Latest reviews

6 Mar 17'

Gillian Day reviewed: Take raw fleece to finished fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"Just returned home after a very enjoyable two day course learning to spinning. Elaine is a very good teacher and put across her craft in a way that to a novice you can understand. If you wish to learn to spinning I would highly recommend this course. Also great surroundings and delicious lunch"

5 Mar 17'

Connie Sinclair reviewed: Take raw fleece to finished fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"Not long home after a great weekend learning to spin on my own spinning wheel. Elaine is a brilliant teacher and explains every detail of all aspects of spinning from choosing your fleece, preparing it and producing your very first skein of wool, mine is presently hanging up drying after being washed before leaving Eller How this afternoon. Highly recommend the two day course for anyone wanting to learn to spin"

5 Mar 17'

Celia Cartwright reviewed: Take raw fleece to finished fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"I enjoyed a wonderful two days in a delightfully quiet corner of the Lake District, learning so much about spinning and all that spinning entails. Elaine is a superb teacher who knows her craft well and has the ability to share both her enthusiasm and her skills with those like me who knew nothing. I left with the yarn I had created, the rudiments of the craft and a determination to practise, practise, practice. Oh, and the lunch of home made soup was delicious."

5 Mar 17'

Dave Atkins reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Another two day course with Nigel. Another two days of learning, fun + making some wonderful pieces of metalwork. Already thinking of what to make next time. Many thanks."

5 Mar 17'

Suzanne reviewed: Art & Craft Days - Make a Willow Bird House Feeder Table - Two Day Workshop

"Thoroughly enjoyable couple of days."

5 Mar 17'

Alex Roper reviewed: Clay Day Workshop

"Fantastic all day course Great Value Patience teachers Lovely studio space Would go again for more"

5 Mar 17'

Jennie reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"I spent a fantastic day with my Mum, my Sister and her friend, Tricia at Dilys's house yesterday! It was a surprise for my Sister's 30th! From the outset, Dilys made us feel welcome. Her knowledge of enamelling is amazing, her teaching style is educational, fun and also strangely relaxing!! We all left with 3 different pieces of work that we were all immensely proud of! I can see another visit in the not too distant future!!"

5 Mar 17'

Carole H. reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"For this first visit of the new year my aim was to finish off two pieces I’d worked on previously: a silver and bronze cuff, and a pendant in silver and bronze with a gold rivet. I learned how to make a curled bale for the pendant, using Lucy’s intriguing wooden bale-forming machine. Overall, I gained a lot of knowledge and skill with these projects, and feel my creativity has grown with Lucy’s immense help and guidance."

5 Mar 17'

Sharon Thurman reviewed: Introduction to silver jewellery making workshop with Diane Lee

"The Course exceeded my expectations, especially as it was an Introduction to Silver Jewellery. Diane was an amazing tutor and supported the whole group throughout the day. I learnt all the techniques and processes to make my own ring and matching bangle - I love them! Great course, tutor and setting 5*"

5 Mar 17'

Judi Bunn reviewed: Half day leather clutch bag/iPad case

"The second course I have attended with Ms Williams. Really fun, very solid and simple teaching (always important!). Am already booked for two more. These are some of the best courses I have attended over the last 20 years or so."

5 Mar 17'

Rob Hildreth reviewed: Half day leather clutch bag/iPad case

"My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed the leather workshop with Sarah. Sarah and Steve made us both feel very welcome from the moment we arrived. Sarah's knowledge of her craft was impeccable and shared in a really easy to understand format. The venue looked amazing, was clean, light and spacious and had everything we needed. The tools and materials we were using were excellent and kept in great condition which made working with them safer and easier. There was a great selection of leathers to choose from and Sarah explained all the processes in great detail. We were left feeling very enthused and inspired to continue developing our new skills and felt very proud of our progress and final pieces. We couldn't thank Sarah enough for that and we're looking forward to returning for another class in the near future. Highly recommended."

5 Mar 17'

barbara winner reviewed: An Introduction to Stained Glass - 2 day Weekend Workshop

"I spent an amazing weekend with Fi creating a stained glass panel. This was the first time I had attempted anything remotely like this but her patience and way of sharing her skill and knowledge made it possible and I was so pleased with the result. And as promised - it was fun! It has also left me wanting to learn more. Thank you Fi. Barbara March 2017"

5 Mar 17'

kim mason reviewed: Art & Craft Days - Make a Willow Bird House Feeder Table - Two Day Workshop

"Brilliant two day workshop, enjoyed it immensely and the bird feeder looks lovely in the garden. Thank you Deb, Brian and Julie, for both the tuition and amazing food."

5 Mar 17'

Suzanne reviewed: Art & Craft Days - Make a Willow Bird House Feeder Table - Two Day Workshop

"Fabulous way to spend a couple of days so pleased with the end result. Thank you Deb and of course Brian and Julie for the sustenance."

5 Mar 17'

Denise Simpson reviewed: Willow Piglet workshop

"Fantastic day full of excellent tuition and support from Victoria. This was my second time at the Willow Barn. A great start to my birthday weekend. Thank you Victoria for a great day xxx I'll be back"

4 Mar 17'

Jan & Andy reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"I would highly recommend this workshop. I bought the one day leather course for my husband has a present...and today we have just throughly enjoyed the full day inspirational workshop with Rosanna. She is an excellent and personable tutor, with her expert guidance, clear instructions, constant and helpful supervision all at the perfect pace for us both (complete beginners). I was so pleased and impressed to come away with five finished useful products, (my husband completed three) all in our individual item and colour choices. We both found it fun and most informative, Rosanna shared some useful tips, knowledge and information about tools, supplies and suppliers. We are now looking forward to trying some other leather projects at home."

4 Mar 17'

Neil Paulley reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"As a novice to woodturning the course provided me with an excellent introduction, and it was a very worthwhile and enjoyable day. Mark provides a wealth of essential information and is a very patient and encouraging teacher,"

4 Mar 17'

Jane reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"Fantastic course - really can't rate it highly enough. Jason certainly knows his craft and makes the weekend both a great learning experience and lots of fun. I honestly can't believe I made such a beautiful handbag. And the quality of the leather is second to none. More courses please!"

4 Mar 17'

Kim reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Excellent day from start to finish in a beautiful home and tasty home made lunch. Learnt so much that I came away and immediately brought some supplies so I can start a new hobby. Thank you so much Jo, I will be back! Xx"

4 Mar 17'

Jayne Rogers reviewed: Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop.

"Had an amazing time at Lyn's encaustic wax workshop on Monday. It was a fun day, lots of laughs, lovely home cooked food and a great bright studio. Lyn is really patient so a very relaxed environment in which to learn. Thanks Lyn"

4 Mar 17'

Helen Merron reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"Had a lovely day celebrating my 60th birthday. Although I have done many arts and crafts this was my first attempt at enameling and it was so good I can honestly say it wont be my last. (Sorry Dilys we will be back)!!! Concentration is needed but both my daughter and I came out feeling so relaxed completely de-stressed. If thinking about enameling - just do it, what ever your age or ability you will be warmly welcomed and leave feeling like an artist. Just be warned - Dilys's home is amazing, both she and her husband have fantastic artistic talents, I have my eye on a water colour for my next birthday present. Thank you for making us feel so welcome. Helen"

4 Mar 17'

Natalie reviewed: Ceramic Studio Experience - Sunday Clay Day - Full Day Tutor Interactive Workshop

"Gerry and Sue are brilliant. The taster really gives you a great idea of what you can do with clay and I have since become a regular visitor to the studio working on my own projects."

4 Mar 17'

michael messenger reviewed: Advanced Raku Ceramics Masterclass

"Catherine Lucktaylor gives a very informative and friendly course on Raku making and firing. She is a good instructor with a great knowledge of the subject and is able to make us feel both competant and creative. Catherine is a welcoming and a warm person to work with. Highly recommended."

4 Mar 17'

Andrew reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"I attended the fundamental course , part one at the end of February for two days and thoroughly enjoyed my time at Aidan's workshop. He is a very skilful and patient tutor explaining all aspects of what is involved in the weekend project and giving very good practical demonstrations . I shall definitely be returning for more courses as soon as possible and I would recommend Aidan and his training course to anyone . I had very limited carpentry, furniture making knowledge before going on this course but never felt out of my depth in his workshop at all ."

4 Mar 17'

Margaret Jackson reviewed: Curtain making

"I booked this course for my daughter and myself and it was great. I have sewn before but my daughter is a complete novice but we both finished the day with a completed made to measure lined curtain with a weighted hem and pleated top. Despite us having differing levels of ability the course satisfied both our needs. I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to make curtains. Thank you Denise for this great course and for welcoming us into your lovely home. I'm looking forward to seeing you soon when you show me how to make a roman blind !!"