Latest reviews

27 Mar 16'

Lisa Moore reviewed: Private Workshop - Make a Pair of Beautiful Fused Glass Coasters with Gemma Truman & Michelle Keeling - Manchester Craft and Design Centre

"Really enjoyed the workshop - it was pitched just at the right level for me as a complete beginner, every stage was explained clearly and I left with a very good understanding of the process. It was also a really fun class and I was made to feel very welcome. Thanks again to both of you, and I hope to be on more of your workshops in the future"

27 Mar 16'

Carole H. reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I have visited Lucy twice, and I am already planning my next visit. It’s great to have 1-1 tuition of the highest standard in a wonderful, well-equipped studio. I have learned many techniques - some of which are devised by Lucy herself, and not found in books - and I have learned to produce work finished to a professional standard. It’s a nice touch that Lucy later sends a set of photographs of work-in-progress, as well as the finished pieces; that’s a helpful reference to the techniques used. The days have been fun, with lots of tea and inspiration!"

27 Mar 16'

Keith Franklin reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I was bought a 2 day blacksmith course as a Christmas present with Alex, and was not disappointed. Alex is a very patient and knowledgeable instructor with a passion for his work and encourages you have a go at whatever you want to design and make. He keeps you topped up with tea and biscuits whenever you need a break, and the Amberley museum is a great place to have a go at being a smithy. I was pleased with the items I made which was a rams head poker and a large standard light, which was quite challenging due to the size of the piece, but Alex kept me on track and I was pleasantly surprised to get in finished by the end of the second day. I would definitely recommend him to complete beginners or those with some blacksmith experience looking to expand their skills."

26 Mar 16'

Simon Quy reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"My daughter, Madi had a great time with Willow Witch of Pendle. She said making a small basket was great fun and really easy to do. It was really pretty with coloured ribbons and loved showing her friends at school. Sally-Anne is a natural with children helping to build their skills and confidence to complete the project themselves. We will be booking further rural craft workshops for her."

26 Mar 16'

Peren Binion reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"I made a beautiful easter basket that I filled with mini Easter eggs last year. Sally-Anne gave easy to follow instructions which resulted in a great end result. I still use if for displaying blossom in springtime. Thank you"

26 Mar 16'

John and Jane Knuckey reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"We have just spent about 30 hours of intense learning how to turn wood on a lathe with Mark. We ran through the basic principles and began using the various chisels, and because of his straightforward method of teaching we are now ready to begin work as woodturners -albeit novices. Mark was throughout really helpful, patient and encouraging, there wasn't a moment when he was not available, and was good humoured and nice to work with."

26 Mar 16'

Judy Smith reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"Thank you Jamal - I brought my friend with me and we both attempted a challenging design - considering we had never done any leading before and, Jamal had to help 2 people at once... So I had to go back for a second day to complete mine. But I am absolutely thrilled with what I produced. Jamal showed me how the accuracy of every little bit of work matters enormously. He provided everything one needs - and what a lot of things one needs to do this absorbing craft. I learnt a huge amount - and if I get the chance will return to do another project - perhaps being a bit more realistic with my aims!"

26 Mar 16'

Jim reviewed: Intermediate woodworking course

"I have just completed the intermediate course having attended the beginners course last year. This one was much more challenging, it actually spread to 11 nights rather than 10. I consider myself a woodworking novice (and a bit ham fisted), but with Ciarans patient tuition I managed to produce a quite reasonable looking table. I really enjoyed the course and learned a lot. Ciaran is very amiable and an excellent teacher. I would thoroughly recommend this course."

26 Mar 16'

Margaret Embleton reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I've spent two days with Mark turning a lump of wood into a beautiful aromatic bowl. He gave plenty of advice before starting to work on the wood about why the tools were used in a particular way How the grain of the wood affected the use of the tools. While turning he gave advice on improoving technique.. All this was followed up with copious notes and advice on equipment to buy. I left with the confidence to go back to my lathe and turn another lump of wood into a bowl. Well worth the money."

25 Mar 16'

joan chan reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"Just spent 2 days on Ed's mould making course, i made a complicated shape in clay which Ed showed me how to make a mould of for slip casting. I had previously done a ceramics degree, which did cover mould making but unfortunately i wasn't really paying much attention to it, Ed covered so much information that what i had done all came back, only now, i had a totally one to one tuition and every question was answered and expertly shown how to do the process. I was expecting just to get my mould made but was taught so much more, the difference in plasters, which tools to use and how everyday objects can be used, how what i have in my own pottery studio can be used to turn the plaster etc etc. You don't just get the tuition, you meet a genuinely nice generous guy, who has the skill and confidence to share what he knows"

25 Mar 16'

Graham King reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Having dabbled with woodturning for the last 12 years or more, I'd never really got to grips with bowl turning or really found a reliable way of sharpening my turning tools. Trying to find any kind of turning course locally had proved to be an impossible task until recently, my wife met a friend of hers who was eagerly looking forward to a bowl turning course at West Dean College. At last, a course seemed possible and the college website was eagerly searched and a booking made for a weekend of turning with Mark Hancock. What an amazing weekend it was - the college and surroundings are so inspiring and the tuition from Mark was first class. We were a varied group of 6 individuals and experience of turning but Mark showed great patience in dealing with numerous catches of tool and wood and going over the main points as we worked. I'm pleased to say that we all went home with a bowl turned from green wood, with a great feeling of satisfaction and achievement. Even in our free time, over meals or in the bar, Mark gave us lots of advice and an insight into the creative process that professional turners employ. True to his word, I received an email today with further information on lathes and other equipment I'd asked for. A very comprehensive list which will involve further research. I'd love to do another course with Mark once I have had a chance to refine my bowl turning skills. In the meantime, thank you Mark for a memorable weekend."

25 Mar 16'

Daisy reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Elaine put on an afternoon taster workshop in our bookshop which certainly attracted attention. The feed back from our customers was very positive and several of them booked onto courses. Others bought books!! Thanks for a successful collaboration."

25 Mar 16'

Liz Shields reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"I attended one of Jane's workshops last Saturday, and had such a lovely day. I'd been to one last year, so I knew it would be a very enjoyable day, and I wasn't disappointed! The theme was My Home - but there were lots of other options to choose from too. Jane had prepared detailed instructions and drawings to help us with our weaving. and she also demonstrated some of the techniques we'd be using too, which was very helpful. Throughout the day, Jane was always on hand to help or advise and to give us words of encouragement. By the end of the day, we had all finished our woven picture and Jane showed us how to finish off and mount our weavings ready for framing. The frames were available to purchase too. Jane is such an enthusiastic, friendly person and her workshops are.really good value with all equipment, yarn, refreshments and lunch included in the price."

25 Mar 16'

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

"Having been on the introduction to green woodworking course with Peter Lanyon it was obvious I needed a shave horse.... So I was very pleased to come back and build one with five other enthusiasts. Peter's gentle manner and patient advice when giving 1:1 support is invaluable. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and came away with a fully working shave horse and even persuaded my other half to try it next day. Fantastic course with a product that will be used again and again - what's not to like? Take the plunge and go yourself, you'll be pleased you did. Many warm thanks to Peter."

25 Mar 16'

Glyn Handley reviewed: Beginners 10 week woodworking course NO LONGER RUNNING

"I was on the recent 10 week beginner course and it covers everything a beginner will need to know, and with Ciaráns excellent learning style and patience you don't realise what you have learned until the last few lessons when suddenly out of all the sawdust, chiselling, planing and sanding appears a very nice looking display table. The course explains techniques for creating mortise and Tenon joints, how to mark out, how to saw (sounds simple but essential for good looking tenons!), look after your hand tools and much more. Also whilst it is advertised from 6pm, it is open from 5 so if you need some extra time to catch up you can, and if you have questions Ciarán will be there to answer, or you can just continue where you left off. 5 people were on the course with varying experience and we all managed to finish at the same time with everyone's table looking fantastic, considering 10 weeks prior most had never picked up a chisel or a planer or considered what they could do with basic hand tools. At the end of the course the question was asked, "Could you do this now at home if you wanted", and i do believe the answer was yes from everyone. Everyone learned techniques, skills and more importantly gained confidence, which is something Ciarán focused on, and before the course I was 'Can I?' when looking at the end result, and after the course i am now 'I Can!' Do the course, you wont be disappointed, just be aware that you will be marking the days off your diary until the next weeks events.."

25 Mar 16'

Zoe McCrow reviewed: Wet felting with Virginia

"I've completed the needle felting course and everything you need is provided including sewing machines, felt and wool. Virginia's instruction was very good. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was delighted with my picture of three blackface sheep on a Moor. I've already booked for the wet felting course."

24 Mar 16'

Mags reviewed: 2 Online Felt Picture Courses - Summer Storm & Raindrops on Roses

"Myself and my Mum attended a one day felt picture making course with Bridget. IT WAS FANTASTIC !! We learnt lots of techniques with Bridgets patient and clear demonstrations. Bridget guided us brilliantly with our work and we came away with a beautiful piece of artwork each lots of information and we are both itching to put our new skills into practice."

24 Mar 16'

Ken Fordham reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I bought a lathe and basic tools some 15 or 16 years ago and did no more than spend some time playing at turning. Since then my lathe has been gathering dust at the back of my workshop. Now and again I mentioned to my family that I might book myself on a turning course somewhere in order to get some real experience. Finally this Christmas my son gave me a voucher for a one day course with Mark which I redeemed a couple of weeks ago. What a great present it turned! out to be. Mark is not only obviously remarkably talented at wood turning but is also a very good teacher. Starting from the complete basics I felt that I made amazing progress in such a short time under his tuition and was very please with the bowl that I was able to take home with me. He also provided me with a comprehensive set of guidance notes and sent me an email the following day listing the equipment I should think of getting and the best suppliers to deal with. In summary a very profitable and enjoyable day because Mark is not only a good teacher but is also very good company. I have now brushed the dust off the lathe and plan to use it regularly from now on."

24 Mar 16'

Richard reviewed: Intermediate woodworking course

"Woodworking courses are hard to come by these days but this one is a gem. On first acquaintance the training room seems quite small but belies many facets of my 'Excellent' rating. Class sizes are kept small and Ciarán is always, literally, close at hand and extraordinarily willing to advise (both 'on-' and 'off-' syllabus). I'd challenge anybody to count how many tools he has in there even before you enter the mysterious 'staff room'. If you have some woodworking tools already then take them along - by the end of the course he'll have shown you how to refurbish, sharpen and hone every one of them. Conversely if you have nothing then everything is provided (normally with a choice - the shiny ones on the wall are the sharpest/best!). Ciarán himself? His talent and experience as a Tutor matches that of his undoubted woodworking capabilities. Very easy-going but with a cunning, unnoticeable method of setting the pace required to finish the course. On that, expect to work fairly hard! Although most of the core technical skills are covered off in the early weeks, what your really learn comes with practise which is well supervised with hints and tips whenever you need them. I travelled for over a hour in each direction to attend this course as it was rare in matching my requirements. That travel time, and the course fee, turned out to be a very worthwhile investment."

24 Mar 16'

Jill downing reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"What a superb day we had learning all about felting! Sophie is kind, patient, knowledgeable and funny which is everything you need for a fabulous day learning a new skill. If you had told me that I was going to turn the pile of wool in front of me at the beginning of the day into something which, frankly, I am enormously proud of I would never have believed you but Sophie managed to teach us all to be 'so clever' whilst feeding us the most amazing food and drinks..what a genius she is!!!! Cannot rate this fantastic day highly enough. I loved it...thank you so much Sophie xx"

24 Mar 16'

David Aspinall reviewed: Beginners 10 week woodworking course NO LONGER RUNNING

"Just finished the 10 week Beginner course, and enjoyed it thoroughly. I would recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about wood working without hesitation. Genuinely the best course I have ever been on, and with only 5 people per class you really feel you are getting his full attention.. Ciaran is a gentleman, and an excellent teacher. He has a lot of patience, and is very knowledgeable about his subject. He is a true craftsmen, and it was brilliant to learn from him. Over the course i learned so much, and Ciaran was only too happy to answer any questions we had about woodworking. I now know how to take care of my tools (very important!), saw correctly, plane, mortise and tenon, and ultimately how to make a piece of furniture. It is the confidence the course gives you which i feel is key. The display table is of such high quality, i doubt people will believe i made it. But i did, and I know it will spur me on to make more items for my house!"

24 Mar 16'

Samuel Ellis reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"I attended a 1 week course with Aidan during November 2015 as a 25 year old looking to potentially moving into the industry. My only prior knowledge of the craft was what I had read online so I was eager to gain a realistic perspective on the craftsmanship and industry itself. Aidan's course gave me just that. I think the unique thing about this workshop is not only the authenticity, but also the personal attention given to each individual. I had a lot of questions, and I left on the Friday with everything I needed to know. Whether people want to go into this industry, take it up as a hobby or just do the course to do some much needed hands-on craftsmanship then I see no better valued scheme out there"

24 Mar 16'

Richard Drewett reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"In September last year I retired from teaching and was given a leaving present of a Day’s Woodturning tuition with Mark Hancock – date ‘to be arranged’. Last week, I finally used my gift. I had been looking forward to the day and took Mark at his word when he said ‘Bring any tools you have with you and we’ll find time to have a look at them’. My tools included a second hand lathe (another gift) and assorted chisels and power tools. As I hadn’t used a lathe in 40 years, it wasn’t the only thing that was a bit rusty! I arrived at 9.30 and left - inspired - many hours later. Mark is a natural teacher and patiently tailored the day around my needs and ability. Always conscious of safety, I was shown how to use a range of chisels, sharpening equipment and techniques. At lunchtime I asked Mark what he liked to turn and was ‘blown away’ with his work. His signature bowls reflect his unique style and exquisite craftsmanship - superbly - turned, delicately - worked and finished with imagination that bring the wood back to life. Mark was generous in his time, explanations, demonstrations and encouragement. He gave me a great insight into the material and tools of the woodturner. He made me feel a lot more confident about developing my own skills and in getting involved in the craft. He also provided me with a clear set of notes covering the activities we had been through and followed this up with email links to a range of tool, part and group sites that will enable me to set up my own workshop. Mark was extremely helpful, used time very effectively and, as promised, structured the day to suit my requirements. I can thoroughly recommend him. Richard Drewett"

24 Mar 16'

Hannah Sievewright reviewed: Beginners 10 week woodworking course NO LONGER RUNNING

"For the last 10/11 weeks I have been on the beginners wood work course & it's been brilliant! I finished my display cabinet on Tuesday & it looks great in the corner of our living room! Ciaran is such a good teacher, he was very patient with me & he would always notice if I was struggling & come help me! He is a true craftsman, so passionate about his work, & he makes everything look so easy!!! I had no experience with woodwork before this course, but now I feel Ciaran has given me the confidence to give things a go. I have my own chisels & work bench now so theres no excuses! Thank you Ciaran! Come see the giraffes some time"

23 Mar 16'

Nicky Woods reviewed: Mosaic Making: beginners and improvers

"I've been coming to Alex's class for a couple of years and really enjoy it. Alex is a great tutor. She's excellent at teaching the technical side of mosaic making and is always on hand to help and advise. She has good ideas for designs and books to browse but also encourages you just to get on with your own creative ideas. There's no pressure but she makes sure everyone feels they are progressing and is very encouraging. The atmosphere in the group is friendly and not at all critical. All the tools and materials are provided and there is an excellent range of tile colours available. I find it an extremely relaxing class and a really good way to de-stress."