Latest reviews

Don Irving reviewed: Wood turning courses

"George Many many thanks for your hospitality and my day of woodturning with you, your patience and skill was a pleasure for me far beyond my expectations. Your tuition was most helpful to this rank amateur, your explanation of all the facets of woodturning we covered were very clearly put to me and I hope that I may call on you again in the future. Kindest regards Don"

Nicola Wilson reviewed: Introduction to mosaics / further adventures in mosaic workshop

"Kate's courses are an excellent way to get you started with mosaicing. In a relaxed environment she gives an introduction to techniques before letting you get really hands on with the materials. Tips and advice was given throughout and Kate's always willing to answer questions. She also provides summary notes to reference at home. Ive really enjoyed the 2 courses I've attended and these have both given me the confidence to continue mosaicing at home."

Kate Rattray Mosaic Artist responded:

"Thanks for your lovely review Nicky. I look forward to working with you again soon! Kate"

Andrew J - 30/06/18 reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"An excellent day! Much better than I expected. Came away confident and ready to start work on my car tomorrow. After having many failed attempts at home, David showed me where I was going wrong and I left a confident welder. *Review written at the welding facility on 30/06/18, hard copy kept at premises."

Tom D reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"The course was brilliant! Exactly what I was looking for. A great set up with the majority of time spent doing hands on welding. Could have tolerated a little bit more time spent on classroom type theory, e.g. mixing metals. *Review written at the welding facility on 30/06/18, hard copy kept at premises."

Rob L reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"The course content was very good, covered everything required. No improvements that I can think of. *Review written at the welding facility on 30/06/18, hard copy kept at premises."

Lloyd H reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"I shop at Allied Welding and I saw an advertisement in store. I thought the course was very good, I had no previous welding experience and I am now confident that I can go away and complete small jobs. *Review written at the welding facility on 30/06/18, hard copy kept at premises."

Ben S reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"This was a birthday present from my wife. I thought the course was an excellent introduction and a great confidence builder. The work space was very clean, a pleasant area to work in.  *Review written at the welding facility on 30/06/18, hard copy kept at premises."

Cath Hughes reviewed: Pembrokeshire Maddie Janes Mosaic

"Thoroughly enjoyed the course. Maddie is lovely & down to earth, she makes you feel at ease. She was very helpful & explained things well. I will definitely do this again."

Lisa reviewed: Percher hat making - blocking for beginners millinery workshop

"Really enjoyed the whole day - Rachel was really knowledgeable and friendly. The techniques were explained thoroughly and if we had any questions Rachel went through the answers in a way that all of us could understand. I would definitley book for another course with Rachel again."

Katherine reviewed: 5 week pottery classes North Devon

"Brilliant course, Jax is a fabulous tutor. Lots of help and advice given during the sessions."

Tarka Pottery responded:

"Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. We love running classes and workshops, look forward to seeing you again soon, Jax"

Kathy reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"Alice ran an excellent workshop and I would love to do more one day. It's a calm way to spend a day - learning a new skill in a relaxed environment and a beautiful heritage setting close to Southsea waterfront."

Pauline Oldfield reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"A great course for beginners, or even as refresher course. Something new learned every week. Individual equipment which is good, lots of help from Martin who is an excellent teacher. A very motivational course. Definitely returning with a new project."

Ingrid reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"Brilliant workshop, a must to do. Alice is a great teacher and very helpful. Looking forward to the new weave and natter group Alice is starting"

William Gibson reviewed: Make a Welsh stick chair

"Crazy brilliant course!! I barely know where to begin writing this review there's so many good things about it! I'll start with the area, the location of the woodwork course I attended was situated just outside Presteigne - a lovely small welsh town which has everything you need; spar shop, pubs, petrol station and friendly locals. The course itself is held practically completely outdoors in an open timber frame structure (with a roof for shelter) emerged in a picturesque woodland. The entire process uses traditional methods of manufacture using manually operated tools and machinery - no artificial power is used at all. I found this fascinating and very inspiring. I didnt think it was possible to produce such beautifully crafted furniture with no powered machinery. The steam bending I found particularly stimulating alongside the wide range of processes taught on the course. The ecofriendly approach is very refreshing even down to the toilet, a luxurious hole in the ground. Throughout the process of making the chair Ben was an exceptional tutor. A knowledgable, patient, down to earth geezer who's easy to get on with and clearly passionate about the subject. He gave clear instructions throughout and never grumbled to give a helping hand. Decent cook too, looked forward to every lunch with delicious soups and baguettes. I mentioned at some point Foxs crunch cream biscuits are the best and he actually brought a pack in the following day, absolute legend. At the end of the course I couldnt believe the chair I produced, I cant stop sitting on it, its given me a great sense of achievement and wellbeing. Bottom line is I had a great time and learnt a great deal while on the course. I highly recommend whether youre into woodwork or not; it's great to be working outdoors in the fresh air and learning with a group of great people. If youre even remotely considering this course, do it! You wont regret it!"

Sandi Lee reviewed: Throwing & hand-building pottery workshops £64 per person for 2 hour workshop

"Can highly recommend a course with Catherine, we've had a wonderful morning learning how to use the potters wheel (Catherine, you make it look so easy) and to make our own little animals - can't wait to see how the hedgehog, chicken and french bulldog look after firing. An excellent tutor, an excellent course. Thank you so much, Sandi, Pat and Elaine"

Cathy Phillips reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"Classes are fantastic. Martin is a great teacher with a lot of patience and gentleness. I feel a real sense of achievement and he has helped me find skills within me that i didn't know existed. Looking forward to September already."

Christine Seager reviewed: Julia Triston Workshop - Analysing Colour

"Julia’s course was good - she is a good tutor and very encouraging to all students regardless of their level of knowledge. However, the course was well overpriced. The facilities were poor. Similar courses cost less in fully equipped studios."

Ian Clay reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"I thoroughly enjoyed the course which was extremely informative, interesting and very well presented with lots of good humour thrown in. I was astonished at the number of amazing techniques and tricks of the craft that we were taught which all go towards the efficient and fault-free making of any item. I have done a little leatherwork in the past but Bill raised me to a whole new level!! Keep up the good work, Bill."

Emma Stalker reviewed: 2 Hour Glass Beadmaking session for 2 people

"Julia was brilliant showing us how to make from a basic bead shape to adding some deciration. Very patient and a good tutor. Will be going back for more lessons in the future to build up our knowledge can't recommend highly enough!!"

Tom reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"What a delight to get along to glass class each week. Martin is an excellent teacher who gives each of us the individual attention we require - from first timers to ambitious glass artists we each get just the right amount of support and encouragement. And at half way through each class he brings us a cup of tea - what's not to like?"

John Cole reviewed: Sunday afternoon watercolour painting florals - with Artist Laura Andrew

"I am a complete novice, but Laura worked with me and encouraged me and at the end of a fantastic day I came away feeling very satisfied. This is an excellent course and I have no doubt that with Laura's expert guidance you would gain a lot whether novice or professional. Everything is provided for you to work in wide range of mediums and from the outset you are encouraged to try out techniques, to experiment and to "be brave". It's a wonderful day with an excellent teacher and guide, and represents tremendous value for money, I thoroughly recommend it."

Lisa Heller reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"Martin's class has been one of the most enjoyable and rewarding classes I have ever attended. Martin's teaching style is perfect fro a group of adult learners with a varying amount of knowledge and expertise, from those who have been working with glass for years to those who are complete newcomers. He gently facilitates learning whilst at the same time teaching the various aspects of the craft and keeping a safe environment. Martin is careful to teach thoroughly the best techniques - which he has acquired over decades of working with glass, but at the same time allows students to follow their own style of work. From "Well done you're finished, are you pleased with it?" to "Hold it up, and I'll take a picture", those of us who have experienced that feel the same kind of delight that Bake-off contestants experienced when Paul Hollywood shook their hand."

Andrew Allberry reviewed: Make a Welsh stick chair

"Impossible to praise this course highly enough. A truly special, highly rewarding experience. Enjoyed every minute of it. As well as an obvious master of his craft, Ben is an outstanding teacher - the essential ingredient which so many courses fail to offer. (Plus he's a really great bloke to spend a week with.) He knows just what and how much guidance to give; a helping hand and an inexhaustible supply of expert knowledge and experience when you need it, yet essentially leaving you to get on with it. As a result I feel that really learned my stuff, and I came away with a huge sense of achievement - not to mention a beautiful chair. The setting is beyond beautiful too, and if you stay on site as we did (very highly recommended indeed) the whole thing adds up to an unforgettable week."

Helen reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Thanks Bill for a great weekend on Introduction to Leather Work. I learnt so much in the two days, cant belive what we achieved in that time. Bill is an excellent teacher, learning by practice, made a lovely belt on the first day. The knowledge and information on designing and making a pattern was very good which was transferred to creating, in my case, to a sleeve for tablet. Hope to go again!"

Nick Booth reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"It is difficult to believe that someone who has always been clumsy and imprecise with wood can be taught to make a beautiful hardwood box (in oak) that looks and feels fabulous. Mark enabled me to do that in two days on a fantastic box-making course which was well run, allowed us to work independently, learn how to use hand tools and machine tools, and feel more confident doing previously impossible projects at home. A great course in a great location, highly recommended."