Latest reviews

12 Apr 15'

Sarah reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Would definatley recomend this course to anyone who is thinking about having a go but not sure. Elaine is an excellent teacher, her knowledge is amazing and her patience outstanding. I'm hooked too and going to look at getting my own wheel to practice on. Lovely one to one tuition in a lovely relaxed atmosphere. Happy spinning."

12 Apr 15'

Heather reviewed: Pembrokeshire Maddie Janes Mosaic

"Maddie's workshop day was wonderful! I made (well started) a circular table top for my garden, which I am still finishing. Got totally lost in the experience and Maddie was very generous with the materials, inspiring workshop full of exciting colours and textures.... like a child in a sweetie shop! Thank you Maddie, been meaning to leave this review for ages! Heather Narberth Crafty Workshop"

12 Apr 15'

Ferny reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"I had a lot of fun doing this course. My teacher was excellent. The demonstrations were clear which made it easy. I cannot wait to go home and show off my new skills to my husband."

12 Apr 15'

David McArdle reviewed: A Longbow Experience

"This is an absolutely excellent course! In two days you learn everything from choosing wood right through to shooting your bow. And it really is 'your bow'. You learn how to use the correct tools on the right way. Tony is an excellent teacher, very knowledgeable and totally approachable. If you have arrived at this site then you must have an interest already. This course IS for you."

12 Apr 15'

Karl reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Thanks for yesterday's course that you did for our teenage son. He really enjoyed it and staying the night as a family gave us all some really lovely time."

11 Apr 15'

Roger D. reviewed: A Longbow Experience

"Having just completed a 2-day experience with Tony I can thoroughly recommend it if you are interested in how to make a long bow. The course was quite an active one and you watch your piece of timber transform into a bow (ableit with a fair bit of hard graft). Friendly and knowledgeable tutor, with all equipment supplied, it's rewarding to be able shoot an arrow with your bow if it all goes to plan. Great experience."

11 Apr 15'

Nicki Hamilton reviewed: Stained Glass Garden Mosaic with Sue Smith

"I enjoyed every moment of my two day course with Sue Smith. The fact that I came away with a skill at a level I never dreamt possible was an added bonus. Several months on I spend a lot of my spare time creating mosaic mirrors and tiles; I can't wait for retirement when I will spend a lot more time on this wonderful hobby. Sue is quite inspirational and the gorgeous setting of her studio makes the whole experience memorable. I would recommend Sue's courses to anyone."

10 Apr 15'

Sabrina reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Great course which provides the fundamentals of candle making. Course tutor was very knowledgeable. I had a great time."

9 Apr 15'

jenny tailor reviewed: Fabric flower workshop ( Latex and Nylon )

"The most wonderful craft i have mastered to date. Would totally recommend this to anyone. The studio was so glamorous and the teaching and cakes were splendid. This workshop is a must... thank you for a fabulous time Amanda. x"

9 Apr 15'

Anne Breese reviewed: Make and Decorate your own Garden Trug

"This course was fun and easy, the professional tutor provided excellent,easily understandable instruction and guidance, well worth the money"

9 Apr 15'

Irene Walker reviewed: Fabric sculpture taster/starter workshop

"Loved this course and you will too. Lovely friendly people who take time to ensure you create stunning items that will be the envy of your friends. Can't wait to go on their follow on course"

9 Apr 15'

Irene Walker reviewed: Make and Decorate your own Garden Trug

"I went to one of John's previous trug workshops and it was absolutely fantastic, learned how to use power tools and make simply great trugs from recycled materials that i can find for free. I can strongly recommend this course to anyone"

8 Apr 15'

Joan reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Wonderful, very informative day conducted in a relaxed friendly and supportive environment. Sakeena has a lovely, motivating, charming and stimulating approach, an excellent tutor. Thank you."

8 Apr 15'

Sue Kenny reviewed: M

"I set out this morning feeling excited at the prospect of spending the day with Maddie, learning the basics of mosaics. What a day it turned out to be. Learning new techniques, and ending the day with a piece I am really proud of. The studio is well set up and not at all off putting despite the fact it is the work place of such a talented professional. Maddies approach is relaxed and friendly so following her instruction is not difficult. I am amazed that in one day I was able to walk away with a creditable piece having never done anything like it before. If you want to try something new and hugely satisfying get yourself booked onto a course you'll love it!"

8 Apr 15'

Jonathan Dollin reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I wanted to start off in woodturning with good habits and the confidence to use basic tools correctly and Mark's course seemed just the thing. This was a good decision. He is a very good and patient teacher and a good communicator so that I had no difficulty in understanding the concepts that needed to be explained. The approach was structured, but friendly and informal, so that in one day we covered the use of the basic tools, the lathe and the different chucks, how to sharpen tools correctly, various spindle turning techniques, the characteristics of wood and how to make a bowl. The last turned out surprisingly well, thanks to Mark's supervision, in spite of my ineptness risking disaster at various points and I came away with a nice bowl. I also learned a lot about the equipment that is advertised and am now in a much better position to buy wisely and avoid expensive mistakes. It was a very enjoyable day. Mark's tuition will also be useful I think, once I have becomes more proficient and want to improve on my skills."

7 Apr 15'

Mike Sutton reviewed: Half day kiln glass workshop

"I booked onto this course with no knowledge of glass. A thoughrally enjoyable and informative day. My wife and I love our new glass bowl which I made. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone wishing to learn more about kiln glass. Its a good idea to take images as inspiration as I found this really helped me to come up with ideas. I would also recommend the local bakery for lunch."

7 Apr 15'

Juliet Williams reviewed: Silver Ring Making - 3 hours

"My daugher and I spent a lovely morning at the Big and Small Craft Studio. Xenia was very patient and explained everything clearly We had enough time to complete 2 different types of ring in the 3 hours. Highly recommended!"

7 Apr 15'

Aaron Merrimen reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Hi George, Thanks so much for a fantastic day! It was a real joy to join you in your workshop for my first wood turning experience. I'm always looking to learn new skills and I couldent think of a better way to get started on the lathe. I was amazed my the results I achieved under your instruction and am looking forward to continuing to practice. I'm sure I'll be back for another session in the near future to learn some more of the secrets to good wood turning practice! Thanks again, Aaron"

3 Apr 15'

Dan China reviewed: Whittling course

"This was a really excellent course and I can happily recommend it to anyone with an interest in working with wood. It covered everything I needed: what tools could be used; where to get them how to use them; how to maintain them and how to work safely. In this practical course we learned and practiced a variety of skills which meant that we are now able to work safely on our own. We were also intrigued and inspired to learn from a skilled and creative craftsman about ideas, values and attitudes that are important. This too enables us to carry on pursuing our own ideas and making unique things which have a personal significance. The course is really well thought through and at all levels seeks to ensure that we can learn what we need to carry on in the future. For instance, we were able to see and use a variety of tools and Martin made sure that he always presented examples of tools which were simple and inexpensive as well as those that more specialised and expensive. By the following day I had ordered and made a simple kit which will serve me for the foreseeable future, or at least until Christmas present time. It is also helpful to know that Martin’s website will continue to provide information and advice which is informed and reliable. The course fully met my expectations and the stated objectives. But it was also a really enjoyable experience with a friendly, cheerful, hospitable and professional master craftsman. It has already enabled me to make a variety of greenwood pieces and I anticipate spending many days in the future working quietly and calmly with a sharp knife and interesting pieces of wood."

2 Apr 15'

Jade & Kristian reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"We thoroughly enjoyed a 2hr class. Rowena was not only a great teacher, but very friendly too. Was a lovely experience and would highly recommend."

1 Apr 15'

Ian Elder reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"Siobhan Thoroughly enjoyed your -one day course on fused glass. I was surprised to see on my test pieces how well the sharp edges of the glass disappeared with firing. Anyway, to make something really acceptable I would need more practice under supervision. You never know I could come again. Best wishes and thanks Ian"

1 Apr 15'

Jane Hardy reviewed: Powertex fabric sculpture introduction session

"I had the most wonderful time on the course, and created something I didn't think I could achieve. Annette is a very lovely, relaxed and informative teacher. I cannot wait to do more!!"

1 Apr 15'

David reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"This is a great course and reasonably priced. With only six people on the course, there was plenty of time for individual help and advice and we all managed to complete our baskets to a good standard. Julie is obviously hugely experienced in basketmaking but also has huge patience with us newcomers. The venue was easy to find and has adequate car parking. Everything we needed for the course was provided and the cakes were delicious. I have no hesitation in recommending this course - very informative, interesting and satisfying."

31 Mar 15'

Michele Thomson reviewed: Introductory course covering wet felting and Nuno techniques in the beautiful Forest of Dean

"I've just returned from one of Chris' feltmaking courses - what a wonderful day! Stepping into Chris' studio is like entering an Aladdin's Cave of colour. Thanks to her inspirational approach to teaching, I've not only learnt new skills but have also created a beautiful wall hanging. Thank you once again for helping me find my creative streak! Michele"

31 Mar 15'

Diane Gorvin reviewed: Introductory course covering wet felting and Nuno techniques in the beautiful Forest of Dean

"I am delighted to have discovered the amazing painterly qualities that felt making can achieve, the course was a revelation. The day spent learning the techniques was very enjoyable, and I was happy to have made two pieces by the end of the day. Chris has a beautiful range of colours to work with, she is an inspirational tutor, knowledgeable and friendly, and I can wholeheartedly recommend the experience. Diane Gorvin"