Latest reviews

16 Jan 17'

Andrea Lawrence reviewed: Fused glass workshop - Plymouth

"I gave this as a Christmas gift to 3 of my friends. What fun we had! It was a great way to spend 3 hours and we all enjoyed making our coasters and sun catchers. I would highly recommend this workshop to everyone. Sheena is a fun, lovely lady. Thank you so much for such a fantastic afternoon. We will certainly return!"

16 Jan 17'

Jo McCallum reviewed: Steam-Bending Courses in Cumbria

"I attended the professional practice course at Charlie's workshop in the Lake District. For four days we learnt everything you need to know about steam bending, from material properties to techniques and design. Charlie is patient and incredibly generous, his team are skilled, lovely people, plus his workshop is based in a stunning location. Win, win. This course helped to focus my own practice and I'm currently in Australia, about to use these techniques with architecture students. Charlie's instruction gave me the confidence and the knowledge to get to this point, for which I'm extremely grateful. I highly recommend Charlie's steam bending courses, he is a highly skilled maker/practitioner and an excellent teacher."

15 Jan 17'

Adam Gopsill reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I received this course as a birthday present as I was looking into buying a lathe and wanted to get some expert guidance before I went out and bought all the wrong tools. Mark was an excellent teacher and will give a plethora of valuable honest advice on what to get and what to avoid in regards to tools and types of wood to use. Not only that, you'll learn how to turn properly, giving lots of time and effort saving techniques which can only be only taught by a very experienced technician in the craft. I went for a day's tuition, there is a lot to absorb from how to turn cross grain to properly sharpening chisels. You'll work hard and leave knackered but I went away with a great sense of achievement and a hoping that a lathe will be gracing my shed very soon. Thank you Mark for a fantastic and informative day. I would recommend this course to anyone, even if you've never done turning before."

15 Jan 17'

Oliver Sharpe reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I was bought a beginners day with Chris by my girlfriend and had an amazing day. Chris is an excellent teacher with the right balance of instruction/showing you how and letting you loose on your own (with a helpful eye and tips). His passion for smithing is very apparent and adds to the experience through his stories about smithing and generous enthusiasm. He is a very friendly and knowledgeable tutor. I can't recommend this course enough. I came away with some handmade items, a whole new love of metal and a burning (no pun intended) desire to do some more. Blacksmithing is such a rewarding and interesting art and Chris gives a perfect introduction to it. I shall be going back for a more advanced day soon I am sure. Hold it, Heat it, Hit it!"

15 Jan 17'

Shirley Macfarlane reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Had a super morning with Kerry. What a fabulous Christmas present from my lovely friend Anna. I had no idea what to expect and it was wonderful. Kerry really knows her stuff is super friendly and it was a pure pleasure to learn from her. The group were lovely. Such a lovely way to spend a morning. I have already recommended it to some friends."

15 Jan 17'

Ian and Rachel Harrower reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I bought a day's course for my husband for his birthday after he'd been dropping not too subtle hints! Well, it was money well spent and as he declared 'one of his best birthday presents ever'. He was full of praise for Nigel the minute he stepped in the door brandishing a poker, shovel, key rings and a small pot! He has been heartily recommending the course to family and friends and is keen to go back for more!"

15 Jan 17'

Clare Lennon reviewed: Introduction to silver jewellery making workshop with Diane Lee

"What a brilliant day! Dianne is an excellent teacher, very knowledgeable and talented. The group was friendly and supportive. Highly recommended."

15 Jan 17'

Carl Herrington reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"This was my second course with Nigel, obviously I thoroughly enjoyed the first course or I wouldn't have been so keen to do another. On my first course Nigel taught the basics of metal working, explaining the history of blacksmithing and how technology developed through the ages. We rapidly progressed from heating and shaping our first piece of 10mm rod to turning out pokers, shovels, keyrings and small pots. Nigel's knowledge, skill and passion for the art are infectious, his humor and patience carry you through the day of intense learning. You really do get out of the day, what you put into it. My second session was an extension of the first, although 3 months had passed, Nigel remembered me and was able to effortlessly guide me further in my learning while simultaneously starting two first timers off. The way Nigel made the second session mesh with two other lads first session was excellent, we all worked along as a group, with complete support and attention to us all, I was able to move forward and progress, with the freedom to make what I wanted, while the others where guided through from the beginning. Beyond the course Nigel has been very helpful and supportive in helping me to set up a small furnace of my own and I will certainly return for another course and will be bringing a friend who I know will love it!"

15 Jan 17'

Clare Lanceley reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"I have had a wonderful time on Jason's leather work course this weekend. The workshop is a little tricky to find, in a large mill building, but I joined 3 other people (who were doing the 2 day course) and received a friendly welcome. Jason is a great teacher, patient and good humoured, despite our many questions. I made a notebook cover, with a leather strap to fix. One day isn't long to cover all that many aspects of leather work but I felt I received a great grounding in the basics. We had an excellent lunch from a café in the building (I had a halloumi salad). Jason is happy to pass on his tips to encourage students to continue with leather work, for example, advising on what tools they might need and how to buy leather from local suppliers. I found the day really enjoyable, time flew and I enjoyed chatting with the other students. I am very keen to attend another course and would definitely recommend Jason as a teacher."

15 Jan 17'

Colin Higgs reviewed: Steam-Bending Courses in Cumbria

"I attended the two day beginner's steam bending course in 2016. The first day was covering the basics of wood bending; health and safety; using different types of wood and how they bend in different ways. Enjoying the use of different jigs to wrap your wood around. Having a lot of fun with the whole group. The second day was the design and build of your own chair in a day. We all used the same basic steel jig to build the chair and then started to add our own designs on top of the basic chair. We had extensive assistance during the chair building process the whole day and everyone had a thoroughly great time. At the end of the day we had our own chairs to take away with us. The best 2 day course I have ever done so far. Excellent. Charlie and his team were all friendly and supportive all throughout the course. Apart from this I was fortunate enough to spend another week with Charlie making my own creations. The skills that I picked up from Charlie in that short period were exceptional; working with different tools and watching Charlie when he was working in production of new sculptures. I learned a lot and realized I needed to spend more time at his studio, there is too much too learn in 1 week. Charlie Whinney is one of the UK's leading artists working with wood on contemporary sculptural designs. One would be silly to miss out on an opportunity to work in his studio and pickup on some of his exceptional skill set. A great person and a great studio."

15 Jan 17'

stefoknee reviewed: Canal art - roses and castles - decorate a plate in narrowboat decoration

"Fabulous! I have almost zero artistic ability and even I produced a plate that had my family amazed! Well taught, in small easy stages. And with a great lunch and plenty of coffee thrown in! A craft worth learning from an excelleny tutor. Thank you."

15 Jan 17'

Bridget Kimber reviewed: Encaustic art (wax painting) workshop

"This is an amazing art - encaustic - I first did workshops some years ago in Winchester and then when I moved to Chandlers Ford a local lady Karen Tait was teaching this art and I joined her classes. Karen has been teaching art for some years and her classes are always full. Encaustic art is truly awesome. Join Karen at Velmore Community Centre in Chandlers Ford you will never regret it."

15 Jan 17'

Stephanie reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"Simply put, book this workshop! Sophie has done an absolutely amazing job at creating the perfect experience. Easily one of the most welcoming and nicest people I've ever encountered, with such a passion for this wonderful craft. Going in knowing absolutely nothing about needle felting, my mother-in-law and I have come away with a new love and hobby. The garden studio was relaxing and lovingly decorated, the lunch by her sweet mom was scrumptious, and we came away with mini versions of our dogs that we actually want to keep and are already displaying. We were made to feel so comfortable and she took her time with each of us in the group (6 of us) to help throughout the day, with no pressure to rush at all. Sophie is truly in her element, a fantastic teacher and has really inspired me to start a new hobby, which I've been missing from my life for so long. Thank you so much, Sophie!"

15 Jan 17'

Lynsey Ollington reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"Just had an excellent day with Colin at Strawberry Steel. He was very welcoming, kind and helpful. As blacksmithing novices we were impressed with our achievements. We made coat hooks, key hooks, toasting forks, letter openers and garden wine glass holders. This was a mother and daughter day for a birthday present. Most mums and daughters go to a spa for a pamper day and drink Prosecco. We had a unique experience and took home glass holders for Prosecco made by us to remember this day for years to come. Thank you Colin"

15 Jan 17'

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

"Had a lovely afternoon with Debs and Sue learning how to crochet! I was made to feel very welcome with tea and chocolate biscuits. Debs is a very patient and calm teacher and although I kept losing count she put me back on track! Great afternoon, great location, great company!"

15 Jan 17'

John Martin reviewed: Steam-Bending Courses in Cumbria

"I attended the two day beginner's steam bending course in 2016. A lot of material was covered in the first day, but in a relaxed, friendly, pressure free way. So much was taught that I should have taken notes, but I was enjoying myself too much. What can be done with wood, how to select and prepare it for bending, how to make simple but effective tools and equipment, how to bend, practice in bending and more. The second day - to make your own chair in a day - was intense. We just wanted to put all that we had learnt into practice and to keep working without a break, but Charlie insisted we stop for lunch. A terrific practical exercise. I thoroughly enjoyed the course, learnt a lot and left with my head buzzing with ideas. Excellent."

15 Jan 17'

Mark reviewed: Steam-Bending Courses in Cumbria

"Great course, Great teacher, Great location. Had a great time and learned loads about steam bending wood."

15 Jan 17'

Gary Barker reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"An excellent day highly recommended. I booked this for my partner who is obsessed with candles, we both loved it. Julie and Kay are fantastic, very knowledgable and friendly. The structure of the course is really good with enough time for everyone to ask questions and get 1:1 support. Afternoon tea was also lovely. If you are reading this to consider booking, trust me and book it"

15 Jan 17'

Joanne Hunt reviewed: Private, One to One Traditional Jewellery Making Classes, York

"I booked one to one tuition with Emma to learn how to make some stacking rings. I had a great day! Time flew by and I was really proud of the rings I made! Emma explains the techniques and technical aspects of jewellery making very well and is a very knowledgeable and patient teacher. The workshop is well equipped and the central location makes it easy to travel to. For anyone looking to get into jewellery making I would highly recommend contacting Emma. I will definitely be going back for another class in the future!"

15 Jan 17'

chris handforth reviewed: Fused Glass Christmas Decorations One Day Workshop : Fun, Creativity and Relaxation

"I went to a "taster" workshop session at Greenhalgh Glass studio at Caudwell Mills. The Mill is tucked away in beautiful countryside in Rowsley village in a complex of art and craft businesses all worth a visit. The session was introduced by Joy Greenhalgh who is simply a brilliant teacher combining a profound knowledge of her subject with the ability to present the essentials to novices like me with a light touch and gentle good humour. After a short introduction a group of us set to work creating a design of our own choosing on a piece of glass. You can either work from a template or freestyle. Joy gave advice as required and was supportive and encouraging throughout the session. The coffee and chat flowed and at the end of it I finished up with something that I can hang on my wall. A very happy and rewarding experience. I shall be going back."

15 Jan 17'

Lyn Christian reviewed: Silver clay beginners course - Lori Ridgway

"What a great course! Structured and concise instruction with a bit of fun thrown in. I came away with not only some pieces of jewellery I was very pleased with but also a thirst to do more. I highly recommend this course. Lori (our instructor) was lovely, full of information and very happy to share her knowledge. I had a great time and will definitely be going back to learn more."

14 Jan 17'

Bobbie reviewed: Beginners sewing classes on one to one basis

"Fantastic class, I really look forward to this class every month! I have learnt such a lot, and have been able to make so many hand made gifts because of this class!! We always have such a laugh too, lovely tutors!! Just brilliant!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"

14 Jan 17'

Andrew Mirza reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"Matt is an excellent tutor. Within the first hour, after the safety training, I was cutting glass confidently. The size of the class is small so this means Matt can attend to each person individually, providing guidance and a helping hand as needed. Lending his knowledge and expertise he has helped me realise my stain glass design. This included the choice of colours for the glass, technical aspects to achieve the desired effect, e.g., acid etching and glass staining for the written text. An important consideration for me is that the venue for the class is nearby and the time is convenient being a day at the weekend. The cost included access to all tools, materials, and safety ware. The only thing I brought to the class was my design, although Matt does say he can provide designs that can be achieved within the day. I have had two sessions so far because my stain glass design while not complex is tricky to make, there being lots of small circles. All the pieces are cut and ready. So I look forward to my next session, and with Matt's help, assemble my stain glass plaque. Matt's class is a great way to spend a day in an out of the ordinary activity. No prior experience needed just a willingness to learn. You will be fully engaged in activity and be surprised at how the time passes. It is interesting to see the stained glass designs that other attendees are making. At the final day's end, you leave with an object and a story of an experience which you can show and tell to family and friends. Each time you catch a glimpse of your stain glass feature you can say ‘I made that.’"

14 Jan 17'

Sally Tait reviewed: Learn to Crochet at The Quercus Rooms, Carmarthen

"I have just attended this peg loom course and had a wonderful day. Helen was very helpful and clear with her instructions and made the whole experience most enjoyable. The museum was a really good venue too. Can you believe I had to travel 208 miles from Lancaster to find a peg loom course but it was absolutely worth every inch. Thank you Helen."

14 Jan 17'

Susie J. Gray reviewed: Willow sculpture weaving hares courses at Greenwood Days

"I had planned another very short visit to my beloved England this past Autumn, and was thrilled to be able to attend Tom Hares willow sculpture course at Greenwood Days. Since I was traveling from the US, and using only public transport in the UK, I needed assistance in getting to the woodland. Peter was a very gracious host, in helping me make plans, in collecting me from a nearby bus stop, and in providing a lovely woodland classroom environment and delicious hot soup and bread for lunch each day! A willow weaver myself, I have been an admirer of Toms work since 2011 when I first visited Wakehurst Place. To say I was thrilled to attend is an understatement. It was a dream come true. I found Tom to be very generous tutor, answering all my questions thoroughly, offering encouragement and sharing the specific details and methods for the very unique weaving style he has developed in his sculptural work over the years. I learned so much and am now attempting to incorporate what I learned in my own practice here in Vermont, USA. My classmates were three very lovely ladies about my age. I enjoyed their company immensely, the cups of tea and cake, a tour of the local area and a heaping dose of good conversation and laughter. I hope we are all able to follow thru on having a reunion for another course at Greenwood Days in a year or two! My experience at Greenwood Days was first rate, in every way. I highly recommend this venue to anyone considering attending a course"