Latest reviews

31 Mar 15'

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

"Thanks for a great course. I'm glad Cynthia told me about it. Your studio was good to work in with all the lovely wool in wonderful colours to inspire us and we all managed to make something to take home. Thanks also for letting me use my raw wool clip. The attached photograph shows what I made with the result. As it looked rather medieval I made it into a bag which was used in a history enactment for Raglan History Society."

31 Mar 15'

Debby Kimsey reviewed: M

"Had an absolute fantastic day yesterday making my first mosaic piece. There were 5 of us and Maddie and Penny were just brilliant in providing technical information and inspiring hints and tips. Her studio was warm and welcoming and all her artwork on the walls gave us great inspiration. The tools and massive assortment of potential mosaic materials was really well laid out, this bounty of materials helped you achieve a fantastic finished artwork. Hopefully we will return again to learn further mosaic skills. I would recommend this course to everyone..and will do so!!"

30 Mar 15'

Jenny Collier reviewed: Creative laser cutting

"Had a great time on this course in February. I created a laser-engraved image on slate, cut and engraved rubber stamps, cut text out of craft vilene and even cut a design into a pheasant feather!! With no previous experience, I was given plenty of help and encouragement to achieve work that I was really proud of."

30 Mar 15'

Eva reviewed: Handspinning workshop

"I had really good time to learn spinning. It was my first time trying to spin and I can’t believe that I have managed to make yarn. The atmosphere was very friendly and the farm surroundings is beautiful. I would highly recommend this course."

30 Mar 15'

Steve George reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Hi George, Thanks for a good day today and excellent hospitality. Apart from coming away with a decent turned bowl I have learnt some useful skills, I will certainly return for more. Regards Steve"

30 Mar 15'

Martin Fulford reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Hi George Many thanks for a great day. Great down to earth tuition. I will be back for more days"

30 Mar 15'

Lynn and Gary reviewed: Two Day Stained Glass Course with Christian Ryan

"The sun was shining and it was a beautiful day; exactly the type of day we hate to be indoors, being fell runners, sea kayaks etc. However, the day spent with Chris was absolutely brilliant. It went so quickly and, at the end of it, we had both made something of which we were proud. Chris is a brilliant teacher (as a teacher, I know how hard it is, especially with adults) and has inspired us to try to do it again. We are always trying new things (dry stone walling, playing the harp, airkix, to name but a few), but this is the best so far. LOVED IT! If you're considering it, do it NOW. You won't regret it :)"

30 Mar 15'

Chris reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Wow I'm totally hooked! Can't wait to get my hands on my own wheel and start spinning. Learned SO much the day absolutely flew by. Started with absolutely no idea what I was doing and finished up with my own skein - OK a bit lumpy and bumpy but all my own work. Brilliant."

30 Mar 15'

Chloe Purton reviewed: Felt Bags – (intermediate) - One day course

"Had a wonderful day, as usual when doing felting with Lorraine. Really pleased with my pink bag."

30 Mar 15'

Rachel Auckland reviewed: Felt Bags – (intermediate) - One day course

"Lorraine showed us several examples of felt samples using a variety of different creative techniques and she demonstrated a couple of these. We were given all the materials and equipment necessary to have a go, and encouraged to experiment throughout the morning. One improvement I could suggest, in hindsight, is that we might have benefitted from a chance to 'show and tell' before going on to the afternoon session. (Some of us did this informally anyway, and I find it helpful.) After lunch we went on to design and create a bag or vessel. I struggled to complete my project in the timescale, but took home a very satisfying 'work in progress' and enough materials in my goody bag to finish it. Lorraine gave us all constructive feedback about our skills development and pointers for ways to continue to practice and improve our felting techniques. Her approach is very empowering and great fun."

30 Mar 15'

Hilary Shuck reviewed: Creative Woven Textile Courses

"Loved every minute! Two days spent in a beautiful, light and airy converted barn, with excellent looms waiting to be used, and beautiful shades of linen to weave with. Susie creates a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. As a complete beginner to weaving, I delighted in the inspiration in Susie's work, and she strikes a good balance between instruction and leaving you to explore the possibilities of her particular style of producing a piece of weaving. This informal method of weaving is wonderful, and I was thrilled to come away with a wall hanging. Susie also provides a delicious lunch, cake, coffee - heaven! Who needs a spa day when you can do this!! Can't wait to come back. Thank you Susie."

30 Mar 15'

Debra Doubleday reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"I had the most brilliant day and left with a basket to be proud of. My husband was astonished at what I had achieved. Julie is excellent and leads you through the course with great encouragement. I will definately book further courses its so important to keep this tradition alive."

29 Mar 15'

Karen reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"Really enjoyable course with excellent tuition. I will definitely book up again. The venue was good and Julie's cake was excellent."

29 Mar 15'

Annette reviewed: Felt Making Workshops - Stratford upon Avon

"I spent an amazing few hours with Lesley earlier this week making a felt pot. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and would highly recommend it to everyone - I had previously completed the introduction course and found that really helpful when making my pot so would suggest doing that course first. There was a huge selection of fibres to choose from and Lesley was extremely patient helping us all to successfully make out own pot. Lesley made us feel very welcome, she provided beautiful homemade cake and we were able to go and feed the baby lamb and see the pigs during our break We were also able to purchase some beautiful eggs laid by Lesleys own hens. This was more than just a course it was a wonderful experience. If you get the chance go and play."

29 Mar 15'

wendy beech reviewed: Glass Art - two day course in stained glass (traditional leaded or copper foil "Tiffany" technique)

"A superb introduction to stained glass in a relaxing environment with a great teacher. I will be back for more."

29 Mar 15'

The Snail of Happiness reviewed: Felt Bags – (intermediate) - One day course

"Another marvellous felting course, building on the skills already learned from Lorraine at Denmark Farm."

29 Mar 15'

Blue Powell reviewed: Felt Bags – (intermediate) - One day course

"Today I have a lovely felt bag that incorporates both techniques I have used before and also some completely new to me. I started out yesterday with an idea of what I wanted and Lorraine (with unfailing generosity and patience braved my grandiose objectives and) helped me to successfully achieve it."

29 Mar 15'

Karen reviewed: Felt Making Workshops - Stratford upon Avon

"Had a lovely workshop with Lesley learning to make felt pots. Fully recommend this workshop. Lesley is very generous with her time and very knowledgeable about felting and and different wools etc, she has a vast selection of different colours, silks, and textures that you can use to make your pot, which you get to take home. Nothing is to much trouble, and she makes a cracking cake too!"

28 Mar 15'

Keith Franklin reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I have just attended a 2-day course with Nigel and it was excellent. Not only is Nigel a great tutor he is passionate about his craft and has a wealth of knowledge and experience to impart. He provides an insightful history of blacksmithing/forging, and has some great stories/experiences to share. First day made some set pieces, poker, toasting fork, two desktop paperweights and a keying. The second day was more freeform being able to create your own design or replicating one of the many items in his gallery. He is patient and guides you at a level/pace based on your capabilities. Very well equipped workshop with a huge range of equipment and machines, and even got a go on the power hammer. Great to get away from the stress of the day to day job and relax doing some very enjoyable rewarding work, (beating some hot metal with a hammer is a great stress release) and very pleased with the items that I made. I would definitely recommend Nigel to anyone thinking of having a go at blacksmithing. Thank you Nigel."

28 Mar 15'

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

"Without a creative bone in my body, I made a great piece which I'm going to make into a tote bag. Chris talked us through the basic steps and guided us with a light touch so that most of the day was spent actually felting. After a trial piece (which I am really pleased with) we made something we could use. Others on the course made a cushion cover and a beautiful scarf. It was a very relaxing, fun day. Highly recommended."

27 Mar 15'

Jane Dale reviewed: Handspinning workshop

"Had a great day learning to spin fleece into yarn. Diane's brother worked his magic on my £10 spinning wheel making it operational, my husband is delighted! The whole day was enjoyable and great value for money, I highly recommend it. Thank you."

27 Mar 15'

Jill Roberts reviewed: Creative Woven Textile Courses

"the best two days- super tuition in lovely surrounding and nothing too much trouble. Learnt a great deal and came away with a completed front cushion cover and the cushion provided too! Thankyou Susie - look forward to seeing you again."

27 Mar 15'

Elizabeth reviewed: The Natural Skin Care Workshop

"Very interesting. I enjoyed finding out how to expand the range of ways to use essential oils to make natural products."

27 Mar 15'

Paul Grayson reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"I would recommend this course to anybody. The makes were not too difficult but did stretch our skills. Adrian (and his beautiful assistant, Andy) was easy going and had time for us all. We worked at our own pace, no pressure to rush. I was really pleased with my makes and the family were very impressed. The food was home made, plentiful and tasty. Rachel and Mike were very hospitable sharing their home with us for the day. Thanks to everyone for making this such an enjoyable day."

27 Mar 15'

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

"The experience was everything I had hoped it would be……brilliant! Adrian and Debbie provided us with all the necessary tools and equipment to get through the day. All of us got stuck in after the initial H&S briefing, hot drinks, biscuits and introductions. Adrian teaches you in skilled way that is easily understood so can be replicated with the emphasis on enjoyment. All the items we completed had originality stamped all over them (no pun intended) which reflected the diversity of people present on the day. You learn by memorable events… how true of this experience! Both Adrian and Debbie are a great team which enhances the overall experience. Good friends, good food & good fellowship. Try it!!! Dave Mills"