Latest reviews

Yvonne Conchie reviewed: Bronze Smelting and Casting

"Expert leader - an archaeologist / ancient metallurgist from Sheffield Uni. Interesting discussions and great hands-on experience smelting copper from malachite and then casting a bronze axe head. Feel confident having a go at replicating some of what I've learnt in the garden at home."

Jean reviewed: Fabulous felt picture 2 day masterclass near York

"I really enjoyed this course. It was a relaxed and friendly weekend. I learned a lot and Bridget is so knowledgeable and enthusiastic which is catching. However, I agree with a previous reviewer about having to wait for pointers on what to do next. I realise Bridget is very keen to help everyone and give some one to one help. I took photos but when I got home it was hard to remember everything. I think a handout with the basics and order of the process would be very helpful. That said, I can thoroughly recommend Bridget's workshops and I am thinking of doing another one in the not too distant future. Thank for making this a great learning experience especially for a nervous first time felter."

Richard L reviewed: Hands On Strip & Build a Bike Day: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Dear Annie and Dan, Just a quick email to thank you for yesterday’s bike maintenance course and for your fantastic hospitality. I got a lot out of the course and now feel more confident to try a few maintenance tasks myself. Regrettably, they won’t be accompanied by the lovely soups, biscuits and scones that we enjoyed yesterday! Best wishes Richard"

Julia reviewed: Lino cutting course - Laura Andrew Art Studio, Lincoln - Linocut lino printing

"This course was so much fun!! I had such a brilliant relaxing time making my very own lino print! I now have handmade cards, prints and gift tags to give to family and friends. Laura Andrew is an excellent teacher of craft and was so encouraging . She is also a very talented artist!!!! I chose to make a lino print of my favourite goose!!! Delighted with the results."

Jane Braun reviewed: Beginners Weaving with the Rigid Heddle Loom - at All in a Spin

"I am a relative novice in relation to weaving, my previous experience consists of an enjoyable two hour workshop in Suffolk where the loom was set up on arrival and I just shuttled a bobbin back and forth, and being about 6 years old and wrapping string around cardboard before wiggling bits of long grass through the threads... . I enjoy most crafts and having recently moved to Wales felt it was time to put my toe in the weaving water. A quick search online brought me to All in a Spin, and after a couple of emails between myself and Dunja I found myself in the company of 5 other would be weavers at her delightful, warm and welcoming studio. (I believe that the classes are generally no more than 5 but my friend hopped into the car at the last minute wanting to share the adventure...). The class started promptly at 10.00 and Dunja's clear explanation, patience and step by step approach took us from warping the loom to weaving and then finishing in 6.5 hours. We all managed to make a scarf and there was choice as to pattern and colour, which gave the class a personalised feel. Dunja was there every step of the way to help overcome any missthreads and tangles or just to advise and explain. Hot drinks and biscuits were provided, (an introduction to McVities thins), and the lunch break allowed us as a group to chat and share experiences. (There was a microwave if anyone was wondering). All in all a wonderful day and, with the clear printed step by step guide that Dunja provides, I feel that if I were to invest in a rigid heddle loom I would probably be able to get weaving. Oh, and I came away with a lovely checked scarf! Thank you Dunja, I'll be back....."

Jini reviewed: Wild pottery workshop - dig your own clay in the woods, bonfire/clamp kiln firings

"It was absolutely enchanting from start to finish. It wasn’t just the clay, the handling of it, the creating, the fire-making… but the magic which you imbued it all with, and the care you took. I felt very well looked-after. Your light touch, the sense-door exercise, the poem…all really moved me. You have a rare combination of gifts. As someone who feels artistically clumsy it was wonderful to feel I achieved something creative. And that special woodland. I want to do it all over again! I’m going to recommend this to all my friends."

Margaret Leach reviewed: Candlemaking for Beginners

"I took part in Rob's candle-making workshop this morning with two other ladies. It was a hugely enjoyable experience and great fun. I am absolutely delighted with my five hand-made candles. I have already been on Whatsapp to lots of friends telling them all about it and sharing photos. I always watch 'Countryfile' on Sunday evenings but I haven't even turned on the tv! I am busy looking at some of the websites recommended by Rob and making my shopping lists. Rob was very patient and an excellent tutor and I would highly recommend his course."

Henry Porter reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"If you’re considering taking a blacksmithing class, I highly recommend allowing Mort to guide you through this fascinating craft. The day was fantastic, we were introduced to the basic tools and techniques and it wasn’t long before we jumped in and got our hands dirty! I choose to forge a chef’s knife, and ended the day with a blade far better than I could have hoped for. Mort was friendly, knowledgeable, and an entertaining tutor (and was even kind enough to provide transport to and from the train station). Take this course!"

Louise Heatley reviewed: Introduction to Weaving

"This was a lovely way to spend a day! Charlotte’s beautiful hand dyed yarns were available to weave with. The lunch was fabulous, at the vegetarian restaurant on the premises. I was very happy to come away with a framed piece to be proud of. Charlotte was also really flexible and showed me some things outside the scope of the course to help me with the loom I have at home. I would thoroughly recommend this course, and it’s very reasonably priced too."

Fruitbat Textiles responded:

"Thank you for your lovely comments Louise! It was a pleasure to have you for the day and help you along your weaving journey! And your sample was beautiful! As I said, if you need any help with your loom just give me a shout! ?"

Sandra Shipley reviewed: Willow Piglet workshop

"I really enjoyed the willow class and meeting with Victoria. She's really good at keeping the class interested in the history of willow. Her expertise is amazing with items she has made and with her help I now have a willow piglet which I am very proud of making. Excellent class, great coffee and biscuits. Would recommend highly. Thanks."

Janis Young reviewed: Lino printmaking in the Dales

"My second course with Penny and another very enjoyable day. She is a great tutor, has a very well equipped studio and we had a lovely lunch too. Looking forward to the next one."

Emma Griffiths-Brown reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing Workshop by Clare Cosens

"We attended this course yesterday (10/03/18) and from the outset it was excellent. Clare explained the process, demonstrated each step, gave guidance and suggestions when needed and provided tea and very delicious biscuits. We came away having learnt a new skill and with several prints. I would definitely recommend this course if you fancy trying something new. It was all carried out in Clare’s workshop with three other crafty folks. Now need to book myself into the follow on course so I can add to the prints I made."

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

"I am a relative novice in relation to weaving, my previous experience consists of an enjoyable two hour workshop in Suffolk where the loom was set up on arrival and I just shuttled a bobbin back and forth, and being about 6 years old and wrapping string around cardboard before wiggling bits of long grass through the threads..... I enjoy most crafts and having recently moved to Wales felt it was time to put my toe in the weaving water. A quick search online brought me to All in a Spin, and after a couple of emails between myself and Dunja I found myself in the company of 5 other would be weavers at her delightful, warm and welcoming studio. (I believe that the classes are generally no more than 5 but my friend hopped into the car at the last minute wanting to share the adventure...). The class started promptly at 10.00 and Dunja's clear explanation, patience and step by step approach took us from warping the loom to weaving and then finishing in 6.5 hours. We all managed to make a scarf and there was choice as to pattern and colour, which gave the class a personalised feel. Dunja was there every step of the way to help overcome any missthreads and tangles or just to advise and explain. Hot drinks and biscuits were provided, (an introduction to McVities thins), and the lunch break allowed us as a group to chat and share experiences. (There was a microwave if anyone was wondering). All in all a wonderful day and, with the clear printed step by step guide that Dunja provides, I feel that if I were to invest in a rigid heddle loom I would probably be able to get weaving. Oh, and I came away with a lovely checked scarf! Thank you Dunja, I'll be back....."

Rochelle morrissey reviewed: Furniture painting workshops / Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

"Had a fantastic morning with our group. The course was well run and was very informative showing us all the techniques for all levels. I can now take home the confidence to tackle my painting projects. I would recommend to anyone. Thank you again, Nyree"

Sue reviewed: Art & Craft Days - Mothers Day Chocolate Experience

"Really good truffle making class today, thanks very much for a really enjoyable, informative and tasty morning."

Danielle Freeman reviewed: Mixed media workshops in Staffordshire

"I took my mom along to the Easter Mix course today. And we had such a great time. Mandy was lovely, friendly and very talented. She is full of knowledge and we loved that. As soon as we walked in the kettle was on. My mom was struggling for ideas for crafts until she came along here. She's now bursting with ideas and can't wait to start making. We will certainly be coming back. A great mothers day gift. Will do this more often."

Lynne Hughes reviewed: Machine patchwork courses with Green Man Quilts

"Sheena is an inspiration, always happy to advise and fills you with confidence. I look forward to new terms. Thank you for your patience and expertise . ."

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

"This is a great day getting to know about weaving on a rigid heddle loom. Dunja is a superb teacher and explains everything clearly so that you pick it up quickly and can come away with a finished article with minor finishing elements. I really enjoyed spending a day with people looking to learn a new yarn craft."

Jude Pritchard reviewed: Bronze casting weekend

"I have thoroughly enjoyed the lost wax bronze casting process with Mark and Caroline. I've attended many of their courses and I've learnt so much of this fascinating process. Mark explains the steps involved in this ancient art and is highly experienced and confident . Caroline's lunches and snacks are delicious and I feel at home when I come to visit. I've met interesting friendly people on the courses who also have found this way of sculpting as interesting as I have."

Sonia Campbell reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"Fantastic day, Julie and Kay are very knowledgeable and we learned lots from them. Can't wait to try my new skills at home. Lovely afternoon tea. Would definitely recommend xx"

Paul Ward reviewed: Introduction to Block Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"A great course, I was made to feel very welcome and accommodated as the complete beginner that I was. The small group was made of people at various stages of proficiency, each was treated individually according to experience and ability with Judith gently pushing you onto the next stage when she felt you were ready for it and suggesting the direction to go in. We all came away with something we were pleased to have achieved and I feel that I am now in a position to continue this at home with a good degree of confidence. Highly recommended."

Hilary reviewed: Furniture painting workshops / Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

"I’m a complete beginner but Nyree managed to fill me with enthusiasm and confidence to start on transforming my old furniture in such a short space of time. Her workshop covers all the essential techniques and with a small group size ensures it feels very personal."

Paula reviewed: Willow Piglet workshop

"Enjoyed making wicker chickens with Victoria. A lovely way to spend a Saturday."

Jennie reviewed: Can't crochet, won't crochet?

"Yvonne was excellent at showing us how to do the basic stitches required for most patterns and we got to make a flower and a granny square. I also learnt how to decipher the pattern codes. It all makes so much more sense now. Thank you."

Linda reviewed: MindFlow Art: Healing the Heart though Creativity

"Loved the whole day of creativity and relaxation."