Latest reviews

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!"

25 Jan 17'

Elle reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Informative and inspiring. Loved every minute."

25 Jan 17'

Michael reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Very informative and learned an awful lot having started from about no knowledge at all!"

25 Jan 17'

Stella Hulott reviewed: Two day leather bag making workshop

"I had a wonderful two day course with Rosanna, designing and then creating my very own bespoke bag. Rosanna gives you the freedom to do what you want, design wise - and if you cannot do it (such as the leather is too thick) she will explain why. A talented, patient teacher who gives you as much or as little help as you need. My bag is absolutely fantastic, a one off, in the most beautiful leather with all my personal touches. I am going back to do a half day wallet making course in the Summer! Thank you Rosanna!"

24 Jan 17'

Rose Thomas reviewed: Candle making workshops

"Our day with Angharad was nothing short of wonderful. She is warm, friendly and genuine and also an incredible teacher. She welcomed us into her home and made a lovely lunch which we enjoyed with her and her family. She has such a great way about her that makes it so easy and enjoyable to learn the craft of candlemaking. She has a wealth of knowledge and not only teaches you candle making skills but imparts information to you to help you along with your business that many other people would not. We made lots of candles all of which we took home with us and are now enjoying. She is happy to customise the course to suit your individual needs and answer all your question. I'm certain that we couldn't have found a better or nicer teacher. We will definitely go back to her for follow up lessons if necessary as we intend to put our knowledge to good use and turn our newly found skills into a new business. As a teacher Angharad is an asset to anyone who wishes to learn the craft of candlemaking. Thank you Angharad for the wonderful day that we had with you. Rose and Len."

24 Jan 17'

Nerys Osbourn reviewed: Beginners Weaving with the Rigid Heddle Loom - at All in a Spin

"This is the third workshop I've attended with All in a Spin and I thoroughly enjoyed all of them. The workshops are held at Dunja and Brian's beautiful farm in the magnificent Black Mountains. This time I learned to design a scarf, calculate the amount of yarn required, warp a loom and weave the scarf. Throughout, Dunja was on hand to pass on helpful tips and steer us through the process. I recommend All in a Spin to anyone wanting to learn the basics of weaving on a rigid heddle loom. Dunja is a patient and encouraging teacher and a skilled weaver. I look forward to the next workshop."

24 Jan 17'

Jill Chadwick reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"Really good day. Lots of valuable tips and practical hands on making. End result wasn't bad either. Thanks to Steve for endless patience."

24 Jan 17'

Sarah Blenkinsop reviewed: Two day needle felting a wired armature animal

"I have been on several workshops run by Karin over the last couple of years and they have all been really wonderful. Interesting venues, lovely food and a great tutor. Karin really does make it easy to learn and express yourself. Trust me you WILL make something which amazes you! I have made several needle felted creatures who have pride of place on my shelf, along with Karin's wonderful creations. and enjoyed a day of fun, craft and laughter. Well worth booking to come on this and you will learn a lot. And you get to be a part of the Tribe if you join the club, which I recommend you do as it is such fun!"

24 Jan 17'

Enid Richards reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Could there be any better place to learn about candlemaking than in the luxury of Jo's home, a beautiful converted barn in Suffolk, which overlooks a field of intriguing Highland cattle (which are mirrored in some the internal decorations in her home). Always a genuine very warm welcome received here for everyone and our day began with a cup of wonderful latte as Jo explained what we would be doing today. All the equipment is provided and Jo takes care that we understand each step of the process. Being very biased here, the candles are far superior to anything you can buy and being able to make them ourselves was truly a magical experience. The goodie bag we took home was wonderful with a kilner jar full of nightlights, 3 different sizes of candles, plus ones for the burner and some lovely heart shape wax decorations filled with a variety of dried flowers, fruits and seeds. Although we learnt a great deal, we also had a laughter filled day which included some wonderful home made vegetable soup with fresh crusty bread and butter. With the sun setting brilliant red on the hazy horizon as we left, the aromas of the various oils we used perfumed my car all the way home and are now filling various rooms in my house. I would highly recommend Jo and her classes in her truly wonderful home and it it can't fail to entice you into making your own."

24 Jan 17'

martin wharmby reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"Went to Ed's with some designs on paper and came back two days later with two beautiful moulds. The various processes were explained simply and very clearly the first morning, then we set about making the two moulds and developed the designs in the making process. I came with an understanding of the principles of the process but it was the detail that made it so valuable for me.....just how thick should that plaster be?....how do you get that glassy finish on the pattern? It was also fun, Eds interesting and really good company."

24 Jan 17'

Anna reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"I spent the Saturday morning with Sowmya doing a crochet course and really enjoyed it. We were given some notes & materials and she also explained how to read a crochet pattern. Relaxed atmosphere, Sowmya is kind and patient and it was so easy to follow her instructions."