Latest reviews

12 Dec 16'

Antonia Truslove reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"My husband and I had a fab few hours with Mark doing a Woodturning taster course at his workshop in Pershore. We were after some basic skills, along with a few hours of fun doing something that interested us. Mark tailored our time with him to cover exactly what we were after, and at the end of our time we both had beautiful walnut bowls to take away. I'd highly recommend Mark as a tutor, whether you are looking for something serious or just a bit of fun, Mark's flexibility will ensure you get what you're looking for."

12 Dec 16'

Marie reviewed: Hand-stitched leather tote, satchel or messenger bag course

"Fantastic course and I am so pleased with the bag. Gaynor and team made learning and making easy and fun. With clear instructions, gentle guidance and many patient reminders I made a beautiful Tote bag which has turned out exactly as I hoped. The workshop is so well equipped and the team were very skilled. And then there were the lovely cakes.... Recommend the course to anyone who wants to have a go- they make it so easy no experience needed! Thank you to all the team."

12 Dec 16'

Jennifer Burns reviewed: Clay life modelling weekend with Karin Ort

"A great weekend at the Phoenix Studios, very therapeutic. Highly recommended but wear comfy shoes! This is my second head at the studio. I'm very much a novice with very little arty talent but under the directions of the very patient Karin, I've created pieces of work I'm so proud of. The group is small, which means you get almost 1-2-1 instructions....a real plus for me. Can't wait for the next workshop."

11 Dec 16'

PinkFlower reviewed: Candle Making Class

"Very disappointed, the website is very misleading as there is a picture showing participants at individual workstations making their own candles however in reality you spend two hours in a kitchen watching Farah make a candle with hardly any chance to get involved. She constantly moaned about how busy she was having hold the classes to the point it felt like we were an inconvenience being there and everyone looked uncomfortable. Also we couldn't pick our own fragrance as all the wax was put in one pot which kind of defeats the object as we specifically went expecting to pick a scent we wanted not have a group debate which one we could all agree on. Nobody was offered a refreshment, told where the loo was etc and there seemed to be some issue about wearing shoes so again you felt like you weren't welcome. For the money I would have expected the candle starter kit to be included considering the cost of the items it contained was negligible rather than being charged an additional £10. When collecting our candles no bags were provided so unless you purchased a kit I don't see how you were meant to take your candle home. Then to top it all off deep holes have appeared in my candle?! Probably because the whole process of making it was rushed. I could go on and on but suffice to say I wouldn't recommend."

11 Dec 16'

David T reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"This review is well overdue, but I've come back to say just how good a time I had. I was bought this as a birthday experience and thoroughly enjoyed the day, going with a friend from Uni. Colin is very knowledgeable and tailored the day to work towards making many things we were interested in, going at a pace we wanted (which happened to be as much as we possibly could do) and helped creatively turn some of our mess ups into some beautiful pieces. I'm looking for any opportunity to go back now!"

11 Dec 16'

Ellie Newman & Craig Hinchliffe reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"I booked the one day course for beginners for my partners birthday. He has always wanted to try glass blowing so he was very excited and this course didn't disappoint. We arrived slightly early to a very welcoming and friendly Ricky. Throughout the day Ricky was very patient and demonstrated his passion for others to succeed in the art of glass blowing. We managed to create 5 beautiful pieces each and would without a doubt recommend this course to anyone wanting to try the art for themselves. We will definitely be back to compete the follow up course as we had such a good day. Thank you Ricky! Craig & Ellie x"

11 Dec 16'

Sue Holden reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"Today I attended a workshop to make a Willow Angel with Sally Anne. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Sally Anne is so patient and she explains things really well. The price of the workshops are excellent value for money and include all materials plus fabulous refreshments. Will certainly be booking again"

11 Dec 16'

Eve nightingale reviewed: Art & Craft Days - Christmas Wreaths & Swags – Willow

"Deb Hart Willow Christmas wreaths and swags 10th December 16. Dear Brian and Julie, Thankyou for a lovely day at the Butterfly Studio In such a Lovely location. Delicious food. Excellent demonstration by Deb Hart. I really enjoyed the day, and look forward to doing another course. Happy Christmas and New Year to you all. Eve"

11 Dec 16'

Chris Barrie reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"Attended a Xmas candle workshop with a group of friends and what a great time we had. Anita was very informative and helped us when needed. We had a giggle and amazed ourselves with our creations, which were all different. Look forward to going again and will definitely recommend it to my camping customers . Ideal for families or groups and you wouldn't feel out if place if you went on your own. Keep up the good work Anita :)"

11 Dec 16'

Julia reviewed: Willow Christmas reindeer

"Had a great time, now even have lights on it too!"

11 Dec 16'

Annwen Lewis reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"My first attempt at making a candle was very enjoyable, and being in the class it turned out that everyones Christmas tree candle was unique. Will deffinetly go to another class. Thanks"

11 Dec 16'

Helen reviewed: Greenwood stool making courses at Greenwood Days

"I had a hugely enjoyable week on the Windsor chair making course. As a beginner I was a little apprehensive when I first arrived, but this soon passed as Peter explained each step of the process and was always on hand to help. Although it was hard work (I found muscles I never knew I had) it was also very relaxing and satisfying to take home my chair at the end of the week. In addition the woodland location is beautiful, the lunches are tasty, and there is a constant supply of coffee and biscuits. All of which make this a great course I would highly recommend."

11 Dec 16'

Veronica Gooding reviewed: Diploma in natural organic haircare formulation

"Learned loads - really great class. Now feeling confident I can make a decent shampoo and conditioner for my difficult hair. Price was a bargain and location was ideal for me - right by Angel tube."

11 Dec 16'

Carolina reviewed: Candle Making Class

"Mixed - the knowledge was useful but the workshop itself was not good. It was in a very small kitchen, and Farah was complaining about how students kept breaking equipment so she only bought cheap things. Lo and behold, the only working thermometer in the house broke, which meant the wax temperature could not be measured. Another lady at the workshop was telling us that the last candle workshop she did they were all given their own equipment. It was very unprofessional that this happened and hearing Farah muttering to herself that the workshop was a disaster didn't help. The other point i want to make is that i went to the workshop because Farah advertises her candles as natural, soy, vegan, uncut fragrance oils free of nasties. Well, we learned with paraffin. Why? because soy is too difficult for beginners apparently. I didn't go to learn how to make paraffin candles - I will never make a paraffin candle. I also didn't go to use synthetic fragrance as it gives me a terrible headache - I was supposed to go and exercise after the workshop but i started vomiting on the way home on the tube and still have a terrible migraine. Farah's website states the following: "All our natural soy, vegan candles are of the highest quality and individually carefully handcrafted using timeless methods, exquisite fragrances and only the finest natural ingredients. Their beauty and elegance will transform your space into a peaceful retreat. Our candles are eco-friendly and sustainable. We also use pure cotton wicks, and premium, uncut fragrance oils that are free of added "fillers", pesticides and pthalates. " It's clear that she sells candles that do not match this description. When I questioned her about this statement on her website she denied it was there. Oh and to top it all off, the candle we brought home with us (dont' know about anyone else but certainly mine) collapsed in on itself and separated from the side of the glass, even in a very generous room temperature. If we had made it properly, if we had the right equipment, perhaps our candles would have turned out a bit nicer. On the whole, disappointed, wish i had not wasted my money."

11 Dec 16'

George Mew reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Had a fantastic day on this one day course which was my birthday gift from my lovely wife .Colin made me feel really at ease and taught me lots of techniques and I was able to forge and bring away three items under his expert supervision.I thoroughly enjoyed the day and would really recommend this course to anyone interested in blacksmithing .Thank you very much for a great day. Regards George Mew"

11 Dec 16'

Sam reviewed: Art & Craft Days - Christmas Wreaths & Swags – Willow

"My sister and I thoroughly enjoyed our day. The location was lovely and the whole set up from tea and pastries to start, lunch and afternoon tea was wonderful. We were so impressed, we immediately booked another course. Many thanks for all the hard work that goes into running these courses."

11 Dec 16'

Fran Chandler reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"14 years ago my parents brought me a ring for my 21st birthday from a small independent gallery that I absolutely adore. I wear it everyday and I get so many compliments about it. My younger sister got engaged last year and she said she'd always wanted a ring like mine. So, we headed over to North Wales and spent some time with Lucy whilst she decided what was right for her. We had such a lovely afternoon in the workshop with Lucy in her simple and idyllic surroundings and whilst there discovered that she offered jewellery making workshops. We decided to come back with our older sister and spend some quality time together learning a new craft. Well, what an experience! It was incredible. As complete novices I didn't expect to be able to produce a piece that looks professional and I can actually wear- but we all did! The time spent under Lucy's guidance was enlightening, empowering and great fun. She is an expectional teacher, a truly gifted artist and an inspirational women. We had a wonderful day, channelling our energies into producing 3 utterly unique pieces that took much intricate detail and work. Lucy allows you the freedom to 'own' your piece but her close guidance ensures that you still produce quality. I was heavily pregnant when we attended the workshop and as I wear my ring I wil always have a special associationin relation to to the precious time spent with my sisters and the imminent birth of my beautiful daughter. Thank you Lucy."

11 Dec 16'

Barbara Ngai reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I had a great experience, with patient ,professional guidance from Lucy, who had given me practical advice on getting supples, and accomodation in area , as well as a pickup service from train station (as I came from London). I'm a rank amateur, with very little experience in silver smithing , but a lifelong interest in design and crafting. With much assistance , I can away with a lovely memories of the charming workshop and a pendant which will be much treasured ! I also discovered another extraordinary connection with Lucy family,in my childhood, spent in Northof England,my sister and I had portraits painted by Lucy's grandfather Stanley Royle. He had been a patient of my father and Stanley had been requested to paint us a children ! We both currently live overseas."

11 Dec 16'

Lynn Faulkner reviewed: Weekly upholstery workshops with Cherry Dobson

"Cherry This is the first chance I have had to get back to you. I wanted to thank you for the fantastic course that you ran last week. I learnt so much and was so pleased with my creations by the end of the week. Lynn"

10 Dec 16'

Anne-Mieke reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"After doing a part time course at Burmingham school of Jewellery I carried on making the odd piece of jewellery at home. However, I felt I needed more guidance and found Lucy. I spend a day making 2 silver serviette rings together with Lucy. She was so knowledgeable but also hands on. She taught me while making me feel I was in charge of my own experience. No challenge that day was too great, and we had a few. But most importantly she gave me lots of confidence to carry on making silver jewellery at home. I am already thinking of another challenge that I could share with Lucy."

10 Dec 16'

Wendy Johnson reviewed: Willow Christmas reindeer

"Had a lovely day with lovely company. Started the day in amazement thinking I would never achieve the finished product, but with Victoria's guidance, we soon had something recognisable!"

10 Dec 16'

Mark Eden reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"We had an awesome day, blacksmithing with Col! We have come away having had lots of fun and hard work with a plethora of weird and wild things made of metal! Colin is a wonderful teacher who is supportive, attentive and enthusiastic-if you think you've had a disaster, he just goes with it and comes up with innovations to improve the original! So, we've got lots of hooks, fire tools, key rings, a toilet paper holder, a toasting fork, candle holders, wine glass holders and an amazing one handed bottle opener, as well as projects to be continued!"

10 Dec 16'

Suzy reviewed: Fused glass jewellery - weekend 2-day course - Develop your glass jewellery making, design and cold working skills

"This is my 3rd course with Eleanor and as usual it was excellent. She is a friendly and knowledgable tutor and has a wealth of knowledge that she eagerly shares. She guides without influencing your work so the pieces you create are yours and original. There is an abundance of materials you can have a go with, so all you need is a bit of imagination and you are set. I would encourage anyone who has thought about trying to make jewellery to go and book a course with Eleanor. I had a brilliant time."

10 Dec 16'

Bev Wilson reviewed: Clay life modelling weekend with Karin Ort

"WOW! If you're wondering/contemplating...stop and book it NOW! If I can do it, so can you! What a fabulous weekend! It was fun, rewarding, relaxing, stimulating (can it be both?-yes it can apparently!)exciting, therapeutic...just wonderful. I shouldn't have put it off for so long! Karen is a fab teacher and everyone on the course was so friendly and kind. It was great to be learning and achieving in such a lovely nurturing environment."

10 Dec 16'

Natalie Stanier reviewed: Willow Reindeer Sculptures - 2 day course

"I can't recommend this course enough, I had a fabulous 2 days, the Craft barn is lovely venue for the course the log burner kept us toastie & warm. I had lunch both days at the visitors centre which was great. Sue was a fantastic teacher & made the course exceptional & I was so pleased with the Reindeer I made its something I can treasure for years to come."