Latest reviews

16 Nov 14'

Marilyn Burrill reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"I had a great day at one of Caroline's workshops with my daughter. We were inspired by the amazing mosaics in her kitchen - and it carried on into her lovely workshop. She has just the right manner - very knowledgeable and informative about how to do it - loads of demonstrations and ideas to help you and enthusiastic encouragement if you are flagging. Lots of beautiful materials to use and all the equipment you need to get stuck in . She really makes sure that at the end of the day you have produced something that you are proud of ! I really recommend her if you want an enjoyable and productive day."

15 Nov 14'

Tony Watts reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I'm in my fifties and last did any serious woodwork when I was at school so was apprehensive about doing this course, to say the least. I need not have worried as Richard and Mark are both good humoured, patient, and approachable as well as being superb craftsmen. I've just finished my third course at the Wood Workshop and each time left with a completed piece of furniture of a quality that you would struggle to buy in a shop. It is a huge thrill to see lumps of tree transformed into works of art under the tutorship of R+M Don't expect to lose weight as Angie calls daily with a van full of pies and sandwiches, well worth buying not just because they are delicious but also because Richard's dog, Ash, will be your very best friend while you have a single crumb left. Can't wait to return"

13 Nov 14'

Shirley Caldwell reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I went on Course 1 - I've never been on a woodworking course before - and the standard of tuition on this one was beyond outstanding. Richard and Mark are really wonderful people in their own right - then add to that decades of woodworking and cabinet making experience between them and you may rest assured you are in very safe hands. It was only last week that I set off with a heavy cold and a few pieces of oak wood on a work bench in a Woodworking Building. Richard or Mark are there to teach you what to do - and ensure that what you do - you do correctly. They are both wonderful chaps each possessed of an amazing amount of patience; especially for those of us who'd never seen a band saw and weren't even too sure what a router was or did! As the week progressed I used various large woodworking tools - which I have never seen before - and indeed am unlikely to have access to....Sometimes my poor little brain cells thought they would explode but there was always Mark or Richard on hand, especially with the electrical tools to ensure no damage was done. It was amazing what I learnt [I have been thinking a lot about all that I learnt]. Richard gave us a talk about tools, tips and how to care for tools at Lunch-times....I picked up numerous really useful chunks of information - and I really loved those talks...Perhaps it was that there was time to concentrate purely on what he was saying - and a lot of it was pure gold. By the time Thursday came we had put my Step-Stool together - it was held in clamps overnight....and come Friday I was busy applying oil and wax to the finished project. I still can hardly believe it. The stool now stands in the hallway of my house - :-) just so no one can get in without seeing it - and saying `Did you make that?' Well somehow with a bit of help from my friends - so-to-speak I did. The course does more than what it says on the tin. The attitude of Richard and Mark is exemplary - they are there solely to help you achieve the best possible outcome - they are totally focused on helping you make something quite outstandingly good. You get taught really well - and there are no shortcuts to excellence. I learnt some things and some techniques that I will always remember... One final word.....and that is about Value, the course is extremely good value for money. I don't say that lightly. [I'm not wealthy]. Richard continues to give more and more value....especially on the Friday morning when he very kindly showed me the other machines - that I hadn't need to use; and it was pure joy to see how the woodworking shop is set out so well and is so organised. It was certainly a `different' type of course....but one I will never forget. It has encouraged me to do more with wood. I may even set up woodworking building of my own. I will certainly be doing some more courses with wood - as it has tapped into a new place of creativity within my brain. Somewhere along the line it was an honour to be around such skill and experience woodworkers. Richard and Mark? Unforgettable and thank you both for being you.:-)"

13 Nov 14'

Gillian reviewed: PickOne weekend weaving course

"Fantastic weaving course, I learned so much over the weekend. James was exceptionally enthusiastic, positive and keen to bestow his specialist and extensive knowledge of weaving onto others. He was very helpful and encouraging, which enabled the generation of so many ideas. I produced a piece of weaving which was way beyond what I thought I would manage. I would strongly recommend the course to anyone interested in weaving, not only do you learn so much about weaving but you also have a great time doing so."

12 Nov 14'

Denise Allen reviewed: Felt Making Workshops - Stratford upon Avon

"I attended the beginners workshop recently and was delighted with my two pieces of felt that I came away with. Lesley is very experienced and knowledgeable and was able to answer all of our varied questions. The morning was extremely friendly and relaxed and I would definately recommend it to anyone wishing to try this amazing craft. I have been inspired to try different techniques so will be booking myself onto more workshops."

11 Nov 14'

Graham Dumville reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"I spent most of the day with Chris going through sharpening skills after which we moved on to making a spoon. Chris has a wealth of knowledge which he is only too happy to share with others. The day was very relaxing yet at the same time, very focused. Chris gave me the opportunity to try out some of his own carving tools which enabled me to make a decision on which ones to buy. I came away having learnt a huge amount for a one-day course. Together with a hearty lunch, it was a fantastic day which I can highly recommend. Go for it!"

11 Nov 14'

Andrew Colleran reviewed: Leatherwork weekend taster course

"The course delivered exactly what I wanted and is a very good basis for starting out in leatherwork. Good content on tools, processes and practice."

11 Nov 14'

John Worthington and John Walker reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"We thoroughly enjoyed the day and were really pleased with the products we took home. The hospitality and tuition was very good in a relaxed atmosphere."

11 Nov 14'

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

"If you've ever wanted to try your hand at blacksmithing, I can highly recommend this course. There was a warm welcome on arrival and the tuition throughout the day was second to none. Adrian has a great depth of knowledge and his passion for blacksmithing is infectious. It's also well worth signing up for the course just to sample the amazing homemade lunch and cakes. I only wish they ran a cafe too!"

11 Nov 14'

David Hundertmark reviewed: Carve a Rocking Horse Head Course

"I received this course as an early Christmas gift from my wife. I can quite honestly say this was the best Christmas ever!! I bought Tony's book several years ago, but could never gather the courage to take the project on. It seemed out of my skill level. Tony's step by step approach, guiding hand and one on one encouragement, not only made for an absolutely delightful weekend, but I also feel like I made a new friend in the process. I left completely confident and excited about this new skill. I would recommend this course to anyone, it was a weekend I will remember for the rest of my life."

10 Nov 14'

John Donavan reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Thank you George for the very warm welcome from you and Sue. The day was full of helpful hints, tips and guidance on what to do and not to do. It was great to come away with a lovely bowl (which my wife has put on display for all to see). Many thanks to Sue for the lovely refreshments. I will be back for more tuition once I've had some practice. John Donovan"

10 Nov 14'

yellowtimer reviewed: Powertex figure sculpture

"Allison Turner is an incredibly talented mixed media artist tucked away in Stapleford. I really enjoyed my Powertex workshop with her and wouldnt hesitate to recommend that you attend one of her workshops. She explains things clearly, generous with both her ideas and her time - and you never feel afraid to ask the "stupid questions" which always seem to arise when you learn something new. She is a real "find" and I will certainly attend another workshop with her."

10 Nov 14'

Helen reviewed: Hand-stitched leather tote, satchel or messenger bag course

"An excellent course for anyone wishing to make there own Leather bag Gaynor and Enya helped and guided your through the intensive two day course and were always on hand if you needed a little extra help, you come away with your own handmade bag and new skills. I would highly recommend this course to anyone wishing to get started with leather work. Thanks again to Gaynor, Enya and Elizabeth for all your help. Helen"

10 Nov 14'

Hannah reviewed: PickOne weekend weaving course

"I thoroughly enjoyed the 3 day weaving course, James was very patient, helpful and encouraging! I was overwhelmed by the choice of yarn colours and the potential to make many different colour combinations! I was delighted with my scarf and have definitely caught the bug. Although, hard work, James made the atmosphere light and fun! I'd love to book on an evening course."

10 Nov 14'

vicki reviewed: PickOne weekend weaving course

"Very enjoyable course, especially when I unrolled the finished scarf at the end. James is an excellent teacher, extremely knowledgeable and encouraging. It was fun, and hard work!"

10 Nov 14'

Christine Rose reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"I have just returned from a carving course with Burn Brae Carvers in Cheshire, led by Sharon. What a lady - Such enthusiasm and a natural talent for bringing out the best in each of us. I hadn't used or sharpened chisels before,but after carving my Lovespoon,now feel quietly confident to handle them with the respect they deserve! Thank you Sharon and for the good talks we shared in between the carving!"

9 Nov 14'

Claire Lawrence reviewed: Candle Making Class

"This was a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon! Farah is an excellent teacher and was very welcoming. A great introduction to scented candle making."

9 Nov 14'

Deborah Lokier reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"A great days candle making, thank you Sakeena for sharing your knowledge in such a fun and relaxed environment. It was an excellent course , I left feeling confident and truly inspired by your enthusiasm, can't wait to get started. Once again thank you."

9 Nov 14'

Louise Hawson reviewed: Longbow Making Course - a three day course

"This was an excellent course, in a fantastic location, with great tuition from Ben and Wes. I started the course assuming I'd struggle with the woodworking and using unfamiliar tools, but the support and guidance from Ben and Wes, as well as sharing highs and lows with the other students, meant I came out with a beautiful longbow, confidence with woodworking tools, and a whole host of new skills. I'm now completely addicted and am already considering how I'm going to get hold of my own tools. One area for improvement - we didn't have enough of some key tools for everyone to make progress at some points, specifically working spoke shaves, glass bottles and knifes/files. Also, the traditional shave horses were too small for working longbows, especially for taller guys. We successfully worked round all this, but worth considering for future courses."

9 Nov 14'

Pete Simpson reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Very enjoyable week, sorry it's over. Great atmosphere and plenty of chance to learn new things additional to chosen course content. Lunch time talks by Richard were very informative and led to wider topics of discussion which can save time and money in the future. Richard and Mark give guidance, then allow you to progress at your own pace. They keep an eye from a distance, ready to step in if you ask for help, or see you struggling. Course is structured to give time to complete project and also have a go with other tools, and learn about different techniques - all adding to the value of the experience. Thanks again."

9 Nov 14'

Mel Withe reviewed: Beginner's Spinning in Newcastle

"I had a fantastic day learning to spin with Cathy. The small group size meant that there was lots of time for her to spend with each of us coaching and teaching us in avert pacient way. I would highly recommend this course"

7 Nov 14'

Anne Plummer reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"I have just started wood carving classes with Sharon in Port Talbot, having never so much as held a chisel before. From the moment I first contacted her regarding the classes Sharon was extremely helpful, warm and welcoming. The class consists of people with a wide range of carving abilities, most having attended for years which shows how enjoyable the classes are. The work they produce, along with Sharon's own work is very inspiring. Sharon is lovely, very warm and funny and you are welcomed and taken into the group and made to feel very much at home immediately. Everyone has their own individual project/s and progress at their own pace, receiving any help they require which in my case is a lot! I have been taught how to use the tools safely and correctly and am thoroughly enjoying how my first project is coming on. Sharon is very patient and encouraging and has an easy way of teaching, making anything seem possible. I have found a new hobby that I am absolutely loving and look forward to learning so much more from Sharon."

7 Nov 14'

Bob Hanlon reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"24/25 NOV the second of Sharons courses I have been on, Both brilliant, We will be making this a regular event for our group the Stafford U3A Woodcarving group."

6 Nov 14'

Laura Martin reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"The two days that i spent with Bill were great. he is extreamly helful and encouraging to all abilities in the class and was happy to answer any questions regarding leatherwork and about working in the industry. i would recomend this coures to boyh people looking at leather as a hobby or to thoses hoping to start a buisness."

6 Nov 14'

Lynne H Callaghan reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"I went to Higham Hall in the Lakes District on a walking holiday - but, due to a bad back, I couldn't walk. At the same time, Higham Hall was also offering an Art course and a Wood Carving course - I had been looking for a suitable course on the latter for months. I spoke to Sharon and asked if I could come over and look at what was going on. Sharon was most welcoming and agreed happily. The next day she introduced me to everyone, allowed me to wander round looking at their work and then Sharon sat with me and talked about wood carving and the different tools. When she asked me if I would like to do some wood carving I almost fell over with delight! And that's when I became smitten with wood carving. I stayed the day working on my love spoon. I asked Sharon if she would accept me onto the course - she said she would if George , the manager at Higham Hall, would accept the transfer from walking to wood carving - he did. As a tutor, Sharon has a wonderful manner when teaching (I'm a semi-retired teacher so I recognise a good one when I see it). Her warm, Welsh, welcoming nature puts people at their ease and her one-to-one tutoring skill is excellent. Everyone is given individual help regularly throughout the day. I can honestly say that I had the most wondrous time wood carving - so much so, that I have booked on Sharon's course next April 2015 and October 2015. I can only recommend something by my own experience - therefore, I absolutely highly recommend Sharon's wood carving course to you"