Latest reviews

11 Aug 16'

Karen reviewed: Handspinning workshop

"As a novice I managed to get in every tangle possible, create every knot known to humankind, even managed catch the threading tool into the spin, and enjoyed every minute. Diane and the team were patient, helpful, prepared to step in or hang back depending on your preference, and left me feeling confident that even if I'll never be a great spinner, I do know what to do and how to cope with all those little things that can crop up. The option to try different types of wheel was invaluable and I came away with a hank of ply wool that my other half described as rustic, but it was all my own work and I think it looks great. Great value, would recommend."

11 Aug 16'

Rick Wheaton reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"Just had a full day one-to-one turning course with Colin. His expertise and experience are second to none and he is a superb communicator. I was put at my ease, made to feel relaxed and at home (literally - a very pleasant lunch in Colin's kitchen was included!) and most importantly I was taught dozens of new skills in turning and sharpening. Excellent! Most enjoyable! Highly recommended!"

10 Aug 16'

JoAnn Thornton reviewed: Furniture painting workshop with Annie Sloan chalk paint

"I really enjoyed the lesson with Lucy. She is fabulously clear and I am really grateful that she repeated all the steps slowly after demonstrating them, so we could take good notes, as I might well have forgotten them otherwise. She is patient and really encouraging. I most definitely will have a go at home now! Thank you so much, Lucy!"

10 Aug 16'

Gemma Williams reviewed: Potter's wheel pottery - half day course Siramik

"I booked this course as a surprise for my sister and it did not disappoint!! Both myself and my sister were complete beginners but Yoka explained everything clearly and was so welcoming and friendly we soon got the hang of it. Would highly recommend this course- Its a great day out! We are both looking to return to do another course with Yoka! You will not be disappointed!"

10 Aug 16'

Ligia Rodrigues reviewed: Graceful Bowl Turning with Inviting Lines - Full Day Course

"Martin is very patient and excellent at explaining, not just how to use the tools / place your body, move, etc. but also why doing things a certain way is preferred and what effect it has on the piece. Martin explained what to look for when choosing a blank and how to choose which side of the blank to use for the face, etc. I learnt much more than just how to turn a bowl… I learnt about workshop safety and design of the piece amongst many other things, like choosing the right size drill bit for a screw chuck. Great value for money and highly recommended. I shall be back for the colouring workshop once I’ve perfected the skills learnt today. It was a great day, and thank you for your patience."

9 Aug 16'

Celia reviewed: Amazing encaustic art for two people Day Course

"I have been trying to book a course for about 2 years but work kept getting in the way .... Finally last Friday I made it - and it was worth the wait . A great day and Phil is patient and has a great teaching style - I had produced something I was proud of in the first hour and given that I do not consider myself artistic in any way - the running joke is I can't even draw the curtains"

9 Aug 16'

Tonia reviewed: 3-day Jewellery-making Course with Jinks McGrath – Sussex

"I have now taken four terms of these evening classes and have enrolled for the next one: I've learnt so much and have really enjoyed it. I would highly recommend both Jinks and Sam for their knowledge and teaching and second the praise given in other reviews. Additionally the atmosphere is always welcoming and encouraging, not just from the tutors but also the other learners. As an added bonus there's coffee, herbal teas and biscuits and the artistic setting in the South Downs is stunning."

9 Aug 16'

Helen Hedgecock reviewed: Glass Fusing Workshop

"It was a lovely birthday present. We had wonderful tuition. Annie was a very information teacher, covered all aspects of glass making. I managed to make 4 items. I would recommend this experience. I thoroughly enjoyed my day."

9 Aug 16'

Hilde Goorts reviewed: Circular sock knitting machine 'Sock School'

"Excellent course and well worth the money. Amazing experience making your first sock. And the food was sublime. I can whole heartedly recommend this to anyone interested in learning to knit on a circular sock knitting machine."

9 Aug 16'

Molly reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"A very productive day and lots of fun. Siobhan was very welcoming and I learnt a huge amount. I will definitely be back."

9 Aug 16'

Neil Whitehead reviewed: M

"My wife and I spent a wonderful afternoon with Maddie. We took our own frame, in which we intend to insert a mirror and made a lovely beach themed mosaic. Maddie was accommodating and made us feel very welcome. She guided us through the project, but gave us freedom to unleash our creativity! I couldn’t recommend her enough."

9 Aug 16'

Peter Hibbit reviewed: Stained Glass course

"We attended this course yesterday. Keith was an excellent tutor and we came away with a piece of stained glass each that we had made. The time flew past. I would strongly recommend this course."

8 Aug 16'

Barbara Sellars reviewed: Upholstery and cushion covers with Jo Walton

"I have been attending the Tuesday drop in class for 6 months now and in that time I have re-upholstered 6 dining chairs, 2 footstools and I am currently attempting a challenging large Victorian chair. All this has only been possible because Jo is a brilliant tutor she gives you not only the skills to achieve so much in class but also the confidence to continue your project at home, she explains the how & why and doesn't make you feel a complete twit if you don't immediately grasp what she is telling you! I feel proud of what I have achieved with Jo's help and now I find I am constantly on the look out for tired, worn out pieces of furniture to 'beautify'. Thank You Jo"

8 Aug 16'

Evelyn McLean reviewed: Two Day Stained Glass Course with Gallus Glass

"What a great weekend and with Maureen's excellent tuition I am delighted to have completed 2 stained glass panels which I think is amazing for a complete beginner. Lovely relaxed atmosphere and delicious soup! Would recommend this course to anyone who fancies trying something new."

8 Aug 16'

Louise Boyton reviewed: Circular sock knitting machine 'Sock School'

"What a great course! Anne taught us about the different parts of the machines and carefully guided us through each stage of making our socks. Plenty of support was available from her and her friendly team when there was the occasional panic of a lost stitch! Superb catering throughout the day. I am so proud of my socks! - Thank you"

8 Aug 16'

Neil Collins reviewed: A Longbow Experience

"I have just arrived back from a weekend of making a longbow with a group of friends under the excellent guidance of Tony. This course really was excellent, Tony was awesome at explaining how to use each of the traditional tools to craft a longbow from a lump of wood. He demonstrated each stage perfectly and offered hints and tips on how to get the best results. By the end of the two days we each had a bow that we got to shoot, info on the history of the longbow and a load of great stories. The camp site was wonderful, an easy enough walk to get to but felt isolated enough to be a great experience and the scenery was fantastic. If you want to make a longbow this is the course for you. I can't recommend it enough."

8 Aug 16'

Fee Nicoll reviewed: Two Day Stained Glass Course with Gallus Glass

"Had the best weekend ever. Fantastic host and tuition and we all came away very proud of what we made. Definitely recommend. 5 star workshop."

8 Aug 16'

Dorothy reviewed: Two Day Stained Glass Course with Gallus Glass

"Had an absolutely brilliant weekend in Kirriemuir learning about and making stained glass panels. Maureen is great fun and is a knowledgeable tutor, who was very patient with me . The atmosphere was very relaxed and enjoyable, canny wait to have another go! I love my owl and sunrays panels."

8 Aug 16'

Elizabeth Truman reviewed: Circular sock knitting machine 'Sock School'

"A lovely day with Anne and her machines with help always on hand from her band of helpers. Fantastic food (plenty of breaks. It's a lot of concentration!) and a lovely atmosphere with a pair of my own socks to go home with! A truly great way to spend a day and return home very tired but glowing with satisfaction!"

8 Aug 16'

Felicity reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"Having never crocheted in my life I was full of enthusiasm to learn and was fortunate enough to be sent in the direction of Sowmya. The class was well prepared and thought out, with concern given all things from proper posture and use of crochet needle to choice of yarn and regional conversions when following patterns. Sowmya's patience, kindness and hospitality is second to none and time flew by. I felt most accomplished at the end, leaving with a number of completed beginners projects. I thought Sowmya was particularly good at being able to translate what I was watching her do with her hands to help me with mine. She diligently watched me work to help me learn the process of each stitch, so I would be able to repeat it when practising by myself. The next day I was in my local yarn shop full of inspiration and joy! I can't wait to return for the intermediate class!!!"

8 Aug 16'

Fiona Tripp reviewed: 1 day Introduction to Silver Jewellery Making - Arts Lounge Swaffham

"I thoroughly enjoyed the course! Jonathan is a patient and thorough teacher and I learnt so much about the silver jewellery making process. I came away with a pair of earrings and a bangle so absolutely delighted. I would recommend this course and in fact I am looking to do another one!"

8 Aug 16'

ADRIENNE CRESSWELL reviewed: Stained Glass Garden Mosaic with Sue Smith

"I was given a one day course as a Christmas present which I have just attended. I was apprehensive as I have never worked with glass before. Sue was brilliant, passing on all the techniques needed to be able to produce a piece of work we would be proud to take home and show off. She also gave us some of her tricks of the trade she has developed over the years and lists of suppliers where we can buy products to continue our new art at home. A most enjoyable day and well worth recommending. Adrienne"

7 Aug 16'

Alison Harris reviewed: Felt making for beginners - learn how to make a beautiful piece of wet felted fabric

"As a complete beginner to the crafty side of life, I was a little apprehensive about what would be involved but Kat put me instantly at ease and was extremely supportive and encouraging. I have never known 3 hours pass so quickly! It was a thoroughly enjoyable fun and interesting afternoon and I came away with a piece of unique piece of artwork for my wall! Kat's enthusiasm has inspired me to try other courses and I may well do another felt course as it was such a fascinating process watching the felt develop from strands of wool to a solid piece of material. Thank you Kat for encouraging me on my craft adventures!"

7 Aug 16'

Jill Tatler reviewed: Felt making for beginners - learn how to make a beautiful piece of wet felted fabric

"That was 3 hours of sheer enjoyment for me. Excellent instructions, lovely refreshments and a result to be proud of. I've had my picture framed and am looking around for a suitable place to hang it. The picture framer was fascinated and wanted me to give him a blow by blow account of the process!! Thanks very much, Kat, you are a star. X"

7 Aug 16'

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

"What an excellent course. It was a great opportunity to have a go at a wonderful traditional craft. It was very informative and Julie is a very good, patient teacher, Whose guidance enabled me to produce a painted item which as a complete novice I didn't know I was capable of! A fabulous day which I would highly recommend."