Latest reviews

7 Apr 15'

Juliet Williams reviewed: Silver Ring Making - 3 hours

"My daugher and I spent a lovely morning at the Big and Small Craft Studio. Xenia was very patient and explained everything clearly We had enough time to complete 2 different types of ring in the 3 hours. Highly recommended!"

7 Apr 15'

Aaron Merrimen reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Hi George, Thanks so much for a fantastic day! It was a real joy to join you in your workshop for my first wood turning experience. I'm always looking to learn new skills and I couldent think of a better way to get started on the lathe. I was amazed my the results I achieved under your instruction and am looking forward to continuing to practice. I'm sure I'll be back for another session in the near future to learn some more of the secrets to good wood turning practice! Thanks again, Aaron"

3 Apr 15'

Dan China reviewed: Whittling course

"This was a really excellent course and I can happily recommend it to anyone with an interest in working with wood. It covered everything I needed: what tools could be used; where to get them how to use them; how to maintain them and how to work safely. In this practical course we learned and practiced a variety of skills which meant that we are now able to work safely on our own. We were also intrigued and inspired to learn from a skilled and creative craftsman about ideas, values and attitudes that are important. This too enables us to carry on pursuing our own ideas and making unique things which have a personal significance. The course is really well thought through and at all levels seeks to ensure that we can learn what we need to carry on in the future. For instance, we were able to see and use a variety of tools and Martin made sure that he always presented examples of tools which were simple and inexpensive as well as those that more specialised and expensive. By the following day I had ordered and made a simple kit which will serve me for the foreseeable future, or at least until Christmas present time. It is also helpful to know that Martin’s website will continue to provide information and advice which is informed and reliable. The course fully met my expectations and the stated objectives. But it was also a really enjoyable experience with a friendly, cheerful, hospitable and professional master craftsman. It has already enabled me to make a variety of greenwood pieces and I anticipate spending many days in the future working quietly and calmly with a sharp knife and interesting pieces of wood."

2 Apr 15'

Jade & Kristian reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"We thoroughly enjoyed a 2hr class. Rowena was not only a great teacher, but very friendly too. Was a lovely experience and would highly recommend."

1 Apr 15'

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

"Siobhan Thoroughly enjoyed your -one day course on fused glass. I was surprised to see on my test pieces how well the sharp edges of the glass disappeared with firing. Anyway, to make something really acceptable I would need more practice under supervision. You never know I could come again. Best wishes and thanks Ian"

1 Apr 15'

Jane Hardy reviewed: Powertex fabric sculpture introduction session

"I had the most wonderful time on the course, and created something I didn't think I could achieve. Annette is a very lovely, relaxed and informative teacher. I cannot wait to do more!!"

1 Apr 15'

David reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"This is a great course and reasonably priced. With only six people on the course, there was plenty of time for individual help and advice and we all managed to complete our baskets to a good standard. Julie is obviously hugely experienced in basketmaking but also has huge patience with us newcomers. The venue was easy to find and has adequate car parking. Everything we needed for the course was provided and the cakes were delicious. I have no hesitation in recommending this course - very informative, interesting and satisfying."

31 Mar 15'

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

"I've just returned from one of Chris' feltmaking courses - what a wonderful day! Stepping into Chris' studio is like entering an Aladdin's Cave of colour. Thanks to her inspirational approach to teaching, I've not only learnt new skills but have also created a beautiful wall hanging. Thank you once again for helping me find my creative streak! Michele"

31 Mar 15'

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

"I am delighted to have discovered the amazing painterly qualities that felt making can achieve, the course was a revelation. The day spent learning the techniques was very enjoyable, and I was happy to have made two pieces by the end of the day. Chris has a beautiful range of colours to work with, she is an inspirational tutor, knowledgeable and friendly, and I can wholeheartedly recommend the experience. Diane Gorvin"

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."