Latest reviews

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."

19 May 17'

Matthew reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Excellent. Really enjoyed it. Thank you!"

19 May 17'

Bradley reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Really fun and enjoyable."

19 May 17'

Michaela reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"Siobhan's one day glass fusing course is probably the best one out there. She encouraged the group to use their own ideas and designs starting with a coaster size piece to play with the idea of glass fusing principles. Her instructions were clear and at a good pace. The day culminated in making a larger piece of our own design and an abstract hanger. Siobhan offered valuable advice without interfering so everyone's work was very individual and different. I am delighted with my fired work and highly recommend the course. Hospitality throughout the day was very generous. Thanks Siobhan!"

19 May 17'

Carole Aldridge reviewed: Sewing with Suzi Stitch

"I can only echo what the others have written. Suzi is an exceptional teacher with the patience of a saint (I was a teacher for many years and know the challenges of teaching art and craft, involving equipment, machines, multiskills, etc. and constant demands for help.) I learned a lot and came away feeling enthusiastic, with new skills, and with much more confidence in using my machine. Suzi also had an awareness of the 'group', as well as each individual, and brought us all together. Let us not forget the CAKE. It is because of Suzi's enthusiasm and vision that we are able to enjoy courses like this, which fulful so many various needs other than practical ones. I shall return. Thankyou."

19 May 17'

Linda Mitchell reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"I had no idea what to expect when I was given a voucher for this workshop for mothers day. It turned out to be a wonderful experience. We received a warm welcome and refreshments from our host before entering the realms of candlemaking. I could never have anticipated how much was involved. The information was delivered in a relaxed atmosphere with freely flowing questions from the group. Kerry provided all the answers to all the questions you have about the candles you buy that maybe don’t burn the way you expect! We all got to choose our scent and make our own candle. and came away with a handout with all the information we needed to do it all ourselves at home. We were treated to lovely home made scones (fresh out the oven) mid morning which we all enjoyed and I got to meet some lovely people. Great fun, would highly recomend"

18 May 17'

Malcolm Rouse reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I have been turning on and off for approximately 15 years, totally self-taught so had probably picked up a few bad habits along the way!! The days course with Mark was given to me as a 60th birthday gift by family members . I attended with some trepidation as to whether some of my previous projects that I was asked to take along would receive criticism or worst still ridicule. However, I need not have worried as it was an excellent and most enjoyable day and Marks initial comments about my efforts were both positive and encouraging. I was shown how to sharpen my own tools properly and how to use them correctly, but also more, importantly, how not to use them! His workshop is clean, tidy and well laid out. Mark appears to have the patience of a saint with a no rush approach as he was happy to take the time to explain any points over again just to ensure that I understood. All information from the day was given as a printed handout which will be really useful, as there was a lot to take in on such a long day. I definitely learned a great deal and have no hesitation in recommending the day to anyone, whatever skill level their turning is at. Thank you Mark, it was a pleasure to spend a day in the company of someone who is very knowledgeable in the art of turning, is a good tutor and clearly enjoys and has a passion for what you do."

18 May 17'

Amanda reviewed: Beginners patchwork with Calicoclair

"Loved loved loved this course! Clair is a fabulous teacher and I enjoyed every minute with her, learning all about quilting. Quality materials, lovely location, delicious cake! And a great handmade piece at the end.......can't wait to do more!"

18 May 17'

Francesca Cox reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"This is the second workshop I've attended with Jolene at her workshop and I loved it even more the second time around. I was able to use the skills I learnt last time plus some new ones to create some fantastic jewellery (two bangles and a ring). It's such a lovely friendly atmosphere and Jolene is a brilliant tutor. It would make a brilliant day for a birthday/special occasion activity for family or friends but also fine to go on your own as I did. It really is a great day and I can't recommend it enough."

18 May 17'

Sally reviewed: Beginners patchwork with Calicoclair

"Fantastic course. Great for absolute beginners to sewing or those who need a bit of a confidence boost. I learned lots of new techniques , Clair is a great teacher who tailors the course to suit the participants. The tea and cakes are an added bonus"

18 May 17'

Judith Crawford reviewed: Indigo dyeing & shibori

"This was a very good course and lived up to all my expectations. The tutor was knowledgeable and very patient. It was great to get our hands into the dye and not worry about the mess. The venue was in lovely countryside and a perfect place to explore indigo dying. The food was excellent with everyone's needs catered for. Altogether three unforgettable days with lovely people and plenty of inspiration to continue with indigo and shibori."

18 May 17'

Lili Woollacott reviewed: Sewing with Suzi Stitch

"Suzi was a great teacher who understood every students needs and abilities. She never got frustrated when someone couldn't achieve the task and was very one on one with each learner. It was very lovely to hear about her past experiences in sewing and that she too started out as an amateur. It was inspiring to see her previous work and her exciting plans for the future. Being a part of the class which was very welcoming and fun made me want to take part in the other courses available and keep learning. Thank you Suzi, you have inspired and lit a fire within!"

18 May 17'

ClareP reviewed: Bowl and Kuksa carving in Ecclesall Woods

"An inspiring and very enjoyable course in a lovely woodland setting. Nadine is a brilliant tutor - very encouraging, explains things clearly, lets you work at your own pace and is always on hand to help. I came away with two bowls and the basis of a new set of skills. Great weekend."

18 May 17'

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

"This course was fantastic. Andy is very patient and a great teacher. It was relaxed and fun but very informative. I have come away with some great new skills. I will definitely do another course in the future!"

18 May 17'

Lesley reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"This is a brilliant workshop and Kerry is a fab teacher. It was a lovely atmosphere and Kerry's home is a beautiful and relaxing setting to be in. Really enjoyed the day and came away with a great insight into the world of candle making as well as my own lovely candle. Would love to do again, and highly recommend. The small group setting works really well and you can ask as many questions as you like. Great day :)"

18 May 17'

Lucie reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"This was a great workshop. Kerry was very informative about candle making telling us about her personal experience. Kerry is a really friendly host. When making the candles Kerry had a really lovely selection of fragrances to choose from. I really had a great time and can't wait to burn my candle! Would highly recommend this workshop."

18 May 17'

Rob Navratil reviewed: Make a Windsor chair

"I’ve had a long fascination with woodwork but hadn’t remotely considered taking a course to do it properly. I found a furniture making course a few years ago and loved it so was itching to do something new. I visited Ben at his workshop for a chat and was immediately inspired by a Rocking Chair he had up in the final stages of assembly. It didn’t take me long to sign up to one of his courses, it was just a case of which one. Being a complete novice with green wood, I, and I’m sure my follow students wanted to get cracking but Ben took his time to explain the intricacies of splitting a log and all subsequent techniques as they came up. It’s easy for a teacher to just say “do it like this’ but I felt I really learned a lot about the tree itself and this informs your decisions further on in the project. To the extent that I’d be confident to try and start a project on my own at home. Ben is fantastic teacher and has a very serene atmosphere to his workshop. A lusty blow too many with a gouge and he’s there with an encouraging word. I have found working wood with hand tools so satisfying and it engages all your senses, yes even taste (keep your mouth shut when using the lathe) Looking at a Windsor Chair can look quite daunting but I would say go for it and push yourself. The results are absolutely worth it. I could feel and see the improvements over the 10 weeks and I now have a piece of furniture that will last a lifetime. When I look at it I know every single joint and component I made myself, such a great feeling. Thanks for an excellent 10 weeks Ben, I’ve learned so much and would recommend to anyone to give it go."

18 May 17'

Nicola reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"A fantastic morning was had by all. Very relaxing, informative and great fun! Can't wait to burn my candle and get some scents to start making my own. Would highly recommend."

18 May 17'

Suzanne Askham reviewed: Ceramic Studio Experience - Sunday Clay Day - Full Day Tutor Interactive Workshop

"As a complete beginner to pottery courses I quickly felt comfortable in our group of five students. Bisque pots were provided for us, together with a good variety of glazes. It was fun to experiment with dipping and brushing on. Geri and Sue explained how the metal oxides could create quite unpredictable effects. We watched our pots emerge from the dramatic raku process, and scrubbed them to reveal beautiful metallic glints and subtle crackle colours. We each went home with three pots, each completely different, all with an other-worldly beauty to them. I loved the whole process and have now signed up for Fired Thoughts’ basic pottery course."

18 May 17'

Michelle Brown reviewed: Sewing with Suzi Stitch

"Anyone who missed this course missed a treat (and that includes the banana cake every week!). Suzi is a wonderful teacher with the patience of a saint and with a whole heap of fabulous fabrics and threads which she shares very generously. I learned so much and am now motivated to get on with using different methods of embroidery and stitching. I would repeat this course another time because there is still so much to learn. The group was amazing, the venue ideal, and I wish I could go there every week and do some more sewing with Suzi. Thank you Make it in Wales for another brilliant course."

18 May 17'

Donna Ford reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"I did this course on 17th May 2017 and it was brilliant. Jolene really knows her subject and is able to explain and demonstrate in a way a layman, like myself, can understand. I came away with 2 copper and a silver bangle which I really love, and have already booked myself on another course to make pendants. I wanted to learn the basics of wire shaping and soldering and I achieved this and more. There were 3 of us on this course and I understand she keeps her classes quite small to ensure that each of her students get all the attention and help they need which was certainly the case when I attended. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this workshop to anyone."

18 May 17'

Tina Brackstone reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day, 1 person)

"We had such a fantastic time. I expected to come home with something small but we made a lovely bowl each which has now taken pride of place in the sitting room for all to see :) Graham is such a good teacher and a pleasure to meet. I highly recommend attending his sessions and hope to return again someday, think I may have to drop a few hints that this was such a great Christmas present. Thank you so much Graham keep up the good work :)"

17 May 17'

Bev Griffiths reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I have just spent two days in Lucy’s workshop, being taught Jewellery making skills; I was complete novice with no previous experience and what a treat it has been, she is extremely patient and very generous with her knowledge coupled with an incredible passion for her craft, Lucy enabled me to produce a very beautiful unique pendant that covered a number of different techniques. I never thought I would be creating by hand beautiful little flowers and learning how to set using rivets ! I am completely enthused by the entire process and eager to learn more. I will definitely be back to Lucy to learn another area of Jewellery making from a true professional."

17 May 17'

Sara Randall reviewed: 1-to-1 Organic Skincare Workshop at Maid in the Meadow

"I had a fantastic time making wonderful skincare products with Alison. It was a very relaxed and fun day, and I can't believe how much I learned. Alison has an encyclopedic knowledge and the written materials she provides are excellent. I can't wait to start making my own products at home."