Latest reviews

21 Apr 17'

S Lack reviewed: Lampwork Bead Making in the flame. VERY Special LIMITED Offer for 2 people

"I had a fabulous session with Kim on Easter Holiday Monday. She did not charge any more for this day and i had extra time as i just loved it so much. I made 10 fab beads and then went home with lovely pieces of jewellery and personalised key rings and bookmarks. This is such great value for money and i really dont think i have had as much fun in years. I have booked for another session already to bring Mum. Thank you so much...xxxxxxxx"

21 Apr 17'

Alan Squires reviewed: Beginners introductory pyrography course in Lincolnshire

"Had a great day and learnt a lot in a relaxed atmosphere. Susan is knowledgeable and passes on her expertise in an easy to understand manner. I have no artistic ability and was a little worried about some of the techniques we were going to practice, but Susan made them easy to achieve. I have already ordered the same pyrography machine as we used on the course. Would recommend Susan's courses to anyone who thinks this may be for them."

21 Apr 17'

Tom Crowther reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Like many people I did a bit of woodturning at school - then life happened, and always in the back of my mind it was something I thought I'd go back to. Now I've retired that is exactly what I'm doing and I thought it would be better to get a bit of tuition and guidance before I went out and spent real money on a lathe and all the necessary tools. I'd also quite like to pursue a career in turning without killing myself or anybody nearby - so safety was another priority for me. How glad I am that I found and booked this course! Mark had obviously put a lot of thought into our prior e-mails and the day was tailored exactly to what I needed and Mark's no-nonsense style of instruction was perfect for me. We covered the various types of lathe and features that are essential/desirable/nice-to have or just gimmicky - and the same with tools and sharpening equipment. Mark also gave me a wealth of contacts, websites etc as sources of further information. Then we spent all afternoon doing practical exercises using all of the five main types of chisel - culminating in the production of a beautiful (I can say that because Mark did the clever bits) little bowl from a piece of green apple wood. An exceptionally enjoyable, informative and rewarding day. Once I have spent some time practising the basics I will be back for a next-level-up course - hopefully before very long. To anybody in a similar position to myself - make sure you do this course. Without it you will almost certainly waste a lot of money and quite likely do yourself some physical harm."

21 Apr 17'

Susan hyde reviewed: 5 weeks fine Jewellery Making Course Stourbridge

"I recently completed a five week course with Joséphine and it was amazing. I learnt so many techniques and completed two bangles and a ring of which I am very proud to wear. Joséphine is an excellent teacher and has so much patience. I will certainly be going back for a further course to learn more. She gave me confidence to make other pieces at home when I finished the course, she's also willing to help by phone or e mail if needed. Thanks Joséphine see you again soon."

21 Apr 17'

Hilary Dickson reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"I took part in Alice's weaving workshop last weekend and it was brilliant! A lovely calm, talented and patient teacher, like minded fellow students, and a whole day to be creative. I have wanted to weave a picture for ages and Alice enabled me to fulfill this and be very pleased with the result! The hotwalls canteen food was really good and so you don't need to take a packed lunch, what a bonus. I can thoroughly recommend this course, to learn a new skill and have a super creative day in good company."

20 Apr 17'

Jennie Bennett reviewed: Photography Days

"I've just spent the day with Sue and Richard on one of their photography courses in the lovely Ullswater area of the Lake District. They had 'tailor made' the course to my needs, listening to my ideas and what I wanted to get out of the day. I didn't have any of my own equipment so I was able to experiment with theirs, and then had excellent guidance on purchasing what I needed. This I have now done! So my new second-hand DSLR Cannon camera and len will be arriving shortly, so it is very exciting. Sue and Richard love what they do and this comes over it they way they teach. Great value for money. Try it!"

20 Apr 17'

Angus Harper reviewed: Wood turning courses

"A brilliant day, I went in barely knowing a thing about woodturning and came away knowing lots along with a beautiful coloured bowl that everyone who has seen it has complemented. I started off nervous but progressed to being much more confident with using the tools, his patient manner is great as it makes you feel at ease and he doesn’t grumble if you forget something or need assistance. What really made the finished article stand out was the colouring which everyone has said how incredible it is. Also thank you very much to his wife Susan for the cups of tea and a delicious lunch. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone thinking of having a go. Many thanks for the enjoyable day Angus"

20 Apr 17'

Fiona Love reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"Sculpture classes are an oasis in my week. A time to learn and be creative in convivial company. Beatrice imparts her expert knowledge and understanding to enable each of us to develop our own ideas. I have had fun, learnt lots and made progress. Thank you Beatrice."

20 Apr 17'

Ian Saffery & Debs Hill reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"Jamal's course is excellent, both of us thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience of learning and making stained glass panels. Jamal combined a very inviting environment and friendly approach, which carefully led us through the various techniques needed to make a stained glass panel. We were given all the necessary instruction both theoretically and practically to produce a final piece and both felt extremely satisfied with our experience. This course is great for newcomers and beginners and as we had no previous experience we were very proud of our achievements on the day. Jamal is an excellent teacher and talented artist and would highly recommend his course to anyone serious about wanting to learn about stained glass."

20 Apr 17'

Cath and Harry Winser reviewed: Introduction to green wood furniture making - two days

"Had a wonderful 2 days last weekend. Great location and workshop and fantastic tuition from Peter and Jav! We had a really friendly group and thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone and making our stool and table! Totally amazed at what we made and so so pleased with them! Would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone else, we were complete novices and received very patient instruction and help! Our stool and table are our pride and joy and we would definitely return to do the course again! Thank you Peter so much for an absolutely fab weekend. Cath and Harry"

20 Apr 17'

Sian Lorimer reviewed: Glass Fusing with Enamels - Two Day Course

"Having done a 1-day course with Steve in Sept ’16, I couldn’t wait for the 2-day course and it was fantastic. As always, he is incredibly patient and helpful while at the same time, allowing you to create your own little [or not so little] piece of beauty. The 2-day course gives the opportunity to learn new techniques as well as being able to practice on the first day so that you can see what works and what doesn’t, still giving plenty of time to create something wondrous. I cannot wait to book another course! St Davids is a wonderful location and the landscape gives plenty of ideas and inspiration for your work of art."

20 Apr 17'

Julie Fretwell reviewed: Annie Sloan Method with Chalk Paint for Upcycling Furniture at La Di Da Interiors - The Basics

"A fun morning that built my confidence to the point where I feel equipped to tackle the project I had in mind. Plenty of hands on work and time for questions and useful to bring the sample piece of wood home to remind me of the finishes."

20 Apr 17'

Debbie reviewed: Glass Fusing for beginners

"I attended the 'Funky Tea Light Holder' in March. Thoroughly enjoyed the day, lovely relaxed atmosphere with good instruction. Great start to learning more about this glass craft, and came away with a fairly acceptable tea light holder. Look forward to attending another one in the future."

20 Apr 17'

Janet Odell reviewed: Book Folding Workshop

"What a lovely way to spend some time and come home with the finished article! I love the little blue tit I made and can't wait for the materials to be delivered and start making a flock! Sara was very inspiring and couldn't have been more friendly and helpful. Roll on the next course! Highly recommended!!"

20 Apr 17'

Sam reviewed: Silver jewellery workshop for beginners with Jude Karnon

"Amazing day! My daughter and I love the jewellery we made, and had a fantastic time making it. Jude is patient and very good at explaining how to work with silver. She also makes a lovely cuppa, and lunch was yummy. I don't think we stopped laughing, it was a brilliant day. Thanks Jude!"

20 Apr 17'

Ray Cook reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Forget sweaters, books or ornaments, which often end up at the back of the cupboard destined for the charity shop. My one day tuition with Mark was one of the best presents I have ever had. I went with an open mind but left many hours later, fired with enthusiasm and admiration. Mark is an excellent tutor and I now feel able to take on a new hobby. Thank you"

20 Apr 17'

Thomas Pitts reviewed: Blacksmithing courses

"Had a great day with Lucille and the day flew by. So happy I didn't reschedule! The class size is perfect as you're never waiting to ask a question or ask for help. Already convinced my dad to come a give it a go."

19 Apr 17'

Ruth Carthew reviewed: Christmas Cold Process Soap Making Workshops

"Thank you Claire for a lovely morning of soap making. I didn't know what to expect and I had no idea whatsoever of the process. Claire explained every step and answered all questions fully and is obviously very experienced and knowledgeable. I particularly enjoyed creating my own fragrance mix and then colouring my bars of soap ( of which I had loads ). I would certainly recommend this workshop to others. Providing you listen to the instructions and take care with measurements ( unlikely to go wrong as Claire provides all the info in writing for you to follow as well ) you should leave with your own unique creations that look and smell absolutely wonderful. The venue is in a lovely old building in a quiet, pretty little village."

19 Apr 17'

Clive Nunn reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"Never having set foot inside a Blacksmith's workshop before, I wasn't at all sure what to expect, or whether I would come away with anything worth keeping. I found myself standing in a large and very well-equipped workshop, part of a small group of rather apprehensive would-be blacksmiths. We were soon put at ease by the friendly greeting and detailed health and safety briefing, and in no time at all we had all made our first item - a decorative poker. I was astonished by the quality of what I had been able to achieve as a complete novice - thanks mainly to John Loveluck's expert guidance. By now I was feeling more confident and ready to start my project. John and his team were on hand all day to provide friendly help and advice, and it was fascinating to learn some of the basic skills of a blacksmith. Moreover, at the end of the day each of us was able to take something home of which we could be proud. Even my wife was impressed with what I had made, insisting that it be mounted by the front door for all the world to see. Praise indeed! All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding day."

19 Apr 17'

Alison Liddiard reviewed: Fabulous felt picture 2 day masterclass near York

"I came with the intention to learn how to portray light and shade more successfully and I certainly got the help I needed. The individual attention helped me to progress so that I now feel much more confident to tackle turning my own photographs into felted pictures."

19 Apr 17'

Ian Denno reviewed: Blacksmith forgework Learning Experience Day

"My wife and I had a wonderful experience with Robin and Darren. When we consulted them about forging wedding rings they invited us around for a detailed consultation about what the possibilities and limitations of making rings in this way were, showing concern for the sort of thing we might run into if we met with less scrupulous smithies. Following this, Robin kept us up to date with test rings he was forging, very diligent, then on the day we had loads of fun learning the ropes and making various hooks, having a hearty cooked lunch and hearing tales of the trade. And we got two beautiful steel rings that were the talk of our wedding. Thanks guys!"

19 Apr 17'

Dianne reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"I really enjoyed my day with Elaine. There were only three of us which meant we all got lots of attention. The day seemed to fly by and I came home with my own skein of wool. I now feel confident spinning and look forward to enjoying it alongside my other crafts."

19 Apr 17'

Jenny Appleton reviewed: Make a set of stacking rings silversmithing workshop

"I thought the course was well organised, friendly and informal. There were plenty of tools and materials to go round. Brittany explained everything very clearly, and was able to give everyone all the help they needed, as a group and individually. I picked up lots of bits of useful information, and found that there are other people apart from me that love fiddling with bits of metal! I have been looking around for a long time for local silversmithing classes, so was very pleased to have found one at last."

19 Apr 17'

Lorraine Sime reviewed: Annie Sloan Techniques for Colour & Style in Upcycling Furniture at La Di Da Interiors - Advanced

"Excellent course with lots of techniques covered."

18 Apr 17'

mrs pamela j mundy reviewed: Glass Fusing with Enamels - Two Day Course

"yet again with Steve's excellent support and knowledge of glass I have produced a piece that I am extremely proud to display at home. Many thanks"