Latest reviews

21 Jan 17'

Mandie Moo reviewed: Chalk Paint furniture workshop for beginners

"Fabulous day in the 'office'. Sue is a fantastic teacher, full of patience and encouragement, and takes the mystery out of painting, distressing and decoupaging home furnishings with chalk paints. Very well organised and well facilitated, the course ran to time without feeling rushed or under any pressure. The cafe next door serves amazing food. Good parking and facilities on site. I can thoroughly recommend this beginner's workshop. I have achieved a beautiful piece of furniture that I am very proud of which will take pride of place in my house. This is all thanks to Sue and her skills, not only as an 'upcycler' but also as a fabulous instructor. I highly recommend this course"

21 Jan 17'

Fliss & Chris reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Just got back from a BRILLIANT day forging with Nigel. If you enjoy getting stuck in, being creative & getting filthy, you'll love this course! Nigel is a great tutor who will treat you to many stories from the forging world & inspire you with his beautiful sculptures, some of which are nestled within a woodland. There was just my partner & I on the course which was amazing. We received Nigel's attention all day and because there was only 2 of us we got the chance to make lots of stuff! I was chuffed thinking we'd get to make 1 thing. We in fact made 3 things each and got to bring it all home! Super, super day! Recommended 100%!"

21 Jan 17'

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

"Thank you very much for your expert teaching. I had a lovely day-it was nice tackling a new skill. I am looking forward to having another go. I am planning to attend another wool painting workshop with you in February."

21 Jan 17'

Paul Seymour reviewed: Learn to turn wooden bowls on a traditional wood turning lathe (pole lathe/treadle lathe)

"I have been turning bowls for a little while now, but needed some help perfecting some techniques and moving on to more advanced bowls. I spent a day with Sharif learning how to use the hook tools with more accuracy, as well learning how to turn Quaich bowls. I also spent a day learning how to forge the hook tools necessary for turning bowls. I really enjoyed the course, Sharif was very knowledgeable and able to really help me to progress with bowl turning."

21 Jan 17'

Sheila H reviewed: Improvers Hand Spinning - Next Steps in Hand Spinning - at All in a Spin

"Having done the beginner's course the day before, I thoroughly enjoyed learning even more about the preparation of yarn for spinning. I also tried out four different spinning wheels over the two days. Would definitely recommend this course as Dunja is so knowledgeable and very patient!"

21 Jan 17'

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

"This course was bought as a surprise for me, as I have wanted to try spinning for a long time, but not had the opportunity. It was a very interesting and fun day and I came away with a skein of wool, which I have knitted with. Thank you Dunja."

21 Jan 17'

Helen Garrett reviewed: Full day pottery workshop, hand building and throwing in the New Forest.

"My husband & I spent a fantastic day making pots, bowls jugs and decorations as an alternative birthday gift. We tried out a range of different techniques, some more successfully than others, but all with the expert tuition of Claire, resulting in a selection of pieces which we collected once they had been fired. She supplied refreshments (including a birthday cake) enabling us to concentrate all our attention on the craft. A thoroughly enjoyable day, at just the right level to provide a one of taster for fun but it would also make a great introduction for those looking to take their studies further."

21 Jan 17'

Andrea Ahimie-Carthy reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"I did the one day course and was really impressed with Jason, his studio and his teaching. I really want to come and do another course in a couple of months time and make some matching bits! Well done Jason!"

21 Jan 17'

Wendy reviewed: 2 day traditional upholstery workshop

"I have just spent the weekend on this upholstery course and can honestly say it was a fabulous experience. Karen is an excellent teacher full of knowledge and enthusiasm. From the moment we arrived Karen and her famiily made us feel welcome and relaxed. There were 3 of us on the course and although we all brought different projects, she managed our time well so that very moment was productive. I came away feeling very proud of what I had achieved and, inspired to take on a second project. I would highly recommend Karen and will definitely be back to learn more........................ Thank you Karen"

20 Jan 17'

Vince Elliott reviewed: Wood turning courses in Dorset

"I have just spent a fabulous day with Mark who tailored the course to my needs as a novice wood turner. Mark is is very personable and nothing was too much trouble. His style is to demonstrate and then swiftly to give the student hands on, guiding where necessary. I have come away having learnt a great deal with no nonsense advice from choosing wood through to the art of professional finishing. Many thanks for a fabulous day; off now to practice."

20 Jan 17'

Jackie reviewed: Encaustic art (wax painting) workshop

"Loved the course, Karen is so patient and encouraging. Coming to Karens course is also great inspiration for future projects."

20 Jan 17'

Sarah reviewed: Introduction to silver jewellery making workshop with Diane Lee

"I really enjoyed my beginners course with Diane. There were only 5 in the class so we all got personal support and didn't feel at all rushed throughout the lovely relaxed day. I learned loads and am looking forward to doing another course soon."

20 Jan 17'

Jim s reviewed: Steam-Bending Courses in Cumbria

"Enlightening, fun, rewarding, you can't ask for more than that, a great little course - superbly hosted by Charlie Whinney, set in beautiful surroundings, and a great beer and delicious food in the local pub with Charlie after a long but very fast moving day."

20 Jan 17'

Dave Clark reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Had a very enjoyable day, with one to one tuition. Learned quite a lot about wood-turning, many things I would never have realised without instruction. Also found out what I was doing wrong! Altogether a very useful and informative day. Would recommend Mark to anybody who wants to learn about wood-turning from an expert. Thanks Mark! PS the coffee was excellent!"

20 Jan 17'

Dolly reviewed: The Natural Skin Care Workshop

"I am really happy with all the products we made today. Now I want to go and do lots of research and make my own products."

20 Jan 17'

Caroline reviewed: The Natural Skin Care Workshop

"Interesting from beginning to end. Speed of information just right to follow and not too fast. Happy to be able to use this knowledge immediately."

20 Jan 17'

Soheila reviewed: The Natural Skin Care Workshop

"Great information, fun, very practical and shows how easy it is to make things yourself - gives you confidence to go home and try it!"

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19 Jan 17'

Jo Banks reviewed: Needle-felting course with FURZIE at The Globe, Hay on Wye, Herefordshire *Accommodation available*

"A well paced and excellently led course. Michelle was a star, always encouraging and available to help out. The animals we made far exceeded our expectations."

19 Jan 17'

Mr Brian Paterson reviewed: Needle felting course with FURZIE at Trumpet Corner Tea Rooms, Ledbury, Herefordshire

"Excellent course. Informal, instructive and enjoyable. My first delve into the realm of needle felting, but Michelle made the experience an enjoyable one with her teaching style. Other members on the course were of different levels of expertise, however this added to the mix and Michelle was able to give each person the time needed to ensure they achieved their learning goal and got maximum benefit from the course. I came away with knowledge, nice memories, a piece of my own handcrafted art, but more importantly the skills to carry it forward and hopefully help raise funds for the charity I volunteer for. Thank you Michelle."

19 Jan 17'

Sandra Hopes reviewed: Daventry sculpture classes for adults at the Parker E-ACT Academy

"I have really enjoyed your Sculpture Workshops, I have learnt such a lot. I know I have mainly made heads, but the wealth of knowledge you have is tremendous. You have put me right many times. It all goes in though and I remember it all. The time goes really fast when we are in sessions. I look forward to making many more heads all a bit better than the last one, I look forward to the next term."

19 Jan 17'

Sue Blenkinsop reviewed: Daventry sculpture classes for adults at the Parker E-ACT Academy

"I have been a student under the tutelage of Beatrice Hoffman for some years. She is a rigorous and empathetic teacher, bringing out the best in students with encouragement and vision. I have learnt so much and value her criticism and wide knowledge of her subject and art history."

19 Jan 17'

Sarah Ingham-Clark reviewed: Daventry sculpture classes for adults at the Parker E-ACT Academy

"I have been attending Beatrice's workshops for a number of years and never fail to gain something from them each time. She has an unfailing eye for what works in a sculpture - her criticism and instruction allow you to make the most out of your ideas. If I worked in isolation at home I would not be pushing myself to the same extent nor be so happy that I was progressing."

19 Jan 17'

Chris Cross reviewed: Daventry sculpture classes for adults at the Parker E-ACT Academy

"Beatrice manages to further her students’ skill sets while at the same time encouraging original work and growth of the individual’s imagination. This results in an enjoyable and fulfilling experience and there is even something to show for it when a project is finished!"

19 Jan 17'

Melanie Butcher reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"Myself, sisters and mother attended the bangle workshop in January as part of my mums birthday celebrations. We loved it from the snug cosy workshop with so much to look at, to the delicious home made brownies, copious cups of tea and Jolene's welcome guidance and encouragement. We all created 2 or 3 bangles that we were more than proud of and are a great keepsack of mum's birthday. This is a great workshop to do and we will certainly be returning!"

19 Jan 17'

M.Utting reviewed: Calligraphy: four-lesson correspondence and/or zoom courses with Gaynor Goffe

"A very reasonably priced day with an excellent calligrapher and tutor. Gaynor has a talent for moving you along at your own individual pace and most pupils achieve a piece of writing by the end of the day."