Latest reviews

3 Oct 14'

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

"I was so pleased with my bag that for the first two days after the course I couldn't bring myself to use it in case it got damaged - I am delighted to say that it seems quite resilient! The instruction provided by Gaynor and Enya was excellent and despite the fact that we worked quite hard none of it ever seemed like a chore - plus there was a very regular supply of tea and cakes - always a bonus!"

3 Oct 14'

Suseela mathias reviewed: 121 - An Introduction to Cold Process Soap Making

"I had an amazing day of soap making with Emma. She is knowledgeable, passionate about soap making and teaches all the basic knowledge one needs in the morning session. At the after noon hands on session, I was encouraged to choose the essential oils, colors and the ingredients. As great teacher she encourages ones ideas, joins in and helps to achieve that idea. I would defensively recommend any one who would like to learn about soap making for fun or for a profession. Well worth it."

3 Oct 14'

Kristina Stevens reviewed: Willow 'Hen and Cockerels' with Phil Bradley: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Ullswater and The Lake District

"As three art teachers, we had a wonderful and very informative day out on the willow course. Phil and all the Cycle cafe staff were lovely and it was a real pleasure to take part - not to mention our superb, quirky willow hares we made! Would thoroughly recommend!"

2 Oct 14'

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

"I had a fantastic time on the course; Gaynor and Enya were excellent teachers and I’m so chuffed with the beautiful bag and new skills I got from the weekend. The workshop is set in a beautiful chapel which made it such an idyllic spot to work in. Couldn’t recommend it highly enough!"

2 Oct 14'

Kellie reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - London

"I had such fun on this course! As someone who struggles with most 'arty' endeavours, I found Elspeth's tutorial friendly, easy to follow and very accessible. All equipment was provided and we came away with all the knowledge necessary to finish our designs and feel confident in starting our own rag rug projects. It was a very sociable, relaxed atmosphere and there were plenty of bright and beautiful examples of Elspeth's completed rag rugs on show, which was inspiring. I would thoroughly recommend this class for anyone who wants to learn a lovely new craft and have lots of fun doing it!"

2 Oct 14'

Mark Warwick reviewed: Spoon carving with green wood

"I've always wanted to build a chair. Jo's teaching style and creativity helped me realize the chair i wanted to build, leading to me winning first prize at the Bodgers Ball, put on by the pole-lathe turners and green woodworkers association, in the first chair category. The setting and atmosphere of Jo's school makes for a great holiday experience."

1 Oct 14'

Sandra Francis reviewed: Hand spinning workshops - Norfolk

"I had a really great day and would highly recommend it to anyone thinking of starting to spin. I'd never spun before, but with Theresa's excellent and relaxed tuition, I managed to complete two skeins of spun wool by the end of the day which i'm now busy knitting up. I can't wait to spin again!"

1 Oct 14'

Joanna reviewed: The Natural Skin Care Workshop

"I had a great time at the skin care workshop some of the things I learnt were a real eye opener! It was very educational and the items were easy to make. I'll add these to my list of inspirational crafts."

1 Oct 14'

Clive reviewed: Make a glass paperweight

"I actually did the glass-blowing day as would recommend it to anyone. Brilliant day!"

1 Oct 14'

Jacqui reviewed: Willow 'Hen and Cockerels' with Phil Bradley: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Ullswater and The Lake District

"An excellent day out. Beautiful setting, clear instructions & help. People can't quite believe that I made Harris, my willow hare."

30 Sep 14'

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

"Really enjoyed the day. I feel inspired to do more even though I couldn't quite get the knack of cutting small bits of glass. Siobhan very helpful and encouraging. Would recommend this course to anyone with or without experience."

30 Sep 14'

Alison Payne reviewed: Nuno Felting & Up-cycled Waste-Coat

"I had never felted before and was keen to see if it would be possible to felt my own alpacas fleeces, Sarah was very encouraging and helpful and I did manage to make a lovely piece which I am thrilled with. In all it was a super day with like minded people and a great teacher, I would recommend any of Sarah's courses."

30 Sep 14'

Peter Chandler reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"This was a really good weekend. From the friendly atmosphere and clear instruction right through to the satisfaction in taking home some real finished products - this course was just what I had hoped it would be. I wasn't as fast as the other folk at some things, but I was never rushed and never felt left behind. That's a good trick in a mixed bunch. I came away with a practical understanding of basic blacksmithing techniques and a new appreciation of old work done by people I'll never meet. All of this is only possible if the instructor has a thorough understanding of the craft and plenty of experience. Aaron has that. Thanks."

30 Sep 14'

Justine Weyman reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Bill is an excellent teacher. I recently spent a week on a bespoke leather working course and learnt an amazing amount in my tailor made course. Bill has great attention to detail, is very experienced and knowledgable. I really enjoyed learning from Bill and highly recommend his courses, whether it's just for pleasure or to develop your skills with a view to starting a business. Five + stars!"

29 Sep 14'

Helen Chaloner reviewed: Hand-stitched leather tote, satchel or messenger bag course

"Great course, well taught, well equipped and generous workspace, enjoyable atmosphere. Full marks all round!"

29 Sep 14'

Jill Williams reviewed: Hand-stitched leather tote, satchel or messenger bag course

"I really had the most brilliant time. I could never have imagined the amount of work and the different techniques needed to make a tote bag! Gaynor was an excellent teacher. Her obvious expertise and good sense of humour plus such attention to detail (and our safety with the sharp equipment!) made the time fly by. I am now the proud owner of a fabulous leather handbag which I actually made myself. Thank you so much."

29 Sep 14'

Judith Bishton reviewed: Hand-stitched leather tote, satchel or messenger bag course

"Have just completed the 2 day course with Gaynor. Cannot praise the teaching and course enough. It was excellent. Made a wonderful tote bag, and learned so much. Would strongly recommend any one who is thinking about doing this course, go ahead. You will not be disappointed."

29 Sep 14'

Chris Smith reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"Did the introductory course last year and got the bug to do more. Now just finished the 2 day intermediate course and came away with a 3 legged stool! Simons enthusiasm is infectious and he is a great teacher..Want to do still more now...I would highly recommend Simon and his courses to anyone.5"

29 Sep 14'

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

"I had a really lovely day. It brought out my creative side which had been a bit dormant recently, so I'm very appreciative of that. Thanks"

29 Sep 14'

Kim Moloney reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Fantastic! I spent three days with Bill. He tailored a bespoke course to my needs which gave me the confidence to start my own business. Bill is a very talented man with lots of history and experience in the trade which he generously shares. I highly recommend contacting Bill and experiencing one or more of his workshop sessions; whether it is to get started with a project for a hobby or to gain experience, which like me will give you the confidence to start your own business in the beautiful world of leather."

26 Sep 14'

Kate Bartlett reviewed: Weekly upholstery workshops with Cherry Dobson

"I have just got home from a 5 day course with Cherry ,what can I say, fantastic! there was 8 of us all doing different projects ,in the time I have covered a small sofa ,finished a nursing chair I had started previous and then started another chair .I have also attended the daily classes too. Very highly recommended and can't wait to go back"

26 Sep 14'

Caroline Denyer reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"There’s nothing Bill doesn’t know or can’t teach you about leather and leather craft. I saw Bill’s beautiful workmanship on the web and decided he was the man to learn from. I’ve never been more right. Bill is not just a brilliant craftsman and expert in his field but a wonderful teacher with an eye for design. Passionate about his craft and teaching others I left this workshop with too many skills to apply, an appreciation for the craft and an appetite to learn more. Highly recommended for anyone who is interested to learn for fun or as an introduction to starting their own business (but remember it takes years to become a master like Bill). I could not have asked for a more enthusiastic or patient teacher. Sign up now or at the very least buy one of his beautifully crafted leather goods!5"

24 Sep 14'

dawn yuill reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Great day, relaxed atmosphere... Came away with two items and a smile! Thank you x."

23 Sep 14'

Lynn Young reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Absolutely loved my one to one beginners spinning day, I was amazed to find myself spinning on drop spindle within half an hour of meeting Elaine! She is truly inspirational, patient, friendly and funny. The time passed so quickly and I covered scouring the raw fleece, carding, spinning, plying, all terms I now understand! I brought home my own skein of wool! Brilliant day, really enjoyed it and cannot recommend it enough."

23 Sep 14'

Rosie Postle reviewed: 121 - An Introduction to Cold Process Soap Making

"I attended the Soapology Studio in August with my friend on a one day course for my birthday and I had a fantastic time. Emma was friendly, patient and very knowledgable about her subject and we could tell how passionate she was about natural ingredients. We found it very interesting and were fascinated with the array of ingredients we had to choose from when experimenting with recipes. We made a beautiful goats milk soap infused with alkanet root which had a gorgeous purple colour, a lovely poppyseed and wheatgrass soap with Cedarwood essential oil and many more. We both had a fantastic day, I will be returning again with more friends in the future and I would recommend anyone to book a Soapology course, I would say it is definitely worth the money as you get a much more personal feel about the course, rather than other courses where there are 10 or more people."