Latest reviews

23 Feb 15'

Kate Charman reviewed: Felt Making Workshops - Stratford upon Avon

"Fantastic workshop, even for beginners with no experience. Lesley's own work is inspiring and she is a patient teacher. We had a wonderful afternoon."

23 Feb 15'

Karen Blake reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"My daughter and I attended one of Sophie's needle felting courses one Saturday and we had an absolutely wonderful day. Having had no experience of needle felting before, we came away feeling confident that we could give it a go as a hobby. The small dogs we made have price of place on display in our home! Sophie is an amazing teacher, as well as being one of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet, my daughter and I absolutely adored her. Sophie and her lovely mother kept us fed and watered throughout the day with home made goodies, the training room was the perfect setting and we met some truly lovely people. Sophie also gives very good advice on materials and her knowledge of the different types of wool was very useful. I would have no hesitation in recommending Sophie's courses to anyone wishing to have a go at this brilliant craft."

23 Feb 15'

Hilary Scoppie reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"I went along to Sophie's dog-making workshop with no knowledge of needle felting whatsoever, and by the end of the day had created my own little collie-cross in miniature! This craft was an astonishing revelation - to be able to construct such a tiny, intricate model simply by rolling strands of natural wool into balls and stabbing them with needles! And yet, the painstaking care with which Sophie explained, demonstrated and helped us all individually, transformed this basic task into the most inspiring day I have had in years. She is an excellent teacher, patient and methodical, with enormous enthusiaism for her craft. All her materials are ethically sourced, and she provides detailed information about the sheep breeds and shades of wool. We were served the most delicious home made soup for our lunch, followed by an equally scrumptious fruit 'crumble made by Sophie's mother, with drinks and biscuits freely available throughout the day. All the arrangements and facilities were excellent, we were warmly welcomed on arrival and reluctant to leave at the end! I encourage anyone who has never considered this fascinating craft to spend a day with Sophie - your life will be transformed for ever!"

22 Feb 15'

Sue Oldfield reviewed: Felt Making Workshops - Stratford upon Avon

"Just spent a lovely Saturday afternoon in Lesley's aladdin's cave of felting! Inspired by her stylish creations, we were all delighted with our own efforts. This was a small family group and we really enjoyed being taught by Lesley - she has a gift for teaching, using encouragement and praise, showing endless patience and generosity. Excellent value!"

22 Feb 15'

Helen Hyde reviewed: Introduction to silver jewellery making workshop with Diane Lee

"I took myself and my 17 year old daughter to one of Diane's silversmithing courses. It was a fun packed day with a lot of techniques explained and demonstrated very clearly. We came away very pleased with ourselves with a couple of rings each."

21 Feb 15'

Brian Cole reviewed: Blacksmithing courses

"What a great day we had, Lucille helped us take huge steps forward on our first day. The two to one ratio is perfect. We achieved our personal goals and now I have a huge ornamental spider to enhance my garden. Will certainly be back for more!"

21 Feb 15'

Laura Benton reviewed: Feltmaking OOH the choices!

"I had a one to one lesson with Barbara so I had her full attention. I have limited use of one hand, but I am capable and with a little help with laying out the fibres from Barbara for an hour in the morning, I completed a beautiful delicate floral unique scarf or I may use it as a wall- hanging. Barbara is very patient, explains the processes in simple stages and a great teacher. She has many years experience and her rug which she made in Turkey is beautiful. Highly recommended."

20 Feb 15'

Fiona Lowe reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"A great workshop! It was with some trepidation that I began the day.Me,shoemaking?Something I had wanted to do for so long and now there I was surrounded by gorgeous shoes and leather in myriad colours. The whole day sped by so fast what with the excellent tuition,friendly fellow students,lovely charity lunch at a nearby pottery and most of all a pair of purple and avocado ankle boots which I made myself. For anyone who loves shoes so much that they want to make a pair to call their own- this one day workshop is a must."

20 Feb 15'

Karen Walker reviewed: Autentico Basic Chalk Paint Workshop - Hailsham, East Sussex

"Loved the course, very relaxed atmosphere. Pete was very patient and very informative. I now know what to use and in what order, still learning as I go. I am now totally addicted and painting everything that does not move!!! If you ever wondered what chalk paint is about, go to the course Pete runs, you will not regret it."

20 Feb 15'

Kim Ryan reviewed: Stained Glass Taster Day with Christian Ryan

"I had a wonderful time on this Stained Glass Taster Day. Christian was very organised, professional and patient. It was great to have the opportunity to learn and practice the difference processes involved in producing our panels, and Christian's support and encouragement was very much appreciated along the way. I would recommend this course to anyone, regardless of their abilities - no previous experience necessary :) I went away having produced a piece of work that I was really proud of and which has received many compliments...all down to Christian's great teaching."

20 Feb 15'

Helen Smith reviewed: Amazing encaustic art day course

"I chose this course as it has a five star rating by other folk who have been on Phil's course and I was not disappointed. I went with my 13 year old daughter for a fun, creative day out and we had a fantastic time. Everything the blurb says is true! It is quick, easy and the results are amazing. Phil is so patient and the beauty of just being the 2 of us is that you can go at your own speed. We travelled down from Lincolnshire and the course was worth every penny. I would highly recommend Phil to anyone. His years of experience in both the encaustic wax and teaching really show and made it a brilliant day. Thanks Phil."

20 Feb 15'

Christopher Graham reviewed: Blacksmithing courses

"I attended the course with lucille, I had a great time and enjoyed every minute of the experience. Lucille is very skilled, patient (which was great as I was sooo slow) and a pleasure to work with. I enjoyed the blacksmithing experience so much that I am planning to go back and do it again."

19 Feb 15'

Annettewalklet reviewed: Felt Making Workshops - Stratford upon Avon

"Myself and two friends attended Lesley's beginners course yesterday. We were very impressed with her patience and guidance she gave us and generosity of materials which is included in the price. Amazing to see the fibres transform into a beautiful flower. We would recommend this course, go on give it a go."

19 Feb 15'

Sally Brace reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Spent a lovely day learning how to spin and lots more besides, Elaine is a great teacher, full of encouragement, which was especially nice for a complete novice like me! I would definitely recommend her courses, very friendly, informative and interesting."

19 Feb 15'

Maurice Richards reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"As a beginner I needed to learn as much as I could about wood turning before I went into unnecessary expense, I looked around for evening classes and found Warwick College was doing evenings. Mark Hancock was teaching there, because I have retired and looking for a hobby in woodturning, I decided to speak to Mark regarding the course. After our chat I felt reassured it was the right course and Mark was the ideal tutor, as he made me feel comfortable with 25yrs professional experience behind him. When I arrived at the College with five other new beginners, he made us all very welcome, and easy to get along with we soon got into our work, explaining health and safety and the type of work we was going to do. We all liked his approach and he taught us well, some made a bowl and others made table lamps. I have been to some of his demonstrations which he does around the country and abroad showing his professional and impressive skills. He has a work shop at Pershore where he also does courses on a one to one or more, I have visited him for advice which I appreciate very much, and if I needed to advance on my work I would not hesitate to do a course at his work shop, knowing I would come away a better turner. MOSS Stratford upon Avon"

18 Feb 15'

Antony Johansen reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"A startlingly enjoyable day - starting with no experience and being coached through first principles to an understanding of the medium and a sufficient sense of adventure to attempt that piece of artistry I've been pondering for years - which now hangs on our sitting room wall. Really welcoming and supportive, and a lot of fun had by all of us. I couldn't recommend this too highly."

18 Feb 15'

Sue reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"The best birthday present a 50 something woman could have. I had no previous experience, but thanks to Aaron's teaching skills I came away with an armful of useful and beautiful things. Would love to do it again"

18 Feb 15'

Jim Ovenell reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I'd always wanted to try blacksmithing and thought that at 63 it was about time I did. Having found Mort's course, my wife bought a day for me for Christmas. I bought another for myself . It couldn't have been much better, total one on one tuition for the whole of both days. Mort's an excellent teacher as well as being a very talented blacksmith. Hard to believe how he managed to make some of those very delicate pieces with a hammer! Mort taught me all the basic techniques ( let me commend fire welding to you - most exciting!) and despite my ham handedness we made a super ram's head poker and a couple of great knives as well as enjoying good craic and having a load of fun. An excellent course and a great teacher. Very highly commended."

18 Feb 15'

Catherine Bailey reviewed: Creative Woven Textile Courses

"I adored everything about attending this course, Susie, the setting, the workshop itself, the flax, the colours, the lunch, the inspiration. The whole experience was completely wonderful. I never thought I'd find anything to top my love of sewing, but this course has me completely hooked. If Susie opened a weaving school I'd be front of the enrolment line.Bravo Susie. You are brilliant. Can't wait to come again."

17 Feb 15'

Ali O'Neal reviewed: Glass Fusing and Slumping for Beginners and Improvers

"My sister and I attended on 15th February 2015, for a beginners day. We were amazed by how much we got to do during the day. The techniques shown to us were fascinating and taught in such a way that even us complete novices found it easy to follow. We can't wait to see our work once it has been in the kiln. Definitely recommend this day to everyone. My sister and I want to book onto another now!"

17 Feb 15'

S Anthony reviewed: Crochet course "Complete beginners"

"Gaelle has a lovely reassuring teaching style that is motivating whilst giving feedback in order that you can progress through her lessons. Plenty of advice and one to one help. I am now using my new found skills to make squares that will eventually 'grow up' into a blanket. Easy to follow hand-outs for reference."

16 Feb 15'

Syma reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I recently attended Course 1 at The Wood Workshop and am here to recommend it to anyone reading this who hasn't already been! The small group size mean Richard and Mark are able to provide individual support and guidance to each group member, all with the utmost patience. Starting out as a complete beginner, I left with much more confidence and knowledge than I'd anticipated could be gained over the five days; all thanks to two excellent teachers and the comfortable environment they provide. My only criticism is I haven't been able to stop thinking about building my own workshop since! I can't wait to come back and learn more in Course 2."

16 Feb 15'

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

"Excellent! Steve is massively enthusiastic, patient and supportive. Thank you for a great day. I was glad that I had had an opportunity to plan ahead - (Watched Steve making my splashback) Came home full of ideas for next time! Enjoyed and appreciated the small group because this allowed effective personal tuition as well as having other people to bounce ideas off. The quality of materials was high and the finished products were really ego boosting."

16 Feb 15'

Romaine Bowman reviewed: Beginners Weaving with the Rigid Heddle Loom - at All in a Spin

"Lovely day with Dunja in a fabulous setting. Dunja went through the process of weaving on a 16" rigid heddle loom, very patiently explaining everything i needed to know to get started. We looked at selecting yarn, warping the loom, weaving, finishing and removing from the loom and finally washing the finished weaving, all in one day! I was made to feel very welcome and the day included a lovely lunch with homemade soup in Dunja's cosy kitchen. I went home with my first piece of woven cloth and full of enthusiasm. I would certainly recommend this weaving workshop and would like to do some spinning and fleece processing with Dunja in the future."

16 Feb 15'

Stuart Guerard reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Had a fantastic day with Mort at the Firebird Forge. Mort is a highly talented and skilled blacksmith and has a passion for the art. He teaches in a relaxed and friendly manner. I would thoroughly recommend Mort to anyone who is wanting to try blacksmithing. Looking forward to booking further sessions and spending more time at the Forge. An amazing experience with the added bonus of taking home your own pieces."