Latest reviews

15 Dec 15'

Peta reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"A perfect course for enthusiastic beginners and also those with some artistic flair or experience. The day was both educational and creative, with great tuition and encouragement from the talented Siobhan. There were lots of inspiring pieces in the gallery itself and a good workspace for the small number of participants. Lunch was fresh and delicious. All in all, a brilliant day!!"

15 Dec 15'

Richard Furniss reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"My son and I enjoyed a day of tuition from Mort in December 2015. Both complete novices, under his supervision (and with his assistance) we learned about the traditional techniques of blacksmithing and made arrowheads, knives and leafs. Mort is very informative and friendly and the whole day is a pleasure. Highly recommended."

15 Dec 15'

John Bone reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"I recently attended one of Martin's weekend spoon carving courses. This was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Martin is an excellent tutor and the course has the right balance of practical work to theory. As an absolute beginner, to be able to produce a spoon and butter knife from a block of wood using only traditional craft skills gave me a great deal of satisfaction and says a lot for Martin's teaching skills. This is a course I highly recommend. Martin has to be applauded for maintaining and passing on these traditional craft skills. Jonh Bone"

15 Dec 15'

Sue Bysouth reviewed: Sculpture in a day workshop - figure

"loved every minute of this and indeed so much so that I have gone on and made further figures and will continue to do so."

15 Dec 15'

Jane Draper reviewed: Improvers Hand Spinning - Next Steps in Hand Spinning - at All in a Spin

"Dunja provides a wealth of materials, information and practical application under her expert supervision, building on what she covers in the beginners' spinning day. All in wonderful, relaxing surroundings and very enjoyable."

14 Dec 15'

Rob Harvey reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"Having spent a half day with Graham in September, I decided to have a full day this time. Graham is a natural tutor who knows how to balance instruction and discovery. During the day I turned a 10" bowl, a mushroom and a box. I had a real sense of achievement when I got home and the bowl was bagged by my step-daughter and the mushroom and box given pride of place by my partner. I'm no great shakes but, under Graham's guidance, I learned and progressed. The formula is simple - Graham is a really nice man, he is a skilled wood-turner, he is a consummate communicator, he cooks very good sausages and provides excellent value with his courses. Don't hesitate."

14 Dec 15'

meike reviewed: Wild basketry- workshop in the woods, forage your materials

"Picking the bramble prior to making the basket made me feel really connected to the finished product. I also felt the achievement of mastering the skill of turning an unwanted plant into something of beauty and use. Feeling the rain on your face makes you feel alive; hearing birdsong, you share the bird’s vitality and zest for life."

14 Dec 15'

Robin reviewed: Felt Making Workshops - Stratford upon Avon

"Bought a Christmas Felt making experience for me and my wife as our anniversary present and we weren't disappointed. It was great fun making the felt and then decorating a wreath with it. There were so many options to choose from, and we fully enjoyed ourselves! We couldn't recommend it highly enough."

13 Dec 15'

Gail Wicks reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I recently spent a day with Mark at his workshop - a gift from my daughter. I thoroughly enjoyed my day. As a self taught 70 year old novice I was keen to have my limited abilities looked at and be shown the correct way to use all my tools. This was done with great care and patience and was very rewarding. I am sure I will be able to progress with my hobby and produce better work. We also looked at the sharpening of my tools . Some were ok but several had to be completely reshaped!! They do now work much better!! Mark explained what I was doing wrong so hopefully I can replicate his reshaping to keep the tools in good shape. Mark is an excellent teacher - his patience and knowledge and love of his subject are second to none. I was sorry my day had to come to an end."

13 Dec 15'

Jeg Dudley reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"Ricky ran a 1 day workshop with me last week. He was an excellent teacher - friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and able to convey all of the different technical aspects effortlessly. The workshop itself was very well structured -- we tried a lot of different blown glass techniques - colouring, working the material, and so on. We moved quickly through the different process, but I never felt overwhelmed due to the teaching. I was amazed how much we got done in 1 day, and I have a great set of finished pieces at the end. I would definitely recommend this course."

13 Dec 15'

Heather reviewed: One day blacksmithing course

"What a brilliant day! This was a sixteenth birthday gift for our son and he loved it. Julian is an excellent teacher and easy company. Our son made a toasting fork, which we have already used and a garden hook to a surprisingly good standard. It is definitely worth paying a little bit extra for one to one tuition. Highly recommended."

13 Dec 15'

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

"Previous reviewers have said it all, really. An absolute beginner, I had a very enjoyable day of practical learning with the lovely Dunja in wonderful surroundings. Highly recommend the course and Weavers Cottage."

13 Dec 15'

Tom Parsons reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Mark was friendly, knowledgeable and a great teacher. I recently attend one of his group courses and couldn't have asked for more. I had a great time and learnt a great deal! So much so that I'm now looking for my own lathe. If you are thinking about starring of in wood turning or simply want to try something fun and different you can't go wrong."

12 Dec 15'

Marian Dwyer reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I attended Mark's woodturning course at the college these past 6 weeks. I arrived with only curiosity and enthusiasm, I had never even seen a lathe! I was very impressed, not only with Mark's knowledge and skills, but with his capacity to impart these with warmth and patience. We had fun too and I managed to create what I can only call a masterpiece! I would highly recommend this course to anyone."

12 Dec 15'

Angela pryke reviewed: Complete Furniture Painting

"Would highly recommend The Painted Pearl for a painting course. Michelle is very knowledgeable and was happy to answer any questions that I had. Lovely environment and well equipped for showing many techniques."

11 Dec 15'

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

"A fabulous day. Michelle is a gifted teacher, sharing her knowledge and talent easily and generously. The day was well-paced and everyone on my course absolutely loved it. We all went home with creations we could feel proud of and a great sense of achievement. I thoroughly recommend it."

10 Dec 15'

Sally tresidder reviewed: Pottery course for at home pottery

"Very friendly and knowledgeable for all levels. Very patient with me as a complete beginner. Also really flexible drop in / out I work shifts and can't always make same times every week. They start with basics and encourage you to try new things and techniques."

10 Dec 15'

Ian and Maggie reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"We had seen the outcome of glass fusing, and were keen to see how it is done. The day was everything we had hoped for, and Siobhan was truly inspiring. Facilities were excellent, lunch was magnificent, company was good, and I think everybody had a very enjoyable day. We felt that we were given a great insight into what could be done, and also had a go ourselves at seeing what was involved. Absolutely brilliant day, cannot recommend the course highly enough."

10 Dec 15'

Linda reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"I wanted to let you know that you are doing great job! Afterwards I had another course booked in very very central London with one of the top candle makers in business, but I learned all techniques better with you. The demonstration, explanation and communication was great! Very clear and understanding, and if I had any questions, they were answered!"

9 Dec 15'

Beth McDonough reviewed: Two Day Stained Glass Course with Gallus Glass

"Maureen is a natural. Empathetic, experienced, creative and a superb communicator, it's impossible to imagine a better way to learn about stained glass. Whether tentative or confident, Maureen will find the best in you, in a workshop which is both work and learning packed and fun. I can't recommend it highly enough.Just do it!"

9 Dec 15'

Helen Beer reviewed: 'Home-Made' Adult Craft Course- Bath

"Just finished a twelve week course and it has been worth every penny. I have really enjoyed learning new skills especially felting, decopache and lino printing, it has given me loads of new ideas to try at home !"

9 Dec 15'

Kaitlyn Morris reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"We had a wonderful day with Ricky learning the art of glassblowing. We jumped right into it at the beginning of the day and were soon making our own pieces. Ricky is a very kind and patient teacher, clearly explaining every step or providing alternative methods of blowing to ensure you get the most out of the experience. I learned a lot in only one day and would definitely recommend it to others. Glass blowing is an unusual experience and is extremely fun - even for those that are less creative!"

9 Dec 15'

Caroline Mohamed Shahin reviewed: Needle felting course with FURZIE at Trumpet Corner Tea Rooms, Ledbury, Herefordshire

"A great day out - informative and relaxed with good guidance from Michelle. Delighted with my 'take home' stuff - Many thanks Caroline"

8 Dec 15'

Angela reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"Enjoyed a day yesterday at Spotty Pig Farm. Warm and friendly day. Coffee kept coming , and best of all I came home with a scane of wool which I had made almost by myself. If you are looking to learn to spin Look no further."

7 Dec 15'

Pam Develing reviewed: Make your own stylish winter hat

"Loved every minute of it and what's more I have a stunning Winter hat that I am so proud of. Thanks so much Beth"