Latest reviews

30 Jul 16'

Helen Day reviewed: Up-cycle Advanced using Annie Sloan and Chalk Paints, Includes gilding and decoupage

"Had a great day. learnt so much stuff. The tutor was very knowledgeable and the barn is a great place to see too."

30 Jul 16'

Liza reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"This course was so much more than I expected! Sowmya is such an excellent and lovely teacher, plus she was such a sweetheart with my baby. She is so patient and detailed with her instructions and made very clear all of my doubts. She offered me lovely refreshments and a beautiful variety of yarns to choose from. I learned how to make stars, flowers and a beanie for my baby. I learned various stitches, their differences and terminologies and uses. This was definitely worth it and I will be having a further course soon. :)"

29 Jul 16'

Keith Hutchings reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I wanted to thank George and Sue for a very enjoyable two days spent with them this week. They made me felt at home as soon as I arrived and set to work on a project for the day. It was obvious from the moment we entered you workshop that I was in the presence of a master craftsman and the valuable tuition and the benefit of his experience will stand me in good stead as I embark on my new-found hobby. His enthusiasm and passion for the craft shines through with every kind word of advice that he gives and I cannot recommend his course highly enough. I can only hope that one day I will be able to turn wood with the technique, skill and attention to detail that he would approve of. As we discussed, if it was easy, it wouldn't be worth doing. Practice makes perfect but even a novice like me came away with a spalted Beech bowl that anyone would be proud of. When I have my own workshop ready I will be back in touch and I look forward to booking another day with him so that I can keep learning this rewarding and absorbing craft. Thanks again George (and thanks Sue for the supply of coffee and sandwiches) and see you at your next BoS WTC open day. Many thanks and best regards, Keith"

29 Jul 16'

Martin reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"With the health and safety briefing over ("don't burn yourself") Colin took a look at the ideas I'd brought with me and explained the basic principles of the forge and the tools we would be using. Each time we used a new technique throughout the day, Colin would explain it and demonstrate it, before letting me try it. This proved to be a good way to work and gave me the confidence to have a go myself. Whenever my cack-handed attempts to copy him started to go awry, he was always on hand to offer guidance on how to correct things and, between us, we managed to make three utensils for my pizza oven and hooks to hang them on. An excellent day out if you fancy trying something different!"

29 Jul 16'

Jude Harrison reviewed: Beginner's Ceramics | Tile Making | Short Course

"I absolutely loved this course! Super relaxing fun, Deiniol is really friendly, knowledgeable and creative, and I came away with some beautiful tiles."

29 Jul 16'

Dee Sullivan reviewed: Glass fusing and slumping (warm glass) in the beautiful Kent Downs near Canterbury

"A friend and I really enjoyed our day with Mattt learning about and practicing glass fusion. Mattt's very welcoming and patient, and good at explaining things and answering lots of questions, as well as stepping in to give practical help if required. We learnt how to cut glass, how different materials react in the kiln, and how to create two pieces of work. If you're not religious - we definitely aren't - don't let that element of Mattt's website put you off. It was a great, practical day and I want to go back for more."

29 Jul 16'

CAROL reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I had an excellent 2 days on Sebastian's Stonecarving 2 day course. He was very informative, and at the same time encouraged that we commenced right into the stonecarving. Some courses I have found give far too much theory and sitting around. Sebastian's course was spot on. Sebastian was very supportive, helping when we might need it and at the same time encouraging us to just carve away and make something. Sebastian suggested we think of something we wanted to make beforehand and to bring a picture along, which is a great idea. The classes are small groups, with great surroundings and ambiance provided to do the stone sculptures. I would highly recommend anyone to go."

28 Jul 16'

Lucy Felgate-baumberg reviewed: Two day stained glass workshop including glass painting

"I attended one of Nick's courses and I was hooked in minutes, wow, you have got to experience a course with Nick, you will not be disappointed. Not only is he an extremely genuine person and professional, patient tutor, he is also highly skilled and talented; I now admire all stained glass as if they were the first I have ever seen. when you realise what is involved you will realise how reasonably priced his courses are ! I also love the fact that he is one of several family generations of his trade.. not something seen much these days."

28 Jul 16'

Malcolm Knight reviewed: Beginner's Ceramics | Tile Making | Short Course

"I had attended tile making and coil pot courses before and came back because Deiniol's courses before had been excellent, well organised and with plenty of chance to try things out, I shall be looking out for other courses and am hoping to continue an interest in ceramic tile making"

28 Jul 16'

Nicola reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"Have just spent a wonderful two days with Jamal making my own stained glass panel from scratch having had no previous experience at all. I learnt about design, colour and texture. I was introduced to more tools than I can mention. I learnt to cut glass, how to score it, break it grind it and grozing. I learnt how to lay out your plan, cut and fit the lead, hold everything in place with wood and horseshoe nails, how to solder, affix hooks, cement, polish, etc. etc. etc. I'm so pleased with what I was able to produce. Jamal was a first class teacher. He was able to step in if necessary but encouraged you to do everything for yourself. He is a true artist, a true gentleman and extremely interesting to talk to. I thoroughly recommend this course and Jamal."

28 Jul 16'

Lisa Horvath reviewed: Two day stained glass workshop including glass painting

"An extremely interesting course... Fascinating on all levels. Excellent tutors and always a warm welcome. I have done three of these courses and am truely hooked! Well worth trying this amazing skill... Love, love, love! x"

28 Jul 16'

Fiona Vandenbergh-Harwood reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Sebastian is very knowledgeable about carving stone. The courses have a great relaxed atmosphere. I learned not to be scared of carving stone and the freedom to be creative."

28 Jul 16'

Carole Fletcher reviewed: Indigo dyeing & shibori

"Really great upbeat three days - relaxed but very industrious! Great to put time aside to dedicate to working with Indigo alongside like minded people. Tutor was really helpful and informative. Would recommend doing some preparation beforehand - shorting out items to dye, projects etc. Catering really good. An all round thoroughly enjoyable few days."

28 Jul 16'

Phil C. reviewed: Wild basketry- workshop in the woods, forage your materials

"Just got back from the most sublime weekend workshop. If you ever get a chance to go to one of Native Hands events then do so. Fabulous weather, great friends and lovely group. Brilliant venue and the most perfect guide. Earth and water, fire and air. From clay to pot. Greatest gratitude to have been able to have take part in this and come home with gifts from the imagination. Highly recommended"

28 Jul 16'

Jessica reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"I had the most wonderful time willow weaving! Kate is extremely helpful and friendly. I made a willow duck and have received many compliments for it! Kate was very flexible and would accommodate for the sculpture you were interested in making. There were plenty of teas and coffees and even some yummy cakes provided throughout the day. A lovely lunch was also provided and vegetarians were catered for. I would recommend anybody who's interested in willow weaving sculptures to give this a go! I thoroughly enjoyed my day outdoors willow weaving. Thanks again Kate!"

28 Jul 16'

Natt Groome reviewed: Furniture Making - DOVETAIL WEEK - Making a Dovetailed Drawer - in East Sussex

"I gained essential skills which I have wanted to learn for many years."

28 Jul 16'

Rev. Chris Turner reviewed: Furniture Making - DOVETAIL WEEK - Making a Dovetailed Drawer - in East Sussex

"Great teaching in a wonderful location. Clear instruction, which includes not just the 'how' but also the 'why' for all the techniques. Good emphasis on getting the basics (sharpening, marking,sawing, chiselling) right in order to achieve precise joints. Delicious cakes too!"

28 Jul 16'

Niels Archer reviewed: Sharpening & tuning hand tools in East Sussex

"A relaxed atmosphere, easy access to very skilled tutor, facilities, pace that allowed coverage of info plus plenty of time to put it unto practice."

28 Jul 16'

Iain Bell reviewed: Sharpening & tuning hand tools in East Sussex

"At first as thought the pace was slow. But, I soon realised that the combination of John's style and pace were just right. I enjoyed the entire two days learning. Very useful."

28 Jul 16'

Anton Leach reviewed: Sharpening & tuning hand tools in East Sussex

"I really liked the environment, the expertise you have in the subject, getting a much better understanding about the tools."

28 Jul 16'

Nick Reid reviewed: Furniture making SKILLS WEEK - Essential cabinetmaking hand skills - 5 days in East Sussex

"Very good clear and staged instructions to allow skills to develop. The content was challenging but never to the extent that it's outcomes could not be achieved."

28 Jul 16'

Sally Kemp-Welch reviewed: Furniture making SKILLS WEEK - Essential cabinetmaking hand skills - 5 days in East Sussex

"Lovely atmosphere, beautiful surroundings, great teacher and fantastic cake!"

28 Jul 16'

Farouk Okhai reviewed: Furniture making SKILLS WEEK - Essential cabinetmaking hand skills - 5 days in East Sussex

"Well thought out. A good pace. Excellent venue. Beautifully laid out classroom. Good workbench. Very good explanations about tools and the different brands."

28 Jul 16'

Russell Smith reviewed: Furniture making SKILLS WEEK - Essential cabinetmaking hand skills - 5 days in East Sussex

"The course was taught at the right pace and the tuition was very good."

28 Jul 16'

Kate Beckett reviewed: Pembrokeshire Maddie Janes Mosaic

"Maddie provided an excellent introduction to mosaic in her beatiful studio near St Davids. She invited me to work on a small piece first using a relatively simple technique and then to try a bigger project of my own choosing. Her light and spacious studio is brimming with a huge variety of materials in every colour, shape and form and with the equipment needed to shape them to fit your design. She is attentive, informative and encouraging; adapting her teaching to the individuals skills and needs. Being surrounded by her own varied mosaics and beautiful Pembrokeshire countryside provided inspiration and peace to work in. Overall I had a fantastic day, came away with some nice pieces and lots of ideas. Materials, tea and coffee were all included so it was also very good value for money. I will definitely go again."