Latest reviews

20 May 17'

Eileen Davies reviewed: 3 Day silver jewellery making course

"After arranging with Jonathan for a bespoke three day course for three of us, all I can say is that it was an amazing experience and I gained so much knowledge in such a short time. Jonathan is a very patient and caring tutor and lets you work through some of the challenges he sets with just the right type of input. I've done courses before where a teacher will try and show you how to do things and not let you actually do them yourself to get that vital practice, Jonathan was very different, he clearly knows a lot about teaching/tutoring as well as his craft and we all learned so much. We made some lovely pieces, and I have a lovely ring with a bezel set turquoise. That said, for me the most important thing was having the hands on practical skills and learning in a supportive and caring environment. One of the other participants, Val, has quite severe arthritis and Jonathan was very sensitive to this and provided all the support necessary without being overbearing. Oh, and the biscuits and lunch were lovely each day!!!!"

20 May 17'

Val reviewed: Embroidery Hanging-"Stitch for the Soul" with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"My friends and I had a lovely day. The beautiful and inspirational setting helped the creative juices and all were surprised at the quality of work we produced. Thank you Julie!"

19 May 17'

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

"Thoroughly enjoyable day. Friendly welcome, excellent tuition for a total novice with no previous art/craft experience + those with experience. Well structured, great pace. I am totally amazed by what can be created in such short time. Thank you! Debbie"

19 May 17'

Rae Gervis reviewed: Bees for Development Sustainable Beekeeping Weekend Courses 2024

"Beekeeping course attended a month ago was absolutely fantastic! All the tutors were passionate, incredibly generous with their knowledge and inspired me to order my first Warre hive after a couple of years of procrastination! The accommodation was fine, the food wonderful . Evening walks around Ragmans with other students were delightful & a great opportunity to share thoughts about the course. Would totally recommend the course . The highlight was observing a swarm choosing the Warre hive to move into when all other hives were on display."

19 May 17'

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

"Andy is an experienced thoughtful and interesting teacher. I really enjoyed the course and would recommend it to all......as a starter in this field or just for an interesting few hours."

19 May 17'

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

"Well done Andy. Excellent course"

19 May 17'

Helen Wyld reviewed: PickOne weekend weaving course

"Weaving with James was the nicest weekend I have had in ages! He explained everything we did beautifully, guiding us through choosing colours and designs, and was very patient when we made tangles (which are called fankles). Seeing the fabric take shape was like magic, and the whole process was very therapeutic in the calm atmosphere of the studio. On top of that, it was wonderful to come home with a beautiful scarf, which I have been wearing ever since. All in all a great way to learn a new skill and leave behind the worries of the modern world for a weekend."

19 May 17'

Gill reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Lovely day. Finally got to do something I have wanted to do for about 17 years! Small intimate class, organised, very informative and lovely people - thank you!"

19 May 17'

Mary reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Brilliant!"

19 May 17'

Zoe reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"The training was clear and informative and I feel I have the skills and knowledge to make candles at home."

19 May 17'

Matthew reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Excellent. Really enjoyed it. Thank you!"

19 May 17'

Bradley reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Really fun and enjoyable."

19 May 17'

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

"Siobhan's one day glass fusing course is probably the best one out there. She encouraged the group to use their own ideas and designs starting with a coaster size piece to play with the idea of glass fusing principles. Her instructions were clear and at a good pace. The day culminated in making a larger piece of our own design and an abstract hanger. Siobhan offered valuable advice without interfering so everyone's work was very individual and different. I am delighted with my fired work and highly recommend the course. Hospitality throughout the day was very generous. Thanks Siobhan!"

19 May 17'

Carole Aldridge reviewed: Sewing with Suzi Stitch

"I can only echo what the others have written. Suzi is an exceptional teacher with the patience of a saint (I was a teacher for many years and know the challenges of teaching art and craft, involving equipment, machines, multiskills, etc. and constant demands for help.) I learned a lot and came away feeling enthusiastic, with new skills, and with much more confidence in using my machine. Suzi also had an awareness of the 'group', as well as each individual, and brought us all together. Let us not forget the CAKE. It is because of Suzi's enthusiasm and vision that we are able to enjoy courses like this, which fulful so many various needs other than practical ones. I shall return. Thankyou."

19 May 17'

Linda Mitchell reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"I had no idea what to expect when I was given a voucher for this workshop for mothers day. It turned out to be a wonderful experience. We received a warm welcome and refreshments from our host before entering the realms of candlemaking. I could never have anticipated how much was involved. The information was delivered in a relaxed atmosphere with freely flowing questions from the group. Kerry provided all the answers to all the questions you have about the candles you buy that maybe don’t burn the way you expect! We all got to choose our scent and make our own candle. and came away with a handout with all the information we needed to do it all ourselves at home. We were treated to lovely home made scones (fresh out the oven) mid morning which we all enjoyed and I got to meet some lovely people. Great fun, would highly recomend"

18 May 17'

Malcolm Rouse reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I have been turning on and off for approximately 15 years, totally self-taught so had probably picked up a few bad habits along the way!! The days course with Mark was given to me as a 60th birthday gift by family members . I attended with some trepidation as to whether some of my previous projects that I was asked to take along would receive criticism or worst still ridicule. However, I need not have worried as it was an excellent and most enjoyable day and Marks initial comments about my efforts were both positive and encouraging. I was shown how to sharpen my own tools properly and how to use them correctly, but also more, importantly, how not to use them! His workshop is clean, tidy and well laid out. Mark appears to have the patience of a saint with a no rush approach as he was happy to take the time to explain any points over again just to ensure that I understood. All information from the day was given as a printed handout which will be really useful, as there was a lot to take in on such a long day. I definitely learned a great deal and have no hesitation in recommending the day to anyone, whatever skill level their turning is at. Thank you Mark, it was a pleasure to spend a day in the company of someone who is very knowledgeable in the art of turning, is a good tutor and clearly enjoys and has a passion for what you do."

18 May 17'

Amanda reviewed: Beginners patchwork with Calicoclair

"Loved loved loved this course! Clair is a fabulous teacher and I enjoyed every minute with her, learning all about quilting. Quality materials, lovely location, delicious cake! And a great handmade piece at the end.......can't wait to do more!"

18 May 17'

Francesca Cox reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"This is the second workshop I've attended with Jolene at her workshop and I loved it even more the second time around. I was able to use the skills I learnt last time plus some new ones to create some fantastic jewellery (two bangles and a ring). It's such a lovely friendly atmosphere and Jolene is a brilliant tutor. It would make a brilliant day for a birthday/special occasion activity for family or friends but also fine to go on your own as I did. It really is a great day and I can't recommend it enough."

18 May 17'

Sally reviewed: Beginners patchwork with Calicoclair

"Fantastic course. Great for absolute beginners to sewing or those who need a bit of a confidence boost. I learned lots of new techniques , Clair is a great teacher who tailors the course to suit the participants. The tea and cakes are an added bonus"

18 May 17'

Judith Crawford reviewed: Indigo dyeing & shibori

"This was a very good course and lived up to all my expectations. The tutor was knowledgeable and very patient. It was great to get our hands into the dye and not worry about the mess. The venue was in lovely countryside and a perfect place to explore indigo dying. The food was excellent with everyone's needs catered for. Altogether three unforgettable days with lovely people and plenty of inspiration to continue with indigo and shibori."

18 May 17'

Lili Woollacott reviewed: Sewing with Suzi Stitch

"Suzi was a great teacher who understood every students needs and abilities. She never got frustrated when someone couldn't achieve the task and was very one on one with each learner. It was very lovely to hear about her past experiences in sewing and that she too started out as an amateur. It was inspiring to see her previous work and her exciting plans for the future. Being a part of the class which was very welcoming and fun made me want to take part in the other courses available and keep learning. Thank you Suzi, you have inspired and lit a fire within!"

18 May 17'

ClareP reviewed: Bowl and Kuksa carving in Ecclesall Woods

"An inspiring and very enjoyable course in a lovely woodland setting. Nadine is a brilliant tutor - very encouraging, explains things clearly, lets you work at your own pace and is always on hand to help. I came away with two bowls and the basis of a new set of skills. Great weekend."

18 May 17'

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

"This course was fantastic. Andy is very patient and a great teacher. It was relaxed and fun but very informative. I have come away with some great new skills. I will definitely do another course in the future!"

18 May 17'

Lesley reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"This is a brilliant workshop and Kerry is a fab teacher. It was a lovely atmosphere and Kerry's home is a beautiful and relaxing setting to be in. Really enjoyed the day and came away with a great insight into the world of candle making as well as my own lovely candle. Would love to do again, and highly recommend. The small group setting works really well and you can ask as many questions as you like. Great day :)"

18 May 17'

Lucie reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"This was a great workshop. Kerry was very informative about candle making telling us about her personal experience. Kerry is a really friendly host. When making the candles Kerry had a really lovely selection of fragrances to choose from. I really had a great time and can't wait to burn my candle! Would highly recommend this workshop."