Latest reviews

17 Oct 16'

Two day willow work reviewed: Basket Making – two day course

"This is an absolutely brilliant course. It's the second one I've done and had the same tutor. She is patient, clear, organised and very very good. Highly recommend this course and have already planned to do another."

17 Oct 16'

Pippa & Arron reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"We had a fantastic day! everything we wanted from a blacksmithing experience and more Thanks to Adrian, Debbie and Andy. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic day of traditional craftwork with a unique piece for your home at the end of it- you will not be disappointed!"

17 Oct 16'

Nick Healey reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"A relaxed atmosphere. Just 2 students to one instructor so you had plenty of help / attention. The day passed very quickly."

17 Oct 16'

Jo Taylor reviewed: One-to-one mount cutting for your next exhibition

"The Introduction to Mount Cutting course offered a very well balanced mix of tuition and hands on practical experience. Lynne explained the principles and best practice of how to present your work, gave clear step by step instructions (including useful handouts to take home!), and helpful demonstrations of how to measure, mark up and cut your mounts. We had each brought our own projects to the workshop, and the small group size meant that Lynne was able to give everybody plenty of individual attention and advice. By the end of the day I had cut several very professional-looking mounts, and would now feel confident to achieve this on my own. All in all an excellent course, and a very enjoyable and useful day."

17 Oct 16'

Andrea reviewed: Monthly fused glass club

"Really lovely way to spend a Friday afternoon. Elisa is very supportive and has lots of ideas. The class is a great opportunity to learn about cutting and shaping glass. Fab cups of tea and homemade cake too!"

17 Oct 16'

Gillian King reviewed: Monthly fused glass club

"The coasters l made are the envy of my friends. I have to ensure that l count them before they leave. Everything l have made has been a joy and Elisa steers us through any tricky bits. Waiting for the results is so exciting. I am glad that l found this heavenly craft, and look forward to each session with glee."

17 Oct 16'

Karen Thompson reviewed: Monthly fused glass club

"A lovely way to spend a relaxed afternoon working with bits of coloured glass and, amazingly, Eliza takes it away and firing the glass turns your crafted item into something very pretty."

17 Oct 16'

Andy reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"Thanks for an amazing two days, really pleased with the skills learnt due to the great tuition received from Jason. The workshop is a really nice environment. The bag looks great new, but also looking forward to it ageing with me!"

17 Oct 16'

Verna Brodie reviewed: Making large traditional Floor Rag Rugs with Emma Tennant: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Hi Annie Once again a really lovely day at your lovely home. You are so welcoming and I will be back again, I actively lok for what I can fit in next. Emma was a fabulous instructor and I feel well eqipped to make a rug from start to finish (which hopefully will be a thing of beauty-but no matter, I will still be immensely proud of it!) With kind regards Verna"

17 Oct 16'

J Harrison reviewed: Metal clay beads

"I enjoyed this silver clay course, which included all the materials and taught me skills that enabled me to make several pieces of jewellery that I am very pleased with."

17 Oct 16'

Clare McLoughlin reviewed: Enamelling on Copper for Jewellery (vitreous glass kiln enamelling)

"This was a fantastic and informative course led by Eleanor who covered the basics in a short amount of time from preparing the copper to Hand S with enamels and kiln and techniques which can be applied. Throughout the day Eleanor gave hints and tips on the successes and mistakes(turned into interesting things) which will help when she is not there e.g firing times/what to look for/ enamel properties etc... There was a fantastic display of completed enameling which you could draw design inspiration from and inquire as to how they were completed. This was a highly creative day however I would agree that no previous experience would be required and no drawing skills needed. I would definitely go again. Many thanks to Eleanor for an inspiring day."

17 Oct 16'

Ewa w reviewed: Enamelling on Copper for Jewellery (vitreous glass kiln enamelling)

"Eleanor was incredibly informative, helpful and very lovely company . She most certainly went the extra mile to help each student individually and I absolutely loved my experience of her class ."

16 Oct 16'

Robbie Swales reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"I have attended two sessions with Sowmya. An individual class and a group class. Both were very enjoyable, I learned a lot and they gave me added inspiration to continue with my crochet. My individual class enabled me to ask specific questions about types of crochet stiches and patterns, which Sowmya patiently demonstrated and explained. At the group class Sowmya showed us how to make a star and a snowflake. Both of which we can hang from the Christmas Tree! Fantastic. Well done Sowmya and many thanks. What a great teacher. Robbie"

16 Oct 16'

Angela reviewed: Friday mosaic making

"I had such a great time at the mosaic workshop. It was so nice to have a few hours just for myself and to get creative. I never take time out of my day to do a craft activity but coming on the workshop has inspired me to do it more often. Was really nice to meet new people and chat about a whole host of things whilst also learning about mosaic. I've never done anything like this before but will definitely be doing more. It was great value for money too and Audrey was a great tutor, thank you!"

16 Oct 16'

hannah kozich reviewed: Make a needle-felt Herdwick doorstop - a Quirky Workshop nr Ullswater & The Lake District

"An excellent course that was a lot of fun, as well as packing a lot into the day to make a great Herdie doorstop. As ever the setting of the Quirky Workshops at the Cycle Cafe was welcoming, with a delicious lunch."

16 Oct 16'

Rosy Hopkins reviewed: Two Day Stained Glass Course with Christian Ryan

"Just finished the 2 day weekend course and now ready for some quiet reflective time. Christian is amazing and so keen to pass on the skills needed to produce quality handiwork. Two full days have passed in a flash - there is so much to take in and actually do - you are shown each step in full then left to put this into action. Christian is constantly monitoring your progress and always available when you have questions or problems. The days are paced so you never feel pressured but move along at a cracking pace. I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in making their own stained glass ornaments."

16 Oct 16'

David Barrott reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A fantastic day excellent tuition and food. I would highly recommend this poker course, thanks Adrian Debbie and Andy we will see you again"

16 Oct 16'

Morag Ross reviewed: Friday mosaic making

"This workshop is 2 hours of creativity and de-stressing. The class is very relaxed, fun and friendly. Audrey is very organised, knowledgeable and has a good range of ideas and tiles to choose from. Audrey is happy to answer any questions you have and give support and help if needed. I am absolutely amazed and delighted with what I have managed to create, so much so that I have already booked for the next three workshops."

16 Oct 16'

Rod Knight reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"As an engineer I have always wanted to learn how to turn in wood. I heard about Andy from a friend and decided to book a day for a beginners course in wood turning. Wow! What a day I had with This skilled guy, Andy Browne, his turning ability was second to none with a professional workshop. He soon got me up and running to turn my own bowl. The day was fantastic I learnt so much in such a short time. I didn't want the day to end. I shall be booking a second day with Andy to take my skill to another level. Thank you Andy for a brilliant and informative day. I would recommend Andy to anyone who is thinking of learning wood turning. Rod Knight"

16 Oct 16'

Angie Stevens reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Wow what a fantastic day and a brilliant and fulfilling course. Never thought for one minute I'd actually walk away with a recognisable spoon made by my own fair hands. Couldn't recommend this course highly enough. Set in beautiful tranquil surroundings such a satisfying way to spend a Saturday. Chris is a great teacher and very patient and giving with an endless stream of encouragement and passion for his crafts. Also to be congratulated is Chris's mum who lays on wonderful supply of tea, cake and exquisite lunch of homemade soup with a secret ingredient! We didn't want to leave and will certainly be back for more."

16 Oct 16'

Rita Dent reviewed: One-to-one mount cutting for your next exhibition

"Lynne's Introduction to Mount Cutting course was probably the best one day course I have been on. Lynne made each step in the process very clear and easy to follow, and by the end of the day I had cut several mounts which were ready for immediate use. She made the measuring and marking up - the tricky part of the process - extremely straight forward and I went away able to make my own mounts at home with confidence. Lynne's demonstrations of how to sketch a plan, how to use the mount to frame creatively and how to use the cutting tools were excellent, as was her individual teaching to each member of the group. Since I was also taught how to make a backing for the mount and how to position and secure the artwork ready for framing, I left feeling that I had achieved a great deal in a few hours."

15 Oct 16'

Brian B reviewed: Artisan bread making day: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"I had been meaning to visit this place for a long time but the catalyst to actually do so was being given a voucher for one of the courses that are run here. The bread making course was what I chose although I do bake my own bread and have attended other courses. It was a day well spent! Very well planned and organised by the tutor, Gill. I learnt a lot as well as having a great day! In the joining instructions I was advised to make sure I had plenty room in my freezer for what I would take home. I thought I had plenty room but just managed to squeeze everything in! (That is not counting what I have kept out to use immediately!). The lunch was great as well!"

15 Oct 16'

Robert R reviewed: Artisan bread making day: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Just attended the Bread Making day and came back with a bag laden with fresh baked hand made bread of all shapes and sizes. If you want to learn something new in a friendly atmosphere, with great food and in a wonderful location, look no further."

15 Oct 16'

Charles S reviewed: Traditional English Longbow making outdoor course - a 2-day 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"I attended this course making a longbow from a 7 foot stave of ash over two days. The refreshments provided were all delicious. From freshly baked biscuits and coffee on arrival to homemade soups, bread and butter pudding, crumbles, scones and cakes the food was lovely. The regular cyclists popping in on their coast to coast route were all warmly welcomed and left refreshed. A lovely venue with great food and fun craft courses. Perfect."

15 Oct 16'

Claire M reviewed: Discovering Watercolours - all abilities: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"I attended the August Watercolour Workshop and was inspired. Margaret is a magnificent coach, imparting tips and techniques with patience and humour. I have been painting ever since. Fellow students were great company and the food was fantastic home cooking."