Latest reviews

5 Sep 17'

Vida reviewed: Wire & mixed media sculpture courses with James Ort

"An amazing 2 days. The minute you walk into James's studio you will be transported to another world. The studio is bright and sunny, overlooking a beautiful 'wild meadow' garden filled with James's work and friendly chickens. You cant help but leave behind all of your everyday stresses. I have little artistic skills. However James has a easy natural teaching style and is so encouraging that even I felt I could be successful. He started with a demo and together with his able assistant got everyone started individually. The remainder of the 2 days he was there guiding and helping every person with an boundless amount of energy and enthusiasm. Everyone in the group achieved an amazing sculpture and mine has taken pride of place at home outside my main window. It makes me smile every time I see it and I cant wait to make more pieces. It was a busy 2 days but I feel I have had a holiday. I cant wait to go back again. Forgot to say that in addition to being a talented artist, James is an amazing baker. His lemon drizzle cake was delicious."

5 Sep 17'

Louise Fisher & Nick Howson reviewed: Make your own wedding rings - Bristol

"We had a great time making our wedding rings! Excellent step by step instruction throughout and we were able to go at our own pace. We had such a great shared experience learning new skills and are so happy with the result. It was great to see how the practice rings compared to the real thing when we got them back and can't wait to exchange our rings on our wedding day as now they are even more personal and special to us. Thank you for a great experience that will we always remember."

5 Sep 17'

Kelvin reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"This was my second time at the forge, this time with my 15 year old son. We both had a fantastic time, my son made several things that he is very proud of, the only problem is I now regularly have to share my modest home forge with him as he's so enthused after a day with Nigel! With Nigel's help and guidance I was able to complete a sculpture that turned out very well and will take pride of place in our garden. Also Nigel very generously changed the set-up of one of his large presses to dome a very thick piece of steel I had brought with me that I could do a particular project at home that would otherwise have been impossible for me to do. This trip to the forge (staying in the shepherd's huts) was intended as the high spot of our holiday and it certainly was, once again I'm hoping to return again in the not too distant future."

5 Sep 17'

Duncan Carmichael reviewed: A Practical Dry Stone Walling Workshop Central London

"The class was brilliant - John quickly put us at ease, explained what we had to do, and we got started with wall building straight away. We were provided with feedback and instruction on the go, and John's warm, friendly, humorous, and positive approach meant we were able to improve our skills in a short time. The venue is beautiful and we were lucky to have plenty of sunshine - this wasn't hard work at all, it was fun! Thank you!"

5 Sep 17'

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

"My friend and I went up for a weekend to the beautiful Highlands to take Wild Rose Escapes' 2 Day Felting course. Rosie is a fabulous host and teacher. We enjoyed learning about felting and the process of both wet felting and needle felting. The course is kept small so we have space to create! Every person on the course can choose what they would like to make and Rosie taught us and helped us along the way. We are so happy with our finished products and are looking forward to trying more felting projects on our own. Last year we attended the Natural Dyeing Course and loved that as well! Thanks Rosie!!!"

4 Sep 17'

Dry Stone Walling (DSW) Workshop Central London - For a Hen Celebration reviewed: A Practical Dry Stone Walling Workshop Central London

"Totally Fabulous!!! John helped me to arrange a DSW workshop for my friends Hen Party activity. Right from the start he was so helpful! I had no idea at all about DSW when I started this, I was struck by his enthusiasm which is totally contagious and he organised a fabulous session for us. It was a mixed group, and everybody really enjoyed it. I would thoroughly recommend this as a group activity - really fun and a great way to get to know people! And Redcross way is a brilliant location - you have a view of 'The Shard' as you build your wall!"

4 Sep 17'

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

"Had an absolute amazing time, a fun way to spend your day after a long day at work. I would definitely recommend this to any ages. Penny is an amazing teacher and will guide you though step by step would definitely do it again"

4 Sep 17'

Glyn Owens reviewed: Woodcarving for beginners - two day course in Suffolk

"My daughter bought me a set of courses for Christmas after I retired some three years ago and I have never looked back. First thing was a nice house sign with lettering and quatrefoils. Gerald has a great attitude and teaches the use of tools and techniques which would be difficult on ones own. Besides there is a great cameraderie with classmates and it is fascinating to see what others achieve."

4 Sep 17'

Dudley Watts reviewed: Woodcarving for beginners - two day course in Suffolk

"My woodcarving interest started some 10 years ago at an adult education class in Norwich. My enjoyment was 200% but progress was slow. When the classes were disbanded we were so pleased that Gerry took up the cudgel and set up courses in Long Stratton to enable us to keep up our new found skills. It's a great atmosphere in the workshop and I have achieved projects that have amazed me. The tuition cannot be faulted, the classes are friendly and you can do whatever you want knowing that help is always at hand. Tools and wood are available and Tuesday afternoons have become something to look forward to."

4 Sep 17'

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

"I had always wanted to try wood turning so i booked two days with andy, had a great time, andy is great teacher really learnt a lot and would definitely recommend andy to anyone who wants to learn about wood turning . I will definitely be rebooking for another lesson"

4 Sep 17'

Roger Sinnhuber reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Had a great day at the forge with Alex. It was the first time that I done any blacksmithing, so I was a little apprehensive. I needn't have worried - Alex explained and demonstrated the techniques very well. I was pleasantly surprised at what could be achieved in a day with his help and guidance. I now have a pair of fire tongs that I'm really pleased with. His courses are very popular and I can see why!"

4 Sep 17'

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

"Penny has a great ability to pass on knowledge and skills at the same time as encouraging your own individual creativity. You come away feeling confident to use the skills you've learned and inspired to make more. So nice to learn in such a relaxed friendly environment."

4 Sep 17'

Cathy reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"Our beautiful pieces of fused glass arrived today following our really enjoyable day in the glass workshop, it was like Christmas unwrapping them. My 15 year old daughter and I made very different pieces that reflect our personalities; we were privileged to be the only students that day so we had Amanda's undivided knowledge. The workshop really lived up to the reviews (lunch included) and was well worth the 3 hour round trip to Cornwall. Thank you for such an enjoyable day."

4 Sep 17'

Scarlett Wallace-butler reviewed: Screen Printing for All - Beginners & Refreshers

"Wonderful course to do, I learnt everything I need to know about silk screening and how I can set up space to do it at home and amazing techniques For stencilling I've not seen anywhere else, amazing!! Was a very enjoyable experience and a lovely atmosphere in the workshop would definitely recommend!"

4 Sep 17'

Debbie Hendriksen reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Had a brilliant day turning with Mark. My daughter (13) really wanted to give woodturning a go and she loved it. She picked it up fast and Mark coped well with us being at different stages of our bowls during the day. He was very knowledgable and patient and I would recommend him to anyone looking for a woodturning day that is jam packed. I have a lathe which has been standing idle since having children and I had lost my confidence whick Mark helped me get back. He answered all my questions before we went and gave lots of notes to help in the future. He's also emailed us lots of info since the course to help us both going forward. Thanks Mark."

4 Sep 17'

Nick Jackson reviewed: Woodcarving for beginners - two day course in Suffolk

"I started on a weekend woodcarving course with Gerry three years ago. I had a very low level of confidence and memories of school woodwork with a grumpy teacher and grotty bits of deal that always ended up planed to a sliver. Gerry is the Mary Poppins of the woodworking world (without the outfits). He actually made me laugh and enjoy woodwork as I'd never imagined I could. I signed up for a regular weekly class and discovered a talent I never knew I had and made new friends in his friendly class. He is a skilled craftsman who enjoys passing on his skills to other people and is happy to advise on tool buying and to supply lovely pieces of lime and oak to carve. I'm hooked!"

4 Sep 17'

Darren reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"A fantastic day ! Bought a one day course for my son's 13th birthday - his choice - and he had the most amazing day. Nigel is clearly a superb craftsman but he also has a passion for passing his knowledge on. My son received just the right balance of tuition combined with plenty of hands-on time with an emphasis on creating his own work. He left having created more than he ever expected and everyone he has shown his creations to (pretty much everyone he sees !!) has hardly believed he made them. He had lots of time working on his own with input from Nigel when he was unsure or he got to trickier parts. Lots of explaining from Nigel, especially when they undertook really tricky parts together. My son has learnt a lot about the ways in which metal behaves and the vast possibilities of what can be made. He has already planned his next visit. Perfectly OK for Dad to have a go too - which left me very happy !!"

4 Sep 17'

John Mewse reviewed: Woodcarving for beginners - two day course in Suffolk

"Think I speak for most as once the first 15 mins have gone by you loose yourself in your own world of carving and the few hours you spend are a great break from everyday life, tuition is informative without being restrictive and allows you to gain confidence quickly, Gerrys' knowledge of carving backed up with his artistic knowledge nudges you towards producing more than you thought you were capable of very quickly, well appointed workshop, good friendly atmosphere, descent cup of tea at half time, highly recommended!"

4 Sep 17'

Ailsa reviewed: Screen Printing for All - Beginners & Refreshers

"I learnt so much in my one day course with Caroline. She is very inspiring and has such a wealth of knowledge. I would highly recommend doing this course."

4 Sep 17'

Gary Lawson reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork – Belt making workshop

"My first ever experience of leather craft and in all honesty it was excellent. Clive and Wendy are very welcoming and great tutors. Working through the step-by-step process from cutting the hide to the finished piece was fascinating. Using the wide array of tools was very rewarding and the course has certainly inspired me to try some small projects. All in all I am frankly delighted (and very surprised) that I have a belt that looks and feels superb, if I do say so myself. A big thank you Clive and Wendy."

4 Sep 17'

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

"Really enjoyed the Textile Printing workshop. Learned loads in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Penny is an excellent teacher and her passion for the area of textiles, drawing and painting, is lovely to be around, very inspiring."

4 Sep 17'

Jane Flower reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"This was a really enjoyable course: relaxed friendly atmosphere, beautiful setting and skilled, patient teaching. I shall definitely be back for more!"

4 Sep 17'

Shirley reviewed: Candle making with afternoon tea

"What a wonderful day spent with Tracey. Everything was explained in full detail. She really knew her stuff. Her hospitality was really professional and very welcoming. I came away full of inspiration and I cannot wait to get started making candles for my new business venture. The melts we made together are burning as I write this review. Thank you Tracey for an uplifting and memorable experience. Shirley from Leeds"

4 Sep 17'

Quentin Emery reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A truly fantastic day! We had such fun doing our blacksmithing course, the instruction was first class, both guys were very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. The food was great, just wish my end results had been as good :-) .... would recommend this day to everyone."

4 Sep 17'

Kim reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"Booked this with my daughter as an end of exams treat. We both thoroughly enjoyed the day and made some fantastic sculptures (a heron and a turtle). We'd love to come again sometime and make something else. Sitting in Kate's garden enjoying the sunshine and the peaceful surroundings was idyllic. Thank you."