Latest reviews

15 Aug 17'

Bahdar Shokar reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"A wonderful experience of 2 days in a beautiful setting with a lovely, friendly small group of people. I learned a lot about stone sculpture and about myself in the process. Sebastian was great and his sculptures are inspiring...."

15 Aug 17'

K Henderson reviewed: Woodcarving for beginners - two day course in Suffolk

"I have been a student of Gerry's for five years and have completed both regular woodcarving sessions and a beginner's chair-making course. Gerry mixes both structured and flexible classes, allowing you to progress from your own starting point, whether this is a beginner or more experienced carver. There is the option to do 'set pieces' to develop different carving techniques, where Gerry takes you through a step-by-step process or to choose your own piece to work on, where Gerry provides individual tuition and coaching. Gerry advises you on woods and chisels to buy if you want to work at home as well, or provides use of his own tools, if you are not sure you want to set yourself up just yet. I would highly recommend Gerry's courses, as both educational, social and enjoyable."

15 Aug 17'

Sue reviewed: Nuno felt a silk scarf in fine merino wools and silks with Judi Binks

"The felting workshop I attended last month was a brilliant and amazing new experience with excellent guidance. I learned resonably successfully to create two pctures which I am currently mounting and making into wall hangings. It was an extremely interesting and pleasantly challenging day with good company. Highly recommended and great fun."

14 Aug 17'

Laurie Janicker (Reverend) reviewed: Woodcarving for beginners - two day course in Suffolk

"I have been one of Gerry's weekly students for several years. His talent and work is truly astounding and must be seen to be believed. Just check out his website. Gerry is an excellent teacher - expert, patient, courteous, long-suffering, painstaking, intelligent, humorous - and provides some not too bad coffee, to boot. There is nothing he cannot make - and also teach and help you to make it too. I am astounded at the progress that even a novice like me has achieved thanks entirely to him. His classes are always fun and we always have some good laughs. Try him - he won't disappoint."

14 Aug 17'

Peter Murphy reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"Sue and I enjoyed a very informative and enjoyable day with SallyAnne making obelisks for the garden. She is an excellent teacher and very patient in explaining the necessary skills and techniques and is very informative in describing the processes used!!"

14 Aug 17'

M Toms reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"Really good course and learnt a lot, nothing was too much trouble for Phillip even when I didn't always get it right He has a vast amount of knowledge and it was interesting to see how many different methods could be used to transform the furniture brought in by the group He remained calm throughout the weekend, always encouraging us I'm really pleased that I went as the course was a gift to me and it was well worth it"

14 Aug 17'

Garry Strudwick reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I just did a weekend stone sculpture course and I'd never done anything like it before. I found it a very good introduction, and in a wonderful setting, if very basic facilities. Sebastian gave good advice to each individual as their projects progressed. A great weekend. I'll definitely do more stone-carving in the future."

14 Aug 17'

Jo yes, Jo reviewed: Nuno felt a silk scarf in fine merino wools and silks with Judi Binks

"Lovely days felting course. It was friendly and relaxed and yet it stayed totally on subject so it didn't feel like there was time or energy wasted at all. We were well guided and given all the supplies we could need. I was really pleased with both pieces I made (one in the morning one in the afternoon) and ended up buying some fleece to do more at home as a result it was that much fun. Looking forward to attending the november course, would love to do the september one but I'm working that day."

14 Aug 17'

Catherine Revell reviewed: One-to-One Private workshop

"Such a well taught class. Very clear demonstrations and instructions as we went along. Extremely wide range of mayon offer to use and to top it all a filling freshly cooked lunch. Can't wait to attend again"

14 Aug 17'

Alex Graybow reviewed: Free Taster Intuitive Art for Healing & Well Being art class/free group

"I would highly recommend this wonderful opportunity to experience Kas’ unique form of self-discovery and personal development through intuitive art. I love to work in an intuitive way and see a visual expression of my feelings - I feel I get to know and understand myself a little better. Kas supported my process throughout the group. Her warmth and curiosity enabled me to deeply explore the images that I chose to share. There is no pressure to share, however when I have done, it has felt that I am being witnessed by a very supportive group of people. This warm and non-judgemental environment has given me a sense of freedom from my more critical voices."

14 Aug 17'

Dr. John Skellern reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I recently completed a two day course with Mark. I not only admired his skill but also his teaching techniques. His patience and understanding (I am of a certain age!!!!) with my efforts was much appreciated. Mark is not a clock watcher, you get more than your monies worth of his time, indeed it was me that called time at the end of a session. No matter what your level of experience is, you cannot but benefit from time with Mark. His enthusiasm and encouragement has really fired me up to try new techniques and his advice on how to get the best value for money when sourcing tools and materials will save you a fortune. This coupled with extensive notes made my two days well worth while. Thanks again Mark. Oh yes and he is really a nice bloke!"

14 Aug 17'

Liz Warham reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"A thoroughly enjoyable and instructive experience with many more excellent finished products than I had imagined. Very pleasant to have the personal attention in such a restful atmosphere. I highly recommend this interesting course."

14 Aug 17'

Jane Warren reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"An amazing day where Steve helps ypu realise and expand your expectations to produce a piece to keep, appreciate amd be proud of."

14 Aug 17'

Sarah-Antonia reviewed: Two day leather bag making workshop

"For anyone considering taking the 2 day bag making course I would definitely recommend it! I enjoy learning new skills whenever possible, I have been on many courses for a variety of experiences, but this course has made my top 3 due to being such a personalised experience. From the start, the syllabus was not only about how to construct a bag, but focused on how to bring to life something from my imagination, with the strategical knowledge and enlightenment of a professional who could think around potential pitfalls and be creatively involved with me. I think this approach is extremely successful as by joining in & discussing all options with Rosanna, I was able to better understand the mechanics of making a bag. Not only do I feel confident enough to practice a project by myself, I feel confident to make other items that we didn't create, purely because I was taught me more than just a baseline template, Rosanna taught me the intelligence behind the shapes and the development sequence. Thank you Rosanna for a lovely weekend :-)"

14 Aug 17'

Rob reviewed: Traditional English Longbow making outdoor course - a 2-day 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"A wonderful two days having a great deal of fun making a lot of sawdust and a bow I'm very happy with! Tony is excellent giving just the right amount of coaching when needed and leaving you to learn the best ways without endangering your bow. The location is wonderful and the scones to die for. Highly recommended!"

14 Aug 17'

Geraldine Vinall reviewed: Mosaic, One Day Workshop

"I'm a stained glass hobbyist, new to mosaics. Finally off my wish-list and into production! Jane actively encouraged me to work outside my comfort zone and add to my glass crafting capabilities and scope, with expert tuition, skilful guidance, humour... and superb home made/home grown food! A totally rewarding weekend workshop with my daughter, as part of her 40th birthday celebrations. An absolute beginner, she made herself a beautiful and very impressive garden mirror. We both loved the challenge and the experience. Thank you Jane - I'll be back for more!"

13 Aug 17'

Jude reviewed: Introduction to Block Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"Really enjoyed the day with Judith. She was very encouraging and gave us lots of suggestions when making our design and choosing how to print it. Lovely rural venue. Came home with something to frame and put on the wall!"

13 Aug 17'

Amanda reviewed: A stool making day

"Thank you to you and your team for a really good day. Feeling knackered but learnt so much. A very enabling experience. Haven't wielded an axe for a long time and then only for firewood! I am very proud of my little stool! Look forward to seeing you again at your lovely gallery. With kind regards and hugs to Scoop Amanda"

13 Aug 17'

Kathryn Dickinson reviewed: Spinning super fine yarns with Sue Macniven

"Sue looked at the wool i had already spun, listened to what i wanted to achieve on the day and taught me accordingly. Lunch was great too."

13 Aug 17'

Janet reviewed: ‘Winter dream ' wool painting face-to-face textile art course in Worcestershire

"I had a great day with Raya at her Magic Wool Studio. I have learnt a Magic Technique of creating a painting with wool fibres. I had never heard about wool painting before the course. I loved it. Raya inspired me so much to make more and more wool paintings. Fantastic experience. Would recommend it to anyone. Janet"

13 Aug 17'

Janet reviewed: Introduction to Soft Pastels 10-week face-to-face art course in Kidderminster West Midlands

13 Aug 17'

John reviewed: Wood turning courses

"A very enjoyable and rewarding day . Firstly, thank you for welcoming me into your home. Secondly, thank you also for putting your faith in me to be able to work with the Mulberry wooden blank and for passing on your years of knowledge and experience. It was an extremely rewarding day and you will be pleased to know that my bowl has taken pride of place at home. Could you also pass on my thanks to Susan for keeping me topped up with tea and for providing a delicious lunch."

12 Aug 17'

clare munday reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"This wonderful man gave us the best day in years and is singularly the best course I have ever done. Set in heavenly woodland with scrumptious hand made food this was a day we will never forget. A true artist and craftsman, his kind patience, expert knowledge of working with wood, botany, maths, nature, tools and much more, he may, along with Jay the dog have given is therapy, inspiration and confidence to change the way we live. Thank you will never suffice. Go as soon as you possibly can. Utter heaven."

12 Aug 17'

William Totten reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I attended this course just a couple of weeks ago and I thought it was truly excellent. It was one of the best weeks I've had in a long while. Richard is a great teacher (you can tell he's been doing it for years) and Mark and Jay provide fantastic support. If you have an interest in working with wood I'm sure you'll find this course extremely satisfying - as I did. Thanks again guys. Hopefully see you on course 2."

12 Aug 17'

Susanna reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"This is a great introduction course to take if you have no, or a little, knowledge of the craft of working with leather. Bill is a wonderful teacher; extremely knowledgeable, patient, and humorous. The weekend passed very quickly but so much was learnt in the time frame. It was an all round great experience and I would most definitely recommend it to anymore wishing to learn about leather craft."