Latest reviews

28 Feb 17'

Sue Allatt reviewed: Wet felting (abstract or landscape) - Half Day - Feather Felts

"It was a wonderful day. Jane was very helpful and a lot of enthusiasm was generated.. I'm looking forward to the next."

28 Feb 17'

Jacqui Rice reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"Always wanted to try stain glass crafting but thought it would be too difficult. I need not have worried because under Matt's tutorlage I came home with a lovely piece of stain glass art. The whole day was concentrated and I learnt so many techniques, so happy that I have enrolled for the next course at Bradninch. Thank you Matt for your patience."

28 Feb 17'

Gill Moore reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"We had a great day with Dawn, who was a marvellous host and very good instructor. She provided all the resources and gave us lots of helpful advice and inspiration. Everyone produced some excellent pieces by the end of the day. I would thoroughly recommend the day."

28 Feb 17'

Liz Wills reviewed: Basic throwing with Jon French

"I've been on a couple of courses (hand building and glazing) before at Potclays with Kevin and enjoyed them so much I booked the basic two day throwing course. I had thrown before but needed to brush on my basic skill and this was the perfect course to do this. Day one was spent giving the basics of clay bodies, balling up, getting the clay in the centre of the wheel and then concentrated on cylinders. Day two gave an overview of the previous day and moved on to concentrate on bowls. We also covered turning, pulled handles and plates on day two which was great. I can not recommend this course highly enough it was just brilliant. Kevin was more than happy to slow his demonstrations and repeat until each step could be mastered by everyone. The facilities were brilliant with plenty of space - and clay! - to keep busy for the full day. The staff at Potclays are just wonderful, nothing is ever too much trouble and you are made to feel very welcome on arrival and throughout the course. If you're new to throwing or just want to brush up your skills, then this is the perfect course for you!"

28 Feb 17'

Peter Abernethy reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"Fantastic weekend. Pete and Jarv were hugely knowledgeable and very entertaining. I met some great people and enjoyed the work. Pete had a knack at entertaining and teaching the group and the individual to cater for differing levels of ability and previous wood work experience. Thanks Pete for a great weekend!"

28 Feb 17'

Chris Holland reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"So glad that I treated myself to this course. Mark is very patient and gives detailed tuition with a very hands on approach. The whole day was very relaxed but informative at the same time. Having now managed to turn a bowl without horrible end grain tear out I am looking forward to getting back to my workshop to put all that I have learned into practice."

28 Feb 17'

Helen French reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"We were able to try so many different skills to create some amazing pieces. Ricky is an excellent teacher which is an unusual skill in itself. I'm not at all artistic, but he was able to guide my choices so my creations are really something worthwhile. The course is a full day and very, very productive. Would love to have another go."

28 Feb 17'

Graeme Lee reviewed: Art & Craft Days - Make a Willow Basket in a Day

"The whole day was fantastic! The course was very informative and deb hart explained everything brilliantly! Brian and Julie kept us well fed and watered all day! But the lunch was awesome! I expected sandwiches and got a fantastic salmon,new potatoes and veg lunch! Not to mention the home made pastries and cakes! Thank you all!!"

28 Feb 17'

Pam Green reviewed: Rag Rug Half Day Workshop - Hertfordshire

"Lovely afternoon spent learning this craft, very informative , nice company. Still practising . Would recommend this to anyone interested. All equipment provided including tea coffee and biscuits."

27 Feb 17'

Thomas Erby reviewed: Full day pottery workshop, hand building and throwing in the New Forest.

"My girlfriend and I spent a lovely day with Clare as she was teaching us the various techniques and technical know how of ceramics. The course was just the three of us which was great to get lots of one on one tuition, and by the end of the day we were both absolutely knackered and felt like we had covered a large amount of ground. I bought this as a birthday present and I would definitely recommend it for people looking to try ceramics in a more intimate environment than a classroom. Thanks for the great time clare."

27 Feb 17'

Kathryn reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"What an excellent day! Mort was a super teacher and very patient (I wasn't very good...). He gave us lots of time and explained everything in great detail. We could do as little or as much as we wished with the day. Some brilliant anecdotes to enjoy too...! I'm dead chuffed with my Viking knife and very novice scrolling! Thoroughly recommended."

27 Feb 17'

Tom reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"A great day! Relaxing, educational and best of all inspirational! Rosanna was very welcoming and expertly created a comfortable environment to introduce me to her craft. The day was thoroughly enjoyable, she kept us fed and watered throughout and made for great company as well as a great teacher! Would definitely recommend! Tom"

27 Feb 17'

Janet Woods reviewed: Dye Day Workshop

"A wonderful course taught by Kathy who is really knowledgeable and encouraged us all to experiment with different dyeing techniques. I came away with 4 skeins of wool dyed with different techniques and some dyed fibre aswell. The lunch was great too. Thanks Kathy for a great day."

27 Feb 17'

Judy reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"I came to Jane's class as a complete beginner and feeling very nervous because I feel I'm devoid of artistic tendencies. However Jane gave such straightforward instruction and demonstration that I was soon at my ease. Any problems and Jane was quickly at my side with suggestions and even praise! Although the class was full (six students) Jane had time time for individual attention. We'd started the morning with hot drinks and homemade biscuits and cake. Lunch was soup quiche, salad wine and a further choice of delicious cakes. Even if I'd completely failed at the weaving the foodie trip made my day! The sense of achievement of departing at the end of the day with a framed work of art to hang on the wall and show off to family and friends was a wonderful feeling. I will be recommending Jane's course to friends!"

27 Feb 17'

Liz reviewed: Make 2 fused glass summer flower plaques 7” x 4” to decorate your home

"We had a great time. Really enjoyed my birthday present!"

27 Feb 17'

Hugo S. reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"Simon is a passionate teacher with a deep love and appreciation for his craft. I arrived at Snelsmore Common with little to no experience with woodwork, let along green woodworking. Simon patiently took me from log selection, through to billet, shave horse, lathe, and then shaping techniques with ease. Beautiful surroundings, pleasant company, a warm cup of tea and a fantastic learning experience. Thank goodness people like Simon are willing to share their passion. Highly recommend this course!"

27 Feb 17'

3 D mosaics reviewed: 2 days Mosaic Workshop for Beginners and Intermediate Levels with Nathalie Vin

"I have been on several of Nathalie's courses and have always come away inspired. She is a wonderful teacher who relates to every participant's individual needs with enthusiasm and passion. Her work environment is beautiful and she also nurtures us with delicious lunches. I highly recommend her workshops!"

27 Feb 17'

Paula Foster reviewed: Straw skep hive making course - with Bees for Development

"Chris gave an excellent course - thoroughly enjoyable and the time simply flew! The 'hands on' instructions and demonstrations were excellent, as was the guidance during the making of the skeps. The background and history to skep making was most interesting. All in all a very worthwhile course and I'd highly recommend it to anyone wishing to keep bees, especially in a sustainable way. Thanks to Chris and Bees for Development for making this possible."

27 Feb 17'

Sean Malyon reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Bill is a terrific teacher. Very knowledgeable and easy-going. I picked up lots of new skills and made a belt for myself and a handbag for my partner, which she could not have been more chuffed with. A very enjoyable two-day course. Thanks Bill"

27 Feb 17'

Eva Jeffrey reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"Jane's tapestry weaving workshop was a surprise birthday gift from one of my daughters, who also attended. Having enjoyed some "picture-weaving" in Sweden during my youth, albeit more than 40 years ago, I was very much looking forward to a renewed weaving experience. I was not disappointed!!! The day was "saturated" with stimulating craft, marvellous food/drink and superb company. We all left with a finished piece of weaving - a visual reminder of A GREAT DAY! THANK YOU Jane (and Caroline, my daughter)!"

27 Feb 17'

RME reviewed: Stone Carving 2 day Introduction Courses in East Yorkshire at Micklethwaite Studios

"A fantastic introduction to stone carving! I attended the two-day "Carving Drapery" course, offered during the spring term (to be repeated this summer). We began with an informal discussion of our interests in sculpture and my goals for the weekend. Alan then presented an instructive slide lecture on different styles and historical techniques of drapery carving; we analyzed a few examples in depth, chiefly with an eye to the sequence of steps involved and the tools necessary to achieve forms. After this introduction, we settled on a design (I had pre-selected drapery patterns from late-Gothic sculpture), and it was off to the workshop to start carving. Alan took me through the whole process, from the initial transfer of my pattern to the limestone, to the intermediary definition of contours and shaping of volumes, to the final smoothing of the surface. Alan demonstrated all the tools as we went along and pointed me in the direction of where to cut next, but he also encouraged me to explore the material independently. I became more and more confident wielding the chisels and competent at parsing tool marks--after two days, I left with a more or less finished relief! Away from the workbench, Alan and Tracey were incredibly hospitable. Both were also keen to relate their prior artistic training and ongoing practices. Overall, Northern Sculpture was a supportive and stimulating place for a novice to try carving. I look forward to a return visit, especially as Alan and Tracey continue to develop this relatively new organization. Highly recommended!"

27 Feb 17'

Vandita Patel reviewed: Mindful Mosaic workshops with Dionne Ible - Bedfordshire

"We really enjoyed our time creating our wonderful pieces with Dionne. She was brilliant, very helpful and encouraging. We had a lot of fun and are so pleased with our pieces. Highly recommend this workshop to everyone."

27 Feb 17'

Beverley Brittle reviewed: Stained Glass Nuno Felted Scarves Online Class

"Lena explains and demonstrates very well before you start to create. She then supports you while you work and answers all questions. The studio is roomy and the atmosphere welcoming. The workshop was great fun and you are not rushed at all so it doesn't matter if you've never done this kind of thing before. Lena ensures you make a piece of art to take home with you. And she provides cake!"

27 Feb 17'

Alan Whibley reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Excellent day learning to work metal and made an impressive knife and bottle opener (Viking style) thank you David, really enjoyed the day and all your anecdotes. Best regards Alan"

27 Feb 17'

Robert Bell reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I've now done two one day courses with Nigel, the second of which I brought my brother to. Both have been fantastic. Nigel is a brilliant teacher and you'll get the opportunity to make several items which demonstrate the basics of Blacksmithing. Well worth the time and money and I expect Ill find myself back here again."