Latest reviews

16 Jul 17'

ashley allen reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"LOVED it - we were so inspired! Alice is super patient, and all her help and instructions were really clear. I was so happy with the result, the looms were beautiful, fabulous location, Alice was so kind sharing loads of hints and tips - and my goodness Macrame is now calling! Thank you! x x"

16 Jul 17'

Dafydd Wyn Evans reviewed: Stone Carving with a Master Mason

"I really enjoyed this course and got a good feeling about what stone masonry was about. I also learned a lot about the history and traditions of the guild."

16 Jul 17'

Martin Corrall reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Really enjoyed my one day course - a great introduction to the ancient craft of blacksmithing. Nigel Barnett is an engaging, patient and skilled teacher as well as a Master of his art. The surrounding wood is a fascinating place bedecked with metal creations and the forge is equipped with multiple forges, anvils, endless tools and some seriously big power hammers. I was completely exhausted but went away very happy at the end of this most enjoyable day. Thank you Nigel."

16 Jul 17'

Gary Smith reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"I had a fantastic day from beginning to end- as a big fan of Forged in Fire I was looking forward to learning the skills of how to make my own knife. The team at the forge - John and Steve especially - were very helpful and willing to pass on their skills. A friendly and welcoming team - I look forward to a return visit. I would highly recommend a visit to the forge if this is something you are thinking about trying."

16 Jul 17'

Kate Gamble reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"Had a fabulous day today. Ricky is very patient and knowledgeable. He explained every process clearly and is an excellent teacher. I had not experienced glassblowing before and was amazed at how the glass behaves and can be worked into wonderful shapes and colours. Looking forward to receiving the finished pieces I made. Highly recommend."

15 Jul 17'

Veronica reviewed: Embroidery for beginners

"Many thanks for a great workshop, so professionally run but more than anything so pleasant and relaxing! Many thanks also for Rosemary's great expertise and for being able to view some of her lovely creative work. What a talent and so diverse. I had a lovely day and I hope to have a follow up session sometime. Regards Veronica"

15 Jul 17'

Abi, David and Peter reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Wow! What an amazing day we had. From the moment we arrived to the minute we left we were looked after. Amazingly skilled guys Adrian and Andy, who introduced us to what we were going to be doing, gave plenty of support during the day and awesome tools and materials to use. There was more than enough challenge to really get your teeth into the art of blacksmithing. There is also the bonus of a home cooked lunch to die for (Debbie - YUM!) - had we not had an afternoon of banging metal to be getting on with I think we'd have all had a full-stomach nap. All in all an amazing experience, met some lovely people and we will be back for more. Go on this course, it is fantastic."

15 Jul 17'

Sarah reviewed: Interior design and decor; evening crash course

"Another fabulous day with Lucy Renshaw. This is the second course I have been on, a great introduction to interior design giving you lots to think about and go away and play with colours and design. We were lucky with the weather again, sunny and warm sat outside for a lot of the day. We did loads of painting, as well as putting ideas together using materials. We are all looking forward to a follow-up day in autumn, many thanks"

15 Jul 17'

Mark Bullivant reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a fantastic day, highly recommended. I'll definately be back. Many Thanks"

15 Jul 17'

Greteli reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"This is a superb course! With a well-equipped workshop in a beautiful setting where the materials are sourced from the surrounding woodland and with knowledgeable tuition from Andy who loves every aspect of green woodworking... nothing could be better! I am immensely proud of my chair and longing to return!"

15 Jul 17'

Alison & Dion reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"Unbelievable experience... We attended the beginners class and we were given a health and safety talk before we jumped into the fun part. As the day progressed Ricky gave us a choice on what we could produce next. We created four different pieces each, using a variety of methods. Ultimately this gave us a wide range of things to take away that we now display proudly in our home. The day was fantastic, Ricky was brilliant at explaining everything but also allowing us to really get stuck in and involved. A very knowledgable and great teacher, Ricky made us both feel very comfortable. We would definitely recommend this to anyone who has an interest in glass blowing because its well worth the money and a great experience!"

15 Jul 17'

Margaret Taylor reviewed: Table Loom Weaving Workshop - Dobby & Rose

"A great introduction to weaving. An interesting explanation to the loom and how it is set up and then you have a go! Rebecca answered my numerous questions very patiently. It was great to try out different patterns and to come away with a piece of woven material that I had done. I'll be back to weave another piece again."

15 Jul 17'

Liz birchall reviewed: Beginner's Ceramics | Tile Making | Short Course

"I loved the tile course and coil pottery deinol is a excellent teacher looking forward to doing alot more"

15 Jul 17'

Keith Needham reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I attended 3 day course with my partner. The course was personalised completely for our requirements - we got exactly what we wanted from the course Colin is undoubtedly a subject matter expert and an excellent tutor and maker of tea! We had a great few days with Colin, learning lots and spending time with a person who clearly loves this creative artform. Go spend some time in beautiful Devon learning and creating beautiful items. Keith."

15 Jul 17'

Sarah Hendrickx reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I have just spent 3 days learning with Colin and have found it a genuinely enjoyable experience. From having no knowledge of woodturning at all, I am now desperate to get my own lathe and start creating! Colin is not only very experienced and knowledgeable about his subject, but also a good teacher. He was patient, interested and constantly on hand to guide with plenty of positive words about every mishap (or 'design opportunity' as he calls them). I would thoroughly recommend working with Colin."

15 Jul 17'

Mary reviewed: 1 day mosaic workshop South Warwickshire

"An excellent workshop day in Anna's purpose built studio. Lots of ideas and materials to choose . Anna was welcoming, friendly and very knowledgable with boundless patience. A lovely rural setting. Very pleased with my finished birdbath and shall return for my next project. Thank you."

14 Jul 17'

Andrew Walker reviewed: Green Woodwork and Pole Lathe day

"I loved everything about this day. Chris guided us through the process with a wonderful teaching style and real enthusiasm for the craft. I was in no doubt that I was learning from a master. The pace of the day was just right with suitable attention to tea breaks. The conversations with Chris and my fellow student throughout the day enhanced the enjoyment of the course. Best of all, the day reawakened the long dormant enjoyment of lathe craft that I first remember in school woodwork class forty years ago."

14 Jul 17'

Tracey c reviewed: Embroidery for beginners

"Basic Embroidery workshop. Thank you very much it was very helpful. Regards Tracey"

14 Jul 17'

Poppy reviewed: Embroidery for beginners

"I really enjoyed the goldwork embroidery workshop with you. It was so nice to learn a new skill, especially one which I hope to use in my A Levels. Thanks for your patience and it was really nice to meet you."

14 Jul 17'

Marilyn Baker reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2-day Course

"As Director of the Braemar Creative Arts Festival I can confirm that every review I have read from the participants of Maggie's festival classes over the last 3 years has been 5 star. Several of the people consequently signed up for more of Maggie's Magic workshops at her studio. We invite her back to our Festival every year as we know her classes will quickly be fully subscribed...she is truly inspirational."

14 Jul 17'

Carol Hutton reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2-day Course

"I have been to a number of sessions in Maggie's studio and also to all three Braemar Creative Arts Festival Mosaic courses which she attends in support of this community based arts venue. What a gem Maggie is - kind, patient, technically spot on, creatively inspiring of others, exuberant in nature, genuinely caring about her students welfare, and completely in awe of our efforts & the results no matter how odd some of mine have turned out to be :D You may enter a complete novice not knowing one end of a tweezer from the end of a glass cutter, or a Leponitt from a Smalti. When you leave with your first pieces completed you will also take along the self-confidence with a range of manual skills & 'tool familiarity' to tackle anything she throws at you at your next session, and you will truly believe in your own abilities. A BIG part of Maggie's ethos is to use discarded bits and pieces from local charity shops, friends cast-off & broken household 'junque', and her very own "Rubbish Fairy" who is part of the grass-roots recycling movement. OldTown Steading's garden is a showcase of mosaic-ed artworks created from literal rubbish and it is incredibly inspiring to view regardless of the season. It is 2 acres and utterly delightful Madness, Mayhem and Magic. Green Recycling box WELL ticked and who would have thought such beauty rise from the ashes of rubbish ??? She has taught me so much technically about mosaic-ing, and even given me the self confidence set up a small studio space of my own in a spare sheddy, but part of the fun and experience is in being with other like-minded people under Maggie's caring and attentive eye. And she puts on a lovely lunch for us too :) Who could ask for more???"

14 Jul 17'

Jane Stewart reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"Brilliant tutor and the course was great fun. Relaxed atmosphere and very thorough information. Very absorbing and satisfying. I would definitely recommend this course."

14 Jul 17'

Julie Whitehorn reviewed: Textured Felt: Cushion Panel, Clutch Bag or Book Jacket

"Having attended a previous course with Emma I was eager to return for more, it's a really enjoyable experience in a lovely peaceful garden studio. The felt book jacket was a great project to design, make and complete (!) within the 1/2 day workshop. Arriving without an idea of what would be involved, with discussion we were straight into planning and choosing different fibres from a wonderful array to create our own unique cover, all under excellent guidance and fuelled with coffee and cookies. Then on to dyeing the pieces after deciding on colours and like alchemy our beautiful creations emerged. There was even time to add stitch and create a lovely co-ordinated book cover tie. I can't wait for the next day!"

14 Jul 17'

Sheila reviewed: Embroidery for beginners

"Wow. The Goldwork course was fantastic. Rosemary made me feel so comfortable and I achieved far more than I expected in the two days. I'm going to book the Stumpwork next."

13 Jul 17'

Jo B reviewed: Felting Workshop - Felt Pot - Stratford upon Avon

"Lesley ran a pot making workshop for a hen party I organised. It was a great session; fun, relaxed and we learnt stuff! I love my pot and have so many ideas of things I want to try!"