Latest reviews

25 Jan 18'

Tricia Ackron reviewed: Introduction to stone setting 2 day course

"The second course I’ve done with Jonathan Deer and thoroughly enjoyed it as expected. Not too many participants is there is a generous allowance of time to practice what is taught and to make an item of jewellery to take away. Everyone was happy to be on the course and receptive to the easy but informative delivery of the course content. Certainly delivered what was promised in a relaxed atmosphere. Would highly recommend this and other courses by the same provider."

25 Jan 18'

David Cruise reviewed: Green wood chair making in Portugal

"Peter is a fabulous teacher. I have done a number of his courses and the idea of taking one in this location in Portugal strongly appeals. I Cannot rate Peter's courses more highly. He is an extremely knowledgeable craftsman, and his teaching is patient, good humoured and always encouraging."

25 Jan 18'

Stone Sculpting reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"A thoroughly enjoyable weekend and a great way to try out stone sculpture. Sebastian first asks you about your skills and aspirations for the weekend. There is then an explanation of the different types of stone and tools to be used. You have a trial piece of stone to experiment with the various tools before starting in earnest on your real sculpture. Sebastian offers advice and encouragement as you progress (and helps out if you are struggling or break off the wrong bit). The course is run in a lovely rural setting just below the Cotswold hills, it is quite inspiring to sculpt out in the open air (albeit a bit bracing in a cold January wind)."

25 Jan 18'

Guy Keough reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"A genuinely excellent course. Julie was really friendly and knowledgable, and the afternoon tea was excellent. I would highly recommend this course."

25 Jan 18'

Julie Gibson reviewed: Introduction to stone setting 2 day course

"Excellent course, outstanding teacher! Three students including me, learned so much in two days and I came away feeling enthused and excited to make more jewellery. Jonathan's teaching style is informal and fun, he made us feel comfortable from the beginning and like friends by the end. I feel much more capable than before the course and am looking forward to coming back for another course!"

25 Jan 18'

Anne Flint reviewed: Three day course in upholstery and soft furnishings

"Great course, really friendly and very knowledgable and informative teacher."

25 Jan 18'

Mary Baker reviewed: Two day needle felting a wired armature animal

"What a wonderful teacher, this is my second course now with Karin and each time I have made something that I am so proud of. She is patient, kind and humorous and very encouraging. I thought that I was unable to do anything craft wise and was scared to go on my first course but Karin explained and encouraged and I was delighted with the creature I produced, so much so I booked on a second course and am saving up for the next"

25 Jan 18'

Kim reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"This was a great course and I’m really pleased with my completed basket. I had previously attended a one day workshop with Jane so still very much a beginner. Jane does great demonstrations and explanations of what to do so you get the techniques right and she also provides plenty of one-to-one help. I would definitely recommend Jane’s workshops."

25 Jan 18'

DebD reviewed: Beginners lino printing

"Gorgeous space. Ruth is great fun and knowledgeable, but also friendly and approachable. This one is a little different than some of the other classes, but still enjoyable and a good foundation for future classes. Friday mornings work for me, so I hope to make a term of it. Recipe for the flapjacks please!"

25 Jan 18'

Bee Hodge reviewed: Printmaking summer school at Slamseys, Essex

"This is the second class I have done at Slamseys with Ruth. I wanted to develop some ideas, so even though I wasn't a beginner and some of the other students were, I could just use the space as I needed and work on my own ideas, but the guidance and help was still there, which was helpful as some of the techniques I was a bit rusty on. I took home lots of things and ideas and have already used my lino to make some cards. These all work on fabric too, so i picked up some ink at the end of the class which was good so that i didn't have to go to the shops or look online again afterwards.Do it!"

25 Jan 18'

Searle reviewed: Beginners fabric printing two day introduction at Slamseys

"What a fabulous class. I have learned so many things and bought a kit so that I can keep on going at home which I think I will. I'd like a more advanced class next time so that I can work on some ideas I've had but I think maybe there is one that is scheduled sometime in the summer which does look good and I will book on"

25 Jan 18'

Braughne reviewed: Beginner's screen printing at Slamseys

"Great day - lovely cake too! Very pleased."

25 Jan 18'

Phillippa Wong reviewed: Beginners lino printing

"What a beautiful day! Lovely surroundings, pleasant people - just the thing I needed to kick start my projects. I've got a sketchbook full of ideas, colour and drawings and lots of ideas I'm going to rework at home. I will be booking onto the fabric printing next month to make some of these ideas come true!"

25 Jan 18'

Paulene Carey reviewed: Friday mosaic making

"A friend and I spend a really great morning with Audrey and her Mum who made us all so welcome in Audrey's home. Both ladies are very knowledgable about mosaics and very patiently guided us all to making some far better pieces than I had expected. There were plenty of the tools required for us to use and they had obviously spent a lot of time organising the work table and tiles ready for us to work on.There was a huge range of mosaic available and we were encouraged to take plenty home to finish off our 'masterpieces' . I would strongly recommend this workshop and look forward to booking more myself."

25 Jan 18'

Sal reviewed: Printmaking summer school at Slamseys, Essex

"This course covers all the basic techniques in printmaking, informative and interesting. It moves at a good pace and I left with lots of ideas and recommendations."

25 Jan 18'

Jane reviewed: Beginners fabric printing two day introduction at Slamseys

"Thoroughly enjoyed this informative two-day course. Lots of info to take in, very friendly group and useful information sent out after class. Recommend."

25 Jan 18'

Andrew Stone reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Hi Matt, I just wanted to take the opportunity of saying thank you for a very unique experience throwing a few pots yesterday. You have a naturally high level of patience that means even novices like myself can really produce something. An amazing day had by me and Elizabeth. Thank you and would recommend you to anyone asking. Andrew"

25 Jan 18'

Louise Bradforth reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"A group of 6 of us attended Sebastian's 2 day stone carving course. After a short intro' we were let loose with our blocks of stone; first a practice block to get to know the tools on and then onto the final piece. Having never carved stone or wood my hopes of creating anything artistic were quite low...but I was surprised by how soft and easy Bath stone is to cut...and pleased by the end result. It was an informative introductory course in a friendly environment - and above all it was fun! Top Tip 1 - plan what it is you'd like to create. A sketch might help. And remember its just a weekend course - not enough time to create a replica of Michelangelo's David. Top Tip 2 - This would be a great present for an art student to broaden their 3D work (for example for the portfolio of a student wanting to go onto a foundation art or degree course)."

25 Jan 18'

Kirsty Elliot reviewed: Silver Clay Beginners Workshop

"I would highly recommend this Silver Clay Course. Marianne made me feel at ease from the start, and was very professional. It was a relaxed day, but also very informative and I learnt a lot about the subject. I was very happy with the pieces I made, and the advise given on how to improve my techniques. I made 3 items with the amount of clay provided, and was taught 3 techniques. There was a lot of choice and I was encouraged to use my own choices regards to the wide range of materials, rather than being shown what to do. Great value for money and a very enjoyable day."

25 Jan 18'

Jane Cunningham reviewed: Lampwork Glass Bead Making Workshop, Stourbridge

"What a brilliant day my brother and I had on Sarah’s bead making course. We were complete beginners but Sarah’s skill in the art, her excellent teaching style and ability to make us feel so comfortable, saw us both coming away with several beautiful pieces of bead jewellery. It was addictive - we are coming back! Thank you Sarah."

24 Jan 18'

Jacki reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"I attended a 2 day basket making workshop at Off the Rails Arthouse in Ladybank. We were a group of 7, some complete beginners and some with a previous workshop under their belt. Jane taught via a combination of demonstrations and one to one tutoring. Thoroughly enjoyed the weekend, and very pleased with my basket. Would recommend!"

24 Jan 18'

Debbie Hill reviewed: Two day needle felting a wired armature animal

"Fabulous course from a fabulous instructor. Everything you could possibly need was supplied in abundance alongside tea, coffee and lunch. We received expert tuition in a very informal and relaxed atmosphere which was key to me as a 'newbie' creating my first felt animal way above the standard I thought I was going to achieve. I have found a new passion and look forward to making more furries."

24 Jan 18'

Shaun Dickson reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I had another wonderful day at Fransham Forge hoping to make some tools . As before Nigel far exceeded anything I had hoped for . I went home with a lot of new skills to develop my hobby and many useful new tools made under Nigels expert guidance , tongs , scrolling tools , hammer drift and others. Had a fantastic day . I would recommend Fransham to anyone for a new experience or to learn the craft from an expert."

24 Jan 18'

Maryanne Stanley reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"This was an immensely rewarding weekend, where I was free to explore the wonderful material of bath stone. There were a wide variety of interesting people who created some marvellous finished sculptures. I had requested a larger stone (3' x 2' x 1') to work with & was more than aware I would need to finish it off at home. I have since purchased tools and plan many more sculptures. Many thanks to Sebastian for the introduction to this material & for the numerous photos."

24 Jan 18'

Heidi reviewed: Friday mosaic making

"Great workshop, very much enjoyed my first attempt at mosaics! The class was 2 hours at Audrey's home with a big selection of glass, tiles and beads to get your creative juices flowing. Very relaxed session with just three others in the workshop and Audrey providing inspiration and advice, plus refreshments as you chat and work. Like a few other student comments, I popped to The Waffle House for lunch and then on to the Verulamium Roman Theatre to make the most of my day. Hope to attend another session in the future :)"