Latest reviews

15 Nov 16'

Kate Paterson reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"I loved every minute of this weekend. Philip is an excellent teacher with endless patience and enthusiasm (not to mention lovely cakes and coffee-time treats!). I got plenty of individual attention to help me almost complete my project in the two days, and I met some lovely people too. Thoroughly recommended. Tip: choose something very simple for a first project. I was amazed at how many steps are involved even for my simple chair seat."

15 Nov 16'

Bob & Nancie de Lacy reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"As absolute beginners in upholstery we attended our first weekend course with a little trepidation. But there was no need as Philip is extremely knowledgeable and very experienced in the subject and communicates and teaches in a most pleasant and informative manner. Our group of seven was an ideal number as we were able to also learn from others who were more experienced and were undertaking different and more complex re-upholstery projects. As the only male attending, I would wholeheartedly recommend other males to give it a go. I thoroughly enjoyed the learning experience. By Sunday afternoon both Nancie and I had a slightly smug sense of achievement, and our two re-upholstered chairs look very good. We will certainly consider attending further courses with Philip. Many thanks."

15 Nov 16'

Helen Arthur reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"We had such a great time with Adrian and Andy, and the other "students". It was a joy to spend the day learning a new skill and we were really pleased with how much we were able to learn in 1 day. Plus Debbie's cooking alone is worth the trip, I'll be coming back for a second helping of crumble. Thanks to you all for a fab day! Helen & Phil"

15 Nov 16'

Will reviewed: Furniture painting workshop with Annie Sloan chalk paint

"A great workshop - we learnt loads, Lucy was lovely and knew everything there was to know about Annie Sloan Chalk Paint."

14 Nov 16'

Maggie K reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"A lovely lady with a really lovely manner.Very approachable but nonetheless a great teacher:inspiring,knowledgable ,able and extremely patient with a gentle persuasiveness to get all students making something they were (rightly)proud of.She makes it look so simple & helps every newbie share in her expert knowledge,knack & skills"

14 Nov 16'

Michelle reviewed: Beginner's knitting afternoons

"I attended a previous course taught by Valentina and I must say she is a great teacher!"

14 Nov 16'

James woodford reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had the best day with Alex. It was hard work but worth every second and Alex made it pretty easy to understand the basics as well as feel comfortable the whole day. Would do again"

14 Nov 16'

Lisa Whitton reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"I have just completed my second upholstery course with Philip, both were excellent. Philip is extremely knowledgable and patient. Each student had different levels of ability and various pieces of furniture to upholster, using many methods of upholstery to restore the pieces. I feel I have learnt so much and thoroughly enjoyed both weekends. I am looking forward to tackling my next project in the near future!"

14 Nov 16'

Bob kennedy reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Had a fantastic day on the blade forging course. Well equipped forge and Mort is a fantastic teacher. Perfect balance of allowing me.to forge away and stepping in at the critical moments to keep the peice. Finished the day with a unique saex and has fired my intrest in learning more. Look forward to working with Mort again...highly recommended"

14 Nov 16'

Clare Swann reviewed: Mosaic pendant workshop

"This was an excellent course. My daughter and I spent a very happy afternoon learning how to make beautiful mosaic pendants. Debbie was so kind and helpful and her enthusiasm was infectious! Thank you Debbie!"

14 Nov 16'

Patsy McGurk reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Wonderful course! A really fun, informative and relaxing way to spend a Saturday morning. Kerry was a super teacher and would definitely recommend!!!"

14 Nov 16'

Chas Billing reviewed: Tool Sharpening and Maintenance- 1 Day Course in South Devon

"Excellent day! 5 people attended, very relaxed but lots of useful information imparted and Peter had time to answer the specific questions of everyone on the course. We covered all kinds of blades, with a quick demo on sharpening cabinet scrapers as a bonus; so not just for green woodworkers. I managed to renovate several of my old poorly sharpened chisels and a spokeshave. It was interesting to meet the others on the course and their enthusiasm for woodworking was inspiring."

14 Nov 16'

Naomi Patkai reviewed: Green Woodworking - Make a Shave Horse - 1 Day Course in South Devon

"The first course I did, where I made a small greenwood table,inspired me to return and make a shave horse so that hopefully I can continue with what I've learned. The course did not disappoint. I came away with a fully functioning shave horse thank to Peters expertise, preparation beforehand and excellent teaching. A thoroughly enjoyable day."

14 Nov 16'

Naomi Patkai reviewed: Tool Sharpening and Maintenance- 1 Day Course in South Devon

"A very worthwhile course particularly as I'm a complete novice with no idea about tool sharpening. Peter is extremely patient and knowledgable and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with a small group attending. I felt slightly overwhelmed to begin with but came away feeling I could achieve a sharp tool buy the end of the day. Worth taking your own tools, I had very few to take but still a valuable experience."

14 Nov 16'

Andy reviewed: Wood turning courses

"An instructive and enjoyable days woodturning. Really nice to be able to produce such an impressive bowl in the short time we had. A great, well equipped workshop - good lunch too! As well as the actual woodturning, the advice on equipment selection when setting out in woodturning was very eye opening. Thank you very much. Andy"

13 Nov 16'

Paul Bartlett reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I spent a really good day with George and Sue on Friday 4th November. I had not done any turning for the best part of a year but Georges patience and excellent tutoring skills soon got me back in the swing. I explained that I needed the day to also assess my personal requirements regarding tools etc. I explained that I now had a lathe at home with a few chisels so the first thing we did was to assess these tools and we soon realised that some were not up to scratch. George was suffering from the lingering symptoms of a cold and although he was in some discomfort at times his tuition never faltered. His patience is endless and by the end of the day, with Georges help I had not only managed to turn a bowl I am very proud of I had also completed some spindle turning plus spent time assessing all my machinery and tools needs. George even had time to furnish me with further advice on extra items I will need and where to source them. Sue provided refreshments and a lovely lunch and this coupled with Georges easy going and patient approach the day remained totally relaxing whilst very informative at the same time. I would whole heartedly recommend these courses with George and look forward to increasing my knowledge further on the next one."

13 Nov 16'

John Holmes reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Fantastic day. Learnt a huge amount about being a blacksmith as well as making a couple of small projects to take home. Very friendly team with fantastic food/ catering. Thoroughly enjoyed my day. Thanks for everything"

13 Nov 16'

Spaul reviewed: Green Wood Chair Making - 6 Day Woodworking Course in South Devon

"The course Peter gives is great - it gives you an overall understanding of how to make your own green timber chair yourself when you go home and a good understanding of how to use the tools to do it and I'm looking forward to coming back one day to do another one .."

13 Nov 16'

Alexander Lenz reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Great day! I was quite amazed how far one get in blacksmithing without any prior experience. Thanks to Adrian and his team,"

13 Nov 16'

Gayle Arthur reviewed: Flamework (Lampwork) - Making glass beads for beginners

"I attended the Beginners Flamework Course with Toni this morning and I had such a lovely time! Toni is very informative and a clear and patient teacher. I would definately recommend this course to anyone who wanted to try their hand and something new and different. Thanks Toni!"

13 Nov 16'

Lisa Green reviewed: Brooch or badge wet or needle felting workshop with Heartfelt2Inspire

"It was great to find this course near my home. It turned out to be excellent. My daughter was home for a few days and joined me, and we both had a lovely day. I initially thought it would be a one day thing just to give it a try, and didn't really expect to do any more, but I have to say that Rachel has inspired me to keep going with felting. My thirst has not yet been quenched! It's great! THANKS A BUNCH! See you soon Lisa"

13 Nov 16'

Julian parkes reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"What a great day! Nigel was an excellent teacher and host, could he tell a tale or too. Came away amazed as to what can be done with metal. Will definitely be booking another day or two . Thanks very much Nigel."

13 Nov 16'

Paul T reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"This was a great course. Ricky makes you feel really comfortable and ensures that you are involved at all times. Considering it was the first time I have tried glass blowing, I cannot believe we produced the things we did including a sculptural piece and a vase. Having quality photos sent to you of both your work and you producing it is a nice touch. Great value for a full six hours which flew by, a memorable day and one I would recommend to anybody."

13 Nov 16'

Sue Tucker reviewed: Willow Christmas Reindeer

"What an amazing fun day- Ive now caught the Willow Bug and I dont mean canker! Pre course contact, confirmation and reminder from Victoria was a very good start. On the day we were met by a smiling Victoria outside her newly refurbished workshop and a lovely hot cup of coffee and biscuits (which were never in short supply) . The group was small, just 4 of us so Victoria was able to spend lots of time helping us individually. She was an excellent teacher, informing us about the product being used and pointing out diseases to look out for and telling us about the soaking process. Her teaching skills were fantastic - we never felt rushed and she gave us lots of encouragement - in fact Victoria went out of her way to help Claire who had to leave earlier and then stayed with us until 6.30 pm on a Friday evening as she was so determined that we would leave with a complete reindeer which we could be proud of . I would highly reccomend visiting the Wilow Barn or attending any of Victorias courses. Looking forward to making sheep and pigs next. Thanks Victoria - best fun day out ive had for a long time xxxx"

13 Nov 16'

Jamie reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"WOW! Such an amazing experience for my first time at glass blowing! Ricky is a fantastic tutor and has an excellent raport with his students! I was surprised at how many skills and techniques we covered and I managed to make five pieces during the day!"