Latest reviews

1 Nov 17'

Cathie McDonnell reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"Having practised upholstery a few years ago I had the opportunity to return to it when my son said he needed a chair re-upholstering. Just the excuse I needed to take it up again now that I am retired. I decided that I needed a kick start to help me get underway so I attended one of Lucy's workshops. I knew that it was a huge project to undertake in one day but with the help and guidance I received from Lucy before, during and after the course, she has given me the confidence to achieve my goal. On the day I benefitted from learning new skills and techniques combined with Lucy's advice, help and enthusiasm. I was impressed with Lucy's breadth of knowledge which enabled her to work with the different projects on the day. Lucy's hospitality was perfect. She baked some delicious cakes and scones and made a wholesome soup for lunch. I thoroughly enjoyed the company and the relaxed environment of her beautiful home. I was exhausted at the end of the day having achieved so much. I look forward to attending another course next year."

1 Nov 17'

Edna reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Another day another conundrum. Each time I come to Lucy thinking I know what I'm doing it's all very straight forward we together work through some technical issues. The result is that I am developing a piece that is evolving from something nice and safe into something interesting. Taking my skill from an interested beginner into some one whose confidence is growing to a new level of understanding.I'm gaining the knowledge that this is a craft that with its demands is stretching me both intellectually and practically. But without Lucy I would just still be an interested beginner"

1 Nov 17'

Naomi Clarke reviewed: Jackie Cardy Workshop - Embroidered Felt Textile Art

"This was an utterly fantastic 2 day felting workship. Jackie is incredibly talented and a fantastic tutor. She was both informative and funny! The venue was great and Becca was always on hand to help. I cannot recommend highly enough!"

1 Nov 17'

Cheryl reviewed: Upholster a drop-in seat in West Wales

"Excellent course with an excellent tutor. Thoroughly enjoyable!"

1 Nov 17'

Helen Jobson reviewed: One day glassblowing lesson for beginners

"Fantastic day, so much fun and learnt a lot of techniques. Jonathan is a great teacher and a very talented glass blower. He is very patient and his enthusiasm is infectious. Hope to go on another of his courses. Thanks for being wonderful!"

1 Nov 17'

MaryEluned reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"I attended this course with no previous experience of green wood working and it was an excellent introduction to a wide range of skills. Ian is patient, friendly and highly experienced in his craft. The course is also a great opportunity for a digital detox, time to disconnect from the world and focus on making something beautiful, we should all do a bit more of this! Mary"

31 Oct 17'

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

"Very helpful, very imformative course in a relaxed atmosphere. Would really recommend this course."

31 Oct 17'

Maryrose reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"Thoroughly enjoyable and completely absorbing day. Can't wait to do more. Amanda was very welcoming and guided us clearly and competently at the same time as being stimulating and entertaining company. Great range of materials and possibilities. Thoughtful attention to detail and presentation, from the studio right through the delicious lunch and finally to the packaging of the finished work."

31 Oct 17'

Ana reviewed: The Pottery Cave - Evening beginners classes

"Relaxed, enjoyable and fun. Warm welcoming atmosphere. Caroline helps and encourages everyone with their individual ceramic projects, so we are all able to develop at our own pace and follow our own interests in pottery making and glazing. Her classes are great."

31 Oct 17'

Erin West reviewed: Micro Macrame - Beaded Bracelet

"Thankyou Wendy for todays class. I really enjoyed making my bracelet. Wendy is a great help, very knowledgeable and patient teacher. The craft shop is a great light space with ample of room and even provides a nice hot drink and sweet treat. I would definitely recommend her excellant workshops. Looking forward to coming and trying more classes."

31 Oct 17'

Nick Farn reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Amazing course. Learned so much it took a few day to process it all!! Really pleased with the Rams Head Poker and fire tools that I made. It was a long journey to get here but worth every minute of it. Not quite sure where the day went! Will 100% be back for more. I am hooked on blacksmithing... just got to find a way to dump the day job!! Thanks again!"

31 Oct 17'

Anne Farthing reviewed: Silver Clay Taster Class - Surrey/Hampshire

"Being a complete novices and lacking in real artistic skills I was keen to see if I would be able to produce something I could be happy with. I was not disappointed...I came away with a very unique pendant which I am very pleased with. Sian's relaxed and easy instruction made this a very enjoyable experience and one which I certainly consider repeating in the future."

31 Oct 17'

Nigel Baker reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"Good tutors, very informative and at the right pace. Pleasantly surprised how much was completed in such a short time period and battling against Storm Brian!"

31 Oct 17'

Patrica Ovens reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"Ian's work shop was absolutely brill! Great vibe. Great skills to learn. Ian really knows his stuff and leads the course great. Would highly recommend t0 anyone considering a good day out with friends or family. Will diffidently sign up for Ian's future wood working courses."

31 Oct 17'

alan kirton reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"great welcome and excellent food. The atmosphere is conducive to learning with great instruction from Adrian and his assistant . My wife was really pleased with the candle holder I made and it will have pride of place on the Christmas dining table . Thank you"

31 Oct 17'

Fiona reviewed: Upholster a drop-in seat in West Wales

"Excellent course. Well paced, learnt a lot and went home with a piece of furniture that I could be really proud of. Although Mick says he's not a teacher, he is good at explaining, and has a very good sense of when to intervene and when to let you get on with it. You make something under close guidance step-by-step, but feel that you have completed the article yourself. Highly recommended."

31 Oct 17'

Jenny Spencer reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"I absolutely recommend a weekend on one of Philip Wellesley-Davies upholstery courses. Philip is a very patient and encouraging teacher and every one of us on the course was able to make great progress on our chosen projects. There was a wide variety of work so it was interesting and inspiring to see what others were doing. I was delighted to have finished my project even though beforehand I was concerned whether it was too difficult for a novice - but Philip was excellent and guiding me through all the steps but then leaving me to actually do the work. I fully intend to go on another weekend (or two!) with another project."

31 Oct 17'

Jacqui reviewed: Weaving: the journey begins

"" This was probably the best craft course that I have attended. With very well gauged individual tuition I went from being a complete novice to producing an attractive piece of fabric within the day. I was given time to consolidate each new technique before moving on to the next and experimenting with different textures of yarn. It was a relaxing and productive day and excellent value as all of the materials and an enjoyable lunch were included in the fee. I shall definitely be returning to consolidate my skills.""

31 Oct 17'

Jeremy reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"Joined Chris for a wood turning course and went home with a nice bowl.Would recommend and will be returning for more lessons in the future."

31 Oct 17'

Susan Purchase reviewed: Upholster a drop-in seat in West Wales

"This was an excellent course and this was simply down to Mick, he was a brilliant teacher, lots of time for each of us as well as teaching us in groups too. He us a perfectionist and equally wanted us to achieve perfection. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the company of the others on the group. It was a very inclusive and supportive group with the bonus of fun too. Thank you to Suzi too, I received a lovely welcome from her plus she provided us all with regular refreshments."

31 Oct 17'

Jo Londesbrough reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"I did a glass fusing course with two of my friends and we had a brilliant time. Julie was very welcoming and friendly and explained everything really well. She gave advice, but let our own creativity shine. I will definitely be going back for more!"

31 Oct 17'

Kate reviewed: Residential Gyotaku Japanese NATURE printing in Pembrokeshire Wales

"I loved this course, the whole experience is inspirational and you come away with so many ideas and also a large selection of beautiful fish prints! I could have done this all day! Thank you Debs for introducing me to the intriguing and beautiful art of Gyotaku."

31 Oct 17'

George Gold reviewed: Steam-Bending Courses in Cumbria

"Charlie Whinney has an expert knowledge of his subject and an impressive ability to share it. The course is about 'doing' and importantly CW is as keen for students to experience what doesn't work and why things go wrong as he is for them to achieve success. Take his word for it on the warm clothes advice if you're attending in winter!"

31 Oct 17'

Adrian Fox reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a great experience! The warm welcome (and Debbie’s excellent cake) sets you up for the rest of the day. Adrian and Andy took the group step by step through making a rams-head poker, that I wouldn’t have thought I could manage. The day was well paced and well explained explained. Lunch was delicious and hearty (thanks again Debbie!). Then in the afternoon the chance to be creative with making a toasting fork of your own design. (Oh, and more cake to finish!) What’s not to like?"

31 Oct 17'

Fiona reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Relaxing morning spent with Kerrylyn learning all about a new hobby."