Latest reviews

30 Apr 17'

Sarah Larkins reviewed: Clay Day Workshop

"Spent today with Geri and Sue, and cannot recommend it highly enough. Fantastic tutors who take time with everyone, ensuring you come away with fantastic creations. Atmosphere is relaxed and fun, very informative. I have never had any experience and was still able to throw a pot and make several other pieces with different techniques. The time flew and was hugely enjoyable."

30 Apr 17'

Sally reviewed: Patchwork and quilting week with Dawn Cameron Dick

"Thank you very much for arranging last week's course and for all your hospitality during it. I thoroughly enjoyed it and learnt so much - but also very much appreciated your delicious lunches and refreshments throughout the day and the relaxed and friendly environment that you provide at Lilac Barn."

30 Apr 17'

ron marshall reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Had a great day with Bob learned more in a day than a month of watching youtube vids. if you get the basics right, all the rest just falls into place kid really recommend this course for anyone starting Smithing"

30 Apr 17'

Lesa reviewed: Pottery / ceramics wheel throwing, full day

"Went on this course yday. It was fantastic. Lorraine is an awesome tutor and utterly lovely. It was a real pleasure be in her company and hear about her vast experience. I was really impressed with her studio which was just great. There were 6 of us and there was plenty of space to work and chat. We got throwing straightaway, each of us had our own wheel and Lorraine was always on hand to help us all. The morning was spent throwing and the afternoon we turned pots and had the opportunity to do some hand building which I really enjoyed. I made 9 things overall, all quite different and I loved the course. It was relaxing, interesting, creative and excellent value. I will definitely go again. I am now full of ideas of things I want to make. Ps. The cakes, tea were yummy. And the garden is lovely too. Thank you Lorraine."

30 Apr 17'

Simon nunn reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"My sister in law and brother in law got the one day introduction course for my son for a Christmas present. I'm glad to say that Both myself and my brother in law went along and had a fantastic day so much so we are in the process of booking a two day session and all three of us cannot wait. Thank you Nigel"

30 Apr 17'

Helen Hodge reviewed: Basket weaving for beginners - make a round basket

"We went on the basket making course as 2 adults and a 9 year old child. We all had a fantastic day and our baskets turned out surprisingly well for complete beginners, thanks to Emma's instruction! Emma was great with our daughter too; as her interest waned in the afternoon she took her aside to make a small bird feeder as we got on with our baskets. Thoroughly recommended!"

30 Apr 17'

Edna reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"My second day with lovely Lucy was just as intense interesting and packed with learning as my first. With Lucy on a one to one you really feel that enhancing your skills is important. We also put the world to rights at the same time. I am not sure if my enamelling project would have been as adventurous without Lucy's guidance and support. I can't wait for my next day."

29 Apr 17'

Sarah Machin reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Have just spent a wonderful day surrounded by threads, fabric, patterns, paint, cake, tea, good company,lovely ideas , creativity and inspiration! Julie is an lovely patient lady who is generous with her time and sharing of ideas. I would recommend this course - a perfect way to spend a day. Thank you Julie."

29 Apr 17'

Sasha reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"This is a terrific course. I went with my daughter and we learned how to work with copper wire (so that we could gain confidence with the tools) and then silver wire to make our first ring. This was followed by making a silver band ring. Jonathan is an excellent teacher and host; providing excellent tuition (and lovely cake too!). To make the day even more memorable, the setting is idyllic too."

29 Apr 17'

Sarah reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"I booked this course as a surprise for my husband as a way to celebrate our sixth wedding anniversary due to the associated iron theme. From the outset Polly was helpful and responded quickly to my initial enquiry and provided useful advice for nearby accommodation. When we arrived, Colin was hospitable and welcoming and it was obvious that the day would be thoroughly enjoyable. We weren't disappointed and came away with lots of blacksmithing treasures. We spent the day utterly consumed by blacksmithing and not even the sooty cheeks at the end of the day could detract from our smiles. I would totally recommend Strawberry Steel and Colin as a teacher and look forward to perhaps working on our project in the future."

29 Apr 17'

Karen Rodrigues-Ayers reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"Totally amazing experience as a complete novice I had quite low expectations of what I could create. But Ricky was kind extremely patient and knowledgeable. I would totally recommend this course a brilliant day thank you for your time and expertise"

29 Apr 17'

Jenny reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"I've just been to pick up the pieces I made on a one day workshop with Ricky and am so pleased with them! The course was brilliant, a really interesting hands on day and I came away feeling like I'd really achieved something. Now seeing the finished pieces after a break of a couple of weeks, I can't believe how good they look! I would absolutely recommend Ricky's workshop to anyone."

28 Apr 17'

Harry Clark reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I attended the taster course on 23rd April 2017 I was very pleased by the speed at which we got into working hot metal. The instruction and demonstration by Adrian was clear and easy to understand and once work was underway if you were unsure about anything Adrian and Andy were always happy and on hand to advise. I was totally satisfied by what I achieved on the day, I also gained a clear understanding of the skills that are necessary for a blacksmith to work at the speed and accuracy that is exhibited by Adrian and Andy. Debbie provided hospitality that could not be bettered with lots of hot drinks and food that was tasty and satisfying. Thanks to all of the team for a wonderful day!!"

28 Apr 17'

Jane Knowles reviewed: Bespoke Interlined Curtains

"Janet is a lovely lady who put you at ease from the moment she welcomes you. I did 2 courses, the first was the curtain making course the second was the Roman blind making course they were both very informative hands on and fun, Janet is easy to get along with and she really does know her stuff. I would highly recommend these courses and to top it all the lunch and home made soup is very yummy indeed. Thanks Janet, I will be back when you launch your pelmit making course!"

28 Apr 17'

Debbie da Rosa reviewed: Bees for Development Sustainable Beekeeping Weekend Courses 2024

"I would highly recommend this course, I had the most amazing weekend learning all about Bees and how to care for them. It was very informative and inspiring, offering good practical experience with the opportunity to open a hive and watch the bees at work, just amazing! The accommodation was good and the food excellent all set in the beautiful Wye Valley. I now feel confident enough to have a hive of my own. Huge thank you. :)"

28 Apr 17'

Karen |Heggs reviewed: CSM - Circular Sock Knitting Machine Course

"What a wonderful time I had with Mia! Very patient teacher, loved the whole experience and I'm going back for more!!"

28 Apr 17'

Rebecca Deighton reviewed: Fused glass workshop at Twice Fired Studio, Leeds 2hr

"My son won a competition to make a Christmas decoration. He loved it so much that he had his birthday party here. I have attended a few workshops and made some lovely things which I have on display at home and have also given as gifts. A lovely way to relax and do something creative where you can meet new people or take some fiends along. Thoroughly recommend."

28 Apr 17'

Lyn Cadmore reviewed: Fused glass workshop at Twice Fired Studio, Leeds 2hr

"I cannot recommend Twice Fired too highly. Kate is extremely welcoming and knowledgeable and after only 2 hours, with her support, I had made pieces to be proud of. After my first course I returned for others and have made some lovely presents. You don't have to be artistic...I am totally not. I cannot wait to see the finished pieces each time. A gift voucher would be a fantastic present for anyone who likes to try different crafts. Kate welcomes children as well.......a great idea for a 'girly party' for all ages."

27 Apr 17'

Kath Davey reviewed: Fused glass workshop at Twice Fired Studio, Leeds 2hr

"Received this voucher as a present, I'm really not artistic or creative but I can't believe how much I enjoyed it ! Kate is such a expert and has a real passion for what she does . I have made a beautiful candle curve and have since booked another course and made some presents . I recommend it to anyone to book a class as it's so lovely to have something so beautiful that I have made myself x"

27 Apr 17'

Allan & Helen Thomas reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Another Brilliant course from the entire team! me and the wife decided to do another course after our taster day, and we went with garden flowers, this was much more a free form sort of day, after the usual safety discussions and some basic instructions we were free to create something unique, which was a little worrying as we had to rely on our own imagination rather than step by step instructions. However, any fears were quickly dismissed as Adrian and his co-worker Andy quickly realised who was struggling and offered types of decorations, ways of embellishing and finishing and at the end of the day everyone on the course had a work of art and everyone had something different! as usual the food provided by Debbie was outstanding, its worth going for the food!! we had a brilliant day and are looking at dates to come back again!"

27 Apr 17'

Liam Taylor reviewed: Lino printing in the Ironbridge Gorge with Amanda Hillier

"We enjoyed a good day at Amanda's workshop. There was plenty of support and tutoring. The location was excellent and we were very happy with the prints we took away. Highly recommended day activity."

27 Apr 17'

Liam Taylor reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"One day leading workshop for two. Excellent experience, in very capable hands with Jamal. We felt very welcome and all in all enjoyed an excellent day at Jamal's workshop."

27 Apr 17'

Steve Bergel reviewed: Bees for Development Sustainable Beekeeping Weekend Courses 2024

"I attended the course to gain as much insight into bees and beekeeping, and now feel confident enough to proceed further. The enthusiasm of the course providers was infectious and the way they imparted their knowledge was so informal and relaxed that it wasn't difficult to retain it over a busy weekend. Enough detail is provided to give a good understanding of all the processes involved and I came away feeling that any problems that arise in the future can be managed with a degree of confidence and some recommended reading. Thoughly recommended, could not have been better."

27 Apr 17'

Jacqueline Abbott reviewed: Glass Fusing with Enamels - Two Day Course

"It was such a privilege to spend two days with Steve in his wonderful and spacious workshop. My experience exceeded all my expectations as Steve's encouragement, willingness to share his wealth of experience and ability to coax me beyond my boundaries took me way beyond what I believed I could achieve and even stirred a few tears when the kiln was opened! I have brought home a beautiful glass panel that I am both delighted and proud to have installed as a splashback in my new kitchen! Thank you so much, Steve for all that you shared."

27 Apr 17'

Richard Williams reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a great day! Adrian and Andy were very relaxed in their approach, which put at ease all the nerves you might have had. They provided just the right level of support to get you up and going and within an hour the whole group was well on its way to forging a key ring, which was a great way to break people into the tools and techniques needed to produce the more complicated Dragon Coat Hanger in the afternoon. The guys were on hand to advise or at times correct the errors we all made, but always with an encouraging approach. The food that Debbie made were excellent and I certainly wasn't hungry at any point in the day! I really would recommend this course and have already mentioned to 2 of my friends, who are busy booking up."