Latest reviews

15 Jun 17'

Susan McPhee reviewed: Craft Retreat at Wild Rose Escapes, Highlands, Scotland

"I had the most fantastic week, learning new skills, exploring the surrounding beautiful area, meeting lovely people and living in a nice house with great fresh local food Rosie made this all possible with her hard work and lots of energy. I would love to return some day."

15 Jun 17'

Rose Jones reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"Great day. Lucy is excellent at holding a workshop. Friendly, Relaxed flexible attitude to everything and everyone. She could not have been more accommodating and welcoming. An intimate experience in Lucy's home, with great input and assistance as required. Lunch prepared by Lucy, in her garden was a definite bonus, the food was delicious, and the amount of 'time out' just right, as the afternoon raced by to 4pm. I didn't quite finish my upholstery project, but was Confident enough to do the last bit at home. Lucy made sure we all got as much done in the time as we could, without 'pressure'."

15 Jun 17'

Anthony reviewed: A stool making day

"Thank you so much for the course. It was just a brilliant day and I cannot think of a better and more mindful way to spend a day. Also so much enjoyed meeting you, your colleagues and others on the course."

14 Jun 17'

Rona Paterson reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Most enjoyable experience. More to candle making than I would have guessed. Learned about 'melts'. Kerry taught us in a very friendly and relaxed manner. Met lots of nice people. Had most amazing gluten free lemon cake with my coffee. Lots of lovely products to buy. Highly recommend this experience."

14 Jun 17'

Jen McDowall reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"A great course! High quality candles are the end result of a fun and informative class! I absolutely cannot wait to use my new goodies!"

14 Jun 17'

Suzi Fearn reviewed: Furniture painting workshops / Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

"I loved this course, I've been wanting to do one for a while and this one was perfect. The combination of Nyree's tuition and the hands on painting really enabled you to see what can be done. I would definitely recommend Nyree and this course to anyone interested in furniture painting. I'd like to do more please."

14 Jun 17'

Nick Trowbridge reviewed: Make a Windsor chair

"This really is a superb course for anyone who is interested in wood work. Ben is an excellent teacher who allows you to get on with the task independently whilst ensuring a watching eye is kept over each student to make sure you don't mess it up. The time just flies along and you come away with a creation which you can be really proud of. During the course you will learn all sorts of techniques in Green wood working and you will become hooked- I have even bought my own tools! It is such a relaxing atmosphere in his workshop and I looked forward to my lessons each week and the progress we would make. 10/10!"

14 Jun 17'

Thandi reviewed: Chalk painting workshop with Craft My Day

"This was so much fun. Vicky was relaxed but focussed, so we came away feeling confident and ready to tackle our first project at home. It was wonderful to come home with something I had made and was proud of. Would highly recommend this course! It's wonderful working in such an inspiring, creative space and it definitely got all my creative juices flowing!"

14 Jun 17'

Emma Thomas reviewed: Fused glass jewellery - weekend 2-day course - Develop your glass jewellery making, design and cold working skills

"This was a brilliant course which really moved my creativity and skills forward. The class is small enough that you can get the help you need while big enough to have a fun, creative atmosphere. The pieces I produced are remarkable - far better than I dreamed were possible. Eleanor is incredibly helpful and supportive and willing to share her expertise. Highly recommended!"

14 Jun 17'

Jane Adams reviewed: One on One Weaving Workshop

"I attended a one-to-one 2-day weaving course in May 2017. The course was both excellent and inspiring. As a novice, I felt the need to have dedicated attention at a pace that suited me (slow). Not only did I get to learn about the setting up of a loom (which is fairly complicated and time-consuming), proof, if that is needed, that the effort of weaving is extremely labour-intensive and that much of that labour is hidden when one buys a woven item, but I also managed to weave a sample in colours of my own choosing, which clearly demonstrated how different weave patterns interact with selected colours - often in very pleasing ways aesthetically. I could not have asked for a more patient teacher. I cannot recommend this course highly enough. And I will find any excuse to organise a 'refresher' when the time comes!"

14 Jun 17'

vincent reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"A 2-day bonanza! The morning of day 1 was spent designing the ring. As I am devoid of artistic flare, we reviewed previous students' efforts and came up with an amalgam of prior designs. The afternoon session was devoted to a copper mockup. Lucy and I grew to realise that the design posed some singularly difficult challenges concerning the final length of the ring, namely the 4-segmented pattern. The oblique cuts further complicated the silverware, along with the requirement of an oblique cut to best hide the seam. All in all, this was time well spent. Day 2 was a methodological execution of the first day's work. All the preparation paid off and I'm delighted with my opus! Thank you, Lucy."

14 Jun 17'

Kim Woodberry reviewed: Mixed Media every Wednesday at The Studio, Somerton, Somerset.

"My friends & I had a lovely day with Constance who guided and inspired us. Constance clearly loves what she does and her enthusiasm is infectious."

14 Jun 17'

Peter Grundy reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"Everyone says Steve is brilliant and everyone is right. I've done this course twice now and enjoyed both times immensely. I also learnt a lot, in fact enough to make me feel that if I did it once more (which I well might), I could even make something good enough to surprise myself with. The important thing is to recognise that you can't make the kind of outstanding piece of glass in a day that it takes a professional years to perfect, although several people in the groups I was with did in fact do pretty well. Their success was partly down to Steve's excellent advice as to what's likely to work and what isn't and to his hands-on help at crucial moments, partly because they came well prepared, and partly because they took real trouble and worked more carefully than, sad to say, I did. Because Steve is a really nice person who quickly creates a friendly and enabling atmosphere - on both the courses I was on, everyone got on brilliantly right from the beginning. It may seem quite a lot of money, but given the cost of materials, energy, and the outstanding tuition provided by maybe the best person in the field, it's actually very good value indeed. The premises are also great to work in and his gallery / shop a pleasure to see."

13 Jun 17'

Haley Burke reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Day 2 What an Insightful day!! Having attended jewellery making workshops with other providers may years ago, I was amazed at Lucy's wealth of knowledge and teaching ability. The workshop, garden and Lucy's welcoming personality provides a relaxing and calming atmosphere to learn at your own pace."

13 Jun 17'

James reviewed: One day blacksmithing course

"Me and my friend went for one day course. Had a great time exceeded my expectations. Julian was really good at guiding us through the process and providing help where needed. Me and my friend both loved it and would reccommend it to anyone interested in blacksmithing."

13 Jun 17'

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

"I had a very helpful and enjoyable day with Graham. He made me very welcome and feel at ease. I am a novice turner and wanted to develop my skills. Graham was very sympathetic to my needs, suggesting and demonstrating techniques that really helped me overcome difficulties I was having. He has an excellent teaching style , informative, knowledgeable, supportive yet giving you room to practice and learn by doing it yourself. Coffee, tea and biscuits on tap and a tasty lunch sitting in his lovely garden. I would certainly recommend a course with Graham"

13 Jun 17'

Bev Lindsell reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning. I attended a workshop with Anita with my 11 year old daughter. We had a splendid time together. Anita's workshop is a lovely environment...... Truly a candle kingdom. Anita held my daughters interest for a whole 3 hours which is quite something. She adapted her teaching to accommodate both of us. We made pillar candles, scented candles and crafted flower candles. Anita has a wealth of knowledge and is clearly very experienced. We feel that we have learnt the skills required to start making our own candles at home. Totally recommend Anita's workshops be it for a family or a group of friends. Will certainly be booking again soon. Also an unusual way to spend a rainy morning or afternoon on holiday."

13 Jun 17'

Chris Gwilliam reviewed: Sculptural Needle Felting in the beautiful Conwy Valley, North Wales

"A great course. Friendly, informative and would definitely attend any others run"

13 Jun 17'

Jean Salter reviewed: Needle Felting with FURZIE at The National Herb Centre, Banbury, Oxfordshire

"A perfect day out. I really enjoyed my first attempt at this craft. Michelle is a great tutor, encouraging, friendly and very talented. I am amazed at what I was able to produce on this day course. Great value for money and I will be going again. I have received so many compliments on my "Harry Hare""

13 Jun 17'

Elaine Perry reviewed: Hand spinning for Beginners Level 1 accredited course at All in a Spin

"This innovative course is very well planned and delivered. I enjoyed the two 'taught days' immensely and really feel that I have learned a lot. The learning was more in - depth, probably as a result of the need to focus for achieving accreditation. The homework set in between the two days certainly helped me to understand the spinning process in terms of twist and drafting and I certainly understand how to achieve a 'balanced yarn'! It was nice to analyse my spinning technique as I was practising. I am looking forward to completing my file and weaving my 'swatch'. As always Dunja is available for support throughout. Her knowledge and understanding of all the processes involved in turning fleece into fibre and fabric is such a resource in itself. An excellent course, I am certainly enjoying the challenge of spinning."

13 Jun 17'

Sheila March reviewed: Craft Retreat at Wild Rose Escapes, Highlands, Scotland

"Rosie had organized the retreat perfectly! The blend of constructive "work" - gathering dye materials, learning how they work, brewing on the outdoor fires - and seeing the fascinating range of colours produced, combined with completing felted objects. That was enhanced with walks exploring the beautiful area and relaxing and interesting talks or activities in the evenings. The friends who came to help in the evenings added to the lovely atmosphere in a beautiful house with comfortable rooms and the meals were very thoughtfully prepared with great attention to my dietary needs. There was no feeling of pressure to achieve and if you wished to go and do your own thing - that was ok too. Altogether a wonderful week!"

13 Jun 17'

Julie Whitehorn reviewed: Landscapes in Wool - Painting with Fibres

"A wonderful and inspiring day's workshop. Emma gently took us through the design process in a clear and informative, easily accessible way. The small group was perfect and each one of us had brought a different type of image to create a wool 'painting', which enabled us to discuss and understand different possibilities to achieve pictures. Blocking, laying and blending the wool really 'felt' like painting! There is a wonderful, extensive array of colours and types of wool rovings and all manner of fibres to choose from, allowing endless possibilities. Emma is clearly a very experienced, generous tutor and brings her expertise as a designer and felt maker to her teaching. There was a good balance of support and instruction, with space for our own creativity. The studio is well equipped and an ideal place for this activity. It's set in a charming garden where we had lunch under the tree with the chickens clucking. We all had a thoroughly enjoyable day and we thrilled with our results. Thank you Emma!"

13 Jun 17'

Nicki Hamilton reviewed: An Introduction to Stained Glass - 2 day Weekend Workshop

"A thoroughly enjoyable two days. The course covered every aspect of leaded stained glass, from cutting to the flow of a design. Fi gave expert advice at every step of the process and, under her tuition, at the end of the second day I left with a panel I was enormously proud of. The setting of Fi's studio is lovely, such a beautiful location. Well worth making a long weekend of the course and staying in the local area to see more of it. Next time!"

12 Jun 17'

Rhiannon reviewed: Mini Felt Floral Wreath Kit

"This was one of the nicest courses I've ever been on. Lyndsey was so welcoming, and really receptive to my crafting needs, she was also kind enough not to cancel the course when only I booked onto it, which was fantastic, and we had a nice chat as we crafted. The ABBA and homemade brownies were the icing on the cake for me, and I've told several of my friends about the workshop and they all want to come with me another time. It was also excellent value for money, and so thank you so much for such a great workshop...I'm really excited to put my new skills into place for my wedding :-)"

12 Jun 17'

Ed Hollis reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I had a fantastic time on a one-day course with George. I arrived having had some limited experience on a lathe, although my efforts to date left much to be desired, which George will vouch for! George and Susan were very welcoming from the outset, and we spent a little while chatting before cracking on with it! Immediately, I was learning all sorts of tips which would make my future woodturning better, beginning with the origins of the timber and sourcing and treating timber blanks. We then spent the morning running through the series of tooling and finishing processes, to form the bottom of the bowl. After lunch, we flipped the bowl and played around with some decorative techniques before finishing the top of the bowl. George was a great teacher and made the whole process clear and memorable, giving brief demonstrations before letting me develop the techniques myself. I left with a big smile on my face and my wife was very pleased with her bowl! Obviously you can only learn so much in a day. However I have come a long way from where I was and am eager to get practising my newly learned skills."