Latest reviews

2 Jun 17'

Joan Aitkin reviewed: one to one Leathercraft/ courses - spend the day learning to make a leather bag/knife sheath or axe sheath leather water bottle

"From start to finish a really enjoyable day - seeing the end product emerge from pieces of leather is great. Thoroughly recommend this experience."

2 Jun 17'

George Bailey reviewed: Axe making courses learn to Forge weld Bladesmithing

"What a day - hands on and great to see the end product from a piece of metal at the start. Stewart is very patient and encouraging. Highly recommended."

2 Jun 17'

John Shaw reviewed: Axe making courses learn to Forge weld Bladesmithing

"A grand day out - what an experience - really enjoyed the hammering lol. Great teacher. Highly recommended."

2 Jun 17'

Peter Hawkings reviewed: Axe making courses learn to Forge weld Bladesmithing

"Thoroughly enjoyed the experience - a challenge at first but Stuart is an excellent tutor - very patient and attentive. Highly recommended."

2 Jun 17'

Roger Davies reviewed: Axe making courses learn to Forge weld Bladesmithing

"Brilliant introduction to the world of bladesmithing - did not realise how much work was involved - but a great hands on experience."

2 Jun 17'

Sarah reviewed: Whittling course

"I had a great course last weekend 27/28 May. Thank you Martin for your warm welcome, patient teaching, hospitality and generosity of time. It was good to come back with such detailed notes, knife, a finished spoon and some wood. I am inspired to keep carving! It was a perfect setting in Martin's workshop and a lovely group, so thanks too to my fellow three students."

2 Jun 17'

Wendy reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"I had a great day on this course. Ricky was a really good teacher, calm and with just the right balance of encouragement and support. The day was an excellent introduction for people who might want to take this further, but also allowed for a really creative and impressive "one off" day out. The pieces we made are lovely. I would absolutely recommend this course!"

2 Jun 17'

Mary Keen reviewed: Hand-Spinning & Natural Dyeing Retreat, Highlands, Scotland

"I spent a week last July on a Dye to Spin course, staying in the Beaters' wing of a beautiful Lodge on the River Glass. There were six of us, an American couple who divided between walking (him) and very expert spinning and weaving (her) but she had not dyed before. The rest of us were Brits and Rosie made us all feel so welcome and we forged a happy, coherent group. It was so positive and the extra helpers and tutors were amazing as well. I was not destined to master spinning in the course of the week, but somehow I came away feeling that I might have potential if I persisted. My results are the sort of thing you tie up your Christmas parcels with -interesting but definitely unusual. But when it came to making a dyed square, collecting plants and arranging them and rolling up the silk square and watching it being steamed and then (patience required) left for 24 hours before being unrolled and admired I was as good as anybody and got so much pleasure out of it all. I loved handling the fleeces and separating them ready for dying, then hanging over the iron pots to watch the process unfold. It was a lovely hillside to stand on, and a magical barn to eat in round a big table as the stewing and brewing went on. Back at the Lodge the food was very good and the evenings spent with chat, demonstrations and trying to order our project books, if so minded. The rooms were pretty and beds truly comfortable and lashings of hot water. The day when the dyed fleeces were drying we spent walking and picnicking and being awestruck by Plodda Falls. I hope to return another year, and recommend it thoroughly."

2 Jun 17'

Caroline Jolliffe reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"I have attended a number of Ali's glass fusion workshops and cannot recommend them highly enough! She is a fantastic teacher, full of creativity and very patient with the artistically challenged! Over the years I have taken along friends, my young children and my mother in law so it is definitely suitable for all ages"

1 Jun 17'

"Mandy Goldstraw reviewed: One day Fused Glass Workshops

"I have just been on a 2 day stained glass leading course with Bonnie. I have enjoyed it so much and also learned a new skill. Bonnie was an excellent tutor, helpful when needed but great at showing how somethings done and letting you get on with it. I can't believe how much I have learned in 2 days and how confident I feel to have a go on my own. Bonnie has been most helpful with advice about equipment and supplies. All who have seen my window are very impressed, my husband says it's a masterpiece. Bonnie is very friendly and patient and made me feel very comfortable and at ease. I would absolutely recommend the course, it is such a lovely and worthwhile way to spend a couple of days learning how it's done."

1 Jun 17'

Sue reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"I have attended two of Julie's workshops so far making Christmas decorations and coasters. I have absolutely no artistic talent yet with Julie's expertise, help, advice and extreme patience I have produced works of art that I am delighted to display in my home. Julie is so lovely and welcoming and I cannot recommend her or the workshops highly enough - I will be booking again to make more Christmas decorations now I have 'the bug'."

1 Jun 17'

Alex reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"Have made Christmas decorations and coasters with Julie and have had a great time on both occasions. Julie is very welcoming and patient with regards to explaining all the ins and outs of glass. Would recommend to anyone."

1 Jun 17'

Liz reviewed: Natural Dyeing & Eco-printing, Highlands, Scotland

"Spent 2 fantastic days learning about natural dyeing, collecting materials from the wood, making up dye pots and dyeing fleece. The location is magical, views to dye for! Lunch lovely, very enjoyable weekend, Rosie is very knowledgeable about plants and dyeing. Will be returning!"

1 Jun 17'

Superb course reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Spent a Friday course with my brother in May. Nigel is a great host, knows his stuff, and has loads of stories. Lovely place to do the course and made some useful items. Had a great day."

1 Jun 17'

Elaine reviewed: Make a Windsor chair

"I loved every second of my making my beautiful chair with Ben. I'd highly recommend the course to anyone who is craving getting stuck in with a hands-on project and creating something truly special. Building the chair with only hand tools was hard work on the muscles at times, but incredibly satisfying and much more fun than the gym! The tools, techniques and and the different woods were all an absolute pleasure to work with and I've come away really proud of what I achieved. Thanks again Ben! If you're umm-ing and arr-ing about signing up, just go for it, it really is a brilliant course."

1 Jun 17'

Sandra Woodley reviewed: Cold-process soap making

"Wonderful course! A fun and informative day with Catherine who is so knowledgable about the subject and her passion shines through what she does. She has a gorgeous workshop in Usk. I was lucky as a few people had cancelled so I had a private course! I really enjoyed learning a new skill, made 2 batches of soap which are smelling delicious. Highly recommended. Can't wait to do another of her courses!"

1 Jun 17'

janet reviewed: Art & Craft Days - Create your own Textile Artwork - Beach Huts

"I really enjoyed the two half-day workshops with Heidi. The pace was good and instruction very clear, with lots of design and technique ideas. Materials and equipment were excellent and the general atmosphere was friendly and fun. Tea and cake breaks were most welcome, as I am inclined to go for too long without a drink. I'd definitely consider a workshop with Heidi at The Butterfly Studio again."

1 Jun 17'

Taylor reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"A really informative short course for beginners in a lovely environment conducive with learning. A fantastic and informative host who could not have been more welcoming. I walked away with a bag full of my own creations and felt so proud of what I'd achieved. I have no hesitation recommending this course no matter what it is you aspire to do, fun or business and excellent value for money. Thank you!"

1 Jun 17'

Kasia Ciszewska reviewed: Upholstery classes at Sandra Fryer's Workshops

"Sandra is absolutely superb teacher with an infinitive patience. Fantastic, relaxed atmosphere. Very small groups enable Sandra to help each student out whenever they need it. I have completed a few projects with her and kept coming back because it always has been great fun. In the same time I have learnt so much thanks to her. I don't think it would be possible in a different environment. Oh, and there's always some cake too! I would recommend Sandra's classes to anyone."

31 May 17'

Sindi reviewed: One day Traditional Lead Stained Glass Course

"Attended Cheryl's day workshop and had a fantastic time. I had always wanted to try making stain glass and Cheryl was a brilliant teacher and made the day really enjoyable. Classes are in small groups and the atmosphere is relaxed. You get to take home your panel which is great. Thanks Cheryl for a fun and creative day. I hope to meet you again."

31 May 17'

Catharine & Sophie reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Great 2 day course. We learnt so much in such a short time. We picked the course based on reviews and weren't disappointed. Bill has amazing knowledge and experience which he is so generous in sharing. A great practical course, we both managed to make a couple of items over the 2 days. Would love to do more in future."

31 May 17'

David Edwards reviewed: Wood Carving Course

"I had a very enjoyable day and was quite pleased with what I was able to achieve."

31 May 17'

Kate reviewed: Bronze casting weekend

"This is a truly fantastic course that I would recommend to anyone - and everyone! I had no knowledge or experience of sculpture or bronze casting and yet I have come away with a horse sculpture and a Venus figure that I am very happy with. Mark is a true 'renaissance man' and a great, amusing and talented teacher. Caroline gives a warm welcome and makes lovely lunches. If you are interested in bronze, sculpture, art (or just need a creative break like I did) don't even think about it, just book!"

31 May 17'

Lynda reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"Attended the stained glass workshop with mat on Sunday and really enjoyed it , mat was very patient and helpful and I came home with a lovely piece , I would highly recommend this class and would love to attend another in the future."

30 May 17'

Vija reviewed: Weaving the cosmos: sacred geometry and hexagonal weave basketry

"Fantastic course! Very inspirational; Annemarie was a generous and very skilled teacher. SAOG Studios put on an amazing array of courses - will definitely be back for more. Conveniently close to London (less than an hour's train ride) and having accommodation and meal options at the stunning and tranquil Emerson College (where SacredArtofGeometry/SAOG Studios are based) is a bonus."