Latest reviews

26 Jan 17'

Karen Slade reviewed: One day needle felting workshop with Celestine and the Hare

"Karin is such a talented maker and teacher - I went on the one day course to felt a hedgehog at Leek Wootton House last year and thoroughly enjoyed it! The venue is delightful and so is the host and I was made to feel completely relaxed and at home. I learnt so much technically about needle felting that was invaluable. From wrapping legs round wires and solidifying bodies, as well as creating eyes to make them look realistic, refering to different types of animals, as well as hedgehogs. Karin told us to expect that they would all turn out very differently and we were so delighted when they did! There was time to chat and enjoy spending time together, I recommend Karin's courses for anyone whether they are a complete beginner or a more experienced felt maker ."

26 Jan 17'

Gill Thompson reviewed: One day needle felting workshop with Celestine and the Hare

"This is excellent value. I've attended a one day felting workshop with Karin, as a complete beginner. I came home with a gorgeous, characterful hare, and addicted to a new hobby. Karin is a patient and engaging tutor, who takes time with individuals to help everyone master various techniques. The atmosphere is friendly, inclusive and relaxed. Highly recommended."

26 Jan 17'

Emma Woodrow reviewed: One day needle felting workshop with Celestine and the Hare

"I've now done two of Karin's one day courses and cannot recommend them enough; she creates a wonderful atmosphere, in which to work, and immediately puts you at ease. She is a patient tutor and has a great sense of humor and whimsy, which is evident from her creatures, and she uses this to help her students to bestow individuality upon the creatures that they will make for themselves. There are always lots of laughs and, if you are lucky, some chocolate...."

26 Jan 17'

Jeanie Montgomery reviewed: One day needle felting workshop with Celestine and the Hare

"I attended a one day course and enjoyed the day tremendously. Above all else, it was fun, and the other people in on the course were very friendly. I made an elephant, and with Karin's support it turned out better than I'd hoped. I bought a starter pack, and since doing the course I've made lots of felted animals as gifts, so my new skills have been used a lot since."

26 Jan 17'

Laura Jones reviewed: One day needle felting workshop with Celestine and the Hare

"I am fortunate to say I have attended a one-day course with lovely Karin. I was an absolute beginner, with no confidence that I was 'crafty' enough to produce anything resembling the gorgeous creatures Karin makes. The group made hedgehogs, and I'm happy to say my hedgehog could hold his head up amongst his peers! I was delighted. I met some really lovely people, and Karin was a dream teacher. I'm booked to do the two-day armature course in March and I can't wait."

26 Jan 17'

Jennie Holmes reviewed: Art classes for beginners and intermediates

"My children have been attending Sue's Friday art class for a couple of years now and it is the highlight of their week. They have come home with a huge variety of artwork, all of it to a really high standard. Sue is kind, encouraging and engaging and has some lovely original ideas."

26 Jan 17'

Paula Booth reviewed: Art classes for beginners and intermediates

"My teenage daughter attends Sue's class. Sue is a great teacher, very enthusiastic and inspiring and builds a great rapport with the teenagers. Sue is able to spend lots of time with everyone in the class so they get lots of constructive feedback and support. My daughter has blossomed and feels so much more confident in her art work since attending the course. Thank you Sue"

26 Jan 17'

June Dootson reviewed: Mosaic day workshop on Orkney

"Very nice relaxed day. All materials supplied and books to look through for ideas. Teaching was very thorough and we all left with a completed mosaic and instructions on how to grout it once it had dried thoroughly.5"

25 Jan 17'

Luke Strickland reviewed: Making a Handmade Leather Wallet with Nigel Armitage

"Just finished a solid days wallet making course with Nigel today and could not possibly recommend this man more. I was completely new to working with leather and the associated tools and after just one day with the man I now feel like I have a great starting point and base of knowledge with which to begin a lifetime of study. He couldn't be a nicer and more engaging person which obviously made time with him fun and enjoyable as much as invaluable in terms of the knowledge being taught. Suffice to say I will definitely be making the 7 hour round trip to return to the Armitage workshop as many times as I can over the coming years. Thank you Nigel."

25 Jan 17'

Kay Stewart reviewed: Make silver jewellery using precious metal clay or silver clay

"I can honestly say that I have never enjoyed a course more than this!! Toni was so welcoming and made me feel so at ease. She's great at teaching her subject and it's obvious that she really enjoys doing what she does. All my questions were answered leaving me feeling confident to carry on doing this at home. I made an earring and necklace set and a little heart necklace all for the price of the course, and learned different techniques to use. I'm absolutely thrilled with what I made and will be going back to join in with an enameling course in the near future. Don't think about booking a course with Toni, just do it - you won't regret it!"

25 Jan 17'

Sarah Barnard reviewed: Art classes for beginners and intermediates

"My daughter attended Sue's classes for about 6 years and loved them. Our house is full of wonderful works of art that she's created under Sue's tutelage and it gave her a wonderful opportunity to work in a variety of media, as well as to exhibit in an exhibition. Sue is a lovely person and a great teacher; I would thoroughly recommend"

25 Jan 17'

Debbie Towns reviewed: Art classes for beginners and intermediates

"Sue is a brilliant teacher. Gentle kind and full of inspiration. Great with Children and adults too. My daughter has been attending Sue's classes for a number of years and has progressed extremely well. She loves the lessons and now goes twice a week!"

25 Jan 17'

Chrissy Salaman reviewed: Silver clay jewellery course in Shaftesbury, Dorset

"Today, two friends and I spent a morning with Fiona making earrings and pendants using silver clay. Fiona gave us an explanation of what silver clay is and how best to work with it. She guided us along the way, so we could create our own individual pieces. I am so impressed with the jewellery we all made - I don't consider myself to be particularly creative but my silver earrings and pendants are just beautiful! Thank you Fiona!"

25 Jan 17'

Sunny reviewed: One day needle felting workshop with Celestine and the Hare

"I had been to other needle felting workshops before, but this was a different experience...Karin makes teaching seem effortless (although I'm sure it isn't!) and is able to encourage each person individually at the very point they need help and pointers. She shares knowledge and experience while allowing you to find your own way of working and takes everyone's individual aspirations (a dog, an elephant, a chicken, a chameleon, a wyvern etc) in her stride. A really enjoyable day with lots of laughter amid the hard work!"

25 Jan 17'

ian taylor reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"After a previous day with Chris, i asked for another day as a christmas pressie.......well worth it, pushed my limited skills to the limit. Chris has the ability to bring the best out in his students.....an excellent tutor. Can't recommend this course enough."

25 Jan 17'

Linda edwards reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"I made four items today with Roseanne I had a good choice of pieces and also was able to make the piece my own original with Roseanna s help. She is an exceptional tutor. I am so pleased with all four items specially two that I was able to personalise, a passport holder and a card hold for my son and husband. Give it a go they make wonderful gifts. thanks again roseanna x"

25 Jan 17'

Deborah Harper reviewed: Two day blacksmithing course

"My partner and I did the weekend blacksmithing course; we would both thoroughly recommend it. Julian was friendly, patient, helpful and extremely knowledgeable. This was a birthday present for my partner and we came away very happy, having made a number of items, which exceeded my expectations as we were complete beginners. If it's cold outside do wrap up warm, as the forge doesn't kick out quite as much heat as you might expect. If you're considering booking this course I would say definitely do it; you won't be disappointed."

25 Jan 17'

Kathy reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"Colin has a wealth of experience and knowledge for woodturning, but importantly is an excellent and patient teacher. Everything was covered in a logical and friendly way combined with enthusiasm and a genuine love for what he does. I was provided with a vast amount of notes prior to the course, and he was flexible and willing to tailor the day to specific needs, making sure I got what I wanted out of the day. Incredible value for money considering all the equipment, materials, constant supply of coffee and skill of the teacher. On top of all this, Colin is a really nice guy and a pleasure to spend the day with! Next time I'm in Devon I'll definitely be back."

25 Jan 17'

Terry O'Sullivan reviewed: Fused Glass One Day Workshop : Fun, Creativity and Relaxation

"Had a great time learning to make lovely glass artworks which we will treasure. Joy was a great teaher -- warm, easy to follow, inspiringly enthusiastic and full of great tips!"

25 Jan 17'

Mike Rudkin reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I was a little apprehensive when I arrived-being a self taught turner I knew there would be bad practices to sort out and I had no idea how bad they would be. It was a good idea to use my own Beech Burr lump of timber as it meant we were starting right at the beginning,and I was pleased that George's assessment of how to cut it was very close to my own-we were off to a good start. My knuckles were white as I started making my first cuts, but George's quite gently firm ways of correcting firstly my stance and then how I held the tool and presented it to the work had me relaxing as the morning went on.The occasional theory breaks were well timed and reinforced what we were doing on the lathe. By the time we stopped for an excellent lunch prepared by Susan the bowl was well under way-and so,also were the re-grinds to my bowl gouges. Afternoon and we finished sanding and put a finish on the outside then started on the inside. The turning was interspersed with gems of information about all sorts of aspects of turning,finishing,holding work on lathe,friction chuck making,putting a sanding arbour on lathe.basically lots of stuff that quite often a turner will say "Oh make a friction chuck from some scrap wood" George actually showed me how it was made etc. As we got deeper into the bowl and encountered the voids etc, George's comment that this was probably the most difficult piece of wood I would turn made me feel quite pleased with the achievement. I was quite tired by the time we finished and my brain was working overtime processing all the data it had absorbed during the day. The finished bowl is a thing of beauty and I have a fantastic sense of achievement-once I have consolidated everything I learnt,I will be back for more !! My only regret is that I didn't take up turning until late in life-at 79yrs I've got a lot to get learnt,but if anyone can teach an old dog some new tricks it's George-thanks a lot."

25 Jan 17'

Audrey reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"Sowmya is a fantastic teacher!!! I learnt so much in such a short time. I am a complete beginner. She has given me the confidence in my own abilities and now I shall practise and develop. Thank you Sowmya....you are fantastic x"

25 Jan 17'

Laura reviewed: One day leather bag making workshop

"It's difficult to know where to begin this review as every aspect of the workshop was tremendous! The country setting in a workshop looking out across the fields is idyllic. We were met with a very warm welcome from Rosanna, whose expertise, talent and patience are limitless. My sister and I very happily settled into making our choice of leather and being adeptly guided through the process by Rosanna. We both felt confident under her tutoring and the result was a purse & card holder each which we are both delighted with! This is a perfect course for either a seasoned "crafter" or anyone wishing to dip their toe into craftsmanship. With a brew in hand, the radio on in the background, the company of Rosanna and the immense satisfaction of actually making something which you will use and treasure, I cannot think of a better way to spend a Saturday morning! Once again - thanks a million Rosanna! Laura & Kate x"

25 Jan 17'

Vincent reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Really informative - answered a lot of technical questions that showed a wealth of experience."

25 Jan 17'

Ashana reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"It was a wonderful and informative day. Sakeena is an amazing instructor and really funny."

25 Jan 17'

Esther reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"It was very enlightening and the methods of teaching were very easy to grasp. I love the ethics code subtly advised as I believe this will help with growing my business. I really enjoyed the creativity the class allowed me and I'll be back for the advanced classes. Thank you!"