Latest reviews

1 Jul 15'

Mei reviewed: Soy Wax Candle Making Workshop

"Great course. Exactly tailored for what I was looking for. Thank you!"

1 Jul 15'

Joy reviewed: Soy Wax Candle Making Workshop

"Really informative. Really enthusiastic tutor. I enjoyed making the candles and I learnt a lot."

1 Jul 15'

James reviewed: Soy Wax Candle Making Workshop

"It was a great 'date' with my girlfriend...would really recommend it if you want to treat your other half."

30 Jun 15'

Lennie Pirie reviewed: Autentico Basic Chalk Paint Workshop - Hailsham, East Sussex

"Did a basic chalk paint workshop at Renaissance Originals, had a great evening with Artist/ shop owner Pete, there was three other ladies and we all took along a piece of furniture to paint it was such fun, Pete was brilliant he talked us through the different techniques and patiently watched each of us transform our pieces of old furniture into masterpieces was a fantastic workshop I thoroughly enjoyed it and came away with a stunning chair. I would recommend this workshop to anyone interested in learning such a rewarding craft......"

30 Jun 15'

Paul Dowlman reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Having thought about wood turning for some time decided the best way to go about it was to go on a course before spending money on equipment. It was worth every penny for a full day with Mark it was a very informative and well run day with Mark giving so much information it was a job to absorb it all and I now have a good idea of what to buy and what not to buy and Mark is at the end of the phone if ever you need him."

30 Jun 15'

Toni Valmarre reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery for Beginners

"Jo is a very gifted and generous tutor. The day was spent learning and playing with her wide range of tools, moulds, cutters etc. She very patiently took us through all the beginner aspects of metal clay helping us each to realise our silver pieces. I came away with some lovely jewellery and buzzing for more knowledge. I will definately be returning for more workshops. Warmest thanx Txx"

29 Jun 15'

Helen Whitehead reviewed: Pottery throwing day course in the South Downs

"I learned so much on this course and it was a truly wonderful experience. My head is full of things I need to remember and I know that everything Rowena taught us will be massively useful (I promise to keep my arms down! :) ) The day was paced very well and Rowena was both patient and ambitious for us. We both really enjoyed our day and Rowena couldn't have been more helpful. Many thanks!"

29 Jun 15'

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

"An absolutely brilliant day, hugely enjoyable. I learned so much about the properties of glass and the fusing process and it was fascinating and massively fun. Siobhan was lovely and highly approachable, lunch was delicious and everyone was so friendly. Plus, the birthday cake was so very thoughtful and a lovely surprise! I've learned a huge amount and it was a brilliant experience, many thanks."

29 Jun 15'

Sowmya reviewed: Mosaic, One Day Workshop

"Took the workshop along with my mother.. Both of us enjoyed the experience and Jane was wonderful, she has done great job herself with mosaic and is an inspiration to me, Thanks Jane"

28 Jun 15'

Paul Taylor reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"What a great day. I still can't believe I somehow thanks to Simon's guidance and patience turned a log into a dibber and a willow stick into a flower. What a brilliant day in a lovely woodland location. Thanks to Simon's inspiration I'm now planning to build my own pole lathe and create more masterpieces in wood."

28 Jun 15'

Monica reviewed: Weaving: the journey begins

"Thank you very much for lessons last week, very well structured, very patient! delicious lunch at Cargill's restaurant and overall a most recommendable experience. I enjoyed it very much."

28 Jun 15'

paul B reviewed: One day Traditional Lead Stained Glass Course

"Cant recommend Cheryl highly enough. A brilliant and inspiring teacher. I cannot believe what she enabled me to achieve, and so enjoyable in the process! Thank you!"

28 Jun 15'

deborah Butcher reviewed: One day Traditional Lead Stained Glass Course

"Had a truly wonderful day creating a stained glass panel with my best friend Tina - thank you Cheryl"

27 Jun 15'

Hilary Wrigley reviewed: Willow Kindling Basket- Beginners Log Bottomed

"A unique opportunity in unique surroundings. I thoroughly enjoyed it and felt the tutor was excellent, helpful and knowledgeable. I made a great basket - with help!"

27 Jun 15'

Claire Blade reviewed: Make silver jewellery using precious metal clay or silver clay

"Lovely, relaxing day. Toni was very knowledgable and helpful, she made the course easy to follow and I appreciated the worksheets we got to take home with us. Would definitely recommend, and I hope to attend some of her other courses in the future."

26 Jun 15'

Nicolene reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"Everything about this course was informative and enjoyable. Our first briefing was on the safe use of tools, and we were given all the techniques and tips to stay safe, efficient and gain confidence. All the tools are in peak working order, and sharpened and polished to perfection. The workshop is impeccable, and with the emphasis on functionality. Martin's course is as honed as one of his spoons. It was perfectly paced and in line with our abilities, with enough time to absorb new information as we progressed. The tips and tricks he throws in are very valuable. Our course lunches were another highlight, as Martin is a great cook. I would recommend this course as a perfect introduction to spoon carving from a master craftsman. An unforgettable weekend!"

25 Jun 15'

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

"Another amazing weekend! this is the second time i have attended Dunja's courses. They are very well organized and flexible to the requirements of the group or the individual. Full of content and really fun to do as we tried so many different techniques, tools and types of fibers. Dunja's teaching is impeccable, very clear, able to respond to any question, demonstrating it first and then allowing us to do it. She is warm and encourage you without pushing. The sun shined all weekend, the farm and the surrounds looked fantastic and we had a delicious rubard cake!!! I'll definitely recommend it to any one. Ah! and thanks to Brian, he made us feel very welcome."

25 Jun 15'

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

"A very enjoyable day to be creative using glass a new medium. I saw this course as a taster to understand what could be done with glass and managed to produce four pieces of work. A friendly atmosphere with good instruction, learnt a lot and would do this again."

25 Jun 15'

Rosalie Holland reviewed: Powertex fabric sculpted figure/Angel/Masai

"I had a fantastic time on my first powertex course. Annette was brilliant and helped me a lot with my angel sculpture. Me and my friend have already booked on a second course. Rosalie Holland5"

25 Jun 15'

Annette Boniface reviewed: Autentico Basic Chalk Paint Workshop - Hailsham, East Sussex

"Thoroughly enjoyed the course. It was fun and informative. If you are thinking of reinventing a piece of tired old furniture it is well worth learning how to do it properly. Can't wait to get painting the big stuff now!"

25 Jun 15'

Jon M reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"A fantastic experience in a wonderful location with an engaging, enthusiastic and patient teacher. This was a perfect introduction to turning and carving and I can only echo what other reviewers have said. Simon is an excellent communicator and guide, teaching not just the mechanics of the skill but also its the background and history. He was spot on in gauging and re-assessing my ability throughout the day and struck a perfect balance between delivering a challenging yet always enjoyable experience. Above all he was also great company: a sunny day in Snelsmore with a fire going, a brew on and the lathe turning - what a great experience! I cannot recommend this highly enough."

25 Jun 15'

Dave Swanson reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Like others, I was given the day as a present after recently buying my first lathe. Also like others, I hadn't stood in front of a lathe in 40 years so had much to learn. Mark's approach to finding out what I wanted to achieve was a great way of ensuring I came away satisfied. In nine hours together, Mark covered a vast range of aspects of wood turning and provide me with opportunity to get plenty of hands on experience, practicing both spindle and bowl techniques as well as learning about tools and how to sharpen them properly. Mark has also offered phone and email support and advice for the future as I take forward what I hope will become an interesting and productive hobby. Strongly recommended course."

25 Jun 15'

Kris Rothstein reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"The workshop was so fun and surpassed my high expectations! The pace was fabulous and nothing was too rushed - I always felt someone was on had to answer my questions and guide me through difficult bits. Everyone was lovely - the staff and my fellow students. My only suggestion is that it might be handy to have a handout for those that want one which gives a few of the basic terms, techniques and methodology - I know it couldn't be too specific as we all choose to make different shoes. However, having a reference to get a bit of a sense of the bigger picture before delving in could be helpful in knowing which mistakes are easy to fix or cover up or are not important! It would have been helpful to know which bits were the trickiest and most important while I was doing them. Now that I've completed a pair of shoes I have a sense of those but starting out it was so mysterious. I am very happy with my shoes and will recommend this and also I think I will come again!"

24 Jun 15'

Liz osullivan reviewed: Silk painting workshops

"An amazing day!!! I booked this wonderful workshop for my daughter and myself and we both had a fabulous day. Bridget is a wonderful and patient teacher. She made us fell welcome and at ease, and explained the process through to its intirety. Worth paying a visit!!!"

24 Jun 15'

Nick Barnaby reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Wow what a top day and what a top bloke Mort is. Fantastic fun learning blacksmithing and making a piece of ancient military history (roman pilum) for me to use. We share a passion for history, his medieval (and so much more...), mine roman (and so much smaller...) and I came away with a lot more knowledge than I went in with that's for sure. Very relaxed, skillful and entertaining tuition with great attention to detail and more than happy to go the extra mile to make my piece authentic and highly accurate. If your a historical reenactor or enthusiast don't hesitate, get yourself some pictures/drawings to work with and a big packet of Jaffa cakes and Mort will most likely be able to help realise your ideas. Equally if your just interested in trying out blacksmithing don't hesitate, you'll come away with an amazing piece, a huge smile and great memories too, just don't forget the Jaffa cakes. Cannot recommend this course enough and I will return as soon as I can research new projects, Mort beware!"