Latest reviews

Paul Atkins reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"I received this as a gift and wasn't sure what to expect. Well I got a warm welcome at the door and that was how the day continued. The whole day was very relaxed. Each stage was clearly explained and Graham & his son were always on hand to offer guidance and help. They did not take over at any stage if things went wrong but patiently talked you through how to correct the problem. There was enough equipment at every stage so that you did not have to wait around. As you progressed throughout the day you went at your own speed. Nobody felt left behind or forgotten. The atmosphere was friendly and the group were all chatting within a short space of time. I came away with a knife that far exceeded my expectations, it is used regularly in the kitchen and I am proud to say I made it. If this is your "thing" I would definitely recommend it. If you are looking for something different to try I would definitely recommend it. Give it a go, its great value for money, good fun and very enjoyable. P.S It's not just for the men, ladies give it a go, patience is required rather than strength!!"

Michael Thomson reviewed: Make your very own Tote bag

"A fantastic course, well worthwhile. We learnt a great deal about the different types of leather, techniques, tools, suppliers, and it was a brilliant introduction to the subject. I came away with a very swish tote bag, which no doubt I'll make extensive use of for years to come. Definitely motivated to do more in the future. All in all, highly recommended."

Elena Cardoso reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"What a wonderful craft course!!! Love it all, the learning and the fun making the lovely soap. Thank you Paula I'm looking forward using my own homemade soap now. Highly recommend this course and your skin will thank you."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you very much, such a pleassure having you in the course."

Sue Cartwright reviewed: Personalised creative photography tuition

"I thoroughly enjoyed my lesson with David recently. Having just bought a new digital camera, I wanted to understand how to use it properly and was quite delighted to learn much more than the numerous settings on the camera. David explained very clearly the basic principles of photography so that I could better understand the workings of the camera, and I would highly recommend his tuition (or courses) to anyone looking for a thorough and interesting introduction to things like aperture, shutter settings, ISO, white balance, focus, ISO quality, and much more."

Jo Evans reviewed: Enamelling - Flowers and Hearts

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day enamelling with Rachel. We were made so welcome and the cabin we worked in had a lovely outlook over the garden and woodlands. I ended up making a few pendants and a pair of earrings over the day to take home with me. There was a wonderful selection of copper blanks and enamel colours (plus bits and bobs to add texture /detail) so you could let your creativity run wild! I was really pleased with how some of my pieces turned out and I have definitely got the enamelling bug now! Would highly recommend this course!"

2 Inspire You responded:

"Hi Jo, Many thanks for the lovely review. I am glad you had such a good day and I apologise that I gave you the bug. I hope the earrings look great now you have finished them and hope to see you back soon. The deck area is now finished so even more space to sit and enjoy the garden. Rach"

Vicki Ward reviewed: Pottery throwing course, Aylesbury

"Very good course - loved it"

Gemma reviewed: Do It Yourself DIY for Beginners Workshop at Trill Farm

"The course was very hands on, and we were able to have multiple attempts at each thing. The lunch was amazing, and Ruth was exceptionally patient and explained everything in detail. I would 100% recommend this course. It was brilliant, and Robin and Ruth were fantastic."

Mary reviewed: Willow Plant Supports for Gardener's

"Well paced. Clear instruction. Food lovely and tasty. Friendly learning environment. Thoroughly enjoyable - looking forward to making more at home."

Jane reviewed: Willow Plant Supports for Gardener's

"It was an extremely enjoyable day, and Richard was so helpful to each of us when we needed it. The lunch, course, location and overall feeling of being extremely welcome at Trill Farm made this a very memorable day."

Cecile Allen reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"Lynn's workshop was such a blast! Really worth investing in the day. Resources were well prepared and the instructions incredibly clear. The raw materials were plentiful and I was able to make my own choices, and Lynn was there to teach and guide on how they could/should be used. Making two books meant I could keep one and give one away as a handmade gift. All in all a perfect day. Thank you. Ps. The cherry cake is superb!"

Anna-Lisa reviewed: Blacksmithing course with Longdog Smithy

"I bought this one-day course for my partner's birthday present, but we both had a fantastic time learning the basics of blacksmithing from Tom. He patiently guided us through various techniques and how to use different tools and we both came away having made something we were proud of - my partner made a chisel and I made a dinner bell/triangle. Tom is a knowledgable and fascinating teacher with a passion for history, and looked after us throughout the day with plenty of tea and biscuits and a hearty lunch. I'd definitely recommend this course for anyone interested in learning this traditional skill - it's excellent value for money."

Dawn Mander reviewed: Gemstone Stacking Rings: Silver Jewellery Making

"Really enjoyed this workshop and love my handmade rings! Nina is so friendly and helpful and really put us all at ease. Overall it was a fab way to spend an afternoon and well worth the money. Will definitely be joining for the next level workshop. Thank you Nina!"

Iasthai Original responded:

"Thank you so much Dawn, it was wonderful to meet you and your rings are beautiful! Well done and see you soon x"

Pascale reviewed: Pottery throwing course, Aylesbury

"This is a fantastic course and a wonderful day learning how to throws pots on the wheel. Charlie is an excellent tutor, really clear instruction, and a friendly and encouraging approach. He really made the day a pleasure, and made time to help each of us individually through the day. I would wholeheartedly recommend the course and will be looking for follow up workshops so we can carry on learning. Thanks! Pascale and David"

Celia reviewed: Introduction to Bees and Beekeeping

"What a lovely way to spend a morning in such a picturesque setting, learning so much about the fascinating lives of bees and the art of beekeeping from Elisabeth and Ken, who are not only very knowledgeable about their subject, but are also able to convey their enthusiasm for caring for these precious insects. Plus homemade cake, good quality coffee, a delicious lunch with a choice of wines in a relaxed atmosphere with a bunch of friendly people - highly recommended!"

Alan Benson reviewed: Weekly precious jewellery / Silversmithing classes

"Would highly recommend going here either to learn basics or to further existing skills. I have been going here for many years now. Jesa, Al and Heidi are excellent teachers as well as very skilled jewellery designers and makers. I often feel I am “punching above my weight” in terms of what I want to make but am always encouraged to do exactly that - a mark of good teaching - the coffee’s not bad, either."

helen howell reviewed: 2 Day Silver Jewellery Making Course - Ely

"Excellent weekend 2 day course. I learnt so much in a very comfortable environment. Jonathan was a brilliant teacher and his partner were both excellent hosts in every way. Can't believe that I made 3 pieces of jewellery ! Looking at dates for the next two day course on gem settings for this year."

Anne-Marie Acaster reviewed: Colourful stained glass panel making course

"We had a fantastic day at Jo's studio. She was an excellent teacher - explaining everything fully and carefully. There were plenty of designs to choose from and so much variety and colours of glass. We felt very proud and had such a sense of achievement by the end of the day with our panels. We all said we'd definitely like to have another day. Thank you Jo, would highly recommend!"

Jo Snowdon Stained Glass responded:

"Thank you Anne-Marie, I'm really glad you enjoyed your day and were all so pleased with the stained glass panels you made! You're very welcome to come back any time :-) Best wishes, Jo"

Katalin Halasz reviewed: Enamelling - Flowers and Hearts

"We had such a great day. We have managed to learn about the basics of enamelling . Rachel is such a patient teacher who helped us all the way through until we finished our pieces. We can't wait to come back to further deepen our knowledge and technique in enamelling."

2 Inspire You responded:

"Many thanks to you all. It was lovely to see your family relax and enjoy yourself! The apple was truly fabulous and the pieces you all made had such wonderful colours. We look forward to seeing you again soon. The deck is now finished and a lovely place to sit and enjoy the garden. Hopefully the weather will be better too. Rach"

Aileen Paterson reviewed: DUPLICATE Silver clay ring making

"Thoroughly enjoyable day. Great tuition in lovely and relaxing surroundings."

Dema reviewed: Potter's wheel pottery - half day course Siramik

"I did the half-day course with my family (including partner, and an 18 and 16 year old) in the Easter holidays, and had a great experience. Yoka is a super teacher, full of interesting facts and stories about pottery: she took the time to explain the history and pros and cons of different types of clay etc at the beginning of the class, and divulged a few secrets of the pottery industry. After that, we took to our wheels and were soon churning out pots to be proud of. The atmosphere at the Siramik studio is very relaxed and we even had coffee and chocolate cake at break time! The morning was over all too quickly. All four of us highly recommend it!"

Cathy Steed reviewed: Castles!- full day sculpture workshop using Pal Tiya

"Amazing day. Bob and Joe were excellent teachers and so supportive. Nothing was ever too much trouble. I had high expectations and they surpassed them. I can’t wait to go again."

Maude Humphris reviewed: A relaxing day of clay making

"I absolutely loved the course: it was an experience rather than just a Workshop! A peaceful and gorgeous location, great company from the Trisha and the other attendees, amazing food and calm, considered, expert tuition. It was such a treat for me, more than I was expecting and I left feeling relaxed and also really proud of my little pots and bowls. Can’t wait for glazing day. Thanks Trisha."

Vanessa Williams reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"I have just had an amazing day woodcarving under Nigel’s patient guidance. I was a complete novice but Nigel put me at ease straight away. The day was overcast and cold so with mugs of tea we entered the workshop and were met with the lovely smell of wood, Nigel’s carvings plus the log burner warming the space. I wanted to make a bowl in an acorn shape. As I began to chisel (actually gauge- I now know what a chisel and gauge do :-) I was completely hooked! It was so interesting to try out the different tools suggested for different effects- the v shaped gauge was my friend and saviour! When we stopped for a delicious lunch, for the first time ever on a course I was itching to get back to my acorn! Time flew and tea and cakes were regularly supplied. Would love to go again and now want my own set of tools. My girls and partner loved my acorn. Highly recommend to anyone wanting to try woodcarving. You’ll have a lovely day."

Lisa Potter reviewed: Watercolour painting day - Floral & botanical - with artist Laura Andrew

"We had a wonderful day, made very welcome and put at our ease. Laura is an accomplished artist and teaches from her experience. We had a class in watercolours and painted an iris, however, there were lots of flowers to choose from. We had a thoroughly enjoyable day which passed very quickly. Will definitely be going back for another class. Lunch was very yummy, sandwiches and scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam. Laura has given me the confidence to believe that I can do this and for that I can say a big thank you."

Andrew reviewed: Contemporary stool making weekend course

"This was a brilliant experience, and Ambrose & Aidan the perfect tutors and guides through two days of growing familiar with the material, tools and techniques. Every detail of the workshop felt carefully considered and well prepared, and fun. And you get to make something of value, and something of yourself, that didn't exist before. Very highly recommended."