Latest reviews

19 Mar 16'

Dominic Bradley reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"I attended the 5-day version of this course, which was at a more leisurely pace and included a lot more background information, such as types of wood, saw cuts, finishing and buying tools. The workshop and equipment has clearly been thoughtfully set up, with each student having their own set of good-quality tools. We were a small group allowing Aidan to spend plenty of time with each of us. I had a great time and was amazed at the quality of my breadboard, despite no experience or apparent skill. Aidan is a great teacher who is clearly in love with his vocation and an inspiration to all."

18 Mar 16'

Karen Diesner reviewed: Handspinning workshop

"I can't recommend this course highly enough. Diane was very patient and gave all attendees individual attention to make sure that we all achieved a skein of plied yarn to take home with us. Spinning wheels were supplied, along with a whole range of fibre to suit any spinning needs! Add to this a tasty lunch and numerous cups of tea which were provided, and this was definitely a great experience!"

18 Mar 16'

Penny Hibbert reviewed: Lampwork Beadmaking Full Day Introduction For One

"I spent an amazing two days with Ruth and Andy. I was a complete beginner and they were both patient and generous teachers. I made a snowman, Christmas Bauble and loads of beautiful beads. I learnt so much and was 'buzzing' when I had finished. I would highly recommend this to anyone."

18 Mar 16'

Hannah Dennis reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"I had a brilliant day at Jonathan's jewellery making workshop. He made me feel very comfortable as I had never made any jewellery before!! It was a fun and relaxed day and I ended up coming home with a lovely pair of earrings and a new hobby! I would definitely recommend it to anyone wanting to start jewellery making or to improve their skills!"

18 Mar 16'

Charlotte Robinson reviewed: Handspinning workshop

"I took my friend on this course for her birthday and we were not disappointed! Diane and her helpers make sure you know exactly what you are doing and makr you feel completely at ease, we both came away with a reasonable sized skein of yarn. Diane had a number of different types of wheels to ensure you found one that suited you and there was lots of choice of wool colours available. I would genuinely recommend the course to others. An added bonus was that lunch was included, and very nice it was too."

18 Mar 16'

Angela reviewed: Handspinning workshop

"Excellent day. Went with no knowledge of spinning and was very pleased with what I produced - 1 hank of 2 ply wool :) Diana is a very patient and good teacher and managed to give all 7 of us individual attention throughout the day. Coffee/tea on arrival and lunch + drink was supplied. 8 or 9 spinning wheels were available which was nice, allowing us to see the different models, as were drop spindles etc. Fleece was available to buy afterwards to take home if required. Lovely location and nice lunch. Well worth the cost. May do a second lesson to learn more."

18 Mar 16'

Nick Skelton reviewed: A Practical Dry Stone Walling Workshop Central London

"A big thanks to John Holt for his clear and helpful instruction during the Dry Stone Walling course. His love for the craft and huge experience was so uplifting and energising and it made the day really enjoyable. The Cross Bones memorial garden is also a beautiful space to work in, with friendly wardens. I came away with a good beginner's knowledge of the skills required, and will be looking forward to taking it further when he runs some intermediate courses in the future. Highly recommended, pitched just right, not too tiring, and a real sense of achievement. Thanks to the Borough Open Spaces Trust also."

17 Mar 16'

Dave G reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"I did a 5 day introduction fundamentals course with Aiden towards the end of last year (2015). I hadn't really done any carpentry before but really enjoyed the course and gained a really good understanding of everything covered on the course. I hope to attend some of Aiden's other courses. He's a great teacher and a really nice person to spend some time with. I would highly recommend doing any of Aiden's courses."

17 Mar 16'

Jenny Hughes reviewed: Private Workshop - Make a Pair of Beautiful Fused Glass Coasters with Gemma Truman & Michelle Keeling - Manchester Craft and Design Centre

"Fab way to spend a few hours. Expert and friendly tuition in a small group so you are fully supported. All tools and materials prepared and ready for you to start. Good humoured bunch! Strangely relaxing craft! My next visit will be my fourth and I have different pieces from each occasion - I have even given one away as a gift! Thanks you ladies - see you next time."

17 Mar 16'

Clive Pellett reviewed: French Polishing

"An enjoyable journey into exploding myths about French Polishing"

17 Mar 16'

Jude reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"This course may have changed my life!! I've been using leather to make pieces for a while now, but I never learnt about the proper techniques and tools... I learnt SO much in one day. It was exactly what I was looking for and more!!! Thankyou Jason!"

16 Mar 16'

Martin Green reviewed: French Polishing

"I would strongly recommend this course to anyone at all- even those simply curious over the art of french polishing without intending to make a career of it. I started Dereks course with no prior knowledge of french polishing I was a little concerned that I would feel out of place in the class, as my interest does not stem from my job or previous experience. Within the first hour of arriving, I was completely at ease- Derek is an excellent teacher, creating a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere"

16 Mar 16'

John Field reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"I recently spent the day on Colin's Blacksmithing Course in Brockley. This was by far one of the most interesting days I've experienced in quite some time. The atmosphere was relaxed, the forges were very hot and the metal work fun. Colin's instruction was brilliant, he was very approachable, always happy to help or provide advice and generally have a natter. This meant the day flew by and was made all the better by having no expectation to 'achieve'. On this day we made: Coat Hooks; Toasting Forks; and Letter Openers I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this course to friends and I'm already contemplating a return journey. In fact my company are even planning a team-building work event where we can all pitch in to build a single item for the office."

16 Mar 16'

Jane reviewed: A Practical Dry Stone Walling Workshop Central London

"I really enjoyed the course. John takes you through the stages and skills needed to build a wall. He then patiently shows you in practise how this works. You leave at the end of the course having created something. Recommended."

16 Mar 16'

Gemma Keenan reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"Had a great day with Jonathan and learnt loads about jewellery making. I managed to make some lovely earrings and have some ideas about a pendant that I want to make. It was a really good experience (and the biscuits were lovely) and I came away with lots of extra materials. Well recommended"

16 Mar 16'

David Giachardi reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"Ricky is an excellent and confident tutor, who explains everything very clearly in relaxed surroundings. With only one other person on the course, the interaction was very personal and friendly. It is a lovely location, even, as on this day, in the pouring rain. It was good to attempt the various techniques, and develop the control needed to make the pieces. There is an intriguing set of specialist tools, and task-specific jargon to match. It was a splendid day, with something unique to show for it at the end: "all my own work " - with lots of help and guidance from Ricky! This was a Christmas present from my daughter - "for the Dad who has everything" and for whom it is impossible to buy a present. But with this she really hit the target - it was an absolutely brilliant day. I thoroughly recommend this course: unusual, creative and very satisfying."

16 Mar 16'

Liz reviewed: Private Workshop - Make a Pair of Beautiful Fused Glass Coasters with Gemma Truman & Michelle Keeling - Manchester Craft and Design Centre

"We loved it so much, we've done 4 different classes. The trainer \ student ratio is ideal, and we felt supported, but not smothered - perfect!! The venue is great - spacious enough, but with Gemma + Michelle's work around the workshop, it's really inspiring - as you can tell, I'm an avid fan! Can't wait for the next session!"

16 Mar 16'

Tim reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I've been doing a good bit since my course with George and am really enjoying the improvements of technique he suggested. I've done several bowls since we met and they're much better than anything I've produced before, and the work is a great deal easier and more enjoyable."

16 Mar 16'

Emma reviewed: Private Workshop - Make a Pair of Beautiful Fused Glass Coasters with Gemma Truman & Michelle Keeling - Manchester Craft and Design Centre

"Great fun definitely picked up the glass bug. Good class really easy to follow and fun to do. Easy to get addicted too. Thank you both for a great day."

16 Mar 16'

Steph reviewed: Private Workshop - Make a Pair of Beautiful Fused Glass Coasters with Gemma Truman & Michelle Keeling - Manchester Craft and Design Centre

"Really enjoyable day. Everything was clearly explained and the small group allowed for questions and ideas as needed. Thank you both very much."

15 Mar 16'

Val reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Fantastic day. Learnt far more than I expected from fleeces to spinning . Elaine had so much patience. I was really pleased to be able to come home with my own spun yarn. I only wished the time didn't go so fast."

15 Mar 16'

Mark reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This course was great from start to finish. From an extremely warm welcome to great tutors, home-cooked and hearty food(Thanks again Debbie! Was yummy!) to plentiful supply of tea and coffee, the beginner's course made for an outstanding day of learning! I was bought this as a gift as a 30th birthday present after being interesting in having a go at blacksmithing for a while, and had a brilliant day learning the basic techniques and having my first taste of forging. The two tutors, Adrian and Andy were knowledgeable and encouraging with both the information needed at each stage and tips for how to improve, or in my case adjust when mistakes were made. The course was attended by a greatly diverse group of people, of a range of ages and throughout the day there was plenty of chances to chat and get to know everybody. The level of instruction was such that within a very short space of time we were picking up the techniques needed and were straight into making the first of the items that we got to take home at the end of the day. I would highly recommend this course to anyone, and highly intend to book in again to do one of the follow-on courses!"

15 Mar 16'

Lorraine reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"Great weekend spent upholstering a dining room chair. Philip is a great teacher and very patient.. It was very good to have a mix of absolute beginners and some more experienced as the newbies got to see other projects and increase our knowledge of the subject. Philip would facilitate this by gathering us all to demonstrate particular materials and techniques. I felt Philip was very patient and managed to give each of his students the guidance and time needed to continue with our projects. I learned so much on this course and thoroughly enjoyed it. We had a lovely group of people which added to the enjoyment. Do not hesitate to book one of these courses."

15 Mar 16'

Jodie reviewed: One day mosaic workshop - Lincolnshire

"I have done several courses with Caron, she is amazing and it really is such a joy to learn how to make mosaics with her. Also brought my friend a course at Christmas and she loved it!!"

15 Mar 16'

Nichola Naylon reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I travelled through the beautiful, snowy Staffordshire countryside to spend a fun, informative and rewarding two days mould making with Ed. I had previously learnt the principals of mould making and slip casting at university but as that was over ten years ago, I felt I needed to brush up on the details of my knowledge. Ed is extremely patient with no question, idea or problem too big or too small for him to devise a workable solution, filling in all the technical details I'd forgotten as we worked. Ed boosted my confidence and inspiration to take the skills I learnt on to improving and developing my practice. Set in stunning countryside Ed's knowledge, skill and attention to detail mixed with a fun, calming environment was the perfect, inspiring weekend, a creative retreat."