Latest reviews

4 May 16'

Michael Harvey reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I can only echo what previous reviewers have said - what a fantastic day I had with Mark. Having only ever used a metal turning lathe some 30 odd years ago I was a bit wary of coming across as useless! I needn't have worried. His teaching style suited me and the way he puts things across made it so easy to learn - tools, techniques and plenty of background info. What this man doesn't know about wood turning probably isn't worth knowing. I would whole heartedly recommend anyone who is thinking about wood turning as a hobby spend a day with him. In fact, as it might be a while before I get myself a lathe, I'd go and have a refresher day with him no problem."

4 May 16'

AO (Spring 2015) reviewed: Children's Book Illustration - Nottingham Trent University

"Brilliant course. I enjoyed how thorough our tutor was in making sure we were happy. The schedule was well-defined, and I was able to get a large amount of work done that I am more than happy with. This has made me consider the MA Illustration course taught by the same tutor."

4 May 16'

FP (Spring 2015) reviewed: Children's Book Illustration - Nottingham Trent University

"I really enjoyed the structure of the course – it really focussed my ideas! And the tutor is very passionate about what she does."

4 May 16'

Megan Humphries reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"I went having never tried weaving before and I can honestly say it was one the most enjoyable and rewarding workshops I have been to. The entire group finished with a beautiful weaving within the given time of the session. Wonderful experience! Has inspired me to take up weaving myself!"

4 May 16'

Ceri Jones reviewed: Candle making workshops

"I've just spend a wonderful day making candles with Angharad in beautiful rural west Wales. The course was everything I'd hoped it would be. Good combination of theory and practical skills, using all different combinations of waxes, essential oils, colours et. Angharad is an excellent teacher who gives you the confidence to try different things and not to be scared of making mistakes. Atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, as were the dogs. Can't recommend this course highly enough for anyone wanting to develop candle making skills. Also had a lovely lunch and chat. Great to have an assortment of candles to take home and impress the family. A brilliant day!"

4 May 16'

I. May reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"As a cabinetmaker I have been looking for quite some time to introduce turned design details as part of my furniture portfolio. As an initial step towards this I enlisted the help of Andy Browne. The day spent with him in his workshop proved to be 'just what the doctor ordered'. His level of expertise in all matters woodturning was a joy to behold.... materials, tools, their preparation, sharpening and uses, finishing materials and techniques (his textured and coloured workpieces were real eye openers!). It was all there in the most wonderfully equipped workshop imaginable. All that coupled with Andy's easy going nature and relaxed teaching style made for a very enjoyable and fruitful day.... I will be returning soon and can't recommend it highly enough to any one wishing to start learning, or to increase their existing skill level in woodturning."

3 May 16'

Robin Seccombe reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"It would appear that everyone gives Alex a Five Star review and I have to agree with them all. I had a great day making (like many others) a Rams Head Poker and yet feel I had created something unique. Alex makes the whole experience interesting and fun taking you through each process but leaving you to do all the work on your piece, whilst keeping a watchful eye, so if you do go wrong he'll point it out before any disaster occurs. This was a Christmas present that I was never going to guess, I hadn't done any Metalwork since I was at school in 1972, yet thanks to Alex I walked out with my poker and everyone (thus far) has been mightily impressed – and it works a treat in our wood burner. Thanks for a brilliant day Alex."

3 May 16'

Helen crowe reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"We had a lovely day with Elaine.She was a perfect hostess and teacher - so incredibly patient.I now feel that I have got to grips with my spinning wheel and all I need to do now is practice....I learned so much from washing fleeces through to spinning yarn and to come away with a self made ball of yarn at the end of the day was a very satisfying bonus!"

3 May 16'

Dave reviewed: Stained Glass Workshop - Two Day

"A christmas gift from my wife, after I had mentioned I would like to try making some stained glass items for our new 1930's home. Although I had some experience, the class I was with had a variety of knowledge levels but Dawn and Jan were very attentative and specific to every individual. I managed to make two items which are now proudly hanging up in our bay windows and we very much enjoy them, even more as I have made them myself. If you have any interest in attempting any sort of stained glass activity I highly recommend!"

3 May 16'

Amalina reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Brilliant! Gave me a new experience and knowledge in candle making."

3 May 16'

Dilshod reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Amazing class done by Sakeena. Expectations were overwhelming! Cannot wait to show what I have done to my friends."

3 May 16'

Anon reviewed: Build a cob oven

"Excellent practical enjoyable course."

3 May 16'

Anon reviewed: Build a cob oven

"Matthew was very clear and kept us interested right up to the end"

3 May 16'

Anon reviewed: Introduction to Keeping Pigs (Part 2) - one day course

"Very happy; it was all very relevant and interesting"

3 May 16'

Anon reviewed: Introduction to Keeping Pigs (Part 2) - one day course

"Very informative, lots to go home and think about"

3 May 16'

Anon reviewed: Introduction to Keeping Pigs (Part 2) - one day course

"Enjoyed all of it! Thank you Noelle"

3 May 16'

The Bug Farm reviewed: M

"Maddie has run a number of workshops at The Bug Farm and every one has been brilliant. Maddie ran different mosaic sessions for both adults and children and everyone who took part came away absolutely buzzing with the skills they had learnt and a beautiful mosaic to take home too! The range of materials provided was fantastic and the workshop was set up to allow you to progress at what ever speed suited you. Maddie was helpful, kind, extremely patient and professional and as a participant in one of her workshops myself, it was an absolute pleasure to be part of."

3 May 16'

Adrian and Lesley Muxlow reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"We did the one day course for 2 people in April 2016. It was a fantastic day, full on enjoyment. We learnt so much from Ricky and having never worked with glass before, came away with a handful of pieces each. Ricky's patience is exemplary. He took time to explain the why's as well as the how's and demonstrated each step of the process. I can thoroughly recommend this course. We had a superb day."

2 May 16'

John Garside reviewed: Spoon carving beginners course

"From a log to a spoon in one day...so happy! Good pace with loads of tips, safety and guidance along the way. A really good way to learn a new skill in one day. Thanks all. J"

2 May 16'

David Billett reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This course, a birthday gift (73), arrived as a complete surprise. Without any previous experience, I found it hugely enjoyable and fulfilling . Adrian and Andy created an excellent teaching and learning environment - very informative, supportive and relaxed throughout, encouraging good interaction between all the participants. Debbie provided a lovely lunch and refreshments. We were kept busy all day and I was pleased with my coat rack. Many thanks to you all. I would certainly like to return for another course."

2 May 16'

Sheila reviewed: Weekly upholstery workshops with Cherry Dobson

"Cherry is a fantastic teacher, and so helpful and supportive. I thoroughly enjoy my Upholstery days at The Lilac Barn, and always look forward to spending the day learning from Cherry with such a lovely group of fellow students. I have reupholstered 2 chairs, and am so pleased with them, and another is underway."

1 May 16'

Diane Bullock reviewed: Mosaic class

"We had a fantastic break and course here. We each left with a totally unique piece of mosaic artork, which was a amazing. There was a lovely setting to work in and lots of choice of materials. Thoroughly enjoyable and good value. Lunch was included and Dawn is an excellent chef. The bnb itself is absolutely lovely. A perfect place to enjoy both the course and the Durham Dales."

1 May 16'

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

"This blacksmith beginners day course was an inspired Christmas present from my children because they remembered that I had said that I fancied having a go. It didn't disappoint. The welcome was lovely, tuition excellent, food fantastic and the finished products that we made are amazing. Adrian, Debbie and Andy run a great relaxed course and I am already planning what I will make next when I go back for another go. Can't recommend it highly enough!"

30 Apr 16'

Tracey Styles reviewed: Green woodworking at Coppicewood College

"I had a wonderful time on the course . The tutors and their teaching , encouragement and knowledge is something to behold . What a great bunch of folk and experience , thank you . I came to be on it through the 6 month woodland management course run at Coppice College which is also highly recommended ."

30 Apr 16'

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

"Dunja had been lambing so I got to see the lambs and their mothers. I was taught how to select a fleece and how to assess different parts of a fleece and the benefits and draw backs of different types of fleeces. Learnt how to wash a fleece and dry it. Learnt how to card and make a rolag. Then we went on to learn how to spin.Spin we did. As fast as we span Dunja prepared the rolag's. I learnt so much. Within a week I had purchased a wheel and can now spin. Dunja is a very good teacher, I felt very relaxed in her class."