Latest reviews

Janet Philp reviewed: Needlefelting workshop at Dalkeith Country Park

"This was a very relaxed course with a very knowledgeable leader. It was fantastic to be able to come away with a finished product"

Peta Sievwright reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"A very enjoyable, well-structured hand weaving course. I learnt a lot, produced a mat I'm very pleased with and hope to return for more tuition in the future. The studio was very snug and warm despite the storm raging outside. Thank you, Alice."

Kerry Hardstaff reviewed: Knitting sock workshop

"Had a very enjoyable day with group of varied abilities. All equipment supplied, sock made. Ways forward discussed. Completed small sock in 2 colours which covered the basics of sock knitting. Looking forward to next steps."

Community Learning Partnership responded:

"Kerry, I'm looking forward to my next STEPS too haha!! Now we've learned the technique, I think it will be less fiddly when we move on to big feet. Well done :-)"

M McAlpine reviewed: Needlefelting workshop at Dalkeith Country Park

"Great to learn a new skill in a relaxed environment. Jo explained the technique and guided us but let us create our own masterpiece. The small group was very sociable and everyone was chatting and sharing ideas right from the start. Would recommend the class and now hooked on felting. Thank you."

Dave Kershaw reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day at Leeds, West Yorkshire

"Loved it, I did not want it to end, Jack was a gentleman and needed all his skills with me, but even I managed to walk out of the forge with a beautiful bodkin socketed arrow head, done by myself... The day was a whole lot of fun from start to end and I will be back!, to make something else pointy. Defo recommend this course, value for money and an eye opener into the blacksmiths world."

Caroline Gibbs reviewed: Friday Morning Upholstery Course (six Weekly Classes)

"Class size perfect, mixed group of people, Jill is a fantastic tutor that takes time to explain why."

Caroline Galpin reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"What a fabulous day, and introduction to spinning. As a complete novice it was a really inspiring experience and one that made me want to know more. Theresa is very enthusiastic and knowledgeable and was so kind and patient with us all. I can’t recommend this course enough."

The Spinning Barn responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to write your lovely review, it was such a pleasure to read it. I really enjoyed the workshop too and was delighted to have been part of your spinning 'journey'. You made a fabulous start and I really hope you continue to spin and love it more each day! Do please keep in touch and let me know how you get on. Theresa"

Nicola Quinn reviewed: Footstool making workshop - weekend

"I joined this weekend course to learn how to make a footstool from scratch, have some fun and gain an insight into the wonderful world of upholstery and by jove, I certainly achieved all three things and more! Jacqueline is a fantastic tutor ensuring that she gave me the encouragement, help and mentoring all though the process. The weekend was well organised (with great cake!) and the attention to detail and skills I walked away with have armed me to tackle my first solo footstool project, there will be no stopping me now! I thoroughly recommend this course, you will walk away with a footstool to be proud of."

The Bespoke Home - Furniture Maker responded:

"Aww, Nicola, I'm so glad you enjoyed it :-) Thank you for your wonderful comments. It's certainly my aim for you to leave armed with the confidence to make more footstools. The fact you had a great time learning is the icing on the cake! x"

Nick reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"I’ve just returned from a brilliant two days with Peter - he’s a lovely guy with a great teaching style. Everyone on the course came away with a fab piece of furniture to show off. I’m looking forward to trying some of the techniques out at home."

Elizabeth Cherry reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"Thank you Jo for your wonderful sculpture day and hospitality. Very good communication prior to the day and directions made it easy to find the location, despite storm Dennis making his presence known. The day was a present for my birthday and I really could not have had a nicer day. Being a small group of six made for a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and the workshop was held in a spacious, modern garden studio within the beautiful gardens of the teacher’s home. Jo is a warm and inspiring teacher who prepares well and explains every stage of the construction really well. I picked up lots of new sculpting techniques which I shall continue to develop at home. Such an excellent day which felt like a day with the family. So pleased with my sculpture. Can’t think of a better way to spend a special day. Thank you Jo."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much Elizabeth ;-) I did spend most of the Saturday night praying storm Dennis would not scupper our power supply! Really glad you enjoyed your birthday present and went away with some new techniques ... keep sculpting! Jo x"

Ali Sleeman reviewed: Pottery workshop at Claynglaze Pottery

"Just attended a two-day tile making course which was packed with information. We learned multiple techniques to create raised relief tiles, finalising in hand carving originals and casting plaster moulds. Handmade tiles are incredibly expensive to buy (and technically aren’t hand made!) - now we can cast our own and tile everything in sight. As usual the lunch provided was a real treat, tea on tap and a pleasure to learn in such a welcoming and well-equipped studio. Highly recommended."

Claynglaze responded:

"So glad you enjoyed it! We aim to please. Your wonderful design on the tile you made will look amazing after glazing. The cost of the course is easily covered in the savings you made on tiles! Well done and look forward to seeing them on the wall Wendy"

Michelle Sargieson reviewed: Woodcarving with sculptor Jason -handtools -gouging and whittling

"My first time at wood carving, Jason is a lovely person and puts you at ease. He explains things well and can give you all a lot of one on one time in the group. He explains which tools and techniques would be best to use on certain areas of your carving. I was surprised how much we managed to carve in a one day session. It was a great day and I would recommend."

Lynne Atkinson reviewed: Introduction to traditional Calligraphy - foundational hand

"My first introduction to calligraphy. This course was well presented, instructions were clear and helpful and the whole day was thoroughly enjoyable. Sunita was well prepared, understood the problems beginners can have and gave useful tips on how to overcome them. She spent time with all the students, guiding us and supporting our efforts. An interesting and inspirational day."

Sue reviewed: Rings and Things - Soldering for beginners at Simply Amazing Jewellery School

"I have attended one of Viv's workshops before and went again with another friend who fancied it, because I loved it so much (and I wear the silver rings I made virtually every day!!) I made 2 rings for my little finger this time and suspect I will wear one or the other every day in future because again I was so delighted!! Viv encourages everyone to be creative and is so incredibly patient and informative. I would certainly recommend it to anyone who has not had a go before."

Simply Amazing Jewellery School responded:

"Hi Sue, thank you for this lovely review! I am so pleased you returned to develop your skills further and that you enjoyed the day so much. I love the hammered rings you made and hope you find them as fascinating as I do, as you wear them in and all your hard work rewards you x"

Alan Marks reviewed: Half day Christmas themed cold process soap making workshop with Keri at The Soap Coach

"Enjoyed Keris' half day soap making course. Knows her stuff and the instruction and facilities I thought were spot on. I have recommended this to others."

The Soap Coach Limited responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to review. Really pleased to hear you enjoyed your afternoon."

Michele Meade reviewed: Knitting sock workshop

"I really enjoyed this workshop everything was explained clearly and the tutor took time time to help everybody as they needed. This course has sparked my interest in sock knitting and i hope to carry on with sock knitting using the material provided"

Community Learning Partnership responded:

"Glad you enjoyed it, Michele! ?"

Mike Rhodes reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners with Green Fox Wild Crafts

"A really enjoyable day. Nadine is an excellent teacher, well organised, knowledgable about wood crafts and her enthusiasm and empathy were great"

Gill Cooper reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"Had a wonderful time, Kingsley was an excellent teacher, explaining technique and reason behind it, he made you feel totally at ease and was very friendly and helpful. I would totally recommend his classes. Thank you Kingsley for an amazing day."

Karen Cripps reviewed: Animal clay sculpture workshops with Jill Collier

"A great way to spend a Saturday! I have done four of Jill's courses now and have a few more booked up. I had never done any pottery before attempting my first chicken course but absolutely loved the day and the results were amazing thanks to Jill's guidance and support. I have learnt so much doing the courses and always enjoy the relaxed, friendly atmosphere. My creations are all sat on my kitchen table and they attract a lot of attention from friends and family! Can highly recommend these courses"

BrianGraham reviewed: Taster pottery throwing lesson (various dates)

"Along with a friend I attended the taster pottery throwing session. Neither of us had any experience of 'things pottery', other than at school over 50 years ago! Jack made us welcome and reassured us that zero knowledge did not mean disaster; far from it! Both of us were delighted with the end results that would not have been achieved without the patience, guidance and assistance of Jack. Instructions were clear and well demonstrated before we were let loose on a potter's wheel. The session was relaxed along with tea/coffee and chocolate brownies, what more could you ask for. We left having made three 'pots', which are to be collected in a few weeks, with a sense of self-satisfaction and achievement that we did not know we had, but Jack showed us what was possible for the absolute beginner. We highly recommend this course because of Jack's friendly, encouraging, knowledge of pottery and his ability to bring out the 'inner potter'."

Coral Sleightholm-Jones reviewed: Fun Afternoon Pottery Wheel Throwing Session-West Wales

"Had a great time at this workshop. Jackie was fun to work with explained things in a very easy and friendly manner. Definitely recommend."

Faizah reviewed: Absolute beginners sewing class

"I really enjoyed this course and learnt a lot. Deb is a fantastic tutor and after attending this sewing class, I signed up for the City & Guilds Level 1 course that Deb is also offering. She has a very friendly and thorough way of teaching and is attentive to your learning needs. I highly recommend any course she has on offer!"

Fiona Hughes reviewed: Colour theory day course

"I really loved the day with Louise, she has such a wealth of wisdom. I am feeling so inspired to use colour now whereas I had a real block to using it before. I was a complete novice & in a class of such a wide range of abilities, she catered for us all so well. Lunch was fab too!!!"

Visual Arts responded:

"Hi Fiona, Thank you for the lovely review. I am so pleased that you now feel inspired to use colour, enjoy the beauty of it. Louise"

Sarah Ingram reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"I would highly recommend this weekend course - a great introduction to upholstery. Philip certainly knows his stuff and is a very patient and knowledgeable teacher. He is very hands on to show you how to move your project on. I took a small nursing chair which had been sitting in my house for 20 years with various covers on it - but decided it needed a new lease of life. I seriously thought I'd get half of it done, as it needed lost doing to it. However, with Philip's expert and hands on guidance I managed to do lot there and also know how to complete it at home. Very happy indeed."

Jackie Mc Clennan reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I have just returned from a wonderful 2 days woodturning with George. I went with my 85 year old Dad who wanted to give woodturning a try, and we were not disappointed. George had a large well-equipped workshop in his garden so there were regular trips back into his conservatory to be looked after by his attentive wife Susan. So, although you spend a lot of time on your feet it wasn’t too much for my Dad. We made 2 bowls over the 2 days to help consolidate skills. George was a good and patient instructor and was able to keep us both busy at the same time while ensuring complete safety. The workshop was just the right temperature despite the wind and rain outside and we were given overalls to ensure we kept clean (although Dad did find some wood shavings down his top from forgetting to zip it all the way up!) Neither of us had any woodturning skills beforehand, so don’t feel you need any. Susan plied us with tea and biscuits, sandwiches and a lovely soup for lunch the second day. Warm fresh scones were our reward for all our hard work in the afternoon. We felt very well looked after. If I lived closer I would definitely go again, even living where I do (Manchester), I will consider it. Thanks George."