Latest reviews

12 May 16'

jessica benstead reviewed: Amazing encaustic art day course

"Spent the day with Phil, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, I've never done anything like this before and he was really encouraging and explained things well. He has a great sense of humour and in a really lovely village. I was amazed how many techniques and styles can come out of an iron and wax and I am really impressed with everything I created, I loved that if you did something wrong you could start again so easily or go over it and do something else. He let me be creative we went down the route of things I liked the look of and he showed me some fantastic techniques to try another time. Would highly recommend as something fun to do, I didn't get messy and I didn't burn myself! I will be back for more without a doubt!"

11 May 16'

Helen Barker reviewed: Needle felting course with FURZIE at Trumpet Corner Tea Rooms, Ledbury, Herefordshire

"I really enjoyed my day. Michelle was an excellent teacher and created a very relaxed atmosphere. It is great to be able to complete (nearly) a whole project in a day and have something worthwhile to take home. I would thoroughly recommend the course."

11 May 16'

Kate White reviewed: Willow Piglet workshop

"Great day, clear instruction and encouragement and we all went home with recognisable piglets! One improvement would be a bit of pre course information such as saying that the venue might be on the cooler side (as it needs to be to work with the willow etc), so bring a few extra layers."

11 May 16'

Rosie Adams reviewed: Needle Felting - Half Day - Feather Felts

"A very well prepared and presented day course which I really enjoyed. I managed to complete two very different pictures and tried out different skills. Finished the day with very positive feelings and intend to attend another session. I have no hesitation in recommending this course to others."

11 May 16'

Ruth Ara reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"Taking this course we had a thoroughly lovely, relaxing but productive day. Sophie was very knowledgeable, helpful and kind so all course members finished the day with an animal to be proud of! If you are interested in craft I would definitely recommend this course. I would love to do it again!!"

11 May 16'

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

"I thought the actual course was excellent, I really enjoyed the instruction from Lynn, the way she ran it and the flexibility she provided in terms of design. I would have rated it excellent but unfortunately when I went to collect my items, they weren't all ready (the fixings hadn't been attached and they didn't have the supplies to do them then). They very kindly said they would post them to me but I still haven't received anything since the course."

11 May 16'

anita and william roberts reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"My son and I had a wonderful day with Nigel at the Forge, including two nights in the shepherds huts on what proved to be a snowy spring weekend. As a girl raised in the sexist days of the 50's and 60's I had no experience at all of metalwork and was a little nervous of what to expect. Nigel was interesting and knowledgable, willing to stand back or step in as needed. Having expected that we would observe much and participate a little we were thrilled to discover that once Nigel had demonstrated a technique we were able to practise skills with a considerable level of independence and to produce objects of our own. We came away very aware of the level of skill Nigel has in producing beautiful ironwork and with our own less than perfect, but proudly produced, pokers, shovels, metal leaves and a small dish. Nigel's flute playing was relaxing and fun and he made four children very welcome to watch and listen for part of the day. This day was a Christmas gift that was greatly appreciated - an all-round good experience."

11 May 16'

Jennifer reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"I booked on to the one-day course and made a fabulous notebook holder. Jason was so knowledgeable and gave us lots of his tips and tricks to enable everyone in the group to take these away and practise at home. I've now bought the tools to make up my own leather tool kit. Everyone in the group had an amazing day.....Lunch at the café was delicious and the endless cups of tea and coffee were fantastic......just what we all needed as we didn't stop nattering! I'd highly recommend this course to anyone. A huge thank you Jason and Louise for a truly enjoyable day."

11 May 16'

Anon reviewed: Breadmaking

"Very hands on. Well explained. Lovely ingredients. Excellent course tutor."

11 May 16'

Anon reviewed: Breadmaking

"Working with an enthusiastic teacher with like minded people."

11 May 16'

Anon reviewed: Breadmaking

"Best bit was learning how to make a variety of breads (and of course eating them)."

11 May 16'

Anon reviewed: Breadmaking

"All good. Atmosphere, good teaching, interactive aspect, a v. enjoyable day."

11 May 16'

Marilyn reviewed: Green Man Ceramic wall sculpture

"What a lovely day! Once we'd managed to find Linda's house ( tricky even with sat nav!), we were given a warm welcome and an opportunity to look at her amazing art creations! The room we worked in had good light and Linda had everything well organised. She's a brilliant teacher, giving us clear step by step instructions and lots of positive feedback. We were all really pleased with what we were able to achieve under her guidance, and can't wait to see our green men again, after glazing. Thank you Linda. Marilyn, Lynne and Rowena"

10 May 16'

Will Birrell reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"Highly recommended!! I have just spent a most enjoyable, informative and satisfying day attending the 1 day beginners pole lathe course. Simon is an extreemly knowledgeable and engaging tutor whose patience and concise direction allowed the day to fly by. The day was also complimented by good tea ,anecdotes and Simons enthusiasm for his craft and the surrounding countryside. With Simons guidance I produced a dibber and some hazel flowers ( after a number of hazel weeds!!!!!) but I was really chuffed to produce a captured ring - great feeling of satisfaction. The day was filled not only with practical tuition on the lathe but great information on health and safety, tools, timber and finishing. All said and done a great day - but don't take my word go and find out for yourselves - you won't regret it."

10 May 16'

Jeanne Adams reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"A great day, very intensive but very rewarding. I'd love to do it again!"

10 May 16'

Darren Heron reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Very friendly and fun day. Help was there when needed without feeling like your hand was being held constantly. I'd recommend it to anyone if they have ever fancied having a go."

10 May 16'

Matt & Jess reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"What a day! Originally bought as a Christmas present for Matt, I soon decided I couldn't pass up the opportunity to have a go, and with Trudi's excellent planning, I was able join just days before the course. I'm so glad I did, and we thoroughly enjoyed! Aaron's knowledge, skills and friendly nature made him the perfect tutor - always on hand if help was needed, but also gave us space to just have a play! I would highly recommend the course - once my family saw the beautiful pieces we'd made, they now can't wait to have a go!"

10 May 16'

John Benson reviewed: Woodturning courses ( beginners and intermediates) in Hampshire, Wiltshire & Dorset

"Recently starting out woodturning I wanted to get some instruction to put me on the right path for what to buy and how to use turning tools, sitting behind a desk for my job have little such knowledge. Andy gave me an excellent days tuition, calm, friendly and very knowledgeable and I was made to feel at ease straight away. His workshop is located in wonderful surroundings and his very well equipped to say the least and we during coffee looking across the beautiful countryside that made the day even more pleasurable. I learnt a great deal and far more than I thought I would need from safety, wood, tools, how to use them and what to buy. I came away with my first turned item/bowl ever and am very excited to get going with my turning and what to buy. Thanks for a great day Andy,I will be back again."

10 May 16'

Andrew Browne reviewed: Wood turning courses in Dorset

"I have recently attended a texturing and design day with Mark because for years I have admired his work, not just with his fantastic turning, but also with his techniques for embellishing his 'works of art' with different textures, colours and materials - his finished items are always impressive. Like me, his inspiration seems to come from nature with the occasional oriental slant! Mark is an excellent tutor, always explaining in the simplest of terms the correct processes to use and breaking them down into simple stages to follow to achieve the highest quality of finish. I learnt a lot in a day and feel that I can now take my turning to another level. I already have a good knowledge of turning, but would like to sometimes add 'a little something else' to the item, and it is always good to have someone else handy to 'bounce' some of my ideas off! Thanks Mark"

9 May 16'

Carolyn reviewed: Silver jewellery Pendant making workshop

"An excellent course and well run by Sarah. Four hours of her tuition and great company made this course good value. I learned a lot and I am so pleased with the silver pendant that I made. Give it a try!"

9 May 16'

Keith Knight reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"This was my second visit to the forge, as I had such a great day out the first time. I had a candle stick project in mind which Alex said was achievable in the one day. We did a lot of forging but the best bit was fire welding which I had always seen done but did not know how the process worked. I was a bit nervous but Alex is a good and patient teacher, and he was happy to answer all my questions, I had a really good and interesting day. I would highly recommend his one day course."

9 May 16'

Emily reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"I loved making boots at Greenshoes! It was a great weekend with super friendly and helpful people who guided us through all of the techniques with plenty of tea breaks. I made long pull-on boots which I've been wearing non-stop ever since. It's such a great feeling to be able to say 'thanks, I made them!' when people compliment you on your shoes! I'm hoping to go back and make some summer shoes for when it gets too hot to keep wearing my boots"

9 May 16'

Chris reviewed: Soy Wax Candle Making Workshop

"Absolutely fantastic! Lovely teacher. Learnt a lot and look forward to putting it all in to practice."

9 May 16'

Sidali (from Algeria) reviewed: The Natural Skin Care Workshop

"I did enjoy the course and all my questions were answered with full details."

8 May 16'

Jane Hatfield reviewed: Upholstery weekly classes

"I loved doing this upholstery course at Badger Upholstery and am now the proud owner of a sumptuous footstool which I love and is admired by everyone who comes to my house. The course took place in the centre of colourful, creative Montpelier and was really easy to find. The studio was well equipped, peaceful, bright and sunny - perfect for learning new skills in a relaxed environment. The teacher, Karen, created a lovely atmosphere for the class - welcoming, warm and friendly at the same time as being productive and focused. Her teaching style was just what I needed - supportive, positive, encouraging and very patient. As students, we all came with varying levels of experience, skills and confidence and Karen was able to adjust her teaching to meet all of our needs - in fact, we all worked on different pieces of furniture and were all thrilled with the results. She also looked after us very well, offering teas, coffees and delicious home made cookies and cakes. I feel like the course equipped me with a huge range of new skills and I would definitely highly recommend this course."