Latest reviews

20 Jul 15'

Simon Giles reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"What a fantastic course! It was everything that I'd hoped for in as much as I learned a wealth of new skills under the expert tutorage of Bill. Everything was thorough and there were plenty of opportunities to practise new skills and techniques. Very pleased with the finished projects that I walked away with and now raring to go and put what I have learned into action. Great and knowledgeable company, a wonderful weekend. Thank you very much."

19 Jul 15'

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

"I'd definitely recommend this course! Adrian, Debbie and Andy are lovely people, and you experience Yorkshire hospitality at its best. The instructions were easy to follow with plenty of help on hand during the day. Debbie is a fine cook and keeps you well fed with her fantastic home baking. We can't wait to go back again."

19 Jul 15'

Samantha Jackson reviewed: Felt Making Workshops - Stratford upon Avon

"Had the pleasure of attending this workshop yesterday, worth every penny it was a lovely morning, Lesley is a very friendly, helpful tutor - who also makes the most amazing cake. The workshop did run over but that's a credit to Lesley who doesn't rush you at all, there were only 3 ladies so we had as much attention as we needed, we all left more than happy with our completed projects. Highly recommended."

19 Jul 15'

Libbie Waddleton reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Absolutely fabulous! Debbie, Adrian and their team are so very welcoming and attentive. Everything is taken in stages but don't worry if you forget a bit they are on hand to help and guide you. The projects are fun and you get to take something home at the end if the day that you can say you made. Nothing is too much trouble and the food is the final topping. Home made and oh so tasty. You definitely won't go hungry while hammering out your creations. Just a great and unusual course!"

18 Jul 15'

Kate and Steve reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"If your looking for a different way to spend a day and come away with something other than just a memory , get yourself and your friends along to see Nigel. I've never seen my wife have so much fun with a hammer and red hot metal. Nigel is not just a great teacher, story teller but really really good chap. Take time to enjoy the art exhibition in the woods our favourite piece was the unzipped railway sleeper, followed closely my the giant flute!"

18 Jul 15'

George Turner reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Having attended a one day taster course with Mark as the instructor I thought my enjoyed myself .Mark is a very good teacher and made the course very interesting so interesting in fact that I intend to upgrade the skills I learnt with mark in the near future after I have put into practice all that Mark taught me. I must say that it was so interesting that time tended to slip away and I think I overstayed my welcome.All in all it proved to be a very interesting day and I left the workshop wanting more I would highly reccomend Mark Hancock to anybody who is interested in turning wood into something beautiful."

18 Jul 15'

Jackie Taylor reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"My great grandfather was a dry stone waller so I wanted to try and learn the skill and make a contribution to my local loved Pennine lanscape. I completed the course in August 2014. I thoroughly enjoyed the course it was just what I was hoping for; although my muscles would tell you a different story! Some endurance and stamina is required. The teaching was undertaken by Chris who is knowledgeable, skilled and experienced. The learning included the building and construction of the wall, a review of health and safety issues and the tools needed for the job in hand. The best part is the practice element, just getting going and having a go with like minded people. Building a wall can be frustrating but once you have found that perfect stone its so satisfying. Contributing to a structure that could last hundreds of years, is fantastic. The opportunity is there for you, just give it a go.."

17 Jul 15'

Natalie Corbett reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day, 1 person)

"One of the best days ever! Graham and Chris were just the most lovely, welcoming couple, who couldn't do enough to make sure we were comfortable; we all very much enjoyed looking round the garden and hearing all about the hedgehogs before our lesson. The lesson itself was just amazing, graham was brilliant at guiding us all through the bowl making process at our own pace, and it was very rewarding to get a lovely bowl to take home! Would 100% reccomend this to everyone as a fantastic day out and will definitely be returning. Big thank you to Graham and Chris!!"

17 Jul 15'

Paul reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I have had training with George 3 times so far, I say so far as I intend to return. Passing on information, educating, isn’t always easy but George seems to do it with great ease. I’ve enjoyed my time with George he is helpful and attentive, he will stand back but move in when required, he’s happy for you to learn at your own pace. I would recommend George, and I have done. I’ve learnt loads. Paul D, Wiltshire."

17 Jul 15'

Kate Benjamin reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day, 1 person)

"Had such a wonderful time. The wood turning was a new experience and I felt extremely at ease with Graham's guidance. I would highly recommend this to anyone as what you can create is so inspiring. Thank you so much to graham and Chris! Perfect day out."

17 Jul 15'

Meriel Spooner reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"Phil is a great tutor with endless patience, providing encouragement throughout the day. We all ended up with hares, despite some passing walkers (clearly townies) not recognising them as such. We had a lovely day out in the garden creating our works of art and the food that Rachel provided was delicious, with all tastes catered for. Can't wait for the next willow workshop."

17 Jul 15'

Katie Imong reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day, 1 person)

"A brilliant morning! Lots of fun, and very rewarding to have made our own bowls. Graham and Chris were wonderful hosts, really warm and welcoming. Thank you!"

17 Jul 15'

john davis reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Hi George, Thank you once again for another great day of tuition, very informative and educational! I’m glad that you can be so patient, I need it and obviously the Dementia kicks in now and again when I repeat a simple error, but your advice is calmly repeated with no frustration on your part and I usually learn the lesson… The facilities are more than adequate for a single student, it must be handy for you to demonstrate on one lathe while I make feeble attempts on the other, but I feel that I am coming on and that;s all down to you. Not one, but two lidded boxes completed, not just a first for me but a first and second!! As usual, we were well looked after by Sue keeping us awash in tea/coffee not to mention a lovely piece of ham for lunch - I couldn’t wish for more! Thanks again, and just as we anticipated, my daughter does prefer the photo of the darker box - great minds think alike! Keep up the good work,"

17 Jul 15'

Kate Anderson reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day, 1 person)

"We had a wonderful day with Graham, Chris and the dogs. We are four girls who needed an inspirational day out. We sure got this!! They were so attentative and thoughtful in every possible way!! We learnt so much and will definately practice what we learnt. Graham has a wealth of knowledge and really makes you feel at ease throughout the experience. I would definately recommend this day to anyone and any ability. Thank you so much Graham and Chris. Everything you did was just perfect. Kate xx"

15 Jul 15'

Mandy Persey reviewed: Stained Glass Garden Mosaic with Sue Smith

"I attended a one day glass mosaic course last week. My husband bought this for me as a birthday present and he found Sue extremely helpful and friendly on the phone . Sue is very welcoming and I felt at ease immediately. The studio has a wonderful setting and is a truly inspiring place. Sue is very talented and professional and I really learned a lot and came away full of enthusiasm for thus very rewarding craft. I was extremely pleased with the mosaic that I produced and came away with lots of information about where to obtain materials , techniques etc so that I could do more at home. We were provided with drinks and biscuits throughout the day and all the materials. It was really good value, fun and I couldn't have hoped for more ! I can thoroughly recommend this course and I am keen to attend more. A big thank you to Sue."

14 Jul 15'

Alex and Harry reviewed: Amazing encaustic art for two people

"My son and I went for an introduction lesson in encaustic wax with Phil. My son is the artist, looking at this technique and media in support of his Art GSCE; I was a rather reluctant taxi Dad. Phil was delightful, enthusiastic and I caught the bug from him. He taught us techniques and we were quickly producing interesting and exciting pictures. Phil not only helped greatly with my son, but he unleashed an inner artist in me. We loved our time and went away with a starter kit and material. We will definitely be heading back for more instruction and guidance. A delight and I would recommend Phil to anyone who wishes to learn or like me find a new hobby/interest."

14 Jul 15'

Connor Groves Waters reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Took a day course last weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was very pleased with how the day played out and it has left me wanting to come back and continue with blacksmithing."

14 Jul 15'

Sarah Malton reviewed: Autentico Basic Chalk Paint Workshop - Hailsham, East Sussex

"A truly enjoyable and inspirational evening. A tired, boring pine bedside cabinet transformed. I have the confidence and the materials to give the wardrobe a makeover now. Pete was really informative and patient. Would recommend this to anyone wanting to learn to chalk paint. Will definitely want to attend a more advanced class."

13 Jul 15'

Sian reviewed: Beginners Weaving with the Rigid Heddle Loom - at All in a Spin

"Me and my Mother had a lovely, interesting and educational time with Dunja. She was a really good teacher and we were made to feel very comfortable in her home. We'll be back to do a spinning class!"

13 Jul 15'

Natasha reviewed: A one day spoon carving course

"I was inspired to do this course after seeing Sharif's beautiful creations at a local craft fair. He is an excellent teacher, clear in his instructions and explanations, knowledgeable and very patient (even with an impatient student like me!). The course was relaxed and friendly, and Sharif engaged with each of us individually, offering lots of help and advice. However, it was also very focused, Sharif keeping us all to schedule to ensure we achieved our objective- a finished, or very nearly finished, spoon by the end of the day. Even as a complete novice, I found this achievable, going away with a nearly finished spoon and the knowledge needed to complete it. We got all of this, plus plenty of tea, a great home-cooked lunch, and the opportunity to spend the day in beautiful and inspiring Steward Wood. What more could you ask for?"

12 Jul 15'

Sue Loveday reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - Hertfordshire

"A throughly enjoyable day learning a new addictive craft that can easily be achieved by all. The time just whizzed by listening to Elsbeth explain the technics of cutting fabric and using the tools to achieve our desired projects! A great day and everything you need is supplied. Wonderful hospitality will be had by all who attends this interesting course. Recommend highly."

10 Jul 15'

Liz Lawson reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"I am really glad I tried this. Ricky is a very calm but responsive teacher. He has a knack of explaining things so they stick, and because of that I accomplished much more than I expected in a one day. The furnace was already fired up with molten glass ready to go, and the day focused on how to gather glass out of the crucible onto the pipe, control it, add colour, blow it and remove it (very important that bit!). I'd like to carry on to learn more techniques and also the mechanics of the furnace and melting glass. The studio is in a lovely countryside location but easily driveable from London."

10 Jul 15'

Elice reviewed: Mineral Eye Shadow Course

"Took this course it was great. I'm 16. Now I can make my own eyeshadow. I made some for my friend's birthday and she loved it."

9 Jul 15'

Laney Warwick reviewed: From fleece to fibre: two day course in hand-spinning

"Finally I understand tensions! Feel I have moved forward in one enormous leap from spinning whatever comes out to actually creating something specific. Learned a lot one short day. Tranquil location, lovely friendly atmosphere, and great fun."

9 Jul 15'

Jilly M reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Just loved this course. Never done anything like it before so thrilled to come home with my own skein - a bit bumpy - but ALL MINE!! Thanks to a very patient teacher."