Latest reviews

6 Feb 17'

Dawn reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"I did the 1 Day Silver Jewellery course on 17 December. The reason I signed up to this course because I was keen to have a go at making some silver jewelery from scratch and assess whether it was something which was viable to consider not only as a hobby, but also as something which I may be able to explore in the future as an extra income. It's been a long time coming as it's something I've thought about doing for a very long time. Just before Christmas I decided to take the plunge and at least get a taster course... I got so much more than that! Jon is a brilliant teacher and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of what turned out to be a one on one lesson (the other couple who had been coming had to cancel at the last minute). He told me more about how he got into jewellery making (be sure to ask him, I won't spoil the story!) and his passion to share the craft as a result of his own learnings is clear (and contagious... in a good way!) He gave all the basics, including even work station set up and some reference materials and amazing pointers on essential bits of kit to get and what you can cope without at the start. We then went on to actually make a few items, including initially a brass D (involving lots of practise of key techniques) and then a plain silver ring (which I have since given to my sister and she loves! It's holding her wedding ring in place as we speak). I also made a bangle with his help (have delighted a friend with that) and started on a ring, even smelting the silver, which I wanted to set a some sea glass into (I had lots of ideas before I even got there). We didn't quite have time in the day to get to setting it - and that's another course he does - but he was kind enough to finish it off for me amongst all his other seasonal commissions and send in the post. I was so happy to receive that after Christmas and have already received lots of compliments, which makes me even more excited about getting going. I hope to be getting some bits of kit in the near future (Dec/Jan have been expensive!) and start experimenting soon, hopefully making lots of gorgeous pieces of jewellery for friends & family by the end of 2017... and then who knows! I get the feeling that once you get the taste for it, theres no turning back! Thank you Jonathan - I'm sure I will be in touch for further advice and even more courses in the future! Ps. I have photos of the bits I made as well as me smelting - incidentally this was only possible because I happened to be a solo booking in the end, and isn't a usual 'thing' he does on the course - so will email this to Jon and maybe he can add it to this review for you to see.."

6 Feb 17'

B Noronha reviewed: Necklaces, handmade beads, ancient fresco-style, papiermache recipe

"The method of bead-making was explained clearly with a good demonstration of the technique, and we were able to try bead preparation ourselves. The ingredients used are not expensive or difficult to get hold of, and so I felt that I would be happy to try the technique again in the future. The fun part was the decoration of the beads, which used not just paints but tissue paper. This also was clearly demonstrated, so that despite being a novice in handicrafts I was able to decorate enough beads to a high enough standard that I am happy to wear the resulting necklace. Another benefit of being part of a group was getting inspiration from others and being encouraged to try new and unusual combinations. I thoroughly enjoyed the day."

6 Feb 17'

Tim Povall reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"I attended this course to improve my leather crafting skills. Jason is a wonderful teacher and I learnt so much. I also gained a lot of new confidence that will allow me to tackle bigger projects like the Messenger bag I made. The course was very relaxed and we were guided through the making process in easily understood sections, Lots of tips on the different processes to make them as easy as possible. The finished bag looks professionally made because of the guidance of Jason and his careful supervision. It is an experience I would recommend to anyone interested in crafting, and whether you are a beginner or improver you will come away with a bag you'll be proud to show off. Oh, and the food is superb as well."

6 Feb 17'

Lisa O'Brien reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"I booked this day for my partner and me as a Christmas present and we both an excellent day. As a 5ft 4ft, not particularly beefy female, I admit I was a little unsure whether I'd have the physical strength to make any impression on the metal. However I was in good company of a couple of other similarly sized women and the competition element of not being left behind by them, (let alone my partner with his background in metalwork & engineering), got the better of me! We all managed very well indeed, with the guidance and encouragement from John and the team. My partner thoroughly enjoyed the creative side, as well as being quite a flair for it. Having just had a woodburner installed, I was thrilled that we managed to made a poker, a shovel and between us a log basket. The log basket was made to a design we'd seen, which John helped us to interpret. I liked the pub lunch idea as it made for a nice sociable break in the day. All in all a superb day and I'm hoping to go back at some point soon to try out one of the other themed days that John will be introducing."

6 Feb 17'

Rhian Brown reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"I've just spent a lovely couple of days learning to spin, having never so much as touched a wheel before. Elaine was very patient and supportive and a real expert in her field. The two days were very relaxed and friendly and in lovely surroundings. I learned a lot more than I expected to, from tips on choosing the right fleece through to coaching on improving my technique on the wheel. I'm feeling so inspired that I'm off to buy a wheel at the earliest opportunity!"

6 Feb 17'

Pauline Robson reviewed: Canal art - roses and castles - decorate a plate in narrowboat decoration

"I cannot recommend Julie too highly. The day was really enjoyable, well organised and well executed. The people on the course (6) in total, had a wide range of knowledge and talent. Julie's teaching was fantastic and everyone of us completed the project with great satisfaction. I am so enthused by it that I have now booked the more advanced course on 11th March and I can't wait to get started. Thank you Julie."

6 Feb 17'

Kate reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"Booked for Mum and I as a Christmas gift to ourselves. What a wonderful day! I made a stoat and Mum made a squirrel - both fantastic, if we do say so ourselves - even though we'd never done this before. Sophie is lovely - warm and welcoming. She clearly loves her craft and knows her stuff. She has a wonderful 'can-do', flexible approach to your project, helping you to achieve something of which you can be proud. The venue is gorgeous, the food provided wonderful, the information given before, during and after the day spot-on and I would heartily recommend this day to anyone thinking about booking. You will not be disappointed in any way."

6 Feb 17'

Katy Poyner reviewed: Croissants, pastries & brioche: Viennoiserie day at The Artisan Bakery School

"I would recommend this course to anyone who is interested in furthering their skills in Viennoiserie or for those who just want a really fun relaxing day making scrummy pastries in a wonderfully friendly environment! Penny is a brilliant teacher and has a lot of patience for those of us who are new to this area of baking. Both my mother and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole day and couldn't speak more highly of this course! Thanks Penny."

6 Feb 17'

Lorraine reviewed: Beginners candle making private workshop - Marlow, Buckinghamshire

"I went on the candle making course on 4 February and was delighted in the way in which Sarah who took the class made you feel at ease and also made you feel that you were able to get great results in making the candles. It was a completely relaxed atmosphere with an intimate class which is ideal if you feel self conscious. I will certainly start making my own candles from now on as it has given me the confidence I needed. What was also great was that you were able to take home your creations and I would certainly highly recommend taking the course. Thank you Sarah"

6 Feb 17'

Keith Preedy reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"I did a 1 day lead light course yesterday along with my daughter. The course was informative and covered every aspect of making a lead light from the pattern, cutting the glass all the way up to the finished product which we were able to take away. Jamal explained the processes in a clear and concise way and we learnt so much in the time we were there. I would recommend anyone to go on this course if they have an interest in stained glass or any kind of interest in crafts, a thoroughly enjoyable day. Thank you"

6 Feb 17'

Valerie reviewed: Craft days, embroidery, sewing, silk painting etc

"This was an excellent day, we had a thoroughly good time and learnt a lot."

6 Feb 17'

Kathryn Thompson reviewed: Willow Piglet workshop

"What a fab day we had! Victoria is a skilled creative tutor (and she has a cute Dad). We had a giggle making our delightful piggies. I met three lovely ladies and we had such a good time together that we are all booked onto another course with Victoria next month so we can get together again. As a self-employed freelance artist it was great to talk about 'work stuff', something I rarely get a chance to do, it was like an away day with lovely colleagues. Learned new skills and made new friends in a warm and relaxing environment- would highly recommend!"

6 Feb 17'

Nathan Webb reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"I had a really great time at Colin's blacksmith forge. both in learning new skills and finding out about the history of smithing. I've didn't have any previous experience but it was easy to pick up and I'm very proud of the artifacts I made. The fire poker I fashioned will be very useful for my chiminea this summer. Thanks Col"

6 Feb 17'

Gill Whitehouse reviewed: Silver Ring Making - 3 hours

"Would highly recommend Xenia's workshops. I attended her wax casting workshop which I absolutely loved and it was only through Xenia's patience and encouragement that I produced a beautiful wax casting. Xenia explained each process of wax casting extremely well and she had confidence in my ability when I was ready to give up! I had the wax cast in 9ct gold and it is beautiful - thanks to Xenia's"

6 Feb 17'

Donna Walsh reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"Just completed the two day course for beginner - Fleece to Fibre, if you are new to this I would highly recommend this! Elaine is very patient and understanding makes you feel relaxed, has a fantastic way on explaining these in a easy way to understand, also she has an amazing knowledge. I'd only been spinning a couple of weeks my yarn was over twisted and lumpy came away spinning the most amazing yarn. Definitely recommend this is anyone!"

5 Feb 17'

Hollie Crosley reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"I had a great day learning to weave, It was very relaxed and Alice was friendly and helpful. It was most interesting seeing how everyone in the group were able to get to grips with the technique put their own personality into their pieces."

5 Feb 17'

Helen Hall reviewed: Traditional Welsh Quilting with Lesley Jenkins in West Wales

"I thoroughly enjoyed my 2 day course. Lesley was amazing ..I have come away with so much more and can go forward in quilting would recommend to everybody"

5 Feb 17'

Melissa, Ann and Elizabeth reviewed: Learn To Crochet On The Norfolk/Cambs Border

"The three us were complete beginners to crochet. We were made to feel very welcome, relaxed atmosphere. Lovely venue. It was myself, my Mum and my 10 year old daughter. We all managed to do the basics in crochet. We feel more confident to carry on practicing what we learnt today going forward. We would like to return in the future for more tutoring to further our skills. Susan was there to help with me being left handed. Deborah was very good at teaching my Mum and Daughter."

5 Feb 17'

Carolyn Giddings reviewed: Felt Surface Techniques: Sampling Day

"I really enjoyed the workshop last Thursday. It was the first felt making workshopI had been on with Emma.The day was well organised with all the materials we needed available and detailed instructions . Emma taught us what to do step by step and was very willing to answer our questions and give help when required. A very relaxed fun day !"

5 Feb 17'

Sharyn reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"One word. Wow! This course was just perfect for me, a complete beginner, and was held in a very relaxed environment in Jo's beautiful home (with a gorgeous lunch included). The practical lessons were great fun using different types of wax to make a range of scented candles and melts. I left feeling ready to start making my own candles and with a big bag of all the goodies we made during the day. I highly recommend this course. You will enjoy every minute!"

5 Feb 17'

Nicola Robotham reviewed: Mosaic workshop at Jackie Nash Art

"Had a fantastic day! I am really pleased with the mirror I made. Jackie is lovely, very helpful and knowledgeable. Well worth the money. Thank you xx"

5 Feb 17'

Clare Taylor reviewed: Mosaic workshop at Jackie Nash Art

"Recently attended Jackie's mosaic course and really enjoyed it. Lovely relaxed atmosphere in the studio and Jackie was really patient and knowledgeable. I managed to make a really nice mosaic from the wide range of materials on offer and can't wait to return with a group of friends. Highly recommended!"

5 Feb 17'

John reviewed: ‘Winter dream ' wool painting face-to-face textile art course in Worcestershire

"A thoroughly absorbing workshop. I had never worked with wool before and hadn't appreciated what a flexible medium it is. Using fibres to create a landscape and blending the colours was both exciting and refreshing with an amazing and colourful outcome. Raya's patience and skill in demonstrating and teaching was much appreciated."

5 Feb 17'

Michelle reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Had a great day on this course, not only informative and full of great tips but really good fun and came away with so many lovely goodies! Jo gives you confidence that you can do it and really helps with any queries and all in her beautiful home with a delicious lunch included. I highly recommend this course."

5 Feb 17'

Peter Gilbert reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I have now attended two of Chris' wonderful courses. The first was so enjoyable I took my son along for the second. Chris' teaching style is humourous and knowledgeable and he supports you at every stage of the wood turning process. At the end of the day you find that by some miracle you have produced a perfectly turned bowl and learnt some impressive skills. It is a process which requires concentration and precision and although you start out very nervous about what injuries you may be about to inflict on the innocent piece of wood ( not to mention the lathe and tools ) you very soon relax under Chris' guidance and encouragement and find yourself mesmerised by the activity. The Dartmoor location and Chris' excellent supply of chocolate biscuits and bonhomie make it a day of complete satisfaction."