Latest reviews

29 Sep 16'

Linda edwards reviewed: One day leather bag making workshop

"This was my second course with Rosanna I have made a hand stitched laptop case and today I made a large size purse with a zip coin compartment and then opens up to the cards and notes I love it, Rosanna it a fantastic teacher whom encourages you to follow your tastes and style in your piece you are making. I'm booked on the handbag two day in October yes I'm addicted its brill. Give it a go great fun!"

29 Sep 16'

Ann Stupple reviewed: Make a needle-felt Herdwick doorstop - a Quirky Workshop nr Ullswater & The Lake District

"I have been on a number of courses here and they have all been excellent. My herdwick doorstop is lovely and even admired by James Rebanks of "shepherds life' fame. The food is lovely too, I always eat too much!"

29 Sep 16'

Patricia Davies reviewed: Make a needle-felt Herdwick doorstop - a Quirky Workshop nr Ullswater & The Lake District

"What a great day ! The venue is lovely, with a great atmosphere. The course was excellent, all the materials required were provided. The tutor showed all the steps and no sewing is required. We all went home with our own doorstop - wonderful. There are so many courses available, I will be returning. Vouchers are available which make great gifts."

29 Sep 16'

Paul Weston reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I thoroughly enjoyed the intensive four-day course. Ciarán is a very knowledgeable and skilful woodworker and an excellent teacher – making the whole process a lot of fun. He is very constructive, supportive and patient; he has to be with students like me on the course! The Arts Centre setting is lovely and lunch at the on-site café was excellent. As mentioned by others, we were copiously supplied with tea/coffee and biscuits throughout. Having never done woodwork before (save the odd bit of DIY), I thought the skills taught were ideal for beginners and I learned a great deal – enough to feel confident to take my learning to the next level. A word of warning? I became a little stressed as time went on, particularly on the last day, when I realised that I was falling behind. This was down to me, as I’m particular and fussy and made some mistakes. Three of us had to stay late on the last day to finish, and I was the last! Ciarán was fantastic with this (I don’t think it’s uncommon) and never once gave the impression that he was annoyed or frustrated. In fact, he tried to encourage me to do a little more to address the areas I wasn’t happy with. So, as the course title suggests, it is intensive! However, I’m extremely pleased I went on it and would highly recommend it!"

29 Sep 16'

Roslyn reviewed: Make a needle-felt Herdwick doorstop - a Quirky Workshop nr Ullswater & The Lake District

"Excellent and fun course. Great tutor with easy to follow steps. Amazing lunch and treats during the day. One of many great courses offered by the cycle cafe st greystoke. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend and would even attend this course again!"

29 Sep 16'

julia stanton reviewed: Wire garden sculptures - Geese with Susan Nichols :a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Excellent course by a very capable instructor, and we all came away with wonderful sculptures. Added to that, we had a delicious lunch in the cafe garden (price included in the workshop fee) in a really convivial atmosphere."

29 Sep 16'

Iona reviewed: Wire garden sculptures - Geese with Susan Nichols :a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"My second wire sculpture course, just love it. Sue is a very patient teacher and I came home chuffed with my creations!! Will be booking for next year."

29 Sep 16'

Steve reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I had an excellent day of learning and fun making jewellery at Lucy's workshop. I came away with a handmade, by me, silver bracelet. Lucy is an excellent tutor who enables and supports while teaching jewellery making techniques. I have already booked my next session. Thanks."

29 Sep 16'

Silver clay beginners course reviewed: Silver jewellery beginners' class - one day

"I came to do the silver clay class....oh my goodness it was amazing, I loved every second. I made a beautiful necklace and earings! It's brilliant the way it changes after being fired is astounding, all the staff were helpful but Louise was so patient with me when I was dithering! I can't wait to do it again!!"

29 Sep 16'

Trudie McClatchie reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Ive just been lucky enough to attend Jo's course. I achieved everything the course promised plus lots of tips and business information too. What a lovely lady, it was such a stress-free fun day. I still can't believe what beautiful scented candles i made. Jo is so talented - a domestic candle goddess of her beautiful kitchen. Recommend Jo's course with no hestitation."

29 Sep 16'

Alison reviewed: Calligraphy for Beginners and Improvers

"I have been studying with Gaynor for several years and long may it continue. She is both an excellent calligrapher and tutor, offering guidance and support whilst encouraging her pupils to develop their own style. Flatford Mill is a tranquil weekend retreat. Be prepared for basic accommodation but a very warm welcome and wholesome food. A great place to get away from the madness of modern life."

29 Sep 16'

Alison reviewed: Calligraphy: four-lesson correspondence and/or zoom courses with Gaynor Goffe

29 Sep 16'

Alison reviewed: Calligraphy workshop - half day

29 Sep 16'

Donna Hopcraft reviewed: Fabulous fused glass jewellery for beginners

"A well structured course with an excellent level of teaching and guidance. The work space was small but sufficient for a small group and therefore good for individual guidance. Good facilities and equipment. Lots of opportunities to be creative. Ideal for beginners."

29 Sep 16'

Chris Munachen reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"As a beginner to wood turning and had never worked on a lathe before with Colin's relaxed, clear and conscious instruction I was soon developing a feel and skill set to use the tools. With his enthusiasm I am now looking to join the world of the wood turner. A big thank you to Collin for a brilliant day that went all to quickly."

29 Sep 16'

Ruth Hughes reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"friendly atmosphere, small number of students makes it easier to ask questions and learn, good company especially the little dog and big cat :)"

29 Sep 16'

Jemma Allett reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"This Candlemaking workshop is really fun and interesting. Kerry is a delightful host and the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. I came all the way from London to do this Course and I can't recommend it enough. I always have to buy around thirty gifts at Christmas so by doing this course I will save myself a lot of money as the candles not only smell devine but look very professional."

28 Sep 16'

Davina Abbott reviewed: Fabulous felt picture 2 day masterclass near York

"I had a fantastic weekend on Bridget's felting course. I learnt so many new things which is always exciting to do. Bridget spent time with all of us individually, and was very patient informing us of what to do. The venue was perfect. All of us on the 2 day course went away with a picture we were proud of and all of them were very different. It was nice to be able to create a picture that had special meaning for each of us. I will be back in the New Year to do another course as there is always something to learn!"

28 Sep 16'

Adrienne Whitham reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Had a wonderful morning at Temple on the candle making workshop! Kerry was very knowledgable about soy wax candle making. We learnt so much about technique,the do's and dont's of candle making and even some basic skills about how to burn a candle! Kerry is such a natural at bringing people together, whilst teaching us the basic skills of candle making. Mid morning while waiting for the candles to set we had coffee and homemade scones and got to know the other people at the workshop. I had a fun morning, a few laughs and brought a candle home and a starter pack to make another one! I would highly recommend this workshop!"

28 Sep 16'

Sinead Marp reviewed: Photo Transferring Workshop

"would highly recommend as it is fun and easy once you know how."

28 Sep 16'

Dan Brooker reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"Wonderful day spent - thank you."

28 Sep 16'

Christian Kitley reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"Cannot speak highly enough of Colin and the amazing day we had last week! My girlfriend and I have wanted to try blacksmithing for a while now and it certainly exceeded our expectations. The day started well with making some coat hooks and practicing using the tools and forge. We then made our full fireside companion set which, with Colin's help, advice and endless patience, looks so much better than we thought it ever would! We were shocked at how much we were able to make and take home with us considering our lack of any blacksmithing skills at the start of the day! Colin's friendly and positive approach really made the day, even when we "messed up" some pieces, Colin got us thinking about what we could turn it into. As a result of one of these "accidents" we now have the most decorative and unique meat carving fork! Absolutely wonderful day, we will certainly be going back for more soon."

28 Sep 16'

Ian Edwards reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"Thank you Ciaran. This was an excellent course; get value for money. Ciaran is a very good teacher, I never felt hassled, or left not understanding what I was supposed to be doing. Having not done woodwork since I was at school this was perfect for me. I left with a hand crafted piece of furniture which I could be proud of. I received an in depth insight into tool maintenance and care. Quite frankly I didn't expect to gain so much from the course. I give this a very high recommendation, I was extremely impressed."

28 Sep 16'

Anneliese reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"I really enjoyed the sewing workshop and learned a lot about how to use my machine for embroidery. Also it was good fun being creative for five hours and creating three nice art works."

27 Sep 16'

Candice reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"27th Sept - I enjoyed the full day course so much 10 days later I have returned for a ½ day course on my own. As much as I loved the day with my family this ½ day on my own has been a lot more productive. As I had already received the basics I was able to jump right in. I made earrings, earring hoops and toggle and clasp, all of which were soldered pretty good for a ½ day. Jonathon was as patient and professional as before. On the full day course myself and my sister asked about what was needed to start off and he ran through a list for the basic starter kit, telling us what and where we could get them the different shops and websites, as our eyes glazed over! We asked if there was any way he could get a package together to save us hours of searching, as he knew and used all these sites regularly. So when I came for my ½ day he had everything prepared for me. So efficient."