained. Jo is an excellent tutor, giving you confidence and gently leading you through all the processes, without patronising, and frustrating attitudes. She is obviously extremely well trained in her field, and makes it look easy, but I can assure you with her guidance you accomplish an excellent outcome. I also made a pendant out of burnished copper and a matching pair of earrings and a lovely metal mobile. I have, and do thoroughly recommend this talented lady and know anyone can have a thoroughly and enjoyable day, what ever your level of competence."

24 Jul 17'

Rob S reviewed: Wet felted picture workshop - Teesside

"Helen Edwards course is amazing. I intended to go for just a short course and I have ended up continuing to go weekly. It's a really supportive, friendly environment and I learn new skills ever week and my confidence increases equally. It's both social, stress busting and surprising in equal measure. A real weekly treat!!"

24 Jul 17'

Coral reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"Thoroughly enjoyable course. Everyone in our group made something that was worth taking home even though we were all complete beginners! Would recommend it."

24 Jul 17'

Sandra Crittell reviewed: Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop.

"It has all been really exciting, and I learned a lot, both about wax processes, and about putting the colours and additions together so that they work. It has been a real worthwhile experience, and I can't wait to do it again!"

24 Jul 17'

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

"I had a great day at Dunja's course for "beginners hand spinning". I never done any spinning before and learned so much. As the course has a maximum of 4 students Dunja does teach to everyones needs and she is very patient. I came home totally enthusiastic and am looking forward to practice my newly learned skills."

24 Jul 17'

Jenna Smith reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"I had a great day at Alice's weave workshop. The space itself was inspiring with all of Alice's art on display. Alice was awesome. Very patient and enthusiastic and great to have general chit chat with. Tools and materials were high quality and the best thing was being able to buy the loom to continue my new hobby at home."

23 Jul 17'

Darren Barlow reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"Really enjoyed my first woodworking experience since school(30 years ago). Even a novice like me came away from this two day course with a fully functioning side table. Pete and Joe were very chilled and patient instructors in a beautiful idyllic setting of Lambside Farm. Also met a great group of people in the process. Saving up for my next course, cant wait to continue improving and building my skills."

23 Jul 17'

Edd Rayner reviewed: Timber framing courses

"Absolutely outstanding! Go on this course: no matter your level of ability or if you only have a mild interest in timer-framing, I doubt that you will be disappointed. Alan has, and is always willing to share, his inspiringly profound depth of skills and knowledge in timber-framing. He is patient and has a natural skill at being a great teacher: an all-round cool-dude. This is mirrored by his son, Connor, who is just about the nicest guy you could hope to meet. Mary's cooking is out of this world: really different and really tasty: she is so lovely too. All of this, along with a few beers around the fire in the evening, means that the people on the course "bond" in a way that you couldn't imagine possible in such a short time. I will remember this week for some time to come and earnestly hope to come back for the advanced course soon. I have learnt a great deal, had a great time and made some great friends: what a great week's work (except it really didn't feel like work). Good luck to the Ritchie Clan!"

23 Jul 17'

Nicola lwggett reviewed: Beginners Bead-making

"Very good course - I learnt a lot from cat and came away with skills such as making my own twisties, large hole beads etc"