Latest reviews

1 Aug 17'

Vicky Lim reviewed: Advanced Timber Framing Course

"I've fallen in love with the woods. The course gave me a bit of a shock out of the way I live my life, though direction toward new horizons. I wish I were more of a woodland critter than a city dwelling cretin. Really was incredibly sad to leave which just goes to show the impact of the whole experience. Working with real wood, appreciating it's properties, the way of the forest, the final product, Alan's immense knowledge, Connor's zazz for life, Mary's atomic cooking, Sid's chilledness and chats, music and life all around. Feel very honoured to have had such an opportunity to do something so awesome. Couldn't recommend it highly enough."

1 Aug 17'

Gina Blair reviewed: Beginner’s Soapmaking Workshop in Salisbury

"An excellent workshop which was very good value for money. The choice of ingredients, essential oils, natural colouring and dried flowers was extensive. As there were only six people in the class we each had plenty of attention. The information and recipe sheet was well written and easy to follow. I would like to attend an advanced workshop to built on the skills obtained so far. Thank you Catherine for a great workshop."

31 Jul 17'

Kate Rudy reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"A warm welcome, well-organised and well-paced learning, all equipment and supplies at our fingertips, a delectable lunch, enjoyable chat about recent literature: what's not to love?"

31 Jul 17'

Vikki reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"We had a fantastic day with Ricky. As complete beginners we were amazed at how much we managed to create in one short day. Ricky was patient and helpful every step of the way and taught us so much about working with glass. He was happy to advise us on colour choices and design but ultimately gave us the freedom to make our own unique creations. If you're looking for a truely memorable and creative day out with keepsakes to treasure then look no further- Ricky is your man!"

31 Jul 17'

Janice Muehlthaler reviewed: Glass fusing and slumping (warm glass) in the beautiful Kent Downs near Canterbury

"What a wonderful way to spend a day. A warm welcome, relaxed environment and guidance from the very knowledgeable Mattt. I felt like a child in a sweet shop choosing from all the materials to create my fused glass pieces. p.s. make sure you try the homemade bread!"

31 Jul 17'

Kale reviewed: Hide camp - deer skin into buckskin

"The course was fantastic. I had very little experience in tanning , yet i was guided to make a stunning, soft buckskin that i love. There was so much detail explained to us and i learnt many new skills. Since the course i've tanned 4 more skins and i plan to do more!"

31 Jul 17'

Magnus Pahlsson reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"Having very limited green woodworking experience, I was hoping the course would enhance my non-existing skills and knowledge. It certainly did that. The weather was dreadful but the basic facilities to keep us dry worked a treat. Andy has excellent teaching skills and a lot of patience. This was a day out to remember. I am very likely to return"

31 Jul 17'

Gill Ray reviewed: Mosaic class

"I really wanted to try mosaics and found this course through the craft courses website. A friend joined me for the 3 nights B&B and 2 days of mosaic making. Dawn suggested we come with an idea of what we wanted to make but it was not vital - ideas were in abundance around her home. Fabulous accommodation - clean fresh space to relax when the day was complete. Onto the mosaic – full discussion, guidance and suggestions throughout, but equally time left for our own concentration and development. Everything provided included lunch on the two days. Thank you Dawn – what a stimulating and fruitful weekend."

31 Jul 17'

Maureen Arkley reviewed: 2-Day Traditional Stained Glass Painting Course for Beginners

"Nathalie had prepared her teaching sessions well with photographs she had taken especially for us to work from during the first day and materials set out ready for us on our tables. She took care to explain the processes thoroughly and then helped us to put into practice what we had learned, tactfully suggesting ways we could enhance our work as we went. Nathalie was friendly and welcoming and took trouble to ensure that we enjoyed the course. An excellent two days!"

31 Jul 17'

Simon James reviewed: Timber framing courses

"I've just completed the advanced course and I can I honestly say it was excellent and is surpassed my expectations. It was so good I've booked to go back for a third week in September to learn more from Allen and Connor. Allen is an excellent instructor with a genuine desire to pass on his considerable knowledge. Allen, Connor and Sid go above and beyond, often still teaching until late in the evening - thanks for your patience and enthusiasm. See you all in September:-)"

31 Jul 17'

Jayne reviewed: Mosaic workshop at Jackie Nash Art

"An amazing day. The opportunity to be creative and get away from it all was so welcome. Great company, excellent support and guidance, lots of fun, fabulous food. My mosaic will be proudly installed in my garden. Thank you so much Jackie. JC x"

30 Jul 17'

Janet Millward reviewed: Mosaic workshop at Jackie Nash Art

"Spent a thoroughly enjoyable day at the workshop. Jackie gave excellent tuition but then stepped back to let you create your mosaic. She seemed to instinctively know when you needed a guiding hand. Fabulous choice of tiles to select from. delicious food as well especially the banana cake!"

30 Jul 17'

Sarah M reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"I arrived to a warm welcome from Bob Jane's husband. We all were introduced to each other & then sat down at our places & told about to do tapestry. Even when I got stuck Jane was there with encouragement when I made a mistake. I was amazed when I finished my seascape to be able to put it a frame & to take it home with me !"

30 Jul 17'

Rebecca reviewed: Wild pottery workshop - dig your own clay in the woods, bonfire/clamp kiln firings

"Just fabulous. Fun, creative, incredibly informative (thanks to you Ruby for your hugely inspiring teaching) and in a place of such simple beauty. Way beyond all hopes, this is a treat of an experience that I shall never forget - shared with lovely lovely people"

30 Jul 17'

Liz birchall reviewed: Coil Pottery | Short Course

"Loved every minute of the day"

30 Jul 17'

RebeccaW reviewed: Portmeirion crafts retreats

"A really well organised weekend. I loved that you could take things at your own pace, but that you got the chance to try new things too. This creative lark can become addictive very quickly! Already looking forward to booking the next one."

30 Jul 17'

Annabelle Swann reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"An absolutely fabulous day. Julie is a gifted teacher who inspires even the most inexperienced stitcher to produce a piece of work to be proud of."

30 Jul 17'

Janet Rowe reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Thank you for a lovely day. Lots of helpful advice and assistance, everything at an achievable pace. I do love my finished piece! ?"

30 Jul 17'

Gillian Widdowson reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"I have just had the most enjoyable day learning a new craft. Julie is kind, patient and most of all, knowledgeable. Who needs therapy when you can spend a day learning free motion embroidery ?! Thoroughly recommend."

30 Jul 17'

Nina Muir reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"What an enjoyable weekend course of upholstery! Philip is a brilliant teacher with amazing patience and is very knowledgable and willing to answer all aspects of the subject. Great to meet other students with a wide range of furniture to also learn about. I will definitely be going back for another course and look forward to completing another project. Thank you"

30 Jul 17'

KeriNei reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Thank you for an enjoyable and fun day. You had great and informed teaching skills. Would love to be able to come again ( from Australia)."

30 Jul 17'

Lesley Issac Penny reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"A really lovely enjoyable day. I had absolutely no experience of machine embroidery but felt quite confident by the end of the course. Really want to carry on and try other styles and techniques- lampshades, panels etc- can't wait!"

30 Jul 17'

Aidan and Felicity reviewed: One day welding course: an introduction

"Thank you Julian for a fantastic 2 days. The first day we spent learning how to weld and the second creating our own sculptures, which involved welding annealing and some blacksmithing. We certainly had plenty of hands on experience, which was fantastic"

30 Jul 17'

Crisiant reviewed: Artisan Printmaking Weekend Course

"I loved every minute of this weekend printing course. Nicola is an excellent teacher with lots of patience and I was able to complete several prints on cloth and paper even though I was an absolute beginner. I highly recommend this course."

30 Jul 17'

Adrian Lambert reviewed: Coil Pottery | Short Course

"A good day that gave me the basics of making and finishing coil pots. Deiniol is patient and relaxed but manages to sneak a fair bit of information into your head about the finer points of working with clay. He lets you get on with it as much as you can but is happy to step in if things are going awry, which they did for one of my two pots that I made over the course of the day. One is now functioning as a water jug at home, the other which was a vase - because I faffed around when choosing the surface finish, was only bisque fired. Deiniol has since helped me finish it (actually my kids did it!) and I'm looking forward to seeing the finished item. I absolutely exceeded my expectations, but as there's still plenty of room for improvement I'm hanging out to do more and see if I can't do better the second time. I started thinking afterwards that a hand made jug and vase would cost more than the course fee too, so it was well worth it."