Latest reviews

14 Sep 15'

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

"Brilliant course which shows you right from the basics with lots of hints and tips throughout the day. Great fun, would recommend."

14 Sep 15'

Jane Wright reviewed: 1 day mosaic class with Claire Cotterill Mosaics @Martineau Gardens, Birmingham

"Had two wonderful, creative days making mosaics with Claire Cotterill at her studio in The Custard Factory . I’ve always wanted to learn how to make mosaics. Claire was very welcoming and the rest of the group were lovely. There were only five others , so plenty of personal attention. Lots of lovely materials to work with, and clear, patient instruction - I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved in such a short time, I made a portrait of my dog and it turned out far better than I expected ! Others made flowers, trees, house numbers – It was great to see the range and different styles of the mosaics we made. Can’t recommend enough, a really creative treat and bit of me time in my busy schedule – Thanks Claire, I’ll definitely come again !"

14 Sep 15'

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

"Caroline has such an infectious love for all things art, nature, teaching and life. She is a pleasure to be around. I'd do her course every day if I could!"

13 Sep 15'

Claire Wiseman reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"The 2 day course exceeded my expectations in all areas. A beautiful, inspiring work space, a choice of projects, a choice of leathers, a fabulous teacher all combined to ensure I left with a host of new skills, a new hobby, and a messenger bag that I am exceptionally proud of, and which looks highly professional. I've already had compliments about it, no one can believe I made it (myself included!) and I know that it will still look as good in years to come. I have no hesitation in recommending, and I'm already planning on attending the tote bag course. Thank you Jason, this is the best craft course experience I've had. See you again soon I hope."

13 Sep 15'

Julia reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"I attended Sophie's course recently and absolutely loved it. Sophie is very patient and generous with her knowledge and time. I was very pleased with the bear I made and it has encouraged me to do so much more! The lunch provided was excellent and the workspace was a lovely place to felt in. I have recommended the course to several friends and would definitely go back to learn more about needle felting. Sophie is definitely a master in her field."

13 Sep 15'

Laurel English reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"Sowmya was an excellent teacher - she was very patient, welcoming and explained things extremely well. Her written instructions, which I could take home, were also very clear and I feel confident that I can practice and improve my skills on my own. I felt like I achieved an learnt a lot in just one lesson with Sowmya. I would absolutely recommend her class to anyone interested in learning how to crochet!"

13 Sep 15'

T Boo reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"What a BRILLIANT day. I'm not usually one to do reviews but this was too good not to... Ricky is an amazing instructor - made me feel completely calm and confident. He guided me through the 'how to's' and always explained everything we were doing - also explained all sorts of options (if you do this then this could happen, etc). I didn't think I was a very creative person, but after a day with Ricky I wonder if maybe I am - I just haven't known how to get it 'out'!"

12 Sep 15'

Enrico and David reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"We enjoyed our session with Rowena. She made us feel welcome and was very good at teaching us new approaches to improve our centring and throwing technique. There are clear benefits to private classes and Rowena is very observant, patient and knowledgeable. We both left feeling we had learnt things that will help us improve and would wholeheartedly recommend Rowena to others."

11 Sep 15'

Bal Kaur reviewed: Beginner's Spinning in Newcastle

"As a complete novice to spinning, I was rather doubtful that I could turn my own alpaca fibre into something that remotely resembled yarn…after a fantastic day, a lot of encouragement and patience from Cathy, I have come away feeling inspired, with some rather pleasing (and surprising) results as well as some new vocab to impress my friends with (niddy-noddy?!). A highly recommended course."

11 Sep 15'

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

"I had a very enjoyable 3 hour course with Graham and learned a great deal in the time. I am new to wood turning and was having problems with catches. Graham talked me through the problems and we worked on the piece of beech I was having difficulty with. With his guidance I was able to finish the project with no problem. I then made a small hardwood bowl and he demonstrated the different stages from starting with a circular blank to the finished piece. Well worth the £40."

11 Sep 15'

Pat Dew reviewed: Mini Art Projects

"Having recently retired I wanted to have a go at trying out some art work but have not done any drawing or painting since school days. Katy suggested I tried pastels after having a chat with me and almost immediately I was totally absorbed. The group were all very supportive and friendly and I quickly stopped worrying about 'not being arty'. It was amazing how everything else just faded away and I concentrated fully on the picture I was making. Katy made suggestions and showed me how to use basic tools and mix colours but was never obtrusive. I would thoroughly recommend this class to anyone interested in trying out some art projects - and I walked home feeling on top of the world."

11 Sep 15'

Craig Leanney reviewed: Stone Carving Workshop

"Friendly professional tuition. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in learning the practical craft of stone carving. AAA+++"

11 Sep 15'

Fran Molyneux reviewed: Full day fused glass course with breakfast, lunch and all materials included

"I booked this course for my friends birthday because I thought it sounded a bit different. She was a little bit nervous because she had never used glass before but also excited. We were made to feel welcome the moment we arrived . What lovely ladies nothing was too much trouble, the food was delicious, the expertise and knowledge made us feel at ease with what we were doing. We are planning a yearly (if not more) visit. What a great day . Fran and Sandi"

11 Sep 15'

Jeannette reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"We bought a one day course for our friend's 40th birthday - she had an excellent time (and so did I watching). As other reviewers have said Alex demonstrates and then it's your turn. Gradually taking you through each stage of the process and answering questions. My friend went home a very happy customer with a much-admired ram's head poker. I was very impressed."

10 Sep 15'

Edward ingham reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I've had a great day learning lots and making some great things. Including knives and arrow heads. This experience was brought for me by my better half and she also came along for the day and made some lovely metal leaves. All of the teaching was great and resulted in me booking another day with mort to work on a project. Can't recommend enough"

9 Sep 15'

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

"An excellent introductory course - spent almost all the time on the lathe, and got far further than I had expected in two days as a complete beginner. Lots of practical tips and ideas from Greg, as well as lots of fun"

9 Sep 15'

Connor reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"This course was such a great eye opener in to the leather working world. Bill went above and beyond to make us fill welcome and comfortable in his workshop. He had an abundance of knowledge and expertise and was so willing to share it. He also stayed back on the 2nd day to ensure myself and another student got our projects finished, which i appreciate a lot. Since the course he has also given me advice on a few things and i'm know starting to create my own leather pieces! All in all Bill is a legend and you won't regret booking a course with him."

9 Sep 15'

karen baldwin reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"For me as a complete novice, I felt the course was informative, relaxed and friendly. Not at any time during the day did I feel that I was not capable of having a go at any of the techniques I was shown. Marks communication skills and knowledge were admirable, and this was only topped by his patience. The notes given to take away with you at the end of the day was also a handy reminder. I would recommend Mark's course to beginners or more experienced alike."

9 Sep 15'

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

"My wife purchased a 3 hour course with Graham as a birthday present - I had mentioned my interest in looking at woodturning as a potential hobby... Well... Graham and the dogs welcomed me at 9am on a sunny Sunday morning and the next 3 hours were outstanding. Grahams teaching methods and patience are so encouraging and no matter how many times I asked for things to be repeated/explained (short term memory issues on a Sunday morning!), Graham calmly and patiently guided me through many turning processes. It has given me an initial understanding on how the tools work and the possibilities of wood turning as a hobby. No -one was more surprised than me about how lovely the grain looked on my finished bowl and my wife was astounded that something like that could be produced in a morning. - requests for more bowls have been mentioned from family members and I haven't even got a lathe yet! I now officially have the bug! (just need to sort out a location for the lathe, tools etc....) If you are considering this as a hobby or want to top up your knowledge/skill levels, then look no further. A fun, informative, productive and relaxing time with someone who clearly loves what they do and enjoys passing on that passion! Thanks again Graham!"

6 Sep 15'

Mervyn Ashford reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"Adrian and Andy were very patient and made great teachers. A really enjoyable day , a great lunch and a fabulous view. What better day is there?"

6 Sep 15'

Phill reviewed: Glass Fusing and Slumping for Beginners and Improvers

"Lovely people providing a warm welcome. They provide lots of materials for you to choose from and so you are really limited only by your imgaination. Start of with how to safely cut glass, and moves to different methods to bring life to your work. A vegitarian lunch is provided which was truly delicious. The course is tailoured to suit those attending so whether your a beginner or more advanced between the two tutors you have your artistic and techincal skills improved."

5 Sep 15'

Kathryn Gamble reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"An excellent weekend course and I was very pleased with the bag that I made. I had no prior leatherwork experience but Jason is a very enthusiastic, patient and encouraging tutor and I now feel confident to continue on my own."

4 Sep 15'

lu wainwright reviewed: Book Art Workshops - North West - Warrington

"This was one of many courses I have now undertaken with Kate - she is an inspirational teacher. The sessions are informal and there is something wonderful and unique to take home at the end of each session. I have used the knowledge and new skills in many ways already.The sessions have provided me with the tools to research ideas further and then the practical skills to have a go at home. Give them a go, you won't regret it!I'm addicted to learning new techniques with paper/book making now!"

4 Sep 15'

Lydia Pratley reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"Having tried 'needle felting ' at home I was keen to get a more realistic look to the quirky/ animated little objects that I was making. I was thrilled to find this course in a picturesque setting. I thought that it was good value for money, and was totally convinced of this once I'd spent the day with Sophie. Sophie introduced the various fibres that could be used as well as clearly explaining the technique of felting using barbed needles. By the end of the day, I took away an handsome dog, that actually looked like a dog with his appealing eyes. As others have said, Sophie is so kind and friendly, and her mother's cooking delicious. I learnt so much, far more than I had from my own attempts through books and the internet. This course would be ideal for a girl's day out, a gift for someone or a wonderful treat for yourself. Don't hesitate to book."

3 Sep 15'

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

"We spent a lovely day, in a wonderful setting, taking wool from the fleece through to spinning and plying the yarn. Dunja was very patient and knowledgeable teacher and the day has inspired me to keep on spinning!"