Latest reviews

16 Oct 17'

Edna reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Who would have thought that 50 years after being taught geometry at school I would find a use for it. Today with Lucy I learned that making fine jewellery is a lot more complex than just learning the practical skills such as filing and soldering. Once again my ability has been stretched and I loved every minute although I told Lucy it was torture. Gently Lucy has again allowed me to evaluate my project and it has changed again. No longer including enamelling but I believe it will look all the more fantastic"

16 Oct 17'

Stuart Hillston reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"I enjoyed a lovely day in the countryside with Dave in the mindful pursuit of spoon carving. We were blessed with wonderful weather, which meant plenty of outdoor time until the sun got too hot, as Dave very patiently, and safely, taught us the basics of making a butter spreader in the morning and a spoon in the afternoon, all from a "lump" of wood. I was happy to go slowly, being respectful of the tools and enjoying time with the other class members. The combination of warm sunny weather, and the peace and quiet was very conducive to productive creativity, and we moved under shelter to stay cool in the afternoon - had it rained we would have been under this cover from the start. I recommend you take this course as a way to experience making something by hand under the guidance of a skilled teacher."

16 Oct 17'

Pete Scotcher reviewed: Introduction to green wood craft - a two day course

"I havd a great few days on the introduction to woodworking course. Dave Jackson gave us every opportunity to learn by doing. The group was able to spend time in the woods learning about tree species and coppicing. I was delighted with the stool I made and had a chance to learn about sharpening my tools. I came away inspired, and believing that I can make things out of wood and deepened my love of being in woodland. Thanks to Dave and the team!"

16 Oct 17'

Denise Langham reviewed: Macrame - Beaded Bracelet

"I had a lovely time making my bracelet. The class was well taught - it was so nice having such a patient teacher who explained things clearly. The other ladies doing the course were friendly as well so it made it more fun. Thank you."

16 Oct 17'

Sue Jones reviewed: 10 week silver jewellery course

"I started with a beginners silversmithing course nearly 2 years ago and I am hooked. Lucy is a brilliant tutor. Calm, patient and with meticulous attention to detail. Her workshop/studio is light and airy and very well equipped. I cannot recommend Lucy and her courses highly enough."

16 Oct 17'

Paul reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"So much fun!!! They're great guys there and you will get dirty! Haha, also the pub they take you to does lovely food!"

16 Oct 17'

Colin Wilson reviewed: Stained glass for beginners | Lead lights

"Myself and my partner both had a wonderful time attending David's "Stained Glass For Beginners" course. He is a great teacher with plenty of knowledge to share and much patience as he guided us through the basics of working with glass. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking to explore the world of stained glass."

16 Oct 17'

Rachel Farmer reviewed: Stained glass for beginners | Lead lights

"This was an excellent course, a fun and different way to spend the weekend. David was a great teacher, he was very patient, very informative and he kept it a lot of fun. We both came away very happy with our stained glass panels and have been feeling inspired to make some more. I would definitely recommend this course."

16 Oct 17'

Susie D. reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"The venue was comfortable and welcoming. Plenty of tea and coffee and biscuits and a very good canteen a few doors away. Alice was a 100% available during the day. She took us through how to prepare the small looms for weaving, attaching various threads, weaving, finishing off and how to make a tassell finish. There was a good variety of wools, fabric, ribbons. Her own work on the walls gave inspiration. She was patient and offered ideas with colours and texture and wools. I did not finish my work and bought the loom it was on to finish at home. I felt the loom was a bit expensive given I was attending a workshop...maybe a small discount? A few written notes and photo of loom, how to start would have helped as I tend to forget things (am a senior?) and am a visual learner .Also maybe Alice could have a few simple booklets/books to sell. Overall it was an excellent day and I would recommend the workshop to anyone either just to try out or to start on the weaving journey. I am hooked? ! thank-you Alice."

16 Oct 17'

Stephanie reviewed: Beginner’s Soapmaking Workshop in Salisbury

"I had a lovely time on the soap making workshop!. Found it very easy to understand and would be confident to try making soap at home! Catherine is a great teacher and would highly recommend going to one of her workshops !"

16 Oct 17'

Maija Pykett reviewed: 10 week silver jewellery course

"I am on my second 10-week progression course with Lucy and I love it! She has lots great tools in her studio and each student has their own bench space. Lucy works at the pace of each student, so there are times when we are all working on something different. It means you learn from what other people are doing too which is great. I have also recently completed one of Lucy's one-day course in Flush Setting. It was quite fiddly, but great fun. If you have never had a go at making jewellery, Lucy is the perfect teacher. Just be warned it's slightly addictive!"

16 Oct 17'

Chris Stoves reviewed: 10 week silver jewellery course

"This is my fourth year learning from Lucy. Her courses are thorough, build on skills learned and she makes learning fun in a bright, light, well equipped studio. She is patient and knowledgable and her gentle yet firm approach always ensures the learner feels encouraged and achieves their best results. I can't praise these courses highly enough!"

16 Oct 17'

Julia and Lando reviewed: Woodturning workshops - one day

"Thank you very much indeed for a great day of introduction to wood turning last week. We enjoyed it hugely and are very proud of the things we brought home! You were tirelessly patient and thank you for all the hard work you put in on our behalf."

16 Oct 17'

Dennis Heyderman reviewed: Glass Enamelling on Copper for Jewellery - kiln enamelling

"A well structured day with an excellent teacher and not a minute wasted. A chance to compare two common table top kilns, learn the health and safety aspects and study the behaviour of opaque enamels when fired. Eleanor said 'Everyone has to start somewhere'. This is the place to start."

16 Oct 17'

Heidi Bawden reviewed: The Annie Sloan complete chair makeover Workshop at La Di Da Interiors

"I am so, so glad that I went to the chair workshop! It's something that I have always wanted to learn more about - and was not disappointed. Steph was brilliant with explaining each step of the process and was so patient and positive at guiding each one of us. Her enthusiasm and passion for what she does was a joy to be around! The little touches of the cakes and plenty of tea and coffee was very much appreciated, and the lunch was also a huge hit... especially from working up such an appetite. I will definitely be join another workshop and have quite a few friends and family members who now also want to join me after seeing what can be created! Overall a fabulous way to do something a little different, learn some new skills from a brilliant teacher and be in great company!"

16 Oct 17'

Gabriela Cartwright reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"What a happy, informative, friendly atmosphere. Dave Cockcroft is a master craftsman and has an exceptional talent for sharing his skill."

16 Oct 17'

Parshang reviewed: Fabulous fused glass jewellery for beginners

"Excellent course. Fabulous teacher. Throughly enjoyed the course. Highly recommend it."

15 Oct 17'

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

"Really enjoyed this course. I found Jason enthusiastic & encouraging. It is a great studio with a very friendly & relaxed atmosphere. I'm now inspired to have a go at home, even after just one day! I've been looking to do a leather course for a while - glad I choose this one"

15 Oct 17'

Lorain love reviewed: Sterling silver beginners pendant making jewellery course

"We booked this course as a birthday treat for my sister-in-law. There were 5 of us in total with varying degrees of craft ability and Sarah was fantastic, spent time with us all guiding us through intricate processes. Sarah and her family went out of their way to make us feel welcome and ensure the day was special. We were all so pleased with the end results which gave us all a unique piece of jewellery to treasure and remember the day by. I would definitely recommend it."

15 Oct 17'

linda oliver reviewed: Painting & Sailing ART retreat holiday in Greece for beginners and improvers inc flights & 7 nights B&B ATOL protected

"A wonderful holiday. Vicki and Beth are a great team, teaching and organising. They took us to some fabulous villages and found some very inspirational scenes to paint, and some great evening entertainment. The holiday was very good value and we enjoyed every aspect of it. We're both still painting! We would absolutely recommend this holiday 100% Linda and Howard Oliver"

15 Oct 17'

Elaine reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Great weekend. Sebastian was really helpful and helped me create something I was really pleased with. Beautiful surroundings, plenty of tools and lots of tea!"

15 Oct 17'

Tammy M reviewed: Curtain making

"Superb day, fantastic outcome. Very highly recommended."

15 Oct 17'

Rowena reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"I took a chair with an upholstered back and seat, so was pushing the envelope in terms of scope for a weekend. I had loads of contact with Jo beforehand regarding what I could expect to achieve and also about a broken spring that needed replacing. The studio is in the centre of town which means there is loads of choice for lunch, you get a one hour break, which you need. The course is brilliant. There were 6 people on the October weekend and we were doing 5 different types of chairs between us. 3 of us were using traditional techniques and 3 more modern using foam etc. Jo is a really good teacher and only explained each step as we came up to it. When necessary she gave a time limit for a particular task, which was brilliant when I started getting tempted to "faff" too much. Jo kept everyone busy and I believe everyone achieved what they wanted. I was really impressed with what I got done and thoroughly enjoyed myself as well. It is hard work and more physical than I'd appreciated but that only serves to enhance the sense of achievement once you get your work home. I would thoroughly recommend this course."

15 Oct 17'

Michelle Webb reviewed: Glass Enamelling on Copper for Jewellery - kiln enamelling

"Learnt loads of new skills. Eleanor gave very clear instruction right from the beginning. New information was drip fed throughout the day at just the right level; with plenty of opportunity to recap when needed. She managed to achieve and excellent level of supervision whilst also letting up work on our own and at out own speed. Plentiful cups of tea and some very calm rescues when things went a limitless wrong. A perfect environment for first time enamellers"

15 Oct 17'

Christine Mitchell reviewed: Silver clay beginners course - Lori Ridgway

"Really enjoyable course . Lori was a lovely friendly teacher who took us through each step at a comfortable pace. Made some fantastic pieces. Definitely made we want to do more! Lovely flap jack too!"