Latest reviews

10 May 15'

Fiona Robertson reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"This was a great one day course. Jane was very welcoming and an excellent teacher who encouraged us all the way through. We were provided with a tasty lunch and plenty of tea/coffee and cakes. It was good to come out with a framed tapestry and a sense of achievement. I feel Jane has given me the skills to attempt this at home but I enjoyed the course so much that I am hoping to get one for my Christmas again this year!"

10 May 15'

Dot Lowe reviewed: " Day of the Dead" Silver Clay Workshop

"Sara gave us excellent, friendly tuition, which made it all seem so easy. I didn't know what to expect but really enjoyed the afternoon and was so pleased to bring home something I actually want to wear. Cake and tea was an added enjoyable bonus!"

10 May 15'

Liz Shields reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"I attended Jane's workshop yesterday. The theme was 'Sheep'. Right from the start Jane was welcoming and friendly. We were given a workbook which contained lots of useful information, including a drawn design of a sheep and detailed instructions of all the techniques needed to weave it. Throughout the day Jane gave helpful demonstrations of each technique, but she also gave individual guidance, encouragement, and suggestions to each of her students, too. A lovely lunch was served, prepared by Jane's husband Graham. (Graham also very kindly picked me up from the bus stop in the morning too to take me to the studio). Jane showed us how to finish off our woven picture and prepare it for framing. Altogether I found this a wonderful, very informative, very enjoyable day, and very well worth the journey from Liverpool to attend! It was so satisfying to come away having produced an actual picture (rather than just a sampler). Jane is an excellent teacher and a lovely, friendly person. I will certainly be back again!"

10 May 15'

Suzanne Thomas reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"A most enjoyable day in a spectacular location, with like- minded people and great food! Under Phil's expert guidance we all managed to create recognisable sheep worthy of any flock."

9 May 15'

Lorna reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"I have really enjoyed today's course and cannot wait to get home and try it out!"

9 May 15'

Pauline Cunningham reviewed: " Day of the Dead" Silver Clay Workshop

"I really enjoyed this course!, Sara creates a relaxed and friendly atmosphere which helps to build confidence. She takes her students' ideas on board and is very supportive in helping them to achieve a pleasing outcome! I actually didn't think I would be able to produce anything worth while but came home with a delightful pair of earrings. I would hope, at some time, to attend another similar course!"

9 May 15'

mandy wooding reviewed: " Day of the Dead" Silver Clay Workshop

"Great afternoon with Sara who is generous with her time and knowledge . My daughter and I felt very happy wi t h what we achieved xx"

9 May 15'

Gloria Holden reviewed: " Day of the Dead" Silver Clay Workshop

"We had a really enjoyable day and everyone produced beautiful, individual pieces of silver to take away. Sara is a great teacher who demonstrates and explains every step of the process, making it easy for beginners and more experienced artists to produce great work whilst having fun. I would not hesitate to recommend this workshop!"

9 May 15'

Graham Smith reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I have recently (29th April-1st May 2015) spent three really great days in Ed's studio. My planned project was to produce a new working mould of a pot design I had made 25 years ago at Art College. (The existing mould - having not been used for all those years - had begun to crumble away at the edges, and was no longer able to produce acceptable casts). Ed was enthusiastic about the challenges that this shape of pot presented, and was a very good, patient instructor and demonstrator of each stage of this fascinating process. His easy going, supportive nature gave the studio time a very encouraging atmosphere, and certainly strengthened my confidence. We finished the three-day course not only with a magnificent, professional, and beautifully finished mould, but also with a new 'model' for me to make further moulds from - and my notebook full of the process details. I can highly recommend Ed and this course. It's a really marvellous opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the mould making process, resulting in a beautiful, workable solution to any design idea."

8 May 15'

Marie wray reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"Great day, fabulous setting, a testament to Phils skill as a tutor that I came away with a sheep that will enhance my garden rather than be the butt of jokes"

8 May 15'

Sarah Garratt reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"I took my mother along for a day of crafting and had a wonderful time! Sophie was a great host (ably assisted by her mother in the kitchen) as well as being a knowledgeable, patient and informative tutor. Sophie was happy to accommodate our varied ideas and supported each delegate to explore the world of felting through our individual projects. We came away with an eclectic mixture of canine characters and all totally hooked on felting! Sophie sent us all a really helpful guide to purchasing our own resources as a follow up to the course. I would thoroughly recommend one of Sophie's courses; a lovely way to spend a day."

8 May 15'

Xtina Lamb reviewed: " Day of the Dead" Silver Clay Workshop

"Loved this class so much! Sara is so patient and helpful, full of good advice and suggestions. She helped us to get the most out of our time and gave us so many tips. It's like magic working with silver clay and we had everything we needed to have a great time playing with it. I run INTRA where the class was held, and have been very happy to have Sara back to teach it again. Everyone always has such a good time, and the pieces made are so personal and impressive. It's hard not to join in every time the class comes to us!"

8 May 15'

Keith Knight reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"A most enjoyable day spent with Alex at his forge. His easy manner and patience when demonstrating techniques and his 1:1 teaching were a joy. His knowledge of Blacksmithing is awesome. I choose to make a hanging basket bracket which I had thought may have been too much for a novice in one day, but Alex demonstrated all the techniques required as we went along and I bashed hot metal under his ever watchful eye. Hard work but great fun and at the end of the day one completed bracket, which will have pride of place outside the front door. I would thoroughly recommend a day with Alex at his forge you will learn so much from a man who knows his stuff."

7 May 15'

liz reviewed: Intermediary Glass fusing workshop with Laura Hart of Hart Glass

"Laura is an amazing teacher, I have learnt more in two days with her than a 10 week evening class. She explains clearly and allows your creative energy to flow. I would highly recommend her glass courses. This two day course was a birthday present, one of the best. Her own work is incredible and you should check it out."

7 May 15'

Adrian reviewed: Wood turning courses

"COMMENT: Thank you George for 2 very worthwhile days introduction to wood turning. Finding myself with an abundance of tools and; equipment which I did not know how to use, you have opened the door for me to a fascinating hobby which I am looking forward to developing.Thank you for your detailed instruction and; guidance, the use of your equipment and; materials and;, not least, Sue's hospitality! Thank you again. Adrian."

7 May 15'

Helen Thomas reviewed: " Day of the Dead" Silver Clay Workshop

"I did my course with Sara, and had a great time. She is a patient and calm teacher, and explains everything thoroughly. The course has excellent products to work with and each person has ample tools to make beautiful pieces of work. It's easy to go home with beautiful jewellery even after a few hours. Sara also had some starter kits for sale at a very reasonable price. I would recommend Sara's courses to anyone who is even thinking about working with silver clay. She's amazing, and has remained my friend, and guru, is happy to answer any questions I have .."

7 May 15'

Liz Pearce reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I bought my son a 1 day course for his birthday because he had been nagging me to try this for over 18 months; Alex was kind and patient and with his expert guidance my 15 yr old crafted a most beautiful poker which is now prized possession. I was impressed by the level of craftsmanship accomplished in one day and the fact that Alex allowed my relatively young and inexperienced son so much freedom with the work. I would recommend this course, not least because of the beautiful and fascinating setting,"

7 May 15'

Joan Fletcher reviewed: One Day Stained Glass Course for Beginners

"What a wonderful day! I thoroughly enjoyed myself, I learnt how to cut glass, solder lead and then put it all together to make a piece of beautiful stained glass, which is now in pride of place at home. Thankyou to the very skilled and knowledgeable tutors at Lightworks."

6 May 15'

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

"Graham's kind and patient nature and willingness to share his skills has meant I have created everything from bowls to mushrooms, next it's a pen. I really enjoy the session, Graham ensures they are fun and relaxed, but all the time I'm learning. Overall fantastic."

6 May 15'

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

"I really enjoy the sessions; every time I go back I am learning something new and developing my skills. Graham really helps you to understand what you are doing and how to do it. I have taken home pieces that people can't believe I have made myself. The sessions are fun and friendly, and you learn at your own pace with the great support from Graham."

6 May 15'

Howard Smith reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had a fantastic time doing the one day course last September which I received as a birthday present. I made a Rams Head Poker for our wood burner which I am very proud of. I certainly ached a bit the following day but would jump at the chance to do more. Alex is really nice, very patient and a great teacher. His style of teaching by demonstrating the techniques as we went along rather than doing it all for you, means that I can look at my Rams Head Poker and know I made it 100% myself. My family were really impressed, and it sits pride of place by the fireplace. I would recommend this course without hesitation - excellent."

6 May 15'

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

"I attended the second day of a two day course for my wife. Alex is an excellent teacher, calm, clear and the sort of patience that I've not seen for a long time! We came away with some nice pieces and (I think) the ability to reproduce should we happen across a forge somewhere. I would whole-heartedly recommend spending some time with Alex if this sort of thing interests you. He's got a nice list of things to make if you're not sure. If you do have a project in mind, he seemed more than willing to work with you to develop something unique. Book a course and get it 'otter!"

5 May 15'

Ian Whitehead reviewed: Green Wood Chair Making - 6 Day Woodworking Course in South Devon

"What a week! I came to this course pretty much as a novice on the shave horse, having had a great day, also with Peter, producing my own shave horse. The course gave me the flexibility to produce the chair that I wanted, not only in terms of design but also wood selection. Peter's expert guidance and support throughout the week enabled me to craft a chair with character, encouraging me to go on and make more at home."

5 May 15'

Joy & Mary reviewed: One day Traditional Lead Stained Glass Course

"One off the bucket list, great fun, it would be a great day to spend with friends making something special to mark a special occasion. You don't think you can but Cheryl will change your mind . Highly Recommended"

5 May 15'

Kate reviewed: One day Traditional Lead Stained Glass Course

"I cannot believe what I achieved in one day plus I had a great time thank you I would love to come back again"