Latest reviews

11 Oct 15'

Aaron reviewed: Tool sharpening

"Great course, taught by knowledgeable people in a pleasant, relaxed and informal setting. What more could you ask for? Many different aspects of tool sharpening covered and many different tool types. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone interested in learning more about tool sharpening."

11 Oct 15'

Jade Wiltshire reviewed: Beginners Hand spinning - 'From fleece to fibre’ - at All in a Spin

"'From Fleece to Fibre' was a birthday present from my partner and it was the best gift I could possibly have asked for. Dunja is a very patient, knowledgeable and conscientious teacher who has a very real passion for fleece and fibre and a keen desire to impart that zeal onto others. The farm itself is beautiful, and being able to work with fleece taken from Dunja's own flock only added to the majesty of the day. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in learning the basics of spinning, but Dunja is right to say that the course should come with a warning - I'm hooked! Thank you, Dunja, for a truly wonderful day and for opening my eyes to a fantastic new world of craft and creation."

11 Oct 15'

Stacey Weston reviewed: Autentico Basic Chalk Paint Workshop - Hailsham, East Sussex

"My husband and I had a wonderful time on this course. Pete was very helpful and informative. The workshop is lovely and the amount of things you can do with the paints is staggering. We managed to cover a lot in the 3 hour session. Would recommend to others."

11 Oct 15'

Chris Weston reviewed: Autentico Basic Chalk Paint Workshop - Hailsham, East Sussex

"Had a lovely evening on the basic chalk paint course. Pete showed us some really useful skills to help us in decorating our kitchen cupboards. Would highly recommend. Thanks"

10 Oct 15'

Candie G reviewed: Glass fused Christmas tree decorations/hangings

"Thanks Linda for a brilliant day, the only downside was that the time went so quickly - I could have easily carried on another couple of hours. I'm hooked on glass fusion after just one workshop, it is so much fun. I'd def recommend this workshop whether you're a beginner or more experienced. I'm sure I'll be coming again, it was thoroughly enjoyable, and your lemon drizzle cake was rather nice too! Thanks again for your tuition and hospitality. xx"

10 Oct 15'

Liz Smith reviewed: Canal art - roses and castles - decorate a plate in narrowboat decoration

"Julie welcomed us with a cup of tea, and after a short chat we went to the log cabin in her garden. Then we had a wonderful day just watching, listening and painting. Such a lovely, quiet day, with lots of encouragement and Julie stepping us through the stages of painting a plate with a castle in the centre and roses around the rim. I learned SO much - about paint, brushes, techniques - and by the end of the day I had a plate to take home. It wasn't perfect, of course, but it was a million times better than my brief solo attempts. And I could see how I could improve the next time. We had a delicious lunch, lots more cups of tea, and I went home with my plate, some brushes and paint, and a couple of other items to paint. I can't wait! Julie is such a good teacher."

10 Oct 15'

Colin Thompson reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Mark's course went a long way beyond teaching a beginner the basics of turning. In itself that was indeed superb value for money. however what has left an abiding memory for me is the way that Mark shares an absolute passion for the skill which he takes to the level of a real art form. I relished the enthusiasm he applied to not simply showing how to perform basic tasks on the lathe but incorporating all of the reasons why performing the task that way was so important. I have been a life long amateur carpenter and wanted to gain some basic turning skills to extend the range of my abilities. Mark's course has enabled me to do that. It also made me realise the level of practice I would need to create turned pieces effectively. Thank you Mark! I was truly grateful for your teaching skill, patience and for some of the insights into your own, very honest working philosophy."

8 Oct 15'

charlie wale reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I was bought a week-end of forging with Alex as a birthday present. I last worked with metal 40 years ago when I was 11, and it’s been something I have wanted to do again ever since. My astute wife picked up on my mutterings and there I was in the dimness of the forge (so you can see the different colours of the metal in the furnace) not knowing what to expect. Alex’ approach was exactly as I wanted. A calm and patient tutor, but very much hands off. This is your project, you are the designer, I will show you the techniques, now get on with it. Over the course of the week-end I learnt a whole range of forging techniques and made a rams head front door knocker. Quite a large one at that, and one that will now require a new front door on which to mount it. Seeing as until then the sum of what I had done with metal was drilling and sawing, I’m really quite proud of what I achieved. If this is your thing, I can’t recommend this week-end highly enough. Not only is Alex a great tutor but he has a good line in banter too. His calm observations on life complement very much what he does for a living, and you will come away from the experience all the richer for it. And as a bonus, his forge is set in a working museum, so by chance I had free entry to an Alfa Romeo day. All in all a great week-end. Thank you Alex (and my wife for the present of course!)"

8 Oct 15'

Anne Marie reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"Great food, lovely setting, and great teaching from Sophie. Her knowledge about the wools from different types of sheep was so interesting and a real bonus."

8 Oct 15'

Phil Godfrey reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Mark was very helpful with my tuition, and very patient with my efforts. Whilst I could turn before my lesson, I badly needed to have a refresher. He also taught me many tips and "tricks" that should, with practice,help me to become a better turner. thanks Mark"

7 Oct 15'

Lesley reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Recently attended Elaine beginners spinning courses in her beautiful home. from the moment you arrive you are welcomed and the fun begins. Elaine's tuition is tailored to the individuals on the course, and her patience is remarkable while we fumble our way though hand eye foot and wool coordination but then the penny drops and you're away. We all left with handspun wool to show for our day. Thanks Elaine."

6 Oct 15'

Lesley reviewed: Whittling course

"What a lovely day. The course is very hands on and practical from the start and everything it promised to be. If I have learnt a fraction of Martin's skill and knowledge it was well worth it. Being a small group is ideal, very relaxed and friendly. The cup of tea on arrival was just what was needed and the homemade lunch is another of Martin's talents. I now have knife and book and am setting up my sharpening kit so will shortly be ready to safely go. An excellant course which I thoroughly recommend . 27.09.15"

6 Oct 15'

carmen burkett reviewed: Vintage Style and Modern Clutch Bag Workshop Bristol

"This is the third workshop I have done with Tambour and Clutch and I loved it as much as the first two. The tutor is warm and welcoming and paces the session at individual speeds which builds confidence. The session is very informative and any questions are answered knowledgeably. The building is beautiful and is set in a lovely location."

5 Oct 15'

Danielle reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Excellent teacher. It was a very friendly atmosphere, I learned so much and had a wonderful time. Hopefully I'll get the chance to go on the more advanced course once I've got going with my own wheel."

5 Oct 15'

Julie Kendrick reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"I really enjoyed my lesson with Sowmya, the afternoon flew by and I have no hesitation in recommending her. to others. As other reviewers have noted she is a very patient and natural teacher. Her lesson was very structured, we had clear goals and she provided written instructions for both the stitches and the projects for me to take home."

5 Oct 15'

Jim Bartley reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"The two day course was purchased for me as a 60th birthday gift. I had a really good time learning new skills and updating some old ones. Nigel is a very good teacher and allowed me the scope to try things on my own but was always on hand to guide and advise me. I would recommend this course to anyone. I stayed with my wife at the site in "Woodman's Rest" a warm and cosy shepherds hut. This allowed me to roll out of bed and go straight to the course. What more could you wish for! Local eating hostelries were also good. I hope to go back in the near future."

5 Oct 15'

Mike G reviewed: Belt Making Workshop or Handbound Leather Journal Workshop

"My wife and I went on this course; I made a simple belt which was in itself good value. My wife used a simple clasp buckle which she had inherited, which meant the belt was more complicated in order to allow adjustment. Clive and Wendy spent the time to make sure the design worked well. We came away with beautiful, durable belts which we simply couldn't have bought."

5 Oct 15'

Thoulla reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Enjoyed the class. Very informative. Covered a lot of information on a variety of candles and products."

5 Oct 15'

Paul reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Fantastic course. Informative, enjoyable - a great day!"

4 Oct 15'

Becci Williams reviewed: Feltmaking Romantic Landscapes with Linda Robinson

"I so enjoyed this course with Linda, I have learnt so much. I have never done any hand embroidery before but I'm hooked now. The group was really friendly, Linda was great at demonstrating how to do each stitch, with lots of patience. I am delighted with my first ever embroidery and will definitely be back for more. Thank you Becci"

4 Oct 15'

Bonnie King reviewed: Group Soap-making Workshop - Soapology Studio - Nottinghamshire

"I had an amazing day learning how to make soap yesterday at Colwick Hall! Emma was so welcoming and a great teacher. She was patient in answering all of our questions and thoroughly explained everything. Refreshments were provided for us and after the morning session which was theory based, we were treated to a lovely lunch. Then the fun! In the afternoon we started to make the soap. Everyone looked like they were having a great time, especially when they got to the colour and additive section. Choosing the 'toppings' and additives was my favourite part. Emma again was really patient with me when I changed my mind about what I wanted on top of one of the soaps and she helped me to make the most of our time. We made three batches of soap all together to take home. I would love to come back and this time bring my mum. It was a great day full of delicious smells and I would thoroughly recommend it. Cheers Emma for a fab day!"

4 Oct 15'

DianneShaw reviewed: Group Soap-making Workshop - Soapology Studio - Nottinghamshire

"A packed day full of interesting information about a lovely product, had lots of fun deciding on my own special soap unique to me as every batch is totally different. All aspects of soapmaking were covered and this information was available to take home along with the soap you made on the day. Lots of support from all the team at Soapology with nothing being to much trouble. The day included a lovely lunch with plenty of tea/coffee or water to drink throughout the day. I would recommend this course to anyone. Thank you Emma and all your team for a great day."

4 Oct 15'

Bill Cuunningham reviewed: Belt Making Workshop or Handbound Leather Journal Workshop

"I went on the belt making course last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. Clive and Wendy are great teachers and I came away with a new leather belt as a present for my wife which I am still very proud to have made. The process was carefully explained and you are given handouts to take away for future reference. It was a great day out which I would recommend to anyone. In fact I am now intending to buy some of the tools we used and take this up as a proper hobby."

3 Oct 15'

Gemma reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Wow what a fab day. I have never done any metal working before and under morts excellent tuition and immense patience I made 3bowl hooks for wood turning and a gift for my dad. Mort has a very relaxed persona which helped make the day a success. Thank you"

3 Oct 15'

Miriam muller reviewed: Spinning Lesson

"I had a really great day today with Mia, she is a natural teacher, clear, patient and encouraging. Brilliant."