Latest reviews

20 Feb 17'

Julie Waterworth reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"I attended the Willow Weaving course on Sunday 19th February with my daughter. The course was beyond our expectations. The size of the group was perfect and the level of the teaching was easy to understand and very friendly. The refreshments provided were above and beyond! We were both inspired and motivated by what we saw on the workshop. I don't think you could improve on what was offered. We were rank beginners and yet we came home with a beautiful Spring wreath which is so impressive and professional looking. I would love to attend another course and considered it excellent value for money. Thank you."

20 Feb 17'

Jennifer reviewed: Tuesday evening life drawing classes with Jo Harris: beginners & intermediate level (a 10 week course), at the Henley School of Art

"Excellent course, very well organised, brilliant models and a relaxing and informal atmosphere."

20 Feb 17'

paul chapman reviewed: Stained glass for beginners

"An excellent and enjoyable week-end. I started as an absolute beginner and was guided by the tutor on every step. I surprised myself and came away with my own "work of art"!"

20 Feb 17'

Liz Davies reviewed: Felt Pod Vessels

"A terrific morning. I was delighted with my creation. I hadn't done felting before so tried not to have great expectations. However my pod exceeded my suppressed hopes. I was greatly stimulated by the examples we were shown, and was able to craft my own simple but effective version. We had a rich variety of materials to work with, and very personalised guidance and tuition. I particularly appreciated the physicality of the task....so tactile and energetic. Like a good workout but with a gift at the end of it! I would love to do more......small bags, glasses cases, table mats.....all spring to mind. Please keep me in touch."

20 Feb 17'

Simon Longthorn reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"I spent 3 days with Colin down at Ox house forge, after i had spent hours of watching videos and reading about blacksmithing i couldn't of found a better place to get started. Colin is very passionate about his trade and learning from him was like hanging out with a mate. We Smithed various items from coat hangers to a toasting fork to a axe head and then a short blacksmiths knife as well some artistic twists and turns, it was a great experience and one i won't forget. Thank you Colin i couldn't be happier with how it went."

20 Feb 17'

Mark reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"This workshop is outstanding - Anita is friendly and patient, explaining everything you wanted to know about making candles. You get to make a variety of different types, as well as having an excellent scone! Definitely recommend."

20 Feb 17'

Michael W reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"I cannot rate this experience any more positively. Colin is super; a fantasticly enthusiastic and helpful teacher who will ensure that you get excellent training and good levels of safety (without the tedium). The day is very hands on and features a great deal of making things, which is exactly what you want. Colin started by teaching basic techniques to make a couple of smaller projects in the morning. In the afternoon, the session revolved around making any project you want as long as it was feasable within the time constraints. In conclusion, if you are curious and would like to have a go at some traditional blacksmithing with an encouraging and enthusiastic teacher (and who doesnt?!), this is the day for you."

20 Feb 17'

Cynthia Harrison reviewed: Art & Craft Days - Make a Copperfoiled Glass Heart Panel or Mirror

"The course was excellent well organised with detailed instruction on how to achieve the finished article. I came away proud of the copperfoiled heart panel I made Carole Gray our instructor had so much patience. The venue was delightful the food excellent and such a warm welcome from Brian and Julie I would certainly recommend attending an art and craft day even if like me you have no experience , it was such fun"

20 Feb 17'

Bradley reviewed: Make a stained glass heart at Flatford Mill

"It was great to get in a classroom. I enjoyed myself and i am extremely pleased with glass heart. The food was good. And most of all Carole Gray was very helpful."

20 Feb 17'

Paul Garcia reviewed: Bookbinding for Beginners and Improvers

"As always, a very stimulating and enjoyable week with George and a group of enthusiastic students. I've been attending since 2009 and learn something new every time. Looking forward to May already."

20 Feb 17'

Vanessa reviewed: Rag rug/rag wreath making day in North Herefordshire

"Great Course - I am now hooked and rag rugging away merrily! Jenni's instructions very clear and tips on how to combine different colours and weights of textiles helpful. The day flew by and we learned progging as well as hooked rugs - inspirational !. Setting very pleasant with plenty of light to work by, congenial company and delicious refreshments, a real treat."

20 Feb 17'

Fraser Hale reviewed: Bookbinding for Beginners and Improvers

"Excellent course in every respect. Accomodation and catering were first class, and the course itself was engaging and inspiring. George is an ideosyncratic tutor, and hugely knowledgable. He dealt effortlessly with the varying degrees of skill and experience presented by a class of widely different abilities. Despite the extended workshop sessions (this is a positive thing, George certainly wasn't clock watching) I never once felt that I wasn't occupied/learning/improving. Left the course with a great sense of satisfaction, and inspired to study the craft further."

20 Feb 17'

Victoria Slade reviewed: Highland Cow needle-felting workshop

"Not having tried wet felting before this was a great opportunity to try. Course is suited to complete beginners as well as those who are more experienced and just want some creativity space and time. Great venue, loads of space and gorgeous materials to play with. Extremely well hosted on lunch and refreshments, and the group size of 5 meant we could get to know fellow work shoppers, and all could benefit from Em's time, with group and individual tuition. Loved it, highly recommended."

20 Feb 17'

Janice Ofield reviewed: Stained glass for beginners

"A great weekend learning a new skill in beautiful surroundings. This is my second time of attending this course and both times have been left with a great feeling of achievement . Facilities at the centre are excellent but mainly the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff stands out with an obvious sense of pride in their work whilst promoting the centre at its best. Look forward to returning !"

20 Feb 17'

Lena tonks reviewed: Expressive painting in oils or acrylics

"Great course with local artist Liz. Learned a lot and really enjoyed the landscape painting."

20 Feb 17'

Chris Cowley reviewed: Tuesday evening life drawing classes with Jo Harris: beginners & intermediate level (a 10 week course), at the Henley School of Art

"So good I've done it twice! Jo guides you through structured yet fluid learning, building your inmate skills by creating a solid foundation. You will learn at your own pace but and this is not a race but Jo will tease out your inner artist and get you to explore new avenues and mediums that will ensure you grow and your art improves. The studio itself is conducive to creativity with great lighting and interesting spaces. Her well stocked library will give you both reference and inspiration. The excellent models, convivial and relaxing yet focused atmosphere of the classes all conspire to assist your creative journey. Heartedly recommended. Chris"

20 Feb 17'

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

"I attended Siobhan's course recently and really enjoyed the day, and even came away with two works of glass art that I made, which has enthused me to consider having another go. The whole day was really fun , attended by a similar group of liked-minded people. Siobhan was such a good tutor, who made the day fun and interactive. A great present from my wife and daughters, and totally different!"

20 Feb 17'

Sarah reviewed: Learn To Crochet On The Norfolk/Cambs Border

"I really enjoyed my beginner's course with Sue and Deborah yesterday. They started from the very beginning and clearly explained each step. There was plenty of opportunity to practice before moving on, and the individual tuition was very helpful if I made a mistake. Visiting the alpacas and horses mid-morning was also a lot of fun! I am looking forward to practising what I learnt (thanks to the handy booklet they emailed out afterwards), and then hopefully coming back in the future to learn some more stitches."

20 Feb 17'

David Singleton reviewed: Furniture Painting Course with Afternoon Tea in Sheffield by South Yorkshire Interiors Academy

"Great teacher with lots of experience"

20 Feb 17'

Jenny Loudon reviewed: Tuesday evening life drawing classes with Jo Harris: beginners & intermediate level (a 10 week course), at the Henley School of Art

"I love Jo's life drawing class. As a complete beginner, she has given me lots of help and advice, and her classes are always fun."

20 Feb 17'

Sue Holden reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"Last Thursday I attended a Willow Wand workshop at the Crafternoon in Barley. Sally Anne was as always excellent. I have previously made a Willow Angel and also spent a full day before Christmas making a wonderful stag. Sally Anne is the most patient teacher, she is informative and if you think things aren't going quite right, she is very encouraging and gives you the belief you CAN do it. Her courses are excellent value for money too"

20 Feb 17'

Tom Elliott reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Had a fantastic time and a great experience for my first ever try at blacksmithing. Andy and Adrian were extremely helpful and patient making the whole day enjoyable with a great friendly atmosphere. The food supplied was amazing with cups of tea/coffee beginning, middle and end. I'm already looking into what I want to make next at the forge! Many thanks guys!"

20 Feb 17'

Vivienne Fleet reviewed: Learn To Crochet On The Norfolk/Cambs Border

"I signed up to learn crochet with Sue & Deb as I'd failed miserably some months previously when being taught one-to-one by a relative. I therefore had a lot of self-doubt and I genuinely thought I would never be able to master the craft. But with Sue and Deb's excellent teaching skills and patience after 3 hours I left enthused, motivated, ABLE TO CROCHET (!) and on my way to completing my first project, a small purse in double crochet stitch. The setting/environment is lovely too. Sue and Deb have set up a small workshop cabin in their equestrian centre overlooking the stables and llama/alpaca paddock. It's clean and bright and full of of their own handicrafts for further inspiration. Learning about alpaca wool was fascinating too. Tea, coffee, biscuits and sweets are on tap and having 2 of them there meant I and the other beginner on the workshop had personal tuition when we got stuck. I really enjoyed the morning and I will certainly be going back to learn more."

20 Feb 17'

Hayleigh reviewed: Crafting a Candle Brand: A Three-Hour Personalized Workshop

"My mum and I attended the course which we thoroughly enjoyed. Zaga is so knowledgeable and enthusiastic! We left feeling ready and raring to start our business. I would thoroughly recommend the course!"

19 Feb 17'

Emma Tallent reviewed: Tuesday evening life drawing classes with Jo Harris: beginners & intermediate level (a 10 week course), at the Henley School of Art

"I signed up for Jo's guided life class last year after a friend had recommended it. It was based in sweet little local hall at the time, and from the minute I entered Jo and I hit it off - her boundless enthusiasm and upbeat style of teaching was a breath of fresh air, and I was transported back to my art college days, relaxing into the friendly atmosphere and letting that dormant creative side flow forth. I feel like I've been lucky enough to join Jo on her amazing journey of successfully creating the wonderful Henley School of Art in her new, beautifully appointed studio in the centre of town, with everything you could think of available to experiment and create new and interesting techniques. The models are great, as are the other students; Jo puts on a lovely selection of hot drinks and biscuits so we can mingle and chat half way through the class. I enjoyed it so much I signed up again for the same class, and am looking forward to progressing to one of the others next term. I couldn't recommend Jo and the Art School enough!"