Latest reviews

6 Jun 16'

JoyBook reviewed: Silk painting workshops

"What a really enjoyable experience and day with a lovely lunch. Bridget has a relaxed method of tutoring and allows you to explore your own styles but is also on hand to advise and guide with extra colours, mixing and techniques or ideas. (I have no artistic ability but managed to produce two pieces of work that actually looked like something!!). Superb value for money and really highly recommended for all ages and abilities."

6 Jun 16'

Jony reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"This course was really brilliant! Jason is a very patient teacher! He will teach you all the skills that you need to make a notebook holder in 1 day and a lovely bag in 2 days! People keep asking me where I bought my new leather bag ☺. It’s a nice place to be and to be. Highly recommended if you want to learn working with leather. Thanks a lot Jason and Louise!"

6 Jun 16'

John reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"A very enjoyable day was spent with Simon and his pole lathe. I found him knowledgeable and patient with my requirements. His explanations were crystal clear without being patronising. I came away with my "ownership" of the piece intact ! He knew when to step in with help and advice without taking over."

6 Jun 16'

Michelle Chow reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"Joined a 2 days leather bags course after a 1 day course months ago. I learnt more special techniques from Jason during this 2 days course. Thank you Jason for his patience and attention to details. I'm getting more interested for all the leather craft. In his creative workshop, I try to apply different crafting skills and be more creative on leather work. Highly recommended!"

5 Jun 16'

Miss Jarrett reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"I had such an amazing day. Sally Anne was/is an excellent teacher and has the patients of a saint. I thoroughly enjoyed making my trug. Thank you Sally Anne. Esther"

5 Jun 16'

Sally Miles reviewed: Candle making workshops

"What a fantastic course. Angharad is such a welcoming & warm lady with excellent teaching techniques, I learnt so much & am really looking forward to putting it all into practice. I will definitely be going back for a second course to learn more. Really enjoyed the day & I highly recommend Wax the Matter"

5 Jun 16'

Jenny reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"I love willow work! Thank you so much SallyAnn, what a great teacher and such a lovely lady, feeling very inspired and ready to attempt an obelisk next!"

5 Jun 16'

Suki reviewed: Spoon carving course (1 day)

"I booked this course for myself and a friend and although we were a little nervous we absolutely loved it. We have dabbled with woodwork but didn't have the benefit of advice from people who have previous experience so this was just perfect. From location, to experience, skills and enjoyment this day is 10/10 and I could not recommend it enough. If you're at all curious then book it up."

5 Jun 16'

Jennie F reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"A great day to learn the basics of hand spinning from choosing a fleece to the end product. Elaine was lovely and welcoming and as it is a small course with only 4 people there was plenty of opportunity for one to one help when needed."

5 Jun 16'

Gary and Terrill reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"We did a day woodturning as a joint birthday present to ourselves. It was a great mix of productivity and learning and fun. The whole day went so smoothly because Chris is a great natural teacher and communicator; he understood who we were and paced the day accordingly (I don't have the greatest eye-sight and my wife has some issues with her hands). We now have two bowls that are both beautiful and functional, and of course they are a permanent reminder of what we did when we stumbled across into our sixties. Thanks Chris for a great day out - and your patience and kindness."

4 Jun 16'

Darrell Wilson reviewed: Craft your signature home fragrance brand: Personalised Workshop

"Would really recommend this course if you either just want to have some fun and make your own candles, or if you are considering setting up your own business. The workshop was fun, engaging and hands on with Zaga sharing lots of experience and knowledge about candle making and the industry in general. Learned a lot :)"

4 Jun 16'

Kirsten reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"Very enjoyable morning learning the art of willow weaving. I've definitely got the bug now and will be back to try my hand at a willow Hare sculpture. Sallly Anne was a great teacher and much fun was had by all."

4 Jun 16'

Gary Wake reviewed: Blacksmithing courses

"I got a one day taster course as a Christmas present from my wife. I learned a lot from Lucille and had a great time. I will be booking another one for farthers day. Thanks for a great day."

4 Jun 16'

Jett reviewed: Hand-stitched leather tote, satchel or messenger bag course

"An amazing course! Gaynor, Elizabeth, Sian and Gary have been very warm and friendly. The teaching was brilliant. It is almost unbelievable that I managed to make my own leather bag in 2 days but Gaynor teaches in a very organised manner that fits all types of learners. She is very generous with her knowledge and expertise. Sian and Elizabeth have also been very helpful, they are always there when you get stuck on something. The course was filled with tea, cakes, fun and warmth. Amazing, amazing venue, format and people! Very highly recommended. It is worth the trip to Pembrokeshire."

3 Jun 16'

Rodney Bird reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day, 1 person)

"Had a very informative and interesting half day course with Graham in a very well equipped clean well lit workshop, Grahams knowledge is wide ranging to the point of ageing wood and inducing deep patterns encouraged by leaving wood under hedges (you only get this from experience) I would recommend this course to anyone."

3 Jun 16'

Ian Fryer reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I booked this course as a 16th birthday present for my daughter, something for us both to go and try together. The authentic forge workshop setting is great and we had a lovely day heating, beating and crafting the steel with Chris patiently teaching by demonstration. I am really pleased with what we managed to achieve in the session and Chris's starter projects are pitched at just the right level and leave you with a couple of lovely practical souvenirs at the end of the day. I am considering bringing my sons along next time!"

3 Jun 16'

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

"I loved my weekend at Phoenix Studio. First Phoenix studio is a lovely space to be in, light and airy with lots of tea and biscuits whenever you need a break. The other people on the course were friendly and there really was a warm supportive atmosphere. I had very little experience of working with clay, especially compared to some of the others and was a bit worried at the start when I saw what we were about to embark on! However, no need to worry, James explains things very clearly and balances allowing you to find your own way and being on hand whenever you need some extra help. Everyone finished the weekend with two amazing sculptures and a massive sense of achievement. Best of all, it made me believe I could make things and I have been more creative since as a result. I have just booked the wire course which I am very much looking forward to!"

3 Jun 16'

Peter Perrin reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Thanks once again for the great wood turning day that myself, Stephen and David had. It was most enjoyable and everyone has been very impressed with the bowls that we made. Our appetites have been wetted and I am sure that we will take it up as a hobby once we can finance the necessary equipment."

2 Jun 16'

mary copeland reviewed: Green wood creative seating course (6 Days)

"What an absolutely fantastic course!! Peter is a most excellent teacher with so much knowledge and creativity to share, he really pushed the boat out with all of us creating completely different unique seats guided by his wonderful expertise. I cannot recommend this course enough, it is set in such a beautiful location, close to the sea, and Peter guides you along the way to produce a beautiful work of art that you can enjoy for many years to come. For me, it has really sparked a love for green woodworking, a totally absorbing and therapeutic art form, creating and working with this beautiful and natural material! Thank you Peter! I'll be back!"

2 Jun 16'

Rachel Vestey reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"Theresa is absolutely lovely. In one day, which flew by so quickly I couldn't believe it was over, I learned to spin. I took home a skein of jacob and white wensleydale (I think) and a mini skein of angora which I had carded, spun, plied, niddynoddied and washed. It was three weeks ago and I still can't believe it. Since then I have bought a wheel and all the accoutrements and am spinning and weaving my spinnings which are actually quite smooth and even. I would recommend this course to anyone."

2 Jun 16'

Ben reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"Myself and my girlfriend enjoyed an absolutely excellent day with Colin at Strawberry Steel. Colin is a brilliant teacher and had an answer for every single one of the many questions that I had! His ability to impart his knowledge and skills to us was incredible and we learnt a huge amount from him! He was able to cater to all of our needs and we went away with many different items that we will always treasure. We asked to be able to make a knife or an axe and were able to make both! If there is something particular that you want to make, ask him and I'm sure that he will be able to deliver. I would recommend this course to anyone who is interested in blacksmithing. A fantastic day and it has inspired me to take this up as a hobby in my own time."

2 Jun 16'

Vanesa reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"What an excellent find!! Sowmya was everything I was looking for. Kind, patient, professional and incredibly knowledgeable. I took my own books and she taught me to read the patterns, observed my technique and assisted when needed. I left knowing almost every stich and so happy with my flower and star!! I'm sure i'll be going back for more!!"

2 Jun 16'

Rachel Blunt reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"I came on this course as a complete craft novice with no idea what to expect and had a fantastic day in the large and spacious workshop. Steve was instructive and extremely patient with us all to the very end of the day, he was keen to help us create something we would be proud of by listening to each individual and it made such a difference being in a small group of 5. There was no limit on materials or glass. It was a welcome break for lunch at the pub but we were all keen to get back to our designs after. We returned the following day to see what we had all made and take our treasures home to show off to the family! Definitely to be recommended."

2 Jun 16'

Christine Thomas reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"What an amazing day! I really enjoyed every moment especially seeing my friends working here as well for the first time. The excitement waiting to see the kiln opened on the sunday was magic. Steve is a brilliant glass maker, artist and designer. a true inspiration to anyone wishing to undertake this workshop. Even though this is the second full day workshop I have experienced it was just as exciting to do. He is so good at: encouraging with continuous support, clear and concise instruction & heaps of patience . Steve is incredibly generous with skills, knowledge and with all materials to enable you to produce your own unique 'works of glass art' Worth every penny."

2 Jun 16'

Andrew Leong reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"Thank you for the weekend, I loved it. Back to reality today - I was gutted not to be back at your workshop."