Latest reviews

8 Mar 16'

Sue Laverack reviewed: Green woodworking at Coppicewood College

"Had a brilliant time. Lovely surroundings, excellent teaching, nice group to share the experience with. I now feel confident to do simple things at home on my own despite being an absolute beginner."

8 Mar 16'

Ian Boyne reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Three of us spent a day together with Nigel. I cant imagine a more passionate artist with all the interesting knowledge of all aspects of his trade. His hands on instructions left you in no doubt what to do, we all made four items that we were very proud of. The Shepherds Huts that he manufactures are second to none and obviously will last a lifetime. Worth a visit to see the showroom. Ian"

8 Mar 16'

Jen reviewed: Intensive 2 day mosaic course with Claire Cotterill in Moseley, Birmingham

"I really enjoyed the course. I had been thinking about learning how to mosaic for quite a long time but had not found a suitable course near enough and though I had assembled equipment did not really know how to go about starting a project. Claire made this process really easy, had eveything we needed and her own mosaics were such a beautiful example and inspiration that it was a really enjoyable weekend. I would thoroughly recommend her as a teacher."

8 Mar 16'

Kathryn reviewed: One day silver jewellery designing and making workshop

"A real privelege to spend a day in Bridget's company. I thoroughly enjoyed learning some basic skills from someone who is obviously skilled in design and jewellery making and a very generous teacher. I particularly enjoyed seeing the different things she has produced as examples of the types of skills I was being introduced to. I came away with some lovely pieces that I will treasure and a lot of different experience for the relatively small time I was with her. A lovely day I would thoroughly recommend!"

7 Mar 16'

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

"Wonderful day. Enjoyed every moment of it. Michelle is an inspiring and creative tutor. I was totally absorbed by the process throughout. Very addictive in the best possible sense. Cannot wait to go on another workshop soon. My daughter wants to join me for one after seeing the Airedale terrier that I produced."

7 Mar 16'

Liz Henwood reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"Myself and three friend went along for a day to try our hand at enamelling . Three of us were newcomers, and one had been before. We all had such fun - it is so exciting when you walk into a craft room full of little bottles of colour. I was worried it was going to be difficult but found it quite easy to pick up - although more visits may be required to explore the colours! Dilys was a lovely teacher, who made us all feel very welcome and pitched the course at just the right level. I am very much looking forward to booking again because I would like to explore enamelling pictures and creating images through enamel."

7 Mar 16'

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

"I had a wonderful relaxing time and came away with Reggie who developed attitude as he came to life on the table. Not only a hare for Easter but a hare for all seasons. Also an excellent lunch and cake provided by the Trumpet tea rooms. Michelle is an excellent teacher for anyone like me who is new to the world of needle felt."

7 Mar 16'

Karen Walters reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"I have taken advantage of 2 of Dilys' enamelling workshops and have discovered a love of enamelling and will definitely be booking another one. The tuition is excellent and I was amazed at the wonderful pieces I came away with. Dilys was very patient and positive, making you feel wonderful about your creations. For me the fact that you can take away what you have made on the day (unlike lampwork and glass fusion) was an added bonus."

7 Mar 16'

Hannah reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"What a wonderful afternoon, spent nourishing the mind and advancing my skills in the thoroughly enjoyable craft of crochet. Where to begin on how wonderful my session was? I am a self-taught crocheter, and Sowmya went to exceptional lengths to ensure the content of the lesson was suitable for my needs. Her home is wonderful, and very relaxing. She was an excellent host & ensured my comfort was a priority at all times. She was patient, observed my technique and assisted me where I needed guidance. Truly knowledgeable in the field of yarns, needles & stitches, I'm proud to say I left feeling very accomplished and ready for my next project. I will definitely be bringing my daughter to learn finger knitting, and I can't wait!"

7 Mar 16'

Lesa reviewed: Intensive 2 day mosaic course with Claire Cotterill in Moseley, Birmingham

"Had a fab time on Claire's 2 day course. She is a consummate professional, so creative and made it a really enjoyable experience. She was supportive and friendly throughout, helping out when you needed it and made positive suggestions on design etc. I really enjoyed the learning experience as she is an excellent teacher and I thought the course feels were really good value for money. She also made everyone feel really welcome and I can honestly say it was one of the most enjoyable things I have done in a long time. And I have a fab mosaic for my new kitchen! Thank you Claire x"

7 Mar 16'

Sue Laverack reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"I did this course with my son and one of my friends. Everything about it was excellent; the admin, the directions and information, the welcome, the teaching, the cameraderie and chatting.. Aaron demonstrated what he wanted us to do, gave us space to have a go but was on hand if we got stuck or made a mistake. He tailored the course to our skill (or lack of it!) level and allowed us to modify the designs to suit our own situations so Graham and Gill made toasting forks with a ram's head handle whilst the stem of my rams head became a handle for the door of my workshop. He was also happy for us to make extra hooks etc. In 'down time' to practice again what we had learned on day one. Despite being a pensioner and female with no experience of metalwork beyond polishing it, I had a great time and came away with several useful pieces which I will be proud to display."

7 Mar 16'

Sam Woodvine reviewed: Basic throwing with Jon French

"What a fabulous, fun couple of days. I had never done anything like this before and produced numerous pots, which I was thrilled with! Kevin is an excellent instructor and all-round nice guy. His technical know-how is second to none and he is extremely helpful during the workshop. It is very hands-on and Kevin's guidance is great. I would ideally have preferred less in the class though, as he was often spread too thinly. The staff at Potclays were all very helpful and I would definitely recommend it to others. Thank you :-)"

7 Mar 16'

Rod Horne reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"An excellent 2 days. Totally absorbing , so much so that the time whistled past. Peter's style of instructing is very pleasing and he allows you to get on with your work without to much interjection, however he is there immediately you need help. I was amazed at the quality and appearance of the stool I made, it is a "one off" that exists nowhere else! If you want two days of enjoyment therapy get along to one of Peter Lanyon's courses, you won't be disappointed."

7 Mar 16'

Jeffrey Gray reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Having recently spent a day with Mark I conclude that he is one of the most patient teachers in the world! Never having done any wood turning before but always having been fascinated by turned wooden objects I arrived at Mark's studio a total beginner. I left after a fascinating and informative day still a complete beginner but aware of all that I needed to learn and captivated by the diverse range of skills required to gain some degree of proficiency. Mark was very generous with his knowledge and provided me with references to tools, equipment and organisations that will be invaluable in getting started myself. During the day we covered a great deal of ground and he ensured that the 'one to one' approach was tailored specifically to a complete beginner. I look forward to part two."

7 Mar 16'

Nicola Fish reviewed: Creative Spring /Christmas Gift Wrapping Workshop with Lunch

"Jo is a fabulous, friendly hostess who provides excellent tuition in the art of gift wrapping. A thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing way to spend a day learning a new skill resulting in a perfectly packaged parcel!"

6 Mar 16'

Alex Waller reviewed: Candle making workshops

"Angharad is such a warm, welcoming person that you instantly feel a connection with her. She goes through the motions of candle making then you have the opportunity to do the same making a lovely selection of candles in different shapes, colours, fragrances as well as learning about various waxes, wicks and molds. Angharad has a wealth of knowledge and experience which she shares in her beautiful workshop set in the rural Welsh countryside next to her home. She makes a homemade lunch, offers a wide selection of beverages which adds to the ambience of an informative, creative and relaxed course on candle making."

6 Mar 16'

Sandra Haynes reviewed: Learn to spin fibres

"Wonderful day. Natalie explained and demonstrated everything wonderfully. She was patient, understanding no great company. I would recommend a day with her to anybody"

6 Mar 16'

Richard Marshall reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I just wanted to say thanks again for a wonderful day. It was a real treat. Given that I have never turned before, I was amazed at the bowl I produced under George's attentive supervision.I would recommend a course with him without hesitation."

6 Mar 16'

rosemary allard reviewed: Dressmaking and Pattern Cutting Workshops and Courses

"jane is very helpful and friendly, a talented tutor don't just think about doing it, book a lesson and make something wonderful, I did and have gone back for more lessons"

6 Mar 16'

Daniel Griffiths reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"I had always wanted to try my hand at wood-turning and Andy was recommended to me by a friend. I was very impressed with his workshop and how professionally set-up it was. The day started with a safety talk regarding the tools we would be using and the workplace in general. Throughout the day Andy gave me clear instruction and advice and answered the numerous questions I had. By the time we had finished I had turned a bowl, of which I'm very proud. I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent with Andy and would recommend giving it a go. I will defiantly be booking in again and am looking forward to learning more. D. Griffiths"

6 Mar 16'

Mike Pilkington reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Absolutely brilliant course, had a fantastic time with Colin (& Bob) and learned so much! Having never tried anything like this before I thought it would be impossible to make some of the things on the website but not so! Everything was so well explained and demonstrated I eventually walked away with 5 items I was proud of; which show lots of different techniques. I definitely want to go back and learn more skills!"

5 Mar 16'

Anne reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"Thank you so much for a great day. Myself and my mum really enjoyed your course, such a lovely, relaxed introduction to candle making. Very informative and fun. Thank you so much for your help since the course as well. Thanks Anne"

5 Mar 16'

Elizabeth Cotton reviewed: A Practical Dry Stone Walling Workshop Central London

"I loved this course. It was such fun - and we totally fell in love with John who taught us how to build a wall with such charm and skill. I didn't honestly think I'd leave being able to build a wall but I can and we felt brilliant at the end of the day. I can recommend this to anyone who wants to learn a skill or just do something totally different."

5 Mar 16'

Nigel Dunbar reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"When Aidan told us what we were going to achieve using just a No 7 plane I was sceptical to say the least; not because I didn't believe it could be done but as a complete novice I didn't believe I could be taught to complete the piece in just two days. I have never been so happy to be proved wrong! Aidan is a true craftsman and with such a love of his craft that it's impossible not to be inspired. He's a fantastic teacher and the weekend is extremely well formed. I can't wait to join the next course."

5 Mar 16'

Julie Trowell reviewed: Make silver jewellery using precious metal clay or silver clay

"I booked a silver clay beginners class for my daughter's 21st birthday. We were made very welcome by Toni, her tuition was excellent and very informative. Our total experience was a fun creative day, that gave lasting gifts and new memories. Highly recommended for any occasion. Many thanks for making helping to this day special."