Latest reviews

10 Oct 16'

Kat reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"lots of good support with setting up the machines. You don't really need any knowledge/experience of machine sewing as Dawn was very supportive. A lot of time was spent on practicing; however I would of liked to focus more on the end product, as it felt rushed towards the end and we ran over time wise. I was totally absorbed and lost track of time, a few prompts re how much time we need to devote to each task might of been useful. I would definitely recommend this workshop to others. :)"

10 Oct 16'

Lucy Turner reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"An excellent short course. Philip gently encouraged his students to tackle various 'projects' with quiet confidence, and provided his considerable knowledge and expertise to enable us to tackle some quite challenging upholstery tasks."

10 Oct 16'

Genna reviewed: 2 day traditional upholstery workshop

"I loved this weekend! Karen is a natural teacher and the atmosphere is relaxed and homely. Even so the course is intensive with lots of techniques to learn. There is a lot of 1:1 teaching and excellent support throughout all stages plus detailed handouts and email support. I purchased the footstool kit which I highly recommend; I was able to learn a series of essential upholstery skills in one weekend that I can use on projects in the future, making the weekend excellent value for money. Plus, I have a beautiful and unique piece of furniture for my home! Karen's workshop is well equipped with plenty of space and all the materials you are likely to use. Lunch and refreshments are included and Karen's daughter even baked us a cake! I'm looking forward to visiting again and I am already planning my next project."

10 Oct 16'

Free machine embroidery reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"I attended a free machine embroidery course on saturday 8th october with dawn Ireland. The course - and dawn's hospitality were fantastic. I was a complete beginner and dawn was able to take me from teaching me how to thread the sewing machine all the way through to completing 3 pieces of work that I am very happy with. She also provided tea/coffee and homemade cake that made the day even more enjoyable and provided all materials within the cost of the workshop. She has an Aladdin's cave of materials and threads of every coulour and also resources to provide inspiration for designs. I feel I have found a new hobby with dawn's help and would not hesitate to recommend this course to anyone."

10 Oct 16'

James Townley reviewed: Wood Machining in East Sussex

"An excellent course with every opportunity to ask a full range of questions."

10 Oct 16'

Corinne Woods reviewed: Wood Machining in East Sussex

"Lots of detail. Practical advice regarding buying machinery, tailored to our circumstances."

10 Oct 16'

Penny reviewed: Furniture painting workshop with Annie Sloan chalk paint

"A fantastic workshop, lots of fun and learnt loads. The discount on Annie Sloan Chalk Paint was a real bonus - looking forward to getting started on my first upcycling project."

10 Oct 16'

Neil Ewin reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"An unexpected fathers day gift - I am not known as a DIYer or handyman, in fact quite the reverse, but I really enjoyed this course and far exceeded my expectations in terms of what I was able to achieve. My ramshead poker is proudly displayed in our fireplace and will bring back memories of a great day for many years to come."

10 Oct 16'

Lillian reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"This course is excellent. I love the practical element and the fact that I was making lovely candles before the end of the day. I am inspired to come for a lot more and I have no hesitation recommending this to any one else."

10 Oct 16'

Carol reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"So enjoyable. A positive experience. Very happy with what I learned in a day. Thank you so much!"

10 Oct 16'

Susie Davidson reviewed: Willow Piglet workshop

"Great environment and lovely trainer. The course was well thought out and everyone managed to produce a great product irrespective of ability. Nice location with fabulous cabin to work in with everything required available. Many thanks"

9 Oct 16'

John Holloway reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Thank you again for a superb day last Friday. Absolutely blown away with your practical skills and the way you undertook to improve my turning skills. As I mentioned, your skill is in NOT teaching but helping your students to learn -a rare gift and you do it so well. I took lots of useful information away with me so now the rest is up to me. I do hope i can get the opportunity to have another day sometime; you're great fella with a great talent."

9 Oct 16'

Phil Corless reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork – Belt making workshop

"Wendy and Clive are both very passionate and knowledgeable about leather work, I attended a belt making course which I really enjoyed. The course was an excellent introduction into leather work and I look forward to attending one of the more advanced courses when I have practiced the basics a bit more"

9 Oct 16'

Liz Penter reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Returned home yesterday full of happiness from the beginners machine embroidery workshop taught by the lovely Julie Brand in her beautiful studio in Worcestershire. What an inspiration she is! We each came away with our own version of her unique style of embroidered/painted flowers, birds, butterflies, seed-heads and adornments etc ably tutored and demonstrated by Julie in a relaxed and friendly environment. If you come to one of her classes with even just a glimmer of enthusiasm and energy, Julie will send you home with a deep flame of inspiration to tackle your own 'grand design' if the mood takes you. Thank you Julie x"

9 Oct 16'

Lynda Hennessey reviewed: Willow Piglet workshop

"Victoria was very friendly and welcoming. Facilities were excellent and instructions were very clear. With help, I produced a piglet that I am extremely proud of. Thank you Victoria for a lovely day. I'm hoping to return to make a companion animal for the patio."

9 Oct 16'

Denise reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"I booked for the course as a complete novice, never having even picked up a chisel yet came away having completed a table. The tuition was relaxed, expert and friendly and Richard and Dave had infinite patience. It was a great experience, thank you. I enjoyed the lunchtime lectures very much."

9 Oct 16'

Carol Hayward reviewed: Watercolour Art & Spa 2 day full board learn to paint @ The Flackley Ash Hotel Rye Sussex

"I went to this course with a friend who is a beginner at w/c painting. We thought the organisation of the classroom , provision of all materials and teaching were excellent. We were taken through all the techniques and watched demonstrations before attempting to copy examples. Even as an experienced painter I found new things to learn but if you want to do your own thing this may not be for you. The hotel is very comfortable the food very good and it has pleasant gardens. There is also an indoor pool and spa where we enjoyed a few treatments in our spare time. Vicki and Beth have put a great deal of thought into the classes and are experienced teachers managing to give everyone personal attention."

9 Oct 16'

Eva Leslie reviewed: Needle felting course with FURZIE at Trumpet Corner Tea Rooms, Ledbury, Herefordshire

"A great and very helpful day, Michelle gives the individual information each project needs! After my second session with Michelle I think I'm ready now to create a flock of various different colour sheep :)"

9 Oct 16'

Caroline reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"My mum and l went to the bangle workshop, and absolutely love it. The lady running the workshop - Jolene is a inspiration. MUST TRY!"

8 Oct 16'

Sheila Hattersley reviewed: Painting & Prosecco Party in Broadstairs : learn to paint in acrylics

"This is a brilliant course for anyone wanting to dip their toes in the wonderful world of water colour painting. Vicki and Beth give confidence and ensure that you take home a "masterpiece" at the end of your very first lesson. The lessons are friendly and fun and very encouraging."

8 Oct 16'

Claire Floisand reviewed: Embroidery Hanging-"Stitch for the Soul" with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Loved my creative day! Julie is very inspiring and so helpful. I Came to the course with an idea that i had wanted to make for such a long time but didnt know how to go about it. Julie was able to give me expert advise and show me how to go about it. She has so many wonderful ideas, a huge bank of resources and years of talent. I am still fairly new to sewing so was amazed at how easy Julie makes it all. I am so proud of my picture and could never have envisaged it looking so 'professional.' Thank you Julie. Will definitely be booking again."

8 Oct 16'

Gary Maltby reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This course was a inspired birthday gift from my wife. The wait since July has been torture. A warm welcome by Debbie, Adrian and Andy put everyone at ease and I could not stop smiling all day. I was tutored and guided to produce something that was totally unexpected (a Rams head fire poker) and it is now in pride of place within my fire place. Adrian, I believe, gets as much pleasure from watching our"

8 Oct 16'

Claire reviewed: Needle Felting - Colourful Birds

"I loved this craft session, I have found my new favourite craft"

8 Oct 16'

Gemma & Chris reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This was our second course with Adrian and Andy as we had enjoyed the first so much. This time we made a fire poker (me) and a toasting fork (Chris) and we're thrilled with them. Both Adrian & Andy are incredibly skilled and patient, taking you through what you'll be creating step by step and helping out when necessary. Debbie provides delicious home made lunch, dessert and cake to finish off the day. Despite being with 6 different people each time there was still a brilliant atmosphere which is all down to Adrian, Debbie and Andy. They are all so easy to talk to and make the day so enjoyable. I guarantee one course won't be enough, we'll be back for our third go!!"

8 Oct 16'

Sue Bowen reviewed: Painting & Prosecco Party in Broadstairs : learn to paint in acrylics

"These courses are excellent for beginners. They give students confidence and a variety of subjects to paint. The evenings are friendly and fun with great company and good tutors. The courses are run on a five or six week basis and having finished the first you can enroll for the next. This enables you to build on previous lessons."