Latest reviews

8 Feb 16'

Lesley Collins reviewed: Make fabulous felt - needle felting and wet felting techniques to make animals, bags, pictures...

"Just had a wonderful morning with Toni learning needle-felting. Came home with a lovely owl that I made all my own work! Toni is very friendly, very knowledgeable and has an excellent way of teacher her crafts, the time flew by. I now feel confident to try some at home. Thank you Toni, would recommend you to everyone, and will certainly promote you where I can."

8 Feb 16'

Maggie reviewed: Introduction to silver jewellery making workshop with Diane Lee

"This is the second silver jewellery making course I have attended with Diane who is a friendly, patient and knowledgeable tutor. She demonstrates and explains techniques clearly using copper and you end the course producing lovely silver earrings, pendants or rings, of your own design with her expert guidance. A very enjoyable days workshop."

8 Feb 16'

Sophie Baring reviewed: Introduction to green wood furniture making - two days

"Nothing but good things to say about this course.. Great people, calm friendly atmosphere, and in a beautiful location. I loved learning about the tools and techniques of green woodwork and was amazed by how much we managed to achieve in one weekend. I also loved seeing all the different things that everyone made. Many thanks Peter, hope to see you again on the next course!"

7 Feb 16'

Vicky Nicholson reviewed: Kiln formed glass day workshop

"I brought the course for my mum and I to try. It was fantastic! Helen was a great teacher and the atmosphere was really friendly:supportive day day was relaxed and fun! We both made beautiful pieces and met a lovely couple. I would 100% reccomend doing this and would definitely come again myself with a project!"

7 Feb 16'

Margaret Thorpe reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"My second visit to Sophie's studio, and once again, it was a thoroughly enjoyable day. There was the very patient Sophie, increasing my knowledge and skills in this fascinating craft; a really encouraging, enthusiastic teacher. Fellow enthusiasts to chat to, and a superb meal. Would recommend it to anyone wanting to have a go. The course is great value for money. Highly recommended"

6 Feb 16'

Harriette Mason reviewed: Craft your signature home fragrance brand: Personalised Workshop

"Myself and my family had an excellent day with Zaga on a beginners candle making course! Zaga is really knowledgable and helpful, and gave us helpful tips to make candles in the future and care for our candles in the best way. Location is perfect - just behind Oxford Street. We were spoilt for choice with all the different scents we could choose from and the glass candle jars have a nice sleek, modern design. Would definitely recommend this workshop! Thank you!"

6 Feb 16'

Duncan Armstrong reviewed: Introduction to green wood furniture making - two days

"What a fabulous weekend! The 2 day course introduces tools and techniques I, for one, had certainly never heard of. To end the course with a piece of furniture we now use at home is more than I could have hoped for. Peter's (and Cath's) calm, quiet instruction and friendly encouragement throughout the weekend was brilliant. Already looking at the Build a Shave Horse course! I simply cannot recommend this course highly enough - go if you can!"

6 Feb 16'

David reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Just come back from having done this course and had a fabulous time. Richard and Mark are great teachers. They are generous in passing on their experience and letting us in on their woodworking "secrets". I have learnt so much this week and made a piece of furniture I wouldn't have believed I could do before the course. Learning how to turn wood on the lathe was great fun! The lunchtime lectures were also very good and I've picked up a lot of information, hints, tips and "do's and don'ts". This course has given me a lot of inspiration and confidence and I can't wait to get cracking on my own projects! I'm already planning on signing up for the second course. If you know little or nothing about woodworking and want to take it up as a hobby, I don't think you could do better than attend this course. Thanks Richard and Mark for a fantastic week!"

5 Feb 16'

Joanna reviewed: Introduction to green wood furniture making - two days

"Absolutely loved this course! Was thrilled to be able to produce a lovely hand tooled green wood stool in just 2 days. There was quite a pace to the course to get everything done but the group was really nice, the atmosphere convivial & all set in a great location. Peter is a wonderful tutor & Cath was a great support throughout. Highly recommended & I hope to get back for another course soon."

5 Feb 16'

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

"Really enjoyed the challenge of putting something creative together. I made three fun pieces and I would love to do it again."

5 Feb 16'

Sheila Fresco reviewed: Introduction to silver jewellery making workshop with Diane Lee

"I completed a one day Silversmith Course run by Diane. There are not enough superlatives to adequately describe this lady and her mountain of knowledge. Excellent teacher, patient, kind, and witty. She made me want to pursue jewellery making further, and I will definitely be attending more of her amazing Workshops."

5 Feb 16'

Nick Jefferis reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Thank you for a marvellous relaxing, interesting and productive day. I gaze at a beautiful beech bowl with pride and astonishment of what I (with a fair bit of your help) created. The day was a wonderful change from anything I had done before and only increased my fascination with wood and what it can become. Thanks also for the coffees at regular intervals which kept me going and the lovely lunch. I'm not going to rush out and kit myself out with a workshop yet but it's certainly planted a seed. Best wishes Nic"

4 Feb 16'

Sue Ball reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"I attended the two day course and found it very informative and fun. It was really helpful to be able to try more than one style of wheel and not to feel rushed. Homemade soup for lunch was lovely - some fresh fruit would have been nice."

4 Feb 16'

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

"An fantastic day! I cannot recommend it highly enough. Siobhan was a great tutor and gave the right amount of information and guidance I learnt so much but also thoroughly enjoyed myself in the relaxed , but hard working, atmosphere. . I am delighted with what I made and my husband is impressed. I would love to go again."

4 Feb 16'

Janet McDougall reviewed: Traditional stained glass painting for beginners

"Nathalie has endless patience and leads students through the course with professionalism and charm. Very relaxed/relaxing atmosphere, and even those of us who admitted they had no artistic skill, nor picked up an artist's brush in years, achieved satisfaction in producing a creditable final piece. Great fun. Had it not been for other commitments I'd have been delighted to sign up for the Intermediate course."

4 Feb 16'

Maria Arpa reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"Sowmya is highly skilled at her craft and is also a professional teacher who understands different learning styles and capacity to concentrate. I found her to be a very genuine and caring person who can pace the teaching to the learner. The course content and materials are also excellent. All in all a great experience."

4 Feb 16'

Janet reviewed: ‘Winter dream ' wool painting face-to-face textile art course in Worcestershire

"Very informative and fun day. No art skills required for a lovely outcome. Very clear instructions and helpful advice given throughout the day."

4 Feb 16'

George reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Splendid day with Mark. His teaching style is relaxed and flexible. I came away feeling confident and inspired. Thanks again Mark."

4 Feb 16'

Mo Dawes reviewed: ‘Winter dream ' wool painting face-to-face textile art course in Worcestershire

"Really enjoyed the day, learning a new craft. Lovely group in a very supportive, creative and comfortable environment. Brilliant day. Thank you."

4 Feb 16'

frank martin reviewed: Intermediary Glass fusing workshop with Laura Hart of Hart Glass

"I was given this 2 day course as a present and it has turned out to be the best I've ever had. I have a small kiln and have tried glass fusing with not much success . I have worked as a glazier and lead light maker for the last 40 years but she taught me things about glass I had not known before. Laura was a very good teacher and a good host. I would recommend her to anyone even those who have never worked glass before."

3 Feb 16'

Tim Peacock reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I booked this course primarily for my partner’s son, as he received a lathe for Christmas and we all felt he needed a little more help than his school were able to offer. Aside from anything else I wanted to make sure we both knew how to use a lathe safely. Given that the address was in Somerset, I was fairly convinced we would be working in a traditional barn, with flagons of cider and a ploughman’s provided at lunch time, but as it turned out, retired Scaffolding Contractor George and his charming wife Susan live in a neat bungalow in a quiet residential street with a selection of large sheds to the rear, one of which contains a whole host of woodturning equipment. George turns out to be a huge bloke, with fingers like Cumberland sausages, but don’t be deceived into thinking this is just another ex-tradesman looking to fill his twilight years with a casual hobby. He has spent thirteen years honing his craft, and is clearly very dedicated to turning what are some really quite remarkable pieces. As well as being on the Register of Professional Turners and offering this tuition, he hosts the local turning club, regularly appears at craft fairs across the country demonstrating his art, reviews new turning equipment for craft magazines, and has created pieces for public exhibition. He packs a lot into a one day session too, and each part of the process of turning a bowl is explained in rigorous detail. At one stage he spent 20 minutes demonstrating how to achieve some stunning effects on the surface of the bowl, with a whole host of curious revolving tools coming out of the arsenal, as well as various abrasives, waxes and dyes, and even a blow torch. Susan ensured we never far from a good cup of tea, and gave us some first rate homemade soup with warm rolls for lunch. By late afternoon we had completed our projects, and I have to say I was quite surprised at the quality of the work we both turned under his supervision. I was a jobbing carpenter for over 20 years, so I expected to turn out something fairly respectable, as I’m no stranger to wood and chisels, but I didn’t expect to be quite as pleased with the result as I am. He’s a very likeable chap too, and goes to great lengths to ensure his pupils get as much out of the day as possible. If you are looking for an opportunity to try woodturning, then this course is a rare opportunity to learn from an extremely well informed bloke who is as fiercely passionate as any creative artist when it comes to his craft."

3 Feb 16'

Jan Roberts reviewed: Traditional stained glass painting for beginners

"I thoroughly enjoyed the three-day course in traditional stained glass painting led by Nathalie. It was fascinating to learn about the range of techniques and Nathalie clearly explained the processes, providing demonstrations and one to one support. She was always patient and enabled us to learn through exploration in a very relaxing environment."

3 Feb 16'

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

"I'm addicted! As someone creative, in work and life, I feel frustrated by not being able to experiment enough. Coming to the glass workshop gave me an opportunity to play. I was able to design something and then create it without a need to have the pressure of being able to sell the end result. The day whizzed past, but I'm really pleased with what I achieved. The ambience was perfect. Can't wait to do more!"

3 Feb 16'

Trina Duncan reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"Fabulous thank you. Keep me posted on any other courses you're running, thanks for a lovely informative day. x"

3 Feb 16'

Lorna E reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"Dear Sowmya Thank you for a great class on Sunday. The time flew. I have made 2 flowers since Sunday and although a little more frilly they look like flowers. I've forwarded the video to Clair. I know she enjoyed the day too and will be glad of the video. Best wishes (reviewed on 10.7.2015)"