Latest reviews

12 Mar 16'

Emma Vann reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"I have just got back from a wonderful day on this blacksmithing course. I went with my friend Lisa and we had a fabulous time. We both made a poker each, then I made the cutest snail and Lisa made a letter-opener. Lisa finally made a key-ring and I made an "over-the-door" coat hook. We had a great day with lots of tuition and advice and a helping hand when needed. I would recommend this course to anyone. Five stars!!"

12 Mar 16'

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

"It's hard work and I ended up sore and blistered.... But so worth it. Aiden was fantastic at getting across a real understanding of what you're trying to achieve and the theory behind it. I had little previous experience in woodworking but still think I gained a lot from this course. Would highly recommend! Plus I have a lovely handmade chopping board!"

12 Mar 16'

Richard Hollingsworth reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"Have just completed Course 1 and intend to continue onto course 2 at the next opportunity. The course was very good, quite relaxed with very experienced help from Richard and Mark whenever required. It is an excellent course for those like me with only limited previous experience. That said, for those more experienced there are more difficult projects that can be tackled and all power tools are available to try or use on your own projects if you have time. The projects can easily be completed during the 5 days so it is a good idea to have a few extra things in mind that you want to try or do in order to make use of all the available time, help and equipment that is on offer. The project you take away with you will be superb and your friends and family will be surprised at how professional it looks! Richard gives lunchtime talks on relevant topics each day and he will tailor these to participant's desires. I think their flexibilty of approach, coupled with their obvious vast knowledge and experience and the relaxed pace is what makes the course so enjoyable. One recommendation would be to outline the project stages at the start so you know what is coming next - on occasion I was unsure so not prepared properly for the next stage (eg taking my time as I knew there was another day only to be told with 10 minutes to go that I needd to oil the project so it could dry over night)."

11 Mar 16'

Sam, Mark & Ben reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a great day. My husband and son thoroughly enjoyed themselves and are quite proud of what they made. Both hankering for another day course, try making something else. The lunch and home made cake and snacks were fantastic, thank you Debbie!!"

11 Mar 16'

Andrew Bonney reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Thank you for a great day and also for being so flexible at breakfast !! I very much enjoyed it and was amazed with the result, so much so I’ve been showing off at work this morning !! I thought the course content was spot on and thanks to Susan for a lovely lunch and copious refills of tea ! Will plan to come along and see you during the ‘Somerset Arts Week’ !"

11 Mar 16'

JOAN reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"I loved making this basket and natural toiletries. I even managed to weave the basket with my arthritic fingers due to the help and support offered. Sally-Anne filled me with confidence to produce these natural products that help to keep me feeling young whilst being good for my body. I would more than recommend her workshops. Thank you"

10 Mar 16'

Chris Layne reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"Steve's glass fusion course was very relaxed but stimulating at the same time. It was both fun and very informative. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in art, glass, and using their creative powers."

10 Mar 16'

Dave Dobson reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Fantastic day and top marks to Mort. One day is not much time to brief a student on the safe management of a forge, display blacksmith techniques & skills and allow you the freedom to design an item(s) of your desire - then make said item(s). Mort achieved this with ease, whilst keeping you entertained with anecdotes, tea/coffee, biscuits and cake! Mort is a master craftsman but also a very skilled teacher - which do not always go together! He effortlessly smoothed over my areas of 'stupid moments' which enabled me to leave feeling very satisfied with my achievemnets. The day was well paced, it is a practical 'hands on' learning experience, based on individual ability and I guarantee you will leave with a renewed admiration for skill levels of the blacksmith."

9 Mar 16'

Malcolm reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Apologies for being slow to write to you after our excellent day on Saturday. 5It was both an enjoyable and an instructive day - I learned a lot. You looked after us well in every sense - proper attention to safety, consideration for our comfort and excellent food and watering! If I say that I walked back into the kitchen late on Sunday and did a double take on catching sight of my bowl, you will understand I am still surprised by what I produced under your expert guidance! I would recommend the day to anyone who wanted to try wood turning - they will not be disappointed."

9 Mar 16'

Lisa moss reviewed: Children's Learn to Knit the Easter Bunny

"My sons (12 and 10) attended another workshop held by Cheryl From Sebastian Loves . . . And the boys loved it. Not only are the kits wonderfully made but Cheryl's approach to the children was wonderful. The group was small but that meant Cheryl could interact with all the children and certainly kept my boys attention for the hour and a half class. Both boys were dead pleased to leave the workshop with their work and they could even keep the whole kit to finish it off at home. I recommend Sebastian Loves to everyone I meet. 5 star!"

9 Mar 16'

Barbara Barr reviewed: Needle felting course with Furzie at Saltisford Canal Trust, Warwick

"I spent a really enjoyable day on this course at Lapstone yesterday. It was the second time I have attended one of Michelle's courses (last one 5 months ago) and I learnt as much the second time as I did the first! Once again, I came away with a lovely felted friend, this time a hare. Excellent value (discount for second attendance!) and sooo therapeutic! No artistic ability needed (lucky for me!) as we are taken patiently through each of the stages. Highly recommended."

9 Mar 16'

Julie reviewed: A complete introduction to wet felting

"What an excellent day! Many thanks to Olga. Never thought that so many things can be made from felt. Julie"

9 Mar 16'

Shirley Wilczynski reviewed: Pembrokeshire Maddie Janes Mosaic

"I really enjoyed the mosaic day workshop at Maddie Janes yesterday - I was a complete beginner but I came away with a mosaic mirror that looks great. Maddie taught me many basic techniques and importantly has given me the confidence to try myself at home.Maddie is such a talented and experienced artist as well as an excellent teacher and I would recommend her workshops to everyone."

8 Mar 16'

Sue Laverack reviewed: Green woodworking at Coppicewood College

"Had a brilliant time. Lovely surroundings, excellent teaching, nice group to share the experience with. I now feel confident to do simple things at home on my own despite being an absolute beginner."

8 Mar 16'

Ian Boyne reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Three of us spent a day together with Nigel. I cant imagine a more passionate artist with all the interesting knowledge of all aspects of his trade. His hands on instructions left you in no doubt what to do, we all made four items that we were very proud of. The Shepherds Huts that he manufactures are second to none and obviously will last a lifetime. Worth a visit to see the showroom. Ian"

8 Mar 16'

Jen reviewed: Intensive 2 day mosaic course with Claire Cotterill Mosaics @ Martineau Gardens, Birmingham city centre, West Midlands.

"I really enjoyed the course. I had been thinking about learning how to mosaic for quite a long time but had not found a suitable course near enough and though I had assembled equipment did not really know how to go about starting a project. Claire made this process really easy, had eveything we needed and her own mosaics were such a beautiful example and inspiration that it was a really enjoyable weekend. I would thoroughly recommend her as a teacher."

8 Mar 16'

Kathryn reviewed: One day silver jewellery designing and making workshop

"A real privelege to spend a day in Bridget's company. I thoroughly enjoyed learning some basic skills from someone who is obviously skilled in design and jewellery making and a very generous teacher. I particularly enjoyed seeing the different things she has produced as examples of the types of skills I was being introduced to. I came away with some lovely pieces that I will treasure and a lot of different experience for the relatively small time I was with her. A lovely day I would thoroughly recommend!"

7 Mar 16'

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

"Wonderful day. Enjoyed every moment of it. Michelle is an inspiring and creative tutor. I was totally absorbed by the process throughout. Very addictive in the best possible sense. Cannot wait to go on another workshop soon. My daughter wants to join me for one after seeing the Airedale terrier that I produced."

7 Mar 16'

Liz Henwood reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"Myself and three friend went along for a day to try our hand at enamelling . Three of us were newcomers, and one had been before. We all had such fun - it is so exciting when you walk into a craft room full of little bottles of colour. I was worried it was going to be difficult but found it quite easy to pick up - although more visits may be required to explore the colours! Dilys was a lovely teacher, who made us all feel very welcome and pitched the course at just the right level. I am very much looking forward to booking again because I would like to explore enamelling pictures and creating images through enamel."

7 Mar 16'

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

"I had a wonderful relaxing time and came away with Reggie who developed attitude as he came to life on the table. Not only a hare for Easter but a hare for all seasons. Also an excellent lunch and cake provided by the Trumpet tea rooms. Michelle is an excellent teacher for anyone like me who is new to the world of needle felt."

7 Mar 16'

Karen Walters reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"I have taken advantage of 2 of Dilys' enamelling workshops and have discovered a love of enamelling and will definitely be booking another one. The tuition is excellent and I was amazed at the wonderful pieces I came away with. Dilys was very patient and positive, making you feel wonderful about your creations. For me the fact that you can take away what you have made on the day (unlike lampwork and glass fusion) was an added bonus."

7 Mar 16'

Hannah reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"What a wonderful afternoon, spent nourishing the mind and advancing my skills in the thoroughly enjoyable craft of crochet. Where to begin on how wonderful my session was? I am a self-taught crocheter, and Sowmya went to exceptional lengths to ensure the content of the lesson was suitable for my needs. Her home is wonderful, and very relaxing. She was an excellent host & ensured my comfort was a priority at all times. She was patient, observed my technique and assisted me where I needed guidance. Truly knowledgeable in the field of yarns, needles & stitches, I'm proud to say I left feeling very accomplished and ready for my next project. I will definitely be bringing my daughter to learn finger knitting, and I can't wait!"

7 Mar 16'

Lesa reviewed: Intensive 2 day mosaic course with Claire Cotterill Mosaics @ Martineau Gardens, Birmingham city centre, West Midlands.

"Had a fab time on Claire's 2 day course. She is a consummate professional, so creative and made it a really enjoyable experience. She was supportive and friendly throughout, helping out when you needed it and made positive suggestions on design etc. I really enjoyed the learning experience as she is an excellent teacher and I thought the course feels were really good value for money. She also made everyone feel really welcome and I can honestly say it was one of the most enjoyable things I have done in a long time. And I have a fab mosaic for my new kitchen! Thank you Claire x"

7 Mar 16'

Sue Laverack reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"I did this course with my son and one of my friends. Everything about it was excellent; the admin, the directions and information, the welcome, the teaching, the cameraderie and chatting.. Aaron demonstrated what he wanted us to do, gave us space to have a go but was on hand if we got stuck or made a mistake. He tailored the course to our skill (or lack of it!) level and allowed us to modify the designs to suit our own situations so Graham and Gill made toasting forks with a ram's head handle whilst the stem of my rams head became a handle for the door of my workshop. He was also happy for us to make extra hooks etc. In 'down time' to practice again what we had learned on day one. Despite being a pensioner and female with no experience of metalwork beyond polishing it, I had a great time and came away with several useful pieces which I will be proud to display."

7 Mar 16'

Sam Woodvine reviewed: Basic throwing with Jon French

"What a fabulous, fun couple of days. I had never done anything like this before and produced numerous pots, which I was thrilled with! Kevin is an excellent instructor and all-round nice guy. His technical know-how is second to none and he is extremely helpful during the workshop. It is very hands-on and Kevin's guidance is great. I would ideally have preferred less in the class though, as he was often spread too thinly. The staff at Potclays were all very helpful and I would definitely recommend it to others. Thank you :-)"