Latest reviews

24 Mar 16'

David Aspinall reviewed: Beginners 10 week woodworking course NO LONGER RUNNING

"Just finished the 10 week Beginner course, and enjoyed it thoroughly. I would recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about wood working without hesitation. Genuinely the best course I have ever been on, and with only 5 people per class you really feel you are getting his full attention.. Ciaran is a gentleman, and an excellent teacher. He has a lot of patience, and is very knowledgeable about his subject. He is a true craftsmen, and it was brilliant to learn from him. Over the course i learned so much, and Ciaran was only too happy to answer any questions we had about woodworking. I now know how to take care of my tools (very important!), saw correctly, plane, mortise and tenon, and ultimately how to make a piece of furniture. It is the confidence the course gives you which i feel is key. The display table is of such high quality, i doubt people will believe i made it. But i did, and I know it will spur me on to make more items for my house!"

24 Mar 16'

Samuel Ellis reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"I attended a 1 week course with Aidan during November 2015 as a 25 year old looking to potentially moving into the industry. My only prior knowledge of the craft was what I had read online so I was eager to gain a realistic perspective on the craftsmanship and industry itself. Aidan's course gave me just that. I think the unique thing about this workshop is not only the authenticity, but also the personal attention given to each individual. I had a lot of questions, and I left on the Friday with everything I needed to know. Whether people want to go into this industry, take it up as a hobby or just do the course to do some much needed hands-on craftsmanship then I see no better valued scheme out there"

24 Mar 16'

Richard Drewett reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"In September last year I retired from teaching and was given a leaving present of a Day’s Woodturning tuition with Mark Hancock – date ‘to be arranged’. Last week, I finally used my gift. I had been looking forward to the day and took Mark at his word when he said ‘Bring any tools you have with you and we’ll find time to have a look at them’. My tools included a second hand lathe (another gift) and assorted chisels and power tools. As I hadn’t used a lathe in 40 years, it wasn’t the only thing that was a bit rusty! I arrived at 9.30 and left - inspired - many hours later. Mark is a natural teacher and patiently tailored the day around my needs and ability. Always conscious of safety, I was shown how to use a range of chisels, sharpening equipment and techniques. At lunchtime I asked Mark what he liked to turn and was ‘blown away’ with his work. His signature bowls reflect his unique style and exquisite craftsmanship - superbly - turned, delicately - worked and finished with imagination that bring the wood back to life. Mark was generous in his time, explanations, demonstrations and encouragement. He gave me a great insight into the material and tools of the woodturner. He made me feel a lot more confident about developing my own skills and in getting involved in the craft. He also provided me with a clear set of notes covering the activities we had been through and followed this up with email links to a range of tool, part and group sites that will enable me to set up my own workshop. Mark was extremely helpful, used time very effectively and, as promised, structured the day to suit my requirements. I can thoroughly recommend him. Richard Drewett"

24 Mar 16'

Hannah Sievewright reviewed: Beginners 10 week woodworking course NO LONGER RUNNING

"For the last 10/11 weeks I have been on the beginners wood work course & it's been brilliant! I finished my display cabinet on Tuesday & it looks great in the corner of our living room! Ciaran is such a good teacher, he was very patient with me & he would always notice if I was struggling & come help me! He is a true craftsman, so passionate about his work, & he makes everything look so easy!!! I had no experience with woodwork before this course, but now I feel Ciaran has given me the confidence to give things a go. I have my own chisels & work bench now so theres no excuses! Thank you Ciaran! Come see the giraffes some time"

23 Mar 16'

Nicky Woods reviewed: Mosaic Making: beginners and improvers

"I've been coming to Alex's class for a couple of years and really enjoy it. Alex is a great tutor. She's excellent at teaching the technical side of mosaic making and is always on hand to help and advise. She has good ideas for designs and books to browse but also encourages you just to get on with your own creative ideas. There's no pressure but she makes sure everyone feels they are progressing and is very encouraging. The atmosphere in the group is friendly and not at all critical. All the tools and materials are provided and there is an excellent range of tile colours available. I find it an extremely relaxing class and a really good way to de-stress."

23 Mar 16'

Paul Hazlewood reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Splendid day. Mark is a talented and patient tutor. Didn't once run away screaming and swearing as I jammed tools into the timber like a madman! Taught many skills, most importantly how to put the correct grind on the expensive but useless tools I'd bought with ne'er a clue! Clear and concise course notes provided for later reference. It was later than seven by the time he'd finished with me, good value and comprehensive course from a guy with great practical and artistic skills"

23 Mar 16'

Jon F reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"My wife bought me a two day Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 course as a birthday gift and after having had no woodwork training since school 30 years ago I was a little nervous about what to expect. I needn't have been as Aidan is a really friendly and encouraging teacher, freely sharing his incredible knowledge and experience and with only a small group of pupils on each course he has the time to help each person individually as and when needed. My thanks to Aidan for an incredible course and I will be booking further courses with him - my ability with a hand plane after just two days amazed me which is down to Aidan's ability to pass on a very small fraction of his obvious skill and passion for his craft."

22 Mar 16'

Stephen Millward reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"I went for a weekend part one introduction course and it was wonderful. It was my first foray into furniture making and Aiden was a fantastic teacher. He explained steps easily, and really made sure we understood the key concepts very well. I would recommend him to anyone that is interested in furniture making, and I am looking forward to coming back to do part two when I get the opportunity."

22 Mar 16'

Karen Welbeck reviewed: Piped cushion with lapped zip

"Learnt to make a piped and zipped cushion - I had never used a machine before but I learnt so much I was inspired the attend the full day Roman blind course. Janet is an excellent and knowledgeable teacher"

22 Mar 16'

Karen Welbeck reviewed: Machine made lined curtains

"As a beginner, I found this course perfect. Janet was very patient with me and I was amazed at how much I learnt in one day. I have since made a lovely Roman blind for my daughter who could not believe I had made it myself- thank you, I would recommend this course 100%"

22 Mar 16'

catherine Brown reviewed: Clay Day Workshop

"I took part in this day course with my son, the only previous experience I had with clay was when I was at school many many years ago. I was really impressed with what I managed to achieve throughout the day. The day was structured allowing us to try various methods, each method was not only achievable but just hard enough to allow us to challenge our abilities. Our tutors Sue and Gerry who are both highley skilled in their art made the day fun and informative, both of them showing oodles of patience and a helping hand for us to achieve our best potential. Both myself and my son really enjoyed the day and want to take part in another. Both of us would recommend this course... I all ready have.... you will not be disapointed."

22 Mar 16'

Becky & Sheila reviewed: Beginner's Traditional Stained Glass 2 Day Course

"Just finished a fantastic weekend course in stained glass with Gill, her passion for her craft is infectious and her patience and knowledge is never ending. Fun was had by all and we surpassed any expectations we had of producing a beautifully finished piece!! Highly recommended we would love to do it all over again.' A big thank you for a memorable time from Becky and Sheila xx"

22 Mar 16'

Liz reviewed: Needle felting course with FURZIE at Trumpet Corner Tea Rooms, Ledbury, Herefordshire

"Great day- Michelle is so calm that she makes it feel as if anything is possible- I was delighted with my little dog. Thank you"

22 Mar 16'

Mary Ann Scadding reviewed: Needle felting course with FURZIE at Trumpet Corner Tea Rooms, Ledbury, Herefordshire

"I have never tried needle felting before, but when a friend could not attend I filled her place at the last moment. I had a great time and managed to make a rat, all I have to do is add his whiskers! I would thoroughly recommend this course. Michelle is a good and patient teacher."

22 Mar 16'

Keith and Margot Charlton reviewed: Introduction to Glazes with Jacqui Atkin

"Attended a one day glazing course with Kevin in March. This is a man who knows everything and, as importantly, can tell you what he knows in a clear way. At no time was he condescending but just delivers everything you need to know to enable you to go off and start finding you own way. Thank you Kevin."

22 Mar 16'

Lisa Bannister reviewed: Canal art - roses and castles - decorate a plate in narrowboat decoration

"Hello Julie It was a very enjoyable day. It was a bit daunting as a beginner and although arty with wood carving and pottery my painting skills are beginner stage. To do the course with 2 very able painters made me very self conscious, but they were lovely people. You were right when I was home and seeing my work in isolation it did look much better to me."

22 Mar 16'

Helen Thornton reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"A fantastic day in the most beautiful location! After a day of help and encouragement, spurred on with tea breaks and homemade goodies we left with a real sense of achievement (and a son who now wants a forge at home!) This come highly recommended!"

21 Mar 16'

Liz Wills reviewed: Pottery Basics with Jacqui Atkin

"I have been playing with clay for a couple of years and done various courses with different teachers. I learnt more on this course than I have on all of my other courses! The tutor, Kevin, was able to answer all questions posed to him, he is certainly passionate about his subject and takes the time to explain each process used throughout the day. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of ceramics and easily handled the different abilities in the class. The facilities provided by Potclays are excellent - and the lunch was really good too! Nice to be able to pop into the shop and buy supplies and all staff I spoke with were brilliant. It was a thoroughly enjoyable class. Basic - yes, but I gained lots of knowledge and inspiration to bring home with me! I am looking forward to booking more courses with Kevin and Potclays in the future, they are really worth it."

21 Mar 16'

Ian watkins reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"Just completed the two day course with Martin , a thoroughly enjoyable weekend. could not ask for better tuition given at just the right speed, so that anyone could follow now matter what skill level they are at , the home made soup bread and boiled fruit are to die for, I would highly recommend this course if you'd like to learn a new skill"

21 Mar 16'

Mark reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"Just spent the weekend doing this course and would highly recommend it. The course is excellent value and the teaching pace just right. You come away with 2 completed projects, spare wood, a knife and you will have had two great homemade lunches too. What more could you want. It would make a great present for someone too."

21 Mar 16'

Richard Godfrey-Cook reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Best day ever! So amazing cant wait to do it again. Nigel is so friendly and as wealth of knowledge. Thanks Nigel for great day and thanks to my wife for best bloke present ever."

21 Mar 16'

Ailsa Nurse reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"My husband and I had a lovely day with Dilys, and felt so welcome from the outset. We were both delighted with how much we learned, and by the lovely things we made under Dilys's expert guidance. Dilys is a very patient teacher who pitched the day at exactly the right level for us, making us feel very comfortable and confident. We would highly recommend this course. Thank you Dilys!"

21 Mar 16'

Julie reviewed: Beginners Hand spinning - 'From fleece to fibre’ - at All in a Spin

"A truly inspiring day. Dunja's expertise and teaching style has turned me from a complete novice into someone who is desperate to learn more and get spinning. An extremely good value for money one day course and a lovely day spent in a stunning location."

21 Mar 16'

Alec Lawton reviewed: Bronze casting weekend

"This is the second time I have been back to learn under Mark. I will likely go again as as much as he teaches it opens new doors and new ideas so I want/need to know more. The facilities provide a no-distraction environment with all the tools and supervision required to turn out some stunning work that anyone would be proud of. After Marks' teaching the realisation of: "I can do this" is akin to discovering opposable thumbs. It fills the student with confidence as well as an awareness to all the challenges a artist will face in the workshop. Thanks again Mark!"

21 Mar 16'

Joanne reviewed: Private Workshop - Make a Pair of Beautiful Fused Glass Coasters with Gemma Truman & Michelle Keeling - Manchester Craft and Design Centre

"I'd never undertaken a crafty course before but Gemma and Michelle were fantastic trainers and made me feel at ease. I really enjoyed myself and would definitely recommend their course to anyone."