Latest reviews

21 Jul 15'

John Turner reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"This was a very good course indeed and I recommend it without reservation. Julie provided everything, including the beautiful brown and green natural willow rods which she had bought from Somerset, suitably damp and pliable, as well as the simple tools needed. She then demonstrated each of the stages in making a basket, and we followed each stage under her sympathetic eye. We started by learning how to make the strong "English Bottom", incorporate the rods for the sides, use "green" weavers to fill in the sides, make "whale" borders, and finish with a strong woven handle. And at the end we had each made an extremely strong and attractive basket to take home. There were only 4 on our course, and the atmosphere was very friendly and good-natured. Julie is a great teacher - sympathetic and encouraging, helping and advising us each as needed, and she even supplied brilliant cakes. Absolutely wonderful!"

21 Jul 15'

Jean Tippet reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"Fabulous day! Amanda is a brilliant tutor and I must have been her least artistic student ever. Despite this I have made three wonderful pieces. The workshop at the bottom of the garden is delightful and the lunch provided was excellent. Would highly recommend!"

21 Jul 15'

Morag Curtis reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"I attended a bespoke spinning workshop with Elaine and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Elaine is very generous with her time and experience and has inspired me to work hard at improving my spinning technique. She is a great teacher and is patient and thorough with her explanations. I cannot rate this workshop highly enough. Thanks Elaine"

21 Jul 15'

Andrew West reviewed: Glass Engraving for Beginners

"Had a truly wonderful day engraving a vase, mirror and tumbler with my best friend Jasmine - thank you Melanie!"

21 Jul 15'

Max Williams reviewed: Glass Engraving for Beginners

"I loved every moment of this course, Melanie is a fantastic teacher and I had a great day. I made three items which I am really proud of and it has given me the confidence to try some projects at home. I will definitely go back and try out a different class. Would recommend to anyone who is new to glass engraving with Melanie's guidance it is much easier than you think."

21 Jul 15'

Andrew West reviewed: Painting in Cockington, Devon

"Wow, what a wonderful two days we enjoyed, my mother and I met Melanie at a private view of her work. We loved her colourful and expressive paintings, so booked in for her Painting in Cockington class. It was a two day course, but in that time we learnt so much, Melanie makes learning to paint relaxing and enjoyable, you feel so creative even if you don't have a lot of confidence."

21 Jul 15'

Max Williams reviewed: Mosaics for Beginners

"I have been on several of Melanie Beer's art and craft courses and I am completely addicted! Melanie is a great teacher, patient, encouraging and has helped me to develop my ideas and skills. The workshops are fun, relaxed and informative. With only a few students you get lots of one to one teaching advice and inspiration."

21 Jul 15'

Max Williams reviewed: A Sketchbook Tour of Dartmouth, Devon

"Highly recommended, I have now attended two short courses with Melanie Beer and intend to carry on with one to one tuition in the future. As I am a complete beginner I initially felt nervous about joining an art class. Melanie immediately put me at ease, she was welcoming, engaging and made the instructions easy to follow. I met a really great bunch of people and had a great day soaking up the spectacular views of Dartmouth."

21 Jul 15'

Julie Blewett reviewed: Patchwork and Quilting City & Guilds Level 2

"I attended Bevs studio for the latter part of my part 2 Patchwork & Quilting where she went through and checked my previous work and then we worked on the weekest areas of the course that I had not covered thoroughly. I found Bev to be very inspirational and a delight to work with, her ideas opened up my eyes to the design part of the course which I had not grapsed at all before going to her studio. Im on my way now with my own designs now."

21 Jul 15'

Maggy Lovell reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"The course was a birthday present and I really enjoyed my day at the forge. Nigel is a very good teacher with lots of interesting tales to tell. I came home with a set of four fire irons, including hooks to hang them, for our new wood burner. I would recommend the course to anyone who is practical."

20 Jul 15'

Juliet Sargant reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"The description of this course doesn't convey what an excellent tutor Bill is and how rewarding it is to walk away with a number of finished projects. I have had a wonderful weekend and feel confident to now work on my own. Bill is so committed to his craft its infectious - thank you so much, I will be going back to further my skills."

20 Jul 15'

Scott Cowan reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I didn't expect how much I loved blacksmithing. I was a complete beginner and Mort showed us how to work the forge and showed us some different designs. He offered hands on help even though we were a large group. Highly recommended."

20 Jul 15'

Laraine Sullivan reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"I have recently attended a willow weaving workshop at Broadrake. This was taught by Phil Bradley and hosted by Rachel Benson. What a fantastic day, we were well supplied with vegetarian food in a relaxed atmosphere and just as relaxed was Phil's style of teaching. He never got stressed and with his gentle manner and sense of humour he managed to get us all to produce a hare by the end of the day. What I really liked was the fact that Phil not only taught us how to produce a hare but he got us to look at proportions and shape so that we could make other things in the future."

20 Jul 15'

Simon Giles reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"What a fantastic course! It was everything that I'd hoped for in as much as I learned a wealth of new skills under the expert tutorage of Bill. Everything was thorough and there were plenty of opportunities to practise new skills and techniques. Very pleased with the finished projects that I walked away with and now raring to go and put what I have learned into action. Great and knowledgeable company, a wonderful weekend. Thank you very much."

19 Jul 15'

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

"I'd definitely recommend this course! Adrian, Debbie and Andy are lovely people, and you experience Yorkshire hospitality at its best. The instructions were easy to follow with plenty of help on hand during the day. Debbie is a fine cook and keeps you well fed with her fantastic home baking. We can't wait to go back again."

19 Jul 15'

Samantha Jackson reviewed: Felt Making Workshops - Stratford upon Avon

"Had the pleasure of attending this workshop yesterday, worth every penny it was a lovely morning, Lesley is a very friendly, helpful tutor - who also makes the most amazing cake. The workshop did run over but that's a credit to Lesley who doesn't rush you at all, there were only 3 ladies so we had as much attention as we needed, we all left more than happy with our completed projects. Highly recommended."

19 Jul 15'

Libbie Waddleton reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Absolutely fabulous! Debbie, Adrian and their team are so very welcoming and attentive. Everything is taken in stages but don't worry if you forget a bit they are on hand to help and guide you. The projects are fun and you get to take something home at the end if the day that you can say you made. Nothing is too much trouble and the food is the final topping. Home made and oh so tasty. You definitely won't go hungry while hammering out your creations. Just a great and unusual course!"

18 Jul 15'

Kate and Steve reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"If your looking for a different way to spend a day and come away with something other than just a memory , get yourself and your friends along to see Nigel. I've never seen my wife have so much fun with a hammer and red hot metal. Nigel is not just a great teacher, story teller but really really good chap. Take time to enjoy the art exhibition in the woods our favourite piece was the unzipped railway sleeper, followed closely my the giant flute!"

18 Jul 15'

George Turner reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Having attended a one day taster course with Mark as the instructor I thought my enjoyed myself .Mark is a very good teacher and made the course very interesting so interesting in fact that I intend to upgrade the skills I learnt with mark in the near future after I have put into practice all that Mark taught me. I must say that it was so interesting that time tended to slip away and I think I overstayed my welcome.All in all it proved to be a very interesting day and I left the workshop wanting more I would highly reccomend Mark Hancock to anybody who is interested in turning wood into something beautiful."

18 Jul 15'

Jackie Taylor reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"My great grandfather was a dry stone waller so I wanted to try and learn the skill and make a contribution to my local loved Pennine lanscape. I completed the course in August 2014. I thoroughly enjoyed the course it was just what I was hoping for; although my muscles would tell you a different story! Some endurance and stamina is required. The teaching was undertaken by Chris who is knowledgeable, skilled and experienced. The learning included the building and construction of the wall, a review of health and safety issues and the tools needed for the job in hand. The best part is the practice element, just getting going and having a go with like minded people. Building a wall can be frustrating but once you have found that perfect stone its so satisfying. Contributing to a structure that could last hundreds of years, is fantastic. The opportunity is there for you, just give it a go.."

17 Jul 15'

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

"One of the best days ever! Graham and Chris were just the most lovely, welcoming couple, who couldn't do enough to make sure we were comfortable; we all very much enjoyed looking round the garden and hearing all about the hedgehogs before our lesson. The lesson itself was just amazing, graham was brilliant at guiding us all through the bowl making process at our own pace, and it was very rewarding to get a lovely bowl to take home! Would 100% reccomend this to everyone as a fantastic day out and will definitely be returning. Big thank you to Graham and Chris!!"

17 Jul 15'

Paul reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I have had training with George 3 times so far, I say so far as I intend to return. Passing on information, educating, isn’t always easy but George seems to do it with great ease. I’ve enjoyed my time with George he is helpful and attentive, he will stand back but move in when required, he’s happy for you to learn at your own pace. I would recommend George, and I have done. I’ve learnt loads. Paul D, Wiltshire."

17 Jul 15'

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

"Had such a wonderful time. The wood turning was a new experience and I felt extremely at ease with Graham's guidance. I would highly recommend this to anyone as what you can create is so inspiring. Thank you so much to graham and Chris! Perfect day out."

17 Jul 15'

Meriel Spooner reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"Phil is a great tutor with endless patience, providing encouragement throughout the day. We all ended up with hares, despite some passing walkers (clearly townies) not recognising them as such. We had a lovely day out in the garden creating our works of art and the food that Rachel provided was delicious, with all tastes catered for. Can't wait for the next willow workshop."

17 Jul 15'

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

"A brilliant morning! Lots of fun, and very rewarding to have made our own bowls. Graham and Chris were wonderful hosts, really warm and welcoming. Thank you!"