Latest reviews

18 May 17'

Rob Navratil reviewed: Make a Windsor chair

"I’ve had a long fascination with woodwork but hadn’t remotely considered taking a course to do it properly. I found a furniture making course a few years ago and loved it so was itching to do something new. I visited Ben at his workshop for a chat and was immediately inspired by a Rocking Chair he had up in the final stages of assembly. It didn’t take me long to sign up to one of his courses, it was just a case of which one. Being a complete novice with green wood, I, and I’m sure my follow students wanted to get cracking but Ben took his time to explain the intricacies of splitting a log and all subsequent techniques as they came up. It’s easy for a teacher to just say “do it like this’ but I felt I really learned a lot about the tree itself and this informs your decisions further on in the project. To the extent that I’d be confident to try and start a project on my own at home. Ben is fantastic teacher and has a very serene atmosphere to his workshop. A lusty blow too many with a gouge and he’s there with an encouraging word. I have found working wood with hand tools so satisfying and it engages all your senses, yes even taste (keep your mouth shut when using the lathe) Looking at a Windsor Chair can look quite daunting but I would say go for it and push yourself. The results are absolutely worth it. I could feel and see the improvements over the 10 weeks and I now have a piece of furniture that will last a lifetime. When I look at it I know every single joint and component I made myself, such a great feeling. Thanks for an excellent 10 weeks Ben, I’ve learned so much and would recommend to anyone to give it go."

18 May 17'

Nicola reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"A fantastic morning was had by all. Very relaxing, informative and great fun! Can't wait to burn my candle and get some scents to start making my own. Would highly recommend."

18 May 17'

Suzanne Askham reviewed: Ceramic Studio Experience - Sunday Clay Day - Full Day Tutor Interactive Workshop

"As a complete beginner to pottery courses I quickly felt comfortable in our group of five students. Bisque pots were provided for us, together with a good variety of glazes. It was fun to experiment with dipping and brushing on. Geri and Sue explained how the metal oxides could create quite unpredictable effects. We watched our pots emerge from the dramatic raku process, and scrubbed them to reveal beautiful metallic glints and subtle crackle colours. We each went home with three pots, each completely different, all with an other-worldly beauty to them. I loved the whole process and have now signed up for Fired Thoughts’ basic pottery course."

18 May 17'

Michelle Brown reviewed: Sewing with Suzi Stitch

"Anyone who missed this course missed a treat (and that includes the banana cake every week!). Suzi is a wonderful teacher with the patience of a saint and with a whole heap of fabulous fabrics and threads which she shares very generously. I learned so much and am now motivated to get on with using different methods of embroidery and stitching. I would repeat this course another time because there is still so much to learn. The group was amazing, the venue ideal, and I wish I could go there every week and do some more sewing with Suzi. Thank you Make it in Wales for another brilliant course."

18 May 17'

Donna Ford reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"I did this course on 17th May 2017 and it was brilliant. Jolene really knows her subject and is able to explain and demonstrate in a way a layman, like myself, can understand. I came away with 2 copper and a silver bangle which I really love, and have already booked myself on another course to make pendants. I wanted to learn the basics of wire shaping and soldering and I achieved this and more. There were 3 of us on this course and I understand she keeps her classes quite small to ensure that each of her students get all the attention and help they need which was certainly the case when I attended. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this workshop to anyone."

18 May 17'

Tina Brackstone reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day, 1 person)

"We had such a fantastic time. I expected to come home with something small but we made a lovely bowl each which has now taken pride of place in the sitting room for all to see :) Graham is such a good teacher and a pleasure to meet. I highly recommend attending his sessions and hope to return again someday, think I may have to drop a few hints that this was such a great Christmas present. Thank you so much Graham keep up the good work :)"

17 May 17'

Bev Griffiths reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I have just spent two days in Lucy’s workshop, being taught Jewellery making skills; I was complete novice with no previous experience and what a treat it has been, she is extremely patient and very generous with her knowledge coupled with an incredible passion for her craft, Lucy enabled me to produce a very beautiful unique pendant that covered a number of different techniques. I never thought I would be creating by hand beautiful little flowers and learning how to set using rivets ! I am completely enthused by the entire process and eager to learn more. I will definitely be back to Lucy to learn another area of Jewellery making from a true professional."

17 May 17'

Sara Randall reviewed: 1-to-1 Organic Skincare Workshop at Maid in the Meadow

"I had a fantastic time making wonderful skincare products with Alison. It was a very relaxed and fun day, and I can't believe how much I learned. Alison has an encyclopedic knowledge and the written materials she provides are excellent. I can't wait to start making my own products at home."

17 May 17'

clare dalton reviewed: Woodturning courses ( beginners and intermediates) in Hampshire, Wiltshire & Dorset

"Andy Browne near Fordingbridge. He was really good at teaching and letting you get hands on quickly! It was such good fun the time flew by."

17 May 17'

Morgan Phillips reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Course - one day

"The course was an excellent introduction to dry stone walling. Relaxed approach to learning and we were encouraged to take your time to understand what we were doing and to do it well. We had the opportunity to set out, cut and shape stones as necessary and to work together to build in a small group."

17 May 17'

danilo ingannamorte reviewed: Timber framing courses

"Never had so much fun. Course super interesting with real projects going on. Relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Alan and his family are perfect hosts, ready to help you and to make you fell welcomed and at home. Mary's delicious and abundant meals were a plus just as the jam sessions around the fire. Can't wait to go back for the advanced course!"

17 May 17'

Sharon reviewed: Friday mosaic making

"I attended the Mosaic making workshop on Friday 12th May. I have never attended a craft workshop before and can say that I was quite nervous. Audrey soon put me at ease as she was very welcoming, helpful and informative. There was a large range of items to make and plenty of tiles, beads etc to choose from. I found the workshop to be informal, relaxed and very friendly. I would certainly recommend Montet Designs to others and it was very good value for money. I had a fabulous time, thank you."

17 May 17'

Lorraine reviewed: Wet felting with Virginia

"Thanks so much to Virginia for the extra effort she went to arrange a really excellent 50th birthday wet felting session for us four companions. It was such fun, and we were overwhelmed to come away with a completed project. The pace was good and everything we needed was provided. A great range of resources to choose from and a relaxed setting. Lovely hospitality and a great way to spend a Saturday morning. I've never done anything like this before, have no particular ability and came away with something I was secretly (well not now) proud of. thanks again, I'll be back!"

17 May 17'

Maya reviewed: Knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"Absolutely fantastic Class. The tea room was the perfect location, such a nice vibe. Ann is a wonderful teacher, very patient and caring, shes so kind. Such amazing value for money, I couldn't ask for a better experience. In 2hours we had tea, scones and I learned to crochet from scratch one 2 one with Ann. I was an absolute beginner, Ann's technique was very easy to pick up. I went home the same day and made a phone case that looks so good. I would recommend this course to everyone, value for money by far, you won't find a cheaper course. And to Top it all off she does it for a wonderful charity so its all for a good cause. Looking forward to my knitting class on Thursday :)"

16 May 17'

Patrick Kivlin reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I have just spent an educational and very enjoyable day with Colin learning the basics of woodturning. He is an excellent tutor and has a relaxed yet informative style. After a short demonstration of each technique from Colin, I was "let loose" and allowed to work on the lathe which means that I went home at the end of the day with some pieces of work of which I am excessively proud. I think that he may have introduced me to a new hobby!"

16 May 17'

Fiona reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Lovely way to spend a morning - the whole workshop was very well organised, Kerry makes you feel very welcome in her home and is a great teacher! Small group, very relaxed atmosphere with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and find out all about candle making while making your own to take home. Really enjoyed it and will definitely recommend to others!"

16 May 17'

Rosie Fearn reviewed: Beginners Weaving with the Rigid Heddle Loom - at All in a Spin

"I can only agree with all the other glowing reviews. A great day; just wish it could have been two so my scarf could have achieved a respectable length. (That is due to my short(!)comings as a pupil, and in no way detracts from the excellence of Dunja's teaching skills.)"

16 May 17'

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

"I enjoyed the course and took away a wool painting I created. Raya is a professional artist who has gathered a wealth of skills working with wool and loves sharing her experience with her students. My wife couldn't believe what I had achieved on my first ever wool painting course using Raya's techniques. It has inspired my wife to book a wool painting workshop with her friend. I thought the course was very relaxing and I would recommend this course to anyone."

16 May 17'

Gail Hart reviewed: One day, one to one stained glass course

"David was a great teacher. Really creative and so patient with me as was a complete beginner. Thank you, David."

16 May 17'

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

"What an amazing day. So interesting. Learnt such a lot. Lunch was lovely. Siobhan and Danny are such a caring couple , and loved the dog too. I am dropping hints for another birthday treat so I can go again"

16 May 17'

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

"A thoroughly absorbing workshop. I had never worked with wool before and I had not appreciated what a flexible medium it is. Using fibres in a creative landscape and blending the colours was both both exciting and refreshing with an amazing and colourful outcome. Raya’s patience and skill in demonstrating and teaching was much appreciated. Thank you. John."

15 May 17'

Marcia reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"A fantastic, creative day. Such a chilled environment in which it learn a new skill. Alice is clearly both skilled and passionate about her craft, and is also a very professionl tutor. She is very patient and calm, and this helps to create a great environment in which to be creative. She makes a good cup of tea, too!"

15 May 17'

Ann Jankowska reviewed: Fused Glass and Metals Workshop, Stourbridge

"This course really let's you be experimental and inspired by all of the materials available to you. Jane is an excellent and relaxed tutor with an anything goes attitude and she'll offer experience and advice to bring your ideas, no matter how wacky, to life. Such a worthwhile afternoon and i'do recommended it to all."

15 May 17'

Bonnie reviewed: Clay life modelling weekend with Karin Ort

"My fourth trip to the Phoenix studios and I can honestly say I love going there. Karin and James are fantastic. Not only are they genuinely lovely people they are knowledgeable, patient and helpful! To be able to indulge in two days of total creativity is a treat amidst my busy teaching life. The time simply flies by. Thank Karin once more!"

15 May 17'

Karen Peake reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"I had wanted to do a glass workshop for a very long time - this course was available and the date fitted in with my trip to the area! The whole day was fantastic! - I learnt so much and was able to create several great pieces with the help of Steve and the lovely cups of tea! ... the workshop atmosphere was relaxed which added to the whole experience - best way to spend a Saturday!! Thoroughly enjoyed myself and have spread the word to all who will listen... great course, great place, great people! :) :) :)"