Latest reviews

20 Jul 14'

Eileen reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Very enjoyable day. Course itself was run in an accessible and informative way, left with ability to use the strategies straight away and with confidence. Candles made on the day were of high quality and the wide range of both styles and types of wax used added to range of experience given. I would recommend this day to those with a love of candles whether interested in making their own longer term (for themselves or as gifts to others or business) or just wanting to know more about how candles are made. It was great value for money."

19 Jul 14'

Diz Swift reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Our children bought a two day course for my husband's 70 birthday - and I was allowed to go along too! Nigel was so welcoming and regaled us with tales his life; it was all so informative. Nigel is a very good teacher; he is relaxed, encouraging and forgiving of beginners' mistakes. We made items in mild steel, pure iron, bronze and stainless steel - with a lot of guidance. It was a great two days and we learned a lot. Nigel is a true artist and a gentleman."

18 Jul 14'

Chris Ivory reviewed: Fused Glass for Beginners - One day workshop

"I completed this course earlier in the week. Fantastic! Tuition is clear and easy to follow, and Jan is on hand to guide you through any techniques you may find tricky and offer alternatives where appropriate. Can't wait to see the result. As a practicing fine artist, I enjoyed stretching my repertoire and discovering a new area of work to consider. I would recommend this course for any stage in the artistic journey, from beginner to pro."

18 Jul 14'

Mark Howell reviewed: Timber framing courses

"What can you say; if you are looking for a timber framing course then I don’t think that you could choose a better one. Alan is a master craftsman, from making his own musical instruments to building the largest of timber frames, the quality and skill of his work displayed is evident to see. The group sizes are up to a maximum of 8 people and therefore there is plenty of opportunity for 1 to 1 tuition from the ‘master’ himself. All carried out in the middle of a beautiful woodland, where at no additional cost you can pitch your tent. There are ample supplies of restaurant standard food all provided by the lovely Mary and in between times you can enjoy a bit of archery and axe throwing! The evenings were spent around the camp fire at which Alan displayed his talents playing his own musical instruments-brilliant! So if you are looking for some serious instruction or a fun week, either way I would thoroughly recommend this course."

18 Jul 14'

John Whaley reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"Very we'll organised, course material well presented with a agenda that allowed you experiment as you progressed. Excellent one to one tuition when required. We'll organised from beginning to end with a excellent lunch break in the middle. I would recommend the course, and I will be back with my wife in tow, next year."

18 Jul 14'

Aileen Fraser reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"My first day's course was an inspired birthday gift. What an enjoyable and exciting day it was. Tactful expertise, attentiveness and plentiful resources to further inspire, in relaxed informality, allow you to feel confident that anything is possible. (A lovely lunch, home-made baking and refreshments are included too). I had also been given one of Jane's home kits, which I used the following day to start my second tapestry (the kit has everything you need). One framed work completed, and another to continue at home, and a huge sense of achievement and anticipation."

16 Jul 14'

Flower essence training- essences for the soul reviewed: Introduction to Flower Essences and the Intuition

"I have taken part in a number of Rachel's workshops and have found them to be life changing. Her style of teaching involves everyone in the group, from the first minute I felt enveloped in calmness which is an amazing place to learn. I have always come away with tools that seamlessly integrated into my life, tools that I use every day. I work with Rachel's Lightbringer essences along with other ranges, but it is the Lightbringer range which myself and my clients are most drawn to. The essences have improved and enhanced my life in so many ways that it would be difficult to list them. I can only say that attending one of Rachel's courses is a massive treat incorporating lots of fun, lots of healing and lots of light."

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"