Latest reviews

25 Jul 16'

Linda Venters reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I absolutely loved my 2 days learning to mould make at Ed's new workshop in the ex-Spode Factory, Stoke. It was great to reproduce my broken Green Man and create a mould of him from which I can make perhaps 100 copies. At the same time I benefited from a great free counselling session with Ed (who is a truly kind, caring and empathetic person) and we definitely put the world to rights. I plan to revisit at some point in the future."

25 Jul 16'

charlotte gringras reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"Sally is an excellent and pleasant teacher, and however hard I might have found elements of making my hare, she rarely 'took over' which some craft teachers I've known are tempted to do. I had longed to do willow work for many years and if she and I lived closer I would certainly learn another craft with her. My willow hare is very proud of himself! I am exhausted but very pleased with him."

25 Jul 16'

stela reviewed: Weekend Introduction to Jewellery Making at Jewellery Workshop Leeds

"This was the best course I could go to! I've learned so many things in two days... In the second day, I was able to make a ring and a pair of earrings (with Bernard and Jane's support, of course :) ). I don't live in Leeds, but this course made me want to come back and learn more. Thank you so much, Bernard and Jane! I really hope to see you again soon. Stela"

25 Jul 16'

Linda Wickham reviewed: Two day stained glass workshop including glass painting

"I was very impressed. Nick was patient and a great teacher. I was amazed how much I learnt over the 2 days and produced a beautiful hanging window light catcher that could have easily cost me £250 to buy for a present - but I made it, so it is priceless! I am booked on the next course so I can learn more and make another bespoke present for my mum. I enjoyed it so much I can't wait to get back into the studio. Nothing was too much trouble for Nick and his lovely son Teddy. Real craftsmen and a pleasure to be around and learn from them. The area is great, easy parking and right in the creative quarter of Folkestone. Not been there for years but it has become very arty and cultural. I stayed over, local B and B's are £60. 5"

25 Jul 16'

Harry Arnold reviewed: One day leather bag making workshop

"I booked the wallet/purse making course for my wife for our 3rd anniversary. Rosanna was very quick at responding to messages and helpful in informing me on all the details. When we arrived she was very welcoming and pleasant and had everything organised and ready to go. We had an amazing time making gifts for each other and Rosanna guided us through each step with clear concise instructions. It was a great half day spent with her and worth every penny."

25 Jul 16'

Richard Mills reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day, 1 person)

"It was the first time I had used a wood lathe since leaving school in 1970. Graham took myself and John the other student, through the different types of wood, how they are gathered, cut and how he stores and drys them naturally prior to use, he also told us about his 3 lathes, all very interesting. I was taught to use the lathe and gouges/turning tools on a practice piece, then I moved onto taking a roughly rounded plank of Cedar Lebanon wood, and with Grahams expert guidance I ended up making a bowl finished with lemon oil, which I will treasure. A most enjoyable experience and I would recommend this relaxed and informative course to anyone,even if you have never used a lathe before you will master it with Grahams guidance."

25 Jul 16'

Sarah Sayers reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"As birthday presents to each other this year, we decided to treat ourselves to an experience we have both always wanted to try, glassblowing. If you have ever fancied a go, this one day course with the fantastic Ricky Keech at Creative Vibe Glassblowing is the place to go. From the moment you arrive Ricky makes you feel welcome, relaxed and ready for the exciting day ahead. Nothing is rushed, Ricky is a calm and patient teacher. Everything is explained step-by-step in such a way as to ensure you feel confident and eager to 'get stuck in'. As your confidence grows throughout the day, guided by Ricky, you even help out with each others glasswork. We loved the fact that it was just the two of us on the course (this was the main reason we chose Creative Vibe). Ricky has emailed us some lovely photos of our finished pieces (we cannot wait to pick them up), along with some 'action shots' of us taken throughout the day. Will this be the only time we visit Creative Vibe Glassblowing? No. Ricky, we will be back. Thanks for an amazing experience."

25 Jul 16'

Kevan Porter reviewed: Season's Sketchbook: mixed media at Long Eaton Art Room

"I thoroughly enjoyed Helen's excellent Spring Sketchbook class which filled me with renewed creativity and self confidence. Helen's friendly approach to teaching meant I immediately felt at home in the studio where the class was held enabling me to very quickly absorb all the useful tips and skills she passed on. Since the course I have regularly used my sketchbooks and see them now as a great place to 'doodle' my ideas and thoughts filling the pages with lots and lots of drawings, sketches and ideas. Thoroughly recommended."

25 Jul 16'

Marcus Purse reviewed: An introduction to wood turning with Gregory Moreton (2 Days)

"This course is an excellent introduction to wood turning. From knowing nothing about it at the start I was able to produce 3 professional looking pieces by the end of it. Gregory was a very good teacher and found the right balance between showing us what to do and letting us try things for ourselves. Extremely happy with the progress I made during the course and very pleased with the pieces I managed to produce over the two days. I'd recommend this to anyone. Thank you Gregory!"

24 Jul 16'

Shelagh Pollard reviewed: Candle making workshops

"I was given a craft voucher as a gift, and eventually decided to learn something about making candles with Angharad. Although I was a little nervous to discover I would be the only pupil that day, I felt quickly at ease with Angharad who took me through various processes and helped me experiment with different shapes, colours, scents and materials. In the relaxing atmosphere of Angharad's countryside studio, the time flew by as more and more candles were made - I came home with far more than I'd expected to, and all much better than I'd expected them to be - all down to Angharad's gentle guidance. I had a wonderful day, relaxing yet productive, and think I may now be hooked on making candles! I can easily see me returning for another visit as my skills develop ..."

24 Jul 16'

Simon Reed reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Had a 2 day course and it was fantastic learnt so much in short space of time. Nigel is an amazing teacher with a wealth of knowledge and plenty of enthusiasm for what he does which he is brilliant at. I will definitely be looking to go back again to learn more."

23 Jul 16'

Karen De Wolf reviewed: Leather satchel course

"Best course I have ever done and it got my imagination rocketing! My lovely satchel has already had lots of admirers and I will be booking another course next year. It was all extremely well explained and demonstrated too. I was also impressed with the accommodation which was recommended on the leather site and my only regret is that i didn't allow myself a spare day or two to see the local vacinity more as the area was stunning. Thank you Gaynor, Elizabeth and Sian for making everything so perfect."

23 Jul 16'

Adele Butterfield reviewed: Pottery making party in lovely seaside studio

"My husband treated me to a lovely birthday surprise, a day pottery making with Jenny. We had a great time, Jenny made the day very special for us. She is a great teacher, very calm and helpful, we had the most wonderful experience wheel throwing and coiling, we just can't wait to go again. The food provided was fantastic and the keep sake gift was really thoughtful. A beautiful sunny day spent learning something which we both ended up loving, a new hobby for the both of us. We are looking forward to picking up our creations and for the next lesson. Thank you Jenny, we are two very happy customers :-)."

23 Jul 16'

Angela reviewed: 2 day traditional upholstery workshop

"BADGER UPHOLSTERY An amazing and enjoyable course. Karen is very professional with remarkable skills, equipped with a complete workshop where you can also purchase tools and materials. The atmosphere is very relaxed and I learnt so much in a short time plus... The homemade biscuits and lunches were delicious. There is no doubt that I will return with a different project to learn another technique."

23 Jul 16'

Ruth Riches reviewed: Season's Sketchbook: mixed media at Long Eaton Art Room

"I adored this day with Helen. The group size and mix of abilities was perfectly balanced. She was able to share her time with ease and comfort across the group. We listened to a reading, written and performed by Helen, which set the mood for our Spring sketchbook class. We wrote a short peice about Spring and what it meant to us, then taking key words and phrases to find our colours. We even used some of our own wording in our final pieces. Making our creations personal and unique. I still use the technique she shared to create a colour palette. I found her enthusiasm for creation infectious. We created our own backgrounds in an imaginative way, that it didn't matter whether you could draw or not. Pressing, folding, cutting, smudging, printing. There was a feeling of freedom and for that moment I found the ability to play, carefree as if the child within me had been released. The relaxed, friendly and personable style of this very talented artist, made this day one of the most inspirational days I've had in my art journey, searching to create that illusive perfect artwork. I highly recommend her classes and you'll never regret any time you spend with Helen."

22 Jul 16'

Justin Cubitt reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Just had the best day with Nigel, really nice guy,so knowledgeable, such a craftsman, enthusiastic teacher. Could not believe how much I learnt and done in a day . will definitely be going back to learn more."

22 Jul 16'

liz davidson reviewed: Stained Glass Panel making 2 day course with Jackie Hunt

"Took this course at the Cycle café in Greystoke. What a great combination. I live relatively locally so know the café and will always give it a good review for its food and friendliness. Combine it with a well taught course like Jackie's and you can't go wrong. The course was a present from a friend who tends to laugh at my attempts at 'crafting'. I no longer care. I had great fun, came home with a stained glass panel that's now hanging in a conservatory window and I'm ordering the kit so that I can do more. Those on the same course will tell you that I had a longish moment when I almost gave up. I thought I'd never get the lead to fit properly. I said rude words. My fellow stain glassers wouldn't let me. Just like the sewing bee and the bake off there seemed to be a fellowship amongst us all that was really lovely. And Jackie was great. She showed us how to do each stage and when we (I!) got into difficulty she showed us again. Her patience and encouragement seemed limitless and she refused to let me give up and take home an uncompleted piece of work. As a result, while it may never make it's way into Durham Cathedral, I've got a completed piece of stained glass I'm surprisingly pleased with - and you should see some of the lovely stuff the others produced. Trust me. You'll really enjoy this (except perhaps for the odd minute or so!!)"

22 Jul 16'

Claire Dadswell reviewed: Crochet Lessons and Workshops in Surrey

"What a little gem hidden in Surrey, Vicki really knows her stuff and has a lovely wool shop to boot, she also runs a great stitch and natter group too."

22 Jul 16'

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

"An incredibly, fun, fabulous and interesting course! I really found my creative spirit. A truly fantastic day and we enjoyed every moment. Who know learning could be so much fun? I would highly recommend to individuals or groups! Thank you so much Siobhan, you really made it a hoot for us all!"

21 Jul 16'

Sara Dutton reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Really enjoyed my two days on the course.The course was informative and I learnt a lot from Bill,he has a wealth of knowledge that he is happy to share. Bill has a very patient disposition and he brought a bar of chocolate to the class,always a good plan of action with me. I would like to go back and do another weekend."

21 Jul 16'

Gill Peek reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Just had to write a review to commend this brilliant course. My husband and I are both still buzzing from the highs of coming home with our very own spoony produce after a totally enjoyable & creative day with Chris in his woodland haven. We can already feel that his gentle but greatly informative teaching has lit a spark that will grow into a roaring flame of passion for this new creative avenue. Thank you Chris for sharing your knowledge and patience with us. Our gratitude must also extend to Chris's Mum for providing fabulous fare throughout the day. It was all delicious (if totally diet-busting!). Our tums thank you, Mrs Allen!"

21 Jul 16'

Sarah F reviewed: Introduction to green wood furniture making - two days

"I booked my husband on this course as a gift, and it was great. The workshop is in a beautiful part of the world, and he came away with new skills and a beautiful wooden stool. Highly recommended!"

20 Jul 16'

Samsha reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"I first learnt to crochet growing up, & made many granny squares. A couple of years ago, I decided I wanted to crochet as a hobby, & found a class online, & then continued doing granny squares at home, but then I had several months break, & then decided I needed a refresher class & to learn a bit more too. Last month I did a crochet class with Sowmya, & it was brilliant from start to end. Sowmya is such a friendly & welcoming young lady. I told her the background of my crocheting, she then put a plan in place to suit exactly what I wanted to learn & re-cap on. Sowmya works alongside you, so you can see what she is doing, & she can see what mistakes (if any) to correct you, as you go along. We did a granny square, just to go over some questions I had, then we did a new pattern, called Sunburst, when she showed me a sample one, it looked amazing, & I couldn't wait to start. Sowmya worked alongside me, step by step, & she is very professional, as she also wrote the pattern & drew diagrams, as we worked together. I learnt new stitches, & Sowmya explained every instruction that she wrote, & made it very clear for me to understand. When I completed the Sunburst Square, I felt extremely happy, with what I made - all thanks to Sowmya's skills/patience/knowledge & so much enthusiasm - what a Wonderful teacher she is. Also, I must not forget, the lovely refreshments that she provided, the afternoon could not have been a better one. The patterns & instructions that Sowmya wrote, were so nicely presented in a home-made booklet, with such quality card & creative handwriting. The afternoon was very fullfilling & I thoroughly enjoyed It. I would definitely recommend Sowmya to anyone interested in learning crochet, her approach is very professional & makes you feel at home as you arrive. Thank you ever so much Sowmya."

20 Jul 16'

Julia Davies reviewed: One day upholstery with Mick Sheridan in West Wales

"Had a fantastic day at a wonderful location."

20 Jul 16'

Jason Clark reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"My fiancée booked me on this course as a birthday present and I can honestly say it's one of the best presents I have ever received. Chris is an excellent teacher whose passion on the subject is contagious. I would highly recommend this or any of Chris' courses to anyone."