Latest reviews

16 Apr 16'

Richard Scott reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"A very unhurried, relaxed and productive day. Graham is very experienced and is full of advice on all aspects of wood and its behaviours and suitability for turning. I left with a walnut bowl that I am really proud of, and the confidence to have a go myself. That great British staple of tea and biscuits is in ample supply throughout. Graham has since contacted me offering advice on lathes and a starter set of tools, so I feel that I am not alone in taking the pursuit further. If you think you would like to have a go at turning you could not make a better decision than attending one of Graham's courses."

16 Apr 16'

Mike Eyre reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"My 1-day course was a 65th birthday present from my wife, bought after we'd enjoyed a day out to this incredible museum, a hidden gem! As well as being a master craftsman, Alex is a natural tutor brimming with enthusiasm for his craft and infinitely patient in explaining the basic techniques. He has a real gift for sensing how far to leave you to practice what he's shown but always willing to step in and guide, help or takeover as he senses you need. I made a pair of log tongues with pteradactyl handles and two garden lampholders which will have pride of place round my yet-to-be-built fire pit. I came away with an even greater respect for this centuries old craft."

16 Apr 16'

Dave reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Stop reading now and sign up for the course. I can not recommend any higher, very enjoyable day! My only regret was I only did one day, not two days. I was able to complete 3 projects with no prior experience. Nigel not only keeps your attention with stories of his travels around the world, all made possible with his unique Blacksmithing knowledge, but has a way of explaining how to do everything clearly and simply. Very relaxed atmosphere. No pressure to perform. You are shown the task then allowed to get on, with the comfort of assistance at anytime. I will definitely visit the forge again."

16 Apr 16'

Alison Perman reviewed: Fine Art Drawing & Painting - 6 week course

"I started the class in January and loved it. It certainly stretched me and took me out of my comfort zone. We covered drawing, Lino printing and painting with acrylics and oils. Great!"

16 Apr 16'

Rowan Malcolm reviewed: Basket weaving for beginners - make a round basket

"It was a lovely relaxing day with Emma's selection of homegrown, wild and bought willows in beautiful shades of green, brown and white. I went to learn about working with willows for an art project but also went home with an impressive and unusual round basket I had created! The homemade cakes were great too! I hope to go again soon!"

16 Apr 16'

Caroline reviewed: Pottery throwing day course in the South Downs

"I was given a whole five day course. I have had one of the most brilliant times of my life, learning to make pots, - throwing and coiling. Rowena is a fabulous teacher, morphing smoothly into a coach as you get the hang of it, encouraging you to experiment and push your ideas. I had my coil pot project going on in the background which I could work on each day whilst learning a new skill. The weather was kind to us so we had a really memorable day building a kiln outside and doing a Raku firing with fire and sawdust and the excitement of revealing jewels of colour and texture as the cinders were washed off. I cannot rate this highly enough. Also, if you are interested in history Lewes is fascinating place to explore while you are there"

16 Apr 16'

Dave Loosemore reviewed: Blacksmithing courses

"A superb day. We were taught the basics and then made our own creations with expert supervision. Lucille is a talented lady who has a flair for design and a thorough knowledge of the blacksmith's craft. She is both patient and practical. This makes an excellent present that you will not forget. An excellent day, thoroughly recommended."

15 Apr 16'

Carla reviewed: Pembrokeshire Maddie Janes Mosaic

"My mum and I had a session with Maddie whilst on holiday this week. It was a really enjoyable morning and we were both so pleased with our final pieces, now I've just got to find somewhere for them to live at home! I would really recommend booking in with Maddie, the studio and setting are amazing and she is so helpful and knowledgeable."

15 Apr 16'

Kathryn reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"Loved every minute of my upholstery weekend with Jo. I learnt so much in a great relaxed atmosphere and came away with a gorgeous upholstered chair I couldn't quite believe I did! Can't wait to get started on my next project. Thanks Jo for all your tuition and patience. The best course I have ever done."

15 Apr 16'

Nora W reviewed: Pembrokeshire Maddie Janes Mosaic

"A good way to spend a morning while on holiday in St Davids. My daughter and I had a lovely morning all to ourselves (leaving the rest of the family behind) producing an owl, an elephant, a garden plaque and a mirror. Maddie was very welcoming and explained things well. There was no rush to finish in the two hours. Her studio is amazing with so much to choose from to make the mosaics. Highly recommend."

15 Apr 16'

Amanda Andrews reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"I highly recommend this Course with James. Tution was clear and the support and help just excellent. Absolutely amazed and thrilled with my creations The studio is beautiful, lots of space and light., I will be back for more."

15 Apr 16'

Penny Bennett reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"What a brilliant day. A good mixture of instruction and hands on learning very much geared to the learning style of myself and my friend who attended this one day course with Jonathan. We felt that we learnt a great deal and received lots of encouragement from a very patient tutor. As two complete novices it was certainly a great way to start silversmithing whether you intend to develop this into a new hobby or just do the day for enjoyment. We look forward to doing another day as we were both delighted with our finished pieces and we are keen to learn more. Highly recommended day!"

15 Apr 16'

Stuart Martin reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - North Norfolk

"A return to the forge after too long a lapse! Two days under James and Roger's watchful eyes and helpful advice renewed my enthusiasm for moving metal and my determination to continue learning. Thank you so much."

15 Apr 16'

Steve watson reviewed: Stained Glass Workshop - Two Day

"Booked this as a Christmas gift for the wife, and I also attended. Great patience as teachers with a knowledge that extends due to their vast experience. Which does help as a novice when things go wrong. Loved the final results for the projects we made. Will be looking to book another in the future. Thanks to both Jan and Dawn."

14 Apr 16'

Lulu Bousfield reviewed: Upholstery and cushion covers with Jo Walton

"I started the Tuesday morning classes a couple of months ago with quite a difficult chair for a total beginner! But I can honestly say I have enjoyed every second. Jo makes you feel very relaxed therefore you enjoy yourself. The 3 hours felt like 3 mins. The concentration is something I have always found hard but finally in my old age, I can do it!! I am very proud of myself but I could not have achieved a difficult chair and foot stool (so far) without Jo. I wish she had been my teacher when I was little then I would have gone far! She is a brilliant teacher."

14 Apr 16'

john bertram reviewed: Stained Glass Workshop - Two Day

"Really enjoyed the two day workshop,both Jan and Dawn made the instructions simple and understandable,it was also nice to meet like minded people."

14 Apr 16'

Christine Wilde reviewed: Making a stained glass leaded panel

"I've been to several of Caryl's classes. Each time learning different techniques. I've loved every minute. As the classes are small, each student gets one to one help from Caryl, and I'm looking forward to more classes this year."

14 Apr 16'

Stan reviewed: Spoon Carving Day

"Harry and I had a great day yesterday. After a warm welcome from Adam we started spoon carving almost immediately. Adam was a brilliant instructor and great encourager with amazing knowledge of all things wood which he was happy to share. Delicious lunch, and plentiful tea and biscuits. A very happy day which we would love to repeat."

14 Apr 16'

Elspeth reviewed: Stained Glass Workshop - Two Day

"I recently attended the two day workshop held at the end of March and had a great time. I was a complete beginner but both Jan and Dawn took time to explain the various techniques involved and demonstrated examples. I managed to complete two panels by the end of the 2 days, which I'm very pleased with. I will definitely be signing up for another course and would highly recommend the workshop."

14 Apr 16'

Debra Olsen reviewed: Traditional gate hurdle making course at Moreton Wood Herefordshire

"I really enjoyed this course. Paul is very knowledgeable and able to translate that knowledge into clear instructions and demonstrations. The woodland setting is a great place to work with the accompanying background of birdsong. I came away with a beautiful chestnut gate for my garden and thoroughly enjoyed the course."

14 Apr 16'

Rosemary Norton reviewed: One Day Stained Glass Course for Beginners

"I attended the course in March of this year. Abby and Dan provided high quality tuition and the day was an amazing insight into the complex and creative use of working with glass in this way. The day was a delight from start to finish. My work of art has pride of place in my home. Huge thanks to you both."

13 Apr 16'

April Goodwin reviewed: Stained Glass Workshop - Two Day

"Had a brilliant weekend learning a new skill. Dawn and Jan are great teachers, very patient and willing to pass on their extensive knowledge. Left feeling I had achieved something and with a glass panel which I now use as an internal window and a lovely light catcher both of which attract many compliments."

13 Apr 16'

Barbara Miller reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"Recently just started on clay and loved this course! Light Airy studio and James and Alison were very supportive. Learnt a lot and enjoyed it very much!"

13 Apr 16'

Dave Smallman reviewed: Intermediate woodworking course

"I recently completed the 10 week intermediate course having completed the beginners course last year, and found it equally as interesting, enjoyable and helpful. Combining the skills I learnt in the beginners cours with the new skills learnt in this I managed to create a coffee table that I was proud of and felt confident to carry out my own projects. Highly recommend this course to anyone who did the beginners course or has some experience in woodwork that would like to extend their knowledge. Ciaran is a great and patient teacher and an all round nice guy who clearly enjoys sharing his knowledge with people who want to learn. 10/10"

13 Apr 16'

Tano reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"Excellent day, but hard work. The complicated steps were well explained and demonstrated by Julie and everyone produced a basket of high quality we could be proud of with very little help. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend this course."