Latest reviews

22 Dec 15'

Sharon White reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"A fascinating day spent doing something new with a very knowledgeable tutor in a comfortable, homely setting. Lunch was lovely too.5 Came away with my very own hand-spun yarn, which I admire several times a day. Thank you Elaine, you have passed on the spinning "bug"!"

22 Dec 15'

Katie reviewed: Soap making

"I booked myself on this course, not really knowing what to expect. It was so lovely doing it in an old farmhouse, with lovely people, and Diane who was very patient, friendly and encouraging. A lovely lunch was provided, along with a good giggle and chat, So I actually got to make and customise my very own soap, and take it home with me when it was ready. I really did have such fun, and would recommend it to anyone thinking of trying something new!"

21 Dec 15'

Daniel Fisher reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"Awesome experience! we learnt lots and Roweena was amazing! we had the 2 hour session and made 4 pots each, amazing opportunity, thank you"

21 Dec 15'

Tina Pearsall reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"If you want to learn to spin, this is the way to do it. In a Cosy, rural setting with a teacher who has all the answers as well as patience and enthusiasm. I ended the day with a skein of two ply yarn. OK, it was a bit lumpy but I was very proud of it and Elaine was very encouraging."

21 Dec 15'

Melissa Murphy reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"Did a one day course in late November with Caroline. It was excellent. Caroline was friendly, welcoming, relaxed and patient. She showed us a the techniques we needed to get started and had an amazing selection of materials to utilise. She was constantly on hand to support and advise and being surrounded by her own pieces was inspirational. The day was exceptional value for money and a real treat for someone like me who loves dabbling in all things creative but can find it hard to schedule it into my busy life. Thanks to Caroline for a wonderful day,"

19 Dec 15'

James Fitzsimmons reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I have to apologise to Mort, after such a great day we promised him that we would write this review and yet it has taken me far too long to get around to penning it. Anyway, I organised a day's course for my father and I for his birthday as he has a keen interest in archery and medieval warfare. The day could hardly have been better, despite being complete novices we made some bodkin arrow heads and progressed onto viking domestic knives, which I have to admit both my father and are are insufferably smug about to this day. Mort was a very thorough and friendly teacher and I honestly can't endorse this course enough. Mort will tailor the day to your skill level and tastes, if you have any interest in black smithing whatsoever Mort can help you make the most of it. Great day!"

18 Dec 15'

Jane reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"I recently enjoyed a day's mosaic workshop with Caroline. She was a very warm and welcoming host who was very happy to share her knowledge and experience working with mosaics. She did some clear demonstrations of how to use the tools, showing myself and the other 3 participants different ways of cutting, outlining different adhesives and demonstrating how to mix and apply grout. Having done some mosaic work already myself, I had some very specific questions about a particular project I was wanting to do, she was very accommodating about tailoring her teaching to the needs of the group members depending on their level of experience and what we wanted to achieve. It was a hugely enjoyable day, comes highly recommended!"

17 Dec 15'

Nick and Sam reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day, 1 person)

"Fantastic morning that my son (age 12) and I thoroughly enjoyed. Graham is not only knowledgable, he is a great teacher and we can away with fantastic pens and bowls. Graham and his wife Chris, are very hospitable and great company, making the whole experience fun."

17 Dec 15'

Sam reviewed: 1 Day Fused Glass for beginners workshop at The Silver Zebra studio Cheshire - Est 2004

"I have been twice now and I'm hoping after hinting to my husband for Christmas to go back again but for the 3 day course :) Having attended other classes I can honestly say that this is the best value for your money with no limitation to materials. The lunches are amazing and are worth going back for alone! Fab location, great tuition with a friendly welcome. On the last 2 occassions I made 3 main projects and about 6 little fun pieces in total."

15 Dec 15'

colin reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I admired Mark's boxes when attending the Cabinet Making courses in Penrith and made the decision to build on my woodworking skills by attending the Box Making course. Just returned from a most enjoyable Box-Making weekend in a snowy Cumbria; it was a welcome sight to see the smoke of the wood-burner drifting skyward as I pulled into the car park. Mark provided the tuition in his quietly confident manner. Each stage was described in detail, and any hiccoughs managed without any fuss or panic. (on Mark's part anyway) Patience personified! Mark was supportive through the entire process from choosing wood; preparing the wood; selecting a design and onward to the conclusion of building a high quality box with light oak sides and brown burr oak back and front; with a burr oak top to die for. He even managed to help me with my ongoing projects once the box was complete; sharing his knowledge freely; at least two will be finished by the Christmas deadline. The short duration of the course belies the usefulness of the transferable skills taught in this forum. Thanks again Mark, for your encouragement to be more adventurous in my projects. I fully intend to return to further my skills next year and look forward to being reacquainted with my Cumbrian support network."

15 Dec 15'

Peta reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"A perfect course for enthusiastic beginners and also those with some artistic flair or experience. The day was both educational and creative, with great tuition and encouragement from the talented Siobhan. There were lots of inspiring pieces in the gallery itself and a good workspace for the small number of participants. Lunch was fresh and delicious. All in all, a brilliant day!!"

15 Dec 15'

Richard Furniss reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"My son and I enjoyed a day of tuition from Mort in December 2015. Both complete novices, under his supervision (and with his assistance) we learned about the traditional techniques of blacksmithing and made arrowheads, knives and leafs. Mort is very informative and friendly and the whole day is a pleasure. Highly recommended."

15 Dec 15'

John Bone reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"I recently attended one of Martin's weekend spoon carving courses. This was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Martin is an excellent tutor and the course has the right balance of practical work to theory. As an absolute beginner, to be able to produce a spoon and butter knife from a block of wood using only traditional craft skills gave me a great deal of satisfaction and says a lot for Martin's teaching skills. This is a course I highly recommend. Martin has to be applauded for maintaining and passing on these traditional craft skills. Jonh Bone"

15 Dec 15'

Sue Bysouth reviewed: Sculpture in a day workshop - figure

"loved every minute of this and indeed so much so that I have gone on and made further figures and will continue to do so."

15 Dec 15'

Jane Draper reviewed: Improvers Hand Spinning - Next Steps in Hand Spinning - at All in a Spin

"Dunja provides a wealth of materials, information and practical application under her expert supervision, building on what she covers in the beginners' spinning day. All in wonderful, relaxing surroundings and very enjoyable."

14 Dec 15'

Rob Harvey reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"Having spent a half day with Graham in September, I decided to have a full day this time. Graham is a natural tutor who knows how to balance instruction and discovery. During the day I turned a 10" bowl, a mushroom and a box. I had a real sense of achievement when I got home and the bowl was bagged by my step-daughter and the mushroom and box given pride of place by my partner. I'm no great shakes but, under Graham's guidance, I learned and progressed. The formula is simple - Graham is a really nice man, he is a skilled wood-turner, he is a consummate communicator, he cooks very good sausages and provides excellent value with his courses. Don't hesitate."

14 Dec 15'

meike reviewed: Wild basketry- workshop in the woods, forage your materials

"Picking the bramble prior to making the basket made me feel really connected to the finished product. I also felt the achievement of mastering the skill of turning an unwanted plant into something of beauty and use. Feeling the rain on your face makes you feel alive; hearing birdsong, you share the bird’s vitality and zest for life."

14 Dec 15'

Robin reviewed: Felt Making Workshops - Stratford upon Avon

"Bought a Christmas Felt making experience for me and my wife as our anniversary present and we weren't disappointed. It was great fun making the felt and then decorating a wreath with it. There were so many options to choose from, and we fully enjoyed ourselves! We couldn't recommend it highly enough."

13 Dec 15'

Gail Wicks reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I recently spent a day with Mark at his workshop - a gift from my daughter. I thoroughly enjoyed my day. As a self taught 70 year old novice I was keen to have my limited abilities looked at and be shown the correct way to use all my tools. This was done with great care and patience and was very rewarding. I am sure I will be able to progress with my hobby and produce better work. We also looked at the sharpening of my tools . Some were ok but several had to be completely reshaped!! They do now work much better!! Mark explained what I was doing wrong so hopefully I can replicate his reshaping to keep the tools in good shape. Mark is an excellent teacher - his patience and knowledge and love of his subject are second to none. I was sorry my day had to come to an end."

13 Dec 15'

Jeg Dudley reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"Ricky ran a 1 day workshop with me last week. He was an excellent teacher - friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and able to convey all of the different technical aspects effortlessly. The workshop itself was very well structured -- we tried a lot of different blown glass techniques - colouring, working the material, and so on. We moved quickly through the different process, but I never felt overwhelmed due to the teaching. I was amazed how much we got done in 1 day, and I have a great set of finished pieces at the end. I would definitely recommend this course."

13 Dec 15'

Heather reviewed: One day blacksmithing course

"What a brilliant day! This was a sixteenth birthday gift for our son and he loved it. Julian is an excellent teacher and easy company. Our son made a toasting fork, which we have already used and a garden hook to a surprisingly good standard. It is definitely worth paying a little bit extra for one to one tuition. Highly recommended."

13 Dec 15'

Jane Draper reviewed: Beginners Hand spinning - 'From fleece to fibre’ - at All in a Spin

"Previous reviewers have said it all, really. An absolute beginner, I had a very enjoyable day of practical learning with the lovely Dunja in wonderful surroundings. Highly recommend the course and Weavers Cottage."

13 Dec 15'

Tom Parsons reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Mark was friendly, knowledgeable and a great teacher. I recently attend one of his group courses and couldn't have asked for more. I had a great time and learnt a great deal! So much so that I'm now looking for my own lathe. If you are thinking about starring of in wood turning or simply want to try something fun and different you can't go wrong."

12 Dec 15'

Marian Dwyer reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I attended Mark's woodturning course at the college these past 6 weeks. I arrived with only curiosity and enthusiasm, I had never even seen a lathe! I was very impressed, not only with Mark's knowledge and skills, but with his capacity to impart these with warmth and patience. We had fun too and I managed to create what I can only call a masterpiece! I would highly recommend this course to anyone."

12 Dec 15'

Angela pryke reviewed: Complete Furniture Painting

"Would highly recommend The Painted Pearl for a painting course. Michelle is very knowledgeable and was happy to answer any questions that I had. Lovely environment and well equipped for showing many techniques."