Latest reviews

1 Oct 16'

Kimberley reviewed: Crochet workshop - Benny Rens Creations

"The class was very easy to follow and well planned. Bethany has a lovely welcoming manner and great teaching style. I left with a real sense of achievement and the tools to carry on practicing at home. I will definitely be back to do more classes in the future!"

30 Sep 16'

Emma hazeldene reviewed: Crochet workshop - Benny Rens Creations

"I had an individual lesson with Bethany in my home and was impressed with her teaching style and lovely manner - it was a really lovely experience which I had as a gift - I really enjoyed it and with her clear guidance and tuition I have created my own blanket!"

30 Sep 16'

sue reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"I attended this course with Jo on Wednesday. It was an amazing day, very relaxed, wonderful setting and I learnt all the skills necessary to make candles at home. I would certainly recommend the course and came home with lots of candles and melts I had made during the day."

30 Sep 16'

Richard Willis reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I received a 1 day course Colin as a present for my 65th birthday. Having carried out some woodturning following a course some 20+ years ago and then not using the lathe for the last 6 or 7 years my techniques and confidence had been lost. Colin has restored my confidence and updated my techniques. He is an excellent Instructor who is able to discuss options with you and customise the course content to allow the student to gain maximum benefit from the course. I have no hesitation in recommending a course with Colin and look forward to being able to book another course to develop new skills with Colin's excellent tuition. Thank you Colin and the notes provide handy reminders."

30 Sep 16'

Fiona Oakley reviewed: Two-day Silkscreen Printing Course: Design and Print Your Own Fabric £170.00

"I've been meaning to leave a review for the course I went on in the spring. I had a fantastic weekend learning the art of screen printing with Caroline. Not only does she offer great advice and tutoring, she offers a warm welcome. I was nervous about my lack of creativity but Caroline soon made me feel at ease so that my ideas could come through. Her studio and home are beautiful and our little group enjoyed numerous cups of tea and cake with chatting and laughter and also devoured delicious lunches cooked by her husband. I am a vegetarian and was catered for wonderfully. I really would recommend Caroline's weekend of screen printing course to either a beginner or someone with more knowledge. The surroundings, food, people and experience were definitely worth every penny. Fiona"

30 Sep 16'

Sallie Anderson reviewed: Wire garden sculptures - Geese with Susan Nichols :a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Perfect setting for a perfect course and lovely food- all homemade - if I lived nearer I would be there every month"

30 Sep 16'

Pippa Brook reviewed: Needle felting course with Furzie at Saltisford Canal Trust, Warwick

"We had a wonderful day with Michelle, her teaching was excellent and was thrilled and surprised at the standard of my hare! Michelle makes the day relaxing and so enjoyable."

30 Sep 16'

Mary Jowitt reviewed: Stained glass for beginners - two day workshop

"Great 2 days making a leaded glass panel under the watchful eye of Jan and Alison our very knowledgeable and skilled tutors Small groups meant plenty of help and support when needed but encouragement to work independently once feeling more confident Relaxed atmosphere and everyone felt they had really achieved something by the end of the 2 days"

30 Sep 16'

Mary Jowitt reviewed: Traditional glass painting techniques - 1 day workshop - Bognor Regis

"Fabulous day learning the basics of glass painting . Small group so plenty of support from the very knowledgable and skilled tutors. Needed as its not as easy as it looks :-) but a real sense of achievement at the end of the day . Friendly relaxed atmosphere made the whole experience enjoyable ."

30 Sep 16'

Aine Kelly reviewed: Wire garden sculptures - Geese with Susan Nichols :a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"This course is fab - I had no idea what a large and lifelike goose I would be making. I also thought mine would never look like the course leader's model. But it does. I am so proud of it and love having it in my garden. The course was extremely well managed, great fun and totally absorbing. I plan to do more."

29 Sep 16'

Gill George reviewed: Bud Vases & Tea Lights in Porcelain with Gwen Bainbridge: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater- Cumbria

"This course was a retirement gift to push me outside my comfort zone- I have never been known for any artistic ability! I had heard so many glowing reports about Quirky Workshops. Gwen was a legend, patient, reassuring, completely understanding about my need to have everything explained several times! Other course members had some artistic skills and we were all able to produce finished articles at our own level. I loved the different techniques we learnt for creating patterns on porcelain- I had only previously used clay at school. My husband was amazed to see what I had produced. We were also well looked after with tea, biscuits and lunch, a real treat. I would recommend anyone to have a go at a Quirky Workshop whether you are experienced or not."

29 Sep 16'

Victoria Slade reviewed: Techniques & Tools Workshop

"I've been lucky enough to do a few felting workshops with Emma and her skill as a tutor as well as a creator of lovely things really sets her apart. You really do learn the techniques you need to go away and get all creative - and take away creations (and creatures) which are recognisable which is no mean feat in my case. But a word of warning - her workshops are addictive!"

29 Sep 16'

Jane Greenwood reviewed: Bud Vases & Tea Lights in Porcelain with Gwen Bainbridge: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater- Cumbria

"I LOVE this workshop! I have worked in Art & Design all my life, but with very limited experience of ceramics. Gwen is an excellent and patient tutor, who has been able to help my naturally clumsy self to develop some skill in working with porcelain (I need a lot more experience though!) Greystoke Cycle Cafe is a lovely venue - and the refreshments provided throughout the day are wonderful. I would highly recommend both Gwen's workshop and Quirky Workshops at Greystoke to anyone interested in Arts and Crafts"

29 Sep 16'

Trudy Furini reviewed: Using stoneware clay and the pinch pot technique make six equal sized egg cups/ tea lights.

"Excellent day, I took a friend to Jenny's class as a birthday treat and we had a fabulous day. Jenny is very warm and welcoming and great at explaining the finer points. It was such a relaxing experience as we were able to let our imagination take over, guided by jenny at difficult stages. We then sat down to the most wonderful lunch at the artisan bakery, well worth a visit. This is a class i would love to do again as i have so many new ideas, if you want quality time with a great teacher then look no further."

29 Sep 16'

Linda edwards reviewed: One day leather bag making workshop

"This was my second course with Rosanna I have made a hand stitched laptop case and today I made a large size purse with a zip coin compartment and then opens up to the cards and notes I love it, Rosanna it a fantastic teacher whom encourages you to follow your tastes and style in your piece you are making. I'm booked on the handbag two day in October yes I'm addicted its brill. Give it a go great fun!"

29 Sep 16'

Ann Stupple reviewed: Make a needle-felt Herdwick doorstop - a Quirky Workshop nr Ullswater & The Lake District

"I have been on a number of courses here and they have all been excellent. My herdwick doorstop is lovely and even admired by James Rebanks of "shepherds life' fame. The food is lovely too, I always eat too much!"

29 Sep 16'

Patricia Davies reviewed: Make a needle-felt Herdwick doorstop - a Quirky Workshop nr Ullswater & The Lake District

"What a great day ! The venue is lovely, with a great atmosphere. The course was excellent, all the materials required were provided. The tutor showed all the steps and no sewing is required. We all went home with our own doorstop - wonderful. There are so many courses available, I will be returning. Vouchers are available which make great gifts."

29 Sep 16'

Paul Weston reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I thoroughly enjoyed the intensive four-day course. Ciarán is a very knowledgeable and skilful woodworker and an excellent teacher – making the whole process a lot of fun. He is very constructive, supportive and patient; he has to be with students like me on the course! The Arts Centre setting is lovely and lunch at the on-site café was excellent. As mentioned by others, we were copiously supplied with tea/coffee and biscuits throughout. Having never done woodwork before (save the odd bit of DIY), I thought the skills taught were ideal for beginners and I learned a great deal – enough to feel confident to take my learning to the next level. A word of warning? I became a little stressed as time went on, particularly on the last day, when I realised that I was falling behind. This was down to me, as I’m particular and fussy and made some mistakes. Three of us had to stay late on the last day to finish, and I was the last! Ciarán was fantastic with this (I don’t think it’s uncommon) and never once gave the impression that he was annoyed or frustrated. In fact, he tried to encourage me to do a little more to address the areas I wasn’t happy with. So, as the course title suggests, it is intensive! However, I’m extremely pleased I went on it and would highly recommend it!"

29 Sep 16'

Roslyn reviewed: Make a needle-felt Herdwick doorstop - a Quirky Workshop nr Ullswater & The Lake District

"Excellent and fun course. Great tutor with easy to follow steps. Amazing lunch and treats during the day. One of many great courses offered by the cycle cafe st greystoke. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend and would even attend this course again!"

29 Sep 16'

julia stanton reviewed: Wire garden sculptures - Geese with Susan Nichols :a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Excellent course by a very capable instructor, and we all came away with wonderful sculptures. Added to that, we had a delicious lunch in the cafe garden (price included in the workshop fee) in a really convivial atmosphere."

29 Sep 16'

Iona reviewed: Wire garden sculptures - Geese with Susan Nichols :a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"My second wire sculpture course, just love it. Sue is a very patient teacher and I came home chuffed with my creations!! Will be booking for next year."

29 Sep 16'

Steve reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I had an excellent day of learning and fun making jewellery at Lucy's workshop. I came away with a handmade, by me, silver bracelet. Lucy is an excellent tutor who enables and supports while teaching jewellery making techniques. I have already booked my next session. Thanks."

29 Sep 16'

Silver clay beginners course reviewed: Silver jewellery beginners' class - one day

"I came to do the silver clay class....oh my goodness it was amazing, I loved every second. I made a beautiful necklace and earings! It's brilliant the way it changes after being fired is astounding, all the staff were helpful but Louise was so patient with me when I was dithering! I can't wait to do it again!!"

29 Sep 16'

Trudie McClatchie reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Ive just been lucky enough to attend Jo's course. I achieved everything the course promised plus lots of tips and business information too. What a lovely lady, it was such a stress-free fun day. I still can't believe what beautiful scented candles i made. Jo is so talented - a domestic candle goddess of her beautiful kitchen. Recommend Jo's course with no hestitation."

29 Sep 16'

Alison reviewed: Calligraphy for Beginners and Improvers

"I have been studying with Gaynor for several years and long may it continue. She is both an excellent calligrapher and tutor, offering guidance and support whilst encouraging her pupils to develop their own style. Flatford Mill is a tranquil weekend retreat. Be prepared for basic accommodation but a very warm welcome and wholesome food. A great place to get away from the madness of modern life."