Latest reviews

13 Sep 14'

Annie Marlow reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"I came on the workshop for a treat with my sister and we thoroughly enjoyed our first experience of mosaic. Caroline is great fun and her studio and teaching created a relaxed and playful environment. The facilities and materials available are generous and inspiring and I am delighted with the piece of mosaic I have created. As a beginner I didn't expect to achieve such a good result."

12 Sep 14'

Kevin Beare reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"Green wood – what’s that? And who’s a Bodger (as distinct from a botcher)? Simon’s knowledge of the history of wood working and skills are fantastic – and imparted to me, a bit of a novice, in a clear and friendly way. So many skills and techniques taught and learnt in one day – and all just using sharp tools, with no power other than the treadle. A bit of a surprise to find no electricity, but actually you don’t need it: just use the hand tools and the treadle, and the fire for the kettle is forever on using wood remnants and shavings –as Simon says nothing is wasted with wood. If you are at all doubtful about going on this basic wood pole lathe turning course, don’t be. Go. You will enjoy it and learn a lot."

10 Sep 14'

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

"The 3 day courses are well structured. A good pace and adapted to suit the students as you to along. Deborah is supportive and helpful but also asks you, as the student , to build on your own knowledge using what you have been taught previously. We also had fun, relaxed and were given super lunches. A good time was had by all!"

10 Sep 14'

Bev Pearson reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"An inspirational day! Elaine is very knowledgeable and the small teaching groups ensures there is an excellent level of support available throughout the day. I picked up lots of tips and was able to further develop my understanding of the principles of spinning. I gained a great deal of satisfaction from being able to take home my very first skein of yarn. Thank you Elaine, for an excellent day."

10 Sep 14'

Phil Dahl & Claire Jones reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"Our first experience of mosaic-making with Caroline was amazing. The atmosphere she creates changed how we both felt within minutes. Throughout the day, the energy she generated and the support she gave helped us all achieve something none of us would have expected or believed. In one day! All the materials we could have needed were on hand. The group 'buzz' was also great as we saw each other tackling the challenges, small and not-so-small, all of us delighting in the products at the end of the day. Since the workshop in July, we've started 'thinking' mosaics-seeing potential patterns and ideas, even looking at old pots and cups in a new way! Whatever anxieties we might have had to start with have been thoroughly blown away. A thoroughly enjoyable way to get into mosaic making and a "taster for later" too!"

10 Sep 14'

Sheila Dawson reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Brilliant day! Elaine is very welcoming, patient and helpful. She tailored her tuition to each individual's abilities while making sure the full range of basics was covered. Lots of tips, hints and practical help leaves me feeling a sense of achievement and inspired to carry on. If you are keen to learn, this is definitely the course for you."

10 Sep 14'

Alan Knight reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"We (myself and my partner) attended a one day spoon carving course on 22nd June 2014. The location of the course was in a small copse with a shelter, camp fire and some comfortable chairs to take a break in. Chris has a very easy going nature, and made us feel immediately at ease. He was very patient with us throughout the day, guiding and encouraging us all the way. During the day tea/coffee/juice was always available with the former being boiled on the campfire - keeping it real :). Lunch was of a hearty ploughman's style. The day went so quick, and felt a great sense of achievement as we proudly showed off our new spoons. This was a thoroughly worthwhile day, and even if this sort of thing isn't what you would normally do, its still worth the experience. So yes I would recommend speaking to Chris and arranging a days carving or turning in the woods. Big thanks to Chris from Elly & I."

9 Sep 14'

Maggie Evans reviewed: Mindful Mosaic workshops with Dionne Ible - Bedfordshire

"Dionne came to my house to give myself and my friend a two hour introductory course. We had a thoroughly enjoyable time - Dionne is a fab tutor, knowledgable, friendly and above all patient. We were stupid enough to think it would not take long to complete our items but how wrong were we!! Mosaics are definitely time consuming. Dionne left enough materials for us to finish our projects and returned to show us how the final stages on mounting the finished article onto our chosen base. We are delighted with our items and would thoroughly recommend Dionne"

9 Sep 14'

Gillian Hardy reviewed: Mindful Mosaic workshops with Dionne Ible - Bedfordshire

"Thoroughly enjoyed this one day course. Dionne has a lot of examples and books you can use to create your design from and a large amount of material to chose from too. I think this course would be suitable for both beginners and more experienced in mosaics as Dionne works with a variety of materials and techniques. Also as the class size is small you all get a lot of attention and support from Dionne in creating your masterpiece, unlike other courses I have attended where I have had to wait a long time when I need some assistance. The day just flew by and I am very pleased with mosaic I have made."

8 Sep 14'

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

"I thought that the first day was interesting and well planned however day 2 surpassed my expectations call the different textures and fibres were explained and we were allowed to design our own yarn. This was fascinating. Dunja is a very knowledgable spinner and us very enthusiastic in every aspect if the craft. Her instruction was both entertaining and clear. A day to remember"

8 Sep 14'

Lynda hall reviewed: Improvers Hand Spinning - Next Steps in Hand Spinning - at All in a Spin

"The 2 day tuition was excellent. Dunja started from raw fleece and worked through to finished wool. Explanation was perfect. A home made lunch with lots of tea and coffee were provided. A perfect venue."

8 Sep 14'

S.E reviewed: Encaustic art beginners class - paint with molten wax

"I did a class on Saturday and was amazed at the amount of stuff I produced and techniques I learnt. I am now an artiste!!!!and have the evidence to prove it. If you are thinking of doing this, book immediately. Toni is a fantastic tutor and she will tease the creativity out of you."

7 Sep 14'

SSs reviewed: Amazing encaustic art day course

"I did a 1-2-1 taster class with Phil and had an very enjoyable day. He has a very fun teaching style and fitted lots into the day. I left having learnt many techniques and had plenty of time to practice under his excellent supervision! I will definitely be returning to do more classes. Thank you Phil, you are a true inspiration."

7 Sep 14'

Dianne Watson-Payne reviewed: Upholstery and cushion covers with Jo Walton

"Brilliant traditional upholstery weekend in a sunny, well equipped studio. Small group size so plenty of one to one tuition & support from Jo Walton of the Urban Chair Company. Being surrounded by the incredible pieces she's created was inspirational. As was the camaraderie within the group. Jo has the skills of a master crafts woman, & the patience of a saint. Loved it! Thank you :)"

7 Sep 14'

Walter van Opstal reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Fab day with a very friendly and helpful tutor. Lots of hands-on time with a very good balance between guided and independent work. Very welcoming and fantastic food too! Thank you."

7 Sep 14'

S S reviewed: Encaustic art beginners class - paint with molten wax

"I did a wax art course with Toni and was amazed at the number of techniques and pieces of artwork I produced. I thoroughly enjoyed the day, learning a skill I will continue to use. Toni is an excellent and fun teacher. She let us loose to experiment with lots of different media and colours and was very encouraging. If you want to learn wax art, book a class with her!"

6 Sep 14'

Miriam Sherman reviewed: Handspinning workshop

"Did the course yesterday and have only got good things to say about it: the setting ( although not really related to the course) is beautiful , a lovely farm in the Peak District. Diane is a wonderfully enthusiastic and patient teacher. She came with her brother and sister both spinners . Her knowledge and passion is wonderfully infectuous . Would love to keep this up, if I can."

5 Sep 14'

Roz Speirs reviewed: Kiln Formed Glass in Cornwall

"I attended Fi's "Further Fusing" 2 day course in August and still can't quite believe how many different techniques and areas we managed to cover and how many beautiful pieces of glass were produced as a result! Fi is extremely talented and experienced, and was so generous with the depth of knowledge and resources she shared with me. In addition, she is just a lovely person to be around and a great teacher - patient, calm and inspiring and happy to tailor the course content around my requirements and interests. The class was taught in her light and spacious studio gallery which was an amazing space to work in, with Paddy the dog for company too! Great value and highly recommended!"

5 Sep 14'

Mike Todd reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Fantastic day and have already started building my own forge! Mort is a great teacher, full of enthusiasm, patience and an absolute mine of knowledge. I got this day for my birthday and will deffinitly be going back once my own set up is up and running. Thanks Mort. P.S will need to tap your knowledge about the best way to make a truyer as they're a bit out of my price range new!! thanks again and see you soon Mike P.P.S already used the forge tongs I / we made so great tools to make on the day if anyone is in need of ideas"

5 Sep 14'

Ross Beveridge reviewed: A stool making day

"A great day all round. The course is fun, informative and the course leaders allow you to be as hands-on as possible while still being immediately available for advice and suggestions. I was given this course as a birthday gift and it was really enjoyable and has given me the knowledge and enthusiasm to continue woodworking in my own time as well as having a great little footstool to put my feet on after a hard days work! I can't recommend this course highly enough for anyone with an interest in having a go at working with their hands. Sign up today!"

4 Sep 14'

Tim Ford reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - North Norfolk

"My 8yr old son and I spent a day with James at the forge, and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. The forge itself was worth a visit, with it's inherent history and magnificent setting in the estate buildings, and to have the opportunity to have a go at blacksmithing really made our day. James was patient, instructive, and helped us to both come away with an appreciation of the craft, and also something to hang on the wall: We made a toasting fork and key ring. Our day shared day, away from the modern day distractions of Apple and Nintendo, was some of our most memorable spent together, and we would love to do it again, next summer maybe."

3 Sep 14'

Tope reviewed: Hand-stitched leather tote, satchel or messenger bag course

"Excellent course, fantastic location and wonderful tutor. Really enjoyed the course and looking forward to the next one"

2 Sep 14'

Catherine reviewed: Hand-stitched leather tote, satchel or messenger bag course

"Gaynor and Enya are terrific teachers, and the two-day course is very well structured. I still find it hard to believe that I made such a beautiful hand-stitched tote in just two days. I came away knowing that I can now do simple leatherworking (as long as I practice soon so I don't forget too many things). I'm about to start making a little pouch like you'd use for a mobile phone (after I've practiced my stitching), and I've promised my husband a hand made belt, but that will have to wait until I feel confident enough to order the leather. I keep looking around rooms to see if there's anything that could be improved or mended by a hand-stitched leather strap or something."

29 Aug 14'

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

"A really enjoyable and informative. I'd been reading about how to spin but it really does help to have a patient expert showing how it is really done. I've even managed to spin and ply another skein since the weekend. Dunja was friendly and welcomed us into her lovely home, so thank you for a great day."

29 Aug 14'

Jackie Cole reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"Came away from the one day course on a real high. Theresa is extremely knowledgable and so enthusiastic about her craft,her patience is never ending. Actually produced a skein of useable wool. Such a fun day in beautiful surroundings. Can not recommend the day too highly."