Latest reviews

14 Feb 16'

Clare reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"A fabulous experience which I highly recommend. Nigel worked really hard, cycling between the three students taking courses on the day I visited and entering wholeheartedly into their projects. He is enthusiastic, very helpful and totally committed to his students. His own work is very beautiful and inspiring. The shepherd's hut accommodation is very clean and comfortable and in a beautiful woodland location. Be aware, though, that a forge is not as warm a place as you might think!"

13 Feb 16'

Izzie reviewed: Glass fusing class - powders and enamels

"I went to Sarah's Saturday workshop and loved it! It was relaxed and comfortable, with lots of one to one attention. Sarah is friendly and encouraging and she clearly loves what she does. She encouraged us all to be creative and everyone in the group to make something individual. The lovely brownies were an added bonus!"

13 Feb 16'

Russ Coy reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"I have just spent the most enjoyable day learning wood turning with Graham at his well equipped workshop in Sway, something that I had always wanted to try my hand at. Graham taught me the basics of spindle and bowl turning with patience and just the right balance between demonstrating the correct technique and letting me get onto the lathe to try my hand. Graham provided constant feedback and was quick to gently point out and correct errors in my technique and provide advice, despite my slow but steady progress. During the day Graham covered the whole process from felling and selecting timber, through seasoning, tool selection and sharpening, lathe types and turning techniques. A convivial lunch, local sausages, plenty of tea and biscuits, great. I was extremely pleased with the bowl that I turned and the progress that I was able to make under Graham's tutelage and I would thoroughly recommend Graham's courses."

13 Feb 16'

Joy Hall reviewed: Leathercraft Workshop Belt Making Skills 1 Day Saturday 26th November 2016 Make Your Own Belt Or Dog Collar LAST CRAFT DAY OF THIS YEAR

"A very informative day and excellent value for money. David and Linda were very patient and supportive and made The whole experience enjoyable. I will definitely recommend this course to others."

13 Feb 16'

Carol Lane reviewed: Basic throwing with Jon French

"Kevin Millward is an enthusiast and a great teacher. He gave lots of encouragement whatever level we had already reached. At the same time we were left in no doubt as to the rules of the game. His inspiring demonstrations and individual tuition on the basics fulfilled all my expectations. We were given an opportunity to fire our pots but the weather was so damp they didn't dry quickly enough to turn them the second day. The airy studio, with a Shimpo wheel for each student, warm welcome, tour of the clay factory with James, team spirit, good food and plentiful hot drinks all added to a memorable couple of days."

13 Feb 16'

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

"This is a fantastic introduction to leather. Jason is a brilliant teacher who puts his learners at ease and gives you all the support you need to produce your first pieces. I left the course having completed two items and feeling inspired to take my skills to the next level. The workshop is beautifully curated to provide an inspiring environment in which to work and learn. There's a delicious lunch waiting for you at the flying teapot too :) A fantastic, memorable day and great value for money."

12 Feb 16'

Jeni Morrison reviewed: C&G Patchwork and Applique Level 2 Certificate provided by The Quilt Association

"As the first student to register and qualify I am pleased to say that it ran smoothly and I thoroughly enjoyed it."

11 Feb 16'

Deborah Wainwright reviewed: Encaustic art beginners class - paint with molten wax

"Fabulous course! I found Toni very engaging and I was impressed with her knowledge. I appreciated her friendly manner, which helped me to relax, and enjoy the class. I was especially thankful, as Toni fitted me in at very short notice. However she was still well prepared, and very professional. I even had notes to take away. I thoroughly recommended Toni and have already booked my next class next week."

11 Feb 16'

Susie reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking

"It's always a pleasure to work with natural materials and to have such a great teacher in Amanda. To date I have made a hazel and willow obelisk, a small hurdle, a decorative dragonfly and some christmas decorations....a serial course goer! You will amaze yourself at what's achievable given expert instruction."

11 Feb 16'

Mark Shayler reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"This is a brilliant course. Chris is a gentle and inspiring teacher who took us from complete novices to making two pieces of finished work. Blacksmithing is primal. Heat. Metal. Hammers. We loved it. The venue is a working forge - no frills, basic and authentic. Highly recommended."

11 Feb 16'

John reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"This course allows a complete beginner to achieve results that look professional in only two days. Good workshop space and a small group with expert tuition makes for a great learning experience. I would recommend this course."

10 Feb 16'

Matt reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"Just a fantastic day. Ricky was a great teacher, patient and friendly. You end up with several pieces made throughout the day, each building on what you learnt from the previous. I absolutely loved the process, and found it just the right side of challenging. The work we created with Ricky's help was stunning. A bucket list experience, and something I'd love to do again."

10 Feb 16'

dave apple reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"What a fantastic course! It met and outstripped my expectations by far. Jason is a knowledgeable and easy going tutor, who provides 1-2-1 attention. His workspace is very relaxed & inspirational one. I attended the two day weekend course with the bones of an idea buzzing around my head and Jason was more than happy to help me put flesh onto my idea. I now have the confidence to take my idea to the next stage - prototypes. The Diamond Awl is a definite must for anyone wanting to develop their leather skills and learn the craft of leather. Well done Jason!"

10 Feb 16'

Richard Pugh reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking

"A brilliant course! I thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon making a pea frame and hurdle under Amandas' guidance. She is patient, explains things very clearly and is a lot of fun. And the cake was smazing :-)I would highly recommend this course to anyone wishing to try willow weaving."

10 Feb 16'

Liz burchell reviewed: Wild basket making

"Gorgeous day in the wood with excellent tuition."

10 Feb 16'

Alex Cox reviewed: Learn to Crochet at Carmarthen Museum

"This is more than a crochet class, although we do learn many new stitches and make lovely garments with Helen's help, it is a great social gathering, lovely company, lovely lemon drizzle cake and lovely surroundings. I totally recommend this class."

10 Feb 16'

Pete & Tab reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"We were looking for a course where we could make our own bag, while learning as many basic skills as possible, without breaking the bank. That is exactly what we got... and more! Jason is an excellent tutor in giving you personal attention specific to your needs, and great encouragement along the way. His work studio is a fantastic space to feel creative within, helping to make the whole experience very memorable. We've come away with many ideas and can't wait to start putting what we learned into practice. If you're looking for a great kick-start into leathercraft and bag making then we would highly recommend Jason and his courses as the way to go."

10 Feb 16'

Lou reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"Sowmya's patience, kindness and consideration shine through every stitch she makes! Not only did I learn a huge amount, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute and feel confident that I might be able to produce something on my own. Sowmya expertly tailored the lesson to suit our specific needs and spoiled us with delicious refreshments as she did this. Altogether a really lovely morning."

10 Feb 16'

Lizzie Ralston reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"Sowmya is a delight. A natural teacher who welcomes you into her home with genuine warmth. The lesson was perfect, Sownya adjusted her teaching to two of us at slightly different levels. We both left feeling we had learned so much. I would recommend this class to anyone interested in learning or improving at crochet"

10 Feb 16'

Nicola reviewed: A Practical Dry Stone Walling Workshop Central London

"Attended this course in 2015 and it was FAB! John has such a passion for his craft and is really patient with a great sense of humor. Never any pressure, a really relaxed but informative workshop."

10 Feb 16'

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

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course. Gaynor, Enya and Elizabeth were constantly on hand to guide us through every step of the way. I am really pleased with my messenger bag, so much so that it has become my everyday bag."

10 Feb 16'

Kara reviewed: Learn to Crochet at Carmarthen Museum

"Helen's classes are always a mixtures of fun company, interesting and well explained crochet techniques, interesting projects and delicious homemade cake. I'm hooked."

10 Feb 16'

Mike and Fiona reviewed: Wood turning courses

"We arrived on a blustery day at George and Susans home and were welcomed with a lovely cup of tea and relaxed and informative chat about what would be involved during the one-day woodturning course. It was an amazing day and we came away with a fantastic bowl each a terrific feel good factor! George explained everything very patiently and thoroughly and guided us through the process making it fun and creative. Thank you to Susan for a lovely lunch and for giving up your day for us. We really appreciated George's expertise and enjoyed looking at his collection of work too. THANK YOU George, Susan and Tufty! Best wishes, Fiona and Mike Smith"

10 Feb 16'

Corinne reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"Two days later and I am still buzzing from the course. Fantastic teacher. Great atmosphere. I learnt so much and I cant wait to get started on my next chair. Thank you Jo."

9 Feb 16'

Jacqueline reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"I've just completed Jo's upholstery course and I'm thrilled at what I achieved. I upholstered a bench seat using foam and covered 2 dining chairs. Although I didn't choose to do a traditional seat like the others I still feel I learned what to do by following the other students. The studio is right in the middle of the city, a perfect location to explore after the course, and to enjoy the local cafes at lunchtime. I'd highly recommend this course."