Latest reviews

18 Jan 16'

Keith reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Absolutely brilliant day. Colin took us through loads of different techniques on the different furnaces. Technically quite challenging at times but also really easy to get stuck in when you get the hang of it. Although I underestimated how hard it is to lift a hammer after 15 minutes of striking Took home three really neat prices of work and eager to go back to do something some other things. Really recommend it, Colin had a good laugh with us and we had a great day!! Thanks so much!!"

18 Jan 16'

Rhonna Rigby reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"We had a fantastic day. Sophie is lovely and very patient. We had a wonderful day, had delicious food, picturesque surroundings and we learnt a new skill. We will be going again.i would thoroughly recommend it."

18 Jan 16'

Carol du-Cille reviewed: Pottery / ceramics wheel throwing, full day

"Had a most enjoyable day. Lorraine was a very patient and efficient tutor. Our group of four were all pottery virgins but we all managed to produce pots of which we were very proud. We cannot wait to see the final results when fired and glazed. I will definitely be attending again in the near future. I would highly recommend Lorraine's course on throwing on the wheel to anyone with an interest in finding out what it is all about."

18 Jan 16'

Iona Dowling reviewed: Green Woodworking - Make a Shave Horse - 1 Day Course in South Devon

"I went on Peter's shave horse course last year and came home with a fully working item that I had made myself. I am not a woodworker but the excellent preparation that Peter did beforehand made the process smooth and easily achievable in 1 day. I was excited to be working in a proper green woodworking shop and using excellent tools, some for the first time in my life. It was great to meet other people from a variety of work backgrounds but who all have some common interest. It was a privilege to be taught by someone as skilled as Peter and his own works are an inspiration. Fully recommended."

18 Jan 16'

Marilyn Rydstrom reviewed: Intermediary Glass fusing workshop with Laura Hart of Hart Glass

"Two days spent with Laura gave this complete novice an understanding of what is involved in glass fusion work. Perhaps more importantly, it gave me an appreciation of just how complex this art form is, and can be - especially when you look as some of Laura's own creations. She is a thorough, observant and patient teacher and I would recommend her course to anyone interested in working with glass. You will learn, and create, a lot!"

18 Jan 16'

Theo Tanser reviewed: Green Woodworking - Make a Shave Horse - 1 Day Course in South Devon

"With little experience, I was able to make a shave horse, over the course of a day. There was lots of measuring and accuracy needed but help was always at hand. Most of the wood was pre-cut to size but we had to measure drill holes. The shave horse is a great portable design and is a neat piece of kit for a forest schooler. Peter is a calm, patient and confident tutor. All tools needed were provided and waiting times to use drills were minimal. The large barn/workshop was a good environment to work in and was well heated by a woodburner. The place can be a little hard to find and I would always follow Pete's instructions rather than the sat nav or GPS. Value for money - Excellent."

18 Jan 16'

Ali Quinlivan reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"The best birthday party our 11 year old has ever had. He took three friends and they made amazing dagger door knockers. For four hours their interest never waned. Col was excellent - his patience and sense of humour was perfect for the boys. All of them want to do it again!"

17 Jan 16'

rob lane reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"Having just spent a day with my 12 year old son on a beginner session with Colin I can say that every previous review is spot on. His enthusiasm for his craft is clear but its the calm, consistent approach that really has really given us confidence to get started turning on own. The day itself is really well structured and the fact that we both had fun and came away with beautiful finished bowls was just great. Thanks Colin!!"

17 Jan 16'

Gabriela Samano reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"The lesson was great!! I never thought that I was ever going to be able to learn to do crochet stitch, Somwya was the best teacher, patient and understanding.... I will recommend the activity for anybody that wants to learn a new skill or hobby... Excellent!!!"

17 Jan 16'

Heather Garrod reviewed: Soap making

"I attended a first class soap making workshop Diane was running. She made it fun and extremely easy to understand. We were able to customise our soap for the smell we preferred by using essential oils. Everything we used was natural and of the highest quality. Her knowledge is phenomenal. Whilst we waited for the next stage of our soap making we lunched outside (It was summer!) in her garden. The whole day was totally relaxing. I came away floating on air! After a few days when the soaps had set I received them. They came in a long strip to be cut into the required size. The strip is big enough for 8 good sized bars. They make great presents for friends and family and are even more special when you tell the recipients you made the soap yourself! I thoroughly enjoyed the whole day and look forward to doing more workshops with Diane."

17 Jan 16'

Jen Searle reviewed: Private, One to One Traditional Jewellery Making Classes, York

"The classes are small so the teaching experience is personal, relaxed and I always look forward to attending. You can work at your own pace. If you have your own ideas then great, but if like me you are sometimes lacking in this area, then Emma is always there with some creative guidance. There is never a dull lesson, as there is always something new to learn and Emma's teaching style is perfect for this environment. I couldn't recommend more."

16 Jan 16'

Kate reviewed: Hand Building For Smoke Firing

"Just spent an excellent day hand building pots ready for smoke firing. Lovely venue in Pat's workshop, excellent 'learn by doing' approach with plenty of tools and slips to play with. We had a mix of experienced and newbie potters, and we all made pots we're proud of. The small class sizes (can only be 4 or 5 at a time) work well as there is plenty of tutor attention but also a really relaxed social atmosphere. Good value for money as (unlike other courses I've tried) as well as the day's experience I feel like I made a good number of rather nice pots. Looking forward to the smoke firing day now."

15 Jan 16'

Sammi campbell reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"What a fantastic day! We had a course for 2 people today and have already talked about going back! Chris was very helpful right from the start, answering any questions I had by email, then once I booked sent across very helpful directions and advice about what to werar/expect. We arrived a little early and were instantly made to feel welcome, after going through health and safety we got stared, making a leaf keyring, which Chris demonstrate a couple of steps then we had a go, one at a time, with as much or little help as we needed, there were a couple a things I struggled with and Chris immediately tried other techniques so I could manage it, without ever making me feel bad! We then went on to make candlesticks and a bookmark each, but we're given lots of other options. Any questions we had were answered happily, and nothing seemed like too much trouble. I would 100% reccomend going here! Thank you Chris! :-)"

15 Jan 16'

Jane reviewed: Mosaics for the home and garden

"Frances is a terrific mosaic artist and has that rare ability to coax the creative streak out of absolutely everyone who attends her courses. She also creates a fun, nurturing environment, and nothing is too much trouble for her. Having been on one of her beginner's courses and having thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience with lots of other lovely newbies, I am now an enthusiastic convert to mosaicking!"

15 Jan 16'

Shi Hickman reviewed: Private, One to One Traditional Jewellery Making Classes, York

"I have been attending Emma Welsh Jewellery classes for about 8 months. I have learned so much during this time, as Emma brings together a perfect mix of creativity and technical manual skills. Emma is a very experienced and talented jewellery designer and maker, but also a fantastic teacher who managed to create an atmosphere in her classes where you are welcomed and inspired. I thoroughly recommend anyone to have a go. Shi Hickman"

15 Jan 16'

John Martin reviewed: Private, One to One Traditional Jewellery Making Classes, York

"Emma is a wonderful teacher, full of creative ideas and technical expertise. Classes are small, with lots of individual attention when you need it, and the atmosphere is very relaxed and welcoming. The workshop is well equipped and there are materials available to buy if you don't want to order your own."

14 Jan 16'

Yvonne reviewed: Mosaics for the home and garden

"I have done a number of Frances's courses now and have seen my skill and confidence grow by leaps and bounds. Frances makes learning such fun and so I don't feel under any pressure. It's a companionable atmosphere and people really enjoy themselves, forging friendships too along the way. Beware though, it's addictive!!"

14 Jan 16'

Mike Nichols reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Thank you George and Sue for your very kind welcome and hospitality for my one day turning course. The whole day was extremely interesting and informative and George, you teach with a high degree of knowledge and humour and I came away at the end of the day with an even keener interest in woodturning than I had before. I had no idea the there was such scope to what could be done on a lathe. To all those reading this testimonial, I would urge you to spend a day with George. You will not regret it."

13 Jan 16'

Becca coombes reviewed: Mosaics for the home and garden

"I started as a complete novice on a Sunday course and it was excellent. Frances is very good at what she does - a fab mosaic artist, a great teacher and good company. I would recommend her mosaic courses to anyone at whatever level they are at. Her studio is a perfect place to get creative in the company of an interesting mix of people."

13 Jan 16'

Jannike Taylor reviewed: Photography Days

"I can't speak highly enough of Sue and Richard and this wonderfully informative course. Having received my new digital camera I was too scared and clueless to even attempt to use it! However, following a perfectly constructed day I am now shooting away at a moments notice. A relaxed and friendly environment, clearly knowledgeable tutors who tailor the course around your individual needs and requests, and a wonderful studio and lakeside setting. Great fun and excellent value for money. Highly recommended!"

13 Jan 16'

Caroline Marler reviewed: Mosaics for the home and garden

"I would 100% recommend Frances Taylor's mosaic classes. For a start the studio has a river view and that combined with the lovely coffee and biscuits sets the scene for a very enjoyable time. Whether you are a beginner with no idea what to make or someone who has a definite idea, Frances will help you with just the right amount of input - she is very artistic but also very good technically so has an answer for every query. Last but not at all least the sessions are great fun and very relaxing - if you are stressed or fed up , you will feel wonderful by the end - it's the best sort of therapy!"

12 Jan 16'

Alison Parker reviewed: Mosaics for the home and garden

"I had always wanted to try mosaicing and was delighted when I found this opportunity locally. It doesn't matter whether you think you are creative or not. It's possible to make something simple in a short time and progress on to any number of projects. It's very addictive and hugely rewarding. Frances is delightful, friendly and very helpful, always on hand to guide and help. The classes are friendly, relaxed and fun. Give it a go and I promise you won't regret it."

12 Jan 16'

Hilary Kenworthy reviewed: Beginners 10 week woodworking course NO LONGER RUNNING

"Excellent course which is recommended without hesitation. Ciaran is an excellent teacher and makes a decent cup of coffee too. The course project, a display stand, was proficiently accomplished by everyone on the course, even if it took some (i.e. me) a little longer than others to finish. Despite not ever having had any woodwork lessons before, I never felt out of my depth. The expert tuition with constant good humour and good company ensured the course was thoroughly enjoyable."

12 Jan 16'

Anna Gugan reviewed: Mosaics for the home and garden

"France's mosaic class is creative and relaxing. Fuelled by coffee, cake and creative guidance, you will be amazed at what you can achieve and how rewarding it is."

12 Jan 16'

Tony reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day, 1 person)

"My 11 year old son and i had a brilliant time at Graham's workshop. Graham keeps his teaching nice and simple and has a good balance between showing you how to do it and letting you do it yourself. We were both amazed how well we did and what we made. Would recommend a visit to Grahams workshop to anyone. Ps...good quality tea and biscuits too!!! (thanks Chris)"