Latest reviews

28 Jul 17'

Alison Humphries reviewed: 1 Day Fused Glass for beginners workshop at The Silver Zebra studio Cheshire - Est 2004

"This was a fabulous introduction for a beginner with lots of information about materials and techniques provided. Deborah is encouraging and helpful and the templates and ideas given help you to make the most of the day. I can see why people get addicted to this craft! There is a lovely lunch provided as well as tea and coffee as required. Thanks very much to Deborah at the Silver Zebra for sharing her skills, experience and enthusiasm."

28 Jul 17'

Fraser Petrie reviewed: Timber framing courses

"The week I spent at Hewnwood with Alan and his family was quite simply one the best weeks of my life - and I've had a few good ones...! Alan, Mary, Connor and of course (bow of the head m'lady) Alice, are a lovely family and you feel more like a family friend than a student. The pace & content of the course is relaxed and informal however very 'cleverly' matched to not only the needs of the group but to each and every individual. The many positive reviews so far are testamont to the consistency of Alan & Mary's recipe for a great week. Talking about recipes, as has been mentioned so many times, Mary does an amazing job of creating fantastic food in very challenging circumstances - akin to the royal family dining 5 star whilst on a shoot in the wilderness. The only negative comment would be that my wife was expecting me to be slimmer on my return after a week wild camping in the woods - oh dear.... I will definitely be putting all I learnt to good use and will be returning to show the results to the teacher (and Alice of course x) and hope to meet some or all of the other students who all made the week so enjoyable. If you are able to camp as opposed to going home every night then I would highly recommend that you do as the nights by the fire with music and laughter is not to be missed. Alan, Mary et al... thank you again, it was an absolute pleasure to meet you all x PS. Alan, get on with the cob oven...! PPS. Save a beaver, choose chocolate...!!"

28 Jul 17'

Sue Sawyer reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"What a brilliant day we had, carving a spoon from what started out as a large lump of wood! A really informative and relaxing day with expert tuition from Chris, a kind and patient instructor. A lovely setting in a quiet woodland workshop with only the birdsong for distraction. Also included was a lovely lunch with homemade soup, perfect on a rainy day and a slice of cake during the afternoon break. I would highly recommend this day, all your other cares and worries disappear as you strive to produce a perfect spoon. Well, maybe not prefect when you see the delicate spoons Chris has carved, but perfect to me as my first attempt. Thank you Chris for a great day, and thank you Lainey (I hope the spelling is correct) for a tasty and filling lunch. Best wishes Sue"

27 Jul 17'

Jane Winship reviewed: Machine patchwork courses with Green Man Quilts

"Had a wonderful day with Sheena today. I learnt so much about my machine and how I can get so much more from it. Sheena is an exceptional teacher and makes things so much easier. I've got a lot to practise which I know I will enjoy. This was a real fun day and so enriching. Thank you so much Sheena."

27 Jul 17'

Susan G reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"Fabulous class - our second time as we enjoyed it so much before. Even better this time with brilliant instruction, great company, lovely surroundings and home made food - what more could you ask!"

27 Jul 17'

Tony reviewed: Furniture painting workshops / Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

"I wanted to say a big Thank You to you for a very enjoyable day. I know my wife enjoyed it too and it was relaxing, informative, fun and educational and has inspired both of us to just "have a go". As you know, she is the "crafty" one in our home and it was just great for me to join her for an event, something to do as a couple and definitely something we will both do in the future. We got some paint etc from the Packhouse so we're all set. Thanks for making me so welcome and I'm so glad I came along. Tony"

27 Jul 17'

Mary-Ann Orr reviewed: PickOne weekend weaving course

"I opted to do the two day weaving course with James and it was amazing. James was incredibly well prepared, his support was outstanding and I left with a really good understanding of how the four shaft table loom works together with a stunning piece of woven cloth made from the best quality wools and fibres. I highly recommend this course James is an excellent tutor. Thanks James."

27 Jul 17'

Kate M reviewed: 2 day Traditional Upholstery Intensive Course- London

"Thanks for the help with the chair Sade. Its beautiful. A fantastic two days and I've caught the bug."

27 Jul 17'

Susan Parsons reviewed: Introductory soap making workshop

"Had a wonderful morning with Nic and Ben learning about soap making. They were very interesting, informative, patient and made it fun. The most difficult part was deciding on what type of soap to make but we all came away with very different and beautiful personalised products. Nic also makes fabulous bath truffles and body butters. I thoroughly recommend this course and Boo Cottage Botanicals products. Thank you Nic and Ben x"

27 Jul 17'

Carole reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Absolute beginners, my friend and I shared the Potters Wheel Workshop day. With beautiful surroundings and a relaxed atmosphere, we had the most brilliant time. Matthew is an excellent teacher, very methodical and super patient. We’d both thrown a cylinder by lunchtime and Matthew introduced us to bowl making in the afternoon. We left our best efforts with Matthew for firing later (all included in the price) and took our ‘less than perfect’ attempts home for the approbation of our families. A five star rating is simply not high enough!"

27 Jul 17'

David Norman reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"Did this course with my wife a couple of weeks ago. We both ended up with amazingly good products thanks to Chris's tuition, help and care. The workshop is well equipped with plenty of space for 2-3 people working there and the tuition was exceptionally good. Chris not only explained the intricacies but was patient to the extreme when we got it wrong. A most worthwhile day; we may well go again to develop our, as yet, very limited skills."

27 Jul 17'

David reviewed: Joinery for Furniture Making Evening Class in London

"The course was conducted as 3 hours per session over 8 weeks. Tom is very instructive and knowledgable, applying a hands-on approach to directing the correct techniques and tools for each week's project. The atmosphere is both friendly and relaxed with a maximum of 6 people per course. Tom's knowledge of the different types of wood, their applications, and how to shape, work and construct with them are straightforward and useful. Tom is also very approachable, with answers, guidance and practical demonstrations very forthcoming. There is a certain confidence that all techniques learnt from the course can easily be applied to one's own after-hours projects. I would happily recommend this course to any budding woodworker."

27 Jul 17'

Anon reviewed: Atmospheric Watercolours on Dorset's Coast - 7 night art residential

"I learned and progressed in watercolour with HF."

27 Jul 17'

Anon reviewed: Rambles with a sketchbook in the North York Moors - 4-night drawing holiday

"My first activity holiday with HF. Drawing was something I've wanted to do a short course on for a long time so this suited me perfectly. I knew I'd have a good time doing drawing with HF and indeed I did!"

27 Jul 17'

Anon reviewed: Book Binding at Abingworth - 3 night residential

"The bookbinding course was very very enjoyable. Doug the Tutor was very knowledgeable and able to pass on his knowledge in a manner to suit the needs of each of us (varying ability) and ensure we created work to be proud of. I hope there will be follow on courses in this addictive craft . Thank you Doug for a great course."

27 Jul 17'

Liz Paren reviewed: Art in the Garden Fullers Mill Waterside Gardens Suffolk Drawing and Painting

"A wonderful day in an idyllic location, looking and creating drawings in a variety of ways and materials with encouragement from Lucy and Amanda. Loved it! Thank you"

27 Jul 17'

Anon reviewed: Craft Holiday - Introduction to Papercutting at Abingworth

"I recently did a walking and activity holiday with HF holidays. This was near perfect. I would repeat that."

27 Jul 17'

Anon reviewed: Making Sketchbooks for Textiles - 4 night craft residential - Dolgellau

"I enjoyed my holiday very much and would recommend HF to anyone with an interest in the arts or walking."

27 Jul 17'

Anon reviewed: Rambles with a sketchbook in the North York Moors - 4-night drawing holiday

"Best art experience possible here this week - exceptional! house, garden and area delightful, staff so pleasant and helpful."

27 Jul 17'

Anon reviewed: Walking & Weaving at Selworthy, Exmoor - 3 night residential

"I hope you do more similar breaks with different crafts"

27 Jul 17'

Anon reviewed: Tote Bag Making at Malhamdale - 3 night Craft Holiday

"I had a wonderful time, loved the location, food(!), art -activity, people and our leader, the staff, altogether really excellent, I hope to do more. I am delighted to see that the single supplement has been scrapped, which makes it much more likely that I will be able to do more holidays with you."

27 Jul 17'

Anon reviewed: Experimental Portraits in Malhamdale - 4 night residential

"Enjoyed the art and loved the house and the surrounding countryside"

27 Jul 17'

Anon reviewed: Introduction to watercolours in the South Downs - 3-night holiday

"Abingworth is my favourite house as it's the easiest to get to from London I am now tending to go more I have booked there for two art holidays next year"

27 Jul 17'

David shepherd reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"A great course if you enjoy learning the rudiments of a new hands on skill. It's very practical so you are wielding a hammer within minutes of starting the course. Ambrose goes at a really nice pace allowing you to be as guided or sell sufficient as you please. A top experience."

27 Jul 17'

karyn reviewed: Lampwork Bead Making in the flame. VERY VERY Special Offer for 2 people

"I bought this as a present for my sister and we both had a wonderful time making beautiful beads. I am certainly not a craft person but with Kim's excellent tuition even I made pretty beads! Kim was so calm, fun and patient and it made the whole experience perfect, thank you"