Latest reviews

29 Jan 17'

Marilyn Opara reviewed: Art classes for beginners and intermediates

"I started Sue's course with very little confidence in my creative ability. As she has guided me through techniques and skills, I am starting to produce pieces of work that I am proud of, both in her classes and at home. I also enjoy the friendly small group and the opportunity to try whatever I wish, with support and advice. I am learning from the others in the group too. Parndon Mill is a lovely place to hold the courses and there is the added bonus of visiting the gallery each week before attending the class. Thankyou Sue."

28 Jan 17'

Gemma reviewed: Fused Glass Christmas Decorations One Day Workshop : Fun, Creativity and Relaxation

"I did a Christmas themed course and absolutely loved it. Joy is very knowledgeable and really helps you get the best out of the materials. I was really pleased with what I made, and it was a lovely relaxed atmosphere with tea and biscuits to fuel creativity!"

28 Jan 17'

Anne reviewed: Beginner’s Soapmaking Workshop in Salisbury

"I did the soap making course recently, it was excellent, absolutely absorbing and the time flew by. Catherine is an excellent teacher and very patient. Really proud of my soap, it smells gorgeous. I have shared some with friends and they love it too!"

28 Jan 17'

Ken Davies reviewed: Pole-lathe turning taster days: spindle turning

"Very enjoyable day, well run by the instructor, very pleased with the end results"

28 Jan 17'

Paul reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Great course. Great tutor. Perfect setting. 10/10"

28 Jan 17'

Frances reviewed: 1 day basic shoe making course

"Good fun and the reward of a lovely pair of slippers to take home. Judi is very patient, and willing to share her considerable knowledge. (Makes a mean cake too!)"

28 Jan 17'

Gill reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Felted Pictures Workshop in Cragg Vale, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"Having attended 2 felt crafty days, I would highly recommend Melanie's workshops. I was a complete beginner and came home with 2 felt pictures, having been guided carefully at each stage of creating the natural world scenes from scratch. It was great to have a very small group on board the Crafty Snail, with plenty of room to work despite the narrow space, and a lovely choice of materials to choose from. The supply of warm drinks and goodies to nibble on helped the concentration, whilst the woodburning stove kept us cosy. We enjoyed a delicious meal at the Olive Branch during lunchtime before returning to find our pictures ready for the next stage of creation. I found both occasions full of inspiration and they built my confidence in art and craft."

28 Jan 17'

Mrs L Hughes reviewed: Beginner’s Soapmaking Workshop in Salisbury

"An amazing course and very special as Catherine in a beautifully paced manner carefully explained in full detail the ingredients and method of how to make the most wonderful bars of soap. Catherine had a full range of essential oils, flower waters, dried flowers, different oils and butters etc. on hand to smell and all were available to use during this wonderful chance to make step by step the soap. The class size was small thus allowing an environment where warmth between our group was created as we set about following the recipes. A very clear, easy to follow hand out was supplied. Catherine was on hand to give individual attention when required and waited on us, serving herbal teas and biscuits. I whole heartedly recommend this workshop and have such wonderful memories of my soap making time plus now substantial bars of my very own home made soap."

28 Jan 17'

Angela reviewed: Private, One to One Traditional Jewellery Making Classes, York

"Emma is a fantastic teacher and very patient and knowledgable. I have been attending session for 8 months and am enjoying them greatly. The studio is wonderful and excellently located in the centre of York."

28 Jan 17'

Faith reviewed: Chalk Paint furniture workshop for beginners

"Sue is very inspiring - sitting surrounded by pieces Sue has produced shows students what can be done. Can't wait to start on a project. Good parking, lovely cafe for drinks and lunch. Would love to go back."

28 Jan 17'

Dianne reviewed: Artisan sourdough & rye day

"If like me you really love the idea of making your own bread, with more natural ingredients - but the results so far a a bit all over the shop. If you bought a book and still... meh... Then this is the answer. Dragan and Penny are both the most welcoming of tutors, their home is idyllic, the bakery a sympathetic extension of their kitchen. Dragan is patience and thoughtful in ensuring you understand each step of the way. And quickly identified where my problems lay as a baker. I'm too Jamie Oliver, and need to be more Mary Berry. More than this though learning to knead properly is something I now value so much. Understanding how to play with quantities, temperature and time to get far more consistent results, and fit into the time you have, is a bit of a revelation. And some weeks later and I am both a little surprised, and delighted, to turn out results at home that pretty much match those on the day. Dragan's son joined me on my workshop, and the day simply rushed by in learning, chatting, laughing, and ended up with me thinking I was with friends more that teachers. I was going to a wedding locally so stayed overnight with them - Penny also runs one of the finest B&B's I've stayed in - and have reviewed the accommodation too on TripAdvisor - with photos of the bread, go look, I'm still impressed. And all this in a beautiful part of the world to visit, so it is well worth combining a course with sleeping in the most comfortable bed ever, in a nurturing environment, with charming people and a real injection of happy memories and great skills. Simply put, I loved it."

27 Jan 17'

Esther (Nigeria) reviewed: The Natural Skin Care Workshop

"The natural beauty workshop absolutely blew my mind. Found it fascinating how easily these wonderful products are made. Gained so much knowledge and the lesson was very thorough and easy to understand. Thank you Madam Sakeena!"

27 Jan 17'

Amanda Ackroyd reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"I have just spent the most enjoyable and constructive day with Sally-Ann making a beautiful stag, named Tom. Great teaching technique with just the right mix of verbal instruction and physical demos of the various processes required. I would recommend Sally-Ann to anyone serious about making willow weaving their new hobby."

27 Jan 17'

Michelle Griffiths reviewed: Fused Glass Christmas Decorations One Day Workshop : Fun, Creativity and Relaxation

"The fused glass workshop I attended recently was a fascinating and totally absorbing experience. Joy's teaching was excellent and the atmosphere very relaxed, with plenty of encouragement and technical guidance. I now know that fused glass is a lovely material to work with and I will certainly be returning and recommending the course to others."

27 Jan 17'

Jeanette Pratt reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"brilliant day, was slightly nervous to start with having not done this before but soon got in the swing of it. Very relaxed day, with lots of help and guidance and plenty of refreshments along the way. We definitely book another day soon."

27 Jan 17'

Chris Bowden reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"Graham's calm methodical approach, together with years of experience and a good amount of enthusiasm made this one day course an absolute delight. His well-equipped workshop, choice of wood and various "design opportunities" helped me create a bowl I was very proud of. I was made to feel very welcome, and a hearty lunch beside the Rayburn made for a fantastic day all round. Thank you for a wonderful birthday treat!"

27 Jan 17'

Daniel Cracknell reviewed: Pole-lathe turning taster days: spindle turning

"I went on this course recently and found it absolutely amazing, the instructor was brilliant and the finished product is more than i could ever have hoped for and everyone ive shown has been amazed!"

27 Jan 17'

Jacqueline Larose reviewed: Art classes for beginners and intermediates

"Sue has provided well resourced and detailed lessons that are engaging and useful for my teenage daughter. She offers support and guidance where needed and is quick to respond to any queries or difficulties. I would happily recommend her as a teacher for anyone wishing to improve their art skills or prepare for art exams. Her knowledge and experience as a secondary school teacher is invaluable for home schooled children who want to add an art IGCSE to their qualifications. She has always been cheerful, friendly and encouraging to everyone in her class."

27 Jan 17'

Wendy reviewed: Art to Stitch - 5 sessions with Alex Waylett

"Fabulous ideas taught by an inspiring teacher. It's certainly taken me out of my comfort zone as far as the art techniques are concerned and enabled me to improve my free machine embroidery skills. The venue is capacious, light and airy with on-tap tea and coffee. I've really enjoyed it and would recommend the course."

27 Jan 17'

Peter Murray reviewed: Intermediate woodworking course

"I just completed the intensive intermediate course which I have say was a fantastic few days. Ciaran is a great teacher and the time in the workshop really builds confidence to tackle more advanced projects, with Ciaran providing tonnes of insight and tips along the way. The atmosphere is really relaxed and before you know it you are creating dovetails without even thinking - something I would have never have tackled before the course. I highly recommend this to anyone wanting to go on from the beginner level."

27 Jan 17'

Steve and Helen Brompton reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"I booked the day as a surprise 9th wedding anniversary present for my wife. I wouldn't describe either of us as 'crafty' in any way, so we were both a little nervous on the day. Kate and her partner could not have been more welcoming or helpful. We had a great day, great fun in a lovely house with copious amounts of food and drink. Best of all we made our wedding anniversary gifts for each other (even though my attempt was, frankly, pathetic and had to rescuedby Kate). So, we none crafters are looking at a return visit in the summer, a thoroughly memorable day and well worth a try."

26 Jan 17'

Steve Gallimore reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"As a complete newcomer to blacksmithing I arrived not knowing what to expect. Mort was an excellent and very patient teacher. The tuition was relaxed, informative. I tried new skills and learnt about different blacksmithing tools. I even had a go at forge welding. I came away with a pair of very impressive fireside tongs. A thoroughly enjoyable day I would recommend to anyone to give it a go."

26 Jan 17'

Alice reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Had a fantastic day despite the freezing weather! Individual tuition and a great overview of the ten blacksmith skills. Really hands on course and came away with an amazing boot scraper. Very proud of my self. Mort was a real character, entertaining and fortunately very patient. Would definitely recomend"

26 Jan 17'

Edwina Subritzky reviewed: Fabulous felt picture 2 day masterclass near York

"I attended this workshop with no previous experience of wet felting or knowledge of the felting process and walked away with a picture good enough to frame! The small numbers on the course (6) enabled Bridget to guide us through the process and teach us the skills required to complete our picture. The venue was great, all materials supplied, drinks and biscuits on demand, all in all a very enjoyable and successful workshop. Can highly recommend."

26 Jan 17'

Amy Mason reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"This was a fantastic workshop, I had such a great time, Rosanna couldn't have been better so friendly, knowledgeable and willing to share her expert knowledge. One of the best workshops I have ever been on I had the opportunity to make so many things and learn a lot. I couldn't recommend the day workshop more"