Latest reviews

14 Jun 16'

Roger and Sarah Bodey reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"We're not at all surprised to see that all the reviewers above have given this course five stars because it is absolutely first class. Colin provides all the equipment you need and gives expert advice and guidance in a very relaxed way. Colin has suggestions of items that can be made (relatively) easily and demonstrates how to do it. Sarah had something in mind and Colin supported her in making a really impressive piece on our first visit. Very good value with discount for couples and groups. Do it, there may be a blacksmith inside you just waiting to get out."

14 Jun 16'

Jenny Smith reviewed: 3 Day beginners Fused Glass crash course - Silver Zebra studio Cheshire - Est 2004 by one of the UKs leading glass artists

"I was looking for a course that would give me a good foundation to learn and develop my understanding of fused glass. The course was perfectly structured - a large variety of projects with all the guidance and materials we needed. I loved the fact that we were encouraged to use our own creativity rather than everyone producing something that looked the same. Deborah is extremely knowledgeable and an excellent tutor... she is obviously very passionate about her art. She made us very welcome and the lunches she provided were lovely (she's an excellent chef!). I would recommend Deborah's courses to anyone - I will definitely be back for the Intermediate Course in a few months."

14 Jun 16'

Alan Martin reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"Had a great time in a friendly atmosphere with great instruction and learned loads. A great course a full value for money. Thanks for everything Jason."

14 Jun 16'

Caroline Salthouse reviewed: Beginners 10 week woodworking course NO LONGER RUNNING

"Intensive is the right word for the beginners course but it was well worth every second. Ciaran is a great teacher; patient, humorous and prepared to put the hours in well over and above the stated times in order to ensure we all came away with a finished piece. I learnt things I never even knew I didn't know - incredibly useful for a complete beginner like me. I am now confident that I know what to do to restore and maintain my tools, and of course how to use them. Hard work but I enjoyed every single minute. And the biscuits really helped!"

14 Jun 16'

Lucy reviewed: Candle Making And Decorating

"This 3 hour course could have been one hour really. We didn't actually make any candles, it was more about decoration. The actual making was theory because of H&S and that the group was huge - 50 or so people. Decorating, we had 3 ready made candles which 1) we covered in paint 2) we chipped out a design 3) we wrapped some paper around. The level was very basic, children could do this and it wasn't really worth the money."

14 Jun 16'

Tracy reviewed: Needle felting course with FURZIE at Trumpet Corner Tea Rooms, Ledbury, Herefordshire

"Michelle's wonderful skills in creating beautiful felted animals, along with her great teaching skills makes her workshops an absolute pleasure."

14 Jun 16'

Sean Albuqueque reviewed: Wood Machining in East Sussex

"It was good to have so much hands-on time, and the (very) small group and relaxed environment meant we were able to have practical demonstration as an answer to many questions."

13 Jun 16'

Jonathan Roskell reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Where do I start? I wasn't quite sure what to expect before I arrived, but Debbie warmly greeted us all with hot drinks, and homemade biscuits. Andy and Adrian were friendly, approachable, helpful and patient showing us what to do. Some of the results of other attendees were impressive, whilst mine was perhaps a bit hit and miss. However it really didn't matter as I enjoyed the day so much. Great tasty, hearty, healthy food for lunch. What is not to like. Cannot recommend this course enough."

13 Jun 16'

Margaret Maxwell reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I wish I'd booked it earlier - it took me 18 months from being given the course for Christmas to actually doing it as I was worried about my bad wrist. I need not have worried as it was much less physical than I expected and Nigel was very helpful. It was a wonderful day away from the norm hearing Nigel's stories and making items which I'm proud of. I've already been busy recommending it to others :)"

13 Jun 16'

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

"I just wanted to thank you once again Dunja for such an excellent workshop, from arriving at the farm to leaving with our own plied wool I truly enjoyed the whole experience. After reading others feedback I dont think there is much more I can add, just please keep doing what you do 'cos you do it so well. Good luck in all that you do."

13 Jun 16'

Jess reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Could not recommend this course enough! We drove down on the morning and were greeted by Adrian, Andy and Debbie with tea and lovely biscuits. We had a friendly introduction and then got stuck in. Adrian demonstrated really clearly how to do the tasks in doable chunks and then we had all the tools and equipment to do it individually, with just the right amount of supervision and guidance; I always felt like I had done it all myself. The projects we made looked great, and we had a fantastic day. It was certainly worth the cost, and the meal we had at lunchtime was absolutely brilliant- just what we needed after the hard work! Couldn't fault this course at all, looking forward to going back!"

13 Jun 16'

Kathryn Davey reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"My friend and I have just had the most fun learning to throw pots with Rowena on Saturday. Rowena got us going straight away on the wheel and before we knew it we were making bowls! Amazing. We grinned and laughed the whole day. We will definitely be back for more and it was well worth the drive down from London. I cannot recommend this course highly enough. Such a wonderful feeling of achievement and to be able to learn from such a skilled teacher. Thank you so much."

13 Jun 16'

Virgina Wildman reviewed: Evening Patchwork with Pam Wise

"Had a wonderful 6 weeks learning patchwork here with Pam. Can't thank her enough for all her help and advice. Very much want to do another course."

13 Jun 16'

Anon reviewed: Basic beekeeping

"All of it – excellent!"

13 Jun 16'

Anon reviewed: Basic beekeeping

"Fantastic course with excellent presentation and knowledge from Brian. Like the handouts to digest when there's more time. Listening to someone who knows about beekeeping"

13 Jun 16'

anon reviewed: Basic beekeeping

"Best bits were seeing the bees and Brian's answers to our questions based on his experience"

13 Jun 16'

anon reviewed: Basic beekeeping

"Brian was amazing at his job info about beekeeping was outstanding, seeing the bees in real life was great. The print outs are a really good idea. I would tell people to come on the course"

13 Jun 16'

Anon reviewed: Basic beekeeping

"Brian is amazingly knowledgeable and skilled in delivery, lovely lunch. Fantastic - learnt so much"

13 Jun 16'

anon reviewed: Victorian sewing box - one day course

"All of it thoroughly enjoyed it, both the educational side and the practical side. Excellent tutor - her knowledge and love of textiles and Acton Scott shone through. Fabulous day, lunch and refreshments also excellent."

13 Jun 16'

Anon reviewed: Victorian sewing box - one day course

"Thoroughly enjoyed all of the course, lovely to hear the history first and actually touch the clothing etc., lovely afternoon making bits in the wonderful parlour. Insight into garment construction, practical sessions."

13 Jun 16'

Joanna reviewed: Jewellery Design

"It's one of the most accessible places that I know and a wonderful place to study."

13 Jun 16'

Breda reviewed: Clothes Making: Beachwear

"I like the atmosphere at the Mary Ward Centre, and the tutors' teaching and presentations are great. This is exceptional!"

13 Jun 16'

Julia reviewed: Personal Fashion Styling - 2 workshops at Mary Ward Centre

"The teachers, staff and students here have a massive amount of enthusiasm. I've definitely gained more confidence since starting to study here. I couldn't sing its praises more highly!"

13 Jun 16'

Karen reviewed: Jewellery: making a ring in a day at the Mary Ward Centre (concessions available)

"There are such a huge number of courses on offer, I can always find something to fit in with my busy schedule."

13 Jun 16'

John reviewed: Advanced Printmaking

"I’d recommend the Mary Ward Centre because it's very accessible and open and it's filled with really interesting people."