Latest reviews

11 Sep 15'

Bryan reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day, 1 person)

"I had a very enjoyable 3 hour course with Graham and learned a great deal in the time. I am new to wood turning and was having problems with catches. Graham talked me through the problems and we worked on the piece of beech I was having difficulty with. With his guidance I was able to finish the project with no problem. I then made a small hardwood bowl and he demonstrated the different stages from starting with a circular blank to the finished piece. Well worth the £40."

11 Sep 15'

Pat Dew reviewed: Mini Art Projects

"Having recently retired I wanted to have a go at trying out some art work but have not done any drawing or painting since school days. Katy suggested I tried pastels after having a chat with me and almost immediately I was totally absorbed. The group were all very supportive and friendly and I quickly stopped worrying about 'not being arty'. It was amazing how everything else just faded away and I concentrated fully on the picture I was making. Katy made suggestions and showed me how to use basic tools and mix colours but was never obtrusive. I would thoroughly recommend this class to anyone interested in trying out some art projects - and I walked home feeling on top of the world."

11 Sep 15'

Craig Leanney reviewed: Stone Carving Workshop

"Friendly professional tuition. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in learning the practical craft of stone carving. AAA+++"

11 Sep 15'

Fran Molyneux reviewed: Full day fused glass course with breakfast, lunch and all materials included

"I booked this course for my friends birthday because I thought it sounded a bit different. She was a little bit nervous because she had never used glass before but also excited. We were made to feel welcome the moment we arrived . What lovely ladies nothing was too much trouble, the food was delicious, the expertise and knowledge made us feel at ease with what we were doing. We are planning a yearly (if not more) visit. What a great day . Fran and Sandi"

11 Sep 15'

Jeannette reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"We bought a one day course for our friend's 40th birthday - she had an excellent time (and so did I watching). As other reviewers have said Alex demonstrates and then it's your turn. Gradually taking you through each stage of the process and answering questions. My friend went home a very happy customer with a much-admired ram's head poker. I was very impressed."

10 Sep 15'

Edward ingham reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I've had a great day learning lots and making some great things. Including knives and arrow heads. This experience was brought for me by my better half and she also came along for the day and made some lovely metal leaves. All of the teaching was great and resulted in me booking another day with mort to work on a project. Can't recommend enough"

9 Sep 15'

Ken Caldwell reviewed: An introduction to wood turning with Gregory Moreton (2 Days)

"An excellent introductory course - spent almost all the time on the lathe, and got far further than I had expected in two days as a complete beginner. Lots of practical tips and ideas from Greg, as well as lots of fun"

9 Sep 15'

Connor reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"This course was such a great eye opener in to the leather working world. Bill went above and beyond to make us fill welcome and comfortable in his workshop. He had an abundance of knowledge and expertise and was so willing to share it. He also stayed back on the 2nd day to ensure myself and another student got our projects finished, which i appreciate a lot. Since the course he has also given me advice on a few things and i'm know starting to create my own leather pieces! All in all Bill is a legend and you won't regret booking a course with him."

9 Sep 15'

karen baldwin reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"For me as a complete novice, I felt the course was informative, relaxed and friendly. Not at any time during the day did I feel that I was not capable of having a go at any of the techniques I was shown. Marks communication skills and knowledge were admirable, and this was only topped by his patience. The notes given to take away with you at the end of the day was also a handy reminder. I would recommend Mark's course to beginners or more experienced alike."

9 Sep 15'

Steve James reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day, 1 person)

"My wife purchased a 3 hour course with Graham as a birthday present - I had mentioned my interest in looking at woodturning as a potential hobby... Well... Graham and the dogs welcomed me at 9am on a sunny Sunday morning and the next 3 hours were outstanding. Grahams teaching methods and patience are so encouraging and no matter how many times I asked for things to be repeated/explained (short term memory issues on a Sunday morning!), Graham calmly and patiently guided me through many turning processes. It has given me an initial understanding on how the tools work and the possibilities of wood turning as a hobby. No -one was more surprised than me about how lovely the grain looked on my finished bowl and my wife was astounded that something like that could be produced in a morning. - requests for more bowls have been mentioned from family members and I haven't even got a lathe yet! I now officially have the bug! (just need to sort out a location for the lathe, tools etc....) If you are considering this as a hobby or want to top up your knowledge/skill levels, then look no further. A fun, informative, productive and relaxing time with someone who clearly loves what they do and enjoys passing on that passion! Thanks again Graham!"

6 Sep 15'

Mervyn Ashford reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"Adrian and Andy were very patient and made great teachers. A really enjoyable day , a great lunch and a fabulous view. What better day is there?"

6 Sep 15'

Phill reviewed: Glass Fusing and Slumping for Beginners and Improvers

"Lovely people providing a warm welcome. They provide lots of materials for you to choose from and so you are really limited only by your imgaination. Start of with how to safely cut glass, and moves to different methods to bring life to your work. A vegitarian lunch is provided which was truly delicious. The course is tailoured to suit those attending so whether your a beginner or more advanced between the two tutors you have your artistic and techincal skills improved."

5 Sep 15'

Kathryn Gamble reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"An excellent weekend course and I was very pleased with the bag that I made. I had no prior leatherwork experience but Jason is a very enthusiastic, patient and encouraging tutor and I now feel confident to continue on my own."

4 Sep 15'

lu wainwright reviewed: Book Art Workshops - North West - Warrington

"This was one of many courses I have now undertaken with Kate - she is an inspirational teacher. The sessions are informal and there is something wonderful and unique to take home at the end of each session. I have used the knowledge and new skills in many ways already.The sessions have provided me with the tools to research ideas further and then the practical skills to have a go at home. Give them a go, you won't regret it!I'm addicted to learning new techniques with paper/book making now!"

4 Sep 15'

Lydia Pratley reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"Having tried 'needle felting ' at home I was keen to get a more realistic look to the quirky/ animated little objects that I was making. I was thrilled to find this course in a picturesque setting. I thought that it was good value for money, and was totally convinced of this once I'd spent the day with Sophie. Sophie introduced the various fibres that could be used as well as clearly explaining the technique of felting using barbed needles. By the end of the day, I took away an handsome dog, that actually looked like a dog with his appealing eyes. As others have said, Sophie is so kind and friendly, and her mother's cooking delicious. I learnt so much, far more than I had from my own attempts through books and the internet. This course would be ideal for a girl's day out, a gift for someone or a wonderful treat for yourself. Don't hesitate to book."

3 Sep 15'

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

"We spent a lovely day, in a wonderful setting, taking wool from the fleece through to spinning and plying the yarn. Dunja was very patient and knowledgeable teacher and the day has inspired me to keep on spinning!"

3 Sep 15'

Ali Ward reviewed: " Day of the Dead" Silver Clay Workshop

"Was brought the course as a birthday gift. I have never used silver clay before and was initially unsure how I would get on. I had a lovely day learning the skills to model the clay. Sara spent time helping us to choose what to make and encouraged us to us our own ideas. Sara took us step by step through the process, answering our questions and encouraging all the way. I brought home some lovely pieces and had a throughly enjoyable day Thank you"

2 Sep 15'

Stephen and Trish reviewed: 1 Day Fused Glass for beginners workshop at The Silver Zebra studio Cheshire - Est 2004

"Super course and tutor, we learnt much more than expected and we even had time to make a few extra projects at the end. Lunches and cakes are worth going back for alone and the location is so relaxing [we loved seeing the cows and calves] Deborah is a very patient tutor full of knowledge and she made us feel relaxed and welcome in her amazing studio. We had completed a day course with someone else but felt they didnt have the experience needed. Deborah can answer every question and teaches on a practical level we all felt comfortable with but enough theory so we knew what we were doing! All in all we would be happy to return and we would recommend to anyone of any level. Thank you for a super day out - we will be back :) S&T X"

2 Sep 15'

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

"We had a fantastic day with Siobhan. Learnt loads and really enjoyed making our art works. It's a great course even if you don't think yourself particularly arty as you get a lot of help and you can create simple pieces that are quite stunning when finished. Lunch was plentiful and really nice too. A lot more than expected. Highly recommended...I'm looking forward to booking again soon."

2 Sep 15'

Roland Cargill reviewed: A Longbow Experience

"Always wanted to make a longbow and this course was great. Turning a lump of timber into a longbow was an enjoyable experience, Tony explains step by step the process very well and you also get to learn how to make a bow string. Highly recommend this course, thank you."

1 Sep 15'

Jeanette Mortimer reviewed: Beginners Weaving with the Rigid Heddle Loom - at All in a Spin

"Had a fantastic day with Dunja learning to weave. She went through the complete process from choosing yarn, warpping up and finishing plus everything in between. We all had a wonderful homemade lunch in a lovely cosy farmhouse kitchen. Dunja is a great teacher with a wonderful calming influence, we all came away with a beautiful scarf and a wonderful day of memories. I really didn't want the day to end but eventually came away full of enthusiasm and armed with the skills to be able to use my own loom at home. I would fully recommend any of Dunja's workshop and hope to book onto another very soon."

1 Sep 15'

Suzanne reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"I attended Sophie's Teddy making course which was a fabulous day out. I had a little experience of needle felting but came away learning more techniques and with confidence to have a go on my own. I love the Teddy I made and was pleased with the result. I would recommend Sophies course, which is set in beautiful surroundings, and included a very tasty lunch cooked by her Mum."

1 Sep 15'

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

"What a wonderful day! Dunja was so patient and knowledgable, taking me from examining a fleece to achieving my very own balanced skein of yarn - an amazing feat! The surrounding were so beautiful and home made soup and crumble blackberry cake in the kitchen made the day really special. I have been given enough confidence to keep spinning so hope to see Dunja again soon."

1 Sep 15'

Kimberley Harris reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I haven't done any woodturning since I left school over 40 years ago.A few months ago I brought a big lathe and a few bits to go with it and started tryed making things but did not have the skill to finnish anyone of them.He looked at the tools that I had taken.he showed me the error of my waysand put me back on the right track. I stayed for three days the first day was just recaping what I had learn at school. Day two and three I made a vase and a bowl. I went at the pace that I was happy and if there was anything that I did not understand he was patient until understood. nothing was too much trouble. I started like a complete beginner but soon I was making the wood sing and I was at ease I am planning to go back as soon as I can to get more tips and cost saving ideas"

1 Sep 15'

Ailsa Reynolds reviewed: Handspinning workshop

"I did this course a few months back and so enjoyed my day. Diane and her sister Nancy were inspiring and made me feel I would be able to spin . They were patient and helpful. I was amazed that I was able to produce some yarn and went away very pleased with myself! This is a fun day and very relaxing too, set in lovely surroundings and a decent lunch included. I woudl definitely recommend them. I just need to get a wheel now"