Latest reviews

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."

9 Dec 16'

Garry Harris reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Had a fantastic day learning basic blacksmithing from Chris and would recommend anyone to book a lesson. Chris is happy to answer any questions about smithing and gives a choice of things to make in the afternoon. Time permitting. Couldnt ask for a better teacher. Will book again in the future."

9 Dec 16'

Shauna Fitzpatrick reviewed: 1 Stone setting ring beginner course

"I really enjoyed this class. Sarah is great at setting you at ease and giving you the confidence to get hands on straight away. She's encouraging and patient and is clearly a very creative and knowledgeable jeweller. She did warn me that it's addictive and from the very start I was hooked. I will be recommending her and her courses far and wide and will certainly be back for more. If you want to get stuck straight in without having to attend hours of night school and want a fun, creative afternoon or two, I would highly recommend Sarah. It's a real blast being able to wear your beautiful piece of jewellery home."

9 Dec 16'

Andie reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I arrived fairly trepidacious as I'm small female and well over 60... but I had an absolutely brilliant day. Mort suggested gently that I could attempt something far beyond my expectations and with his patient help and encouragement I brought home a beautiful door knocker that I would have been delighted to have bought at a craft fair. I learnt so many techniques from scratch, and loved stoking the fire and hammering with all my strength. As for the fire welding, white hot and showering sparks, it was thrilling and magical. Top it off with his stories and historical knowledge, I had a fantastic time."

9 Dec 16'

Meg Serjeant reviewed: Clay life modelling weekend with Karin Ort

"I so enjoyed this course! Despite having never modelled/sculpted in clay before I found the course a revelation. Karin is kind, patient and calm, even when things go wrong and she shows you how to remedy problems. I eventually produced a head of which I was proud, and having found the whole event warm and friendly, and the weekend went by so quickly, it was sad to leave at the end! I would definitely like to do another course next year and would recommend it to anybody."

9 Dec 16'

Peter Stothart reviewed: Clay life modelling weekend with Karin Ort

"This course exceeded all my expectations. As an absolute beginner I was afraid I'd be out of my depth. But thanks to Karen's encouragement and relaxed tuition I actually produced something I'm quite proud of. What a lovely surprise to discover something that I can enjoy improving for years to come. Loved every minute and will be back soon."

9 Dec 16'

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

"I had a great time on the weekend bag making course. It was fun, very well organised and the teaching was excellent. I was amazed that I had made a beautiful leather handbag at the end of the two days. I would highly recommend the course."

9 Dec 16'

Shells Patel reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"A wonderful day.....creative and cathartic at the same time . Learned loads....made new friends and thoroughly lived Caroline...who is not just superb at what she does but is also a great comedienne. ...so much fun and laughter ......and went home with a piece of artwork . I'll definitely be returning and would recommend to everyone ."

9 Dec 16'

Joe Gilmour reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"What a lovely day I had on the gypsy basking weaving course with Sally Anne. The course was well organised and very interesting. I have always wanted to try willow weaving, and was not disappointed when I finally got the chance. It is not easy but, with Sally Anne's encouragement and great teaching, I have made a willow basket I am proud of (when I look at it now I still can't believe I made it!)."

9 Dec 16'

natalie reviewed: Wild basketry- workshop in the woods, forage your materials

"Thank you Ruby for such a lovely weekend. I really felt the benefit returning to work on Monday, it's been far too long since I've sat round a fire in the woods! You're a very natural teacher, and I'm so grateful to you for passing on your crafts and knowledge."