Latest reviews

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."

20 Jul 16'

Andy Beale reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"Really good day. Hot and sweaty but very interesting and delivered with humour. I had a couple of items I had in mind and was able to make both, along with others suggested by Colin. Very surprised by how much I took home. Would definitely recommend it to anyone who fancies a go just for the experience."

19 Jul 16'

Carolina Keast reviewed: Log basket course

"I really enjoyed it and found the class quite interesting. I always wanted to work with willow but never managed the courage to just get up and go . I am glad I did it. Also would like to know when there will be another course."

19 Jul 16'

Danielle bates reviewed: Autentico Basic Chalk Paint Workshop - Hailsham, East Sussex

"Had a good morning learning paint techniques I painted a chair and I thoroughly enjoyed it looking forward to painting my mirror and Pete has a lot of patience and I would recommend to anyone who wants to learn thanks to Pete and Stella"

19 Jul 16'

Carla reviewed: Private, One to One Traditional Jewellery Making Classes, York

"What a fantastic course, really good size classes (4 people) full of lovely people. Emma is a great teacher and can work with everyone in group who are all at different levels. I made a ring from scratch, which I truly love and have had lots of comments about. It is very rewarding and relaxing way to spend two hours. I will be returning."

19 Jul 16'

Robin Nash reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making - Ely

"This was a great experience, I am a qualified teacher and Jonathan is a very good teacher, I had one to one tuition from him. He was very structured but relaxed, knew exactly what he wanted to achieve in the given time and was confident that we could do what I wanted in the time. I was not so sure but of course he was right. I came away with two simple silver rings and the confidence that I could repeat the process on my own. He has a great small workshop in the garage of his home with all of the tools you will need and some great ones you probably wont. He supplied me with coffee and biscuits throughout and a lovely lunch (Great Cambazola). I will be attending a second day for Gem setting, can't wait. Highly reccommended."

19 Jul 16'

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

"Siobhan's course is so fabulous that I had to do it twice. She is a great teacher and helped me to produce some very beautiful pieces that I am very proud of. If you are looking for a birthday or Christmas present for someone special this would be ideal."

19 Jul 16'

Kevin reviewed: Stained glass panel 2-day course: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Ullswater and The Lake District

"An amazing course! The teaching was excellent- Jackie is very good at explaining the technique and manages to get the best out of what that person wants to do. The setting is wonderful. The cycle café is a very relaxing place and the work-space is nice and cosy. The atmosphere is very friendly and the 2 days were just very enjoyable on many counts. The food provided by Annie is plentiful and delicious. I couldn't fault the 2-day course in any way. I came away, very pleased with the panel I made, and am wanting to carry on doing more stained-glass. Jackie is a very inspiring teacher."

18 Jul 16'

Iain MacKirdy reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I thoroughly enjoyed my induction to wood and bowl turning. Mark is an excellent and enthusiastic tutor, and tailored the day specifically to my requirements. I am now looking forward to getting a lot of practice in !"

18 Jul 16'

Shaun Cope reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"“A great day, good fun and relaxing atmosphere. Hands on and straight into bashing steel! Highly recommended will be taking time out to visit again. Thanks Debbie too for the fantastic spread.”"

18 Jul 16'

Cindy reviewed: Stained glass panel 2-day course: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Ullswater and The Lake District

"I really enjoyed the course ( stained glass ) and I am enormously pleased with the end result. I had never done stained glass before and would recommend it, Jackie is a very good teacher and patient. Great location and warm and friendly people, good grub too."

18 Jul 16'

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

"I really enjoyed the course and I am enormously pleased with the end result. I had never done stained glass before and would recommend it, Jackie is a very good teacher and patient. Great location and warm and friendly people, good grub too."

18 Jul 16'

Rob lea reviewed: Traditional English Longbow making outdoor course - a 2-day 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"First class course delivered with skill and awareness of all the participants abilities. Great hands on experience which Tony and wonderful wholesome food from Annie and her Team. Many thanks for a brilliant 2 days. See you in September for what I am sure will be another great course."

18 Jul 16'

Elaine Barr reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"Cosy studio with everything you need to create a unique work of art in glass! I now have several!!"

18 Jul 16'

Anne Coules reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"I have just spent a fantastic day with Kate, sat in her lovely garden learning how to make willow sculptures. Kate is an excellent teacher and showed us how to start the construction process and guided me so that I could achieve what I wanted. Kate and Dave ( and Borris and Bertie) were wonderful hosts keeping us supplied with tea and coffee and biscuits, even though we were concentrating so much we sometimes forgot to drink! We were also given a lovely lunch followed by cakes. I managed to make a running hare, which just about fitted in the boot and finished his ears and tail at home. There were three of us on the course and Kate helped us all to make a sculpture each, I would recommend this to anyone interested in trying this craft, you will be amazed at what Kate will help you create."