Latest reviews

15 Jul 14'

Dave Connelly reviewed: A rustic chair making weekend

"What a great weekend. Being used to kiln dried wood turning, this was a completely new and worthwhile experience for me. I learned more about wood working over a couple of days than I have in the last couple of years. Working with green wood and learning to use the tools from scratch was a fantastic opportunity and great value for money. I didn't think prior to taking the course that I would have achieved so much over a couple of days. A massive thanks to Eoin, Gail and Dave for all of their efforts and particularly for the social aspect of the course which was first class. Now looking to book another course. Cheers."

15 Jul 14'

Isabella Simpson reviewed: PickOne weekend weaving course

"Had a great weekend with a dedicated teacher. The location, looms, yarns all made for a great time. James is very patient and ensures that everyone has a good experience. Tuition is almost one to one ."

15 Jul 14'

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

"What a fantastic day! We were greeted with coffee/tea and homemade cake, then down to business! Adrian is an excellent (calm and patient) teacher. He modelled what we were making in stages which was excellent because it was a lot to take in. We all made some pretty amazing key rings and a wall mounted coat rack,each one being unique! Lunch,was another hit,beautifully presented,especially the local cheeses, and very plentiful . I would certainly recommend this course to anyone. Adrian and Debbie( the in house Mary Berry) have the balance just right. Thanks,Gill"

14 Jul 14'

Stephen Pod reviewed: Glass Fusing Course for beginners

"I attended the beginners glass fusing course a few weeks ago and enjoyed the most wonderful day. It was educational, interesting, fun and thoroughly addictive. Richard structures the day to give the right balance of teaching and doing, in fact you are giving a huge amount of license and materials to create your own projects. Richard guides you along the way and gently nudges you if your ideas are a little too ambitious..... as mine were! Although not the main point, it is worth saying that in my opinion the course is also great value for money, in addition to all the knowledge I acquired, I ended up with 4 thoroughly satisfying pieces of fused glass. All in all a 5 star day."

13 Jul 14'

Chris reviewed: Spoon carving beginners course

"I really enjoyed this course. I have learnt about the different carving techniques using each tool to get a smooth effect on the spoon. It was nice to work in a calm and peaceful environment in the woods. It was relaxing because you didn't feel rushed to get the spoon finished in a set time. The instructors (Simon and Nigel) were friendly and helpful. They were very supportive and we had a few laughs. I liked the tea and biscuits especially as the tea was made by hanging the kettle over the wood fire. I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn new skills in carving."

13 Jul 14'

Phil Brownjohn reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"Just spent a day with Simon on the pole-lathe course and had a fantastic time! There was so much to be learned from Simon the biggest problem may be remembering it all. Simon is an excellent teacher, imparting so much information and with great patience and support. We covered so much in the day from understanding of the wood itself, through use of froe, axe and producing the basic billet to shave horse and of course the lathe itself, learning techniques and tips all the way. All in all an extremely enjoyable day from start to finish!"

12 Jul 14'

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

"Amazing course! Presented with a coffee on arrival (much needed) and after a quick H&S talk we got straight down to hitting hot metal! Adrian took time to show us how to heat the metal and hammer it accurately and was always on hand for any questions, tips and a helping out with mistakes! Fantastic teacher and an awesome day! Was beyond pleased with what I made! Quick mention for the lunch as well which was exquisite!"

9 Jul 14'

megan reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"I had a very nice day. Friendly and informative. Interesting to learn something new but a valuable traditional skill which should be preserved."

9 Jul 14'

Lee Todd, Carpentry & Joinery Lecturer at Lakes College West Cumbria reviewed: Advanced Timber Framing Course

"Wow, what a fantastic course I really enjoyed every minute learning about the history of traditional timber framing and getting to grips with and understanding how to deal with the irregular sizes and shape of the oak, whilst constructing a fantastic project with a team of very friendly down to earth people. I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in traditional timber framing whether an experienced carpenter or novice. Alan and his team are very skilled in teaching to all levels, and the course runs at a pace to suit the needs of the individual. Great experience cheers Alan!! Oh, and by the way the catering arrangements are the best, unbelievably nice food, Thanks Mary."

9 Jul 14'

Rachel Auckland reviewed: Improvers Hand Spinning - Next Steps in Hand Spinning - at All in a Spin

"I attended two of Dunja's courses at the Wool and Willow Festival in Llanidloes: fibre preparation; and exotic fibres. This allowed me to use equipment and materials I could not otherwise afford. It was good value for money and I learned a lot. Dunja's a patient and thoughtful teacher. Her classes are well organised and she provides a simple method of recording technical information which is accessible, and enables students to keep track of their experiments and learn from the results. As well as making good progress with development of my spinning skills, I also had a lot of fun playing with the various 'toys' on offer. My only regret is that I didn't get to handle any yak fibre, as suggested in the advertising. All in all a very worthwhile experience."

8 Jul 14'

charlie hobson reviewed: Timber framing courses

"I also reviewed the advanced course that I took with Alan, I also did this course: I have done two courses with Alan & Co at Hewnwood, the standard course and the advanced course, I also helped raise the frame from the first course, which was an excellent experience. I arrived pretty green with regards to working with wood, having never used a chisel before. You really learn a lot with regards to oak wood timber framing, the technical aspects of setting out irregular wood, the various joints etc. The teaching is excellent from Alan, Connor and John, they never tire of all my questions! It is a great environment to learn in and you learn fast, the days are full and my brain certainly got a good work out on both courses! The courses were really inspiring for me, I really enjoy all aspects and hope to take the things I have learnt forward. I camped in the woods with a few others, we had fires in the evening and games, such as axe throwing and slack line walking, a few ales and some good live music from Alan and others. The food is exceptional from Mary, unbeatable home cooking. I come away wanting to be a better cook."

8 Jul 14'

charlie hobson reviewed: Advanced Timber Framing Course

"I have done two courses with Alan & Co at Hewnwood, the standard course and the advanced course, I also helped raise the frame from the first course, which was an excellent experience. I arrived pretty green with regards to working with wood, having never used a chisel before. You really learn a lot with regards to oak wood timber framing, the technical aspects of setting out irregular wood, the various joints etc. The teaching is excellent from Alan, Connor and John, they never tire of all my questions! It is a great environment to learn in and you learn fast, the days are full and my brain certainly got a good work out on both courses! The courses were really inspiring for me, I really enjoy all aspects and hope to take the things I have learnt forward. I camped in the woods with a few others, we had fires in the evening and games, such as axe throwing and slack line walking, a few ales and some good live music from Alan and others. The food is exceptional from Mary, unbeatable home cooking. I come away wanting to be a better cook."

8 Jul 14'

Lyn reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"Brilliant course! Julie was very knowledgable, excellent teacher and extremely patient. Each different technique was demonstrated and explained fully. We could work at our own pace with lots of help, guidance and support. I had not done any basketmaking before and was surprised at just how lovely my finished basket was.......thank you so much Julie! Oh yes and the cake was delicious!"

8 Jul 14'

Ben Jermy reviewed: Timber framing courses

"Set in an idyllic woodland setting the Hewnwood course is a very welcoming and enjoyable course. The teaching pace is good with plenty of hands on experience. All the work is done with hand tools which makes for a very pleasant working environment and also hones those all important hand skills. Having done some green woodwork and working in engineering timber framing appealed to both my creative and technical side. The Hewnwood tutors all have a wealth of experience and too boot they often stay on after hours for a good old yarn around a campfire. The food is absolutely first class and is plentiful making up for those lost calories. Highly recommend too all."

7 Jul 14'

Joanna reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"A big thankyou to Julie for a great and interesting day learning to make a basket ! Julie is a very talented teacher showing us many different techniques in a small relaxed class , with Julie's patience and guidance I have learnt so much and also have to mention the yummy cakes that Julie made for us ,,,,, Thank you"

7 Jul 14'

Lorraine Bennett reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"I dont know where to start! I booked the course with Dilys in order to be able to learn how to teach some basic enamelling to my secondary age students. The amount of help, advice and support I received was incredible. Dilys went above and beyond any prior expectations that I had in mind. She was so generous and so incredibly friendly that I really didn't want to leave at the end of the day. I will most definitely be going back to learn even more, thank you so much Dilys, you're amazing!"

6 Jul 14'

Rob & Philippa reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"Rob: I booked a day course with Dilys as an anniversary surprise for my partner. I'm not particularly artistic or creative, but felt that it would be a day that we would enjoy together. I was not disappointed - Dilys made us feel welcome and her enthusiasm, patience and skill ensured that we both had an enjoyable and productive day creating works of art of which we are each extremely proud. The only negative to the day was that it passed way too quickly. We are already booked in for a second day when we will learn further techniques and practice what we have already learnt. This was a perfect way to spend our anniversary - thank you Dilys. Philippa: After weeks of waiting, my surprise was revealed! Rob and I had a wonderful day with Dilys. Neither of us had done enamelling previously but both of us are delighted with our first attempts, and immensely proud to see pictures of them on the Rosy M Design website. Dilys is a patient, supportive and inspiring tutor and we are looking forward to returning for another day of creativity so we can build on our new-found skills. Thank you Dilys."

6 Jul 14'

Debra Stuart reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"A really enjoyable day, learned some great new cutting techniques and useful tips....... Caroline is inspiring and talented. I would recommend this workshop for both beginners and more the more experienced who want new ideas and inspiration. Will definitely attend another one. Thanks Caroline x"

6 Jul 14'

Gary Wise reviewed: Advanced Timber Framing Course

"Excellent course that covers the understanding of structure, the material and construction process of traditonal timber framed buildings. Brilliant tutelage from Alan, Connor and John, with fantastic food from Mary. Excellent!!!!!"

6 Jul 14'

Jane and Steve reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I booked this course for a birthday gift for my husband and we weren't disappointed. Nigel was a perfect tutor; informative and patient. He was keen to pass on his knowledge and inspired us by talking us through his own sculptural creations. We had a wonderful day learning new processes and techniques and I'd thoroughly recommend this to any one/couple who enjoy learning practical skills. Thank you Nigel, the sculpture of the Bullrushes looks amazing and nobody can quite believe Steve made it!"

6 Jul 14'

Dianna reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Hi George Thank you so much for a really super day, and an amazing end product - my husband cannot believe that I actually made the bowl myself. I have never known a day to go so quickly. Please also thank your wife for the lovely lunch. I am sure my son would like to come so will contact you when I know that he will be available as he lives in London. Thank you once again for a really lovely day. Diana"

5 Jul 14'

Neil Harris reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Hi George Just wanted to say thanks for a great days tuition (Sat 05 July), I have learnt so much! Having never turned a thing in my life I was amazed that I was able to take a finished piece home - a lovely walnut bowl, now pride of place on the coffee table! So glad I booked up for the day, looking forward to putting it into practise now. Say thank you to your wife - lunch, coffee and cake all much appreciated! Thanks again George, hopefully be back soon to show you how I am getting on! Neil Harris"

5 Jul 14'

Joann Boxall reviewed: Spinning Lesson

"What a fantastic couple of hours. I learnt loads, the farm and workshop were lovely and the alpacas too. Mia was a great teacher and very friendly."

5 Jul 14'

Ruth Puxley reviewed: Flamework (Lampwork) - Making glass beads for beginners

"Thanks for a fabulous lesson can't belive how fast the morning went and how much I learnt i recommend any of toni's classes she is an excellent teacher"

4 Jul 14'

Fiona Campball reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Hi George, Thanks so much for a truly inspirational and rewarding day. I was amazed at what we achieved, even as complete beginners, and we have now been bitten by the woodturning bug! Thank you both for making us so welcome, and giving us such good teaching with such a successful outcome. We will let you know when we are about to start dealing with our massive fallen turkey oak – poor thing has sprouted, because some of its roots are still in the earth! Thank again so much best wishes Fiona"