Latest reviews

14 Oct 16'

Georgina Aitken reviewed: One day mosaic workshop - Lincolnshire

"Caron's passion and knowledge of mosaic and anything glass surrounds you like a warm blanket, encouraging you to succeed in your chosen project. The ability to impart her knowledge clearly, whilst knowing when standing back and let you unleash your own creativity is a rare skill, which she posesses in abundance. That with the tea, cake and humour makes for a day well spent. I would encourage anybody to give it a go, I don't think you will regret it."

14 Oct 16'

Linda reviewed: M

"What a wonderful way to spend a day! I was an absolute beginner and Maddie provided an excellent introduction to the techniques needed- I came away with a piece I was proud of ! The studio is beautiful and the works on display are an inspiration. Maddie is an excellent teacher- explaining and offering advice whilst assuring you that each piece is as individual as the person creating it. I will certainly be going back for another project!"

14 Oct 16'

Laura reviewed: Mixed Media Made Easy

"I've attended a few workshops with Jo to create various sculptures using the Powertex medium over the last year! She is a very patient teacher and ensures you are comfortable throughout the entire creative process. I never thought i could create such wonderful items as I have within these workshops. The workshop was held in her amazing Craft shop and I always leave with no money but lots of ideas and stuff to do!! love love love it!!"

14 Oct 16'

M Hewitt reviewed: Bud Vases & Tea Lights in Porcelain with Gwen Bainbridge: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater- Cumbria

"I had a wonderful day at the Quirky Workshop. I'd never worked with porcelain before but Gwen explained everything really well, was very helpful when I struggled with delicate pieces. I managed to produce four items, plus a few trinkets, which I'm very proud of! The venue was a very relaxing place to be, food was excellent and kept me going. I'd recommend this course to anyone, and a voucher for a Quirky Workshop is on my Christmas wish list!"

14 Oct 16'

Christine Dodd reviewed: 4-week online flower arranging class with Julie Davies Flower Workshops

"This is a perfect course for people who are time strapped and cannot attend a weekly class. I can't believe how much I was able to learn online and with Julie's support. The great thing for me was the video step by step guides, followed up by one to one tuition to know how to improve for next time. I am a keen gardener, so plants are in my blood anyway, but this has really reignited my passion for flowers and encouraged me to bring them indoors! I find myself going round the garden and thinking 'that would look good in a vase'. Also, my vase collection has expanded massively as I cannot pass a charity shop without picking up another!"

14 Oct 16'

Aayushi JP reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"What a wonderful 4 hours we had with Sowmya! She is an excellent teacher, very patient and encouraging. I didn't think I'd be able to pick up crocheting again so quickly and she made it so easy. Thank you for the individual books and patterns- the attention to detail was great! I definitely feel more confident about making my headband. Might have to come to the intermediate course!"

14 Oct 16'

Mark Ricketts reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"I really enjoyed this excellent course. I did the Saturday 1 day Intro to Jewellery Making with no previous experience. The day was well organised, relaxed, friendly and very informative. Jonathan was very knowledgeable and capable, but things didn't get over complicated. We had plenty of time making things and trying the different techniques and stages involved in jewellery making. I made a cuff for my wife, she loves it and wears it proudly, and I came away inspired to do more. I recommend the course and feel sure that I will be booking some more time to work with Jonathan in the future."

13 Oct 16'

Kate reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"I really enjoyed Dawn's course on free machine embroidery. Dawn was a great help throughout and I came away knowing I'd learnt a new technique that I can practise and develop over time. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole process right from the set up of the machine to the finished piece. I have a much better understanding now of my machine and how it works which I've struggled to master on my own. Dawn was also a fantastic host keeping us topped up with teas, coffees and cake! I'd definitely recommend anyone to give the course a try even if you are a complete beginner like myself. Thanks again!"

13 Oct 16'

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

"My son recently bought me a days wood turning course with Andy as a birthday present. Like my son I have always had a strong desire to be able to work with wood and design my own creations. At long last I had the opportunity to spend the day with a wood turning expert. Andy's wood turning skills are quite staggering. His very own turned creations are simply amazing. I even turned a small bowl myself with Andy's help which I could never have done before the course. Andy is a great teacher and has such a relaxed manner you will really enjoy the experience. A top birthday present! Many thanks Andy!"

13 Oct 16'

Philip D reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"I attended Aiden's 2 day course in October and it is first class. You do not have to have any prior experience to do this course. All you need is the interest. Aiden explains everything carefully, is a good teacher, demonstrates well, is patient and you will get hands on experience very early on the first day. He spends time with each person on the course and keeps an eye on each person's progress. He is also generous with his time. As another reviewer has said he really is a lovely guy. He clearly is very skilled and has an infectious enthusiasm for his subject. I was amazed that with his teaching I could produce a smooth square piece of work to very fine tolerances. I was also amazed that I could do all this using only a hand plane and be given the confidence in using this tool to produce a beautiful finish. I learned a massive amount over the two days; not only about the techniques of using a hand plane, dismantling and reassembling it, sharpening the blade and adjusting it, but also about the differences of different timbers, how it is cut, and moisture levels. If you want a useful introduction to this craft, this is the course to go on."

13 Oct 16'

Phil reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Just wanted to let you know that I had a great day on Tuesday. It was very informative and has given me lots of ideas on where to go with my equipment and methods of turning. Having started my wood turning path without any experience it was good to meet with a master turner. My wife loved the bowl and xmas tree decoration. I would certainly recommend anyone who is just starting out or wishes to further their expertise to go for a day."

13 Oct 16'

Daniel Eaton reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"The fundamentals course really covers the basics of working with a hand plane and other hand tools. Aidan teaches the techniques required to make a piece of wood flat, square and straight. This is all achieved only using hand tools and it is brilliant for anyone hoping to make furniture who doesn't have the knowledge or an extensive workshop. I've finished the course with the confidence and basic skills to be able to attempt more complicated projects. The thorough use, sharpening and application of the plane really leaves you feeling comfortable with it Aidan's knowledge is extensive and he is happy to share everything he knows. We picked his brain throughout the course. You leave with a smart chopping board that tests and demonstrates all the skills you have learnt. A great course and thoroughly recommended!"

13 Oct 16'

L. Jordan-Kay reviewed: Ceramic Studio Experience - Sunday Clay Day - Full Day Tutor Interactive Workshop

"Sue and Geri are fabulous. My husband and I first went to fired thoughts to make ceramic tiles for our new house I was soon addicted and wanted to learn to throw. I went back to fired thoughts and cannot express how brilliant they both are. The course became like a little sanctuary for my week. The studio is lovely and well thought out with lots of resources to help you learn. Both Geri and Sue are very knowledgeable and amazing artists in their own right, who strive to continue learning in their own field and that obviously extends into thier teaching. They are patient teachers who nurture and encourage you even if your bowl looks like a plate!"

13 Oct 16'

Brian Duffy reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"What a fantastic experience. I took my wife for her 30th birthday as she had wanted to try glass blowing since she was really young. Ricky was a great teacher and took us through the whole process at a good pace. We learned lots of new skills and ended up with four pieces of work each to take away . They will look great in our new home. I would recommend the course to anyone who wants to try something different and to share an experience with someone close to them."

12 Oct 16'

Samantha Howard reviewed: One day Traditional Lead Stained Glass Course

"Thank you so much .we had the best day, loved it Also thank you for the pictures Samantha & James"

12 Oct 16'

Alison pooler reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Fabulous day. Fabulous host and teacher. I learnt so much on all aspects of fleeces, wool carding, spinning. Would really recommend you go along to this course."

12 Oct 16'

Claire Crombie reviewed: One day mosaic workshop - Lincolnshire

"Well what can I say - what a fantastic fun day of mosaics with Caron. I was so impressed with the range of ideas to choose from and so very happy with my final creation. I enjoyed learning a new craft and Caron skillfully taught me a plethora of techniques to help me complete my chosen project. I can highly recommend this mosaic course."

12 Oct 16'

Sarah Browne reviewed: Silver clay beginners course - Lori Ridgway

"A really interesting and relaxing day, a great introduction to silver clay."

12 Oct 16'

Janet Lloyd reviewed: Needle felting course with FURZIE at Trumpet Corner Tea Rooms, Ledbury, Herefordshire

"I had a wonderful day with Michelle - felt like I had been on holiday. Excellent tuition and attentiveness. Would like to attend another course and maybe make a hare although the Border Terrier I made was just so good that I may have to make another one so I have a pair!! Excellent value and food was superb."

12 Oct 16'

Jayne Baker reviewed: Needle felting course with FURZIE at Trumpet Corner Tea Rooms, Ledbury, Herefordshire

"I attended a course with Michelle without a clue of what felting was. I was apprehensive that my skills wouldn't be good enough to create anything like the beautiful creations on her website. How wrong was I!! Michelle arrived with all her prepping for the class already done. Everyone was given a bag containing all the materials they would need to create their chosen animal and Michelle had even printed out a large A4 picture of the the animal so that you have a guide to work to. Her friendly approach soon had the class of 8 relaxed and ready to spend a day crafting. Felting really is the most satisfying absorbing thing to do. The animals built really quickly and everyone felt so pleased with their creations. They were just fab!! Michelle was always at hand assisting where required and was totally approachable. The venue at the Trumpet Tea Rooms was perfect with morning coffee, lunch and a slice of cake with another drink in the afternoon. I felt the course offered excellent value for money and would really recommend it to anyone."

12 Oct 16'

Christine Henderson reviewed: Silver clay beginners course - Lori Ridgway

"Brilliant! I enjoyed the introduction to silver clay course - Lori's explanations of each step made it easy for us all to progress, from working the clay, rolling it out, texturing it and cutting the shapes before the drying, filing and firing. We all worked at our own designs and Lori gave us good timely advice - a thoroughly absorbing and inspiring 3 hours, with a very pleasing first attempt at silver clay jewellery."

12 Oct 16'

Karen reviewed: Silver Jewellery Day Workshop at Studio Budgie Galore, Sheffield

"I find the jewellery making classes totally absorbing and enjoyable, a great therapy for a busy life. The studio is a lovely place to be and Jules is a brilliant and patient teacher."

12 Oct 16'

Manjulaa reviewed: Beginner’s Soapmaking Workshop in Salisbury

"This is a great workshop and excellent value for money. It is informative with lots of detail and top tips presented in a very user friendly format: notes to take away, an introduction to the various ingredients and a demo to show the full soap making process. and fantastic to be able to take away so much soap (with clever cutting, I think I can get about 18 small bars) in two different batches. Catherine ia very calm and a supportive teacher once it comes to the part where you make your own soap. She provides a wide range of supplies and recipes meaning everyone is able to make exactly what they want - which resulted in a wide variety of end products. I really enjoyed the session and am very happy with what I was able to make and take away - two different types of soap which (with clever cutting) I think I can get about 18 small bars from. Lots of great presents!"

12 Oct 16'

sue jensen reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"Brilliant, enjoyed every minute of it. I do a lot of craft work, sewing, upholstery and my hands are screwed on the right way round, but never worked in leather . Learnt such a lot. Jason was very good at explaining, easy pace but lots of information. It was a very intense 2 day course and I have come back home to denmark and started on small leather goods straight away. My friend (from UK) and I had a great girlfriend weekend. We stayed in a local airbnb and walked to and from the mill (12min) every day along the scenic canal path. Local cosy wine bar was a must on the way home too. We will definately be back to do another course at some time. Our bags are great and we have learnt new skills, met new people and had a great weekend together. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED."

12 Oct 16'

Rachel Lumsden reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Just a quick thank you for yesterday. I thoroughly enjoyed it! An ideal combination of information and hands on. Thank you also (and your husband) for a good convivial lunch. A lovely day all round. Rachel"