Latest reviews

26 Mar 17'

Helen reviewed: Fine Nuno Felted Scarf with 3D Embellishment Online Class

"F a b u l o u s ! So many ideas, such an amazing environment with such creative energy. I loved it, thank you so much for sharing your innovative skills"

26 Mar 17'

Stella Worton reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A fabulous day with patient, expert tutors (not to mention the lovely food). I came away with a real sense of achievement and end products to be proud of. Thank you Andy, Adrian and Debbie."

26 Mar 17'

Mel Gamby reviewed: Friday mosaic making

"My friend and I attended Audrey's mosaic workshop and thoroughly enjoyed it. Neither of us had ever done anything like this before, but found Audrey and her mum Morag extremely helpful and encouraging. The location was excellent for us and both left saying we would definitely like to do it again."

26 Mar 17'

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

"2 excellent days spent in Andy's superb workshop in a delightful setting by the New Forest. He has a wealth of knowledge on tools, technique and timber which he dispenses in a relaxed but informative style. I came away with greater skills and confidence and a notebook full of useful tips. I only wish I'd done it sooner!"

26 Mar 17'

Jean Adams reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"This course was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. All aspects of the process were fully explained to us as we progressed. There were choices to make so that that candles we took home with us were really our own creations!"

26 Mar 17'

Emma reviewed: 100% Natural Beauty Product Making Workshop

"I did the beauty product course - the course description is really misleading. It's a very basic set up with cheap containers and products. There is lots of talking which wastes a lot of time. The scrubs are literally just sugar and some oil. The lotion was mixed with no info about emulsifiers. The Body butter wasn't a whipped version. The lip balm was bad, just hard wax with all ingredients settling at the bottom. It's not a professional course obviously but I don't think you learn anything. There is no use of essential oils, there was no info about packaging / making it nice and there was no eBook at the end. It's a shame because I was expecting more and was left disappointed."

26 Mar 17'

Kat Schulz reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"We had a great time blacksmithing. Despite being even less built for it than I thought, I managed to take home a beautiful piece that looked remarkably close to the design we came up with. Mort was patient and helpful and made sure two blacksmithing novices had a fun day and some tangible, good looking results to take home. Recommended."

26 Mar 17'

Rebecca Elgar reviewed: Book Folding Workshop

"Had so much fun on this fantastic course! It was a lovely space to learn a new craft in and Sara made it all very easy - (there is some math but nothing at all taxing). I left with some great ideas and am thoroughly looking forward to trying a new design on my own. Every friend, family and stranger on the street will be getting one of these books!!"

26 Mar 17'

Leslee Hallett reviewed: Book Folding Workshop

"What a treat, a beautiful location and an amazing studio with lots to inspire you to create lovely things. We had chosen the book folding course and although optimistic; I honestly didn't believe I'd leave with a completed design! Tea was on tap, music tinkling in the background. (quietly as there was a bit of measuring going on which requires concentration!) We chose our designs and with Sara on hand to answer all questions, off we went. Well, unbelievably, within 10 folds I could see my star start to take shape! Lots of chat and cake later, we'd all finished our designs and had our photo taken with them all. I was very pleased with my simple star, there were hearts, butterflies, numbers and initials, and a double star, offset slightly, which was very clever in a vintage book. Thoroughly enjoyable experience and highly recommended."

25 Mar 17'

Christina reviewed: Diploma in natural organic haircare formulation

"Excellent course. Christine is a great teacher. I learnt so much and came away with lots of information."

24 Mar 17'

claudette reviewed: Half day: 3 Leather Accessories

"Thanks for an interesting and informative class. I was a bit nervous not knowing if I would be able to achieve anything. I am pleased with my items and looking forward to showing off. Nice to meet your parents. Hope to take more training with you after I start practising what you taught me. Grateful and happy!"

24 Mar 17'

Kay Jones reviewed: Beginners Hand spinning - 'From fleece to fibre’ - at All in a Spin

"Had a super day in a marvellous location and learnt so much. The instructions and information were clearly given and Dunja was endlessly patient and helpful. Thank you for fitting me in at the last minute as a birthdays surprise. I'm now going to join the local spinning guild as I need to get in lots more practice before the sheep are shorn."

24 Mar 17'

David Astill reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - 2 days

"What a fantastic two days! I had not been near a lathe since my school days in the 1970's and so I embarked upon this two day introduction course with a little trepidation, there was no need as Gary was the consummate host and teacher. From start to finish Gary gives you clear explanations and directions, he then demonstrates each stage of a task and in doing so discusses the equipment and tools and the different options that are available. You then get to try your hand under his watchful eye. There are no time pressures, quite the reverse as taking your time is important. Gary's observations are not intrusive in anyway and at times you forget he is there, that is until you need him to help rescue your work. I was amazed to end the first day having turned and finished three small pieces (even if they did not quite match Gary's examples). The first day having been taken up with spindle turning the second was dedicated to turning a bowl. Lunch, tea and coffee are all provided and you also get to meet Gary's lovely parents as his workshop is at the bottom of their garden. If you have the slightest inkling that you might like to try woodturning this course cannot be recommended highly enough."

24 Mar 17'

Aisha Ahmed reviewed: Mosaic workshop at Jackie Nash Art

"What a wonderful day . Jackie made us feel so at home and is an excellent teacher . I did not expect to complete a mosaic in one day but the constant help and advice really made a difference . We were served delicious soup for lunch and numerous cups of tea or coffee . I highly recommend this course and can't wait to go again"

24 Mar 17'

David Edwell reviewed: Traditional Saddle Stitching with Armitage Leather

"I booked a one day custom course with Nigel to put me on the right track to make a tote bag for my wife. I am a complete beginner and it is an ambitious project. Nigel was extremely helpful before the course, pointing me at the right leather to use and the tools to buy. I think there a 2 things that make a good teacher. The first is excellent subject matter knowledge and skill, and the second is the ability to convey that skill and knowledge in a constructive fashion. Nigel scores 10/10 on both counts. On top of that he is damn fine fellow to spend the day with. Post course support via email has been a life saver too. Worth every penny. thanks Nigel"

24 Mar 17'

Jules Horn reviewed: Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop.

"I have just spent a wonderful day with Lyn Kirkland being taught the delightful alchemy of encaustic art. Lyn is an excellent teacher, inspiring and keen to share all the possibilities of the medium, whilst sensitive enough to step back to give plenty of room for her students' own ideas to take form. I would heartily recommend Lyn if you are curious about this fascinating medium. Thank you so much for today Lyn, I had a fantastic time! Jules x"

24 Mar 17'

James Beck reviewed: Private, One to One Traditional Jewellery Making Classes, York

"Me and my fianceé spent the day making each others wedding bands. We both liked the idea and thought it would make for a much more personal and sentimental ring rather than just buying from a shop. I had imagined that the ring may look a bit shoddy as I am very poor at diy/craft type things but due to Emma's excellent teaching and supervision the rings look amazing. I did like that she shows you on a separate ring allowing you to fully make your own, knowing that you have fully created your partner's wedding band. Thanks again Emma"

24 Mar 17'

Linda Taylor reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"I enjoyed the workshop and it more than lived up to my expectations. A lovely social day spent with others. Alice is very calm and encouraging. It was good to complete a small wall hanging during the day. I would recommend the workshop. Go with a friend and have lunch at The Canteen at the Hotwalls - it makes a great alternative day out."

24 Mar 17'

Olia reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"I had a beautiful time on this course very relaxing great tutor looking forward to other courses you will run worth every penny highly recommend !"

24 Mar 17'

Terry Follen reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"This was a truly great day to meet interesting people while being creative, learning new skills, enjoying convivial banter, a fair amount of exercise; and then taking home our creations to (hopefully) impress friends and family. Interesting People, Good Banter Including me there were five students (four men and one lady) and two blacksmiths - There was a pretty wide diversity of professions including a garden fence contractor, a brass musical instrument restorer and me, a semi-retired accountant. Just chatting to the two blacksmiths about the history of blacksmithing and then looking around the various projects on display around the workshop was riveting [pun intended]. Throughout the day there was much chat and good humour – moreso over the excellent pub lunch. Learning new skills After the introduction and safety briefing, we were instructed on how to forge a piece of square section iron into a poker. After heating one end of our irons in the forge we each found ourselves a hammer and a spare anvil and started hammering the red hot metal into a long point - at first this was not as easy as you might think as we soon found out that you had to, periodically, reheat the iron to keep it at the right brightness of red and making sure the hammering was fairly precise to keep its sides uniform and straight. We then had to make the handle end by first heating and hammering the end into a flat shape and then curving the soft metal between two pegs on the anvil; the finishing touch was to twist a spiral in the middle section. It looked great. Other skills learnt depended upon the other piece you had decided to make and for me it was more forging, bending and welding but on round rod which is more difficult to hammer a point than square. Our creations Before the day we were asked to think of something we would like to make. My project was a bird feeding station and the others were two fire-log holders, a music stand and bird shapes for a wall decoration. The day flew by and I wondered if we would all make it as our projects involved varying levels of difficulty and complexity, but with our two experts on hand to help us along we all got there in the end. I have to say the bird feeding station came out looking really good and, most important, my wife (who gave me the course as a Christmas gift) was delighted, proudly showing it off to all visitors. Exercise! I’m fairly fit and, in retirement, do a lot of digging on a large allotment but, as most of my working life was either chatting in meetings or tapping keys on a computer keyboard, I found that Blacksmithing can be pretty hard work. My project involved a lot of hammering and I was glad when John called the lunch time break. Nonetheless, after a beer, a good lunch and a gradual improvement in technique (although at one point John did give me a nudge and a smile telling me “you’ve got too many irons in the fire”) I was able to complete the tasks without losing the ability to lift my arm!"

24 Mar 17'

Celia Thompson reviewed: Christmas Pudding - needle felting workshop with The Lady Moth

"I completed the Needle felting Robin course before Christmas. I have done wet felting before but not needle felted much and I learnt so much from this course. Everyone was friendly and really helpful and I loved the course, the time flew past. I highly recommend it, you will be hooked!"

24 Mar 17'

Brian Young reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"As a retired Chartered Engineer I found this course very interesting and informative. The course leader, John, was extremely competent in teaching the techniques, helpful with ideas for projects and his enthusiasm was infectious. At the end of the day all course members felt they had achieved something worthwhile having had a very interesting and productive introduction to this ancient craft, I have recommended this course to many friends."

24 Mar 17'

Janet Fletcher reviewed: The Pottery Cave - Evening beginners classes

"Caroline's classes are a lovely way to relax on a Friday afternoon. Great value for money as everything you need is included ( including coffee and biscuits!). I don't consider myself very good, but I love the challenge - being creative with clay is very absorbing! The people are really friendly - I didn't know anyone when I started but everyone helps each other and treats you like a friend. Caroline brings out the creative streak in us all too. A fab class!"

24 Mar 17'

Andrea Cawood reviewed: Silk painting

"Just done my second silk painting workshop, what a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Kat is a brilliant teacher and always makes learning new things an enjoyable experience."

23 Mar 17'

Joe Mcgrogan reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"I find this class very informative and I've had made some very good things .... I have learnt a lot"