Latest reviews

28 May 17'

Jady Collett reviewed: Make Scented Candles & Tealights

"Really fun class. Learned a tremendous amount. Good value too."

28 May 17'

Maisie Smith reviewed: Make Scented Candles & Tealights

"Loved making scented candles and tealights. Such a fun class and very informative. 2 mins walk from Richmond station so convenient and the venue was gorgeous."

27 May 17'

Edna reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"My third day with Lucy and it was as packed full of learning as my first two. My project is evolving from the original vague idea into something interesting that changes as we hit a new set of obstacles. This has meant that I have learned skills that I never anticipated. Lucy has the time and patience which means I feel comfortable making suggestions. She will talk me through until we both agree what will work. Can't wait until my next session. And ps don't tell her I'm part of her fan club x"

27 May 17'

Susan reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"A useful one-to-one couple of hours learning to use a drop spindle for a re-enactment group."

27 May 17'

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

"I've just spent a very enjoyable day with Andy, his knowledge and way of teaching is excellent. I would recommend it to anyone."

27 May 17'

Louise reviewed: Learn To Crochet On The Norfolk/Cambs Border

"Brilliant! Very friendly, learnt so much and will be going back. Lovely location and a great place to learn a new craft."

27 May 17'

Terry Nash reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"I was given a days woodturning tuition as a present & it proved to be one of the best presents I have ever been given. As soon as I went through the door I was made very welcome by Graham & his wife plus the two dogs! After a cup of tea & a general talk about the basics of woodturning it was into the workshop & after being shown the around the lathes, tools etc it was hands on & with Graham's expert tuition plus a lot of patience I managed to turn a bowl & ring stand. Am now bitten by the bug thanks to Graham's skill & enthusiasm & now intend to take it further. I have no hesitation in recommending a woodturning course with Graham."

27 May 17'

Gary Russell reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"A thoroughly enjoyable day due to Chris's relaxed and informative teaching style, coupled with learning a new skill with other novices. And most importantly the satisfaction of leaving with a carved wooden spoon which began the day as a log. A whole day allowed sufficient time to complete the objective, while giving time to chat with others on the course and enjoying the superb homemade food/refreshments provided throughout the day. The outside location is within a wood so has a lot of shade and is covered in case of rain - so the temperature can vary quite a lot during the day - so come prepared with layers to add/remove as necessary. The first half of the day involves using an axe to form the basic spoon shape - focus on the technique here as otherwise your wrist will start to ache very quickly. And enjoy how such a tool used in different ways can be used to subtlely shape the wood. And finally, in the afternoon, as you finalsie your spoon with various very sharp knives, be amazed at the skill of Chris in be able to produce a totally smooth spoon using a knife alone (no sandpaper)."

27 May 17'

Nerys Osbourn reviewed: Improvers Hand Spinning - Next Steps in Hand Spinning - at All in a Spin

"A brilliant workshop that I recommend it to anyone interested in hand spinning. Dunja is a calm and encouraging teacher and it's impossible to come away from one of her courses without wanting to put everything you've learned into practice immediately. This is a follow on from the Beginners Spinning course and covers preparation and blending of fibres; finding the correct spinning ratio for the fibre: comparing the yarns and keeping records of the findings. All this takes place at Dunja and Brian's farm high in the magnificent Black Mountains, with a view which will both inspire and relax you. Dunja provides refreshments throughout the day, including (if you're lucky) some home made biscuits. The only thing you have to provide is your lunch, a spinning wheel if you have one, and plenty of enthusiasm. You won't find a better course, or teacher. Book it now."

26 May 17'

Martin Weller reviewed: A 2 day throwing and handbuilding weekend at an established pottery in the New Forest.

"A delightful day learning a lot about throwing a pot, thumb pots and the complexities of working with Clay. Our instructor obviously knows her stuff and helped keep the day productive and interesting. coming away with the desire to do more speaks for its self. Not only was the potting fun but the tea breaks and lunch were scrumptious. Highly recommend"

26 May 17'

Gilli Bryan reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Just spent a beautiful day making my lovely Bracelet. The location was lovely and strolling past the wildflowers to the boat was dreamy. The trickling water with the sun glinting off the wavelets was very beautiful and serene. John himself is a natural teacher, patient, good-humoured and charming. I would highly recommend this enjoyable and creative class. Did I mention there was cake too? Perfection!"

26 May 17'

Mysty Duggan reviewed: Fairy house workshop - mixed media for house or garden

"Wonderful class. I couldn't believe how beautiful my fairy house turned out. I'm definitely booking another class with my mum and my sister."

26 May 17'

Dave Talbot reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"This was my first attempt at wood turning and I cannot recommend the day highly enough. Graham was very quick to put the two of us (both novices) at our ease, and was both patient and encouraging throughout the day. He clearly knows his stuff and is a great teacher. I came away with 2 things to show for the day and a definite interest in pursuing the craft further. Thank you Graham - a fantastic day!"

26 May 17'

Tracey Sayer reviewed: Two day leather bag making workshop

"Had a brilliant 2 days with Rosanna! Rosanna made me feel at ease immediately, she explained things clearly and nothing was too much trouble. I learned loads, lunch was fab both days, company was great and at the end of it, I walked away with a lovely bag, that I now know how to make! It doesn't get better than that. Thanks Rosanna xx"

25 May 17'

Stella Taylor reviewed: Fused glass taster (afternoon)

"I was invited on this taster course by a friend. I have always loved glass art in every form, but had no knowledge of how any of it was achieved. Gen gave us a really good introduction of the different products used in glass fusion. Then a short demonstration and practice using some tools. Then on with the creating our 3 glass pieces. Gen was very encouraging and helpful, while we all got absorbed in growing our colours and shapes on our glass. Lots of fun and amazement at what we had achieved!! Can't wait to see my finished pieces after they have been fused in the kiln. A great way to get creative! Craft courses do vouchers, so can treat a friend!"

25 May 17'

carol tipper reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"I have been to 3 of Ali's sessions, made a fabulous fruit bowl, followed by a window hanging lastly I made a lovely birch tree, booked into another session in June, really looking forward to it."

24 May 17'

Denis Rudall reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"Just returned from a Memorial Day with Graham I am a complete novice and was given this day's tuition as a present from my daughter I'm now in my seventies and wasn't sure what to expect.Right from the start graham put us at ease with his patience and knowledge of woodturning explaining types of wood and tools by the end of the day l came away with a bowl and ring stand i would thoroughly recommend anyone taking this full on course 5 stars not enough"

24 May 17'

alison gusterson reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"fantastic day with Siobhan at the forge. excellent tuition and delighted with all the pieces i had made. highly recommend the workshop day, makes an excellent present."

24 May 17'

Elaine Winetroube reviewed: Copper Foil Technique Stained Glass

"Thoroughly enjoyed my day today and made a lovely stained glass butterfly. Amanda is a great teacher and ensures that you really know what to do before you start. Can highly recommend this workshop."

24 May 17'

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

"I enjoyed my first class last week. Julie (and her gallant husband), began with a very warm welcome to their home and stunning studio. Such a beautiful setting just added to the relaxed friendly atmosphere she created. Very knowledgable and informative, I was able to produce a quite satisfactory piece of work. I returned home thoroughly inspired and eager to start my own projects. I have already booked my next class. I have no hesitation in recommending Julie to anyone wanting to try new techniques."

24 May 17'

Helen Jackman reviewed: Copper Foil Technique Stained Glass

"Just back from a lovely day spent with Amanda. A very patient and methodical teacher. I leant lots of new skills and felt confident very quickly with Amanda's encouragement (plus copious amounts of tea were supplied!). Successfully made a beautiful glass robin. Excellent day!"

24 May 17'

Sara Montgomery reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"I have just done courses 1 and 2 back to back and thoroughly enjoyed them both. As a complete beginner, I felt somewhat daunted on the first morning by the sight of the unshaped pieces of wood piled on my work bench that I was somehow to transform into a long stool. However, by lunchtime, under the expert guidance of Richard and Mark, I had already marked up the wood and used various fearsome-looking power tools to cut the legs and rails and prepare mortises and tenons and felt ready for anything. With only four students and two instructors, everyone received lots of support and assistance. The atmosphere in the workshop was relaxed and friendly and Mark and Richard struck the perfect balance between keeping our confidence up and gently easing us out of our individual comfort zones in order to tackle more ambitious tasks. Each day was as intense as it was rewarding as our projects gradually took shape. I felt as though I was using completely new parts of my brain and was exhausted every evening. Angie's van brought delicious sandwiches, pastries and fruit every day and when the sun shone, as it did for the first week, we sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful Lakeland view from the workshop. Richard's after lunch lecture course provided a huge amount of useful practical information which he plans to make available on YouTube as well as a welcome period of calm after the thrills, spills and machine noise of the morning. I decided to cover my stool with woven leather rather than upholstery and Mark (unflappable even when I was firing a tack gun perilously close to his thumbs) went far beyond the call of duty in helping me source, cut and attach the leather. By the end of the first week I was keen to tackle something more complex and embarked with gusto on the side table which involved making a drawer with dovetail joints. Doing the two courses back to back enabled me to consolidate a lot of the information and skills I learnt in the first week and I now feel ready to try some projects of my own. I went home with two beautiful pieces of furniture that I still can't believe I produced. It's the most satisfying thing I've done in years and I highly recommend both courses to anyone, especially if, like me, you could do with being reminded what you're capable of."

23 May 17'

Carole H reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I returned to Lucy’s at the end of May. I had worked at home on a leaf made in silver. This is to embellish the pod shape, already developed. After shaping the leaf so it looked as if it was growing from and around the pod, I preparing it for etching. Lucy kindly gave me stop-out varnish and whiting powder so I could continue at home. When I return it will be ready for the acid bath. This is the third time I have used etching and I find it really exciting. It’s great that Lucy offers this and so many other techniques to try."

23 May 17'

Carole H reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I visited Lucy towards the end of April to continue with my 3D project. The two parts of a hollow shape were soldered together. Lucy suggested we could try using hot pitch to fill the item, letting it cool and so allowing us to safely refine the shape by hammering. I liked that we could experiment and keep the design process fluid. The weather was glorious, so I was able to enjoy lunch in Lucy’s wonderful wisteria-clad garden; it is so relaxing, with beautiful plants, and a small pond with goldfish. All in all, the day was a great escape from a hectic time at work!"

23 May 17'

Adam Lynch reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"The course was fantastic. I was given the chance to stay for the weekend as a birthday treat where I (with a lot of help) made a small knife and a fairly large axe head. It was the first time I've been to a forge and being there gave me a great introduction into what kind of environment it is. Mort kept everyone interested and really pushed each person to make sure we got the most out of the weekend and made the best project we could. He is very knowledgeable, friendly and gave lots of great advice and taught well. Thanks to Mort I had a great time, learned a lot and produced an axe head with a much higher quality than I thought I would leave with."