Latest reviews

31 Dec 15'

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

"Spent an excellent day with Colin. Working with the metal was a great experience. With Colin's instruction I was able to forge several items that are useful and look really nice."

30 Dec 15'

Vanessa williams reviewed: Potter's wheel pottery - half day course Siramik

"I took the half day course as a complete beginner with Yoka and it was fabulous. The setting is in a converted barn on their working farm in a beautiful location. Yoka is warm and welcoming and gave us an excellent potted (excusing the pun) history of the different clays, glazes and finishes. We were then let loose creating our first pots under her guidance using the wheel. We completed four pots each learning how to shape the clay and were given the option to glaze them with colours. Coffee and bicccies and a chance to look at Yokas beautiful ceramics on display completed a lovely morning. My pots were posted 6 weeks later as I was unable to collect them and have been much admired! Cannot recommend this course and Siramik highly enough. Thanks Yoka."

30 Dec 15'

Penny Richardson reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"I took my 3 children (5yrs, 7yrs & 9yrs) to Ali's workshop to create a bespoke piece of art for their Daddy for Christmas. The kids had a wonderful time and really enjoyed creating their own pieces as well as the present piece. They loved seeing the final outcomes and all want to have another go. The final piece given to Daddy for Christmas is amazing! and we are thrilled they can pick out pieces of the glass in the art that they placed in position. We have already booked to create another piece for a family member's birthday this year. Really enjoyable and achievable for all ages."

30 Dec 15'

Nicola Edwards reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"Ideal if you want to try something different.. Cosy little setting at the top of Ali's garden, I have attended Ali's fused glass classes a fair few times, making Christmas decorations, coasters, wind catchers, and pieces for my bathroom. Very friendly relaxing atmosphere and teacher! Highly recommended for adults and children. :)"

30 Dec 15'

Melissa Trotman reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"Ali's little garden retreat studio is the perfect place to go relax and explore your creative side. I have been a few times now and recommend the sessions to all of those I know. The pieces you come out with are great! The turn around time for collection after firing is really quick too. I would certainly recommend this session and any of Ali's other sessions for art for children and adults alike to anyone!"

30 Dec 15'

Sam Smith reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"Quite addictive once you start. Ali's workshops are great for all ages whether Arty or not! Relaxing and cosy environment with lovely company, what more could you want. A huge variety of materials to work with, great for the experienced or beginner. Would highly recommend and will certainly be returning for more sessions in 2016!"

29 Dec 15'

Vanessa Newmarsh reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"These glass fusing worshops are brilliant for everyone including the naturally uncreative to those who are and want to try something new. Ali is an experienced teacher and demonstrates the skills and techniques needed to create your own little masterpiece. She has plenty of ideas and examples in her workshop from which you can get inspiration, but she can also guide you if you have an idea you wish to develop in glass. I have been on several sessions and it is incredibly addictive The anticipation of what 'yours' will look like when it comes out of the kiln is exciting and then you want to go back and do more and tell others about it and proudly show off your work. Many friends and work colleagues have joined me and the atmosphere is relaxing and fun. I will probably see you there!"

23 Dec 15'

Tim Yang reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"As a beginner, I had one day lesson with Mark who gave me so much on woodturning. First of all, I must say thank Mark for his advices and guidances. I feel so confident after his lesson. From the beginning to end of lesson, I have enjoyed all. One of the best thing was that he answered to all my questions clearly with various teaching materials, especially when I was hard to understand on something. What could I give better comment on him as he has had all the five star reviews? He reserves to have more than five stars. Thanks again Mark. You are the best teacher I have had so far. See you in January, next month, for another lesson which has already been booked."

22 Dec 15'

Sharon White reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"A fascinating day spent doing something new with a very knowledgeable tutor in a comfortable, homely setting. Lunch was lovely too.5 Came away with my very own hand-spun yarn, which I admire several times a day. Thank you Elaine, you have passed on the spinning "bug"!"

22 Dec 15'

Katie reviewed: Soap making

"I booked myself on this course, not really knowing what to expect. It was so lovely doing it in an old farmhouse, with lovely people, and Diane who was very patient, friendly and encouraging. A lovely lunch was provided, along with a good giggle and chat, So I actually got to make and customise my very own soap, and take it home with me when it was ready. I really did have such fun, and would recommend it to anyone thinking of trying something new!"

21 Dec 15'

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

"Awesome experience! we learnt lots and Roweena was amazing! we had the 2 hour session and made 4 pots each, amazing opportunity, thank you"

21 Dec 15'

Tina Pearsall reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"If you want to learn to spin, this is the way to do it. In a Cosy, rural setting with a teacher who has all the answers as well as patience and enthusiasm. I ended the day with a skein of two ply yarn. OK, it was a bit lumpy but I was very proud of it and Elaine was very encouraging."

21 Dec 15'

Antonella Hamilton reviewed: Crafting a Candle Brand: A Three-Hour Personalized Workshop

"I found this class very interesting and full of knowledge.I attended it with a friend with a view to creating my own bussiness and I learnt a lot which infact save me a lots of time and money in researching for suppliers, business legislation etc. The candle scents offered were amazing and some of them were signature Beauty Handmade blends. I am definitely recomending this workshop as it is a great value for money taking into account that it is held in the heart of London."

21 Dec 15'

Melissa Murphy reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"Did a one day course in late November with Caroline. It was excellent. Caroline was friendly, welcoming, relaxed and patient. She showed us a the techniques we needed to get started and had an amazing selection of materials to utilise. She was constantly on hand to support and advise and being surrounded by her own pieces was inspirational. The day was exceptional value for money and a real treat for someone like me who loves dabbling in all things creative but can find it hard to schedule it into my busy life. Thanks to Caroline for a wonderful day,"

19 Dec 15'

James Fitzsimmons reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I have to apologise to Mort, after such a great day we promised him that we would write this review and yet it has taken me far too long to get around to penning it. Anyway, I organised a day's course for my father and I for his birthday as he has a keen interest in archery and medieval warfare. The day could hardly have been better, despite being complete novices we made some bodkin arrow heads and progressed onto viking domestic knives, which I have to admit both my father and are are insufferably smug about to this day. Mort was a very thorough and friendly teacher and I honestly can't endorse this course enough. Mort will tailor the day to your skill level and tastes, if you have any interest in black smithing whatsoever Mort can help you make the most of it. Great day!"

18 Dec 15'

Jane reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"I recently enjoyed a day's mosaic workshop with Caroline. She was a very warm and welcoming host who was very happy to share her knowledge and experience working with mosaics. She did some clear demonstrations of how to use the tools, showing myself and the other 3 participants different ways of cutting, outlining different adhesives and demonstrating how to mix and apply grout. Having done some mosaic work already myself, I had some very specific questions about a particular project I was wanting to do, she was very accommodating about tailoring her teaching to the needs of the group members depending on their level of experience and what we wanted to achieve. It was a hugely enjoyable day, comes highly recommended!"

17 Dec 15'

Nick and Sam reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day, 1 person)

"Fantastic morning that my son (age 12) and I thoroughly enjoyed. Graham is not only knowledgable, he is a great teacher and we can away with fantastic pens and bowls. Graham and his wife Chris, are very hospitable and great company, making the whole experience fun."

17 Dec 15'

Sam reviewed: 1 Day Fused Glass for beginners workshop at The Silver Zebra studio Cheshire - Est 2004

"I have been twice now and I'm hoping after hinting to my husband for Christmas to go back again but for the 3 day course :) Having attended other classes I can honestly say that this is the best value for your money with no limitation to materials. The lunches are amazing and are worth going back for alone! Fab location, great tuition with a friendly welcome. On the last 2 occassions I made 3 main projects and about 6 little fun pieces in total."

15 Dec 15'

colin reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I admired Mark's boxes when attending the Cabinet Making courses in Penrith and made the decision to build on my woodworking skills by attending the Box Making course. Just returned from a most enjoyable Box-Making weekend in a snowy Cumbria; it was a welcome sight to see the smoke of the wood-burner drifting skyward as I pulled into the car park. Mark provided the tuition in his quietly confident manner. Each stage was described in detail, and any hiccoughs managed without any fuss or panic. (on Mark's part anyway) Patience personified! Mark was supportive through the entire process from choosing wood; preparing the wood; selecting a design and onward to the conclusion of building a high quality box with light oak sides and brown burr oak back and front; with a burr oak top to die for. He even managed to help me with my ongoing projects once the box was complete; sharing his knowledge freely; at least two will be finished by the Christmas deadline. The short duration of the course belies the usefulness of the transferable skills taught in this forum. Thanks again Mark, for your encouragement to be more adventurous in my projects. I fully intend to return to further my skills next year and look forward to being reacquainted with my Cumbrian support network."

15 Dec 15'

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

"A perfect course for enthusiastic beginners and also those with some artistic flair or experience. The day was both educational and creative, with great tuition and encouragement from the talented Siobhan. There were lots of inspiring pieces in the gallery itself and a good workspace for the small number of participants. Lunch was fresh and delicious. All in all, a brilliant day!!"

15 Dec 15'

Richard Furniss reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"My son and I enjoyed a day of tuition from Mort in December 2015. Both complete novices, under his supervision (and with his assistance) we learned about the traditional techniques of blacksmithing and made arrowheads, knives and leafs. Mort is very informative and friendly and the whole day is a pleasure. Highly recommended."

15 Dec 15'

John Bone reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"I recently attended one of Martin's weekend spoon carving courses. This was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Martin is an excellent tutor and the course has the right balance of practical work to theory. As an absolute beginner, to be able to produce a spoon and butter knife from a block of wood using only traditional craft skills gave me a great deal of satisfaction and says a lot for Martin's teaching skills. This is a course I highly recommend. Martin has to be applauded for maintaining and passing on these traditional craft skills. Jonh Bone"

15 Dec 15'

Sue Bysouth reviewed: Sculpture in a day workshop - figure

"loved every minute of this and indeed so much so that I have gone on and made further figures and will continue to do so."

15 Dec 15'

Jane Draper reviewed: Improvers Hand Spinning - Next Steps in Hand Spinning - at All in a Spin

"Dunja provides a wealth of materials, information and practical application under her expert supervision, building on what she covers in the beginners' spinning day. All in wonderful, relaxing surroundings and very enjoyable."

14 Dec 15'

Rob Harvey reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"Having spent a half day with Graham in September, I decided to have a full day this time. Graham is a natural tutor who knows how to balance instruction and discovery. During the day I turned a 10" bowl, a mushroom and a box. I had a real sense of achievement when I got home and the bowl was bagged by my step-daughter and the mushroom and box given pride of place by my partner. I'm no great shakes but, under Graham's guidance, I learned and progressed. The formula is simple - Graham is a really nice man, he is a skilled wood-turner, he is a consummate communicator, he cooks very good sausages and provides excellent value with his courses. Don't hesitate."