Latest reviews

1 Aug 16'

Landy reviewed: 3-day Jewellery-making Course with Jinks McGrath – Sussex

"Having attended a number of Jinks' short courses I am totally addicted. She is so patient, knowledgeable and encouraging. You learn all sorts of techniques without really realising and I have never heard her say anything is too difficult too do. It doesn't matter what level you are you will always come away with something you are really pleased with. She makes it all so very enjoyable. I look forward to the courses so much. I have made things that I never thought I would be able to do. Because of the small number of students on the courses you get plenty of time to ask questions and get to really understand how to do things. The setting is fabulous and on top of that she serves up the most delicious lunches in her fairy tale barn."

1 Aug 16'

Lindsey Bowen reviewed: 3-day Jewellery-making Course with Jinks McGrath – Sussex

"I've returned to Jinks McGrath's studio for Jewellery workshops many times over the last 15 years. My last one was in July 2016 when I did a 3-day course. She limits the courses to 5 students (so book early as they fill up fast) which means you get a lot of direct teaching support. Jinks is not only a highly skilled jeweller but she also is very experienced at teaching. She sets the perfect balance between expertly guiding you in how to do something at the same time as ensuring that she doesn't take over and you learn how to do it. Her studio is in a truly idyllic setting and you get access to all the tools and materials you need. She also throws in a delicious light lunch each day. It's the perfect way to spend a weekend."

31 Jul 16'

Ed Hodges reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"I had a brilliant day learning how to blow glass, I would recommend this to anyone with any interest in glass, Ricky is a lovely chap, very knowledgeable and good company."

31 Jul 16'

Martin reviewed: Candle making workshops

"I would like to thank Angharad and her family for a warm welcome. I would recommend Angharad and the candle making course to anyone. I have not seen my son so relaxed and happy whilst making candles, you certainly lit his imagination. Made loads of different candles, and the food was pretty good. Many Thanks Martin & Ryan."

31 Jul 16'

Bethan Charles reviewed: Beginner's Ceramics | Tile Making | Short Course

"An excellent course. The day was well organised and the atmosphere was relaxed. A great environment to be creative. Deiniol explained everything very clearly, was happy to answer all our questions and provide expert tuition. I highly recommend this course."

30 Jul 16'

June Aitken reviewed: Needle-felting course with FURZIE - Forge Mill Needle Museum, Redditch

"My second needle felting course with Michelle at The Pedlars Tray and yet again a wonderful day. Michelle gives time to all her students and offers suggestions, advice and useful tips throughout the day. Even if you can't finish your project on the day she makes sure you have enough materials to complete at home."

30 Jul 16'

Laura reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"What more can I say about this incredible experience that hasn't already been touched on by the above reviews? Everything about our day at Strawberry Steel was absolutely perfect. Colin is fantastic; a real pleasure to learn from and to joke with. We will treasure the projects we completed with him for many many years to come. A day full of lessons, memories, and laughs. Bravo, Colin!"

30 Jul 16'

Helen Day reviewed: Up-cycle Advanced using Annie Sloan and Chalk Paints, Includes gilding and decoupage

"Had a great day. learnt so much stuff. The tutor was very knowledgeable and the barn is a great place to see too."

30 Jul 16'

Liza reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"This course was so much more than I expected! Sowmya is such an excellent and lovely teacher, plus she was such a sweetheart with my baby. She is so patient and detailed with her instructions and made very clear all of my doubts. She offered me lovely refreshments and a beautiful variety of yarns to choose from. I learned how to make stars, flowers and a beanie for my baby. I learned various stitches, their differences and terminologies and uses. This was definitely worth it and I will be having a further course soon. :)"

29 Jul 16'

Keith Hutchings reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I wanted to thank George and Sue for a very enjoyable two days spent with them this week. They made me felt at home as soon as I arrived and set to work on a project for the day. It was obvious from the moment we entered you workshop that I was in the presence of a master craftsman and the valuable tuition and the benefit of his experience will stand me in good stead as I embark on my new-found hobby. His enthusiasm and passion for the craft shines through with every kind word of advice that he gives and I cannot recommend his course highly enough. I can only hope that one day I will be able to turn wood with the technique, skill and attention to detail that he would approve of. As we discussed, if it was easy, it wouldn't be worth doing. Practice makes perfect but even a novice like me came away with a spalted Beech bowl that anyone would be proud of. When I have my own workshop ready I will be back in touch and I look forward to booking another day with him so that I can keep learning this rewarding and absorbing craft. Thanks again George (and thanks Sue for the supply of coffee and sandwiches) and see you at your next BoS WTC open day. Many thanks and best regards, Keith"

29 Jul 16'

Martin reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"With the health and safety briefing over ("don't burn yourself") Colin took a look at the ideas I'd brought with me and explained the basic principles of the forge and the tools we would be using. Each time we used a new technique throughout the day, Colin would explain it and demonstrate it, before letting me try it. This proved to be a good way to work and gave me the confidence to have a go myself. Whenever my cack-handed attempts to copy him started to go awry, he was always on hand to offer guidance on how to correct things and, between us, we managed to make three utensils for my pizza oven and hooks to hang them on. An excellent day out if you fancy trying something different!"

29 Jul 16'

Jude Harrison reviewed: Beginner's Ceramics | Tile Making | Short Course

"I absolutely loved this course! Super relaxing fun, Deiniol is really friendly, knowledgeable and creative, and I came away with some beautiful tiles."

29 Jul 16'

Dee Sullivan reviewed: Glass fusing and slumping (warm glass) in the beautiful Kent Downs near Canterbury

"A friend and I really enjoyed our day with Mattt learning about and practicing glass fusion. Mattt's very welcoming and patient, and good at explaining things and answering lots of questions, as well as stepping in to give practical help if required. We learnt how to cut glass, how different materials react in the kiln, and how to create two pieces of work. If you're not religious - we definitely aren't - don't let that element of Mattt's website put you off. It was a great, practical day and I want to go back for more."

29 Jul 16'

CAROL reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I had an excellent 2 days on Sebastian's Stonecarving 2 day course. He was very informative, and at the same time encouraged that we commenced right into the stonecarving. Some courses I have found give far too much theory and sitting around. Sebastian's course was spot on. Sebastian was very supportive, helping when we might need it and at the same time encouraging us to just carve away and make something. Sebastian suggested we think of something we wanted to make beforehand and to bring a picture along, which is a great idea. The classes are small groups, with great surroundings and ambiance provided to do the stone sculptures. I would highly recommend anyone to go."

28 Jul 16'

Lucy Felgate-baumberg reviewed: Two day stained glass workshop including glass painting

"I attended one of Nick's courses and I was hooked in minutes, wow, you have got to experience a course with Nick, you will not be disappointed. Not only is he an extremely genuine person and professional, patient tutor, he is also highly skilled and talented; I now admire all stained glass as if they were the first I have ever seen. when you realise what is involved you will realise how reasonably priced his courses are ! I also love the fact that he is one of several family generations of his trade.. not something seen much these days."

28 Jul 16'

Malcolm Knight reviewed: Beginner's Ceramics | Tile Making | Short Course

"I had attended tile making and coil pot courses before and came back because Deiniol's courses before had been excellent, well organised and with plenty of chance to try things out, I shall be looking out for other courses and am hoping to continue an interest in ceramic tile making"

28 Jul 16'

Nicola reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"Have just spent a wonderful two days with Jamal making my own stained glass panel from scratch having had no previous experience at all. I learnt about design, colour and texture. I was introduced to more tools than I can mention. I learnt to cut glass, how to score it, break it grind it and grozing. I learnt how to lay out your plan, cut and fit the lead, hold everything in place with wood and horseshoe nails, how to solder, affix hooks, cement, polish, etc. etc. etc. I'm so pleased with what I was able to produce. Jamal was a first class teacher. He was able to step in if necessary but encouraged you to do everything for yourself. He is a true artist, a true gentleman and extremely interesting to talk to. I thoroughly recommend this course and Jamal."

28 Jul 16'

Lisa Horvath reviewed: Two day stained glass workshop including glass painting

"An extremely interesting course... Fascinating on all levels. Excellent tutors and always a warm welcome. I have done three of these courses and am truely hooked! Well worth trying this amazing skill... Love, love, love! x"

28 Jul 16'

Fiona Vandenbergh-Harwood reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Sebastian is very knowledgeable about carving stone. The courses have a great relaxed atmosphere. I learned not to be scared of carving stone and the freedom to be creative."

28 Jul 16'

Carole Fletcher reviewed: Indigo dyeing & shibori

"Really great upbeat three days - relaxed but very industrious! Great to put time aside to dedicate to working with Indigo alongside like minded people. Tutor was really helpful and informative. Would recommend doing some preparation beforehand - shorting out items to dye, projects etc. Catering really good. An all round thoroughly enjoyable few days."

28 Jul 16'

Phil C. reviewed: Wild basketry- workshop in the woods, forage your materials

"Just got back from the most sublime weekend workshop. If you ever get a chance to go to one of Native Hands events then do so. Fabulous weather, great friends and lovely group. Brilliant venue and the most perfect guide. Earth and water, fire and air. From clay to pot. Greatest gratitude to have been able to have take part in this and come home with gifts from the imagination. Highly recommended"

28 Jul 16'

Jessica reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"I had the most wonderful time willow weaving! Kate is extremely helpful and friendly. I made a willow duck and have received many compliments for it! Kate was very flexible and would accommodate for the sculpture you were interested in making. There were plenty of teas and coffees and even some yummy cakes provided throughout the day. A lovely lunch was also provided and vegetarians were catered for. I would recommend anybody who's interested in willow weaving sculptures to give this a go! I thoroughly enjoyed my day outdoors willow weaving. Thanks again Kate!"

28 Jul 16'

Natt Groome reviewed: Furniture Making - DOVETAIL WEEK - Making a Dovetailed Drawer - in East Sussex

"I gained essential skills which I have wanted to learn for many years."

28 Jul 16'

Rev. Chris Turner reviewed: Furniture Making - DOVETAIL WEEK - Making a Dovetailed Drawer - in East Sussex

"Great teaching in a wonderful location. Clear instruction, which includes not just the 'how' but also the 'why' for all the techniques. Good emphasis on getting the basics (sharpening, marking,sawing, chiselling) right in order to achieve precise joints. Delicious cakes too!"

28 Jul 16'

Niels Archer reviewed: Sharpening & tuning hand tools in East Sussex

"A relaxed atmosphere, easy access to very skilled tutor, facilities, pace that allowed coverage of info plus plenty of time to put it unto practice."