Latest reviews

28 Oct 15'

Jack Stevens reviewed: Carve a Rocking Horse Head Course

"Brilliant course, a nice simple format, watch Tony do a bit then try to copy it!! Everyone on the course made an excellent carving so it must work. Not only is Tony a gifted carver and teacher all the staff in the shop are marvellous, you couldn't meet a more friendly and helpful bunch. If you're considering this course don't dither just book it."

28 Oct 15'

Jennifer Bailey reviewed: Fused Glass Making Evening Classes

"Liz was well organised with everything set out ready for us. She talked to us about glass, its properties, how it can be used etc. . Demonstrated cutting technique and let us loose to try. On hand all the time to explain, help, advise. Very patient and easy going. The aim was to make two items, but for me it was rather too much to absorb and do in a short session. I completed my first piece but ran out of concentration and time. (we had already overrun the time planned for the workshop) However, Liz being Liz, she said I could go back and finish when she was there but hadn't got a workshop going. I spent a very relaxing, enjoyable morning there, didn't quite finish, (I like to take my time) and am going back next week to complete. Would highly recommend unless you don't want to become addicted to glass fusing. Liz is a very warm, patient person and a good teacher. Thanks, Liz."

27 Oct 15'

Bert Broadley reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"First class, patient and tailored tuition in a pleasant, easily accessible woodland environment. The day passed in a blur and I was thoroughly enjoyable. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who would like to try a new skill."

27 Oct 15'

Kevin Goodall reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"I signed up for a spoon carving day with Chris because I spend all day at a desk in an office and wanted to get outside and learn a practical hands-on skill. I had visions of whittling away the long winter evenings producing wonderful spoons for family and friends. The reality is that I had a really enjoyable day and came away with something that vaguely resembles a caveman's spoon but of which I am inordinately proud. Thanks to Chris's instruction I also have a basic understanding of the tools and skills needed to pursue this very interesting and absorbing hobby and a realisation of how much more there is to learn. Chris was a great teacher - patiently showing me each technique and providing a variety of tools to try out. Based on my experience I will be asking for a few tools from Santa so I can continue my training at home. I spent a full 8 hours with Chris - punctuated by regular brews and a delicious lunch - and the thing that most struck me was that the time completely flew by (I suspect the day seemed rather longer for him!). If you are in any way tempted by this course then I would say "just do it" - you won't regret it."

27 Oct 15'

Mandy Rutter reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"An extremely good day. Steve managed to get round to us all constantly, not easy when you are able to make up pieces so quickly. It is the first workshop I have ever been on (& I have been on quite a few, in varying art themes) where I actually made what I had in my minds eye. So am very happy with all my pieces, especially the large one. Would so recommend going on this workshop."

26 Oct 15'

david g reviewed: Blacksmithing courses

"very successful and great fun day"

26 Oct 15'

Chris Whittle reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"Having just completed Course 1 on the 23rd October, I must say that this course exceeded my expectations and wildest hopes. Richard and Mark provided a mine of useful information both in the lunchtime lectures and numerous brief "group hugs "throughout the week, as specific points of learning were covered real time. The camaraderie of the group built during the week and I was surprised to find that whatever our initial level, we all learned together and shyness rapidly became confidence. Techniques were shown and practised, safety, modern machinery options and easy ways were always in mind. The results spoke for themselves. 'Must book Course 2 for next year !!"

25 Oct 15'

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

"Such a fun day. Great teaching, materials, company, creativity, inspiration. It was my first attempt at something like this, but I really feel it's something that everyone can do. Thanks to Caroline and my fellow deliciousness-seekers. Have a go, treat yourself!"

25 Oct 15'

Gill reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"We had a fantastic day out, Ricky is a great teacher, explains well and has a lot of patience. We were able to produce glass ornaments which we can keep forever or even give as Christmas or other gifts. It was great to understand how colours and the glass integrate with each other and the potential there is to go on and do bigger and better things :)"

25 Oct 15'

Bethany Norris reviewed: Crochet workshop - Benny Rens Creations

"Really enjoyed my course! Very happy with the time that was taken on it along with the patience from Bethany. I am now proudly on my 6th granny square, I no doubt will be booking onto more courses!!! X"

25 Oct 15'

Jan and Emily Birch reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"My mum and I came down all the way from Chester for this course I and can thoroughly say it was fantastic and so well worth the journey! It exceeded all of our expectations on not only on what we were able to make but in excellent teaching from Steve and great company through out the whole course, I would defiantly recomnd it to anyone who enjoys being creative!"

25 Oct 15'

Stacey Howard reviewed: Beginner's Spinning in Newcastle

"I recently took Cathy's beginner spinning workshop at Black Sheep Wools in Warrington. It was the most fun I've ever had with wool! Having never tried it before, with Cathy's expert tuition I managed to spin 50yds of aran weight yarn! Cathy is so patient & helpful & so is her lovely mum. Thank you Cathy for introducing me to a wonderful craft that I've been longing to try. If you're reading this I strongly recommend you take the class. You will not be disappointed."

25 Oct 15'

Neville Harrison reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"My Wife booked this course and also booked my Dad and Son in as a special treat. All in all it was a fabulous day and we all learnt a tremendous amount. What was particularly impressive was that Chris managed to help my Dad produce a spoon even though he struggled with arthritis in his hands and also kept my 15 year old interested and engaged for the entire day. I am pleased to say that I have already used some of the skills at home which is excellent to come away with some confidence. Chris really is an excellent teacher and is able to explain the wood and the tools and how to manipulate them to come away with a priceless possession (albeit a rudimentary spoon which is still functional!). There is definite spoon envy when you see the spoons that Chris produces for sale at markets, something to undoubtedly aspire too. This review would not be complete without reference to Chris's Mum who produced the most stupendous soup, chutneys, sausage rolls and lemon drizzle cake. It was this sustenance that helped keep the day going so well. I will most certainly be looking to undertake a bit of an advanced course in the near future. Great fun, great experience and great people."

25 Oct 15'

Kelly Bacon reviewed: Crochet workshop - Benny Rens Creations

"I loved Bethany's class. She was super helpful and provided a variety of learning material for different abilities. I am super happy to say I have just finished my very first granny square! Will be looking at attending another class soon! Thank you!!"

25 Oct 15'

Michael Hall reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I last did woodworking at school over 40 years ago and, although I enjoyed it, was never very good. Now, following retirement, I signed up for this course in the vain hope of being able to measure, mark and cut accurately, and produce an ottoman style footstool (hah!). I’ve just come home, five days later, with a beautiful ottoman style footstool constructed in oak, and am sitting writing this with my feet comfortably on said stool and feeling very proud of myself for the first time in years! This is due entirely to the instruction I received from Mark and Richard, which was perfect. There were no questions too stupid and they were excellent at making me feel capable. I was introduced to a wide range of techniques, using both hand and power tools. With only four pupils on the course each of us could progress at our own speed and I never felt rushed at any stage. In fact, it made a great change being able to take my time! The lunchtime chats (not really lectures) and ‘group huddles’ were very informative, ranging from discussions on how to use screws (no Birmingham screwdrivers here), through tools to buy and setting up a workshop. As others have said, if you’re thinking of doing this course, stop thinking and sign up! You'll love it. I’ve come away ready to start creating with the tools I currently have and looking forward to the next course in a month’s time. Need to sharpen my chisels first, though."

24 Oct 15'

Sarah Carruthers reviewed: Felt slippers - felt-making workshop with Debra Esterhuizen

"friendly and relaxed atmosphere, with very good instruction. Would definitely go back again."

24 Oct 15'

Lynne Riley reviewed: Felt slippers - felt-making workshop with Debra Esterhuizen

"It was a lovely day, very relaxed despite the elbow grease!! Debra was a good teacher and guided us through the whole felting process and passed some useful tips for when we do our next pair of slippers at home"

24 Oct 15'

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

"When you decide to let your inner child out to play I suggest you take yourself right up to Caroline's mosaic workshop. Had a fun day learning to mosaic, everything from the introduction to the tools you can use, Tile cutting techniques and then on to assembling your mosaic and grouting. 5 of us sat around this big table with our protective gear on in this cosy room eating yummy cakes as Caroline took us through mosaic-ing. We laughed, we shared stories, destroyed (tiles) and created our own mosaics. A day we'll spent. Some of the instructions were jumbled or lost in our laughter but Caroline is a hands on teacher and was always at hand to save the day. I would definitely recommend indulging your creative child. Thank you Caroline for the experience."

24 Oct 15'

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

"This is a really worthwhile course and I can't recommend it highly enough. Held in beautiful surroundings, the day was well structured and the pace spot on. We started with looking at the fleeces and then moved onto hand carding, looking at the spinning wheel and then finally onto the spinning. By the end of the day all three of us on the course had produced our own skein of yarn which for me was a complete surprise and I am still buzzing. Dunja was very patient and encouraging throughout and I can't wait to do more courses with her. Thank you for a truly inspirational day!"

24 Oct 15'

Anthony Ball reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I attended Marks one day course for beginners and found Mark very welcoming.The whole day was most enjoyable and has given me to the confidence to attempt my own projects. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn the art of woodturning but lack knowledge and confidence."

23 Oct 15'

Ben Sylvester reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I enjoyed the one day introduction to blacksmithing so much, that this is my second time visiting. Alex is knowledgeable and keen to pass on the experience that he has. I would thoroughly recommend this as a day out as there is something elemental and relaxing about clouting red hot metal and turning it into something useful and beautiful."

23 Oct 15'

Yvonne smith reviewed: Fused glass taster (afternoon)

"I shall be on my 3rd visit to one of gen's classes next week, taking friends and family on each occasion. It is a very good and creative experience, gen is an excellent teacher, she explains what can be done with all the different materials in a very relaxed manner, so you can really enjoy what you are doing.And the end results i've found to be really exciting. I would definitely recommend trying one of gen's classes, and they make excellent presents too."

23 Oct 15'

Mike Bailey reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"This course was a fantastic experience, and I got a useful object out of it afterwards! It was very informative, hands on and concise. Chatting over tea and biscuit breaks were also an absolute pleasure, and a great way to recharge and cool down before returning to the heat of the furnace. I'm definitely going to try to pursue this as a hobby from now on, seeing as I've had such a positive experience with it right off the bat! 11/10 would strongly recommend even to people who have never considered blacksmithing before."

23 Oct 15'

Liz Mitchinson reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"I have attended two workshops with Sophie at All things Felt and Beautiful, apart from excellent tuition in Needle Felting, the day is an opportunity to relax, meet new people and enjoy lunch in the beautiful surroundings. It was suitable for the complete beginner and those of us that had done it a little before. I will be going back!"

22 Oct 15'

Gill Cox reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"A brief chat changed my unrealistic expectations into a plan that was achievable in a day. No, I couldn't manage to turn out a full size replica of the Tour Eiffel, but I could create an amazing piece of garden art. Learning the basics of fire and tool management I began to turn a flat piece of metal and bar into something with shape, form and texture. Alex was encouraging, knowledgeable and adaptable, not to mention patient. He watched and waited for me to achieve the action, suggesting alternative methods, rather than stepping in and taking over. I don't know how you can call a day relaxing, when you spend 8 hours on your feet, swinging a hammer, pounding away, but it was just that. Beautiful surroundings, charming tutor and a truly unique object, an amazing day. Regrets? Absolutely - the day job getting in the way of returning every day. Will definitely be back. Thanks Alex for an inspirational day"