Latest reviews

1 Mar 14'

Ruth Moore reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"Sharon is very friendly and approachable and an excellent teacher. She clearly enjoys sharing her skills and experience with both novices and more experienced carvers. She supports each individual in the most appropriate way for them so we can work to the best of our ability and produce work that we are proud of. Her own pieces are exceptional and inspiring."

28 Feb 14'

H Cocksedge reviewed: Mosaic, One Day Workshop

"Having first seen some of Jane's work at a craft fair, my sister, niece and I were inspired to attended a one-day mosaic workshop at Jane's studio. As none of us had ever done anything like this before, I think we all went feeling slightly nervous - but we needn't have worried! Jane was very welcoming and informative, and gave just the right amount of advice and practical help whilst allowing us to create "masterpieces" which were entirely our own and of which we are very proud! She has also provided some useful follow-up information which will be invaluable when we start on our next pieces at home! (And the lunch was lovely too!!)"

27 Feb 14'

Heather Wilson reviewed: Mosaic, One Day Workshop

"I recently attended Jane's one-day mosaic workshop and had a fantastic time. Jane is extremely knowledgeable about her art, and was easily able to explain and pass on her skills. I managed, with her expert guidance, to produce a glass mosaic picture of which I am extremely proud. A lovely lunch was provided as part of the experience. I'm hoping to continue to use my newly acquired skills."

26 Feb 14'

Irene MARKWICK reviewed: Mosaic, One Day Workshop

"I recently attended a one-day mosaic course at Jane Visick's studio. Not being of an artistic bent I really didn't know what to expect. However Jane was very hospitable and knowledgeable about her subject and I was agreeable surprised with the cockerel plaque I produced. I learnt a lot and am now looking forward to making more mosaics at home. Thanks, Jane."

26 Feb 14'

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

"My friend and I attended a two day weekend course. We loved the fact that we were on the wheel and throwing pots within ten minutes of starting the course. Rowena provided helpful advice but was keen for us to have a go on our own which was great. Her patience and lovely sense of humour were greatly appreciated! The two day course was full and varied but adaptable if you had a particular interest. Rowena's enthusiasm and happy personality made for an interesting and relaxed course. Thank you!"

26 Feb 14'

Emily Miller reviewed: An Introduction to Glassblowing: Half-day Saturday courses

"This is something I've always wanted to try so when I received it as a gift I was very excited! The class size was small (only 3 of us) which meant that we had ample time from Adam to help us create our 3 pieces each. Adam and his staff were friendly and allowed us to be as creative as we'd like. He also gave us demonstrations on making more advanced pieces which was great to see! I will definitely be doing this again! Thanks Adam!"

24 Feb 14'

Cheryl Farnum reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"As a first timer who has started 1 month ago doing this myself in advance to attending the course, Sakeena with her font of knowledge, history and experience of candlemaking, made me feel fully confident that I am heading in the right direction and chosen the right skill that will continue to enhance my creativity. The workshop was a very informative in a friendly environment, every question I posed was answered and clarified. Overall a fun workshop, which I will gladly encourage others to attend."

24 Feb 14'

Catherine reviewed: Enamelled jewellery for beginners and improvers - fired glass jewellery techniques

"I have had a lesson with Toni and found it very worth while. Toni taught me the basics of enamelling onto copper and I was able to complete three pieces before the end of the lesson. Toni had lots of materials, enamel powders and decorative items (glass beads etc...) that I was able to choose from. I would defiantly recommend, it was great value and Toni is a great teacher."

21 Feb 14'

Maria reviewed: The Natural Skin Care Workshop

"What a wonderful day! Myself my daughter and one of my dearest friends thoroughly enjoyed the Lumiere natural skin care workshop! We had so much fun and made the most beautiful natural products! Thank you so much Sakeena and all at Lumiere!"

21 Feb 14'

Jeremy reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"Absolutely fantastic. I'd not done anything like this since I was at school and the course made me realise how much I enjoyed creating things! Aaron was great taking time to go through the practical demonstrations and watch and help when we had a go. Had a brilliant time can't wait to be able to find a free weekend to further what I learnt - who knows a new career?"

21 Feb 14'

trudi petersen reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshops with candle maker to Prince Charles

"We had a fab time, learnt loads and really enjoyed our time. Cannot wait to get into our own workshop and start putting it all into practice now."

20 Feb 14'

Alan Rowlands reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"I am in my second year of wood carving and have found Sharon's way of teaching very good, in as much that it's tailored to each individual at a pace that suits them,she is patient gives good instruction and advice, and the classes are very enjoyable."

20 Feb 14'

Michelle Walsh reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"My daughter and I attended this course to extend our craft skill base. This was something most definitely out of our comfort range but within minutes of arriving we were both put at our ease. Aaron tailored the day to our needs and encouraged us to develop our own creative direction. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and would return to extend our skills in a heartbeat."

19 Feb 14'

janice reviewed: Spinning, weaving and dyeing - Monthly on a Saturday

"from being a complete novice, and attending Alison's monday evening course, I am now able to spin a beautiful yarn, from the fleece to the needles. Alison's courses showed me much more that can be achieved. Dyeing techniques, fancy yarns, silk, cotton, flax etc. also, great company with like minded people."

19 Feb 14'

Ian P reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"My wife bought the 2 day course for me as a present; I already had a fascination with blacksmithing. Aaron is an excellent teacher! He starts with simple techniques that give you a feel for the processes, which quickly turn into pieces of work where you really feel you have made something significant. By the second day I was making a piece to a design idea of my own. I was so pleased with the result that I booked a further day of blacksmithing to continue with the design. The course was one of the highlights of my year. I strongly recccomend it."

18 Feb 14'

Sheila Madge reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"Sharon is the most excellent teacher . Her teaching and carving skills are second to none, she imparts her knowledge without making you feel embarrassed, instead you find you can do wonders with a piece of wood. Her classes are always a happy and joyful experience,so you never miss one.I have been privileged to see some of her commissions which are always exceptional. Sharon has been teaching my 10yr old Great Grandson and he thinks she is the GREATEST."

18 Feb 14'

Anne Warwick reviewed: Spinning, weaving and dyeing - Monthly on a Saturday

"Excellent class to attend, you will learn all about fleece preparation and other fibres, how to spin them, dye them and weave them. Alison is a warm and friendly person and has something to offer beginners, intermediate and advanced students."

18 Feb 14'

Tracy reviewed: Spinning, weaving and dyeing - Monthly on a Saturday

"A lovely group of people. Welcoming and friendly. Alison is encouraging and patient and extremely knowledgeable. I have learnt a huge amount from her. Spinning is one of the most relaxing things I have ever done."

18 Feb 14'

Keith Lee reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"Some 47 years have elapsed since I last attempted woodworking. It was with some trepidation that I signed up to spend a week with Richard in Penrith. The course was exactly what I would have wished for. Both Richard and Mark showed great patience, kindness and humour throughout. More importantly they were able to pass on knowledge and skills with a clarity that was of great benefit to this complete beginner. They both instilled in me an enthusiasm for the subject that I intend to continue. The lunchtime lectures by Richard were especially valuable. I recommend this corse without reservation. Keith Lee"

18 Feb 14'

Greg Morris reviewed: A stool making day

"What a fantastic day out! Exceeded all my expectations! Had an amazing time and everyone there looked the same. I learned a huge amount in what seemed to be a very short period of time and came away with a stool that now sits pride of place in my living room. I would well and truly recommend this course to anyone with or without a keen interest in wood work. Thanks very much to Gail, Dave and Eoin, will 100% be back to sample the chair or bench course this year at some point!"

18 Feb 14'

Tracy reviewed: Spinning, weaving and dyeing - Monthly on a Saturday

"I wanted to learn to spin I found the details easily on line. Alison has taught me everything I know. I progressed quickly and can now spin lots of different types of yarn. Alison worked at my speed and is a very patient teacher. I have learnt a lot about fleeces and preparation so I can go from sheep to something I can wear I would recommend Alison if you want to learn this wonderful craft"

17 Feb 14'

Niels Girvan reviewed: A stool making day

"Just wanted to say what a great time I had on the stool making course. The weather didn't look promising but I hardly noticed because the course was so involving. It was excellent to have three such knowledgeable and helpful tutors which meant we were well looked after. Also nice to meet participants from such a wide range of backgrounds. I got this course as a Christmas present and it was a brilliant change from the usual. I'll maybe think of signing up for a two day course to see what else I can make. Many thanks to Gail, Dave and Eoin!"

17 Feb 14'

Robert Lovett reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"I booked the course not knowing what to expect really, i just fancied trying something totally different. Aaron is a superb craftsman and a really nice genuine guy. Our small group were guided along by Aaron who kept a watchful eye over us helping when it was called for. I really enjoyed the course and would highly recommend it, from the first communication with Trudi when booking and the information as regards hotels nearby which was very helpful and accurate right through till the end of the second day i couldn't fault anything to be honest. Robert Lovett. Wolverhampton. West Midlands."

17 Feb 14'

Jason Ram reviewed: A stool making day

"I had a truly brilliant day with the lads and lady. This was the first time I had done any wood work since school and was made to feel relaxed from the moment I arrived. The tutors were excellent, the tools were first class and the stools we all left with at the end of the day were excellent. I have been made to feel inspired to go on and do more, us we got some great home made soup to boot. I would urge everyone to visit at least once and you are sure to leave with something you have made or bought. Thanks again and see you soon. First class."

17 Feb 14'

Heather Doggett reviewed: Kiln Formed Glass in Cornwall

"Brilliant day! Fi is a very friendly and relaxed teacher and we really enjoyed the day in a rather damp and windy Norfolk. The time flew by and it was fascinating to be shown (and then be allowed to play with) so many and varied materials. A fantastic introduction to glass fusing and a way to surprise yourself with design ideas you didn't know you had in your head. Also a lovely location adjacent to Houghton Hall, and a very welcome and delicious lunch. Thoroughly recommended - give it a go!"