Latest reviews

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

"I am not a particularly artist person - I just love to try...under Steve's tutelage, I feel I really have created my own masterpieces which will serve as a reminder of the joy and utter peace a day in his workshop provided me with... I cannot recommend Steve's work and his workshop, highly enough... although I'd quite like to keep him a secret too, so I can easily book on another weekend :-)... he's brilliant, the day was like a week's holiday and Devon is just perfect. Rx"

Sue reviewed: Sculptural willow weaving

"A wonderfully inspiring and thoroughly enjoyable day! We all worked together on a sculpture in the morning which, apart from being good fun, was an excellent way to introduce us to each other and to the different types of willow. In the afternoon we concentrated on personal projects. Stephen was extremely generous, encouraging, patient and helpful. His knowledge is extensive and invaluable. I learnt a tremendous amount and look forward to learning more; in fact, the only problem I can foresee, is that willow weaving could become addictive!"

John Forster reviewed: Introduction to green wood furniture making - two days

"When I had a visit to England approaching I decided to look for a green wood furniture making course. I looked online and found Peter's course of two days as an introduction. I was not disappointed. The course structure was great for me as I had little experience in this craft. Peter was a wonderful tutor and was always on hand for advice. There was never an issue with the tools and I was introduced to new tools and their use. With fine weather on the first day we were able to work outside in a lovely Devon environment in the country. The second day was mostly indoors in a large well equiped workshop. How nice it was to be able to complete the project and have something to take home with me at the end of the course."

Oyinda A reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"I left my details with Allied Welding and they called me back when a date became available. The course was excellent. David was very helpful, informative, and extremely flexible. I felt a lot more comfortable tackling welding jobs by the end of the day. *Review written at the welding facility on 22/09/18, hard copy kept at premises."

Richard C reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"The course is absolutely brilliant and there's nothing that could be improved on. *Review written at the welding facility on 22/09/18, hard copy kept at premises."

Alan S reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"The course content was very good and very full, a lot was covered. David was great help. *Review written at the welding facility on 22/09/18, hard copy kept at premises."

Stephen H reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"A very informative course. *Review written at the welding facility on 22/09/18, hard copy kept at premises."

Katrina Evans reviewed: Needle felted Valentines workshop with 2 Inspire You

"Rachel is a natural teacher who has an eye for guiding people to the best results but without telling them what to do - so you can learn by experience with an expert on hand to give an opinion if asked for. She has a big range of materials to use, and costs are very reasonable too. If you want a creative day with everything on hand and a nice atmosphere and friendly people, I would always recommend Rachel's felting classes."

2 Inspire You responded:

"Thank you so much! Nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing the pride in what everyone achieves. It is very addictive as a craft but so relaxing as well."

Chris Letchford reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"My wife bought the day as a present for last Christmas. Before the day I had done some evenings sessions at a local college so had some of the basics. Alex gave me a lot of tips that I did not get elsewhere and helped me clarify a number of things I was a little uncertain about. He has a really good set up and is very calm and collected and patient as a teacher. A great day which I would recommend to anyone interested in having a go."

Josie reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"Thank you so much to Lucy and my fellow "upcyclers" for a most enjoyable day last week. Lucy provides an idyllic location and set up in her lovely homely kitchen and is full of inspiration and know-how! The day was so relaxed, fitting in cake breaks and a delicious bowl of soup, yet we all achieved such a lot! I wish I could go back every month!"

Beth reviewed: Lampshade making workshop Edinburgh Scotland

"Fantastic workshop. Very relaxed and enjoyable. Ginny is great at explaining the steps and very patient. Help is at hand if needed but it is easier than you might think to create a lampshade even when like myself you don't think you are crafty!"

Little Lamptastic responded:

"Thank you Beth! It was lovely to see you and your shade looked amazing!"

Clare Mellor reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"What a brilliant experience! Ian is so passionate about his work and is a wonderful teacher. He took us through some of this history of wood working before showing us the traditional way to make two beautiful stools. It was hard work but we absolutely love the end product and they are now looking great in our home. We have learnt new skills and have a new found respect for this craft. We would like to thank Ian for a wonderful experience (and for all the cups of coffee) and would highly recommend this course to everyone-thank you!"

Cat Holme reviewed: A relaxing day of clay making

"This is not simply a pottery day. It is a day to shed your everyday stresses and strains and relax with clay. I highly recommend going with some friends and letting the warmth of Trisha's company wrap you up in good conversation and companionship."

Aileen reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Fantastic course. Great instruction, super products to take home with you and even if you are not crafty or artistic, like me, then you will still make lovely things and have a great fun day. Lovely lunch too."

Stephanie Smith reviewed: A lino cut workshop with Linda Farquharson

"I've just completed the 2 day course with Linda, which was a special birthday gift from my brother. It was a wonderful experience - relaxed and yet highly productive. Linda is a great teacher - she shows you a technique but then You practice it on your work .This is in contrast to other courses where tutors actually work on Your pieces! The Studio is amazing as are the lunches / coffee!! I travelled over 200 miles to attend this course - it was worth it. Excellent - thanks Linda, I'll be back!!!"

Caroline & Ian reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"This workshop was absolutely fantastic. We had no previous experience of any sort of pottery and so were a little apprehensive about what to expect. We had both wanted to try to throw pots for some time. Mathew immediately put us at ease. He paid close attention to what we were doing and so could show us when we were doing things right and wrong. We learned a lot of the basics and through the course gained a bit more of a feel for the clay and how to throw different forms. Mathew is a very genuine person and a great teacher. We thoroughly enjoyed the day and would wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone who is interested in gaining a new skill. Thanks so much for an amazing day in so many different ways. It was very relaxing and very informative."

Emma Crarer reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"Was looking for a birthday treat for my friend, who I don't see as often as I should, and suggested a day blacksmithing might be something a bit different. We had a fantastic day, got totally immersed in the activity, and came away with some great memories and a fabulous momento made by our own hands (with a little bit of 'fixing' from David!) The historic setting of the museum was really special, and it was great fun to chat with some of the visitors during the day. David really knows his stuff, and has put a lot of thought into the techniques he tries to teach over the course of the day to give you a really good first taste of blacksmithing. He was very kind and patient with us, and we had some good laughs too."

charlie clarke reviewed: Glass blowing for beginners with Jon Lewis

"I just got back from this course, here are my thoughts: Jon is an extremely patient teacher, as well as a master craftsman, and he showed us how [in a small group setting] and then helped us to make things like christmas tree baubles and a vase. Twenty minutes into the day and you are getting busy with red-hot molten glass - it's a very packed six hours. The location of the course is stunning - this amazing mill which has been converted into an arts complex, by the canal. Jon makes a good lunch of it too - cooking pizzas in the kiln which is pretty special. I was given this course as a birthday present - learning to do glassblowing is something i've always wanted to try - my advice to anyone reading this is DO IT!"

Damienne Clarke reviewed: Jewellery making with silver clay - one day beginners workshop

"I loved everything about this course! Charlotte was a brilliant instructor who took time to ensure I was confident working with the materials and gave me plenty of time to experiment until I had the designs I wanted. The whole process was fascinating and I am delighted with the two pendants I made. They are really beautiful and unique and I wouldn't have dreamed I could have made something as lovely! Being able to take away my jewellery on the day was great too. I'm wearing one of the pendants and my daughter is wearing the other. We both love them. It was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon and I'd recommend Charlotte's workshop to anyone. I will definitely be doing another one soon! Thank you Charlotte :)"

Louise Barker reviewed: Making a stained glass art hanging

"Caryl uses her stained glass work talent and mixes this with her superb teaching skill to provide a wonderful workshop. Her lesson plan is relaxed, yet ensures you have learnt a a large number of skills to be able to produce a finished product at the end of the day. The workshop is a wonderfully creative environment to begin to learn the wonders of glass and appreciate the talents of those who produce copper foiling, leaded stained glass or fused glass. Her enthusiasm is contagious and I left after one day of copper foiling, feeling proud of what I had produced, relaxed and rejuvenated and knowing I want to learn a lot more. I will be booking for another course next year."

Thomas/ Daryl Linwood reviewed: Axe or bladesmithing weekend workshop – 2 days making your choice of a seax, bushcraft, bowie or chef knife

"My Dad and I had an amazing weekend which allowed us to fulfil our Forged in Fire dream. Ali and Matt were amazing hosts very knowledgeable and easy to talk to throughout the course. The lengths which Matt was willing to go to to insure we were happy was amazing and he allowed us to create the knives in our own styles which was shown in the difference between our blades. Looking forwards to forging our axes!!!"

Eldrum and Redwolf responded:

"Thank you so much for such great feedback! Matt thoroughly enjoyed teaching you both, and we are so glad you had such a good time!"

Dave Evers reviewed: Pole Lathe Bowl Turning - Your First Bowl

"This course was held at the Bowl Gathering 2018. A great lesson from Adrian has helped me improve my turning skills and I'm excited to do more now I feel more confident in the process. Very knowledgeable tutor - beautiful setting! Thanks Adrian"

Carol Bader reviewed: Lino Printing Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"Claire is a lovely person with a knowledgeable, gentle and encouraging teaching style. Beautiful location & inspiring workspace with excellent tools to create your own masterpiece (plus great catering with continous tea coffee & drinks available). I am definitely looking forward to attending another workshop. I would highly recommend this workshop to anyone interested in trying a new art form or finding out more about linocut whatever your artistic or creative ability. From simple to incredibly intricate designs, everyone can create a fabulous piece of individual art."

Philippa Snellgrove reviewed: Lino Printing Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"What a totally absorbing and satisfying afternoon! Claire has created a wonderfully calm, creative environment for the lino cutting and printing course, and she walked us through the processes clearly with no pressure at any point. I really appreciated her advice throughout and also the fact that she allowed us to all create our lino blocks and prints 100% ourselves. The variety of end results that the 5 of us on the course created showed how wonderfully individual this is as a craft, and it has certainly inspired me to have a go making more creations at home. I’ll certainly be back for another course with Claire."

Rebecca Heller reviewed: Painting on Glass

"I thoroughly enjoyed David's class. He is knowledgeable, patient, and encouraging. And I was surprised by how much we got accomplished in just a weekend!"