Latest reviews

8 Feb 15'

Hazel Dorrington reviewed: Rag Rug Half Day Workshop - Hertfordshire

"I have just an introductory course on 7/02/2015 at Ragged Life with Elspeth Jackson. She was a great teacher and very inspirational. Can't leave rag rugging alone now as I have all the equipment and knowledge to finish the cushion cover I started at the course and have the hessian and know how to do a rug. What a lovely morning we all had."

8 Feb 15'

Tracey Maw reviewed: MON 3RD AUGUST: ‘Cutting the Curd’ Cheese Making

"I really enjoyed the whole day, was amazed that I actually made cheese that was edible! Louise was really helpful and informative and I felt confident enough to try the recipes at home. Seeing and feeling each stage of making the cheese was extremely useful. Would recommend the course to everyone."

8 Feb 15'

Pam Calvert reviewed: Rag Rug Half Day Workshop - Hertfordshire

"A helpful introductory course for complete beginners taught with great passion and enthusiasm for the subject. Too short to really get very far with individual pieces but everyone on my course went away keen to apply their learning ."

8 Feb 15'

Sally England reviewed: Creative laser cutting

"Just back from two days learning about artistic laser cutting, been playing with fabric,slate and stone, made some wood printing blocks ! Plenty of help with the computer stuff and the more technical side in a calm ' yeah you can try that ' atmosphere; also told what I couldn't do!!! Good lunch and lots of drinks. If you want to find out what laser cutting will do this is a good place to start."

8 Feb 15'

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

"I had a fantastic day..Dunja is a brilliant teacher and I now feel confident to spin on my own.She provided a lovely lunch and as much coffee and tea that one could drink !!.Nothing was too much trouble and I can guarantee anyone who books the course will have fab time. I am at this point in time, already washing a fleece ready to practise with, can't wait for it to dry !! need to be patient."

8 Feb 15'

emma vann reviewed: Ceramic moon gazing hares

"We went as a group of four yesterday to the hare course and it was excellent. We had an amazing time and I couldn't believe how good our hares turned out. I can't wait to get mine home to put him in pride of place and we are all now arguing over who made the best hare! (Mine was the best of course :) ). Linda showed each stage of the process very clearly and everyone got the instruction they needed. I would heartily recommend this course!"

7 Feb 15'

Paul Temme reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"A day that transports you to a different world - one unfortunately largely hidden today. Mort skilfully guided me and my 15 year old son (beginners) through many of the blacksmith techniques to enable us to complete 3 iron "treasures" for us to take home to use and decorate our house and garden. Mort's patience and rescuing - abilities mean that the atmosphere is unhurried and relaxed but you still come away with an amazing amount of knowledge and perhaps the start of a new set of skills."

7 Feb 15'

Andy reviewed: Beginners Willow Weaving Course

"Very informative and fun, in a unique setting - would highly reccomend!"

7 Feb 15'

Kate and Kevin reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"We had a fantastic day with Dilys at her studio and could not be more pleased and encouraged. We are complete beginners and had no experience of enamelling whatsoever. We both made 3 pieces under expert guidance and were made to feel that we could do anything! Her calm approach to teaching was so encouraging. If you've had any thoughts of trying this, just do it. It's great and Dilys made us feel like professionals!"

7 Feb 15'

Steve Hadfield reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"An excellent 5 days. I arrived with minimal woodworking skills and left full of enthusiasm and ambition to learn more. Richard and Mark could not be more friendly or helpful and were anxious to tailor their teaching to each students individual needs. I will be back for more sometime in the future."

7 Feb 15'

Lorraine reviewed: Stained Glass Garden Mosaic with Sue Smith

"Located in her own workshop set in stunning countryside, the lovely Sue takes you through the techniques necessary to cut glass and design and make your own mosaic. A thoroughly relaxing, friendly course with as much support given as you need. Am planning to rebook so would recommend."

6 Feb 15'

jenny rackford reviewed: Jewellery making - Beautiful stitched vintage cuffs

"We had a fabulous time on this fun and exciting workshop. I purchased this workshop as a gift for me and my mum and we both thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Amanda is a wonderful teacher with lots of energy and enthusiasm which was inspiring. Tea, cakes and some great background music as well as learning a new skill.. who could ask for more... Cant wait to come back with my friends and sister. x"

6 Feb 15'

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

"An excellent course in a welcoming and inspiring environment. Peter and Jav were very generous with their extensive knowledge and experience. Thank you - I will be back for the Chair Making course."

6 Feb 15'

Tim Peacock reviewed: Screenprinting weekend with Liam Biswell

"I’ve done perhaps a handful of plates previously, in one hour taster sessions. Liam’s informal and encouraging approach was perfect for me, as was the level of personal attention allowed by the class size. He is experienced in many processes and took the time to find out what we were all interested in before the class convened. The processes and timing for the weekend were then adjusted accordingly. He was flexible throughout, and, for example, quite prepared to accommodate those who wanted to continue with one process instead of moving on with the rest of the class. He was also encouraging of experiment. A full two days isn’t nearly enough time, but is so much better than two-hour evening classes. To make the most of the time available I’d suggest coming well prepared with ideas and designs of the appropriate size (just ask). However, Liam came with a stack of print- and art- magazines which are a good source. The purpose built Phoenix studio is spacious and light, and Liam is very well organised with materials and equipment."

5 Feb 15'

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

"I joined the class as an absolute beginner, and by the end of the session, I feel I have learnt the basics needed for me to work on simple projects on my own. Diane is an excellent teacher -- her explanations were clear and tailored her instruction to the ability of her students. I thoroughly enjoyed the session and am pleased to be the proud owner of my first 3 creations -- a bracelet, a neckless and a charms for another neckless. I would definitely recommend the course to anyone who wants to have a go at beading."

5 Feb 15'

Julia MacDougall reviewed: Screenprinting weekend with Liam Biswell

"I thoroughly enjoyed Liam's 2 day printmaking workshop. I was a complete beginner, but Liam guided us through the different processes and encouraged us in such a way that I had confidence to have a go and was rather pleased with my efforts! It was all very relaxed. Liam was well organised and all the equipment and materials we needed were readily to hand. The Phoenix Studio in Towersey was a pleasant and accommodating space to work in. I look forward to the next opportunity."

5 Feb 15'

suzanne egan reviewed: Jewellery making - Beautiful stitched vintage cuffs

"We totally loved this workshop. The cuff i made is beautiful and i have learnt valuable techniques and discovered skills i never realized i had.! the workroom is lovely and it was also great to see Amanda's own accessories in her showroom. totally amazing. ! the tea and cakes were great and i would recommend that this is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. When can i come again!"

5 Feb 15'

Pamela reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - London

"Very nice course. Everything was perfectly organized and the Elspeth is a very good teacher!"

5 Feb 15'

Mike Rains reviewed: Screenprinting weekend with Liam Biswell

"My thanks go to Liam for a most informative and enjoyable course. I come away having learnt the basic principles and practices of three printmaking processes - Intaglio/Drypoint; Relief/Woodblock; and Screenprinting The information was delivered in a friendly and relaxed manner and exactly matched my reasons for joining the course – these processes are no longer a mystery to me! With only six other participants there was a good balance of personal attention and creative buzz throughout. I am now looking to put at least some of these processes to use from home. Once again many thanks. Mike Rains"

5 Feb 15'

Terry Speyer reviewed: Introduction to green wood furniture making - two days

"Had a fabulous weekend learning a lot about Greenwood working. Peter is so obviously knowledgeable and so easy to approach and ask information of. Wide availability of tools to use and due to the process, on delay in completing the project. I thought I was not going to finish my stool but realised that the other course members were behind in other ways!"

4 Feb 15'

jes Mulcock reviewed: Jewellery making - Beautiful stitched vintage cuffs

"Thank you for providing us with such a fun afternoon Amanda. It was lovely not only spending some time with Mum doing something that we both enjoy, but with someone else who enjoys the activity even more than we do and happy to share some great tips, ideas and inspiration. Mum has been raving about what a lovely time she had to her friend, sister and her other daughters and we are looking at booking another workshop and bringing them with us next time. Thank you once again."

4 Feb 15'

Gill Jones reviewed: Encaustic Art - What do you want to learn?

"Really lovely time spent with Mel at her beautiful studio. I appreciated that Mel had carried out her own research and experimentation in order that I got closer to reaching my goals with the encaustic medium; incorporating wax with photographs. I was a little apprehensive about the tools needed, what reading I had done made it all quite involved and scary; fumes and blow torches but Mel took all that fear away and made me realise that this is an accessible craft and I now feel able to explore this lovely medium with confidence."

4 Feb 15'

Karen reviewed: Felt Making Workshops - Stratford upon Avon

"I had a felting great time.... Thanks Lesley, for your generous time given to us on your beginners felting workshop and for your hospitality. I'll be back to learn some more very soon!!"

3 Feb 15'

louisa feldman reviewed: Jewellery making - Beautiful stitched vintage cuffs

"I booked this course as a gift for me and my mum and i have to say that we had the most amazing time. We discovered many skills and had an enjoyable afternoon. The showroom is inspiring as Amanda also teams her workshop area with her accessories boutique. We even brought a scarf and hat as an extra treat at the end of the session. We have booked to come again for my sisters hen party which speaks for itself that we would highly recommend this workshop."

3 Feb 15'

sarah jane reviewed: Fabric flower workshop ( Latex and Nylon )

"Attended my 1st workshop this morning ~ absolutely loved it ~ small groups & very personal in the most beautiful environment ~ you know just like every girls dream bed room Amanda was very knowledgeable and has an excellent teaching technique ~ would / have definitely recommend can't wait to go again contently chilled"