Latest reviews

24 Sep 17'

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

"WOW! What an entertaining and educational experience! To get 'hands-on' experience with glass was wonderful. It really did proven that glass art isn't easy though and Siobhan's skill and 20 years + of experience really came across in the course. What's more, the Forge Gallery is right by the sea, so you can make a weekend of it!"

24 Sep 17'

Jessica Painter reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"I had SO much fun on this course! Bill is extremely knowledgeable and he will tell you exactly what you shouldn't waste your money on when it comes to investing in tools! I learnt a huge amount in this two day course and came away with a fantastic belt and bag which I was really proud of, as well as a great deal of knowledge about leather and the art of working with it. Bill is extremely welcoming. He is very patient and has a great sense of humour. It was wonderful listening to all of his stories from over the years working in this industry. A very relaxed and fun workshop environment. I would highly recommend."

24 Sep 17'

Andrew Bedford reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"I had an excellent day learning basic green woodworking skills in the woods, the course certainly lived up to expectations. Andy is a great teacher and gave me the confidence to perhaps continue working with green wood in the future. Learning about the old methods of construction was really interesting. I would recommend this course to anyone."

24 Sep 17'

Niki reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"Wow, what a truly wonderful day. Amanda could not have been more welcoming, knowledgable and fun. I learnt so much and this was because of Amanda's relaxed and helpful manner and the inspirational surroundings. I attended the course with my husband and eleven year old son and we all thoroughly enjoyed it, it was a lovely day to spend as a family. We are very proud of our glass creations and delighted with what we achieved. The food was AMAZING too!! I simply can not recommend this course highly enough."

24 Sep 17'

Clive Freeman reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I had a great day a Fransham Forge 22nd Sept 17. It had been a long while since I had done any metal working and had been looking for something different to do and spotted this one day course with Nigel. Was not sure what my abilities would be. Nigel is a very good teacher and made it look so easy, there were 3 other guys there 1 who had been before and 2 who were first timers like me. During the morning we see Nigel guide the 1st guy through more technical work, while teaching use other three the basics of metal working and how to do a basic point then a long tapering point which we then curled round to form the handle, a decorative alternating twist was then added to to the main shaft of the poker. We also made a B&Q scraper the blade on this was beat out using one of the power hammers with Nigel's 1 to 1 guidance. I had asked when I booked and if he thought my skill was up to it on the day, was to make some scroll legs for a out door small coffee table. Which we did do in the afternoon and that was good, Nigel showed all of us how to do a scroll on a former then gave me the other 4 pieces of flat bar and said work your heat along where you need it, then worked with the other guys and keep checking on me make sure I was ok. That was enjoyable and excellent to be able to produce the four legs nearly the same as Nigel's. I will be looking to try and go back again to learn more from a very good teacher."

24 Sep 17'

Rob Cock reviewed: Make a Welsh stick chair

"What a tremendous week! Hands-on and hard work, in a small group, and with all the materials and tools you need to make a lovely chair, even if you've never picked up a drawknife in your life! I've been on a greenwood chair-making course before, so had some rusty skills and foggy memory of how it's done when I arrived, and knowing this, Ben took a very sympathetic approach to imparting his knowledge and ways of chair-making to me. He was more than happy for me to make a modified version of the chair he normally teaches (in my case a side chair variant with a high back but no arms), and he allowed me to get on with it when I wanted to, and gave freely of his knowledge and experience when I asked for help. Seeing how another teacher goes about the chair-making process was hugely useful, and I learnt much more than I would have done by repeating the course I'd done previously. As the chair he teaches is a Welsh stick chair, the course also focussed more on drawknife, spokeshave and seat-shaping skills than the other course I have done, which was great. The other difference is that, with the exception of the seat blank Ben provides, you make all the other components yourself, including cleaving the comb from the same log as the sticks and stretchers before steam-bending it and fashioning it with a spokeshave, and carving your own hardwood wedges. The workshop itself is accessible, yet feels properly "woodland", and the grounds in which it is set are beautiful. If you need accommodation there are a couple of spacious yurts in a woodland valley and a woodland cabin perched high on a bank with views through redwoods, right on site, as well as B&B accommodation in nearby Presteigne. If you are considering going on a greenwood chair course I can highly recommend this one. Be prepared for hard work and long days, and you'll come away with a huge sense of achievement and a new interest in traditional skills, not to mention a lovely chair!"

23 Sep 17'

Julie riley reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"I would love to return for another afternoon. Andy was great with my nephew (age 9) I would recommend to anyone who would like to try wood turning and find a great new hobby."

23 Sep 17'

Alison Quinn reviewed: Glass blowing for beginners with Jon Lewis

"An excellent day of glass blowing with Jon. We got an insight into the profession through looking at some of Jon's work and making marbles, baubles and a vase each. The course was very thorough and fun, with a supportive teacher to guide us through. Everyone at the Mill was friendly and welcoming and I would definitely recommend this to anyone interested, especially as the course is suitable for all skill levels!"

23 Sep 17'

Tina pringle reviewed: Natural Dyeing & Eco-printing, Highlands, Scotland

"Had an excellent weekend at the natural dyeing course, the location is fantastic. Rosie is a great teacher and had a great time collecting plants in her local woods, we fit so much in over the 2 days I would have loved to stay longer. It has given me a great base for starting to experiment with colours. Would definately recommend and will be back"

23 Sep 17'

Helena Symes reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"I have never done weaving before and this was a great course. Alice is a really good teacher and it was an inspiring place to learn, especially when you see the beautiful pieces she creates. I would recommend Alice and I'm now hooked so thank you!"

23 Sep 17'

Emma reviewed: 1 Stone setting ring beginner course

"Sarah was a pleasure to meet and I felt very welcome in her home. The course was fantastic and I would highly recommend it. Sarah guided me every step of the way and was very informative. Thank you Sarah x"

23 Sep 17'

Jane reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Mort what a fantastic course....completely surpassed my expectations. Had to pinch myself- I actually made a Candlebra. The day was interesting, fun and quite simply BRILLIANT. Thank you.."

23 Sep 17'

Jacqui reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"Fantastic course-a patient teacher, informal teaching methods, fun, relaxing, great cake and a lovely lunch. Highly recommended. A great escape from daily living."

23 Sep 17'

Raz reviewed: Learn Full Body Massage

"I Was just 5mins late and was not admited to the course, Naz was not cooperative with me, where other lady from workshop was keep asking her to let me in, but she was very rude and proudy type in my case, anyway she told me that she will reschedule me and will send me a email, I never received one and I sent her emails, she never replied. Atomphere of the course hall was not good, it was a cold room with inflated single mattress for trainning. Avoid her [[PROVIDER RESPONSE: You arrived at the course which is two hours long over an hour late. This is unfair on the other attended whom attended on time. I am happy to publicly expose all of our correspondence as your statements are false. You requested the class to start at time which you wished and although it was explained on 4 occasions on that date the class started an hour earlier ands that we can not change the entire group to accommodate one person you proceeded to show up post the time you had requested.]]"

23 Sep 17'

Simon James reviewed: Timber framing courses

"Another excellent week in the woods: great learning experience, excellent tuition, good people and fantastic food. This was my third course having completed basic and advanced in July. We continued framing the same project; a large "glamping cabin" which provided a challenging and fulfilling learning environment. Allen spent time designing my project for a barn conversion in Normandy which we are planning to use as a course late summer 2018. A big thanks to Mary, Allen, Connor, John and Sid for another great week."

23 Sep 17'

Trevelyan Beyer reviewed: Timber framing courses

"I struggle to find a fault in this course. Superb environment. Glorious meals from Mary. Wise guidance and instruction from Alan, Connor, John and Anthony. The content and delivery was inspiring and clear which is exactly what I had hoped for. Meeting so many lovely folk was an added bonus. I can see why people come back! Many thanks again to the Hewnwood team."

23 Sep 17'

Ruth Sharman reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"I had a great day doing this course. It was really fun and made some very cool things. Thanks"

23 Sep 17'

Anna Read reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"I really enjoyed my lessons with Chris, he is a skilled and patient teacher, and was happy to focus on my area of interest. As a beginner I learnt how to throw on the wheel, and was thrilled to see my progression as the pots improved: It was very exciting to see my final pieces once glazed and out of the kiln! Thanks to Chris, I can now throw confidently, and understand the processes of working with clay. I learned a lot through the clearly guided one-to-one tuition and would highly recommend this course."

23 Sep 17'

Timber framing No.3 reviewed: Timber framing courses

"After visiting Hewnwood for my third course, I'm happy to say it's still the same great learning environment as it was on my first visit. There is something new to learn every time I go! There's a good chance I'll be back next year and enjoy more of Mary's cooking!"

23 Sep 17'

Rachel Ward reviewed: 1 day basic shoe making course

"Judi's workshop was a really nice and relaxing day. I had no idea that there were so many components to making a slipper!!! Excellent guidance & patience from Judi as she talked us through the various steps required in the art of slipper manufacture!! All to soon we were putting our finished slippers in a drawstring bag. How quickly a day passes when your having fun!"

22 Sep 17'

Catherine Stuart reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"This was such a good stone carving course run by the very interesting and lovely Sebastian who has a very calm approach to teaching - gently guiding and encouraging everyone. Our daughter had bought one of Sebastian's stone carving courses for my husband's birthday and he spent a wonderful 2 days in sunny April (2017) on the course in Saul and afterwards he just could not stop telling everyone how much he had enjoyed it...so our daughter bought one of Sebastian's courses for my birthday too. I normally sculpt in clay or wax and so used Sebastian's course to understand the possibilities and some of the techniques in stone carving. Sebastian had some very interesting tools, some found on his travels in Africa..which were amazing. Everyone on the course managed to complete a sculpture in just two days!! The two day course in Bentham (Cheltenham) was hard work, very messy, great fun, with very nice people - in a truly beautiful setting next to a field of sheep looking onto Birdlip escarpment on one side and a fenced off area with wonderful geese !! and chickens on the other. I also loved the compost loo!! We should all have one. As it is the UK and September (2017) we had amazing sunshine, a little bit of rain, then cold but bright weather and then very hot sun. We sculpted out side, which was wonderful and just put on more layers or took them off as needed and did not need to go inside at all. I think everyone should do some sort of art course at least once at some point in their life as art is so liberating and such fun and Sebastian's stone carving course gets five stars from me. Catherine."

22 Sep 17'

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

"This was such an enjoyable day. Not being at all creative and never having worked with glass previously, with Siobhan's wonderful help and patience I surprised myself by producing my own work of art. The day went so quickly, I was completely absorbed from start to finish. It was such fun. Thanks Siobhan for a lovely day."

22 Sep 17'

Gilly reviewed: Curtains, blinds and cushion making day courses

"Thank you so much for the fabulous workshop yesterday ! It was such a useful and interesting day with delicious lunch too ! I came away after learning so much and improving on what I knew already .. Can't wait to book another ! Many thanks"

22 Sep 17'

Liz reviewed: Curtains, blinds and cushion making day courses

"September 21st Just to let you know how much I enjoyed yesterday. I learnt so much & Rachel is a lovely teacher. Thank you for your input and the great lunch. Met some lovely ladies!"

22 Sep 17'

Clare reviewed: Micro Macrame - Beaded Bracelet

"Good value for money, well lit working space and clearly taught by knowledgeable teacher. Finished product looked like the example. Even included coffee and chocolate biscuits!"