Latest reviews

7 Sep 17'

Sonia Gill reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"This was a brilliant course! Jo is engaging, fun and knowledgeable and taught us so much about candle making - I can really see how this course would help you start your own business. For me is was a wonderful day, a great way to make gifts for loved ones and the many candles I have made are making my home smell wonderful. I would absolutely recommend this course for fun, a gift (as it was for me) or starting your own candle making business. Thanks Jo"

7 Sep 17'

Victoria reviewed: Flamework (Lampwork) - Making glass beads for beginners

"As part of this year's summer school, I did another flamework course with Toni. We covered new techniques & I went home with several lovely beads, including a couple of adventurous fish beads with fins & tails. It was very enjoyable"

7 Sep 17'

Victoria reviewed: Make fabulous felt - needle felting and wet felting techniques to make animals, bags, pictures...

"I'd learned welt-felting last year with Toni, which was excellent, so came back tot his year's summer school to try needle-felting. Another great experience. I learned how to create a 'picture' by needle-felting onto a felt background base, create a 3d decorative piece & how to make a felted animal. Lovely tips on how to finish animal or bird pieces. I enjoyed every minute."

7 Sep 17'

Barbara Rees reviewed: Two day needle felting a wired armature animal

"This was my second course with Karin. The first was a one day course to make a hedgehog. I had never tried needle felting before and was delighted to take home not just a hedgehog but a beautiful little creature with his own personality. The two day workshop learning to make a wired armature animal was amazing! Karin is a brilliant teacher and such a lovely person to spend time with. I created a wonderful hare - far beyond anything I thought I might achieve - and learned so much. A wonderful workshop which I highly recommend. Thank you Karin. I really look forward to doing another one."

6 Sep 17'

Josh Campbell reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Absolutely amazing day, I learnt so many techniques and have a newfound respect for the trade, Colin's a damn nice bloke and a very good teacher."

6 Sep 17'

David Elliott reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Given as a birthday present, something I've always wanted to try and I had an excellent day. What 50 year old child wouldn't enjoy playing with fire and hitting things with hammers? I look at the key ring and dragon coat hook I made and however proud I am, I know that I could do it better and want to do it again. And again. I met some wonderful people, who I hope to meet again on further courses. The instruction and guidance was exceptional and truly professional. In deference to Adrian and Andy's ego's, I won't mention how good Debbie's food was!"

6 Sep 17'

Clare Weatherill reviewed: One-to-one mount cutting for your next exhibition

"I was lucky to have an individual one day course with Lynne who kindly fitted me in to her busy schedule. Having been cutting my own mounts for sometime I was making errors and wanted to raise my standard. What a hugely informative day I had. I came away with so many tips and ideas and knowledge on how to do it all properly that I am thrilled I made the investment. Thank you Lynne for a great day."

6 Sep 17'

Julian Tominey reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day, 1 person)

"The course was excellent and Graham is a great tutor. I learned so much and made my own bowl at the session. I was made welcome and the whole experience was well worth it. I would highly recommend it to my friends."

6 Sep 17'

Sue G reviewed: Textile design one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"Brilliant workshop! I attended with my two children aged 10 and 14 and we all really enjoyed having a really good go at textile printing. It was a very relaxed and supportive group and we were surprised how much we achieved in such a short time."

6 Sep 17'

Jo Koszel reviewed: 2 Day felting course with naturally dyed fleece, Wild Rose Escapes, Highlands, Scotland

"I had never felted before and impulsively booked the 2 day felting course after seeing a tweet enthusing about another course at Wild Rose Escapes. Rosie's greeting was warm and welcoming and the small group was relaxed and friendly. Rosie gave us many ideas for felting projects but was led by our individual interests. Her teaching manner is detailed but relaxed and once I had started it never crossed my mind that I was a complete novice such was Rosie's encouragement! Using the naturally dyed wool was a joy. The weekend gave me skills, confidence and such pleasure. My wall hanging makes me smile and the winter evenings ahead will be very productive this year. I plan to return for another course next year. Thank you!"

6 Sep 17'

Luke Stanley reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"*Genuinely Great Day - Highly Recommend for all levels* From booking the course to answering queries and reminders after completion, Rosanna was really helpful, personable and attentive. Booking the course was easy and pain free (not like other courses I have previously tried to book on), correspondence and directions to the venue were easy to follow, coherent and accurate. Location was great, a studio workshop full or exciting tools, inspiration and examples of previous work. The best environment to get those creative juices flowing! The course itself was really informative. Rosanna shared tricks of the trade, best practice, offered advice on how to do what I had previously been doing in a safer and less time consuming way. I really did learn a lot about what I had previously been doing and what I was going to do. Rosanna tailored the course to my experience and the learning's were relevant to what I wanted to achieve from the day. Continues tea and biscuits along with a home prepared lunch kept me fuelled for the day. I left innovated, inspired and excited about the things I had made and cant wait to put learnings into practice! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the course for all levels as it can be tailored to strengths, wants and needs."

6 Sep 17'

Sara Mills reviewed: Introduction to Greenwood Spoon Carving- Beginners Eating Spoon

"Dave introduced us gradually to the tools and the process of carving a spoon. The course was entirely structured around making it easy to carve a spoon - surprisingly difficult. I learnt a great deal from the course and will certainly be taking another wood carving course."

6 Sep 17'

Sim reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"My sister and I had such a gorgeous time making candles with Jo last weekend - the setting was beautiful and Jo is so knowledgable and very happy to share everything she knows about all things candles. We came away with a big bag of divine smelling candles and feeling very pleased with ourselves. I can't wait to get on with making my own candles for presents for this Christmas!"

6 Sep 17'

Ian Norton reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"The Introduction to Greenwood Working course has been a fantastic experience. I have always wanted to learn how to work a piece of wood using traditional tools and methods, as opposed to the usual mundane sawing-planks-for-DIY uses. Peter and Cath were the very model of patience and gentle instruction as I slowly turned an oak log into hewn wood pieces into legs for a stool. At each step they gave me insightful tips and ideas about how I could work the wood I had chosen and kept me well clear of 'rookie' mistakes that would have no doubt ruined a whole days' work! I came away with a stool that I am sincerely proud of, some new friends and a renewed interest in traditional woodworking. I cannot recommend this course highly enough."

6 Sep 17'

Lee & Sophie reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"We had a wonderful time with Jamal making our own stained glass window. We would both highly recommend his course. Thank you again."

6 Sep 17'

Colin Webb reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I attended a pre-booked "1 day session" with Mark a couple of weeks ago but due to continued ill health I have delayed submitting my review as I did not want anything to compromise what I have to say about this remarkable man, in every sense. The inverted commas at the beginning are due to the fact that in my case, due to my situation, we agreed to split the "day" over two consecutive half days, but due to myself this seriously ran into day 3, in the main, driven gently by Mark to ensure the initial objective for the course was achieved. From the outset he was patient and understanding, showing empathy without what can be at times patronising sympathy. I took up wood turning after being forced to retire early from quite an executive position, and as such needed some structure in my day. I did the norm, books, DVD and you tube, but I should have made Mark my introduction into wood turning and indeed my first port of call. His passion is only matched by his amazing ability in his craft. the passion of which he naturally transfers to the student. He is honest with his views on the "traditional laws" of woodturning, which can only end up confusing students of the craft, safe working practices are a different manner entirely. As I have made very obvious I suffer from ill health, I am an amputee and have chronic pain issues, so if you are a similar position don't hesitate to at least talk to Mark, on the back of his glowing reviews that it what I did. It involved a 362 mile round trip on my part and a bit of an ordeal, however I would happily and hopefully will do it all over again, and yes it is worth every penny. One last thing, Please encourage him to think about writing a book as I did, as his knowledge, ability and passion needs to be left as a legacy for generations now and to come, and no I am not writing him off, just overstepping the line. Thank you again Mark for everything."

5 Sep 17'

Katy reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Brilliant course. Jo was friendly, knowledgable and very open about the candle making industry. I learn a lot and had great fun at the same time. Location was stunning. Huge choice of scents to use and Jo is happy to answer questions after the course. Useful for me as I am making some to sell over Christmas. I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in making candles for fun or thinking about starting a business."

5 Sep 17'

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

"Enjoyed the day woodturning with Andy. Good course and would go again."

5 Sep 17'

Diana Dench reviewed: Two day needle felting a wired armature animal

"Amazing! Brilliant! Such fun! I cannot recommend this 2 day needle felting course that I have just taken with Karin enough. Wish it hadn't finished and I was spending more time learning with her. Will definitely do another one with her and am now completely hooked!!"

5 Sep 17'

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

"A wonderful experience. I was a complete novice she taught me so well and gave me confidence to really own my creature. I never expected to be able to produce such a wonderful animal. I am known to be clumsy but with Karin's gentle guidance i am thrilled with the end result. I didnt want the 2 days to end and am now awaiting the chance for another workshop. Do go if you get the chance"

5 Sep 17'

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

"My Dad and I had a great day woodturning with Andy. As a complete novice, I appreciated Andy explaining to us the tools and techniques involved and by the end of the day we had each produced a respectable looking bowl; with a little help from Andy along the way! Andy was very knowledgeable and helped coach us through the process. The workshop is very well equipped and in a great location in the New Forest. The lunch and tea breaks were also welcome! I would recommend the course to anyone looking for an introduction to woodturning and would be keen to go back and learn some more myself! Thanks for a great day Andy."

5 Sep 17'

Fleur Porter reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I spent a day with Chris learning not only blacksmithing techniques and producing two pieces that I am extremely happy with, but also learning some of the history behind it. Chris is a very patient and encouraging teacher complimented by his knowledge. I throughly recommend Chris' course (even though I want to keep it to myself because he is already very popular and I can't wait to go back!) Thanks for a great day, Chris"

5 Sep 17'

Simone Chester reviewed: Textile design one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"Penny is the most inspiring teacher, her teaching style was relaxed, patient & encouraging. The insight into her love & skill in her subject was so refreshing and really motivated me in the session and after at home! The space was beautiful and creative. I came home with a piece I am proud of and will definitely be rebooking soon."

5 Sep 17'

Cat Clarke reviewed: Textile design one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"Excellent teacher and workshop! Penny's enthusiasm for her subject is infectious and and her relaxed, informative and encouraging teaching style is very inspiring. Not only did I create a piece of original art textiles to take home with me but had a thoroughly enjoyable time in a lovely setting with coffee and cake; perfect!"

5 Sep 17'

Edward George reviewed: Green Woodwork and Pole Lathe day

"An excellent day with Chris. The setting is fantastic, food was great, plenty of opportunity to chat (over tea). Chris has a great knack of teaching at just the right level, supporting and helping when needed and allowing us to get on with it when we were feeling more sure footed. I am now building my own equipment based on follow up information he was generous enough to send me. Highly recommended!!"