Latest reviews

27 Jul 16'

Veronica Evans reviewed: Indigo dyeing & shibori

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course. It was very well run, everything we needed was supplied and our course tutor, Cath Lewis was an inspiring teacher. I had purchased some silk for dyeing but Suzi had brought silk, linen, cotton and wool and we tried them all. Cath actually taught us how to make an Indigo vat, not just how to use one and, after she had demonstrated lots of different tying techniques, allowed us to develop our own special interests. We all ended up with favourite materials and tried inventing our own patterns. The food was lovely, and our hostess even very kindly made gluten-free meals for me. All in all, it was brilliant. I thought it was a bit pricey at first, but looking back I got very good value for my money and I am very glad I did it. I would definitely encourage others to have a go. I am still dyeing, with indigo and now with Procion dyes as well, Cath opened a door for me and I am immensely grateful."

26 Jul 16'

Fran Law reviewed: Make a beautiful felt bag in The Forest Of Dean

"Great day Christine, thank you for lovely hospitality nice food. Chuffed with my two pieces of handmade felt. I will be back. Xxx"

26 Jul 16'

Piet Snyman reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I always wanted to do this, but never knew how much fun and hard work it would be. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and will be back for more. Mort is an excellent teacher and made sure that you get sufficient opportunity to practice and improve over the course of the day, but also have time to listen to his stories and have a laugh. I had a basic idea of what I wanted to make, but with Mort's knowledge it soon turned into something more special, but also challenging. At the end of the day I really felt I achieved something. I will definitely recommend this!"

26 Jul 16'

Nicola Hazleton reviewed: Millinery evening class (monthly) at Inkberrow Design Centre

"Created a button headpiece. Excellent tuition through out. Would recommended to anyone who wants to make a button it fascinator for a special occasion."

26 Jul 16'

Novvy Allen reviewed: Make a beautiful felt bag in The Forest Of Dean

"I really enjoyed your felt-making session last week. It’s a process I’ve not had the opportunity to try before and I didn’t expect to complete a whole item, I’m really pleased with it. Please keep me on your mailing list for future sessions."

26 Jul 16'

Susan reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I really enjoyed this informal and well taught weekend course, it was relaxed and I am so proud of my sculpture"

26 Jul 16'

Lyn Musgrove reviewed: Fused glass taster (afternoon)

"Fantastic morning .I am not particularly arty but have really enjoyed having fun making 3 pieces of glass artwork.It was amazing what I achieved with a bit of help. I can,t imagine how anyone would not enjoy themselves and have already told friends about it."

26 Jul 16'

Diane reviewed: Glass fusing decorations/hangings

"I'd recommend any of Linda's workshops. Linda is a great teacher, she's patient, calm and a talented artist (those things don't always go together!). I found she was able to help me as a beginner as well as others who had been before. You'll have fun on the course and as a bonus you get to take home everything you make.... and eat great cake! I'm definitely going to glass fusing again."

26 Jul 16'

Kit Anderson reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I was fortunate to have three days with Ed and it was brilliant! I can't recommend him enough!! I came with a reasonable knowledge but really lacked the finer technical skills knowledge to make really good moulds. I was treated to a 'master class' of top tips , great technical skills and very good background knowledge of the process and all done with great humour . There is a great art to imparting information to other people so that they have the understanding and confidence to put it into practice. This will be of great benefit to both my job as a technician and lecturer and in my own ceramic practice."

26 Jul 16'

Jenny Jones reviewed: Patchwork and Quilting City & Guilds Level 2

"I really enjoyed the course, although it was quite hard work with lots of homework! I learnt a great deal, much of it out of my comfort zone which was a reason for my doing the course, as it is very easy just to stay with what you're familiar with. Bev is a great tutor, very patient and explaining things clearly so they're easy to understand and complete. She shows samples of items we need to make, and helped us through all of the processes. I'd recommend this course to anyone who wants to extend their knowledge of patchwork and quilting."

26 Jul 16'

Joanna reviewed: Green Woodworking - Make a Shave Horse - 1 Day Course in South Devon

"This was my second course with Peter at the Devon Green Wood Centre. Having done the Stool Making weekend previously I had caught the green woodworking bug & was pleased to be able to construct a shave horse to (hopefully) do more projects at home. As before the course was well prepared, Peter's demonstrations were clear & easy to follow, the location (wonderful) & facilities were excellent and the group size just right. I can't recommend this highly enough & look forward to doing another course there in the future."

26 Jul 16'

Anne Wilcox reviewed: Patchwork and Quilting City & Guilds Level 2

"I am just coming to the end of my first year level 2, having completed level 1. Having never done any type of design course before , Bev made me feel so at ease with her teaching methods, I now see design wherever I go! This course is far better than I ever imagined and I am sure it's all down to the way Bev teaches, she not only inspires me to be more creative she encourages and supports when needed in a very professional and kind way. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone."

26 Jul 16'

Susan reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Absolutely enjoyed the day and learned more than what I thought possible. Thank you."

26 Jul 16'

Jo Hopwood reviewed: Glass fusing decorations/hangings

"I really enjoyed this course - and am still using the coaster I made every day! Linda is an excellent teacher and took us through the process step by step to ensure that every one was able to create something lovely. This is the second of Linda's courses that I have taken and I can't recommend them highly enough!"

25 Jul 16'

Joshua Anderson reviewed: Two day stained glass workshop including glass painting

"Brilliant tutor and overall enjoyable course. Having had previously taken part in craft classes and dabbled with stained glass In the past, I can safely say that this course was well taught, equipped and the tutor Nick was not only very attentive and incredibly skilful but took the time to tailor the experience. Would definitely take part in another class with him. 5 stars!"

25 Jul 16'

Jaz Crush reviewed: Two day stained glass workshop including glass painting

"Really enjoyed my experience at the Easthope Stained Glass Studios!! I am studying fine art painting at university and Nick helped me apply my painting skills to make a BEAUTIFUL stained glass piece!! Next time I am down in Folkestone I will definitely be booking onto another course to make some more pieces! I cannot praise Nick and his son Teddy enough, they were very patient and excellent at explaining at every stage of the process. Lovely family business! Thank you Easthope Studios, I will definitely be back for another workshop!"

25 Jul 16'

Alison A Clark reviewed: Leather satchel course

"Fabulous weekend with a fabulous handbag at the end! What's not to like? I thought the whole course very instructive and has fired no end of enthusiasm for future projects. I've bought some books already and planning a trip to the Balls Pond Road to suss out leather. Many thanks to Gaynor, Elizabeth and Sian for being brilliant teachers and steering me, particularly, through some HANDBAGGY panics! Also loved your part of Wales-I'd never been before, and the accommodation at Plas Farmhouse was lovely. Hoping to see you all again in the future, Regards Alison Clark"

25 Jul 16'

Jackie Ward reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"A fantastic weekend. Jo was an excellent instructor who obviously enjoyed her craft and sharing a huge range of skills. The relaxed atmosphere and great company made two days of hard work fly by and the delight of completing a chair to be proud of was amazing. I will certainly be booking again!"

25 Jul 16'

John Ward reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day, 1 person)

"Great day spent with Graham learning how to woodturn. Good instruction on types of wood, drying, tools & kit but best of all - we got straight on and started to make something! Just the right amount of instruction and hands on learning resulted in a lovely bowl hand crafted by myself! I have now got myself covered in wood chips and sawdust and will look forward to doin it again. Thanks"

25 Jul 16'

Linda Venters reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I absolutely loved my 2 days learning to mould make at Ed's new workshop in the ex-Spode Factory, Stoke. It was great to reproduce my broken Green Man and create a mould of him from which I can make perhaps 100 copies. At the same time I benefited from a great free counselling session with Ed (who is a truly kind, caring and empathetic person) and we definitely put the world to rights. I plan to revisit at some point in the future."

25 Jul 16'

charlotte gringras reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"Sally is an excellent and pleasant teacher, and however hard I might have found elements of making my hare, she rarely 'took over' which some craft teachers I've known are tempted to do. I had longed to do willow work for many years and if she and I lived closer I would certainly learn another craft with her. My willow hare is very proud of himself! I am exhausted but very pleased with him."

25 Jul 16'

stela reviewed: Weekend Introduction to Jewellery Making at Jewellery Workshop Leeds

"This was the best course I could go to! I've learned so many things in two days... In the second day, I was able to make a ring and a pair of earrings (with Bernard and Jane's support, of course :) ). I don't live in Leeds, but this course made me want to come back and learn more. Thank you so much, Bernard and Jane! I really hope to see you again soon. Stela"

25 Jul 16'

Linda Wickham reviewed: Two day stained glass workshop including glass painting

"I was very impressed. Nick was patient and a great teacher. I was amazed how much I learnt over the 2 days and produced a beautiful hanging window light catcher that could have easily cost me £250 to buy for a present - but I made it, so it is priceless! I am booked on the next course so I can learn more and make another bespoke present for my mum. I enjoyed it so much I can't wait to get back into the studio. Nothing was too much trouble for Nick and his lovely son Teddy. Real craftsmen and a pleasure to be around and learn from them. The area is great, easy parking and right in the creative quarter of Folkestone. Not been there for years but it has become very arty and cultural. I stayed over, local B and B's are £60. 5"

25 Jul 16'

Harry Arnold reviewed: One day leather bag making workshop

"I booked the wallet/purse making course for my wife for our 3rd anniversary. Rosanna was very quick at responding to messages and helpful in informing me on all the details. When we arrived she was very welcoming and pleasant and had everything organised and ready to go. We had an amazing time making gifts for each other and Rosanna guided us through each step with clear concise instructions. It was a great half day spent with her and worth every penny."

25 Jul 16'

Richard Mills reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day, 1 person)

"It was the first time I had used a wood lathe since leaving school in 1970. Graham took myself and John the other student, through the different types of wood, how they are gathered, cut and how he stores and drys them naturally prior to use, he also told us about his 3 lathes, all very interesting. I was taught to use the lathe and gouges/turning tools on a practice piece, then I moved onto taking a roughly rounded plank of Cedar Lebanon wood, and with Grahams expert guidance I ended up making a bowl finished with lemon oil, which I will treasure. A most enjoyable experience and I would recommend this relaxed and informative course to anyone,even if you have never used a lathe before you will master it with Grahams guidance."