Latest reviews

19 May 16'

Neil Greenland reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"Brilliant course, both informative and highly enjoyable. Peter and Marv's patient and friendly approach was spot on and the whole setting made it a memorable experience. Great fun but also extremely useful , introducing us to the wonderful world of froes, travishers, and spokeshaves!!"

19 May 16'

Gordon Bragg reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Having been unable to spend much time on woodturning for some years now, I decided a 'refresher' was needed to correct my bad habits, get back up to speed and improve my confidence level. I found Mark through this site and previously posted comments indicated that he was worth talking to. From our first conversation it was clear that his ability to operate at any level of competency was just what I needed. He quickly assessed my ability and tailored the day to fit, without any obvious time constraints. While obviously at the top of the woodworking community his ability to communicate and demonstrate at my lowly level is excellent, and his patience admirable!! I had a thoroughly enjoyable and informative day, backed up with written notes to refresh memories of the extensive detail provided non stop throughout. I am sure that time spent with Mark would be beneficial to anyone interested in woodturning."

18 May 16'

Helen Lucas reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"Had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon with Sally Anne, making a willow light (to learn the basic techniques) and then a garden arbour, which I shall proudly place on my allotment to support my runner beans! We learned about the different types of willow and worked with two of these during the session. Sally Anne took us through everything at just the right pace, in a friendly and relaxed way, and we were really pleased with what we achieved. Will definitely be booking onto some of her other courses in the future!"

18 May 16'

Katie M reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Elaine was patient and a wonderful hostess. She welcomed us in to her home and was a delight to spend the day with! Having a small class meant we were able to have one-to-one help when we had problems. In just one day the group went from having little to no experience to walking out the door with a skein of yarn we spun ourselves! Elaine also went over the basics of what to look for when buying a fleece and how to prepare it. A great day!"

18 May 16'

Michael Dane reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"A great introductory course to blacksmithing. Bob the instructor made the day pleasant and instructive with a good atmosphere and plenty of tea! I came home with an aching arm, a bottle opener, a coat hook and a poker. Thanks Bob for a great day."

18 May 16'

Margaret McInall reviewed: Annie Sloan - introductory painting techniques

"A very enjoyable few hours learning what could be done with this paint - came away with a head full of ideas and some supplies to tackle a few items at home. Good tuition and help. Would attend on another course."

18 May 16'

Jim Farrell reviewed: Timber framing courses

"Only sorry I did not sign up for the 2nd week. What a great course in a relaxed environment with an international team of participants, from South Africa to Chicago. To top it all Mary's food was amazing and just what was needed to keep us all going. Will sign up again for the next course when it is running again."

18 May 16'

Maxine reviewed: One day silver pendant and earring workshop

"What a brilliant day. Loved meeting Jolene and thrilled with what I made under her expert eye. Great relaxed atmosphere and we all left with a fabulous unique set of jewellery - really good value for money. The studio is a treasure trove of eclectic items - exactly what a jewellery studio should be - full of interest and inspiration. I really want to do it again .....thank you Jolene - highly recommended."

18 May 16'

Alex Steer reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had a great day making a ram's head poker - fantastic introduction to an age-old skill and a chance to try a number of different techniques. Alex was a great tutor and very patient - the process is broken down into a series of manageable stages, and whilst there is a lot to take in, I never once felt overwhelmed - he managed to pitch it to just the right level. Would definitely recommend!"

17 May 16'

Helen Carrington reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"I have been attending pottery classes at Poppy Rose nearly every week for over a year .I originally only signed up for a 4 week course!!!Lou is an excellent teacher, very helpful and patient.I've learnt tons of new pottery skills! I'd advise everyone to come along and try it !! You'll be hooked :)"

17 May 16'

Rebecca reviewed: One day silver pendant and earring workshop

"Fantastic day at the pendant and earring workshop!!- I love what i made and bearing in mind it's solid silver, I think the whole day was excellent value for money. Jolene was absolutely great- she explained the techniques for us, helped us think of ideas and then supported us for the day as we turned our paper ideas into Jewellery. We learned how to saw the silver into shape, file and smooth, hammer and texture, curve and bend everything into shape then solder. All three of us made very professional looking items that we will wear. The workshop space is lovely and we're already planning to go back!!."

17 May 16'

Matt reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"What a fantastic course! I arrived as a novice with a limited idea of how to do much with wood. The challenge of making a box over a weekend seemed a little daunting, especially when offered the choice of what sort of box to make while looking at a range of Mark's work. Mark is an excellent teacher, and quickly helped me gain confidence as I learnt a whole range of new skills. His experience both as a craftsman and teacher shine through with great tips and support all given in a really relaxed style. The course is held in Mark's very well equipped workshop which is in a beautiful setting just a few minutes walk from the Rheged centre. By the end of the course I was amazed at how much we had covered and even more amazed at the box I had made."

17 May 16'

Kara Lewis reviewed: Pembrokeshire Maddie Janes Mosaic

"Really enjoyed this workshop, nothing was too much trouble for the tutor. Really helpful, yet allowed you the scope to do what you want. Suitable for all. X"

17 May 16'

Valerie Roles reviewed: Beginners Fused Glass Workshop - Light Catchers and Jewellery Making - at MADE IN HERTS STUDIOS

"Last Saturday I did the silver ring making day with Melinder Both my niece Alison and myself thoroughly enjoyed our time Along with 4 other ladies. It was a brilliant workshop."

17 May 16'

Sarah Murray reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"I originally signed up for a 4 week class last June but I am still going nearly a year later, which tells you how great this course is. I have made so many amazing things that I would never have thought I could do - vases, decorations, tea light holders, little pots made on the wheel to name just a few - as Lou is so patient and helpful. I can't recommend this enough :-)"

17 May 16'

Ann McGrogan reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"Have been attending one of these classes since last year . Classes are small and very friendly so there is plenty of time for tutor to help with projects. Lou (tutor) creates a relaxed atmosphere and brings a lot of knowledge & experience."

17 May 16'

Joe Mcgrogan reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"This is a fun and relaxed class where you are only limited by your imagination. Tutor is helpful and knowledgeable in all aspects of ceramics"

17 May 16'

Mary Gardner reviewed: Wire & mixed media sculpture courses with James Ort

"We have just returned home from our second visit to The Phoenix Studios and will definitely be back for more. The setting is beautiful, the course content inspiring and motivational and as for James, well, he can't be improved upon. He has a wonderfully friendly, informal style which relaxes even the most apprehensive student and manages to support each and everyone in the group so that you leave feeling fulfilled and motivated to carry on and have another go. It was almost like being at a family event!"

17 May 16'

Louise Smart reviewed: Willow Deer Workshop at Skelton Grange with Phil Bradley

"I recently attended the willow hare workshop with Phil. Not only did I bring away a piece of art that I am extremely proud of. I had a wonderfully relaxing day in a beautiful, very serene and friendly environment. I'm looking forward to returning in the future to make a deer too. Phil was an excellent tutor and I cannot recommend his course highly enough. If you are remotely interested what are you waiting for!"

16 May 16'

Maxine Corfield reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"Thr bangle workshop was great, I made a copper bangle and a silver bangle with cooper wrapped round. I often get asked about my silver bangle and it's really great to say that I made it. This workshop is perfect for a group of friends that are looking for something different. Jolene the lady that takes the course was brilliant, she even made homemade brownies which was a lovely touch. I will definitely be heading back to try one of the other workshops!!"

16 May 16'

Maxine Corfield reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

16 May 16'

nicki stone reviewed: M

"Enjoyed a wonderful day with Maddie in her beautiful workshop in the Pembrokeshire countryside. Really relaxing and fun day..created two mosaics and was taught different cutting techniques and how to grout when finished. Lunch was a tasty homemade soup. The day went by so quickly..too quickly for my liking. Loved every minute of the day and would definately recommend it to anyone."

16 May 16'

John Gill reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"The 5 star ratings in other reviews is well deserved. This is an excellent introduction to the art of the blacksmith in a lovely setting. Alex is friendly and relaxed but there is little opportunity rest. I could have done with bigger biceps! :) If you are interested in metal working, this course is thoroughly recommended."

16 May 16'

Jen reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"Just had a lovely weekend learning spoon carving with Martin. He is a patient teacher, and as people have said an excellent cook too. He taught in a logical, calm way, with a basis of safety so that not one of the four of us needed plasters. He teaches skills and how to handle different scenarios (twisty wood, knots, splits etc) rather than a formulaic approach, and he uses the minimum of kit rather than trying to make you buy loads of stuff (though of course I want a lovely carving axe now!). Also his house and the countryside are beautiful. You can visit his studio in Artweeks if you want to meet him before signing up for a course, but I would heartily recommend his tuition, and I think the price is very reasonable for two days of expert tuition, materials and a knife, a mini sharpening course, plus extra wood to take home and practice on, and of course the lunch! We ate soup with Martin's handmade spoons. All in all, great fun, and we made real, usable implements."

16 May 16'

Zara reviewed: Beginners introduction to Frenchic Chalk Furniture Painting

"It was a really great afternoon and we managed to get a complete piece of furniture painted and finished which I hadn't expected. The shop where the course was held provided excellent tea and cake and it was a really fun relaxed afternoon in a glorious Cotswold setting."