Latest reviews

22 Mar 16'

Stephen Millward reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"I went for a weekend part one introduction course and it was wonderful. It was my first foray into furniture making and Aiden was a fantastic teacher. He explained steps easily, and really made sure we understood the key concepts very well. I would recommend him to anyone that is interested in furniture making, and I am looking forward to coming back to do part two when I get the opportunity."

22 Mar 16'

Karen Welbeck reviewed: Piped cushion with lapped zip

"Learnt to make a piped and zipped cushion - I had never used a machine before but I learnt so much I was inspired the attend the full day Roman blind course. Janet is an excellent and knowledgeable teacher"

22 Mar 16'

Karen Welbeck reviewed: Machine made lined curtains

"As a beginner, I found this course perfect. Janet was very patient with me and I was amazed at how much I learnt in one day. I have since made a lovely Roman blind for my daughter who could not believe I had made it myself- thank you, I would recommend this course 100%"

22 Mar 16'

catherine Brown reviewed: Clay Day Workshop

"I took part in this day course with my son, the only previous experience I had with clay was when I was at school many many years ago. I was really impressed with what I managed to achieve throughout the day. The day was structured allowing us to try various methods, each method was not only achievable but just hard enough to allow us to challenge our abilities. Our tutors Sue and Gerry who are both highley skilled in their art made the day fun and informative, both of them showing oodles of patience and a helping hand for us to achieve our best potential. Both myself and my son really enjoyed the day and want to take part in another. Both of us would recommend this course... I all ready have.... you will not be disapointed."

22 Mar 16'

Becky & Sheila reviewed: Beginner's Traditional Stained Glass 2 Day Course

"Just finished a fantastic weekend course in stained glass with Gill, her passion for her craft is infectious and her patience and knowledge is never ending. Fun was had by all and we surpassed any expectations we had of producing a beautifully finished piece!! Highly recommended we would love to do it all over again.' A big thank you for a memorable time from Becky and Sheila xx"

22 Mar 16'

Liz reviewed: Needle felting course with FURZIE at Trumpet Corner Tea Rooms, Ledbury, Herefordshire

"Great day- Michelle is so calm that she makes it feel as if anything is possible- I was delighted with my little dog. Thank you"

22 Mar 16'

Mary Ann Scadding reviewed: Needle felting course with FURZIE at Trumpet Corner Tea Rooms, Ledbury, Herefordshire

"I have never tried needle felting before, but when a friend could not attend I filled her place at the last moment. I had a great time and managed to make a rat, all I have to do is add his whiskers! I would thoroughly recommend this course. Michelle is a good and patient teacher."

22 Mar 16'

Keith and Margot Charlton reviewed: Introduction to Glazes with Jacqui Atkin

"Attended a one day glazing course with Kevin in March. This is a man who knows everything and, as importantly, can tell you what he knows in a clear way. At no time was he condescending but just delivers everything you need to know to enable you to go off and start finding you own way. Thank you Kevin."

22 Mar 16'

Lisa Bannister reviewed: Canal art - roses and castles - decorate a plate in narrowboat decoration

"Hello Julie It was a very enjoyable day. It was a bit daunting as a beginner and although arty with wood carving and pottery my painting skills are beginner stage. To do the course with 2 very able painters made me very self conscious, but they were lovely people. You were right when I was home and seeing my work in isolation it did look much better to me."

22 Mar 16'

Helen Thornton reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"A fantastic day in the most beautiful location! After a day of help and encouragement, spurred on with tea breaks and homemade goodies we left with a real sense of achievement (and a son who now wants a forge at home!) This come highly recommended!"

21 Mar 16'

Liz Wills reviewed: Pottery Basics with Jacqui Atkin

"I have been playing with clay for a couple of years and done various courses with different teachers. I learnt more on this course than I have on all of my other courses! The tutor, Kevin, was able to answer all questions posed to him, he is certainly passionate about his subject and takes the time to explain each process used throughout the day. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of ceramics and easily handled the different abilities in the class. The facilities provided by Potclays are excellent - and the lunch was really good too! Nice to be able to pop into the shop and buy supplies and all staff I spoke with were brilliant. It was a thoroughly enjoyable class. Basic - yes, but I gained lots of knowledge and inspiration to bring home with me! I am looking forward to booking more courses with Kevin and Potclays in the future, they are really worth it."

21 Mar 16'

Ian watkins reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"Just completed the two day course with Martin , a thoroughly enjoyable weekend. could not ask for better tuition given at just the right speed, so that anyone could follow now matter what skill level they are at , the home made soup bread and boiled fruit are to die for, I would highly recommend this course if you'd like to learn a new skill"

21 Mar 16'

Mark reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"Just spent the weekend doing this course and would highly recommend it. The course is excellent value and the teaching pace just right. You come away with 2 completed projects, spare wood, a knife and you will have had two great homemade lunches too. What more could you want. It would make a great present for someone too."

21 Mar 16'

Richard Godfrey-Cook reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Best day ever! So amazing cant wait to do it again. Nigel is so friendly and as wealth of knowledge. Thanks Nigel for great day and thanks to my wife for best bloke present ever."

21 Mar 16'

Ailsa Nurse reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"My husband and I had a lovely day with Dilys, and felt so welcome from the outset. We were both delighted with how much we learned, and by the lovely things we made under Dilys's expert guidance. Dilys is a very patient teacher who pitched the day at exactly the right level for us, making us feel very comfortable and confident. We would highly recommend this course. Thank you Dilys!"

21 Mar 16'

Julie reviewed: Beginners Hand spinning - 'From fleece to fibre’ - at All in a Spin

"A truly inspiring day. Dunja's expertise and teaching style has turned me from a complete novice into someone who is desperate to learn more and get spinning. An extremely good value for money one day course and a lovely day spent in a stunning location."

21 Mar 16'

Alec Lawton reviewed: Bronze casting weekend

"This is the second time I have been back to learn under Mark. I will likely go again as as much as he teaches it opens new doors and new ideas so I want/need to know more. The facilities provide a no-distraction environment with all the tools and supervision required to turn out some stunning work that anyone would be proud of. After Marks' teaching the realisation of: "I can do this" is akin to discovering opposable thumbs. It fills the student with confidence as well as an awareness to all the challenges a artist will face in the workshop. Thanks again Mark!"

21 Mar 16'

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

"I'd never undertaken a crafty course before but Gemma and Michelle were fantastic trainers and made me feel at ease. I really enjoyed myself and would definitely recommend their course to anyone."

21 Mar 16'

nicola dixon reviewed: Introduction to Felting

"Just returned from a felting day with lovely Fiona. An excellent experience all round. I learnt to create a landscape, how to make a small animal, observed the creation of spectacular, wall mounted sheep's heads and how to wet felt. The workshop is well kitted out with all different kinds of wool, coloured, curly, soft and rough many sourced from local farmers. The lunch provided was top notch, handmade soup, bread and apple pie and local cheeses for the cheeseboard. The location is unique and would definitely recommend a stay at Fiona's and Robs new shepherds hut if you are travelling to attend a course. Thank you for a great learning experience and an uplifting and fun day :)"

21 Mar 16'

Karen Hamilton-Viall reviewed: Calligraphy For Beginners - "Uncommon Uncials" one day course

"I attended this course in October 2014. It was a great introduction to calligraphy, although a lot of people on the course were refreshing skills they'd learnt previously. Jan is an extremely encouraging teacher with a relaxed informal style that puts you at ease. I was amazed at what i'd managed to produce by the end of the day and how much i progressed. I enjoyed the day so much i started in Jans regular monthly lessons in Thaxted, as did another course attendee. I had foolishly turned up to the day with half the stuff i needed which was kindly supplied by Jan & Anne. I have been on several courses at Assington and it is a wonderful, peaceful environment to learn in. The food at lunch is amazing and a lot of it is homegrown and all home cooked. There is also plenty of tea & coffee. I highly recommend this course."

21 Mar 16'

Garry Rolfe reviewed: Wood turning courses

"A day that was a good balance between training and light-hearted banter. Well worthwhile if you want to learn a new skill and achieve a finished item by the time you leave. Garry Rolfe"

20 Mar 16'

Alison reviewed: Beginners Hand spinning - 'From fleece to fibre’ - at All in a Spin

"A fantastic day in beautiful surroundings . Dunja is a patient and encouraging teacher with a great knowledge and enthusiasm for every aspect of spinning. I learnt so much, and it was amazing to start the day with fleece and end with my very own skein of yarn. I've definitely caught the spinning bug!"

20 Mar 16'

Dean Spencer reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"What can I say, one of the best days of my life. My wife bought me the one day course for my 50th birthday as my young blacksmithing hobby was dwindling, due to lack of inspiration. I was a little apprehensive and didn't know what to expect from the start. But Nigel is one of those people that immediately puts you at ease and he is one hell of a character with a great sense of humour. I just hope I can remember at least half of what he taught me. I went back to my wife at the hotel at the end of the eight and half hour day, absolutely buzzing, with my hands full of things I'd made. My forge and hobby have now been rekindled. Thanks Nigel"

20 Mar 16'

Sarah Hargreaves reviewed: Mosaic Making: beginners and improvers

"I've been attending Alex's course since the autumn. She makes it friendly & relaxing. Alex is always on hand with good ideas & useful tips; the small group means that everyone gets sufficient attention & she makes sure we're all always progressing with something! The venue is suitable, accessible & very close to transport. The drop in option is great for those of us who work irregular hours & so can't make every week."

20 Mar 16'

Lucy S reviewed: Machine made lined curtains

"Brilliant course! Thank you for a great day- very interesting, informative and enjoyable. I recommend this course for anyone interested in making their own blinds or curtains but didn't know where to start. Thank you."