Latest reviews

19 Apr 16'

Lynsey reviewed: Make a Pole Lathe/Shaving Horse

"Lovely setting, lovely weather. Nice relaxed approach to teaching. All very nice and a wonderful contrast to everyday life :) Arthur was lovely too"

19 Apr 16'

Roger reviewed: Make a Pole Lathe/Shaving Horse

"An enjoyable and informative time in the company of good people, and in a delightful location"

19 Apr 16'

Debbie reviewed: Make a Pole Lathe/Shaving Horse

"Loved it! I just need more spare time now, to make all the things I’d like to make. Please can you move closer to East Kent, so I don’t have to drive so far! Had a lovely welcome from Arthur each day and loved Beth’s cookies and cake. Loved the course and the weather was perfectly planned too! Thank you"

19 Apr 16'

Sue reviewed: Apple Tree Pruning - Summer

"I would like to thank Amanda, John & Mike for an excellent course & what a delightful way to spend a sunny summer day! It was an added bonus to have the apple pressing & juice to drink at lunch time. The theory of pruning was explained & demonstrated clearly & I now feel confident to tackle both winter & summer pruning. I hope u will continue to run these courses & I will certainly recommend them."

19 Apr 16'

Merv reviewed: Charcoal Making

"the course was brilliant and a million thanks to John. I had a great time and learned a lot. Very good tutor. Nice relaxed atmosphere with enough information to achieve the goals (How to make charcoal)."

18 Apr 16'

Isabel Browen reviewed: Introduction to Parchment Craft

"As a complete beginner in crafting I was a bit daunted but it was a fabulous day and so easy to master under expert and clear tuition. I made some beautiful pieces of art work for the first time and I'm over the moon"

18 Apr 16'

Lisa Thomason reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"My friend and I are both self-taught spinners at the early stage in our spinning journeys. We decided on this beginners' course as we both felt that there were probably some very large gaps in our knowledge and technique. This course appealed to us for a number of reasons: a two-day intensive course fitted us better than a series of shorter sessions, the location, but most importantly we felt that the very small class sizes would mean that the course was tailored to our needs. Elaine's property is in beautiful surroundings and although we did not need to take advantage of the holiday cottage, I rather wish we had as it was gorgeous! Elaine is a very friendly and hospitable person and an excellent tutor. When we met the third student on the course, it transpired that she too had experience of spinning. I don't think it would have mattered if any of us had been a complete beginner however, as Elaine quickly got the measure of our skill levels and made sure each of us progressed, sorting out our bad habits and clunky techniques. The course took us through fascinating aspects of spinning that I'd never really considered, such as how to choose and process a raw fleece. Whilst I don't think this is something I'll be doing, it really enhanced my understanding and appreciation of the fibres I'll be working with and I feel more connected to the art as a whole. It was also great that Elaine had such a variety of breeds for us to work with and it's given me a greater understanding of how to choose fibre to get a particular result. At the end of the course we were each given a comprehensive and well-produced course booklet and an invitation to Elaine's next 'spin in'. For those new to any craft, the cost of a two day course such as this can seem prohibitive, however I cannot stress strongly enough how worthwhile and what great value for money Elaine's course is. Lunch is excellent too!"

18 Apr 16'

Jane Lang reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"I spent a very enjoyable couple of days looking at the whole process of fleece to fibre, with an excellent teacher. Elaine moves through the material at a pace appropriate for her students. We had all done some spinning before but agreed we'd missed out key learnings and picked up bad habits. Elaine coped with all our issues, and took all our questions in her stride. The equipment provided meant we could all have a go at everything, including trying out some interesting modern wheels on which we made art yarn. Learning in a group is great fun, and as a bonus I made some new spinning friends."

18 Apr 16'

Sinead reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"I was looking for a one-day crochet course and found Sowmya! She is an excellent, patient teacher and had me crocheting flowers within an hour! It was a fantastic few hours and I would highly recommend her to anyone wanting to learn. She even managed to switch hands and teach me the stiches left-handed! You can really see Sowmya's passion for her art and she definitely knows how to share her enthusiasm! I have gone away feeling more confident to tackle projects on my own now! Thank you Sowmya!"

18 Apr 16'

Carmen Gray reviewed: Crochet course "Complete beginners"

"Gaelle's Crochet for Beginners six week course was excellent. St the end of week one I made a patterned scarf! Gaelle is very knowledgable, extremely affable and flexes her approach to meet varying standards and speeds of learning. Her handouts are excellent and Inhavr a skill for life. I can't wait to go on the next course!"

17 Apr 16'

Lucy Kershaw reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"Jason is an enthusiastic and patient teacher who passes on his considerable skills with a sense of humour in a lovely workshop. The atmosphere during our course was so friendly, we made a saddlebag that was customised to be the perfect finished item. The two day course was truly inspiring and deeply satisfying - many thanks Jason and Louise!"

17 Apr 16'

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

"Dear Jamal, A most enjoyable and relaxing day as a beginner learning the art of stained glass leading. I am absolutely thrilled with the glass panel I bought to you for repair and you made every stage of the restoration so enjoyable and easy to follow and understand. I highly recommend anyone who wants to try this course to book. Hope to be back soon to try glass painting or more lead work. Thank you. Sandra"

17 Apr 16'

Jim reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Had a superb day! Wish I had known about the forge earlier as it is very close to home and I definately intend to return. A very relaxed and fun day of Smithying followed by a night in one of the shepherds Huts. Really cosy place to relax and get away from it all. Recommend taking some food to cook (or something you have pre made) as the kitchen hut is really well equipped and the local area hasn't got a huge amount to offer in the way of restaurants. Highly recommend this as a gift or just as a day out... Already have plans to come back when my other half has another girls weekend away!"

17 Apr 16'

Gail Wright reviewed: 1 day Introduction to Silver Jewellery Making - Arts Lounge Swaffham

"I had such an enjoyable day. Jonathan is an excellent teacher and a very nice chap. We all learned so much and at the same time had good fun. I opted to make a cuff and am delighted with it. I would recommend this course to anyone."

17 Apr 16'

Phil of Farnham reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"Having attended Aidan's 2 day course I completed a piece of work with a plane that I would not have thought I would get on with and enjoy so much. I now want one to add to my small collection of tools! The course was excellent and Aidan was professional throughout, his knowledge and skill was enlightening. He clearly loves his work and encouraged us all to achieve his high standard of craftsmanship. I encourage you to take up the challenge and attend one of Aidan's courses, you'll love it. I will be booking another course in the near future."

16 Apr 16'

Richard Scott reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"A very unhurried, relaxed and productive day. Graham is very experienced and is full of advice on all aspects of wood and its behaviours and suitability for turning. I left with a walnut bowl that I am really proud of, and the confidence to have a go myself. That great British staple of tea and biscuits is in ample supply throughout. Graham has since contacted me offering advice on lathes and a starter set of tools, so I feel that I am not alone in taking the pursuit further. If you think you would like to have a go at turning you could not make a better decision than attending one of Graham's courses."

16 Apr 16'

Mike Eyre reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"My 1-day course was a 65th birthday present from my wife, bought after we'd enjoyed a day out to this incredible museum, a hidden gem! As well as being a master craftsman, Alex is a natural tutor brimming with enthusiasm for his craft and infinitely patient in explaining the basic techniques. He has a real gift for sensing how far to leave you to practice what he's shown but always willing to step in and guide, help or takeover as he senses you need. I made a pair of log tongues with pteradactyl handles and two garden lampholders which will have pride of place round my yet-to-be-built fire pit. I came away with an even greater respect for this centuries old craft."

16 Apr 16'

Dave reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Stop reading now and sign up for the course. I can not recommend any higher, very enjoyable day! My only regret was I only did one day, not two days. I was able to complete 3 projects with no prior experience. Nigel not only keeps your attention with stories of his travels around the world, all made possible with his unique Blacksmithing knowledge, but has a way of explaining how to do everything clearly and simply. Very relaxed atmosphere. No pressure to perform. You are shown the task then allowed to get on, with the comfort of assistance at anytime. I will definitely visit the forge again."

16 Apr 16'

Alison Perman reviewed: Fine Art Drawing & Painting - 6 week course

"I started the class in January and loved it. It certainly stretched me and took me out of my comfort zone. We covered drawing, Lino printing and painting with acrylics and oils. Great!"

16 Apr 16'

Rowan Malcolm reviewed: Basket weaving for beginners - make a round basket

"It was a lovely relaxing day with Emma's selection of homegrown, wild and bought willows in beautiful shades of green, brown and white. I went to learn about working with willows for an art project but also went home with an impressive and unusual round basket I had created! The homemade cakes were great too! I hope to go again soon!"

16 Apr 16'

Caroline reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"I was given a whole five day course. I have had one of the most brilliant times of my life, learning to make pots, - throwing and coiling. Rowena is a fabulous teacher, morphing smoothly into a coach as you get the hang of it, encouraging you to experiment and push your ideas. I had my coil pot project going on in the background which I could work on each day whilst learning a new skill. The weather was kind to us so we had a really memorable day building a kiln outside and doing a Raku firing with fire and sawdust and the excitement of revealing jewels of colour and texture as the cinders were washed off. I cannot rate this highly enough. Also, if you are interested in history Lewes is fascinating place to explore while you are there"

16 Apr 16'

Dave Loosemore reviewed: Blacksmithing courses

"A superb day. We were taught the basics and then made our own creations with expert supervision. Lucille is a talented lady who has a flair for design and a thorough knowledge of the blacksmith's craft. She is both patient and practical. This makes an excellent present that you will not forget. An excellent day, thoroughly recommended."

15 Apr 16'

Carla reviewed: Pembrokeshire Maddie Janes Mosaic

"My mum and I had a session with Maddie whilst on holiday this week. It was a really enjoyable morning and we were both so pleased with our final pieces, now I've just got to find somewhere for them to live at home! I would really recommend booking in with Maddie, the studio and setting are amazing and she is so helpful and knowledgeable."

15 Apr 16'

Kathryn reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"Loved every minute of my upholstery weekend with Jo. I learnt so much in a great relaxed atmosphere and came away with a gorgeous upholstered chair I couldn't quite believe I did! Can't wait to get started on my next project. Thanks Jo for all your tuition and patience. The best course I have ever done."

15 Apr 16'

Nora W reviewed: Pembrokeshire Maddie Janes Mosaic

"A good way to spend a morning while on holiday in St Davids. My daughter and I had a lovely morning all to ourselves (leaving the rest of the family behind) producing an owl, an elephant, a garden plaque and a mirror. Maddie was very welcoming and explained things well. There was no rush to finish in the two hours. Her studio is amazing with so much to choose from to make the mosaics. Highly recommend."