Latest reviews

Sarah reviewed: One day beginners painting course with Sue O'Mara Art - all materials provided

"My girlfriends created a bucket list for me and one of the things to do was a life drawing class. Having never done any drawing before I signed up for a day session with sue. Well what can I say from the initial conversation and emails we exchanged sue put me at ease. The woodland studio is a tranquil and enhancing environment. Sue is so easy going and informative. Her life model, also sue was a very brave and inspirational lady also. Arrived without a clue, left feeling inspired to do more. Can't recommend more highly. Thanks sue xx"

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Thank you for the kind words Sarah. You were a fabulous addition to the class, funny and good company, plus you did so well with your drawings. Lets not forget the valuable input you had to in being a life model for the rest of the class in the afternoon. Bucket list item - check! Look forward to seeing you again some time. Best wishes, Sue :) x"

Debbie Potter reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"I've had a fabulous day learning skills that I can practise and develop further. It is such a lovely atmosphere, Julie is so full of ideas. Next I need to do a hand embroidery course."

Tricia Henderson reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Thank you for such a stimulating, productive and enjoyable workshop. I feel as if I've learnt so much about how to tackle a textile project and it is great to be on a course where we actually complete the project. Thank you Julie for your patience and excellent teaching as well as your hospitality."

Kim McQueen reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"A very enjoyable day during which I learnt many new techniques. Julie is an excellent teacher who explains and helps understanding in everything she is teaching. Will come again and recommend to others. Beautiful surroundings."

Denise Armon-Jones reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"Spent a wonderful day with Jonny and Becky in their lovely workshop. It was informative, challenging and hard work and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Hopefully it won’t be too long before I attempt another course!"

Basket Making Malvern responded:

"Brilliant. We would love to have you back Denise Thank you Jonny"

Ruth reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I absolutely loved the stone carving course and would recommend it to anyone. Sebastian gave us just the right amount of advice and guidance and we were able to get on with it try for ourselves right from the start- I’d never done anything like it before and was delighted by what I managed to achieve. The course is located in a lovely setting and Sebastian is a really nice guy. The whole weekend was very relaxing and I felt really exhilarated by the end!"

Neryne Marx reviewed: One day beginners painting course with Sue O'Mara Art - all materials provided

"My husband surprised me with a one on one oil painting class with Sue. It was amazing, and I enjoyed it tremendously. Sue made me feel at ease, it was a very relaxed and comfortable setting. I have learned so much in the 6 hour course. Sue is a gifted teacher and very patient. I was treated with a lovely lunch outside in the countryside setting. I will definitely be back again for more classes, I am very interested in a jewellery making class. Thank you again, Sue"

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Hi Neryne, it was lovely to have you at the Studio and I am so glad you had a good time. We were lucky with the weather too! I will email you re some dates for the jewellery making classes. With best wishes, Sue"

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

"Really interesting and informative course for a beginner delivered in a very relaxed environment. Excellent introduction to fundamental techniques. Whether you are just a curious beginner or thinking about a longer term commitment, I can't think of a better way to start."

Paul reviewed: Spoon carving course (1 day)

"We decided to try this course to celebrate our 5th 'Wooden' anniversary and we were both so glad that we did. The course was set in the middle of a charming woodland, miles away from any hustle and bustle and the entire day was both relaxing and cathartic. David was incredibly friendly, informative and, most importantly, very patient with the five of us partaking in the activity and the six and a half hours flew by. What I really appreciated was that David didn't patronise us, despite his own obvious skill, and we felt supported throughout. Having lunch provided was an extra treat and hot drinks on tap kept my wife particularly happy. We were delighted with the outcome of our work and enjoyed so much that we've just bought our own set of tools to practise more at home. Overall, a fantastic experience."

The Coppice Plot responded:

"Hi Paul, Thank you very much for your review. Delighted you enjoyed the course and even more so that you have got your own tools and plan to keep on carving. David"

Beth Cheetham reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"I would thoroughly recommend this course. Matt led us through the various techniques and then helped us to achieve individual pieces to take home at the end of the day. The work space is large, bright and airy and lends itself to social distancing. That, along with the other measures Matt has put in place meant that it felt very comfortable. A totally mindful and enjoyable day and I have already booked again!"

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

"Great weekend. I learnt so much over the weekend, all within a relaxed supportive and environment. The project allowed me to focus my skills and gradually enhance over the weekend. I would definitely recommend to anyone who wants level up from YouTube videos."

Carole Constable reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"I had a most enjoyable day and, by the end, felt I had received a good grounding in the basic techniques of using the woodworking tools. Andy was a very clear and patient tutor, and was happy to demonstrate repeatedly those techniques which any of us had not grasped immediately. I look forward to coming on another course in the future."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you, Carole, for posting that kind review, and we're pleased that you enjoyed your course. We look forward to welcoming you back at Sallerton Wood for another course sometime in the future."

Nick Allen reviewed: Introduction to Blacksmithing in North York Moors National Park

"I had such a fantastic day, and such an experience. David is incredibly knowledgable and his teaching is second to none - I walked away with some lovely pieces of work that I will be proud to have on display in my home! As an absolute beginner I was amazed at how David was able to help me start working with the anvil and forge within half an hour of walking through the the door. Can’t recommend enough."

David Stephenson Artist Blacksmith responded:

"Nick, I'm really glad you enjoyed your day. Thank you for your kind comments. I hope you both enjoyed the rest of your stay. Regards David"

Belinda reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"What a treat during these dull and sometimes depressing Covid times. To go to a beautiful spot in the countryside and make a fantastic basket with good company in a covid safe space was a real joy. Jonny is a great teacher and the materials we used were really high quality which meant I ended up with a much better quality basket than I was expecting on a first go! I thoroughly recommend the course and would love to go again - you can never have enough baskets!"

Basket Making Malvern responded:

"Thank you Belinda. It was a pleasure to meet you and spend the day weaving."

Mel Sims reviewed: Stained glass taster day in Worcestershire

"Did a day’s course in stained glass and I loved it, even got to go home with an impressive panel to show the family. Vicky and Vic are great teachers, explaining all the theory to a complete novice in a non patronising way and making the whole day great fun. In the morning we chose a pattern and then selected glass from a massive choice, learnt how to cut the glass and then I was away cutting the shapes I needed. A lovely lunch was provided in Vicky’s fascinating garden and after it was time to lead and solder the pieces of glass together. Vic is an expert at stained glass and was full of help, advice and encouragement. It was a really lovely day which I will repeat again. Thank you guys!"

Kingcot Gallery responded:

"Hi Mel Aww shucks, I'm blushing! Thank you for this and glad you enjoyed the day. As I said at the time we nearly always learn from the students as well, in your case it got us thinking of using clear glass a bit more - certainly for borders."

Jan Milz reviewed: Crosscut saw sharpening (online)

"Gavin is an excellent and passionate teacher who really knows what he is talking about. Under his practical guidance, I was able to set & sharpen my blunt saw within a few hours. Besides that, I gained a lot of new knowledge about wood & tools. It was absolutely practical to take the course online, connecting one workshop to another via video."

ShedTherapy responded:

"I am delighted to have hit the mark ☺!"

Sue reviewed: Stone carving - Carve a garden planter or bird bath in Bath stone – a two day creative stone carving workshop with Zoe Singleton

"Thanks for a great weekend Zoe. We are very pleased that we did this course. Your patience, positivity and encouragement were outstanding and a big part of our overall experience. We loved looking at your beautiful pieces as we worked at our rocks - becoming more and more impressed by them. I would happily recommend this course to others."

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

"Hi Annie and Tony I Just wanted to say thanks again for an excellent 2 days making the longbows, I really enjoyed it and thought the tutoring and organisation of the event was first class, as was the food... complements to the chef. Fantastic job, especially coping with the weather and the last minute move indoors, and what a great group of students ... everyone seemed to greatly enjoy the whole experience. Meant to say the camping facilities at Gillhead Farm were great, so thanks for the contact info."

Jennifer Hudson reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"An extremely worthwhile and enjoyable one-day course, working at your own pace. Having dabbled in ‘up-cycling’ either out of necessity or hobby from a DIY perspective, French polishing is the one area that has always eluded me. Ollie comprehensively but gently guided us through a step by step process from stripping, standing and repairing to get the piece properly prepared, very important as this stage was for that all-important French polishing. The whole process, and learning how to apply the French polish was extremely rewarding and the end result is now something I can confidently use on my own projects. I would thoroughly recommend Ollie and this course to anyone. My only suggestion is, don’t be too ambitious and take along something small that you can complete in a day."

Tom reviewed: 2 Day forged chef's knife course.

"Incredibly fun, insightful and detailed presentation. Steve is a career metal worker with true passion for the craft of bladesmithing. Be fussy, ask questions, or just chill and enjoy the ride. Either way, you'll end up with the knife of your dreams. Day 1 metal. Day 2 wood. In between go out for a beer, food and stay local, plenty of choice. Rugged beauty. Cheers mate. Tom & Graeme"

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi Tom Thank you for this great review. It's always hard to gauge how people view their day and what they're able to make while I'm demonstrating/helping them in the shop, but I think you put it rather succinctly. I'm very glad that you both enjoyed your two days with me so much. ATB Steve"

Jane Smith reviewed: Art classes for adults at Ushaw College. 7 Week Course

"I started this course in January 2020 and cannot recommend it highly enough. It is run in a very friendly and efficient manner by Michael and Jayne is an excellent art tutor. We had the opportunity to learn and try out different mediums in the classes and were given guidance and encouragement throughout the course. Unfortunately due to Covid19 we did not complete the last 2wks but, having said that, during lockdown, Michael and Jayne quickly set up weekly art projects for the students to follow, even providing online tutorials. I cannot thank them both enough for all the support they have provided over the past few months, providing a lifeline for many in these very difficult times"

Colour Wheel County durham LTD responded:

"Thanks Jane"

Jenny reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"I had a great day attending this course, Kerry is very knowledgable and a great teacher. I have learnt so much and now feel confident starting my own candle making business. The handout is a great tool to refer back to and I love that I can email Kerry for further support. I highly recommend this course"

Ann Marie Scarfe reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"What a fabulous day, Andy was brilliant and Martine's food was amazing. Learning to make our own bowl was the best thing I’ve done in a long time. The surroundings were beautiful and we felt very welcomed, nothing was too much trouble, resulting in an educational experience. Our beautiful bowls are now on show to impress our family & friends. Thank you Andy"

Claire Hawker reviewed: Mandala hand lino print workshop

"Thank you Diana for making us feel so welcome and for a completely lovely morning learning to do something new .... We were all really quite proud of what we made ! Hope to see you again when we're next in Pembrokeshire."

Heddfan From Narberth responded:

"It was an absolute pleasure working with you all. You all did very well..... perfect students. I hope you come and do something with me next time you are here. Enjoy the rest of your holiday. Thank you."

Joanne reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"My son and I attended the course as complete beginners. Sebastian was great, provided lots of guidance and encouragement. The weekend was really relaxed and suitable for all ages. We both had a fantastic time and we are so pleased with our stonecarvings and what we managed to achieve. I would strongly recommend this course, my son wants to do it again already!"