Latest reviews

14 Oct 15'

terry horsburgh reviewed: Mosaic, One Day Workshop

"I recently attended a one day course with Jane and it was a real eye opener. I had not done any Mosaic work before, but with Jane's instructive encouragement I felt I learnt a lot, not only of the Mosaic practical basics but of the process of transferring an idea into an actual mosaic piece. The day was very enjoyable and the time went all too quickly, although we did have a break to enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by Jane. I am certainly impressed with what can be done with Mosaics and am keen to continue to find out and do more of it. Many thanks Jane for getting me started."

14 Oct 15'

Doug reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"The course was a great practical intro - we were splitting wood within the first half hour and Peter was always on hand with useful advice and tips. The atmosphere was pleasant and relaxed and it was suprising how quickly I felt at home with the techniques under Peters guidance. All ten of us came away with new skills and something we were proud to have made."

14 Oct 15'

Julian Warington-Smyth reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I had not used a lathe since leaving school nearly half a century ago. The only techniques that I could remember had left me with bad habits! Colin's endless patience and calm manner was able to correct these faults and his clear method of teaching and undoubted enthusiasm was infectious. I finished the day with renewed determination to follow this up with practice at home, and with a beech bowl which now sits proudly on our kitchen table! I hope to make a return visit to Colin again soon for phase 2."

13 Oct 15'

Nisrine reviewed: An introduction to wood turning with Gregory Moreton (2 Days)

"The best and most effective days that I've spent in a craft course. Thanks to Greg! Such an excellent and patient teacher who is very enthusiastic and loves to transfer knowledge to his students. You'll do the work on the lathe and Greg motivates his students to do so. I had a lot of fun and learnt a lot in 2 days and the best part is leaving with a beautiful candle stick and a breath taking bowl of cherry wood from Claygate. So proud and would get back to Greg for further courses , highly recommended!"

13 Oct 15'

Adrian Bickers reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"Had a fantastic day with Simon. He laid on a bowl turning day me and took me patiently through the the whole process from selecting and splitting a log, shaping the 'blank', mounting it on the lathe and turning a finished bowl. I'm delighted with my final bowl which is seasoning following the instructions Simon gave me. Simon proved a very good judge of my experience and ability knowing when to leave me to master the techniques he'd taught me and when to step in with further advice and tutoring. I can highly recommend on on Simon's courses to anyone with an interest in green wood working."

13 Oct 15'

Lee Kirby reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Great day out; well organised, friendly people, nice setting, fine food... Only downside is that I'll have to wait until next year to do another course!!"

12 Oct 15'

Isabel Probert reviewed: Textured and Personalised Silver Ring, Cuff or Bangle Making Workshop

"What a beautiful experience in a lovely setting. Highly recomeend doing this xX"

12 Oct 15'

MelS reviewed: A one day spoon carving course

"My husband, daughter and I spent a really magical day with Sharif in Steward Wood. The spoon carving was almost a bonus. He is a very good and patient teacher with a genuine love of his craft. We managed to create a spoon each from a 10 o'clock start until about 4:30pm, stopping for a wonderful lunch - best soup, bread, cheese and salad ever! Carving spoons is totally absorbing and at times I was almost completely unaware of anything else - an excellent way to de-stress. If you're looking for a memorable day with a difference, spent in a lovely place and with lovely people - take this course."

12 Oct 15'

Louise Carter reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"We thoroughly enjoyed our day with Adrian, Andy & Debbie. As a complete novice I found it challenging & hard work, but extremely rewarding & enjoyable. We made a swirly key ring and a dragon coat rack of which I am extremely proud! The day was well organised and you could have as much or as little help as you needed. The lunch and cakes provided by Debbie were lovely and Andy has the patience of a saint! I would definitely recommend this course to anyone interested in trying blacksmithing; whether you're practical and experienced or not. Thank you all for a great day."

11 Oct 15'

Stephen Jellis reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"A very pro active day and full of useful information. Certainly recommend it. From how to use the tools correctly to polishing and finishing."

11 Oct 15'

Ashley Crocker reviewed: Blacksmithing courses

"A superb course; hands on from the start and the free reign of the work shops to create any 'blacksmithing creation'. Lucile has a wealth of knowledge and a friendly attitude towards all abilities. Will definitely be booking again!"

11 Oct 15'

Aaron reviewed: Tool sharpening

"Great course, taught by knowledgeable people in a pleasant, relaxed and informal setting. What more could you ask for? Many different aspects of tool sharpening covered and many different tool types. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone interested in learning more about tool sharpening."

11 Oct 15'

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

"'From Fleece to Fibre' was a birthday present from my partner and it was the best gift I could possibly have asked for. Dunja is a very patient, knowledgeable and conscientious teacher who has a very real passion for fleece and fibre and a keen desire to impart that zeal onto others. The farm itself is beautiful, and being able to work with fleece taken from Dunja's own flock only added to the majesty of the day. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in learning the basics of spinning, but Dunja is right to say that the course should come with a warning - I'm hooked! Thank you, Dunja, for a truly wonderful day and for opening my eyes to a fantastic new world of craft and creation."

11 Oct 15'

Stacey Weston reviewed: Autentico Basic Chalk Paint Workshop - Hailsham, East Sussex

"My husband and I had a wonderful time on this course. Pete was very helpful and informative. The workshop is lovely and the amount of things you can do with the paints is staggering. We managed to cover a lot in the 3 hour session. Would recommend to others."

11 Oct 15'

Chris Weston reviewed: Autentico Basic Chalk Paint Workshop - Hailsham, East Sussex

"Had a lovely evening on the basic chalk paint course. Pete showed us some really useful skills to help us in decorating our kitchen cupboards. Would highly recommend. Thanks"

10 Oct 15'

Candie G reviewed: Glass fusing decorations/hangings

"Thanks Linda for a brilliant day, the only downside was that the time went so quickly - I could have easily carried on another couple of hours. I'm hooked on glass fusion after just one workshop, it is so much fun. I'd def recommend this workshop whether you're a beginner or more experienced. I'm sure I'll be coming again, it was thoroughly enjoyable, and your lemon drizzle cake was rather nice too! Thanks again for your tuition and hospitality. xx"

10 Oct 15'

Liz Smith reviewed: Canal art - roses and castles - decorate a plate in narrowboat decoration

"Julie welcomed us with a cup of tea, and after a short chat we went to the log cabin in her garden. Then we had a wonderful day just watching, listening and painting. Such a lovely, quiet day, with lots of encouragement and Julie stepping us through the stages of painting a plate with a castle in the centre and roses around the rim. I learned SO much - about paint, brushes, techniques - and by the end of the day I had a plate to take home. It wasn't perfect, of course, but it was a million times better than my brief solo attempts. And I could see how I could improve the next time. We had a delicious lunch, lots more cups of tea, and I went home with my plate, some brushes and paint, and a couple of other items to paint. I can't wait! Julie is such a good teacher."

10 Oct 15'

Colin Thompson reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Mark's course went a long way beyond teaching a beginner the basics of turning. In itself that was indeed superb value for money. however what has left an abiding memory for me is the way that Mark shares an absolute passion for the skill which he takes to the level of a real art form. I relished the enthusiasm he applied to not simply showing how to perform basic tasks on the lathe but incorporating all of the reasons why performing the task that way was so important. I have been a life long amateur carpenter and wanted to gain some basic turning skills to extend the range of my abilities. Mark's course has enabled me to do that. It also made me realise the level of practice I would need to create turned pieces effectively. Thank you Mark! I was truly grateful for your teaching skill, patience and for some of the insights into your own, very honest working philosophy."

8 Oct 15'

charlie wale reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I was bought a week-end of forging with Alex as a birthday present. I last worked with metal 40 years ago when I was 11, and it’s been something I have wanted to do again ever since. My astute wife picked up on my mutterings and there I was in the dimness of the forge (so you can see the different colours of the metal in the furnace) not knowing what to expect. Alex’ approach was exactly as I wanted. A calm and patient tutor, but very much hands off. This is your project, you are the designer, I will show you the techniques, now get on with it. Over the course of the week-end I learnt a whole range of forging techniques and made a rams head front door knocker. Quite a large one at that, and one that will now require a new front door on which to mount it. Seeing as until then the sum of what I had done with metal was drilling and sawing, I’m really quite proud of what I achieved. If this is your thing, I can’t recommend this week-end highly enough. Not only is Alex a great tutor but he has a good line in banter too. His calm observations on life complement very much what he does for a living, and you will come away from the experience all the richer for it. And as a bonus, his forge is set in a working museum, so by chance I had free entry to an Alfa Romeo day. All in all a great week-end. Thank you Alex (and my wife for the present of course!)"

8 Oct 15'

Anne Marie reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"Great food, lovely setting, and great teaching from Sophie. Her knowledge about the wools from different types of sheep was so interesting and a real bonus."

8 Oct 15'

Phil Godfrey reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Mark was very helpful with my tuition, and very patient with my efforts. Whilst I could turn before my lesson, I badly needed to have a refresher. He also taught me many tips and "tricks" that should, with practice,help me to become a better turner. thanks Mark"

7 Oct 15'

Lesley reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Recently attended Elaine beginners spinning courses in her beautiful home. from the moment you arrive you are welcomed and the fun begins. Elaine's tuition is tailored to the individuals on the course, and her patience is remarkable while we fumble our way though hand eye foot and wool coordination but then the penny drops and you're away. We all left with handspun wool to show for our day. Thanks Elaine."

6 Oct 15'

Lesley reviewed: Whittling course

"What a lovely day. The course is very hands on and practical from the start and everything it promised to be. If I have learnt a fraction of Martin's skill and knowledge it was well worth it. Being a small group is ideal, very relaxed and friendly. The cup of tea on arrival was just what was needed and the homemade lunch is another of Martin's talents. I now have knife and book and am setting up my sharpening kit so will shortly be ready to safely go. An excellant course which I thoroughly recommend . 27.09.15"

6 Oct 15'

carmen burkett reviewed: Vintage Style and Modern Clutch Bag Workshop Bristol

"This is the third workshop I have done with Tambour and Clutch and I loved it as much as the first two. The tutor is warm and welcoming and paces the session at individual speeds which builds confidence. The session is very informative and any questions are answered knowledgeably. The building is beautiful and is set in a lovely location."

5 Oct 15'

Danielle reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Excellent teacher. It was a very friendly atmosphere, I learned so much and had a wonderful time. Hopefully I'll get the chance to go on the more advanced course once I've got going with my own wheel."