Latest reviews

25 Mar 16'

Liz Shields reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"I attended one of Jane's workshops last Saturday, and had such a lovely day. I'd been to one last year, so I knew it would be a very enjoyable day, and I wasn't disappointed! The theme was My Home - but there were lots of other options to choose from too. Jane had prepared detailed instructions and drawings to help us with our weaving. and she also demonstrated some of the techniques we'd be using too, which was very helpful. Throughout the day, Jane was always on hand to help or advise and to give us words of encouragement. By the end of the day, we had all finished our woven picture and Jane showed us how to finish off and mount our weavings ready for framing. The frames were available to purchase too. Jane is such an enthusiastic, friendly person and her workshops are.really good value with all equipment, yarn, refreshments and lunch included in the price."

25 Mar 16'

Peter Sharp reviewed: Green Woodworking - Make a Shave Horse - 1 Day Course in South Devon

"Having been on the introduction to green woodworking course with Peter Lanyon it was obvious I needed a shave horse.... So I was very pleased to come back and build one with five other enthusiasts. Peter's gentle manner and patient advice when giving 1:1 support is invaluable. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and came away with a fully working shave horse and even persuaded my other half to try it next day. Fantastic course with a product that will be used again and again - what's not to like? Take the plunge and go yourself, you'll be pleased you did. Many warm thanks to Peter."

25 Mar 16'

Glyn Handley reviewed: Beginners 10 week woodworking course NO LONGER RUNNING

"I was on the recent 10 week beginner course and it covers everything a beginner will need to know, and with Ciaráns excellent learning style and patience you don't realise what you have learned until the last few lessons when suddenly out of all the sawdust, chiselling, planing and sanding appears a very nice looking display table. The course explains techniques for creating mortise and Tenon joints, how to mark out, how to saw (sounds simple but essential for good looking tenons!), look after your hand tools and much more. Also whilst it is advertised from 6pm, it is open from 5 so if you need some extra time to catch up you can, and if you have questions Ciarán will be there to answer, or you can just continue where you left off. 5 people were on the course with varying experience and we all managed to finish at the same time with everyone's table looking fantastic, considering 10 weeks prior most had never picked up a chisel or a planer or considered what they could do with basic hand tools. At the end of the course the question was asked, "Could you do this now at home if you wanted", and i do believe the answer was yes from everyone. Everyone learned techniques, skills and more importantly gained confidence, which is something Ciarán focused on, and before the course I was 'Can I?' when looking at the end result, and after the course i am now 'I Can!' Do the course, you wont be disappointed, just be aware that you will be marking the days off your diary until the next weeks events.."

25 Mar 16'

Zoe McCrow reviewed: Wet felting with Virginia

"I've completed the needle felting course and everything you need is provided including sewing machines, felt and wool. Virginia's instruction was very good. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was delighted with my picture of three blackface sheep on a Moor. I've already booked for the wet felting course."

24 Mar 16'

Mags reviewed: 2 Online Felt Picture Courses - Summer Storm & Raindrops on Roses

"Myself and my Mum attended a one day felt picture making course with Bridget. IT WAS FANTASTIC !! We learnt lots of techniques with Bridgets patient and clear demonstrations. Bridget guided us brilliantly with our work and we came away with a beautiful piece of artwork each lots of information and we are both itching to put our new skills into practice."

24 Mar 16'

Ken Fordham reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I bought a lathe and basic tools some 15 or 16 years ago and did no more than spend some time playing at turning. Since then my lathe has been gathering dust at the back of my workshop. Now and again I mentioned to my family that I might book myself on a turning course somewhere in order to get some real experience. Finally this Christmas my son gave me a voucher for a one day course with Mark which I redeemed a couple of weeks ago. What a great present it turned! out to be. Mark is not only obviously remarkably talented at wood turning but is also a very good teacher. Starting from the complete basics I felt that I made amazing progress in such a short time under his tuition and was very please with the bowl that I was able to take home with me. He also provided me with a comprehensive set of guidance notes and sent me an email the following day listing the equipment I should think of getting and the best suppliers to deal with. In summary a very profitable and enjoyable day because Mark is not only a good teacher but is also very good company. I have now brushed the dust off the lathe and plan to use it regularly from now on."

24 Mar 16'

Richard reviewed: Intermediate woodworking course

"Woodworking courses are hard to come by these days but this one is a gem. On first acquaintance the training room seems quite small but belies many facets of my 'Excellent' rating. Class sizes are kept small and Ciarán is always, literally, close at hand and extraordinarily willing to advise (both 'on-' and 'off-' syllabus). I'd challenge anybody to count how many tools he has in there even before you enter the mysterious 'staff room'. If you have some woodworking tools already then take them along - by the end of the course he'll have shown you how to refurbish, sharpen and hone every one of them. Conversely if you have nothing then everything is provided (normally with a choice - the shiny ones on the wall are the sharpest/best!). Ciarán himself? His talent and experience as a Tutor matches that of his undoubted woodworking capabilities. Very easy-going but with a cunning, unnoticeable method of setting the pace required to finish the course. On that, expect to work fairly hard! Although most of the core technical skills are covered off in the early weeks, what your really learn comes with practise which is well supervised with hints and tips whenever you need them. I travelled for over a hour in each direction to attend this course as it was rare in matching my requirements. That travel time, and the course fee, turned out to be a very worthwhile investment."

24 Mar 16'

Jill downing reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"What a superb day we had learning all about felting! Sophie is kind, patient, knowledgeable and funny which is everything you need for a fabulous day learning a new skill. If you had told me that I was going to turn the pile of wool in front of me at the beginning of the day into something which, frankly, I am enormously proud of I would never have believed you but Sophie managed to teach us all to be 'so clever' whilst feeding us the most amazing food and drinks..what a genius she is!!!! Cannot rate this fantastic day highly enough. I loved it...thank you so much Sophie xx"

24 Mar 16'

David Aspinall reviewed: Beginners 10 week woodworking course NO LONGER RUNNING

"Just finished the 10 week Beginner course, and enjoyed it thoroughly. I would recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about wood working without hesitation. Genuinely the best course I have ever been on, and with only 5 people per class you really feel you are getting his full attention.. Ciaran is a gentleman, and an excellent teacher. He has a lot of patience, and is very knowledgeable about his subject. He is a true craftsmen, and it was brilliant to learn from him. Over the course i learned so much, and Ciaran was only too happy to answer any questions we had about woodworking. I now know how to take care of my tools (very important!), saw correctly, plane, mortise and tenon, and ultimately how to make a piece of furniture. It is the confidence the course gives you which i feel is key. The display table is of such high quality, i doubt people will believe i made it. But i did, and I know it will spur me on to make more items for my house!"

24 Mar 16'

Samuel Ellis reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"I attended a 1 week course with Aidan during November 2015 as a 25 year old looking to potentially moving into the industry. My only prior knowledge of the craft was what I had read online so I was eager to gain a realistic perspective on the craftsmanship and industry itself. Aidan's course gave me just that. I think the unique thing about this workshop is not only the authenticity, but also the personal attention given to each individual. I had a lot of questions, and I left on the Friday with everything I needed to know. Whether people want to go into this industry, take it up as a hobby or just do the course to do some much needed hands-on craftsmanship then I see no better valued scheme out there"

24 Mar 16'

Richard Drewett reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"In September last year I retired from teaching and was given a leaving present of a Day’s Woodturning tuition with Mark Hancock – date ‘to be arranged’. Last week, I finally used my gift. I had been looking forward to the day and took Mark at his word when he said ‘Bring any tools you have with you and we’ll find time to have a look at them’. My tools included a second hand lathe (another gift) and assorted chisels and power tools. As I hadn’t used a lathe in 40 years, it wasn’t the only thing that was a bit rusty! I arrived at 9.30 and left - inspired - many hours later. Mark is a natural teacher and patiently tailored the day around my needs and ability. Always conscious of safety, I was shown how to use a range of chisels, sharpening equipment and techniques. At lunchtime I asked Mark what he liked to turn and was ‘blown away’ with his work. His signature bowls reflect his unique style and exquisite craftsmanship - superbly - turned, delicately - worked and finished with imagination that bring the wood back to life. Mark was generous in his time, explanations, demonstrations and encouragement. He gave me a great insight into the material and tools of the woodturner. He made me feel a lot more confident about developing my own skills and in getting involved in the craft. He also provided me with a clear set of notes covering the activities we had been through and followed this up with email links to a range of tool, part and group sites that will enable me to set up my own workshop. Mark was extremely helpful, used time very effectively and, as promised, structured the day to suit my requirements. I can thoroughly recommend him. Richard Drewett"

24 Mar 16'

Hannah Sievewright reviewed: Beginners 10 week woodworking course NO LONGER RUNNING

"For the last 10/11 weeks I have been on the beginners wood work course & it's been brilliant! I finished my display cabinet on Tuesday & it looks great in the corner of our living room! Ciaran is such a good teacher, he was very patient with me & he would always notice if I was struggling & come help me! He is a true craftsman, so passionate about his work, & he makes everything look so easy!!! I had no experience with woodwork before this course, but now I feel Ciaran has given me the confidence to give things a go. I have my own chisels & work bench now so theres no excuses! Thank you Ciaran! Come see the giraffes some time"

23 Mar 16'

Nicky Woods reviewed: Mosaic Making: beginners and improvers

"I've been coming to Alex's class for a couple of years and really enjoy it. Alex is a great tutor. She's excellent at teaching the technical side of mosaic making and is always on hand to help and advise. She has good ideas for designs and books to browse but also encourages you just to get on with your own creative ideas. There's no pressure but she makes sure everyone feels they are progressing and is very encouraging. The atmosphere in the group is friendly and not at all critical. All the tools and materials are provided and there is an excellent range of tile colours available. I find it an extremely relaxing class and a really good way to de-stress."

23 Mar 16'

Paul Hazlewood reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Splendid day. Mark is a talented and patient tutor. Didn't once run away screaming and swearing as I jammed tools into the timber like a madman! Taught many skills, most importantly how to put the correct grind on the expensive but useless tools I'd bought with ne'er a clue! Clear and concise course notes provided for later reference. It was later than seven by the time he'd finished with me, good value and comprehensive course from a guy with great practical and artistic skills"

23 Mar 16'

Jon F reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"My wife bought me a two day Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 course as a birthday gift and after having had no woodwork training since school 30 years ago I was a little nervous about what to expect. I needn't have been as Aidan is a really friendly and encouraging teacher, freely sharing his incredible knowledge and experience and with only a small group of pupils on each course he has the time to help each person individually as and when needed. My thanks to Aidan for an incredible course and I will be booking further courses with him - my ability with a hand plane after just two days amazed me which is down to Aidan's ability to pass on a very small fraction of his obvious skill and passion for his craft."

22 Mar 16'

Stephen Millward reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"I went for a weekend part one introduction course and it was wonderful. It was my first foray into furniture making and Aiden was a fantastic teacher. He explained steps easily, and really made sure we understood the key concepts very well. I would recommend him to anyone that is interested in furniture making, and I am looking forward to coming back to do part two when I get the opportunity."

22 Mar 16'

Karen Welbeck reviewed: Piped cushion with lapped zip

"Learnt to make a piped and zipped cushion - I had never used a machine before but I learnt so much I was inspired the attend the full day Roman blind course. Janet is an excellent and knowledgeable teacher"

22 Mar 16'

Karen Welbeck reviewed: Machine made lined curtains

"As a beginner, I found this course perfect. Janet was very patient with me and I was amazed at how much I learnt in one day. I have since made a lovely Roman blind for my daughter who could not believe I had made it myself- thank you, I would recommend this course 100%"

22 Mar 16'

catherine Brown reviewed: Clay Day Workshop

"I took part in this day course with my son, the only previous experience I had with clay was when I was at school many many years ago. I was really impressed with what I managed to achieve throughout the day. The day was structured allowing us to try various methods, each method was not only achievable but just hard enough to allow us to challenge our abilities. Our tutors Sue and Gerry who are both highley skilled in their art made the day fun and informative, both of them showing oodles of patience and a helping hand for us to achieve our best potential. Both myself and my son really enjoyed the day and want to take part in another. Both of us would recommend this course... I all ready have.... you will not be disapointed."

22 Mar 16'

Becky & Sheila reviewed: Beginners Traditional Stained Glass 2 Day Course

"Just finished a fantastic weekend course in stained glass with Gill, her passion for her craft is infectious and her patience and knowledge is never ending. Fun was had by all and we surpassed any expectations we had of producing a beautifully finished piece!! Highly recommended we would love to do it all over again.' A big thank you for a memorable time from Becky and Sheila xx"

22 Mar 16'

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

"Great day- Michelle is so calm that she makes it feel as if anything is possible- I was delighted with my little dog. Thank you"

22 Mar 16'

Mary Ann Scadding reviewed: Needle felting course with FURZIE at Trumpet Corner Tea Rooms, Ledbury, Herefordshire

"I have never tried needle felting before, but when a friend could not attend I filled her place at the last moment. I had a great time and managed to make a rat, all I have to do is add his whiskers! I would thoroughly recommend this course. Michelle is a good and patient teacher."

22 Mar 16'

Keith and Margot Charlton reviewed: Introduction to Glazes with Jacqui Atkin

"Attended a one day glazing course with Kevin in March. This is a man who knows everything and, as importantly, can tell you what he knows in a clear way. At no time was he condescending but just delivers everything you need to know to enable you to go off and start finding you own way. Thank you Kevin."

22 Mar 16'

Lisa Bannister reviewed: Canal art - roses and castles - decorate a plate in narrowboat decoration

"Hello Julie It was a very enjoyable day. It was a bit daunting as a beginner and although arty with wood carving and pottery my painting skills are beginner stage. To do the course with 2 very able painters made me very self conscious, but they were lovely people. You were right when I was home and seeing my work in isolation it did look much better to me."

22 Mar 16'

Helen Thornton reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"A fantastic day in the most beautiful location! After a day of help and encouragement, spurred on with tea breaks and homemade goodies we left with a real sense of achievement (and a son who now wants a forge at home!) This come highly recommended!"