Latest reviews

24 Jul 17'

Sandra Crittell reviewed: Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop.

"It has all been really exciting, and I learned a lot, both about wax processes, and about putting the colours and additions together so that they work. It has been a real worthwhile experience, and I can't wait to do it again!"

24 Jul 17'

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

"I had a great day at Dunja's course for "beginners hand spinning". I never done any spinning before and learned so much. As the course has a maximum of 4 students Dunja does teach to everyones needs and she is very patient. I came home totally enthusiastic and am looking forward to practice my newly learned skills."

24 Jul 17'

Jenna Smith reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"I had a great day at Alice's weave workshop. The space itself was inspiring with all of Alice's art on display. Alice was awesome. Very patient and enthusiastic and great to have general chit chat with. Tools and materials were high quality and the best thing was being able to buy the loom to continue my new hobby at home."

23 Jul 17'

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

"Really enjoyed my first woodworking experience since school(30 years ago). Even a novice like me came away from this two day course with a fully functioning side table. Pete and Joe were very chilled and patient instructors in a beautiful idyllic setting of Lambside Farm. Also met a great group of people in the process. Saving up for my next course, cant wait to continue improving and building my skills."

23 Jul 17'

Edd Rayner reviewed: Timber framing courses

"Absolutely outstanding! Go on this course: no matter your level of ability or if you only have a mild interest in timer-framing, I doubt that you will be disappointed. Alan has, and is always willing to share, his inspiringly profound depth of skills and knowledge in timber-framing. He is patient and has a natural skill at being a great teacher: an all-round cool-dude. This is mirrored by his son, Connor, who is just about the nicest guy you could hope to meet. Mary's cooking is out of this world: really different and really tasty: she is so lovely too. All of this, along with a few beers around the fire in the evening, means that the people on the course "bond" in a way that you couldn't imagine possible in such a short time. I will remember this week for some time to come and earnestly hope to come back for the advanced course soon. I have learnt a great deal, had a great time and made some great friends: what a great week's work (except it really didn't feel like work). Good luck to the Ritchie Clan!"

23 Jul 17'

Nicola lwggett reviewed: Beginners Bead-making

"Very good course - I learnt a lot from cat and came away with skills such as making my own twisties, large hole beads etc"

23 Jul 17'

Becca reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"This course is awesome! I had the most amazing day. Amanda is a fantastic teacher and is really good at giving you the confidence to have a go. I am so inspired by all the things that I learnt. The lunch was delicious as well. Can't recommend this enough!!"

23 Jul 17'

Leslie Bailey reviewed: One day pottery making course for 2 people in Norwich, Norfolk

"An absolutely amazing day. Something so different and totally inspiring. I took a friend for a special birthday and it was everything I wished for. Superb lunch and all in all great value for money. Pat, you're a lovely person to spend the day with too!"

23 Jul 17'

Mary-Helen L'Heureux reviewed: Silver Clay Taster Class - Surrey/Hampshire

"I can't think of a better way to spend an evening! Sian is a natural teacher and shares her considerable knowledge generously. I came away with a feeling of pride and satisfaction - and have already received compliments for the beautiful pendant that I made all by myself. I'm ready to sign up for Sian's next course."

23 Jul 17'

Chris Duckett reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"Th course was fantastic, it has given me the basic knowledge needed to start my own practice. The workspace is brilliant, and there are all the necessary tools if you don't have your own. Any questions you have are answered enthusiastically and there is an overall energy that spurs you on to do well and continue creating, designing and experimenting."

23 Jul 17'

Nancy Parsons reviewed: Silver Clay Taster Class - Surrey/Hampshire

"What a great way to spend an evening, attending the silver clay tester class. Sian has a lovely manner, very informative and knowledgable, yet I never felt she was lecturing us. She was very happy to answer all the questions I put to her and spent time helping and advising us as we all made our pieces. There is something very pleasing about bringing home a couple of pendants that you have made yourself. Thanks you Sian"

22 Jul 17'

Alan Ritchie reviewed: Making shaker boxes in Court Wood at Llanvihangel Court

"Roy has a natural down to earth teaching style . The shaker boxes are the best I have come across with a natural beauty that are a joy to behold. I can highly recommend this course you will come home with a box that will give you much pleasure for years to come .. my wife uses it for buttons , simple , lovely and a joy to have around the house. Thanks a million Roy"

22 Jul 17'

Louise Cox reviewed: Silver Clay Taster Class - Surrey/Hampshire

"Really well run course. Sian is very knowledgable and patient. I'm not very creative but came away with a fantastic result after only 2 hours ? Would recommend you give it a try"

22 Jul 17'

karen hills reviewed: Make fabulous felt - needle felting and wet felting techniques to make animals, bags, pictures...

"Had a very enjoyeble day at Abberton today, felting. Toni runs a very good class and being small and friendly you get the help you need. We came away with 3 items of needle felted pieces and a wet felted piece of fabric that we will make into a flower brooch. Thanks Toni From Karen and Mary"

22 Jul 17'

Callum reviewed: A Dry Stone Walling Workshop Bedfordshire

"John's passion for dry stone walling is infectious and I found him to be a patient and effective teacher. I feel confident that this course has given me a strong foundation to begin my own wall and learn more as I go."

22 Jul 17'

Phillip Paisley reviewed: Timber framing courses

"What a fantastic course, had a great time with great company to make the whole experience memorable. Alan was a great host and tutor who spent the day and late into the evenings working hard to teach and entertain everyone on the course. The food cooked by Alan's lovely wife Mary was delicious and the evening music around the camp fire was an excellent end to the day. Thanks to all the family Alan, Mary, Sid, Connor and Alice, I will definitely be returning for the advanced course."

22 Jul 17'

Barbara Lapthorn reviewed: Silver Clay Taster Class - Surrey/Hampshire

"Really enjoyed the course and learned a lot! Sian is a great teacher and explained things really well. Friendly, informal class and came home with a lovely pair of earrings."

22 Jul 17'

Simon James reviewed: Timber framing courses

"Fantastic!! The atmosphere created by Alan, Connor and Sid's love for their craft; Mary's gift for cooking and a genuine desire to empathy a wealth of knowledge makes for a perfect learning (and relaxing) experience. We worked on a real project from design factors through marking, cutting and construction. Throughout the process the guys showed a variety of techniques to achieve the aim. A word of thanks for your patience!! We also benefited from constructing Alan's barn that he cut a couple of years ago. To see everything go together smoothly brought clarity and understanding of the process. To share the occasion is special. Thanks Team Ritchie, I look forward to the advanced course next week."

22 Jul 17'

Sarah Betts reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Amazing. I spent two days working with Nigel, who is as supportive and compassionate as he is skilled. I had never attempted any metal work before, but with his guidance and knowledge -- I made some wonderful gifts for my parents. The area surrounding the forge is astonishingly beautiful and is decorated with a whole manner of unique and inspiring sculptures and shepherd huts (as well as a tipi). Overall an unmissable and unforgettable experience."

22 Jul 17'

Judy Lambley reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"This is a thoroughly well thought out course which catered for the differing abilities of six people. In a timelessly peaceful setting, you are immediately drawn in to an ancient way of working. Under Andy's expert guidance we were each enabled to complete a chair with individual, distinctive variations in style. The ambiance created by Andy and Jane over six days was brilliant- food and discussions around the kitchen table allowed relaxation from what was for me a challenging yet inspiring course. I am so proud of my chair- many admiring comments from neighbours on my return home!!"

21 Jul 17'

Hilary & Steve reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"We booked a day with Rosanna to celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary which is traditionally named 'leather'. By the end of the day we had made a wonderful set of unique leather gifts for each other which will be a lovely reminder of a brilliant day. Rosanna is a very good teacher and made us feel instantly at home, in fact at lunchtime the whole family made us feel very welcome as we sat and chatted over delicious homemade quiche. We will be showing off our handiwork and recommending this to all our friends. Thank you Rosanna."

21 Jul 17'

Emmajayne Johnston reviewed: CSM - Circular Sock Knitting Machine Course

"I really enjoyed my lesson with Mia. The content was pitched just right for me and being a 1-to-1 lesson We were able to go at my pace. After the lesson, I returned home and I was able to finish assembling my circular sock machine and get it working. Mia's socks, yarn and enthusiasm were really inspiring and I'm well on the road to cranking out some pairs of socks independently."

21 Jul 17'

Rupert Holtby reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"I have always enjoyed working with wood in the outdoors. My Wife kindly booked me on the course as a present. We lead such busy lives that with children it seemed a little extravagant to have a day to myself, but it felt like a week. No distractions, simple tools, natural material, first class instruction and good food. Kris looked after us very well, he is very knowledgeable, a patient teacher with a passion for what he does. All of us stayed beyond the course finish time which was testament to how engrossed we were and how the time passed so quickly. I would recommend the course to anyone regardless of ability, everyone should be able to master this basic life skill that harks back to a more simple way of life."

21 Jul 17'

Christine Townsend reviewed: Introductory soap making workshop

"We had a wonderful morning with Ben and Nicola today learning about and making our own soaps. We started with an introductory slide show explaining the 'science' of the process and quickly started to look at oils and recipes for our personalised creations. Instructions were clear, and support helpful and informative. The whole experience was more simple than we had anticipated and was great fun. We would thoroughly recommend this course to any budding soap makers."

21 Jul 17'

Helen reviewed: 2-day blacksmithing courses

"I brought this course for my sister on the condition that I had to go with her. I was not disappointed! It was the first time that I'd tried anything like this and although I don't think I will ever become an accomplished Blacksmith, I am really pleased with what I managed to achieve over the 2 days (with a lot of help from Aaron). What I was particularly impressed with was the way in which the course was structured as there were lots of demonstrations and things were explained at each step. Aaron was also more than happy to repeat things and because there were only 4 of us, there was plenty of time to provide guidance on a 1-2-1 basis. When I read the description of the course I had been a little concerned that I might end up with a number of things that I would have no use for - I live in a rented flat with no fireplace or garden. However, I came away with a short curtain rail (rather than a poker) and 2 candle sticks as well as the hooks made on the first day. Aaron was more than happy to accommodate my requests, offering suggestions that were within my skill level and used it as an opportunity to show the others a few different techniques. I've been proudly showing off my accomplishments to my friends as I can't quite believe that I made them. A fantastic experience which I would highly recommend. Aaron's skill as a Blacksmith and patience as a teacher mean that you learn a lot over the 2 days and importantly have several completed projects to take how at the end."