Latest reviews

21 May 17'

Dave Lee reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a great day! Coffee and home made biscuits to get you going, followed by a great day learning new skills. When it went wrong, Adrian and Andy soon sorted my mistakes! Put a great lunch between the morning and afternoon sessions, with a pair of excellent tutors in blacksmithing, and it doesn't get better. Will definitely go back for more!"

21 May 17'

Noelle reviewed: Beginners patchwork with Calicoclair

"I'd not sewn more than a button for 25 years and I'd never used a sewing machine. Clair took us through the processes step by step and at our own pace. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and found it incredibly relaxing after a busy day. The cakes and company were also fabulous!"

21 May 17'

Simon Klood reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

"I had no experience in Leatherwork but it was a skill I've always wanted to learn and had a project in mind. I had a fantastically enjoyable day. Nigel told me my proposed project was a bit ambitious, but under his expert 1:1 tuition, we designed and made a leatherman and fire starter belt sheath that far exceeded my wildest expectations. I could not stop grinning for the next two days! Nigel works with you, but makes sure that it is you who does the hands-on work. This is the only way to learn. With follow up advise, I feel totally confident to go on my own. I cannot recommend Nigel's course enough. Simon"

21 May 17'

Sara Javid reviewed: Basic to advanced knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"I really enjoyed the two hour course, Ann was so patient with me. The time flew by I wish there were weekly classes I could attend. The tea room was a delight! Really recommend the course!"

21 May 17'

Janet Pearce reviewed: Feltmaking OOH the choices!

"I attended a course on wet felting with my sister. We are both new to felting but with expert instruction from Barbara we both came away with amazing felted pictures. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in creating unique felt art in a friendly environment with an expert tutor."

21 May 17'

Patrick Morgan reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Course - one day

"Well taught, excellent course, from which I learnt a lot."

21 May 17'

Rosemary Sheen reviewed: Lampshade Making Workshop with Clare Cosens

"My friend and I spent a lovely afternoon with Clare on the Drum Lampshade making workshop. Clare is an experienced teacher and took the time to explain everything clearly. Whilst not taking over, our teacher encouraged us every step of the way , which ensured that we learned the skill for ourselves. We were thrilled with the result! On our return home , my friend had What zapped me a photo of her lampshade in situ in her bedroom before i had even had chance to unpack my bags !! needless to say we were thrilled with the whole experience and would highly recommend a workshops with this excellent teacher ( NB : Clare is also a fantastic designer too, and has created some gorgeous fabrics, which you can see in her workshop)"

21 May 17'

Carol Rowatt reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"Great day, very friendly, fun and informative and there was cake, what more could you ask for"

21 May 17'

Sam Thompson reviewed: One day glass blowing course -creating sculptural glass

"Absolutely amazing day, Jake's relaxed teaching style really enabled us to explore what we could do. Mum and I were bought the course as our birthday and Christmas presents, only have one other person on the course means lot of individual time with Jake. Both Jake and Jo were so friendly and welcoming, we had a fabulous time. The pieces we made were stunning, and we can't wait to come again. 110% recommended for a brilliant experience day."

20 May 17'

Shane Murphy reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Thanks Nigel best course I've ever been on great tutor see you soon"

20 May 17'

Carole Bates reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"As a Christmas present treat, we took a session with Ali, ages from 8 to retired, we had a lovely afternoon, and came away with not only a gift but with the resolve to try again. Ali's instruction was clear, including the health and safety element, and she made herself available all afternoon to answer questions and give guidance, all participants we engaged and entertained, I have to say that the projects have all found their own place in our respective homes, and are used. The children were amazed at what they had been able to achieve. On the whole I would recommend anyone who is thinking about this taster to give it a go, you will not be disappointed."

20 May 17'

Paul Brown reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What an unusual and brilliant day! Led by people that are clearly passionate about what they do, and keen to share their experience in a supportive manner without being overbearing. Great day Ten out of ten - would hammer again"

20 May 17'

Alison Richardson reviewed: Glass Fusing Workshop

"I arranged for 10 members of my family to attend a morning workshop at Ania's Original as part of my 30th Birthday. A few members of my family (the guys mainly) were a little unsure what to expect but Annie welcomed us in, walked us through all the options available and presented great examples for ideas. Within an hour my dad was cutting interlocking circles to create a logo for his cider business and my husband was making a beautiful seascape. Nothing was ever any trouble, even if some of the ideas were a bit different and Annie offered support and advice all the way through. Not to mention the lovely cakes, punch and tea/coffee available. Everyone created fantastic and very different pieces and I think secretly the guys enjoyed it even more than we did! I know that the pieces are already proudly on display. The workshop was fun and enjoyable and you should definitely give it a go, you won't be disappointed. We certainly will be going back for another workshop soon! Thank you."

20 May 17'

Grady Woods reviewed: The Forge Experience

"This was a surprise for me on a stag do and it was awesome. We chose to make candle sticks as we each got to make and keep it. It was the half a day course. Some of us then got to make bottle openers as we had extra time. The team there were very friendly and very very talented. Food we great. I would highly recommend this course. We had a group of 10"

20 May 17'

Jackie reviewed: Needle felting with Virginia

"Simple , straight forward demonstration, then quickly down to work with constant help & encouragement. A wide variety of materials to work with allowing a satisfying piece of work to be produced in a short period of time. A lovely work space. Thank you Virginia."

20 May 17'

Eileen Davies reviewed: 3 Day silver jewellery making course

"After arranging with Jonathan for a bespoke three day course for three of us, all I can say is that it was an amazing experience and I gained so much knowledge in such a short time. Jonathan is a very patient and caring tutor and lets you work through some of the challenges he sets with just the right type of input. I've done courses before where a teacher will try and show you how to do things and not let you actually do them yourself to get that vital practice, Jonathan was very different, he clearly knows a lot about teaching/tutoring as well as his craft and we all learned so much. We made some lovely pieces, and I have a lovely ring with a bezel set turquoise. That said, for me the most important thing was having the hands on practical skills and learning in a supportive and caring environment. One of the other participants, Val, has quite severe arthritis and Jonathan was very sensitive to this and provided all the support necessary without being overbearing. Oh, and the biscuits and lunch were lovely each day!!!!"

20 May 17'

Val reviewed: Embroidery Hanging-"Stitch for the Soul" with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"My friends and I had a lovely day. The beautiful and inspirational setting helped the creative juices and all were surprised at the quality of work we produced. Thank you Julie!"

19 May 17'

Debbie reviewed: Evening Watercolour 10-week art course for beginners and amateur artists

"Thoroughly enjoyable day. Friendly welcome, excellent tuition for a total novice with no previous art/craft experience + those with experience. Well structured, great pace. I am totally amazed by what can be created in such short time. Thank you! Debbie"

19 May 17'

Rae Gervis reviewed: Bees for Development Sustainable Beekeeping Weekend Courses 2024

"Beekeeping course attended a month ago was absolutely fantastic! All the tutors were passionate, incredibly generous with their knowledge and inspired me to order my first Warre hive after a couple of years of procrastination! The accommodation was fine, the food wonderful . Evening walks around Ragmans with other students were delightful & a great opportunity to share thoughts about the course. Would totally recommend the course . The highlight was observing a swarm choosing the Warre hive to move into when all other hives were on display."

19 May 17'

David Weight reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"Andy is an experienced thoughtful and interesting teacher. I really enjoyed the course and would recommend it to all......as a starter in this field or just for an interesting few hours."

19 May 17'

Gina Weight reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"Well done Andy. Excellent course"

19 May 17'

Helen Wyld reviewed: PickOne weekend weaving course

"Weaving with James was the nicest weekend I have had in ages! He explained everything we did beautifully, guiding us through choosing colours and designs, and was very patient when we made tangles (which are called fankles). Seeing the fabric take shape was like magic, and the whole process was very therapeutic in the calm atmosphere of the studio. On top of that, it was wonderful to come home with a beautiful scarf, which I have been wearing ever since. All in all a great way to learn a new skill and leave behind the worries of the modern world for a weekend."

19 May 17'

Gill reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Lovely day. Finally got to do something I have wanted to do for about 17 years! Small intimate class, organised, very informative and lovely people - thank you!"

19 May 17'

Mary reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Brilliant!"

19 May 17'

Zoe reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"The training was clear and informative and I feel I have the skills and knowledge to make candles at home."