Latest reviews

17 Aug 16'

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

"Had a wonderful day with Dunja and three others, learning to weave our scarves. It was great seeing us all come to grips with our new skill and produce our weaving. Dunja is an attentive, generous teacher with a keen eye for detail and I learned much from her and also from the group as we shared our learning and overcame problems. I returned the next day for some one to one tuition to advance my skills and Dunja was flexible, encouraging and inspiring. I would definitely recommend her as a teacher and hope that our paths weave together in the future."

17 Aug 16'

Jo walker reviewed: Fabulous felt picture 2 day masterclass near York

"This was a return visit as I have found them so enjoyable. Very small classes so plenty of individual attention. Other students all seem to have en interest in art and textiles and it always becomes a very friendly and informative group. The amount of tips and expertise that Bridget imparts is amazing and a lot of practical help is given so that no one is left struggling no matter how limited their experience. I can thoroughly recommend it"

16 Aug 16'

Rosemary Watts reviewed: Felt making for beginners - learn how to make a beautiful piece of wet felted fabric

"It was a very enjoyable session. I have made felt before but not in this way. It was good to learn a new technique. I shall certainly have a go at making more felt and might like to attend another course."

16 Aug 16'

Bob Carter reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"My daughter and I did a two day course with Rowena in her pottery. We had lots of fun and achieved a great deal in a short time. The first day we learned how to throw pots on the electric wheel. Then we decorated some tiles as practice for finishing our pots. The second day we learnt how to turn the bases of our pots and then set about decorating them. Rowena is an experienced teacher who expertly guides her pupils and enables them to get the most out of the experience. She has a patient and charming manner. My daughter and I agreed that the world needs more teachers like Rowena."

16 Aug 16'

Joanne Rasmussen reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"I loved this course it was exactly what I had been looking for! I learned everything I could, so now it's lot of practice and then I will be back for more. Dawn is delightful and gives the course in her beautiful home, which was as inspiring as she was. Oh and you get cake too. All round highly highly recommended"

16 Aug 16'

Mark Watts reviewed: All inclusive artisan baking weekend in Devon

"What can I say 'WOW and a HUGE Thanks', the course was fantastic and Dragan and Penny were absolutely perfect hosts and teachers. Their approach and methods were inspiring and the days were both insightful, fun and educational (great banter). I have come away feeling very enthusiastic (even confident) and feel like I have the knowledge to take things further. Not sure were this journey of new skill will take me but it will certainly involve some dough! Most courses have a rigid format, but this one; flowed beautifully at the same time adapting to my needs and questions. Adapting so I could practice on the items I felt I wanted to grasp a little more whilst still having guidance all the way. The free e-book is also totally amazing and has the same clear non technical explanations, guidance and tips. With all great skills comes the very understanding of the craft your learning, without those foundations you cannot grow your knowledge and skill. You will learn this and so much more from this course, stop reading this and book now! Thanks again!"

16 Aug 16'

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

"Had a lovely day learning to weave with Dunja. She's a patient and generous teacher and despite my reservations about weaving I did indeed come away with a beautiful handmade scarf and a curiosity as to what else I could achieve with my new found skills. The location is also lovely with spectacular views. What comes across most in the course is Dunja's enthusiasm for her craft and for teaching, even if you decide weaving isn't for you, you will still get a lot out of this fantastic course"

16 Aug 16'

Trina and Craig Wilcock reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Bought my husband a Father's Day gift of a day's wood turning, having seen the skill on TV and decided to tag along myself. Mark was so patient and kind and with his help and constant encouragement we both managed to produce a beautiful wooden bowl to take home and show off to family and friends. It was a real Fun Day, no stress, no demands and not only did we produce something worthy, we managed to become totally absorbed in the task for a few hours which was hugely rewarding. A great antidote to the stress of modern living. Totally recommend."

16 Aug 16'

Chris Jordan reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"Excellent and well thought out workshop. Jason is a good teacher and has set up carefully designed projects that can be completed in the time available at a pace that allows for learning a variety different methods for cutting, sewing and finishing leather. The workshop also covers selecting materials and use of tools. Jason is also happy to work with you if you want to try alternative projects, and tailor lessons accordingly. The materials provided (leathers, finishes and fixings) are all top quality, so that at the end of the workshop, not only have you learnt a lot, you have a top quality leather bag to be proud of. Highly recommended."

15 Aug 16'

Fabi reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"To celebrate our 8th year wedding anniversary I booked my husband and I a 1 day course at Chalk Pit forge which is set in a beautiful historic work shop museum full of interesting buildings.Alex was really welcoming and made us feel very relaxed and ready to learn the basic skills of black smithing. He shared a lot of his designs and pictures of previous work to inspire us on what we wanted to achieve. We decide on a dragon shaped door knocker and Alex showed us the various techniques and made a demonstration on how to heat and work the metal into shape. We were delighted with the results and we managed to learn a lot throughout the day. Alex is an amazing teacher, he explained every step very clearly and easily to understand. The day was so enjoyable and the fact that we managed to make something special to remember our wedding anniversary was great. We really recommend this course and Alex as a teacher. Awsome unforgettable day."

15 Aug 16'

Peter Cook reviewed: A Practical Dry Stone Walling Workshop Central London

"Reflecting on my dry stone walling course at Crossbones Gardens in central London, I can look back with much pleasure and fulfillment. Our teacher John, an obvious expert and devotee of the art, gave us a good introduction and then let us loose on the real thing, a pile of stone! We naturally made mistakes as our efforts made progress and later, John pointed these out and guided us in the right direction. By the end of the day, we had achieved a section of wall and had learned the importance of such principles as "crossing" and "through stones". It had been an interesting and enjoyable day. Since the course I have been dry stone wall spotting and even noted a number of examples in West Sussex, sandstone I think! Thank you John."

15 Aug 16'

Ivi Sintal reviewed: Fabulous fused glass jewellery for beginners

"Eleanor's beginners' fused jewellery class was excellent. She was very good at giving instructions, and explaining and showing us how to cut glass, and telling us which different techniques and materials can be used. I have been to a fused glass course before but Eleanor helped to explain things in a different way which helped me understand better. I liked that she had spent time preparing selections of different colours of glass and bags of jewellery fastenings which gave me ideas about what I could make. This course was very helpful and made me wish to continue to use glass. Thank you very much!"

15 Aug 16'

Jules reviewed: Flamework (Lampwork) - Making glass beads for beginners

"I did both the flamework beginners course and the sculpted animals flamework course as part of Toni's "Summer School" courses. I had a fantastic day and although I already know some of the basics I learnt so much and had great fun too! I would definitely recommend both courses as Toni is a fantastic teacher, very patient, explains things well and is happy to answer all your questions."

15 Aug 16'

Laura c reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"For my 21st birthday I wanted a gift that was a bit more interesting and sentimental rather than a materialistic handbag or similar, so I asked my parents for a blacksmith lesson. It is located in chalk put forge which is a great place to go in itself. Straight away before I had even met Alex, he was so friendly and helpful- even helping me with directions before I got there! Given I didn't know anything about black smiths or how it works, Alex explained everything really well and was very patient with all the questions I had! I was also a bit indecisive about what I wanted to make so Alex showed me lots of things that I could make and what techniques I would be learning by choosing different items to make. I made some lillies and I am so proud of them. When anyone has seen them in my garden I have received so many compliments. I am very weak in my arms but Alex helped me when my arms got a bit achy. I would really recommend having a black smith lesson with Alex; he is so friendly and easy to get on with and he is a very talented man who makes everything he does look so easy! Whether you are male or female, old or young, it is a great thing to try out or give to someone as a gift. Not only is it a great experience but they will also have something that they can keep for life afterwards!"

15 Aug 16'

Janet Richardson reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"A very good day. Colin is very helpful, accomodating anything within reason and assists when things get tough. Definitely recommended."

15 Aug 16'

Katherine reviewed: Furniture painting workshop with Annie Sloan chalk paint

"Wanted to do this course as had heard great things about the paint and wanted to do a sideboard. The course was really good fun and lucy was lovely. A morning away from the kids having a giggle and coffee and cake was enough but learnt how to use the paint and wax properly and get the professional look I was after. I painted a bedside cabinet ages ago and was disappointed with the result but now realise was doing it wrong. They give you a discount off the paint at the dulwich trader, Tomlinsons or ed and the shops are lovely. Done my sideboard now and it looks fab :) Definitely recommend!"

14 Aug 16'

Two Day Leather Work Course - Messenger Bag/Tote Bag reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"Inspiring, patient, informative. Thank you Jason."

14 Aug 16'

Sam Compton reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"The entire day was enjoyable, including the time spent not working. There is nothing that I thought could have been improved as the tools were and equipment were explained and any questions we asked were answered. The techniques we were taught fitted well with the items we were offered to make, and we were given a lot of freedom with how we wanted the end products to look. Colin was very good at teaching and explaining all the safety procedures as well as explaining the techniques."

14 Aug 16'

Gil reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"You'll never have this much fun and keep your cloths on"

14 Aug 16'

Ken Walsby reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I spent a very enjoyable day with Colin Simpson and achieved far more than I thought was possible. He was very supportive and greatly helped me to produce a large candlestick; which happily my wife was delighted with. I cannot thank Colin enough for his friendly direction and can thoroughly recommend his course to other prospective woodturners out there. I shall certainly continue this hobby on my retirement next year."

14 Aug 16'

Deba McDonald reviewed: Fabulous fused glass jewellery for beginners

"The fused glass class was excellent! It was a bit nerve wracking to begin with learning a new skill and being a complete novice with glass. Eleanor, the teacher was fantastic. Good demonstrations as she explained how to cut the glass, combine things, how to make 'sandwiches' of all the glass and how to use the various types of glass, frits, threads and more! Eleanor was very supportive and totally encouraging everyone to explore all the different ways to use the various types of glass, frits, threads and get creative and have fun! There was lots of sample pieces available to show the different techniques and how things came together after they'd be in the kiln overnight. It was just great fun and so engrossing! I leaned a lot and am planning on doing the Advance Fusing weekend course in November. Wonderful class and highly recommended. I really enjoyed the fused glass weekend course."

14 Aug 16'

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

"What a day...I couldn't have asked for more. Dunja is an excellent teacher and her enthusiasm for her craft is totally inspiring . I arrived a complete novice and left holding my newly spun skein of yarn...how proud was I !! She has so much knowledge and skill and is happy to share with all with her 'students' I will definately be booking onto further courses ."

13 Aug 16'

Brenda Henderson reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"I have been on both the one day workshop and a three day painting workshop and both have been thoroughly inspiring and rewarding. Jamal is an excellent teacher; patient, informative and very easy to work with. His own work is stunning and he is so willing to share his experience. I thoroughly recommend his workshops whether a complete beginner, as I was, or someone with a little experience who wants to develop their skills further."

13 Aug 16'

linda edwards reviewed: Hand stitched leather laptop case

"My husband gave me this class as my birthday pressie, it was brill I made a hand stitched laptop case. This was my first attempt at leather work and it turned out fab (even if I do say so myself). Rosanna was a very good tutor and let your own flare come out in what you make. We had a lovely lunch in a lovely garden, so all in all a perfect day. I have already booked leather day number two for next month. Thanks so much Rosanna see you soon."

13 Aug 16'

Helen Dillon reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"My Husband booked this course for our third wedding anniversary (leather). Jason was very accommodating and managed to fit us in for a one day course at very short notice. When we got there we were made to feel very welcome, Jason is a breath of fresh air, he is so passionate about what he does and his energy and enthusiasm is contagious. It was really fun learning about all the tools and processes used in making leather goods. I made my husband a card holder and he made a make up bag for me. We highly recommend the course for anyone who fancies making things out of leather or who just wants a fun day out."