Latest reviews

30 Aug 16'

Tanya reviewed: Fabulous fused glass jewellery for beginners

"I spent a delightful day on my first (of many, I hope) fused glass jewellery workshop, led by Eleanor. Eleanor's preparation was evident, since she had all the resources ready for us, so we were able to maximise our time designing and making. Her step-by-step tutorial was pitched perfectly and she was on hand to advise when needed. Moreover, as there were only six participants in the workshop, there was a very industrious, supportive atmosphere, and we were able to bounce ideas off each other. I came away at the end of the day feeling totally relaxed and secretly chuffed with my achievements. A few days later, I felt like a child opening her Christmas stocking when I unwrapped my jewellery, which had now been fired and expertly packaged - to avoid damage - and the enclosed personal note of encouragement from Eleanor was a lovely touch. I can't wait till next time!"

30 Aug 16'

Lee-lee reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"Can't recommend this course enough. Jason taught with enthusiasm and it was evident to me that he wanted each of his students to leave his unique studio having made quality leather products to the highest standard. Great experience, many thanks Jason."

30 Aug 16'

Lisa reviewed: Beginner’s Soapmaking Workshop in Salisbury

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course and would highly recommend it. Catherine presents the workshop in a professional and friendly manner. Well done Catherine and Thank-you."

30 Aug 16'

Patricia French reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"I had a very interesting and relaxing time at Ichen Valley Country Park learning how to weave. Alice was very calm and patient teaching a small group of ladies and encouraging us to get the best out of our weaving. Each piece was individual and beautiful. I enjoyed using different yarns and discovering their effects. Thank you Alice."

30 Aug 16'

Nina and Meriel K reviewed: Lampwork Beadmaking Full Day Introduction For One

"An amazing and informative day. Ruth and Andy are smashing people, we'd met them at a Craft Fair and got chatting and decided on a day course. You are instantly welcomed into their home, if you don't mind dogs Bentley will welcome you too :-) They are so enthusiastic about their craft, and give you as much information as you can soak up. Making the glass beads was amazing, I love the way the glass behaves when it's hot. Cutting the glass ready for fusing was a little more frustrating but that was down to us, not Andy! A brilliant day, might not be setting up ourselves, but I think I'll be back for another session with Ruth at some point. All this, and a great lunch too :-)"

29 Aug 16'

Dave Swinborne reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Great Fun. Booked on the recommendation of my brother in law. Was not disappointed. Had a great day with fellow trainee blacksmiths!!!!!. Thoroughly recommend Nigel and the course. Hope to repeat the experience in the future."

28 Aug 16'

Luke reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"My partner and I had an amazing time glassblowing with Ricky last week! I can't recommend the course highly enough. We were straight into the practical, collecting glass, blowing bubbles and soon adding colour. Ricky was a great teacher and we were able to quickly progress through different techniques. The finished products are so beautiful, we are both very happy with them and would definitely love to do an advanced course asap! Thank you so much for a memorable day."

28 Aug 16'

nina denis reviewed: West London Willow Weaving Workshops - Animals, Obelisks & cloches, platters, Coasters & Simple baskets. Willow Hearts & Leaves and birds

"Must say I thought I could make a large basket boy was I wrong it was not that easy to make . As the teacher told us you will start screaming throwing stuff in frustration. However lovely day out interesting course inspired me to try it again with friends. Well worth trying lovely teacher willing to assist and help where needs ."

28 Aug 16'

Mike Dooley reviewed: Photography Days

"A one day course arranged for my 13 year old Granddaughter, Poppy. I was invited to participate on the day. Poppy wanted to learn how to get the most from the DSLR given to her at Christmas. I was impressed by Richard and Sue`s patient approach demonstrating the basic functions of the camera and explaining, in simple terms, the basic principles of photography. An outdoor session on the shores of Ullswater proved very useful. After lunch the afternoon was taken up with indoor and flash photography, experimenting with aperture settings and shutter speeds. To hold the attention of a young teenager (as well as my own) for a full day of sometimes complex detail shows the level of skill used by Richard and Sue. I thoroughly recommend these courses."

28 Aug 16'

Jean Fremlin reviewed: Group Soap-making Workshop - Soapology Studio - Nottinghamshire

"An excellent course, guiding you through the soap making history, methods, ingredients and recipes for making a natural high quality soap. The morning session was informative and the afternoon session a hands on workshop. I made 3 soaps and Emma was very generous with the range of additives, essential oils and colours which we could chose, and of course with her professional teaching skills. I would recommend this course 100%"

28 Aug 16'

Julia reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"Thank you Alice for a really nice, relaxed day learning the basics of weaving on a loom. I have been saying weft and wite all week! Hopefully I will remember the directions of the weft and warp threads!? It was a lovely group and I wish you great things for the future and will try and come and see you at The Hot Walls studios in Southsea. Julia"

28 Aug 16'

Carole Priestley reviewed: 121 - An Introduction to Cold Process Soap Making

"We had a lovely relaxing day with Emma and Blossom in beautiful surroundings. By the end of the session we felt confident enough to purchase a starter kit to bring home to try out the techniques we had learnt during the day. Our house smells amazing!! We will be back in the future to try out another course. Carole and Miranda August 2016"

27 Aug 16'

Ty Hayes reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I booked a one day course for two with Chris for my partner's birthday, and Chris was very helpful and accommodating throughout the process, finding a day that suited all of us as well as providing information on how to get to his forge by public transport. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. The forge is in an outbuilding on a farm - it looks and feels exactly like you expect a forge should. Chris is really easy to get along with and has an excellent teaching style, adapting to the needs of each student individually as they work. The starter projects are pitched at just the right level to teach you the basic skills of the smith, and by the afternoon we were both a lot more confident working the hot steel. We were a bit slow getting started and so broke for lunch fairly late. But Chris allowed the day to run well past the time we supposed to finish in order for us to finish the letter opener we had started on, rather than leaving us with a half finished project at the end of the course. All round it was an excellent day and I would have no hesitation recommending this to anyone interested in learning how to be a blacksmith."

27 Aug 16'

Doreen Broome reviewed: Fused glass art experience - no cutting required - Your own venue

"I telephoned Ros to discuss running this course for my Mother who has Parkinson's disease and dementia, to see if this would be possible for her to do. She talked me through what would be required and what could be made and we decided to let my mother make something. She came to my Mother's house and brought all the materials required and various boxes of coloured glass pieces. She made a couple of suncatchers with Ros's assistance. She was very patient and understanding and helped my mother when she had difficulties. The items my mother made were taken back to Ros's studio and she delivered them about a week later. I was very pleased how this turned out for my Mother as she has little confidence in having a go at many things due to health reasons. I will definitely be arranging for my mother to do this again. Thank you so much Ros. My apologies I've put this on the right page now, but it was on the beginners' fused glass - sorry!"

26 Aug 16'

Lucy reviewed: Two-day Silkscreen Printing Course: Design and Print Your Own Fabric £170.00

"We had such a rewarding time working at Caroline's beautiful studio and home. She is an experienced and nurturing teacher who gently guides you through the processes letting you develop your own ideas and designs drawing upon her expertise to ensure a great result. There is so much to enjoy in Caroline's working environment from tempting examples of her design work to endless books filled with inspirations. We very much enjoyed Caroline and her husband's company and had delicious lunches, too! Highly recommended."

26 Aug 16'

F.D Glover-Lozach'Meur reviewed: 3-day Jewellery-making Course with Jinks McGrath – Sussex

"I have attended Jinks' 5 days summer jewellery course for several years. The description of her course on her site is absolutely accurate. The number of students in the course is ideal for each person to get the personal tuition that you would expect, the workshop is very well equipped to pursue any chosen project, the environment is extremely beautiful, the food prepared and cooked by Jinks is wonderful plus the various hot drinks provided each day BUT this course is so much more ... To me these 5 days are a breath of fresh air, sunshine and laughter and I leave feeling full of joy, energy and impatient to do so much more. Jinks is a very good teacher as she not only imparts knowledge with great generosity but also manages to bring her unique energy which always make me want to come back. I would not hesitate to recommend her courses very highly, but no one is taking my place for next year or the year after. Sorry...Booked. Dominique"

26 Aug 16'

thelma johnston reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"Very friendly, good instructions and Louise is extremely supportive and helpful. I am very pleased with the items I have made. I was very unsure of my skills but Louise has encouraged me and made sure she is there to give advice whenever it has been required. I would highly recommend this course and will keep going."

26 Aug 16'

Emma Tivey reviewed: Leather Mask Making

"A fascinating and well taught workshop - arrived a beginner, left feeling competent and inspired. Friendly and fun atmosphere, beautiful setting and wonderful cake :) Thanks Gaynor + Co for a lovely day"

26 Aug 16'

Deborah reviewed: Skincare Workshops using Herbal Infusions

"Very interesting course , well run with a relaxed feel to it. Small class and very easy to follow the recipes. Diane is very knowledgeable and more than happy to answer questions and give extra help for any thing that is not covered on the day. I had a query after the course on making a product that we did not make on the day and Diane got back to me very quickly with some suggestions. Will definitely be booking on to the soap making course later in the year. A very enjoyable day."

26 Aug 16'

Sarah Roberts reviewed: A Practical Dry Stone Walling Workshop Central London

"Great course, taught by the friendly, knowledgeable and passionate John Holt in London Bridge. Loved the fact we were learning the ancient craft of dry stone walling in this little oasis in the city - against a backdrop of the modern Shard, Gherkin and Walkie talkie skyscrapers!"

26 Aug 16'

Jane Findlay reviewed: Introductory pottery wheel throwing taster sessions

"A fantastic day. Lorraine is an excellent teacher, she taught both beginners and experienced students in the same class. I am a complete beginner and was surprised how well we all did. There were five of us on the course and we were able to spend time at the wheel or try our hand at working with moulds. It is a very satisfying course as Lorriane guides you through each step clearly explaining the techniques, she lets you get on with it and experiment so it's really hands on. Lorraine continually circulates around the students spending equal amounts of time with each of us. With her help on hand all my pots turned out well. With good facilities and great cake I can highly recommend the course. Great day away from the office!"

25 Aug 16'

Joe Warbrick reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Having already covered a fair amount in fine furniture woodworking on my college course I went on the box making course and really enjoyed it. I learnt various new techniques on machines and by hand including decorative dovetails, cutting hinges, finishing and lining boxes. Mark and Richard were both brilliant tutors and passed on their skills and knowledge of woodwork with great enthusiasm. The ratio was fantastic with 2 tutors to 3 students. I was delighted with the end result. I would highly recommend this course and would like to do another."

25 Aug 16'

Donna reviewed: Art & Craft Days - Christmas Wreaths & Swags – Willow

"Christmas Wreaths & Swags Workshop 24 November 2015 Fab swags and wreaths workshop today with Deb Hart. Thank you Julie and Brian for the lovely lunch and treats."

25 Aug 16'

Mary reviewed: Art & Craft Days - Christmas Wreaths & Swags – Willow

"Willow Basket Making – 21st April 2015 We spent a very interesting day on Tuesday weaving our willow baskets to take home! Julie and Brian were perfect hosts and we were treated to an excellent home-cooked lunch and home made cakes with tea. Deb Hart was our instructor and we all enjoyed our day which went far too quickly. Mary"

25 Aug 16'

Zoe reviewed: Art & Craft Days - Christmas Wreaths & Swags – Willow

"Plant Obelisk & Blue Tit Feeder in Willow A Fantastic day, i really enjoyed it. Thank you"