Latest reviews

25 Jul 15'

Elizabeth Ashford reviewed: Crochet workshop - Benny Rens Creations

"A great course with a very patient instructor! Detailed written and visual instructions as well as step by step help and support no matter what your skill/understanding. Great For getting into crochet and starting off on your own creative journey!"

25 Jul 15'

Emma Rees-Whekan reviewed: Crochet workshop - Benny Rens Creations

"Bethany had a real mix of abilities at the 2 hour course I attended but was able to attend to all of us as needed! I was the complete beginner, wanting to learn a granny square. A friendly happy session in a great environment. Thank you Bethany."

24 Jul 15'

Izzy reviewed: Flamework (Lampwork) - Making glass beads for beginners

"I had enjoyable first experience at learning the art of Lampwork with Toni. She has lots to say on the subject. It is inspiring to see how many techniques we covered within those 3 hours. I can't wait to hone these skills! With the helpful information pack given, I know I can take the first steps."

24 Jul 15'

Belinda reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"Wow what a day.inspirational doesn't come close. Came home with my yarn knitting it up straight away, ordered a spinning wheel go go go"

24 Jul 15'

David Ward reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"A very enjoyable day with Simon going through the whole process of producing an item from log to finished object. Simon’s nature allows you to feel very comfortable and relaxed despite having a to be aware of safety using tools which if not respected can do real harm. I felt Simon judged my experience & abilities well therefore the speed of the course was correct. Simon’s communication is very clear and concise, you are able to understand the required action to bring about the right result. Simon explains how to use the tools clearly and keeps a close eye on you to make sure you are safe and also you are using the tool in the most efficient manner. I certainly came away having enjoyed the whole experience. Highly recommended!"

23 Jul 15'

Erica reviewed: The Natural Skin Care Workshop

"Excellent. I learnt so much that's easy to re-create at home quickly. Will definitely use what I learnt."

23 Jul 15'

Jenny reviewed: The Natural Skin Care Workshop

"Very inspiring. Well structured and refreshing to be able to learn a new skill in one day!"

23 Jul 15'

Lynn Garner reviewed: Residential Gyotaku Japanese NATURE printing in Pembrokeshire Wales

"Wanted to take this workshop again so that I could experiment with fabric, great afternoon with exceptional teacher and lovely fellow participants. Would recomment to anyone whether they just want to plass a wet afternoon or gain some real experience of this technique, Deb with cater for you all."

22 Jul 15'

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

"Thoroughly enjoyed the course and we're very pleased with the pair of tables we made now standing proudly in our living room."

22 Jul 15'

Elliot Watson reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A very enjoyable experience and a great workout too. Debbie and Adrian were friendly and welcoming, providing the best vegetarian meal I've ever had for lunch, and giving excellent instruction on how to forge the pieces desired. During the forging of the pieces we were all independently working at our own anvils so it was a very relaxed experience. Despite working independently, advice and instruction was still given to each of us allowing us to produce the best pieces we could. At the end of the day you'll leave with the items you've crafted, a full belly, and a great experience. And sore arms, but that wears off quickly enough."

21 Jul 15'

John Turner reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"This was a very good course indeed and I recommend it without reservation. Julie provided everything, including the beautiful brown and green natural willow rods which she had bought from Somerset, suitably damp and pliable, as well as the simple tools needed. She then demonstrated each of the stages in making a basket, and we followed each stage under her sympathetic eye. We started by learning how to make the strong "English Bottom", incorporate the rods for the sides, use "green" weavers to fill in the sides, make "whale" borders, and finish with a strong woven handle. And at the end we had each made an extremely strong and attractive basket to take home. There were only 4 on our course, and the atmosphere was very friendly and good-natured. Julie is a great teacher - sympathetic and encouraging, helping and advising us each as needed, and she even supplied brilliant cakes. Absolutely wonderful!"

21 Jul 15'

Jean Tippet reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"Fabulous day! Amanda is a brilliant tutor and I must have been her least artistic student ever. Despite this I have made three wonderful pieces. The workshop at the bottom of the garden is delightful and the lunch provided was excellent. Would highly recommend!"

21 Jul 15'

Morag Curtis reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"I attended a bespoke spinning workshop with Elaine and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Elaine is very generous with her time and experience and has inspired me to work hard at improving my spinning technique. She is a great teacher and is patient and thorough with her explanations. I cannot rate this workshop highly enough. Thanks Elaine"

21 Jul 15'

Andrew West reviewed: Glass Engraving for Beginners

"Had a truly wonderful day engraving a vase, mirror and tumbler with my best friend Jasmine - thank you Melanie!"

21 Jul 15'

Max Williams reviewed: Glass Engraving for Beginners

"I loved every moment of this course, Melanie is a fantastic teacher and I had a great day. I made three items which I am really proud of and it has given me the confidence to try some projects at home. I will definitely go back and try out a different class. Would recommend to anyone who is new to glass engraving with Melanie's guidance it is much easier than you think."

21 Jul 15'

Andrew West reviewed: Painting in Cockington, Devon

"Wow, what a wonderful two days we enjoyed, my mother and I met Melanie at a private view of her work. We loved her colourful and expressive paintings, so booked in for her Painting in Cockington class. It was a two day course, but in that time we learnt so much, Melanie makes learning to paint relaxing and enjoyable, you feel so creative even if you don't have a lot of confidence."

21 Jul 15'

Max Williams reviewed: Mosaics for Beginners

"I have been on several of Melanie Beer's art and craft courses and I am completely addicted! Melanie is a great teacher, patient, encouraging and has helped me to develop my ideas and skills. The workshops are fun, relaxed and informative. With only a few students you get lots of one to one teaching advice and inspiration."

21 Jul 15'

Max Williams reviewed: A Sketchbook Tour of Dartmouth, Devon

"Highly recommended, I have now attended two short courses with Melanie Beer and intend to carry on with one to one tuition in the future. As I am a complete beginner I initially felt nervous about joining an art class. Melanie immediately put me at ease, she was welcoming, engaging and made the instructions easy to follow. I met a really great bunch of people and had a great day soaking up the spectacular views of Dartmouth."

21 Jul 15'

Julie Blewett reviewed: Patchwork and Quilting City & Guilds Level 2

"I attended Bevs studio for the latter part of my part 2 Patchwork & Quilting where she went through and checked my previous work and then we worked on the weekest areas of the course that I had not covered thoroughly. I found Bev to be very inspirational and a delight to work with, her ideas opened up my eyes to the design part of the course which I had not grapsed at all before going to her studio. Im on my way now with my own designs now."

21 Jul 15'

Maggy Lovell reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"The course was a birthday present and I really enjoyed my day at the forge. Nigel is a very good teacher with lots of interesting tales to tell. I came home with a set of four fire irons, including hooks to hang them, for our new wood burner. I would recommend the course to anyone who is practical."

20 Jul 15'

Juliet Sargant reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"The description of this course doesn't convey what an excellent tutor Bill is and how rewarding it is to walk away with a number of finished projects. I have had a wonderful weekend and feel confident to now work on my own. Bill is so committed to his craft its infectious - thank you so much, I will be going back to further my skills."

20 Jul 15'

Scott Cowan reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I didn't expect how much I loved blacksmithing. I was a complete beginner and Mort showed us how to work the forge and showed us some different designs. He offered hands on help even though we were a large group. Highly recommended."

20 Jul 15'

Laraine Sullivan reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"I have recently attended a willow weaving workshop at Broadrake. This was taught by Phil Bradley and hosted by Rachel Benson. What a fantastic day, we were well supplied with vegetarian food in a relaxed atmosphere and just as relaxed was Phil's style of teaching. He never got stressed and with his gentle manner and sense of humour he managed to get us all to produce a hare by the end of the day. What I really liked was the fact that Phil not only taught us how to produce a hare but he got us to look at proportions and shape so that we could make other things in the future."

20 Jul 15'

Simon Giles reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"What a fantastic course! It was everything that I'd hoped for in as much as I learned a wealth of new skills under the expert tutorage of Bill. Everything was thorough and there were plenty of opportunities to practise new skills and techniques. Very pleased with the finished projects that I walked away with and now raring to go and put what I have learned into action. Great and knowledgeable company, a wonderful weekend. Thank you very much."

19 Jul 15'

Dharma reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I'd definitely recommend this course! Adrian, Debbie and Andy are lovely people, and you experience Yorkshire hospitality at its best. The instructions were easy to follow with plenty of help on hand during the day. Debbie is a fine cook and keeps you well fed with her fantastic home baking. We can't wait to go back again."