Latest reviews

13 Feb 17'

Catherine Readman reviewed: Drawing Course for Complete Beginners

"Learned more in my first drawing class than I ever did at school. A peaceful, relaxing two hours. Am excited about drawing again! Great teacher."

13 Feb 17'

Kirsty reviewed: Mindful Mosaic workshops with Dionne Ible - Bedfordshire

"As a complete beginner, this was my introduction to mosaic and I loved it. Dionne is great, a good balance between providing guidance and encouraging you to learn through practice. Lots of inspiration provided through Dionne's own amazing work and a stack of books are made available. The 6 hours absolutely flew by and has definitely inspired me to do more. I hope to be back in the future."

13 Feb 17'

Andy Robinson reviewed: Intermediate woodworking course

"My wife surprised me by booking me on this fantastic intermediate course. I last built a small table nearly 40 years ago as a teenager at school and since then have really only worked with wood in a DIY sort of way, making the most of power tools to get that job done quickly! Ciarán excellent teaching and facilities reawakened my love and respect for wood and the simplicity and beauty of the hand tools to work it. So if, like me, you are happy holding a saw, chisel and plane but really don't know what you should be using them for then this is the course for you. Under Ciarán's guidance you get to build a beautiful piece of furniture that can, like for me, open the door to exploring a new adventure in hand crafted woodworking. Thanks Ciarán (oh, and Liz ;-) )"

13 Feb 17'

Jenny Aspland reviewed: A snip of decoupage - beginners' workshop

"Such a warm welcome. I felt relaxed and comfortable, and I had the opportunity to practice a variety of techniques. The course was very inspiring, and I would recommend anyone to book a day. Many thanks!"

13 Feb 17'

Karen Green reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"A wonderful day learning a new skill taught by an excellent teacher. I was surprised that with the right tuition I could come home with a skein of wool I had spun and plied myself. I would recommend a day with the Spinning Barn to anyone wanting to learn to spin."

13 Feb 17'

Rachel Hughes reviewed: Stained Glass

"Lots of help and choice of materials for us all to make our own stained glass suncatchers over 2 sessions."

12 Feb 17'

Karen reviewed: Naturally gluten-free bread baking at The Artisan Bakery School

"I had a lovely day with Penny who was very knowledgeable on gluten free products. We made a wide range of breads & pastries, Penny was able to introduce me to a wider range of flours & mixes. I am a coeliac of 18 years & have come away from the course with a new inspiration to use a wider variety of flours & new recipes. Oh & my pizza was scrummy! Thank you Penny & Dragan"

12 Feb 17'

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

"I did both the Fibre Preparation course and the Intermediate Spinning course with Dunja and have thoroughly enjoyed both. Dunja is very patient and is able to work with each person at their own level and help them improve and expand their knowledge. She has a range of materials and equipment to experiment with and lots of enthusiasm. I am inspired and have a much better understanding of how my own spinning wheel works. I can already see an improvement in the yarn I am producing."

12 Feb 17'

Susan Williams reviewed: Making a stained glass art hanging

"I spent a very rewarding time at Caryl's light catcher workshop on a grey February day. It was immensely rewarding and delightful to take home a piece of art, predominantly made by me! Caryl is a patient teacher and as she kept the attendance at the workshop small, she can provide quality support. A tasty lunch was an added bonus."

12 Feb 17'

Nigel Meadows reviewed: One to One woodturning tuition - full day course

"I recently had 1 to 1 tuition with Martin at the Black Dog workshop and have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the day. My original intention was to tap into Martin’s incredible flare for texturing and colouring but it quickly became obvious that my time would be better spent learning more about the basics. That’s the great thing about a 1 to 1 session; you have the flexibility to revise the game plan without disrupting others. Instead of trying to set the world on fire with my Robert Sorby texturing tool, I adjusted my sites and concentrated instead on honing my tool skills, developing best finishing techniques and learning how to sharpen chisels to an unbelievable degree. All in all, it was a tremendous day that really delivered value for money. There’s no substitute for spending time in the company of a guy like Martin. You pick up so much so quickly. It’s amazing just how much info and technique can be imparted in such a relatively short time. I would also have to add, as many of those who have watched Martin’s videos already know, he is a natural communicator and all round good egg! The whole experience was therefore informative, relaxed and fun. I will certainly be going back for my texturing and colouring session at some stage and have no hesitation in commending this course to others."

12 Feb 17'

Marian Arnott-Weeks reviewed: Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop.

"I enjoyed an informative and interesting day with Lyn, learning techniques completely new to me. I came away with a lot of information, enthusiasm, an experimental panel of artwork that has been much admired - and one of her delicious chocolate brownies:) Must try the collagraph next. Thank you, Lyn, for a great day."

12 Feb 17'

Vicki reviewed: Knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"I had a 2 hour session as a complete beginner with Ann last week, and she was great! So patient and I came away feeling totally inspired :-) I've just bought loads of supplies and have started my first project (a scarf!) Many thanks Ann, and I would recommend you to anyone :-)"

12 Feb 17'

Lindsay frazer reviewed: Making a stained glass art hanging

"This was an amazing day , I learnt and achieved so much , caryl was amazing and a great teacher , I highly recommend any course with caryl as she inspires and encourages you so much , great lunch too"

11 Feb 17'

Jean reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Had a very enjoyable day learning from a Professional..very interesting and certainly different from the sort of carpentry I've done before. Would recommend to anyone looking to learn a new skill. Very pleased with the bowl I produced, just in time for Fran's Birthday present ! Also thanks again to your Sue for all the coffees and lunch"

11 Feb 17'

Leanne Turner reviewed: Knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"Great class. Good location with tea and cake! Good teacher listens and helps solve issues. Great to know money is going to charity too. You can crochet Ann will help you"

11 Feb 17'

Jane Bennett reviewed: Essential Oil Workshop Essex

"I had a really enjoyable day with April. Created 5 lovely products to take home. I'll definitely be back."

11 Feb 17'

Lymphoma Lass reviewed: Weaving with pick up sticks

"Excellent course - really enjoyed it when I participated today (11/02/17). Cathy set a very comfortable, homely, reassuring atmosphere and we all achieved a great deal in the half day. I took home my project with some extra embroidery thread to help me finish it, and worked on it some more this afternoon. Just lovely. Would really recommend. LLxx"

11 Feb 17'

Nicola Green reviewed: Learn To Crochet On The Norfolk/Cambs Border

"What a great course. Learnt so much. Could have stayed longer. I am a complete beginner but Sue had so much patience with me and didn't mind when I went wrong!!! I will definitely be back for another course, once I have practised the basics."

11 Feb 17'

Jan Woolfenden reviewed: Felt Surface Techniques: Sampling Day

"This was my third course with Emma which I thoroughly enjoyed. The techniques we learned were well taught, and we had all the help we requested with our questions helpfully answered. We were encouraged to work at a good pace but not so that it was stressful...it was fun. I felt I had both learned and achieved lots: I had done a good day's work and was in need of a restful evening! Thank you Emma for a lovely day."

11 Feb 17'

simon corden reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Never bashed hot metal before and Chris took me from a cold (it was chilly) standing start from 'toolbox talk' to making three forge welded chain links in no time. Had enough time after to make the leaf key ring too - all in a morning session. Excellent tutor, hugely knowledgeable and experienced blacksmith. No hesitation recommending him. I had a thoroughly brilliant time!"

11 Feb 17'

Lindsay Green reviewed: Needle Felting - Half Day - Feather Felts

"I have just finished a wonderful afternoon, really relaxing making a felt flower brooch. Jane is an excellent teacher really inspiring and helpful. We all came away with a taste for felting and lovely flower would recommend to anyone. Thanks Jane"

11 Feb 17'

Alan Cheadle reviewed: Make a Windsor chair

"My wife encouraged me to sign up to an introductory green woodworking course last June, where I met Ben and found a real interest in woodworking that I had no experience in. He is a great teacher and got the best out of us and we all came away with a spatula and rolling pin. Fast forward through the 2 weekend stool making class and recent 10 week chair making course and I've come away not only with some nice pieces of furniture, but an appreciation and understanding of working with different types of wood, some very cool hand tools, and a new love of building with my hands from scratch. Whether you want to take on a completely new challenge and set of skills, have a bit of good fun, and/or add a bit of nice furniture to your collection - I highly recommend this course with Ben!"

11 Feb 17'

Adele Turner reviewed: Knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"Ann was a good teacher and the vintage tea rooms was a great location. Even better is proceeds go to charity so come on people sign up and have a go!"

11 Feb 17'

Anna reviewed: Needle felting with Virginia

"Fantastic workshop - lots of freedom to get to know this addictive technique but skilled guidance when requested. Virginia provides plenty of inspiration and all the tools so within a couple of hours I had the basis for my lavender field picture ready to embellish at home. Hugely enjoyable!"

11 Feb 17'

Diane Hall reviewed: Contemporary Panel (2 day workshop) at Old Bank Studios

"I absolutely love doing the work shops hosted by Bev and Nigel of Old Bank Studios. A truly wonderful environment with tutors that embrace their abilities. I have done many workshops here and they are always so helpful and informative resulting in a piece of work to take home that you can be proud of, even for the not so confident. This course run by Alex Waylett is a good combination of machine embroidery, applique and Lumiere paints. I would 100% recommend this to anyone with machine stitch embroidery experience. Runs again in August, check the website and see you there!!"