Latest reviews

22 Sep 14'

Robin Smith reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This was brought for me as a birthday present and I thoroughly enjoyed the day. It was well organised and structured with everything being explained very clearly and the facilities were excellent. I also have to comment on the food which was brilliant - it was worth a day just for the lunch!!"

22 Sep 14'

Justine McNulty reviewed: Mindful Mosaic workshops with Dionne Ible - Bedfordshire

"Such fun in a lovely environment. I didn't know I had such creativity in me. I was very pleased with my creation and Dionne's experience, knowledge and unending assistance (and tea). Going back on Monday for some more :o)"

21 Sep 14'

Kate reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - London

"Enjoyed learning a new skill and the cost was very reasonable."

19 Sep 14'

Maggie reviewed: Creative Woven Textile Courses

"What a brilliant course. Lovely workshop, well set up. Susie was very attentive and helpful as well as preparing a yummy lunch. Managed to make a cushion cover with a variety of techniques and was very pleased with it."

17 Sep 14'

Fiona Matthews reviewed: Pottery Basics with Jacqui Atkin

"Thank you Kevin, I learnt just the things I needed to at this stage. Many thanks."

17 Sep 14'

Victoria reviewed: Enamelled jewellery for beginners and improvers - fired glass jewellery techniques

"We had a great day, learning how to enamel on copper. Toni explained all the steps very clearly & the reasons behind what we needed to do (& safety precautions). We used opaque & transparent enamels, beads, frit, silver foil & stencils, plus different techniques .. I had a go at 'swirling' a pattern in the kiln. We made 3 pieces each, which we loved & got a lot of helpful hints, etc. to take home. I would love to do another course with Toni ... well worth the long drive there & back!"

17 Sep 14'

Eve Pilcher reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"My sister and I attended this course in July. Chris is very knowledgeable and passionate about his craft. We both thoroughly enjoyed being taught by him, he made us feel relaxed as he has a very patient easy going nature. Refreshments were always on hand and the lunch was excellent. I would highly recommend this course to anybody. Go on, give it a go!"

17 Sep 14'

Scott reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Chris was recommended to me by another spoon carver I contacted, and I did his introductory course in September 2014. The course was in a cosy wooded area, looking out onto a maize field, down a quiet country lane. I decided to walk there from Kintbury station, and Chris was helpful with directions. He began by asking what I hoped to make in the day (what kind of spoon, and if I wanted to concentrate on making just one, or push to make two) and then took me through everything step-by-step. He encouraging me to do everything myself, and showed me how to use the different tools by demonstrating on other pieces of wood, rather than taking over. I did this on my day off from my office job and it was a great decision; I had a really physically tiring, but mentally refreshing day, and came home with a spoon which I'm really pleased with. (I want to use it, but I'm still enjoying looking at it.) There was as much tea as I could have hoped for, and a fantastic ploughman's lunch. Chris kindly offered to give me a lift back to the station so that I didn't have to leave as early as I had originally intended, in order to could still catch the train I needed. Since then I've bought a set of tools (going by Chris's recommendation) and attempted to make more spoons. Spoon carving is far more complicated than I would ever have imagined, but with what I learnt on the day I feel competent enough to try on my own. I'd really recommend the day, especially if you've never done anything like this before. Travel from London is easy, the area is beautiful, and Chris is very helpful and friendly."

16 Sep 14'

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

"Today has been one of the best craft learning sessions I have ever attended which exceeded my expectations. Dunja welcomed me into her home and immediately put me at my ease with her calm and peaceful nature. I learnt about fleece and how to select a good fleece, had a go at hand carding and making rolags, before moving onto spinning. I was able to take my own wheel and Dunja helped me to gain a much better understanding of how it works. I was also given the opportunity to try a variety of different wool, in various forms. The day was geared to my ability and level and Dunjas teaching style is really helpful especially the way she watches then gives feedback. I have gained new skills and knowledge which has given me confidence. I have had such a lovely relaxing day and would recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about spinning, I even got to make friends with Ajax the ram! An additional bonus was the delicious lunch and the welcome from both Dunja and Brian. For anyone wanting to learn about spinning attending a course with Dunja is an absolute must, highly recommended."

16 Sep 14'

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

"I recently took the leather working make a bag in a weekend course, and thank you Gaynor and Enya for a fantastic weekend. With a great sense of accomplishment I left the weekend with a messenger bag that I had made from scratch. The course lets you tap into the experience that only comes from working with leather full time and Gaynor and Enya were always pleased to answer any question, and share their knowledge with us all. If you have ever wanted to work with leather and don't know where to start, then this is a great place to learn practically and ask anything you can think of. I now have the basic skills to make my own items, so thank you both."

16 Sep 14'

Fiona reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"Enjoyed the whole process from log to butter knife and then log to spoon. Learnt a great deal: the tools required, the different techniques, the wood and it's personality, the sharpening of tools, the overall skill involved. Now set to practise and practise until some of those techniques are honed and I produce something I am happy to give to someone special! I would highly recommend this course to anyone wishing to understand and learn a traditional craft. Martin was patient, calm and knowledgeable and a great cook to boot!"

15 Sep 14'

Liz Cooper reviewed: Fused Glass for Beginners - One day workshop

"A fantastic day , Jan explains everything really well and then helps you create something that you feel really proud of. A nice homemade lunch and opportunities to chat with the other participants ."

15 Sep 14'

Fiona Lincoln-Gordon reviewed: Creative Woven Textile Courses

"Well, what can i say, it was everything i was expecting and more. Highly recommended."

15 Sep 14'

Ali allsop reviewed: Pottery Basics with Jacqui Atkin

"Superb course .Very informative ,interesting and enjoyable. A fantastic introduction to the world of ceramics . Thank you ."

14 Sep 14'

Kim Bray reviewed: Beginners Patchwork and Quilting

"My mum had recently inherited a sewing machine from my Grandmother and had mentioned she wanted to learn a bit more about patchwork quilting. After having a look on the internet I came across the Beginners Patchwork and Quilting course being held locally and decided to book the course as surprise for her. All materials were provided so all we needed to do was turn up, so thought this would be an ideal course for my us. We had a lovely warm welcome from Emma, who provided us with Tea and biscuits :) The course had a maximum of 6 people on it, and there was 5 of us so were able to get plenty of assistance from Emma. We had time to practice cutting and pressing of the fabric - 2 very key parts for quilting :) We then moved on to sewing our fabric together to make our very cute pin cushions. Overall a very good course, we were provided with print out we could take home which I have continued to reference while I'm now working on a full size quilt. No bad points - Only comment is that the time past far too quickly and I think we could have easily stayed another hour. Alternatively having a next stage class - moving on to larger projects I think would be beneficial."

13 Sep 14'

Sheila Garvin reviewed: Pembrokeshire Maddie Janes Mosaic

"I spent a lovely morning as a complete beginner making a Celtic Cross. I was impressed by the studio and teaching skills, and came away with a greater understanding of the processes, and want to do more. This is always a good sign. Can highly recommend it."

13 Sep 14'

Annie Marlow reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"I came on the workshop for a treat with my sister and we thoroughly enjoyed our first experience of mosaic. Caroline is great fun and her studio and teaching created a relaxed and playful environment. The facilities and materials available are generous and inspiring and I am delighted with the piece of mosaic I have created. As a beginner I didn't expect to achieve such a good result."

12 Sep 14'

Kevin Beare reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"Green wood – what’s that? And who’s a Bodger (as distinct from a botcher)? Simon’s knowledge of the history of wood working and skills are fantastic – and imparted to me, a bit of a novice, in a clear and friendly way. So many skills and techniques taught and learnt in one day – and all just using sharp tools, with no power other than the treadle. A bit of a surprise to find no electricity, but actually you don’t need it: just use the hand tools and the treadle, and the fire for the kettle is forever on using wood remnants and shavings –as Simon says nothing is wasted with wood. If you are at all doubtful about going on this basic wood pole lathe turning course, don’t be. Go. You will enjoy it and learn a lot."

10 Sep 14'

Catherine reviewed: 1 Day Fused Glass for beginners workshop at The Silver Zebra studio Cheshire - Est 2004

"The 3 day courses are well structured. A good pace and adapted to suit the students as you to along. Deborah is supportive and helpful but also asks you, as the student , to build on your own knowledge using what you have been taught previously. We also had fun, relaxed and were given super lunches. A good time was had by all!"

10 Sep 14'

Bev Pearson reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"An inspirational day! Elaine is very knowledgeable and the small teaching groups ensures there is an excellent level of support available throughout the day. I picked up lots of tips and was able to further develop my understanding of the principles of spinning. I gained a great deal of satisfaction from being able to take home my very first skein of yarn. Thank you Elaine, for an excellent day."

10 Sep 14'

Phil Dahl & Claire Jones reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"Our first experience of mosaic-making with Caroline was amazing. The atmosphere she creates changed how we both felt within minutes. Throughout the day, the energy she generated and the support she gave helped us all achieve something none of us would have expected or believed. In one day! All the materials we could have needed were on hand. The group 'buzz' was also great as we saw each other tackling the challenges, small and not-so-small, all of us delighting in the products at the end of the day. Since the workshop in July, we've started 'thinking' mosaics-seeing potential patterns and ideas, even looking at old pots and cups in a new way! Whatever anxieties we might have had to start with have been thoroughly blown away. A thoroughly enjoyable way to get into mosaic making and a "taster for later" too!"

10 Sep 14'

Sheila Dawson reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Brilliant day! Elaine is very welcoming, patient and helpful. She tailored her tuition to each individual's abilities while making sure the full range of basics was covered. Lots of tips, hints and practical help leaves me feeling a sense of achievement and inspired to carry on. If you are keen to learn, this is definitely the course for you."

10 Sep 14'

Alan Knight reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"We (myself and my partner) attended a one day spoon carving course on 22nd June 2014. The location of the course was in a small copse with a shelter, camp fire and some comfortable chairs to take a break in. Chris has a very easy going nature, and made us feel immediately at ease. He was very patient with us throughout the day, guiding and encouraging us all the way. During the day tea/coffee/juice was always available with the former being boiled on the campfire - keeping it real :). Lunch was of a hearty ploughman's style. The day went so quick, and felt a great sense of achievement as we proudly showed off our new spoons. This was a thoroughly worthwhile day, and even if this sort of thing isn't what you would normally do, its still worth the experience. So yes I would recommend speaking to Chris and arranging a days carving or turning in the woods. Big thanks to Chris from Elly & I."

9 Sep 14'

Maggie Evans reviewed: Mindful Mosaic workshops with Dionne Ible - Bedfordshire

"Dionne came to my house to give myself and my friend a two hour introductory course. We had a thoroughly enjoyable time - Dionne is a fab tutor, knowledgable, friendly and above all patient. We were stupid enough to think it would not take long to complete our items but how wrong were we!! Mosaics are definitely time consuming. Dionne left enough materials for us to finish our projects and returned to show us how the final stages on mounting the finished article onto our chosen base. We are delighted with our items and would thoroughly recommend Dionne"

9 Sep 14'

Gillian Hardy reviewed: Mindful Mosaic workshops with Dionne Ible - Bedfordshire

"Thoroughly enjoyed this one day course. Dionne has a lot of examples and books you can use to create your design from and a large amount of material to chose from too. I think this course would be suitable for both beginners and more experienced in mosaics as Dionne works with a variety of materials and techniques. Also as the class size is small you all get a lot of attention and support from Dionne in creating your masterpiece, unlike other courses I have attended where I have had to wait a long time when I need some assistance. The day just flew by and I am very pleased with mosaic I have made."