Latest reviews

3 Jul 17'

Philippa Cabrera reviewed: Furniture painting workshops / Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course, it was a great introduction to using chalk paints. The group size is perfect and Nyree has lots of tips and information to share. It was great fun trying all the different techniques and it gave me the confidence to start on my own project, which was a huge success, thanks to Nyree."

3 Jul 17'

YASMEEN HASNAIN reviewed: Geometry of Morocco and Al-Andalus

"Immersing oneself in the rich artistic tradition of Islamic geometry was so good for one's being and soul.Daniel is an excellent teacher - very knowledgeable, patient and encouraging. Different patterns of varying complexity kept me completely involved. The environment of Emerson college was very conducive to learning and reflection. The Art room of SAOG is serene and a sanctuary. One seems to be in the studio of Abul-Wafa al Buzjani ( 10th century Persian mathematician and astronomer in Baghdad)- working with compass and ruler, understanding the interplay of mathematics and art. I do hope to enrol on further courses that Daniel and Kira are planning for the future. Thankyou and shukran."

3 Jul 17'

Linda Spencer reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Chillington Hall

"Miranda is a fantastic teacher. She knows just how to give advice and at the same time giving you the opportunity to make decisions and to reflect on your work. I have learnt so much and continue to do so and am really pleased with my sculptures. It is also a very sociable group and you can exchange ideas with others. I have been on the course for nearly three years (in all weathers!) and highly recommend it."

3 Jul 17'

Phil Summers reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"A glorious time in the Gloucestershire countryside with two full days of carving. Although there was a very pleasant introductory group 'get to know you' session, Sebastian didn't waste any time in letting us get hold of the tools and start engaging with the process. A test piece of stone was given to each, the tools were briefly explained and off we went. A really good way of learning, freedom to experiment and plenty of encouragement. It was as we went along Sebastian would share various comment and instruction. When we felt ready we shared our basic ideas with Sebastian, he found us an appropriate stone, and our work began. Two full days chipping away in the sun and shade. Completely addictive, a change and a challenge. Highly recommended."

3 Jul 17'

Sandra Greenwood reviewed: Patchwork and Quilting - Non-Residential 2-day Workshops at The Ropewalk, Barton upon Humber

"An excellent weekend quilting. I am always amazed at how much I and others achieve in just two days. Clearly this is down to the excellent tuition, relaxed working atmosphere and friendly co quilters. Thank you Sheena for your encouragement. See you in September."

3 Jul 17'

Jeanne Carlin reviewed: Patchwork and Quilting - Non-Residential 2-day Workshops at The Ropewalk, Barton upon Humber

"Sheena's Disappearing 9 Patch course was, as always with Sheena, a safe environment to push boundaries. I don't often do random - but I had decided to work in an array of batik - so the fabric lent itself to a random design. With Sheena's encouragement I stopped trying to control the layout of colours and just went for it and guess what - it looks wonderful. It is good to work at my own pace and know that I can call on help when its needed. Felt like a friendly supportive group with lots of chat and much needed coffee and muffins / biscuits. Thanks Sheena"

2 Jul 17'

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

"I had a lovely morning learning the art of flamework. Toni has wealth of knowledge, she makes you feel at ease, taking time to talk through each stage before you have a go! Can't wait to see how my beads have turned out, thanks for a fab day! Think I might need to go again!"

2 Jul 17'

Clare reviewed: Patchwork and Quilting - Non-Residential 2-day Workshops at The Ropewalk, Barton upon Humber

"Just completed 2 day disappearing nine patch quilt course with Sheena, my fourth course with her. Sheena is a gifted teacher, breaking course content down, sharing her skills and knowledge generously and inspiring us with her enthusiasm. Her flexible approach allows us to work at our own pace and put something unique and personal into our work. Lots of group and one to one help and support. Highly recommended."

2 Jul 17'

Jen Fulcher reviewed: 2 Online Felt Picture Courses - Summer Storm & Raindrops on Roses

"As a beginner I was a little apprehensive, but had a fabulous day learning new techniques and am very proud of my picture. Bridget helped me massively with a detailed scene of lavender fields which at one point I regretted choosing! However all ended well and I would highly recommend this workshop, although I understand that the course will now only be covered over two days not one. 9 hours actually wasn't enough to complete the finer details, but we were given plenty of wool to complete it at home."

2 Jul 17'

Haleh Salari reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Chillington Hall

"An excellent class with an excellent teacher. Miranda is always happy to help you in order to achieve the best results."

2 Jul 17'

Megan Bovey reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I bought my boyfriend and I a woodturning course for Christmas. We visited Chris in April and it was beyond what we imagined, we thoroughly enjoyed our day. Chris took his time and explained each step very carefully and continued to give us helpful tips to be able to complete our fruit bowls. Chris was an extremely friend man and very passionate about woodturning, a pleasure to converse with. We will be back to see him for sure, I would and have recommend people to spend a day with Chris! 10/10"

2 Jul 17'

Craig McKee reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

"I could not rate this workshop high enough; it's a shame that it only lets me click excellent! I had been in contact with Nigel prior to my visit to discuss what I wanted. I wanted to make a watch strap for my wife for our anniversary - a project that another leather maker told me would be too difficult and was not prepared to do!! Nigel was clear from the beginning that this was an ambitious project and gave me a variety of options to achieve my goal. From start to end he was extremely patient, knowledgeable, friendly and supportive. The 4 hours flew by and by the end I had achieved such a high quality gift my wife will be truly amazed!! Not only that, he took photos of me creating the piece as we went through which I will collage, print and frame and present as part of our gift. I could not recommend this enough!!"

2 Jul 17'

Louise reviewed: Book Folding Workshop

"This is the second workshop I have been to at Folly Lodge, Sara is a great teacher, explains everything well and is very patient! Lovely morning in a beautiful setting, I will definitely book again."

2 Jul 17'

Rosemary Smith reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Chillington Hall

"I have been on many stone sculpture courses,Miranda's is by far the best.She is an expert in the field who knows exactly how to guide each individual pupil so that they produce really worthwhile pieces.This applies to complete beginners and to those with some carving experience.I drive from Wrexham to Amerton each Thursday-one and half hours-Winter and Summer!So it must worth it!"

2 Jul 17'

Ruth Tilley reviewed: A Practical Dry Stone Walling Workshop Central London

"A completely absorbing, fun and educational course which I would recommend to anyone with an interest in dry stone walls. John is a wonderful, humorous and patient instructor and very hands on in his approach whose passion for the subject shines through. I felt very proud of my wall. All in all it makes for a very rewarding day. Thank you John."

2 Jul 17'

Barry Gait reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Chillington Hall

"I have a very non 'artistic' background and yet in the year I have been going I have made two pieces that I am very pleased with. This is principally due to Miranda's excellent teaching, both in the basic carving skills and in helping me to see shapes and relationships better. I can't recommend it too highly."

2 Jul 17'

jill Sumner reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Chillington Hall

"This course is excellent because Miranda guides us through the processes to reach the finished piece. Likewise, Miranda leaves us work out what we want to do and helps us to reach our goals. It is very good as you can catch up on sessions if you miss one; the stone carving runs on Thursdays and Saturdays."

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2 Jul 17'

Caroline reviewed: Needle-felting course with FURZIE at The Globe, Hay on Wye, Herefordshire *Accommodation available*

"Great venue that matched the encouraging tuition, allowing twisted wire to more than resemble our chosen animals in a day, something I wasn't sure was doable when I began. Michelle's friendly relaxed approach and beautiful soft colourful wool kits provided ideal opportunity to meet like minded people to explore creativity. Superb day, not forgetting the lovely lunch and refreshments.... I'm sure I'll be doing more needlefelting. Thank you Michelle."

2 Jul 17'

Andrew Douce reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Chillington Hall

"Miranda is a wonderful teacher She can really see what you are trying to achieve and put you back on track if you are going wrong I have never done stone carving before and I am really pleased with the 2 pieces that I have created I am really lucky to have such a great class so close to home"

2 Jul 17'

Deb King reviewed: Craft Retreat at Wild Rose Escapes, Highlands, Scotland

"This was an amazing retreat. Rosie put together a perfect blend of all the things I love - eco textile crafts, hiking in the glorious Scottish countryside, yoga and learning some of the history of the crafts and area. The accommodation was lovely, very quiet and comfortable. The food was delicious and mostly local. There were opportunities to do our own thing if we wanted and there was no pressure to join in or achieve a particular outcome (lots of freeform crafting happened). Rosie is very knowledgeable about the environment and her craft and generous in sharing with us. The retreat was a real highlight of my trip to Scotland (from Australia) and I would definitely do it again if I am in the area!!"

1 Jul 17'

Neil Best reviewed: 2-day blacksmithing courses

"Aaron was a great teacher with great skill and lots of patience. He showed me all the basics of blacksmithing in just two days and really made me want to continue smithing. I would say to anyone who has an interest to take one of his courses and find how enjoyable Aaron's teaching skills can turn a cold hard piece of steel turn into something amazing with some heat and a good bang with a big hammer. I came out with three great pieces of work that I'm proudly putting up in my home. I'd recommend his courses to anyone with even the slightest interest."

1 Jul 17'

Hazel Barnard reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I bought the two person experience for myself and my husband for his birthday as it was something he'd always wanted to try. The forge was in an idyllic location and easy to find and thankfully the weather wasn't too hot. I was initially worried that I wouldn't have the strength needed for it as I suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis, but Chris was so helpful, he let us go at our own pace as well as suggesting different tools and techniques I could use to make the task easier. If you want to start to learn what is a very skilled craft I can't recommend Chris enough. He is friendly, knowledgeable and even though your arm might ache the next day (mine did!) it is worth it, just to see what you can produce under the supervision of a professional."

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1 Jul 17'

Alison reviewed: Taster session - Throwing on the Potters Wheel with Snail Pottery’s Bob Emmett

"Well run, friendly, a great venue to learn and make friends. I can highly recommend the beginners pottery course I learnt so much and now really enthusiastic about booking more courses. Thank you so much to Alford Craft Market."

1 Jul 17'

Chris Speed reviewed: Knife making Courses Forged Blacksmith Knife

"A fantastic day. Highly recommended. Stuart is a great teacher. This day is a must for fans of 'Forged in Fire'."

1 Jul 17'

stephanie reviewed: Making a Stained Glass Panel: Beaminster, Dorset

"Fabulous! I had never done anything like this before, and very little that was practical so it was a challenge.... but over two days we designed our own patterns, cut the glass, stretched the lead and leaded up the cut glass, and soldered it into an a4 size panel. Ok, so I made it more complicated than is sensible.... and ok so it isnt perfect.. but actually that is the point. It is ALL mine! .... and i can add panels on at the side. Lots of good experienced help, and I did it at Dillington which was a great location, ( lunches to die for....) and at the end I have a lead panel that gleams in the window :-) If you have ever even thought of it... do it!"

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