Latest reviews

22 Jun 16'

John Nicholls reviewed: Introduction to green wood furniture making - two days

"A wonderful course, Peter and his lovely assistant are a great double act and very engaging :) The course is busy - there is a lot of ground to cover in the 2 days - but the time flies by as you are so absorbed in the wood. A thoroughly enjoyable, informative and productive course - we all came away with a totally unique piece that we had crafted ourselves from a log. Massively satisfying and thoroughly recommended. Top tip - bring sunscreen !"

22 Jun 16'

Introduction to Leather Craft reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Excellent! Bill is a master craftsman and a great teacher but what marks this course apart from similar ones is the breadth of experience and knowledge of a lifetime spent in the leather production and fashion industry which Bill shares throughout the course. You will create an item or two of your own to take away after the course but what you will really learn are the skills to go on and design and make great leather products in the future."

21 Jun 16'

Sarah Allan reviewed: Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop.

"I have just enjoyed a Workshop day with Lyn today. It was very informative and extremely enjoyable. Lyn is a friendly and very talented teacher and was equipped to help me produce a beautiful piece of encaustic artwork. Even more importantly she has inspired me to continue in this media. Very exciting and rewarding. Thank you Lyn."

21 Jun 16'

louise hampton reviewed: Candle making workshops

"I have to say that my daughter and I spent a lovely day with angharad. She is an excellent teacher. The course was informative but very relaxed. We made some lovely candles and have come away really inspired to make some more at home. I would thoroughly recommend this course."

21 Jun 16'

Anna Rayner reviewed: Introduction to green wood furniture making - two days

"This course wildly exceeded my expectations (which were high anyway). It ticks all the boxes - fantastic location and atmosphere, lovely people, excellent tuition from Peter. I came away with some lovely memories but also a piece of furniture that I am really proud of and will always treasure. Anyone who is pondering whether this is the course for them - book it now! You won't regret it."

21 Jun 16'

Sam Banister reviewed: Encaustic Wax Painting, Mixed Media & Sculpture For The Love of Wax

"I did an encaustic course with Dawn in her lovely studio in Forset recently and had the best ever time. Dawn is an enthusiastic teacher who is passionate about encaustic art. Her bubbly personality together with endless patience and kindness made for a fabulous couple of days in her studio. I have kept in touch with Dawn since the course, and she continues to offer encouragement and advice. I would thoroughly recommend her course which caters for all experiences."

21 Jun 16'

Becky reviewed: Experimental Textiles Course with Kim Thittichai (June 2016-March 2017)

"I love working with Kim. This class is So exciting and creative I can really let my hair down and get stuck in."

21 Jun 16'

Bex reviewed: City & Guilds: Fashion (Levels 2 and 3) @ Inkberrow Design Centre

"Learning how to make my own clothes is the BEST thing I have ever done! and I have a certificate which I can use to further my career. It feels so nice to have a qualification in something I love. The teachers were so helpful and supportive. Its such a nice place to learn."

21 Jun 16'

Steve Sharpe reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"A fantastic couple of days! A mixture of life stories, teaching anecdotes, fun, tea and biscuits and the odd shared sandwich. Mort is an excellent teacher with a real passion for both his craft and teaching. It's only after a couple of days reflection that I realise how much knowledge was shared. Everything from the basic forging techniques to fire management and the magic of fire welding. I highly recommend Mort and his teaching, and at the end you are sure to take home things you have made which you would never have thought possible."

21 Jun 16'

Emma Tilley reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"Great value for money. We were provided the time and the direction to be very hands on in a friendly atmosphere. Jason instructed us patiently through many skills. If I had one tiny criticism I felt that we needed to plan our time more effectively as we overran on the second day by over 2 hours and this was difficult to manage for a few people in the group as we had long journeys ahead of us. This being said I'd highly recommend the course and would look forward to signing up for another with Jason at Diamond Awl"

21 Jun 16'

Ad Lindeman reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Last year I have had a very good course at West-Dean My tutor was also Mark Hancock. This year I did the course at Mark's woodturning place . It was even a better choice! Together with my colleague Bouke we did a five days course. It was more than Excellent. So we were not beginners, we have already experience. Mark is so patient , knows very much he likes to experience. What I learned from Mark was thinking out of the box: because I am a fine woodworker, teaching fine woodworking I am conservative in thinking. Mark shows you ways of not turning just functional. Think in objects! So he is really an artist! Therefore I sandblasted my bowl, than burned it hot and brushed it: nice smooth good looking result. Also he gave us good advice for buying Lathes for our school HMC Amsterdam Holland. It is the MagmaBlack line! Thank you Mark !! Ad"

20 Jun 16'

Terri reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"I went on the 1 day course at Making Space recently and found it so inspiring. Alice is a really patient teacher and gives you plenty of room to explore your own ideas. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone. You have the option of buying the equipment for a very reasonable price. I did and made two more weaves the next day!"

20 Jun 16'

Jo Harris reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"The Phoenix Studios is a place of magic I think. I've done two different clay courses there and thanks to the teaching style, knowledge and encouragement of the tutors, both times have come out with something I couldn't have dreamed of making without years of experience and hard toil. This sculpture course is completely engaging, inclusive and fun and you come out with TWO pieces at the end of it - I can't recommend it enough."

20 Jun 16'

David Fenton-Jones reviewed: Green wood chair making - 6 day woodworking course in Devon

"An amazing course - what more needs saying? Peter is fantastic and encourages you all the way and the chair I have taken home will be treasured for the rest of my life and doubtless passed on through the family - A true heir loom - May-be I should make some more!! Thank you Peter you have enabled me to achieve a dream....."

20 Jun 16'

David Fenton-Jones reviewed: Introduction to green wood furniture making - two days

"A fantastic introduction to the world of green woodworking. Peter is friendly, approachable and keen to pass on his experience to others. No question is too 'silly' and NO previous experience is required. You will be able to turn a 'log' into a family treasure in just one weekend, going home with a creation to be proud of. The atmosphere is all very relaxed and welcoming and I have no hesitation in recommending this course to anyone. :)"

20 Jun 16'

Pam Wilson reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"This was my second course at the Phoenix Studio, and my first working with clay. It was a fantastic experience! Can't wait to apply the coloured glazes to my creations next weekend. James - and Alison who assisted him - were a wealth of information, thank you so much. As a wood carver I am used to taking wood off, now I have learnt how to build up an animal in layers, absolutely fascinating! Already planning my next creations!"

20 Jun 16'

Dick de Boer reviewed: POLISHING - French polishing & modern hand finishes in East Sussex

"The course was excellent I really liked the fact that is was quite relaxed and interactive, lots of practice, lots of humour. Really nice!"

20 Jun 16'

Iain Ferguson reviewed: Introduction to green wood furniture making - two days

"I have just returned from a fantastic 2 days at the Devon Green Wood Centre. The course was very well organised and the location is superb - you work outside in fine weather. Peter is an excellent tutor - very interesting, knowledgeable and encouraging. All 8 participants came away with pieces they were justly proud of and will no doubt treasure for years; my first green wood stool (with 3 ash legs and a beech seat) will be admired by me (and others, I hope) for a very long time."

20 Jun 16'

Desnee Cunnane reviewed: 2 Day Silver Jewellery Making Course - Ely

"Jonathan provided a wonderful supportive and fun learning experience . He shared his experience and skills with great enthusiam , patience and generosity . The two days gave time to look in more depth at the various techniques and how they can be used to create a piece of jewellery that is your own creation. There was a good mixture of hands on experience and informative 121 tutoring in using materials and tools. The information sheets were extremely comprehensive and I left full of ideas , three beautiful pieces of jewellery and a desire to take my new found craft further."

19 Jun 16'

Leah reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"I would definitely recommend this course! Had a lovely day making candles and meeting new people, both Julie and Kay were very friendly and welcoming, and they certainly do know their stuff. Took a lot away from the day in terms of information and ideas - Thank you both for a great experience! :)"

19 Jun 16'

Kate Fleming reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day, 1 person)

"I got Dad a half day wood turning session for Christmas and we finally got around to it this weekend. It was fantastic, Graham explained things really clearly and Dad and I were both really pleased with our bowls."

19 Jun 16'

Mary reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I received a voucher for this course for my birthday and took my Dad for Father's Day. Both of us had been interested in doing something like this for a while and we had high expectations, which the course more than met. Chris was extremely patient, calm and capable and found ways of explaining techniques to both of us that met our individual pace/needs. We were offered a choice of projects to make and were thrilled with our completed items at the end of the day. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it."

19 Jun 16'

Sarah Lewington reviewed: Willow Piglet workshop

"Great fun- learned a new craft and had a good laugh while we were at it!"

19 Jun 16'

Charly Mace reviewed: 2 Day Silver Jewellery Making Course - Ely

"I had a wonderful time on this course. Jonathan is an excellent teacher, we all had a great deal of fun as well as learning a lot of techniques. I managed to come away making 3 pieces of beautiful jewellery, I have definitely got the bug and shall continue to persue my new found love of silversmithing. I really hope to join Jonathan again on another one of his courses or some one on one tutoring in the future."

19 Jun 16'

Bettina reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"An informative and interesting day that leaves you with rich memories. Highly recommended."