Latest reviews

21 May 16'

Mia Hopkins reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"I have just attended a two day basket weaving course, taught by Phil Bradley at Broadrakes, and cannot praise it enough. Broadrakes has lovely new rooms with ample space for our group - a light, beautiful, clean and comfortable area. Our hostess Rachel Benson provided us with delicious lunch, tea breaks with home baked treats, and was friendly and helpful. Phil's teaching was fantastic, we all returned home with a basket, and enough knowledge to make others, and he interspersed his teaching with anecdotes and funny stories from the world of willow. I would not hesitate to attend another course at Broadrakes, or indeed one taught by Phil. Top Marks all around."

21 May 16'

Andrew Currie reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"Absolutely loved it. Great informal atmosphere and made to feel totally at ease. The tutors were extremely knowledgeable and answered all the questions thrown at them. I learnt a lot of how it should be done and also the things Not to do. The whole day was very informative and I would definitely recommend this course for anyone wanting to learn about Candle making"

21 May 16'

Bernie reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"Great course, very relaxed and friendly. I highly recommend it! Lou is very patient and a great pottery teacher."

20 May 16'

Sue Andrews reviewed: Glass Fusing and Slumping for Beginners and Improvers

"Thank you both for a fantastic day, I didn't know what to expect except that I'm not very arty so thought I'd not achieve very much. You put us all at ease right from the start, the instruction was easy to follow and the day was well organised but also made flexible to suit us. I came home feeling very pleased with myself. The lunch was delightful. I will be recommending this to friends."

20 May 16'

Paul Bailey reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"I attended Peter's "Green Woodworking" course in May with all my family and other friends and had a fantastic time. I have done a fair amount of wood and metal work, but wanted to learn about some of the more traditional methods of shaping wood. It was very refreshing to create interesting objects without having to be too accurate about it (except the joints). Peter was very easy going and was receptive to all the questions directed at him. I came away enthused to do more green woodwork projects. We will always remember the weekend as a highlight of our year."

20 May 16'

Caroline Hartley reviewed: Circular sock knitting machine 'Sock School'

"Anne's obvious love of her circular sock knitting machines is infectious. She has taught for many years and this showed in her great patience and calm manner. From course admin, to fresh coffee, homemade biscuits and a delicious lunch as well as retrieving our dropped stitches, Anne took it in her stride. In addition to the powerpoint slides, we were given detailed notes with pictures to illustrate the position of needles and wool for the tricky parts. We learnt how to rib, produce a heel and toe and to invisibly sew up our socks. The result was no ordinary pair of tubular socks but a pair of lovely warm, matching, fitted socks in my colour choice and shoe size."

19 May 16'

Maureen Davey reviewed: Willow Deer Workshop at Skelton Grange with Phil Bradley

"I have recently completed my second course of willow weaving at Skelton Grange with the wonderful Phil Bradley. I now am the proud owner of both a willow deer and a hare. Phil is very patient and this is a very relaxing day and I can't believe I came away with two lovely pieces of work after never doing anything remotely like this before ! Makes a change from usual craft courses and we have booked to return in September to make a sheep - have a go you will not regret it!"

19 May 16'

Dez Rolfe reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"May 2016 The day long, personal course with Mark was a well targeted birthday present. I have not done any turning since leaving school and had been thinking about setting up my own work shop. I did not know what equipment and tools I needed and needed some impartial advice. Mark had talked through what I hoped to get out of the day a few days before. After an introduction and then some practice using basic techniques, I was let loose on a lovely timber to do some real turning. As I worked, Mark kept a close eye on me, offering help when I needed it and letting me get on when I was confident. All the time Mark kept checking what I wanted from the day and refining ideas, so he could recommend the best tools to suit my plans for setting up a workshop at home. He was very patient, helpful and an excellent tutor. Overall a very good, useful and enjoyable day."

19 May 16'

Neil Greenland reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"Brilliant course, both informative and highly enjoyable. Peter and Marv's patient and friendly approach was spot on and the whole setting made it a memorable experience. Great fun but also extremely useful , introducing us to the wonderful world of froes, travishers, and spokeshaves!!"

19 May 16'

Gordon Bragg reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Having been unable to spend much time on woodturning for some years now, I decided a 'refresher' was needed to correct my bad habits, get back up to speed and improve my confidence level. I found Mark through this site and previously posted comments indicated that he was worth talking to. From our first conversation it was clear that his ability to operate at any level of competency was just what I needed. He quickly assessed my ability and tailored the day to fit, without any obvious time constraints. While obviously at the top of the woodworking community his ability to communicate and demonstrate at my lowly level is excellent, and his patience admirable!! I had a thoroughly enjoyable and informative day, backed up with written notes to refresh memories of the extensive detail provided non stop throughout. I am sure that time spent with Mark would be beneficial to anyone interested in woodturning."

18 May 16'

Helen Lucas reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"Had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon with Sally Anne, making a willow light (to learn the basic techniques) and then a garden arbour, which I shall proudly place on my allotment to support my runner beans! We learned about the different types of willow and worked with two of these during the session. Sally Anne took us through everything at just the right pace, in a friendly and relaxed way, and we were really pleased with what we achieved. Will definitely be booking onto some of her other courses in the future!"

18 May 16'

Katie M reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Elaine was patient and a wonderful hostess. She welcomed us in to her home and was a delight to spend the day with! Having a small class meant we were able to have one-to-one help when we had problems. In just one day the group went from having little to no experience to walking out the door with a skein of yarn we spun ourselves! Elaine also went over the basics of what to look for when buying a fleece and how to prepare it. A great day!"

18 May 16'

Michael Dane reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"A great introductory course to blacksmithing. Bob the instructor made the day pleasant and instructive with a good atmosphere and plenty of tea! I came home with an aching arm, a bottle opener, a coat hook and a poker. Thanks Bob for a great day."

18 May 16'

Margaret McInall reviewed: Annie Sloan - introductory painting techniques

"A very enjoyable few hours learning what could be done with this paint - came away with a head full of ideas and some supplies to tackle a few items at home. Good tuition and help. Would attend on another course."

18 May 16'

Jim Farrell reviewed: Timber framing courses

"Only sorry I did not sign up for the 2nd week. What a great course in a relaxed environment with an international team of participants, from South Africa to Chicago. To top it all Mary's food was amazing and just what was needed to keep us all going. Will sign up again for the next course when it is running again."

18 May 16'

Maxine reviewed: One day silver pendant and earring workshop

"What a brilliant day. Loved meeting Jolene and thrilled with what I made under her expert eye. Great relaxed atmosphere and we all left with a fabulous unique set of jewellery - really good value for money. The studio is a treasure trove of eclectic items - exactly what a jewellery studio should be - full of interest and inspiration. I really want to do it again .....thank you Jolene - highly recommended."

18 May 16'

Alex Steer reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had a great day making a ram's head poker - fantastic introduction to an age-old skill and a chance to try a number of different techniques. Alex was a great tutor and very patient - the process is broken down into a series of manageable stages, and whilst there is a lot to take in, I never once felt overwhelmed - he managed to pitch it to just the right level. Would definitely recommend!"

17 May 16'

Helen Carrington reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"I have been attending pottery classes at Poppy Rose nearly every week for over a year .I originally only signed up for a 4 week course!!!Lou is an excellent teacher, very helpful and patient.I've learnt tons of new pottery skills! I'd advise everyone to come along and try it !! You'll be hooked :)"

17 May 16'

Rebecca reviewed: One day silver pendant and earring workshop

"Fantastic day at the pendant and earring workshop!!- I love what i made and bearing in mind it's solid silver, I think the whole day was excellent value for money. Jolene was absolutely great- she explained the techniques for us, helped us think of ideas and then supported us for the day as we turned our paper ideas into Jewellery. We learned how to saw the silver into shape, file and smooth, hammer and texture, curve and bend everything into shape then solder. All three of us made very professional looking items that we will wear. The workshop space is lovely and we're already planning to go back!!."

17 May 16'

Matt reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"What a fantastic course! I arrived as a novice with a limited idea of how to do much with wood. The challenge of making a box over a weekend seemed a little daunting, especially when offered the choice of what sort of box to make while looking at a range of Mark's work. Mark is an excellent teacher, and quickly helped me gain confidence as I learnt a whole range of new skills. His experience both as a craftsman and teacher shine through with great tips and support all given in a really relaxed style. The course is held in Mark's very well equipped workshop which is in a beautiful setting just a few minutes walk from the Rheged centre. By the end of the course I was amazed at how much we had covered and even more amazed at the box I had made."

17 May 16'

Kara Lewis reviewed: Pembrokeshire Maddie Janes Mosaic

"Really enjoyed this workshop, nothing was too much trouble for the tutor. Really helpful, yet allowed you the scope to do what you want. Suitable for all. X"

17 May 16'

Valerie Roles reviewed: Beginners Fused Glass Workshop - Light Catchers and Jewellery Making - at MADE IN HERTS STUDIOS

"Last Saturday I did the silver ring making day with Melinder Both my niece Alison and myself thoroughly enjoyed our time Along with 4 other ladies. It was a brilliant workshop."

17 May 16'

Sarah Murray reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"I originally signed up for a 4 week class last June but I am still going nearly a year later, which tells you how great this course is. I have made so many amazing things that I would never have thought I could do - vases, decorations, tea light holders, little pots made on the wheel to name just a few - as Lou is so patient and helpful. I can't recommend this enough :-)"

17 May 16'

Ann McGrogan reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"Have been attending one of these classes since last year . Classes are small and very friendly so there is plenty of time for tutor to help with projects. Lou (tutor) creates a relaxed atmosphere and brings a lot of knowledge & experience."

17 May 16'

Joe Mcgrogan reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"This is a fun and relaxed class where you are only limited by your imagination. Tutor is helpful and knowledgeable in all aspects of ceramics"