Latest reviews

Sheila Dempster reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"I had a fantastic day, it had been 40 years since I had last thrown a pot and under Matthew's guidance it seemed like yesterday. I had a very productive day making cylinders, bowls, jugs and dishes and even went off piste throwing different shaped pots I had sketched out myself over coffee. I highly recommend this course for all abilities."

Linda Carter reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"Really fabulous art classes, great teachers, lovely group of people in lovely venue. I have returned for a 5th term, I would definitely recommend!"

Laura Stylianou reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I had been on a long search to find a wood turning tutor that ticked all the boxes. After two years of making enquiries and speaking to various other professionals I realised that I had to find a tutor that would give me detailed explanations, be patient and give me quality time. Being a designer I have a good eye for detail and design but I needed to learn how to start and where to finish. So I came across Marks name and Googled him, I read about him and I was impressed, so I called Mark straight away. We had a lengthy chat, he explained what he covers and agreed that a one to one tuition was most beneficial for me and I signed up, even thought it was a 2.5 hour drive. Mark definitely ticked all the boxes, we covered so much in a day, I learned a lot and took home a fantastic bowl which is what I wanted to make. He is knowledgeable, patient, thorough, calm, enthusiastic, and has a sense of humour. The day exceeded my expectations and I would recommend him without any hesitation. Thank you Mark for a great day,"

Craig reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Had a great day, Jonathan was very welcoming. Marcelle and I both made pendants, I don’t think Marcelle has taken hers off since we got home. The day was so much fun and the time just flew by, it’s safe to say I have a new hobby and the shopping list for tools and equipment was made that evening. We will definitely be returning to make some rings next time. P.s. I don’t write many reviews, service / experience has to be either dreadful or fantastic, congratulations Jonathan you and boat have topped the fantastic list."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Craig and Marcelle. I'm glad you enjoyed the day and I look forward to hearing more about your developing jewellery making skills. Jonathan"

Ellie Emberson reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"I attended a one day stained glass course on Sunday and loved every minute, the day flew by in a flash. Matt is a fantastic teacher and offers just the right amount of assistance, whilst also leaving you to work on your own so you feel like the finished piece is your own work. He's incredibly skillful and it was a pleaseure to spend the day working with him and the others on the course. I'll definitely be returning to do more glass work....it's very addictive. Let me know when you run your glass mosaic class Matt, I'd love to come along."

Ian reviewed: Whittling course

"I was given a voucher for a whittling course as a birthday present and what a find it was managing to get on Martins course. The day was filled with helpful information, advice and hands on whittling, it was great to have something made by your own hands to take home. I would thoroughly recommend this course and tutor to anyone interested in learning a wood craft. Got the bug now and also moving on to spoon making soon."

Lynn reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"Just completed my sixth course and cannot wait to sign up for my seventh. Absolutely fantastic cannot speak highly enough of Rene, Inge and Erica. They are professional, kind and nothing is too much trouble. I have learnt so much from my Colour Wheel sessions. Using so many different mediums and covering many topics. It is the highlight of the week. The three hours just fly by. Classes are thoroughly enjoyable in a friendly relaxed atmosphere. I am so glad I signed up. I would not hesitate to recommend these classes. So what are you waiting for, come along join a class and have a fun time."

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

"I came on this course in an attempt to unlock how I go about re-building my stone walls at home. It became apparent that I had no idea what was involved...but over the two days and with the help of very informative instructors I learnt this is no easy fix. The detail that goes into the conservation of these walls (and what these walls do to protect the local wildlife) and the passion of the the instructors, made up my mind that I need to help make some contribution in the renovation of Dry Stone Walling in my local area. There were another eight guys n gals with me on the course and we all thoroughly enjoyed it (despite the heavens opening on the second day). I have now joined the Association and look forward to increasing my knowledge of this art over time. Many thanks to everyone involved."

simon graveling reviewed: Whittling course

"I thoroughly enjoyed the day with Martin. His skills, lifestyle and traditional values are a tonic to what usually fills my mind. When I got back I told my wife that was the best present she ever bought for me – and meant it. I waited a while for my own knife to be delivered by the supplier, but since it did I have enjoyed focusing on the world in my hand instead of the world out there. Highly therapeutic. Getting started is the tough thing with anything new, but I have to say this is a pleasure so far."

Anne from Rugby reviewed: Hand embroidery Workshop - Garden Borders with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcestershire

"A lovely relaxing day, have learned a lot!"

Val from Rugby reviewed: Hand embroidery Workshop - Garden Borders with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcestershire

"Lovely day!! Relaxed, creative and friendly. Would love to come to another workshop."

Jenny from Worcester reviewed: Hand embroidery Workshop - Garden Borders with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcestershire

"I have been on several of Julie's workshops. Each one is different and inspiring. Julie has a real eye for colour and design and has such brilliant ideas!"

Anne Bremridge reviewed: Weekend stone carving courses on the beautiful Welsh/Shropshire border

"This workshop was a joy. Lottie's very extensive knowledge and experience with her calm and friendly manner helped us to get really absorbed in the carving and I had quite a sense of discovery as the weekend progressed. The lovely setting and the lunch, with such good company added to an excellent couple of days. I will be signing up again! Anne B."

Katrina from Cardiff reviewed: Hand embroidery Workshop - Garden Borders with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcestershire

"A day of indulgence- learning new stitches and techniques from the ever brilliant Julie!"

Emma Cook reviewed: Group Soap-making Workshop - Soapology Studio - Nottinghamshire

"I had a really great day learning about the art of cold process soap making. Emma is very thorough and imparts a great deal of knowledge and experience. The course provides a very clear step-by-step guide, with the theory in the morning and then the pratical in the afternoon, and is the perfect introduction into the world of soap making. Overall all, a very relaxed and informative day."

Mike Chapman reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"I am in my fifth term at ColourWheel, having started as a complete beginner last year. Classes are thoroughly enjoyable and relaxed. With the excellent encouragement, tuition, and guidance provided I have learnt so much and I am gaining confidence in my ability every week. Many thanks to Rene, Inge and Erica, and also to my fellow students Mike."

Alison reviewed: Leather craft - returners follow on course

"Intensive but excellent couple of days. Not only did I come home with my very own personally designed and made bag, but the two days were jam packed with useful information and top tips as well as being great fun. Well worth it."

Stefan Cross reviewed: Make a chef's knife

"Having just completed the 2 day Chef's Knife course @AnvilForge, I am still beaming with pride at the result. I have my own personal and custom made Chef's knife which I can’t wait to use! John (owner/blacksmith @Anvilforge), Mark (journeyman blacksmith) and Steve (knife specialist @whitetigerknives) were all brilliant during the course, offering expert tuition/guidance whilst allowing you to shape and craft your own blade out of leaf spring steel with a choice of wood for your own design of handle (I chose a unique piece of cocobolo). I love it so much, I’m already looking at going back to craft something else! Highly recommend the course and the team. Thanks guys…."

Hilary reviewed: A Dry Stone Walling Workshop Bedfordshire

"Who'd have thought it, I'm a Waller! I won't say it wasn't tiring work but I found it very satisfying assessing the right stone for the right place and seeing the wall grow strong and sound to the required shape and size. What a sense of achievement to build something beautiful that could stand for hundreds of years A huge thank you to John for his careful tutelage. What a gent."

London School of Dry Stone Walling responded:

"Hello Hillary- many thanks for your feedback, i am pleased you discovered a new calling! Your quiet determination and steady, thoughtful choice and juggling the stone was an inspiration."

Bridget Hughes reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"This course is just so much fun! Yes, you learn lots and lots of things, different ideas, different techniques, different ways of creating a disaster and then the thrill of actually producing something really worthwhile that you never thought you were capable of doing. But above all it's the course organisers, Rene and Erica who make it all jell together, for their patience and understanding and creating an atmosphere that makes it such a pleasure to attend each week."

John Sheppard reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"We spent a very interesting and instructive day. Our knowledgeable instructor was very relaxed and helped all course members who had mixed levels of ability. The day passed quickly and I learned a lot . Thanks for a great day."

Mark May reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"These Colourwheel classes are value for money. They are well structured and organised to provide instruction in the use of differing media (which is provided). The course material and notes are emailed in advance of your weekly 3 hour lessons by Rene. Erica who is a qualified and experienced teacher demonstrates the various techniques for the media and subject, then moves round the class assisting and encouraging the less proficient. The friendly atmosphere can go from vibrant to silent concentration in minutes and is a haven from the outside world. Excellent venue and easy parking."

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

"A thoroughly enjoyable weekend in great company with excellent instruction. Every time I walk along this section of wall I will have the immense satisfaction in knowing that I helped to build it - I've already joined the Dry Stone Walling Association!"

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

"What an excellent two days covering how to build a wall from scratch. There was plenty of hands on instruction from people who are obviously passionate about the art of dry stone walling. If you're thinking about taking this course then stop right now and just do it, you won't be disappointed."

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

"The opportunity to give something to the local community that would last into the next century was realised when I attended the weekend course. Run by enthusiastic, knowledgable and highly skilled instructors and volunteers who enthused us all to work as a team. The comraderie and banter over the weekend was intoxicating and with the additional supply of home baking goodies, no one was going to let a few drops of rain stop us from building our wall. Leaning is a life long journey and the skill set I have learnt over the weekend will enable me to further enhance the beautiful area that I live in. The best way to describe this course is in two words: Highly recommended!"