Latest reviews

Richard Marchart. reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"An excellent and thoroughly enjoyable day in a beautiful location. Great tuition and guidance from Chris. Lunch and cake were delicious and the company was great. I thoroughly recommend this cause to anyone who would like to explore green woodworking."

Caroline Rutkowski reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"I attended the Stag Course in April and left with not only a wonderful Stag, but some excellent advice and skills. I think I may have caught the bug as it wasn't long before my own willow arrived and using all the techniques learnt, I was able to sculpt my very own piggy."

Eirian reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"Really had a good time, learned many technical skills and the days were interesting and educational. The setting was lovely and Jane was a very good tutor, having expertise in the subject taught."

Cin Burnett reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"Very well organised and hosted. Collaborative group. Nice people. Good food and good value. Have booked another course."

Sue reviewed: Raku pottery workshop with Pris McGirr

"Throughly enjoyed today's Raku course. Would highly recommend anyone wanting to learn a new craft to go on any of the courses run by Alford Craft Market , they are well taught in friendly small groups."

Alison reviewed: Raku pottery workshop with Pris McGirr

"Had a lovely day doing Raku at Alford Craft Market"

Emma reviewed: Raku pottery workshop with Pris McGirr

"My mum and I had a great day and we are so proud of our beautiful pots. Total raku addicts now!!"

Donna Abercrombie reviewed: Advanced Sewing Machine Skills with St Ives Adult Learning

"It was 6 hours well spent. I learnt how to clean my sewing machine and all about needles and threads and when to use these for different purposes. We went on to learn how to use the different feet supplied for the machines and how to use the zip foot for piping. We learned how to do decorative effects with different stitches and twin needles as well as how to do different button holes, overedging and how to use some of our lesser used stitches. It was a really helpful course for people with a range of skills. It was a small class so we had the luxury of individual attention when we needed it. I've been to Pamela's classes before, and she never disappoints."

Adult and Community Learning responded:

"Thank you for your kind review, Donna, we are glad that you enjoy Pamela's courses and can confirm that we will have a couple of new ones available in our new programme - St Ives Adult Learning"

Fiona Sharp reviewed: Dyeing with Woad

"Really lovely course, very interesting and I learned such a lot from Susan. Very pleased with the items I dyed. Definitely worth booking."

Susan Martin responded:

"Thank you for your review, much appreciated. Glad you enjoyed the course."

Steve K reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"I was not expecting to be able to Arc and MIG weld after just one day! David is a very professional and knowledgeable host, taking time to answer and explain all questions. Also, thank you for helping me with my exhaust bracket, appreciated. *Review written at the welding facility on 09/06/18, hard copy kept at premises."

Alex C reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"Perfect explanations and very helpful. We got stuck in right away, I loved it!. Dave is a great teacher and put me through my paces while also stopping to explain and show corrections where necessary. *Review written at the welding facility on 09/06/18, hard copy kept at premises."

Nathan F reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"The course was excellent, perfect for the work I need to do on my land rover. There's nothing that needs improving, the course was as advertised, and David provided support and assistance all day. *Review written at the welding facility on 30/09/17, hard copy kept at premises."

John M reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"The atmosphere was informal and friendly and I really enjoyed the day, perfect for a beginner like me. *Review written at the welding facility on 09/06/18, hard copy kept at premises."

Andrew H reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"An excellent and informative day. Plenty lot of hands on practice with constant help and advice.  *Review written at the welding facility on 09/06/18, hard copy kept at premises."

John Coombs reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"I did the one day course a couple of days ago and I want to go again. Andy is a competent and very able instructor. He made me feel relaxed and at home right from the start. Clearly there is a limit as to what can be done in a day, but I came away with a couple of fairly respectable spatulas and a hefty mallet and I am well pleased with that. Next time though I want to have a crack at one of the pole lathes. Oh, I should that the setting is stunning at that the catering was pretty good too. Andy make a good brew and they keep on coming. Thanks Andy,. See you again in not too long I hope."

Saly Middleton reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"As the recipient of this wonderful birthday present I was looking forward to an informative and practical learning experience. It was all of this and so much more! Lucy's expertise in her craft is obvious from the beginning, but the gentle way she guided us through creating and making our unique pieces of jewellery makes it a thoroughly enjoyable day. Throughout, her enthusiasm and attentiveness to both my daughter and myself, enabled us to keep going even when we thought things were not going according to plan! The end results amazed us both and I am so proud to be wearing my ivy leaf with trailing curl! I now have the incentive and enough basic knowledge to see how I can alter my glass studio, to make room for combining my lamp work beads with silver work. Thank you Lucy for creating an inspirational day, relighting my creativity! Sally M."

Steven Hanley reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"A wonderful experience. Set in the heart of the woodland, it is a very hands on course. Effective demonstrations of how to make each object, and then it is up to you to try. You experience using shave horses and pole lathes. All the work is done by hand. No electric tools in sight. Andy is friendly, and has good coaching skills. I did wonder if I would be bored, and itching to go home. Not a bit of it. Time flew by. I'm even thinking of doing another course."

Angela Whitehead reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"Great weekend, good venue, good company, had fun crafting. Help when required and lots of things to try. Thoroughly enjoyed it"

Ben Hanley reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A brilliant day for me and my father. My dads first time at the forge and my second. Adrian and Andy were great meaning that dad and the rest of the class could do the beginners course while I did something a little different. The guys and Debbie are brilliant making you feel right at home as soon as you step through the door creating a wonderful relaxed atmosphere so everyone can get on making their own treasured creations. This course is great letting you channel your inner artist into making something from a lump of steel or if your like me and not the artistic type you get to learn some great skills ( Plus there's something intoxicating about hitting hot metal with a hammer!!!) Artist or engineer you'll love this course, it's great therapy and hugely satisfying creating something from scratch by hand. I cannot recommend this enough, my second visit and i'll be back for a third!!"

tracy fordham reviewed: Flower Arranging Workshop

"Thank you SO much Naz, mum and girls for the flower workshop - my friend Sue and I thoroughly enjoyed it and learnt lots! Everyone was really friendly and it was a lovely way to spend a Saturday morning - very therapeutic! Thanks again and I'm sure we'll be coming to another of your workshops in the future!"

Sally-Ann Eburn-Knowles reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"Amazing weekend scrap booking with old friends and new. Fabulous venue with grounds you can walk round with good wholesome food. Can guarantee when you leave on the Sunday you will be counting down to the next one"

Glennis Dewey reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"Excellent course and leadership! Can’t praise Linda enough, well organised and nothing was too much trouble for her"

Barrie Fisher reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"As I have reached that time in my life when it is time for retirement and also having started woodturning again after many years. It was a pleasure to have Mark guiding me in the right direction and correcting points in my techniques. I have already started using some of these new ways of turning and it has also made it more enjoyable, even down to holding the tools in my left hand. mark is easy to talk to and is enthusiastic in passing his knowledge on to others, he is relaxed when working with you. Well worth taking the course. The complete day went very fast with plenty of cups of coffee thrown in during the day. I would recommend taking a course with Mark to anyone who wants to improve themselves or even getting started, and it is well worth the five star rating. Mark has sent through information for various aspects of woodturning and supplied a comprehensive set of notes. Must thank Mark for the day and will be looking to take part in another course in the future, possibly on shapes with cut outs etc. Many Thanks Mark"

Simone pietersz reviewed: Beginners and improvers oil painting workshop

"Beautiful surroundings to paint and relax for a couple of days. The host, Ernie is very hospitable and patient which makes one feel at ease. His work is very inspiring and he encourages you to be free in your expression."

Judy reviewed: Make your very own Tote bag

"I absolutely loved this course. I was a total beginner so didn't really know what to expect but Richard walked me through the whole process, from planning the design, cutting, and stitching, to riveting and burnishing. It was a brilliant day and I walked away with an amazing bag at the end of it. I would definitely this course!"