Latest reviews

22 Jan 17'

Neil Pallister reviewed: Wood turning courses

"What can I say? Brilliant, informative, inspiring! I really enjoyed my day yesterday and I really appreciated George's patience, experience and diligent teaching. I have always loved the elements: water, rock and wood. George has shown me how to make wood ‘speak’ and how to turn it with ease to produce beautiful forms. The decorative effects were the icing on the cake. Simple yet effective and I can see the thought and attention to detail that really pays off. Many thanks to George again for the course and his wife Sue for keeping me fed and watered on such a cold day! I highly recommend it to anyone reading this. I will definitely be back!!"

22 Jan 17'

Sam Robinson reviewed: Hide camp - deer skin into buckskin

"In their ability to transmit a subtlety and depth of technique whilst all the while feeling like nothing more formal than friends at common work in the woods, Jessie and Jane possess a rare mastery of the teacher's art; enabling each their own discovery of the craft, never simply telling us what to do. However, more important even than the expert instruction, was the experience of camp life that was created and shared. This was not really a course, but rather a remedy for amnesia; a glimpse of who we were during the forgotten majority of our history, and who we could be again, if we are to do better by each other and by the earth."

22 Jan 17'

Sarah reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"Yesterday I did a full day workshop with Rosanna and came away with four beautiful items: a gorgeous reddish brown purse/wallet complete with zipped pocket for coins and several slots for cards and larger notes, a lined zipped coin purse with funky design on the outside, a hand stitched card holder for my partner, and a matching stylish and strong keyring. Three of the items are embossed with our initials which makes them really special and looks great! I was amazed at how many different techniques I was able to have a go at during the course of the day and could never have imagined the quality of what I would be bringing home with me - very pleased and proud! Thanks to Rosanna for being so skilled and talented - both creatively and in her teaching style. I highly recommend this course!"

22 Jan 17'

John Downey reviewed: Art classes for beginners and intermediates

"I have been coming to Sue's class for a few years now. I enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the chance to be creative alongside like-minded people. There is no pressure put on you. The group is small and friendly and there is the chance to try many forms of art, printmaking, pottery, pen and ink, charcoal, whatever you would like to try. The studio is at the top of an old mill, you only have to look out of the window to be inspired."

22 Jan 17'

Anna reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"What can I say other than Sowmya is the best possible teacher ever. She has the knowledge, the patience, the positive and cheerful attitude to make crotchet fun. As a keen knitter, I marvel at crotchet patterns and I have always wanted to learn. She made the class productive and fun. The fact that she keeps numbers to a minimum is a great testimony to her commitment to give attendees the closest attention and make sure that they actually go home and continue to practice, which is just what I did after her class! I couldn't wait to pick up the hook again and I have already bought my next stash of yarn to start my first (simple) project. Book one of her session, you'll thank her and you will thank me for it. I take no responsibility if your yarn's spending increases though...."

22 Jan 17'

Pam Roberts reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"I had a fabulous and very interesting afternoon making candles but also learning about all the different elements of candle making. The Old School House enormous room where it all happens is stunning too. Anita is a very knowledgeable and friendly teacher and you can see some of her wonderful work on display. I cannot recommend this experience highly enough - the candles I made were so good that my husband thought that I had bought them! That's how good a teacher Anita is."

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22 Jan 17'

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

"Fun to watch these animals evolve from wire and wool. Enjoyed the day and learning the techniques. Was surprised at how much could be achieved in one day. Michelle is a talented tutor , providing us with beautiful materials and the know -how to be successful with our chosen animal. Look forward to attending another course in the future."

22 Jan 17'

Amanda reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"I bought a Sunday course for my husband and me as his Christmas gift. We had a really good day. Ricky is a patient and likeable teacher who took us through the craft of glass making from creating a nugget of blown glass, through three other pieces of increasing complexity. The day was good value for money and an experience we will always remember. Highly recommended!"

21 Jan 17'

Bruce Parry reviewed: Hide camp - deer skin into buckskin

"This course made my heart sing. I was wholeheartedly nourished by the joys of learning new crafts with wonderful people in a beautiful natural setting. And Jessie and Jane are wonderful company and guides."

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."