Latest reviews

8 Oct 14'

Simone reviewed: Mindful Mosaic workshops with Dionne Ible - Bedfordshire

"Dionne's workshop is amazing - really fun day and I learned loads. Great setting in Dionne's lovely home - gives it a personal touch. Dionne works really closely with each person so you can develop your own creation with as much help as you need. Designs and all materials are provided so you can pick something from a book or you can bring your own work like I did and she will help you bring it to life. You come away having learned the basis of a new skill. Also, if you don't finish, Dionne gives you extra tiles and grout to work on at home. Highly recommend this course!"

8 Oct 14'

Roger Adams reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"From a complete novice's viewpoint our course was just the ticket. Being faced with some unusual tools, an extremely sharp knife and a collection of sticks we then proceeded to be led through each stage and element of basket construction. Where needed, individual support was given for the trickier moments and at the end of a most enjoyable day we came away with not only a good understanding of basket making techniques but also very presentable baskets that I'm sure will be prized by each of the makers. Thanks for a wonderful day Julie."

7 Oct 14'

Adam reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"A brilliant time spent with Bill. I wanted to learn more about leatherworking in order to make small items for charity. I couldn't have had a better teacher! 4 days were spent with Bill, a patient & understanding instructor, who had designed a course to cover my needs. Starting with the basics, we progressed until by the end of the course I had made several items, covered stiching, staining & dying and pattern making. Including the design & pattern for a special item for myself to cutout & finish at a later date. I would heartily encourage ANYONE thinking of taking up leatherwork, or wishing to improve their skills, to contact Bill. You will not be disappointed."

7 Oct 14'

Fused Glass Taster Course reviewed: Full day fused glass course with breakfast, lunch and all materials included

"I have been on several day courses - eg. cookery, mosaics, quilting, but this was THE BEST. A warm welcome from Sharon and Kim and a delicious breakfast with fresh coffee was followed by a brief session on how to cut glass then myself and my fellow pupil were left to start creating! Sharon and Kim guided us through the morning offering friendly, helpful advice and we then had a break for a supurb lunch with a glass of wine. Then on to the afternoon session where we continued with our masterpieces, being encouraged to fill every space available on our allocated trays for the kiln by making small pendants and cufflinks. I cannot recommend this course enough - do go!!! Angie - October 2014"

7 Oct 14'

Maureen Hinton reviewed: Stitch Retreat Weekend with Anne Kelly, "Birds" workshop at Wyboston Lakes, Bedfordshire

"A lovely friendly atmosphere, mood set and fostered by Anne and Nichola. It was fun making little stencils, almost cartoon pictures of birds, and assembling them to build up the collage. A good venue, good facilities in rooms and large social spaces, very good food, lots of choice."

7 Oct 14'

Trisha Downe reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"Peter was an excellent tutor, very sympathetic with those that had no knowledge at all yet able to instruct those who had some knowledge as well. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the course and came away inspired with our lovely interlocking tables. Well worth the money!"

6 Oct 14'

Robby Tucker reviewed: Beginners Hand spinning - 'From fleece to fibre’ - at All in a Spin

"Arriving at the little farm out in the Black Mountains with its amazing views was a delight. Dunja has the course set up very efficiently . You begin with the fleece and follow the stages through the day as you learn how they work. From washing the fleece to preparing it for spinning. As a complete beginner I was amazed how the teaching helped me quickly pick it up. There is a lot to learn in one day but I came home with a small skein of wool I had spun myself. I took notes and lots of photos which has helped me to have a go on a borrowed spinning wheel. Now I need to practice a lot. I know if I get stuck Dunja is only too pleased to help answer my questions."

6 Oct 14'

Helen Knight reviewed: Pembrokeshire Maddie Janes Mosaic

"I spent a lovely relaxing afternoon at Maddie' studio on Saturday together with four friends - None of us had tried mosaics before, but with Maddie's guidance & her wonderful range of tiles, beads & sparkly things, we were all able to make a unique piece of artwork to be proud of. It was great value, good fun & I would definitely recommend it to others! Many thanks Maddie & Penny"

5 Oct 14'

Sarah Bell reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"My 10 year old son and I have just completed a 3 day course and what an amazing time we've had. Neither of us have ever done anything like this before and will definitely be doing it again. From the minute we walked through the door Sharon made us feel so welcome and relaxed, we had lots of one-to-one attention and step-by-step instructions, she was so eager to help, encouraging, complimentary, professional and very funny! In a nut shell we are both hooked on carving and have already booked on Sharon's next course. Thank you sooooooo much."

5 Oct 14'

Linda reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"I really enjoyed the course, Peter is a great teacher and makes sure that you learn the "proper way" of making a stool or table. All tools and wood was provided to make the course as easy for new learners as possible and Peter was ably assisted by his keen helper. I hope to do another course when possible."

5 Oct 14'

Sophie Goard reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - London

"Thoroughly enjoyed this class for the second time - Elspeth is an excellent tutor with oodles of patience and lots of creative and sensible suggestions. Fab location, excellent pace and length of class, all equipment provided and something tangible to show for it and confidence to complete the projects not quite finished in the time. Would heartily recommend - next stop rag rug Christmas wreaths!"

4 Oct 14'

Christine and Brian reviewed: Enamelled jewellery for beginners and improvers - fired glass jewellery techniques

"Very relaxed and friendly. Toni was helpful and gave clear instructions, we had a great day and it is a really good way to get a introduction to enamelling. Try it! Toni is a inspiring teacher and very easy to talk to."

4 Oct 14'

Jeremy Briggs reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"This was one of the best two days woodworking I have had for quite some time. We were blessed with good weather that allowed outdoor working, which together with the other people on the course, Peter's calm instructions and a great location combined to make it a fantastic course. I have since bought myself some tools and have started to build my own shave horse. Hopefully I should be able to get some freshly felled Ash soon, and then I can make a stool without Peters guidance. Scary stuff, but I am sure all he taught me will be remembered. I would thoroughly recommend this course to others."

4 Oct 14'

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

"I had such a great weekend doing the course. Who knew so much went into making a leather bag! Quite an eye opener . Beautiful leather, good instruction (thanks Gaynor and Enya), I've come away with a bag for life that I made!!! What could be better than that? If you enjoy learning new skills and have a free weekend I would recommend that you gave this course a go, you won't be disappointed."

3 Oct 14'

Margaret Shaw reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"I have just completed a two day course with Peter at the Old Kennels and love the small table that I made. If I can do it anyone can and it was all excellent. The small group size means you get all the help you need and Peter makes sure that the finished product is the best it can be while still being your personal design."

3 Oct 14'

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

"I was so pleased with my bag that for the first two days after the course I couldn't bring myself to use it in case it got damaged - I am delighted to say that it seems quite resilient! The instruction provided by Gaynor and Enya was excellent and despite the fact that we worked quite hard none of it ever seemed like a chore - plus there was a very regular supply of tea and cakes - always a bonus!"

3 Oct 14'

Suseela mathias reviewed: 121 - An Introduction to Cold Process Soap Making

"I had an amazing day of soap making with Emma. She is knowledgeable, passionate about soap making and teaches all the basic knowledge one needs in the morning session. At the after noon hands on session, I was encouraged to choose the essential oils, colors and the ingredients. As great teacher she encourages ones ideas, joins in and helps to achieve that idea. I would defensively recommend any one who would like to learn about soap making for fun or for a profession. Well worth it."

3 Oct 14'

Kristina Stevens reviewed: Willow 'Hen and Cockerels' with Phil Bradley: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Ullswater and The Lake District

"As three art teachers, we had a wonderful and very informative day out on the willow course. Phil and all the Cycle cafe staff were lovely and it was a real pleasure to take part - not to mention our superb, quirky willow hares we made! Would thoroughly recommend!"

2 Oct 14'

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

"I had a fantastic time on the course; Gaynor and Enya were excellent teachers and I’m so chuffed with the beautiful bag and new skills I got from the weekend. The workshop is set in a beautiful chapel which made it such an idyllic spot to work in. Couldn’t recommend it highly enough!"

2 Oct 14'

Kellie reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - London

"I had such fun on this course! As someone who struggles with most 'arty' endeavours, I found Elspeth's tutorial friendly, easy to follow and very accessible. All equipment was provided and we came away with all the knowledge necessary to finish our designs and feel confident in starting our own rag rug projects. It was a very sociable, relaxed atmosphere and there were plenty of bright and beautiful examples of Elspeth's completed rag rugs on show, which was inspiring. I would thoroughly recommend this class for anyone who wants to learn a lovely new craft and have lots of fun doing it!"

2 Oct 14'

Mark Warwick reviewed: Spoon carving with green wood

"I've always wanted to build a chair. Jo's teaching style and creativity helped me realize the chair i wanted to build, leading to me winning first prize at the Bodgers Ball, put on by the pole-lathe turners and green woodworkers association, in the first chair category. The setting and atmosphere of Jo's school makes for a great holiday experience."

1 Oct 14'

Sandra Francis reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"I had a really great day and would highly recommend it to anyone thinking of starting to spin. I'd never spun before, but with Theresa's excellent and relaxed tuition, I managed to complete two skeins of spun wool by the end of the day which i'm now busy knitting up. I can't wait to spin again!"

1 Oct 14'

Joanna reviewed: The Natural Skin Care Workshop

"I had a great time at the skin care workshop some of the things I learnt were a real eye opener! It was very educational and the items were easy to make. I'll add these to my list of inspirational crafts."

1 Oct 14'

Clive reviewed: Make a glass paperweight

"I actually did the glass-blowing day as would recommend it to anyone. Brilliant day!"

1 Oct 14'

Jacqui reviewed: Willow 'Hen and Cockerels' with Phil Bradley: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Ullswater and The Lake District

"An excellent day out. Beautiful setting, clear instructions & help. People can't quite believe that I made Harris, my willow hare."