Latest reviews

26 Aug 13'

Carol Baines reviewed: Learning the Ancient Art of Enamelling on Copper with Dilys Fisher

"A thoroughly enjoyable course. I have just returned from Ammerdown after a week of enamelling with Dilys and a wonderful beginners' group of 4. Dilys gradually introduced us to the basic techniques and processes, whilst teaching us more as she encouraged us to develop our ideas. Endlessly patient and always enthusiastic, she found ways to help us to create our designs. There were no mistakes here, just opportunities for learning!"

23 Aug 13'

Irene Cox reviewed: Silk painting workshops

"I had never tried silk painting before but with Bridget's excellent demonstration and support throughout the day I was amazed with the beautiful scarf I produced. I have been again and am now totally hooked. Bridget's lunches are wonderful too!! Have met some really friendly interesting ladies."

22 Aug 13'

Helen Cruickshank reviewed: Flamework (Lampwork) - Making glass beads for beginners

"I cannot praise this course enough. Toni is an excellent teacher, showing each stage of bead making and allowing lots of time for you to try each different technique. Although she has a structured plan, grading each new technique in order to maximise learning, she allows for individual choice and will adapt the course to your preference."

22 Aug 13'

Rachel Nickells reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"My daughter and I have just spent 4 very happy days learning to enamel with Dilys. I am delighted with what we have achieved; some really satisfying and beautiful work! I would recommend this course to anyone. Dilys is an excellent and lovely teacher and really helped us bring our ideas into form."

22 Aug 13'

David Holmes reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"I attended the taster course on Wed 21st August. I wasn't sure what to expect and had no experience in turning or green woodworking. Simon gave an introduction to the tools and methods involved along with an in depth safety instruction. During the day, Simon was able to explain and demonstrate the methods used before allowing me to use the equipment under his expert guidance. I found the whole day thoroughly enjoyable and instructive and Simons infectious enthusiasm for his for work and green woodworking in general very professional."

19 Aug 13'

Julia Robotham reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Sakeena is a great teacher. This course focuses on the doing rather than the listening. After a few introductions we got started straight away. I learnt some really fun techniques that you just can't learn without the face to face teaching. I took away some lovely smelling candles, and put my new skills to the test that afternoon. Great fun and highly recommended"

16 Aug 13'

Sari Beastall reviewed: Flamework (Lampwork) - Making glass beads for beginners

"Toni is very knowledgeable and nervous beginners will be immediately put at ease by her friendly approach. The course itself covers a surprisingly large range of techniques for the time involved, and you will end up with a nice little collection of beads to take home with you."

13 Aug 13'

Jane Kirkby reviewed: Introduction to silver jewellery making workshop with Diane Lee

"Excellent one to one tuition - Diane taught to my skill level and tailored the course to suit me and what I wanted to achieve. Very informative teaching style with a lot of patience. Would recommend to everyone - a beginner or those wanting to improve techniques. Thanks for a lovely morning!"

13 Aug 13'

Gilly Maddison reviewed: Encaustic art beginners class - paint with molten wax

"Toni came to my home to run the workshop for me and some friends. We had a brilliant morning and learnt so much about encaustic art. We all produced pieces of artwork during the session and I was so taken with this art form that I bought all the stuff I needed the same day! Toni is a really approachable tutor, very friendly and eager to share her passion with others. I would highly recommend her to anyone who is considering taking up encaustic art as a hobby or who wants to learn more about it."

12 Aug 13'

Amanda Dempsey reviewed: A stool making day

"Perfect - instructors, materials, location, craic. So many therapies rolled into one day. . . . You know you have found 'your space' when no-one looks perplexed as you smell the wood. . . . Go on, book it now!"

12 Aug 13'

William Preston reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"A very enjoyable day with Simon going through the whole process of producing item from log to finished item. Simon’s nature allows you to feel very comfortable and relaxed despite having a to be aware of yours & Simons safety using tools which if not respected can do real harm. I felt Simon judged my experience & abilities well therefore the speed of the course was correct. Simon’s communication is very clear and concise, you are able to understand the required action to bring about the right result. Simon explains how to use the tools clearly and keeps a close eye on you to make sure you are safe and also you are using the tool in the most efficient manner. I certainly came away having enjoyed the whole experience and enthusiastic about in the future setting up a small wood turning set-up for myself. Highly recommended! 10 August 2013"

11 Aug 13'

Nina Edminson reviewed: Photography Days

"Just had to let you know that less than 12 months after taking a course with Richard & Sue that I have had images published on the national carriage driving association website homepage and also ITV weather. If you have an interest in photography and would really like to know what you can do with your camera then this is the course for you"

11 Aug 13'

sue pritchard reviewed: Creative Woven Textile Courses

"This was one of the very best workshops that I have been to. Susie is a skilled and attentive instructor and her studio is fab to work in. I learnt a lot and am really really pleased with what I produced. Am now addicted to weaving and can't wait to go back -even though I live at the other end of the country!"

7 Aug 13'

Alison reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"the cottage garden workshop, 6.8.2013. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and learned new design techniques and made a delightful piece which now hangs in my hall and already it has been much complimented. all down to the excellent teaching."

6 Aug 13'

Jennifer Warburton reviewed: PickOne weekend weaving course

"My children, ages 12 and 14, my mother, and I took this course from James. We loved it, absolutely loved it. We loved learning all the steps to successfully creating a beautiful woven masterpiece. We loved James. We love the scarfs that we each made. This was an extraordinary experience and James is a wonderful teacher. My kids still talk about their experience with this weaving class with James."

5 Aug 13'

Alison Prior reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"Booked the workshop as wanted something memorable to do with my mum. We had a great day and made some lovely pieces even though we were not experienced or particularly 'arty'. Dilys is a great host and teacher who provides as much advise as required."

5 Aug 13'

Faith reviewed: Willow Angel and Obelisk Course

"This was a birthday present! Amazing idea, something different, met some lovely people and made a lovely willow heart and a wreath! Would like to go back and do a bit more complicated now I'm a pro!"

5 Aug 13'

Paul And Claire Mills reviewed: A one day spoon carving course

"My wife and I attended the spoon carving course with Sharif in June 2013. Beautiful location and just to be sat in the woodland amongst the trees and wildlife for a whole day was a joy. We didn't want to leave! Sharif is very patient and we all progressed at a good pace making a spoon to take home along with the skills to use for the future. We had a mix of complete beginners through to more experienced people. His own work is superb and very inspiring. He also has spoons by many makers from around the world and can tell a story about each one. He is a natural teacher and thoroughly interesting chap to spend some time with. As an amateur cabinet maker, it was a real learning experience to work with the wood rather than against it. Letting the wood dictate the shape and form rather than forcing it to conform to my preconceived ideas. We had a really great time and wouldn't hesitate to recommended it to anyone, no matter what your skill level."

3 Aug 13'

Mary Young reviewed: A stool making day

"A fantastically grounding day of nose-to-tail woodworking. I laughed more and learned more than I had dreamed I would on such a short course, and I am still in touch with some of the people I met that day. And the stool is still in pride of place. The depth of knowledge of the experts providing this course is phenomenal, and not available in books or on the internet!"

3 Aug 13'

Mark reviewed: A stool making day

"Bought the course as a present for my wifes birthday. Had a great day making greenwood stools which 2 years on are in daily use. The course is a great deal given the expertise of the craftsmen doing the instruction and all the beautiful materials that are included. I would recommend the course to anyone who is willing to give it a go."

2 Aug 13'

Nicci Baslington reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"Have just completed a week's course with Sha in Wales - after many prior courses with her she continues to amaze me with her knowledge and skill. Nothing is too much trouble and she can carve ANYTHING, although her love spoons are exceptionally brilliant!!"

2 Aug 13'

clive griffin reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"Sharon has the skill to make everyone feel they can do the carving they choose to carve and make you feel at ease doing it whist getting the best out of every student"

31 Jul 13'

John Atkinson reviewed: A stool making day

"Great day, excellent tuition, opened up for me a new dimention in working with green wood. Was totally hooked and have booked up for a further two day course."

30 Jul 13'

Val Ferguson reviewed: A stool making day

"I spent a freezing but thoroughly enjoyable day making a willow chair with excellent tuition. From the start of the day cutting the willow and setting aside for the various parts of the chair. The final completion is so satisfying to think that this can be done in a day, of course with a lot of good advice and help. I cannot wait until next year to do the course again as I would like to make a swing seat. The seat that I made is in pride of place at the top of the garden to take in the view."

30 Jul 13'

Isobel Knox reviewed: A stool making day

"Working with your hands and being creative is immensely satisfying. I've always enjoyed knitting and sewing, but had never tried any kind of woodwork (Lassies didn't get to do it at school in the 70s!). The lo-tech methods used in greenwood sessions are particularly satisfying - you gain a real sense that you are continuing a tradition going back thousands of years. The stool I made gives me great pleasure - as a seat, a table to sit my evening dram on, and as a conversation piece."