Latest reviews

3 Aug 16'

Lisa reviewed: Bath Bomb Workshop

"Attended this course at the lovely Dotty Diva workshop. We found it a friendly and inviting atmosphere where we learnt to make some lovely bathbombs. Excellent value for money and a great evening. Would definitely recommend!"

3 Aug 16'

Edward Johnson reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"This is the best one-day course that I have ever been on! Chris is a proper, methodical trainer who is flexible and leads you through every step using demonstrations and examples. This is an extremely hands-on course. Chris is quick to adapt to you and the day flew by for me. I experienced a comfortable learning environment with lots of two-way communication to make things clear for me and Chris made me feel right at home. I had some great conversations with him and Chris has many good stories about blacksmithing down the ages that I really enjoyed. Chris' passionate knowledge of history and metallurgy shines through and he has a good way of explaining what we do to the metal with clear intuitive phrases and sketches. I genuinely had a lot of fun and a lot of exercise hammering, but it never felt like hard work thanks to Chris! I had never done metalwork before this course and Chris filled me with confidence and inspiration!"

3 Aug 16'

Laura Richardson reviewed: Craft your signature home fragrance brand: Personalised Workshop

"What a fantastic couple of hours, Zaga, as well as being very friendly and helpful, has a vast amount of invaluable knowledge, and having a 1-2-1 session made all the difference with regard to brand strategy and pricing, rather than online and books. I'm looking to start up my own candle business and now feel even more inspired to take my ideas forward...watch this space! I thoroughly recommend this course, you will leave buzzing with ideas and enthusiasm."

3 Aug 16'

Linda Armitage reviewed: Explore Shibori - An ancient Japanese resist dye method for fabric

"Amanda's courses and workshops are a great mixture of practical demonstration, intellectual and historical background and, wonderful energy and support for the group as a whole and individual efforts. They are truly nourishing to the soul. Amanda is able to take any fledgling idea you have and offer both solid support and a fountain of further options to consider. Her energy is boundless, she is so much fun and, she is able to unify - intellectually and practically - the diverse artefacts that any group produces. In short she makes magic. At the end of her courses you go home immensely enthused and inspired. She is a wonderful form of rescue remedy - in human form. Amanda is one of those rare tutors who is brilliant at finding your forte and offering the right support and encouragement, in the right context. Plus, lots of fun and endless extra thoughts and ideas. What a bonus! You will come away from one of her courses or workshops raring to carry on with all the options generated, amongst the group and individually. Amanda is such a wonderful tutor, do not linger on booking up her next courses and workshops!"

2 Aug 16'

Jessica reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"My class with Lucy was fantastic! She taught me the basics of annealing and moulding copper into a ring. Definitely will need to come back again to learn some more techniques! Lucy was lovely and a great teacher. I really appreciate that she gave me a list of the tools that I would need to get started. I am very envious of Lucy's studio, just need to find a space to start my own now!"

2 Aug 16'

Ann Merrigan reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"I booked this course for my partner's 60th birthday present and we did it together. Ricky is a fantastic teacher and we learned lots and had a great afternoon. We made 3 objects and can't wait to pick them up. All in all it was great value for money and we would definitely recommend it."

2 Aug 16'

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

"A very enjoyable relaxing day. Course run by very friendly knowledgeable lady. Help and inspiration given when asked but also encouraged to be creative. Would thoroughly recommend this course to people of all ages and abilities."

2 Aug 16'

anon reviewed: Build a cob oven

"Well structured and delivered"

2 Aug 16'

anon reviewed: Build a cob oven

"Easy to understand, excellent facilities. Brilliant to have the hands on opportunity"

2 Aug 16'

Anon reviewed: Build a cob oven

"Best bit was the facilitator! And cob build. Brilliant very informative, fun and full of humour"

2 Aug 16'

Martin Boundy reviewed: Three day blacksmithing course

"Attended course from 18th to 20th July 2016. Didn't know what to expect found Peter was very hands on gave me the confidence to work the heat in the forge then working the metal on the anvil. Heather always made a lovely lunch with fresh produce out of the garden and fresh bread from Prestigne. I really enjoyed the 3 days and would love to go back and build on what I was taught. Would really encourage anyone who is thinking about this course to go ahead and do it. Great fun !!"

2 Aug 16'

nicola Spencer reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"What a fabulous course and both Julie and Kay were so welcoming and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this course and also the afternoon tea was wonderful. Thanks so much"

1 Aug 16'

Peter Chrystie reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"The other reviews are spot on. Colin is a very good teacher with endless patience. I thoroughly enjoyed my day with him and came away with the best bowl I have turned to date, a box with a lid that fits, my tools properly sharpened and a host of new skills to practice. Many thanks Colin!"

1 Aug 16'

Colin Gallagher reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day, 1 person)

"As a lover of wood, but fearful of lathes and chisels, I have always admired what a wood turner can do but never imagined I would EVER be able make anything other than a bag of wood chips. I signed up to do a half day course while on holiday in the New Forest and now wish I had booked the whole day. From the moment I met Graham I felt very relaxed as he made you feel very much at ease. His instructions and tutoring were delivered in such a way as to make you listen but not feel pressured. My half day with Graham resulted in a wonderful wooden bowl some twelve inches in diameter that I can say with confidence "it was made in the New Forest" and very proud to say "I made that". If you ever wanted to work with wood, in a friendly and safe environment, I would highly recommend this course. Thank you Graham and look forward to my revisit soon."

1 Aug 16'

Flee reviewed: Two day stained glass workshop including glass painting

"I had no idea what to expect from this course, so I was a complete beginner in learning and understanding all aspects of making a stained glass window. But Nick is very patient even with my many questions and patient in explaining each stage. My stained glass window hangs proudly in my window and love the idea these are the same skills used over the past few hundred years. Now I notice stained glass so much more in historic and modern windows. A very relaxed, informative and enjoyable course."

1 Aug 16'

Dan & Clive reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"Bought an experience day for my father and joined him for the small extra charge. The day was very enjoyable, under Colin's expert guidance we managed to make almost a full fire companion set, poker, rake, toasting fork and some reasonably complex scissor tongs for moving logs around. Each step was carefully explained and demonstrated in advance by Colin then he gives guidance as you do it for yourself, the result is some pretty impressive professional looking items that you've made entirely yourself. As someone who has wanted to try blacksmithing for a long time I'd recommend this course, set in a beautiful old forge in the countryside, with a master blacksmith who clearly knows his trade well, it was a very enjoyable day."

1 Aug 16'

Ian reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"I purchased this course as a birthday present for my 14 year old son. With just two people on the course, it is amazing what is achieved in just 6 hours. Students are able to progress quickly as when they are not making something themselves, they are actively involved in helping the other person which serves to consolidate what they have learnt. Creative Vibe is based at what can only be described as a delightful setting that is peaceful, relaxing and totally free from any distractions. The course is professionally and safely run by Ricky who teaches in clear and calm manner. His style puts students at ease and they only progress to the next level once each task has been successfully completed. Overall, a thoroughly interesting and enjoyable experience, for both me (as an observer) and my son, who is now eagerly awaiting the arrival of his creations though the post. These are sent on to you a week or so later should you so choose and are great momentos of the day. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this course."

1 Aug 16'

Ana Kirby reviewed: Inspirational Feltmaking using 3d techniques to make toys, jewellery and decorations in the Forest of Dean.

"A fabulous, fun, inspiring and creative day! Although 'crafty' I had never done felting before and so everything was new. Chris was wonderfully patient and inspiring and I came home with two pieces of work that I continue to enjoy. I will definitely be back for more!"

1 Aug 16'

Hilary Ransom reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"My friend and I attended the class together - both beginners and each with our own 'challenges' in getting going! Sowmya's teaching was well prepared, clear, friendly and above all was given gently and with outstanding patience! We left the class absolutely delighted with having created our first crocheted items and full of enthusiasm to practice and come back for more! The peaceful setting for the class, Sowmya's overall kindness and hospitality made this a wonderfully relaxed way of learning something new - I am now entering my late 60's and have some arthritis in my fingers, but this presented no barrier to Sowmya, who taught with great skill and knowledge and understanding of each of our particular needs. We are two people who on Friday could not crochet at all - and now we can!"

1 Aug 16'

Chrystal Isherwood reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"As an absolute beginner with no experience of crochet I cannot recommend this Sowmya highly enough. She took time to explain everything in great detail; from where I was going wrong to showing me different ways of holding the yarn around my fingers. Her instructions are clear and easy to understand and she makes you feel at total ease. She prepared a little book for me with a basic flower pattern and provided my first hook and a had lovey choice of yarns to choose from. We had a break half way through with some lovely refreshments and nibbles which was very much appreciated. I left there after 3 hours having made a long chain, a flower bookmark and a further small flower using two colours. With the confidence to practice on my own and then to come back for a further lesson to learn new things including granny squares and hopefully to go on and make a little mouse toy one day. I really do look forward to booking my next lesson."

1 Aug 16'

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

"Having attended a number of Jinks' short courses I am totally addicted. She is so patient, knowledgeable and encouraging. You learn all sorts of techniques without really realising and I have never heard her say anything is too difficult too do. It doesn't matter what level you are you will always come away with something you are really pleased with. She makes it all so very enjoyable. I look forward to the courses so much. I have made things that I never thought I would be able to do. Because of the small number of students on the courses you get plenty of time to ask questions and get to really understand how to do things. The setting is fabulous and on top of that she serves up the most delicious lunches in her fairy tale barn."

1 Aug 16'

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

"I've returned to Jinks McGrath's studio for Jewellery workshops many times over the last 15 years. My last one was in July 2016 when I did a 3-day course. She limits the courses to 5 students (so book early as they fill up fast) which means you get a lot of direct teaching support. Jinks is not only a highly skilled jeweller but she also is very experienced at teaching. She sets the perfect balance between expertly guiding you in how to do something at the same time as ensuring that she doesn't take over and you learn how to do it. Her studio is in a truly idyllic setting and you get access to all the tools and materials you need. She also throws in a delicious light lunch each day. It's the perfect way to spend a weekend."

31 Jul 16'

Ed Hodges reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"I had a brilliant day learning how to blow glass, I would recommend this to anyone with any interest in glass, Ricky is a lovely chap, very knowledgeable and good company."

31 Jul 16'

Martin reviewed: Candle making workshops

"I would like to thank Angharad and her family for a warm welcome. I would recommend Angharad and the candle making course to anyone. I have not seen my son so relaxed and happy whilst making candles, you certainly lit his imagination. Made loads of different candles, and the food was pretty good. Many Thanks Martin & Ryan."

31 Jul 16'

Nicola and Darren reviewed: Lampwork Bead Making in the flame. VERY Special LIMITED Offer for 2 people

"Taster course bought as a birthday present. Couldn't have been more delighted with the session. Kim was a lovely lady who was excellent at her craft and made us feel at ease and very welcome. We are thrilled with what we achieved and recommend this course very highly. Thanks so much."