Latest reviews

1 Nov 16'

Matt & Ben Waite reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"First time for Ben, return visit for Matt. Another superb experience. We have not one bad word about the course: Structure, approach, content, hospitality -all aspects deserve 5 stars. A rewarding day's activity which we'd recommend without reservation to anyone wishing to try something new."

1 Nov 16'

Ali reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Never having done any woodworking I was very apprehensive but George and his lovely Wife Sue made me feel very relaxed and after a coffee I was introduced to woodturning. With Georg's guidance I woodturned a beautiful Ash Bowl something I never thought possible. If I can talk Hubby into buying a lathe and equipment this will be the hobby for me. Thank you George and Sue it was a wonderful day and you will be seeing me again in the future."

1 Nov 16'

Louise Wells reviewed: Annie Sloan Method with Chalk Paint for Upcycling Furniture at La Di Da Interiors - The Basics

"Love the courses at La Di Da, they provide a great environment to learn the techniques in. Steph is friendly and professional in her approach. I have learnt loads and really enjoyed being able to find my creative spirit again."

1 Nov 16'

Elise Taylor reviewed: Annie Sloan Method with Chalk Paint for Upcycling Furniture at La Di Da Interiors - The Basics

"I knew nothing about Annie Sloan Chalk Paint before the course. The course was great and gave all the basics to get started! Now I just need to convince hubby to let me paint our furniture!"

1 Nov 16'

Sue Canavan reviewed: Annie Sloan Method with Chalk Paint for Upcycling Furniture at La Di Da Interiors - The Basics

"I had looked at the adverts for this course a number of times before finally deciding to give it a go, and boy am I glad I did. It is ideal for anyone new to upcycling as it not only teaches you the techniques you need to know, but also the short cuts, Steph is more than happy to share her wealth of knowledge during the morning. On the course I attended we seemed to spend most of our time having "light bulb moments" as our eyes were opened to just what could be achieved with Annie Sloan products. I would thoroughly recommend this course"

1 Nov 16'

Sophie reviewed: The Annie Sloan complete chair makeover Workshop at La Di Da Interiors

"Steph, the gregarious and charming proprietor of La Di Da in Andover, is a wonderful font of knowledge on Annie Sloan and up cycling in general. The course I attended was relaxed, friendly and informative. I had a great day and look forward to the next one."

1 Nov 16'

Eleanor Jakeman reviewed: The Annie Sloan complete chair makeover Workshop at La Di Da Interiors

"I didn't know quite what to expect when I signed up for a whole day renovating a chair but the transformation that we all achieved with these rather sad looking, unloved chairs was quite magical! The day flew by and Steph was on hand with step by step help and encouragement as well as keeping us supplied with drinks, snacks and lunch. The old nails and original upholstery had definitely seen better days and really needed consigning to the rubbish bin. The materials we were given were a joy to work with and I could not believe how easy the Annie Sloan paint was to use. I learnt so much and it has given me the confidence to have a go at painting and reupholstering another two unloved chairs that I have at home. A fabulously rewarding, busy but fun day and one I would thoroughly recommend."

1 Nov 16'

Liz Hyde reviewed: Introduction to wet-felting: handbag, iPad case or something else!

"I've just done a course at Tan yard studio with Cathy and am now the proud owner of a pair of lovely warm multicoloured felt slippers. I am not a very 'crafty' person at all, so my pride at having made something so beautiful and useful is palpable! The location is beautiful and I had a great time with two others in the converted barn with the log burner on and lots of coffee and cake. The vegetarian lunch was delicious and all home made. Highly recommended for a great day out."

1 Nov 16'

Chris Levoi reviewed: The Annie Sloan complete chair makeover Workshop at La Di Da Interiors

"With so many lovely wooden chairs looking unloved, this course is perfect to not only transform them with the gorgeous choices of Annie Sloan paint but also to reupholster any seats etc! Steph guides you through the whole process - so a full on but rewarding day - so you can take your learnings and confidently tackle your chair renovations!"

1 Nov 16'

Rachel Cave reviewed: Annie Sloan Method with Chalk Paint for Upcycling Furniture at La Di Da Interiors - The Basics

"Stephanie was a superb teacher and I loved my intro to Annie Sloan painting techniques. Following on from the course I have gone on to do several projects. I'd recommend anyone to this course for those who like me love restoring furniture but needed to know some techniques or if you just fancy trying something new! Sadly as I am moving I wont be able to come back to any courses with Stephanie but she was a great teacher and her business at La Di Da is certainly a success!"

1 Nov 16'

Stu Briggs reviewed: Annie Sloan Method with Chalk Paint for Upcycling Furniture at La Di Da Interiors - The Basics

"A fantastical informative & fun way to learn about & practice the modern art of furniture up-cycling."

1 Nov 16'

Sue Canavan reviewed: The Annie Sloan complete chair makeover Workshop at La Di Da Interiors

"I have always wanted to try my hand at upholstery and being a recent convert to Annie Sloan paints this seemed the perfect course for me. The course was a full day, but the time flew by with Steph keeping us supplied with drinks, snacks and lunch as we went along. Steph took us through step by step what we needed to do and was hands on helping where needed (some of the old nails and tacks are hard to shift!!). It was lovely to be able to transform and old chair and see it come back to life in your own hands. The day was very hands on, but such fun, I really would recommend to anyone."

31 Oct 16'

Clint reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"I attended a course at the Anvil Forge with my son and two my colleagues. We had a fabulous day. John and his partner were fabulous. They have an engaging style and the skills of true craftsmen. We learned a lot, had a fabulous experience and laughed a lot. We had a great pub lunch and came away really proud of the practical things we had made. We were so impressed by what John and his colleagues can do that my wife commissioned him to make her a Christmas Sleigh and my son had him complete a companion set for his new home. We definitely plan to go back again."

31 Oct 16'

Barry Gait reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"As with many other reviewers this day with Mark was a birthday present from my family, and it turned out to be a really memorable present. Mark took this YouTube/book/self trained incompetent and in a very encouraging, supportive and amusing way showed me the errors of my ways. A really fascinating and informative day that passed all too quickly, but I came away with a comprehensive set of notes, a really good grounding in getting the basics right and confidence that I can put it all into practice. I can well envisage another visit when I have a bit more practice under my belt. Many thanks Mark."

31 Oct 16'

Tim Fowler reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"Having no previous experience of metalworking, I was looking forward to John's course but uncertain what to expect. I needn't have worried - we were well looked after by John and his team, given access to all manner of tools and techniques through the day, and thoroughly enjoyed whole thing! There's something fundamentally satisfying about hammering the hell out of glowing steel on an anvil, and transforming an intangible idea into something solid. Try it !"

31 Oct 16'

Bev Ashton reviewed: Christmas Candle Centre Piece

"Lovely day with Jacqui with one to one tuition as classes are small. Class was very well organised and we took home a lovely finished centrepiece. Very good value for money and if you've never sewn before Jacqui is a good patient tutor."

31 Oct 16'

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

"Fabulous ! When you first arrive and look at what previous groups have produced, it is a little intimidating. But the technique and the tuition means that by the end, everyone has produced two incredible sculptures. Prepare to be amazed - and exhausted !!!"

31 Oct 16'

Liz Partington reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"I was rather nervous at first, not being totally artistic, but Matt put me at ease and was extremely patient! He is an excellent teacher. I managed to make a couple of hangings and a lovely mirror. The classes were an enjoyable experience, fun and I met some interesting fellow students. I would recommend anyone to 'give it a go' as you may be surprised by what you can do."

31 Oct 16'

Gerry reviewed: Leather Workshop One - on - One

"Just completed a weekend course with Sarah and three others. Great course, Sarah is an excellent teacher as well as being a great leather worker. On the first day we learnt a lot about leather and leather construction and some good basic skills to get us started. Then we all chose a bag style to suit ourselves and by the end of the weekend had a really practical and useful bag to take home with us together with enough skills to enable us to carry on our new hobby at home. Set in a beautiful part of the country and with a great complimentary lunch each day we were well looked after and I highly recommend this course."

31 Oct 16'

Elaine reviewed: Felting and Embroidery with Jackie Cardy in Brindle, Lancashire

"Loved this course. Jackie was brilliant. Amusing delivery made learning such fun and everyone, even those with little or no experience produced at least one piece of work of which to be proud."

31 Oct 16'

Alex Tawns reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I had an absolutely tremendous time at the Blacksmithing taster session, and learned a great deal indeed about something that I've only been able to observe from an outside standpoint until now. Huge thanks to Adrian and Andy for the opportunity and instruction on not only hitting hot pieces of metal, but on making those pieces of metal look good. Lunch (as I'm sure you've seen by the other comments and reviews) was delicious and much appreciated. The whole day was a lot of fun, and well worth the long drive both there and back. Definitely ignited a new passion that I hope to pursue in the future."

31 Oct 16'

Jacqui Atamer reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"I had a fantastic time at the course. Kerry's passion for candles shines through. I learnt so much about candles, it's not just about striking a match Would thoroughly recommend this course I came alone but met some wonderful new people and left with my own candle which I am very proud of"

31 Oct 16'

Alex Freeman reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"if you're looking for a fun day with a difference, then a day learning some of the ancient skills of blacksmithing at the Anvil Forge is a must. What a fantastic day; we left with a real sense of achievement, a great understanding of the art and science of smithing and a finished project to be proud of. John runs the day with a very relaxed, informal style - he has a wealth and depth of knowledge that he readily shares and he's great with all ages. My teenage daughters loved the day, thought that John was a superb teacher and want to go back for more! I'd recommend the day to anyone who's looking for a very creative, unusual and satisfying activity; be prepared for some hard work, a 5lot of smiles and a great sense of satisfaction at the end of the day."

31 Oct 16'

Sarah Line reviewed: 2 Day Silver Jewellery Making Course - Ely

"I can highly recommend spending time with Jonathan. His infectious enthusiasm for his craft, his patience and expertise at introducing and guiding us through skills we had never realised we could achieve and his gracious hospitality are just a few reasons why you should book yourself onto one of his courses. Myself and a friend spent 2 days on Jonathans Silver making course, at his home Studio in Ely, and not only came away with 2 pieces of Silver Jewellery that we are now the proud owners and wearers of but we learnt so much in such a short time about a craft we had absolutely no knowledge of let alone any experience of participating in. We left feeling confident enough to start making our own Silver Jewellery and we both look forward to putting our newfound knowledge to good use."

31 Oct 16'

David Taylor reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"This course, for a wood turning novice, was first class in every respect. I attended the training course with an old friend and at the end of the day we both had a small Walnut bowl to take away but as two old age pensioners we were very tired. Thanks you for all of your tolerance!"