Latest reviews

19 Mar 17'

Hanna reviewed: Dry stone walling course Lancashire/Yorkshire/Manchester/Leeds/Sheffield/North West

"This is a wonderful experience. Go into dry stone walling and embrace every aspect including whatever the weather can throw at you in rainy saddleworth. I fully intend on using what I have learnt and enjoying the peace and tranquility it brings."

19 Mar 17'

Rosie Wall reviewed: Two Day Stained Glass Course with Christian Ryan

"I was attracted to attend Chris's course, rather than others on offer, having seen his beautiful and individual work at 'Made by Hand' 2016. As one of only four participants, there was plenty of opportunity to receive individual advice and instruction. The generous size of the panel we each made meant our designs could be relatively complex for beginners and there was a wide range of glass to choose from. The pace of the course was perfect - each half day presented a new challenge and skill to learn, but the atmosphere remained relaxed and supportive. I thoroughly enjoyed the two days, learnt loads and am inspired to learn more."

19 Mar 17'

Mary Holder reviewed: Soap making

"I attended the soap making workshop with two friends and we thoroughly enjoyed it, Diane was very patient and relaxed while showing us how to make the soap, we also had a laugh and joke through out the day and nothing was too much trouble, we are now looking forward to collecting our soap and having a go at making some more!!Thanks Diane for a very informative day which we enjoyed very much ."

19 Mar 17'

Kate reviewed: ‘Winter dream ' wool painting face-to-face textile art course in Worcestershire

"I so enjoyed this course and was very proud of my finished wool painting. The process was really enjoyable and Raya was a patient, friendly, and helpful teacher. I strongly recommend this class."

19 Mar 17'

Diane Zeitzen reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Thoroughly recommend this stone carving weekend. It was great fun and amazing what we all managed to produce. Out of a workshop of 6 only 1 of us had done any stone carving previously and that was on an earlier course of Sebastian's."

19 Mar 17'

Fiona Morrison reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"James and his team (Alison) are talented, patient teachers, encouraging, inspirational, think way outside the box without losing you and are a lot of fun. They demonstrate each step before letting you loose but are always on hand if you need advice, ideas, or modelling help. Everyone worked at their own speed and produced animals of their own choice in very different styles. James could squeeze water out of a stone. He brings the creative side out in everyone.I will definitely be going back to that lovely large, light studio to have another go and - of course - recommend James' courses to anyone. Thank you James and Alison for a great weekend."

19 Mar 17'

James Whitelaw reviewed: Beginners woodturning course

"My wife bought me the two day wood turning course as a present. From the off Cairan was brilliant - First morning was going through safety, sharpening and the basics - excellently done. Then it was onto the lathes - that is what makes this course stand - it was so hands on! Ciaran is an excellent instructor - his passion for wood is very evident. While we got going with wood turning he kept us going on tea and biscuits. Lunch was provided at a local pub. End of the first day I was so chuffed at having turned a honey drizzler! The other items? Pen great, bowl likewise but the garden dibber? Maybe that should become part of a mortar and pestle! Again Cairan thanks for an unforgettable 2 days - certainly made me thirsty to do more."

19 Mar 17'

Margaret Bishton reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"The course I attended on the 18th March 2017 was run at the hotwalls old Portsmouth by Alice it was really enjoyable and provided tea or coffe and lunch was at the nearby canteen with in the hotwall I had a sense of achievement that I had tried something new and completed the project set before me . Thank you"

19 Mar 17'

Denise Simpson reviewed: Candle making with afternoon tea

"My husband and I attended a candle workshop with Tracy today and it was fabulous. Tracy is an excellent teacher. She not only taught us how to make the candles but told us where to buy the materials from so we can make more at home. Afternoon tea and cups of coffee during the day made an already great day even better. We recommend Tracy highly to anyone wishing to learn how to make candles. 10 out of 10"

19 Mar 17'

Sandra Grey reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"My husband and I spent a day with Chris in his forge and what a super time we had. This is a hands on, full day with patient expert instruction from a really friendly guy who is passionate about his craft. The course is good value for money and you come away with your hand crafted items. You are instructed through a number of elements safely and learn all about different techniques. This is a course I highly recomend, you will definitely enjoy it and go home satisfied."

19 Mar 17'

Hannah Watson reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Had a great day and learnt loads. A really relaxed and enjoyable day. I would strongly recommend this and will definitely be returning :-)"

19 Mar 17'

Matthew Wesson reviewed: Beginners woodturning course

"I got bought the 2 day wood turning course as a present. It was a throughly enjoyable course. Ciaran was a brilliant tutor - very knowledgeable, skilled, patient and fun. It was very hands on and I went away with several pieces I was really pleased with. I'd thoroughly recommend this and would jump at the chance if there was another wood turning course run by Ciaran."

19 Mar 17'

Frank Renouf reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"I suspected that two days in Graham's company was going to be enjoyable the moment he greeted me with a warm handshake and the friendliest welcome. Chris and Graham are delightful hosts and really made me feel at home. We took tea and coffee breaks together, sitting in their beautiful and interesting garden which is so wildlife friendly. Graham's teaching style is relaxed and informal. He is supportive and his encouragement made my introduction to woodturning a great pleasure, so much so that I am now looking forward to my next visit, when I hope to benefit from his mentoring as I progress from beginner. I was particularly impressed by the effort Graham takes to ensure that his students experience success from the outset. Similarly he takes a lot of trouble to ensure that safety is never compromised and I am confident that while I have a lot to learn the foundation that Graham has given me is solid. I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend him to any beginner who would find a visit to his gallery inspirational."

19 Mar 17'

Phil Brownsord reviewed: StickMaking Classes/ Courses with Stuart Lawrence Northyorkshire

"We chose this course to give my dad more than just a plain gift but a new experience (as well as a handsome walking stick!) for his 70th birthday, the aim being my brother and I would join him too. Stuart delivers the course with just the right blend of teaching, wisdom and wit that we found ourselves laughing a lot of the time (not to mention filing a fair amount too!). The stick I made is truly mine, down to the skills and techniques I was shown and very happy I am with it too (as my brother and dad are with theirs). I know they are also planning the next sticks that they will make so that teaching must have stuck! Thanks to Stuart for a great day. Highly recommended."

18 Mar 17'

Jess reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Three of us booked on to the course with different skill levels and we all enjoyed learning how to make a silver ring. We practiced cutting and soldering, we had help with polishing. The atmosphere on the boat was relaxed and we all felt encouraged to give it a go. There was even homemade cake! I have recommended the course to friends of mine - some are going to make their wedding rings. I would like to return to make a bangle next time. Thanks!"

18 Mar 17'

Jez Jones reviewed: Blacksmithing taster course one day

"I really enjoyed my day and never thought I would learn and make as much as I did in 1 day. Peter was an excellent Teacher and very patient and great company the lunch was fantastic I recommend this day it is value for money and to cut to the basics you get taught by a Guy who has done this almost all his working life and teaches people for a Living. Thanks Peter"

18 Mar 17'

Virginia reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"My sister-in-law and I attended one of Sophie's courses together today as a birthday treat. Neither of us had ever done any needle felting so we were completely clueless. The day was heavenly: Sophie is so kind, patient and diplomatic with her input, everything is provided that you might need and her teaching technique is flawlessly generous. Refreshments were plentiful and lunch was a delightful feast giving us all a well-earned 'cold-turkey' from our new-found addiction. By the end of the day everyone had produced the most beautiful and eclectic selection of dogs most of which looked thoroughly professional (mine had some work to do still but was well on its way...). My fellow wool stabbers were a lovely bunch - the camaraderie of the day was an additional bonus. Sophie has a fantastic selection of starter kits and wools available so that you can have another go/worsen your addiction at home; all in all a wonderful treat and a hugely satisfying crafty success. Thanks Sophie for being such a gracious artist/teacher/hostess and huge thanks also to Sophie's mum for her amazing and delicious cooking!"

18 Mar 17'

Louise reviewed: KF Creative Mosaics Beginner Workshop

"I love doing mosaic class. Can't wait for the next one!"

18 Mar 17'

Tina Kinnar reviewed: Stone carving 1 day introduction course in East Yorkshire at Micklethwaite Studios

"Had a fantastic day on the Knot work carving course. Learnt so much and I'm really pleased with the finished piece. Alan and Tracey are very friendly, the facilities are great, and it's a lovely relaxed environment in which to learn a new skill. I've never picked up a hammer and chisel before and I managed to make something I'm really happy with. I'll certainly be back in the future."

18 Mar 17'

Jane Watson reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"We have just returned from a brilliant day of forging with Mort. Our day was awesome. Thanks to Mort we learned some amazing techniques. We did arrive with ideas, which were very ambitious, but thanks to Mort we came away with finished pieces. Do not hesitate to spend a day forging with Mort you will not only learn about forging, but also hear interesting stories about Mort and his knowledge of history. Thanks again can't wait till we can come again."

18 Mar 17'

Hannah Brocklesby reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"Amazing!! Absolutely loved this course. Peter is a fantastic teacher and I would highly recommend this course. I had never worked with wood nor the tools we used yet by the end of the weekend I came home with a beautiful bedside table and an overwhelmingly sense of achievement. Great location, really well structured course, thank you Peter!"

17 Mar 17'

SallyAnne, Willow Witch Of Pendle reviewed: Beginner's Spinning in Newcastle

"Loving rural crafts I have always wanted to try spinning but it looked so complicated. Cathy (and Jean) are outstanding teachers. Their patience, understanding and motivation made the day fly so quickly and resulted in a spinning novice producing yarn! I'm totally hooked. My aim is to do the Dye Day with them dieing Marino wool, spinning it, then knitting a scarf. Just need to drop a massive hint to the hubby for my birthday present, a wheel! I would highly recommend theses courses to anyone. Thank you"

17 Mar 17'

Andrew Toynton reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"An excellent course which Steve taught exceptionally well, giving plenty of time to all the students and very generous with materials. We had a lovely lunch at a local pub with free range on the menu not restricted to the cheaper items. My wife and I came away with 2 60x30cm panels, three tea light panels and 8 20x20cm panels between us."

17 Mar 17'

Tracy Cottis reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"I was a brand new spinner struggling to even set up my first wheel. Theresa very patiently checked and helped me set up my new wheel and to my great surprise, by the end of the day I was able to produce my first skein. She is knowledgeable, patient and a natural teacher. I left feeling inspired and confident and am looking forward to future lessons with her. Lovely surroundings too."

16 Mar 17'

Helen Woods reviewed: Hand Bound Leather Journal Workshop

"Really enjoyed the day. Wendy and Clive were very welcoming and provided great tuition. The course was at the right pace and good for somebody who has relatively few leather-craft skills, but the results were very good, a beautiful leather bound, hand crafted journal. It would be really useful to have a photo-copy step by step guide to take away with you. That would be the icing on the cake! By the way, gorgeous surroundings and views from the kitchen, a very enjoyable day. Worth the journey from West Yorkshire. All the best, Helen."