Latest reviews

15 Feb 16'

Helena Perry reviewed: Improvers Hand Spinning - Next Steps in Hand Spinning - at All in a Spin

"Dunja is an excellent teacher and imparts a wealth of knowledge with a good heart. She tailor-made a one-day workshop for me, helping me improve in areas where I had some knowledge, and setting me on the right path where I needed to start from scratch. We covered just about everything from how to start with your own dirty fleece - including identifying exactly what type of fleece it is! - up through carding and combing, and on to spinning on both mine and her own spinning wheels. A beautiful setting, home-made lunch, and chocolate biscuits - who could ask for more? Fully recommended."

15 Feb 16'

Tanya Tanner reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Course 1 These guys were fabulous and we can't stress that enough. We were guided and supported with gentle encouragement and challenge at every step of the way. Richard and Mark ( and Ash) were both relaxed and patient with my husband and I, and especially our teenage son, a complete beginner. Each day was full of developing skills, friendly banter and of course gleaning as much knowledge as possible from our " wood gurus". We all finished our projects beyond our expectations thanks to the brilliant tuition. This was in fact our family holiday and what a great week it was, great activity, great people, we hope to return soon, if they will have us!"

15 Feb 16'

Tanya Tanner reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

15 Feb 16'

Rebecca Baird reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Thanks to Adrian and Andy for all their patience - great fun. You sort of think that metal work would be Men only but this is definitely something to consider for both sexes - It really was interesting to learn how, from a simple piece of metal, and the use of some serious heat, what you can transform metal into! Great atmosphere all day, and I must mention the delicious food.( thanks so much Debbie) Home made flapjack and tea on arrival,and then a great veggie lunch, topped off with cake in the afternoon. Its a great way to spend a Sunday - thank you!"

15 Feb 16'

Lisa Hillman reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking

"Amanda is an incredibly amazing person, a brilliant and inspiring teacher... I have learnt so much from her, she gave me a real love for weaving that I will keep with me always. Her workshops are always so relaxing and enjoyable. Amanda teaches with patience, care and a beautiful sense of positiveness in the students own ability. Anyone attending Amanda's workshops with leave having learned a wonderful craft and having had the chance to meet one of lifes very beautiful human beings! Thankyou Amanda! =) xxx"

15 Feb 16'

Feven Iyassu reviewed: Craft your signature home fragrance brand: Personalised Workshop

"Really glad I came across this class and attended. Zaga is one of the nicest teachers you could meet. The process was explained simply and she gave us tips all the way through - whether its for making your own candles to sell or just general care of your candles. Zaga is extremely helpful and offers great insight/advice for anyone looking to make or sell candles. I emailed her after the class with a few questions and she was very helpful. I've never done a crafts course before and this class was brilliant and a must do for anyone who wants to make candles. I would definitely go back if there were further classes."

15 Feb 16'

Lyndsey Hepworth reviewed: Basic to advanced knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"I decided to try crochet after seeing a number of people doing it at work and making some really great items. I have a few books and also used the internet but I felt I needed a person. I found Ann online and met Saturday morning and had a great time. I started with revising a lot of the basics and found it really useful to have someone there just to check what I was doing and point out problems that I was repeating. I got a nice set of lesson notes as well as having a great laugh, a good chat and some nice coffee and cake. The Vintage Tearooms were lovely for a visit any time, nice cakes and coffee and a lovely atmosphere. It does get busy though so either try book a table or enjoy sitting in the arcade with blankets and hot water bottles if it is chilly."

15 Feb 16'

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

"This was the first woodworking course I'd ever attended, so all I have to compare to are the innumerable work-related courses (both compulsory and voluntary) that I went to before I retired. The really good thing about this course is Aidan himself. He's knowledgeable, friendly, supportive, and really works hard to make sure each individual pupil on the course gets tuition that is tailored to the person's abilities. I'm looking to attend part 2 of the course, when I can fit it in to what looks like being a very busy year."

14 Feb 16'

David Shewring reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"My brother and i spent two days with Colin making a garden gate. Colin is a great instructor,with a wealth of experience which he willingly shares. Colin is generous both with his time and his facilities and i will definitly be returning to Strawberry steel soon."

14 Feb 16'

Sheldon reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"What a great course - I have been an enthusiastic amateur woodworker for 20 years and kept looking thinking course 1 or should I contact Richard about course 2. I have a bandsaw, lathe, router and a good selection of hand tools but thought the projects looked good and it might be an idea to get to know a new way of working before attempting something more complex. I am so pleased I did, learning how to use power tools, machines and many hand tools yourself or watching videos is not the same as spending a week with 2 professional cabinet makers. I got so much out of it and came away with a side table with a finish I have never achieved before in addition to lots of things to try in my workshop . Richard and Mark have a great way of teaching and guiding you when you need it and building on what you already know. With just 4 people and 2 instructors the atmosphere is relaxed but very creative and you learn from everyone's questions and get to discuss techniques and experiences with everyone on the course. I am looking forward to returning for course 2 in the future."

14 Feb 16'

Sarah Dawe reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Mort is the complete Renaissance Man. He is not just a skilled craftsman, his interests range far and wide across history, archeology, art - just about everything - and he will keep you entertained with an endless stream of anecdotes and fascinating snippets. He was patient and supportive throughout the day, and tactfully protected me from the full consequences of my weak woman's arms. I came away having achieved far more than I thought I could, and enjoyed every minute the day. Highly recommended."

14 Feb 16'

CLAUDINE BUTCHER reviewed: Craft your signature home fragrance brand: Personalised Workshop

"I attended this class with my husband and 14 year old daughter, we thoroughly enjoyed the day and found it very informative and Zaga very accomodating with excellent knowledge of candle making would definately recommend this class."

14 Feb 16'

Clare reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"A fabulous experience which I highly recommend. Nigel worked really hard, cycling between the three students taking courses on the day I visited and entering wholeheartedly into their projects. He is enthusiastic, very helpful and totally committed to his students. His own work is very beautiful and inspiring. The shepherd's hut accommodation is very clean and comfortable and in a beautiful woodland location. Be aware, though, that a forge is not as warm a place as you might think!"

13 Feb 16'

Izzie reviewed: Glass fusing class - powders and enamels

"I went to Sarah's Saturday workshop and loved it! It was relaxed and comfortable, with lots of one to one attention. Sarah is friendly and encouraging and she clearly loves what she does. She encouraged us all to be creative and everyone in the group to make something individual. The lovely brownies were an added bonus!"

13 Feb 16'

Russ Coy reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"I have just spent the most enjoyable day learning wood turning with Graham at his well equipped workshop in Sway, something that I had always wanted to try my hand at. Graham taught me the basics of spindle and bowl turning with patience and just the right balance between demonstrating the correct technique and letting me get onto the lathe to try my hand. Graham provided constant feedback and was quick to gently point out and correct errors in my technique and provide advice, despite my slow but steady progress. During the day Graham covered the whole process from felling and selecting timber, through seasoning, tool selection and sharpening, lathe types and turning techniques. A convivial lunch, local sausages, plenty of tea and biscuits, great. I was extremely pleased with the bowl that I turned and the progress that I was able to make under Graham's tutelage and I would thoroughly recommend Graham's courses."

13 Feb 16'

Joy Hall reviewed: Leathercraft Workshop Belt Making Skills 1 Day Saturday 26th November 2016 Make Your Own Belt Or Dog Collar LAST CRAFT DAY OF THIS YEAR

"A very informative day and excellent value for money. David and Linda were very patient and supportive and made The whole experience enjoyable. I will definitely recommend this course to others."

13 Feb 16'

Carol Lane reviewed: Basic throwing with Jon French

"Kevin Millward is an enthusiast and a great teacher. He gave lots of encouragement whatever level we had already reached. At the same time we were left in no doubt as to the rules of the game. His inspiring demonstrations and individual tuition on the basics fulfilled all my expectations. We were given an opportunity to fire our pots but the weather was so damp they didn't dry quickly enough to turn them the second day. The airy studio, with a Shimpo wheel for each student, warm welcome, tour of the clay factory with James, team spirit, good food and plentiful hot drinks all added to a memorable couple of days."

13 Feb 16'

Annali reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"This is a fantastic introduction to leather. Jason is a brilliant teacher who puts his learners at ease and gives you all the support you need to produce your first pieces. I left the course having completed two items and feeling inspired to take my skills to the next level. The workshop is beautifully curated to provide an inspiring environment in which to work and learn. There's a delicious lunch waiting for you at the flying teapot too :) A fantastic, memorable day and great value for money."

12 Feb 16'

Jeni Morrison reviewed: C&G Patchwork and Applique Level 2 Certificate provided by The Quilt Association

"As the first student to register and qualify I am pleased to say that it ran smoothly and I thoroughly enjoyed it."

11 Feb 16'

Deborah Wainwright reviewed: Encaustic art beginners class - paint with molten wax

"Fabulous course! I found Toni very engaging and I was impressed with her knowledge. I appreciated her friendly manner, which helped me to relax, and enjoy the class. I was especially thankful, as Toni fitted me in at very short notice. However she was still well prepared, and very professional. I even had notes to take away. I thoroughly recommended Toni and have already booked my next class next week."

11 Feb 16'

Susie reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking

"It's always a pleasure to work with natural materials and to have such a great teacher in Amanda. To date I have made a hazel and willow obelisk, a small hurdle, a decorative dragonfly and some christmas decorations....a serial course goer! You will amaze yourself at what's achievable given expert instruction."

11 Feb 16'

Mark Shayler reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"This is a brilliant course. Chris is a gentle and inspiring teacher who took us from complete novices to making two pieces of finished work. Blacksmithing is primal. Heat. Metal. Hammers. We loved it. The venue is a working forge - no frills, basic and authentic. Highly recommended."

11 Feb 16'

John reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"This course allows a complete beginner to achieve results that look professional in only two days. Good workshop space and a small group with expert tuition makes for a great learning experience. I would recommend this course."

10 Feb 16'

Matt reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"Just a fantastic day. Ricky was a great teacher, patient and friendly. You end up with several pieces made throughout the day, each building on what you learnt from the previous. I absolutely loved the process, and found it just the right side of challenging. The work we created with Ricky's help was stunning. A bucket list experience, and something I'd love to do again."

10 Feb 16'

dave apple reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"What a fantastic course! It met and outstripped my expectations by far. Jason is a knowledgeable and easy going tutor, who provides 1-2-1 attention. His workspace is very relaxed & inspirational one. I attended the two day weekend course with the bones of an idea buzzing around my head and Jason was more than happy to help me put flesh onto my idea. I now have the confidence to take my idea to the next stage - prototypes. The Diamond Awl is a definite must for anyone wanting to develop their leather skills and learn the craft of leather. Well done Jason!"