Latest reviews

30 Sep 14'

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

"Really enjoyed the day. I feel inspired to do more even though I couldn't quite get the knack of cutting small bits of glass. Siobhan very helpful and encouraging. Would recommend this course to anyone with or without experience."

30 Sep 14'

Alison Payne reviewed: Nuno Felting & Up-cycled Waste-Coat

"I had never felted before and was keen to see if it would be possible to felt my own alpacas fleeces, Sarah was very encouraging and helpful and I did manage to make a lovely piece which I am thrilled with. In all it was a super day with like minded people and a great teacher, I would recommend any of Sarah's courses."

30 Sep 14'

Peter Chandler reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"This was a really good weekend. From the friendly atmosphere and clear instruction right through to the satisfaction in taking home some real finished products - this course was just what I had hoped it would be. I wasn't as fast as the other folk at some things, but I was never rushed and never felt left behind. That's a good trick in a mixed bunch. I came away with a practical understanding of basic blacksmithing techniques and a new appreciation of old work done by people I'll never meet. All of this is only possible if the instructor has a thorough understanding of the craft and plenty of experience. Aaron has that. Thanks."

30 Sep 14'

Justine Weyman reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Bill is an excellent teacher. I recently spent a week on a bespoke leather working course and learnt an amazing amount in my tailor made course. Bill has great attention to detail, is very experienced and knowledgable. I really enjoyed learning from Bill and highly recommend his courses, whether it's just for pleasure or to develop your skills with a view to starting a business. Five + stars!"

29 Sep 14'

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

"Great course, well taught, well equipped and generous workspace, enjoyable atmosphere. Full marks all round!"

29 Sep 14'

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

"I really had the most brilliant time. I could never have imagined the amount of work and the different techniques needed to make a tote bag! Gaynor was an excellent teacher. Her obvious expertise and good sense of humour plus such attention to detail (and our safety with the sharp equipment!) made the time fly by. I am now the proud owner of a fabulous leather handbag which I actually made myself. Thank you so much."

29 Sep 14'

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

"Have just completed the 2 day course with Gaynor. Cannot praise the teaching and course enough. It was excellent. Made a wonderful tote bag, and learned so much. Would strongly recommend any one who is thinking about doing this course, go ahead. You will not be disappointed."

29 Sep 14'

Chris Smith reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"Did the introductory course last year and got the bug to do more. Now just finished the 2 day intermediate course and came away with a 3 legged stool! Simons enthusiasm is infectious and he is a great teacher..Want to do still more now...I would highly recommend Simon and his courses to anyone.5"

29 Sep 14'

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

"I had a really lovely day. It brought out my creative side which had been a bit dormant recently, so I'm very appreciative of that. Thanks"

29 Sep 14'

Kim Moloney reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Fantastic! I spent three days with Bill. He tailored a bespoke course to my needs which gave me the confidence to start my own business. Bill is a very talented man with lots of history and experience in the trade which he generously shares. I highly recommend contacting Bill and experiencing one or more of his workshop sessions; whether it is to get started with a project for a hobby or to gain experience, which like me will give you the confidence to start your own business in the beautiful world of leather."

26 Sep 14'

Kate Bartlett reviewed: Weekly upholstery workshops with Cherry Dobson

"I have just got home from a 5 day course with Cherry ,what can I say, fantastic! there was 8 of us all doing different projects ,in the time I have covered a small sofa ,finished a nursing chair I had started previous and then started another chair .I have also attended the daily classes too. Very highly recommended and can't wait to go back"

26 Sep 14'

Caroline Denyer reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"There’s nothing Bill doesn’t know or can’t teach you about leather and leather craft. I saw Bill’s beautiful workmanship on the web and decided he was the man to learn from. I’ve never been more right. Bill is not just a brilliant craftsman and expert in his field but a wonderful teacher with an eye for design. Passionate about his craft and teaching others I left this workshop with too many skills to apply, an appreciation for the craft and an appetite to learn more. Highly recommended for anyone who is interested to learn for fun or as an introduction to starting their own business (but remember it takes years to become a master like Bill). I could not have asked for a more enthusiastic or patient teacher. Sign up now or at the very least buy one of his beautifully crafted leather goods!5"

24 Sep 14'

dawn yuill reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Great day, relaxed atmosphere... Came away with two items and a smile! Thank you x."

23 Sep 14'

Lynn Young reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Absolutely loved my one to one beginners spinning day, I was amazed to find myself spinning on drop spindle within half an hour of meeting Elaine! She is truly inspirational, patient, friendly and funny. The time passed so quickly and I covered scouring the raw fleece, carding, spinning, plying, all terms I now understand! I brought home my own skein of wool! Brilliant day, really enjoyed it and cannot recommend it enough."

23 Sep 14'

Rosie Postle reviewed: 121 - An Introduction to Cold Process Soap Making

"I attended the Soapology Studio in August with my friend on a one day course for my birthday and I had a fantastic time. Emma was friendly, patient and very knowledgable about her subject and we could tell how passionate she was about natural ingredients. We found it very interesting and were fascinated with the array of ingredients we had to choose from when experimenting with recipes. We made a beautiful goats milk soap infused with alkanet root which had a gorgeous purple colour, a lovely poppyseed and wheatgrass soap with Cedarwood essential oil and many more. We both had a fantastic day, I will be returning again with more friends in the future and I would recommend anyone to book a Soapology course, I would say it is definitely worth the money as you get a much more personal feel about the course, rather than other courses where there are 10 or more people."

23 Sep 14'

Adrian Thornberry reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"As a complete beginner Simon was a great teacher. He gives full and interesting instruction, explaining not just how to do things but why you are doing them. His easy going style and willingness to field any questions throughout made for a great day out. I would wholeheartedly recommend this course and Simon's enthusiastic tutelage, his pride in his work is infectious."

22 Sep 14'

Faye Brown reviewed: " Day of the Dead" Silver Clay Workshop

"My daughter and I are now hooked on this new craft/art. We had a wonderful time learning how to work with silver clay and produced a few lovely pendants. This is a craft I would definitely do more of in the future."

22 Sep 14'

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

"This was brought for me as a birthday present and I thoroughly enjoyed the day. It was well organised and structured with everything being explained very clearly and the facilities were excellent. I also have to comment on the food which was brilliant - it was worth a day just for the lunch!!"

22 Sep 14'

Justine McNulty reviewed: Mindful Mosaic workshops with Dionne Ible - Bedfordshire

"Such fun in a lovely environment. I didn't know I had such creativity in me. I was very pleased with my creation and Dionne's experience, knowledge and unending assistance (and tea). Going back on Monday for some more :o)"

21 Sep 14'

Kate reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - London

"Enjoyed learning a new skill and the cost was very reasonable."

19 Sep 14'

Maggie reviewed: Creative Woven Textile Courses

"What a brilliant course. Lovely workshop, well set up. Susie was very attentive and helpful as well as preparing a yummy lunch. Managed to make a cushion cover with a variety of techniques and was very pleased with it."

17 Sep 14'

Fiona Matthews reviewed: Pottery Basics with Jacqui Atkin

"Thank you Kevin, I learnt just the things I needed to at this stage. Many thanks."

17 Sep 14'

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

"We had a great day, learning how to enamel on copper. Toni explained all the steps very clearly & the reasons behind what we needed to do (& safety precautions). We used opaque & transparent enamels, beads, frit, silver foil & stencils, plus different techniques .. I had a go at 'swirling' a pattern in the kiln. We made 3 pieces each, which we loved & got a lot of helpful hints, etc. to take home. I would love to do another course with Toni ... well worth the long drive there & back!"

17 Sep 14'

Eve Pilcher reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"My sister and I attended this course in July. Chris is very knowledgeable and passionate about his craft. We both thoroughly enjoyed being taught by him, he made us feel relaxed as he has a very patient easy going nature. Refreshments were always on hand and the lunch was excellent. I would highly recommend this course to anybody. Go on, give it a go!"

17 Sep 14'

Scott reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Chris was recommended to me by another spoon carver I contacted, and I did his introductory course in September 2014. The course was in a cosy wooded area, looking out onto a maize field, down a quiet country lane. I decided to walk there from Kintbury station, and Chris was helpful with directions. He began by asking what I hoped to make in the day (what kind of spoon, and if I wanted to concentrate on making just one, or push to make two) and then took me through everything step-by-step. He encouraging me to do everything myself, and showed me how to use the different tools by demonstrating on other pieces of wood, rather than taking over. I did this on my day off from my office job and it was a great decision; I had a really physically tiring, but mentally refreshing day, and came home with a spoon which I'm really pleased with. (I want to use it, but I'm still enjoying looking at it.) There was as much tea as I could have hoped for, and a fantastic ploughman's lunch. Chris kindly offered to give me a lift back to the station so that I didn't have to leave as early as I had originally intended, in order to could still catch the train I needed. Since then I've bought a set of tools (going by Chris's recommendation) and attempted to make more spoons. Spoon carving is far more complicated than I would ever have imagined, but with what I learnt on the day I feel competent enough to try on my own. I'd really recommend the day, especially if you've never done anything like this before. Travel from London is easy, the area is beautiful, and Chris is very helpful and friendly."