Latest reviews

13 Nov 15'

Russell Shaw reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I spent 3 days with Ed and it was a fabulous experience. I came from Australia to spend some time with Ed and he made me feel relaxed and confident. He was able to take my design for a vase and show me how to convert my original idea into a design that was both visually pleasing and practical. He was very welcoming and explained each step of the way through the project with humour and generosity and he was patient and a joy to be with. I found it was very easy being in his company, and he can make great coffee! I now feel that I have gained great insight into what is possible with mould making and Ed has given me confidence, and a framework with which to tackle projects on my own. Thank you Ed"

12 Nov 15'

Neville reviewed: Wood turning courses

"George, Many thanks for an educational and interesting day in your workshop. As a complete novice I cannot emphasize enough the importance to any beginners of going to a professional turner such as yourself to get tuition before starting out. I am looking forward to practicing at home the techniques that you demonstrated so clearly and with such great patience. Being quickly " hands on " was a great help as well as a confidence boost. Once again many thanks, Neville. P.S. My beautiful bowl has been much admired."

11 Nov 15'

Victoria Deverson reviewed: Christmas Stocking

"I would highly recommend this course, Eliz is a great teacher, very patient and the course is great fun. This has really built up my confidence in my crochet skills. I look forward to the next one."

11 Nov 15'

Amber Boorman reviewed: Christmas Stocking

"Thoroughly enjoyable. Great guidance from a lovely tutor. It's nice to spend time with like minded people and all the ladies on the course were excellent fun to learn with too!"

11 Nov 15'

Meagan reviewed: Candle making workshops

"My time making candles with Angharad was nothing short of magic! It was a delicious mixture of color, scent, creative expression, education, and rich conversation. I came seeking a way to connect to my candle-making ancestors, and I was left deeply satisfied. I will surely continue to make candles, and feel well equipped with the information needed to go forward with my candle making fun! My profound gratitude to the lovely Angharad, for her skill as an artist and a teacher, and as a representative of the beautiful place and rich culture of her home. I HIGHLY recommend this!"

11 Nov 15'

Jill Wilson reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"As a complete novice who had unexpectedly been given a gift of a day's wood turning course with Mark, I was not sure what to expect. However Mark was a personable, gifted teacher with all the patience in the world. With the wood burning stove adding light and warm to the workshop, Mark made me feel very welcome whilst he gently enquired about my knowledge (none!). Yet by the end of the day I am proud to say that I had made a set of four professional looking napkin rings each of which was individually decorated. As I remarked to my daughters who had treated me to the course "It was fun, intense, exhilarating, scary and ultimately fulfilling". Thanks to Mark for making the day so memorable."

11 Nov 15'

Lyn Wild reviewed: Hand-stitched leather tote, satchel or messenger bag course

"A most enjoyable 2 day handbag making course. Never realised how long it would take, or how many tools and processes were involved. Great instruction from Gaynor and Enya. Would definitely recommend."

11 Nov 15'

Nicola Guest reviewed: Christmas Stocking

"It was so nice to be a part of this group and be able to get into the Christmas spirit with the course. Not only do you have a fantastic tutor to guide you all the way you also have an amazing group of people with the same interest and hobby as you. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who loves to crochet and wants to broaden their skills"

11 Nov 15'

Romana Martin reviewed: Christmas Stocking

"Loved the course. I learnt lot while having fun and relaxing time with my crochet friends. Great support, help, lovely cakes, biscuits, coffees and tees. I didnt want it to finish!!!"

11 Nov 15'

Laurraine Strongman reviewed: Christmas Stocking

"This is a fantastic course,it teaches you new skills and techniques which enable you to produce a great Christmas item. Eliz and her team give you confidence and the ability to move on to individual projects. They provide a lovely atmosphere to learn in. The courses they run are always enjoyable and make you want to further your learning."

11 Nov 15'

Carole Higham reviewed: All inclusive artisan baking weekend in Devon

"I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend with Penny and Dragan at their lovely home in Devon. Both are more than hospitable, providing us with truly delicious food and warm and comfortable accommodation. As a complete newcomer to bread making, I learned such a lot over the weekend. We experimented with Heritage low gluten flours besides regular white and brown organic flours. I learned about sourdough and how to work with "The Mama" :-)) My family and friends, with whom I shared my bounty, were thrilled to pieces. I can't recommend the Artisan Bakery School enough! No matter what your need, both Penny and Dragan will tailor make a bespoke and memorable experience, which will be treasure for a long time. Will be booking the Gluten Free programme soon."

10 Nov 15'

Derek Reay reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I have just completed the weekend box making course and was impressed not only by Mark's own boxes but his depth of knowledge and how he explained everything in detail as we proceeded - and I ended up with a beautiful Cumbrian Elm box which has been much admired. The detailed explanations, hints, tips, sharpening, info on workshop practice all added to my knowledge. Above all, Mark has very high standards and this rubbed off throughout the course."

10 Nov 15'

Nick & KathWhitworth reviewed: All inclusive artisan baking weekend in Devon

"We both really enjoyed our 2 day Artisan bread making course. Both Penny and Dragon were great teachers and great company as well, the accommodation was also very comfortable. If your interested in learning how to bake loads of different breads I can't see how you wouldn't enjoy this course. Nick Whitworth"

10 Nov 15'

Graham Burgess reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"I spent the day with Graham and what a day it was! Enjoyed every second of it! I was completely new to turning and thought it would be a good idea to get some tuition before I jumped in feet first. It was a day of great tuition and more! I came away knowing and understanding more about wood and turning than I had expected. I opted to learn how to turn pens and came away with a variety of pens, from box wood to 1970's acrylic. Graham was patient and thorough with his explanations and it was great to be left to get on with turning whilst Graham did other things around the workshop but never to far away if I had a question or needed help. This helped with the confidence as he wasn't stood watching my every move the whole time! I will be back!"

10 Nov 15'

Christine Smith reviewed: Christmas Stocking

"I enjoyed making the Christmas stocking as although I could crochet I had never learned to read a crochet pattern so this was my first project that I made by using and reading a pattern, thank you for being patient."

10 Nov 15'

Alexandra King reviewed: Christmas Stocking

"I had a lovely time on the course. Not only was the crochet informative and fun, it was awesome to have a chitty chat chat with the others in the group. It gave me more confidence to try more crochet patterns. Thank you very very much!!!! x"

10 Nov 15'

Elaine Mills reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"First time I have attempted any craft. I attended the workshop on my own. I was made very welcome by Sophie , the small numbers on the day meant i soon felt part of a group, informal friendly with inspiring information and instruction , no pressure, lovely calm ,peaceful surroundings. I am coeliac and my dietary needs were carefully met. Lunch by Sophies mum was divine . Totally recommend this course to anyone wishing to try a new craft, a brilliant day by a very talented ,inspiring and patient lady."

10 Nov 15'

Linda Rushby reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"I had a lovely day at The Yurt learning to weave - creative, stimulating and relaxing all at the same time. Thanks to everybody, especially Alice Hume for her patience and expert tuition. Can't wait for the next workshop!"

10 Nov 15'

Paul Flint reviewed: One day blacksmithing course

"Had a very enjoyable day.Julian really knows his stuff.cant wait to do the two day session.I can easily recommend him if you want to give blacksmithing a go.thanks for a great day julian."

9 Nov 15'

Simon reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"Martin is an excellent teacher, highly skilled craftsmen and thoughtful carving artist The whole event was very well run without pressure but with a sense of determination and destiny - you take your spoon and butter knife home, dry it and use it… All tools are supplied and are excellent standard and very well sharpened-aGond Martin provides a detailed background on all of the steps and materials used. I really enjoyed my weekend here, And Martin is not only an excellent teacher but a generous and welcoming host."

9 Nov 15'

Paul bartlett reviewed: Wood turning courses

"What a great two days I had with you and Mark Sanger completing the box turning course. I was slightly nervous about it at first due to my inexperience but you and my fellow (more experienced) pupils soon helped me to dispel that. Everyone was great company and put me totally at ease. The whole experience was informative and uplifting and after coming away with a few boxes made me want to continue with woodturning as a hobby. I still haven’t bought a lathe but I know this will come in time maybe after completing a few more days tuition with you in order to feel fully confident before I get really stuck in at home. Again, many thanks to you, Mark and the other guys (who I hope to see again) for a great couple of days. Please also pass my thanks to Sue for her catering and again just for being great company. I hope to see you soon! Regards, Paul Bartlett"

9 Nov 15'

Dax Hewitt reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a top day. Adrian and Co run a great course. Both Adrian and Andy are very good smiths and fantastic teachers. I have done similar courses before in other disciplines and sometimes the instructors have a 1 size fits all teaching method but the guys tailored the information to cover the full spectrum from having never picked up a hammer before to some of us who use tools every day. Debbie lays on a great spread for lunch and there was a celebratory cake at the end too and both hot and cold drinks were provided. Everyone on the course had a great day and I am booking on to the tool makers course, my workshop has been without its own forge for far too long."

9 Nov 15'

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

"I came down from London to attend the workshop and had chosen Siobhan in preference to somewhere nearer because I had researched her work and really loved it. The day itself was great - Siobhan told us all we needed to know to produce our own two pieces of work. She was encouraging and supportive when needed but let us get on with our own ideas, pointing out what would and wouldn't work. I produced two pieces which I am very proud of (one of which Siobhan kindly offered to mount for me) and also ended up buying two of Siobhan's art works which are absolutely fabulous and have been remarked upon by everyone who has seen them. Definitely the most satisfying Saturday I spent in ages!"

9 Nov 15'

Toby reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"Very good course, well taught. Martin's approach was excellent, the tuition was at a good pace with plenty of practical time. He was always always happy to help out if asked but also happy to let you get on with making you own mistakes! Well organised too – lovely lunches both days."

9 Nov 15'

Lauren Dudley reviewed: Felting Workshop - Felt Pot - Stratford upon Avon

"I was a tester for this workshop and it was such great fun. We all managed to make some beautiful felt and a great Christmas wreath which was the centre of attention last year! Highly recommended..."