Latest reviews

17 Oct 17'

Alice reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I am a furniture maker, and wanted to create a mould for a new product. Ed was very open and listened to what I needed to create. A patient, gentle natured person very knowledgable in the mould making world. He also understands the production of the piece afterwards, so takes you through the whole process and creates a mould for your needs. I would highly recommend him for any mould making needs. An incredible view onto the old Spode factory, a perfect setting. I didn't get to eat one, but would recommend trying an oat cake if in Stoke on Trent, Ed knows a good place."

17 Oct 17'

Mike Carr reviewed: Cider making - one day workshop

"Definitely aimed at absolute beginners. Most of the day is spent processing the apples to produce the juice from which cider can be made. This is followed by a relatively short discussion about what happens subsequently to convert the juice into cider."

17 Oct 17'

Jenny Crawford reviewed: Micro Macrame - Beaded Bracelet

"Brilliant one and a half hrs spent making bracelet love it thank you Wendy x"

16 Oct 17'

John Coombe reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"Good course, learning various techniques of knife use. Very knowledgeable and experienced tutor. We all made a butter-knife and then a scoopy statula thingy which gets much use in the kitchen."

16 Oct 17'

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

"Not being very creative and having little idea about fused glass, I thoroughly enjoyed this day. Under Siobhan's expert guidance I managed to create a number of pieces without even cutting myself! The day was great fun, lunch brilliant and Siobhan and Dan great hosts. Would totally recommend and would love to repeat."

16 Oct 17'

Chris reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"Fantastic day!! Dave is excellent at teaching how to carve spoons, the setting was brilliant, such a cosy yurt with log burner set in an orchard setting, I went in the colder months and the stove kept us toasty warm! I was on the day long course with about 4 other people, there was plenty of demonstration time and then lots of 1-2-1 help from Dave as you progressed through the day. There were tea breaks and lunch breaks (take a packed lunch) and we all left with carved spoons that we had created from a log! In my opinion this is one of the best courses for spoon carving and at an incredibly reasonable price!"

16 Oct 17'

Annie reviewed: Needle Felting Workshop Owl Brooch

"I spent a fascinating three hours with Lana learning about wool, sheep & needles. Lota of tips on techniques. I was so absorbed the time flew by. Lana is very patient, knowledgeable and really helps you to get the most of the session. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn to needle felt."

16 Oct 17'

Vikki Hollis reviewed: Needle Felting Workshop Owl Brooch

"Really enjoyed learning how to needle felt and looking forward to attending the next workshop & learning more skills. Plus i made some new friends, a very enjoyable way to spend three hours. The cake was also very delicious thank you"

16 Oct 17'

Jo Dark reviewed: Needle Felting Workshop Owl Brooch

"My friend & I had a great time at a needle felting workshop, very helpful lovely relaxed supportive atmosphere. Easily 5 stars topped off with tasty cake."

16 Oct 17'

Jane attfield reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"A great weekend! The course gave me the opportunity to do something totally different, to be creative and have time out in a lovely setting. Sebastian was always on hand for help and support when needed and he was encouraging and supportive of all our very different project ideas. I was amazed by what I had managed to produce as a complete novice by the end. I'd recommend this to anyone even someone who thinks they would never be able to do it."

16 Oct 17'

Deb jones reviewed: Needle Felting Workshop Owl Brooch

"I would definitely recommend a felting course with Lana was made to feel very welcome and the tuition was excellent. I had a really fun session & will be going back again, it was my first time Thank you for the lovely cake as well :)"

16 Oct 17'

Mark reviewed: One-to-one mount cutting for your next exhibition

"Excellent group and one to one tuition. Friendly small class. A great skill to learn."

16 Oct 17'

Lisa reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I loved the place, the animals, the fields stretching out beyond, the simple technology and working in the fresh air. Sebastian was so good at creating a mellow peaceful atmosphere, taking us back to when time was spent making things to last."

16 Oct 17'

Edna reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Who would have thought that 50 years after being taught geometry at school I would find a use for it. Today with Lucy I learned that making fine jewellery is a lot more complex than just learning the practical skills such as filing and soldering. Once again my ability has been stretched and I loved every minute although I told Lucy it was torture. Gently Lucy has again allowed me to evaluate my project and it has changed again. No longer including enamelling but I believe it will look all the more fantastic"

16 Oct 17'

Stuart Hillston reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"I enjoyed a lovely day in the countryside with Dave in the mindful pursuit of spoon carving. We were blessed with wonderful weather, which meant plenty of outdoor time until the sun got too hot, as Dave very patiently, and safely, taught us the basics of making a butter spreader in the morning and a spoon in the afternoon, all from a "lump" of wood. I was happy to go slowly, being respectful of the tools and enjoying time with the other class members. The combination of warm sunny weather, and the peace and quiet was very conducive to productive creativity, and we moved under shelter to stay cool in the afternoon - had it rained we would have been under this cover from the start. I recommend you take this course as a way to experience making something by hand under the guidance of a skilled teacher."

16 Oct 17'

Pete Scotcher reviewed: Introduction to green wood craft - a two day course

"I havd a great few days on the introduction to woodworking course. Dave Jackson gave us every opportunity to learn by doing. The group was able to spend time in the woods learning about tree species and coppicing. I was delighted with the stool I made and had a chance to learn about sharpening my tools. I came away inspired, and believing that I can make things out of wood and deepened my love of being in woodland. Thanks to Dave and the team!"

16 Oct 17'

Denise Langham reviewed: Micro Macrame - Beaded Bracelet

"I had a lovely time making my bracelet. The class was well taught - it was so nice having such a patient teacher who explained things clearly. The other ladies doing the course were friendly as well so it made it more fun. Thank you."

16 Oct 17'

Sue Jones reviewed: 10 week silver jewellery course

"I started with a beginners silversmithing course nearly 2 years ago and I am hooked. Lucy is a brilliant tutor. Calm, patient and with meticulous attention to detail. Her workshop/studio is light and airy and very well equipped. I cannot recommend Lucy and her courses highly enough."

16 Oct 17'

Paul reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"So much fun!!! They're great guys there and you will get dirty! Haha, also the pub they take you to does lovely food!"

16 Oct 17'

Colin Wilson reviewed: Stained glass for beginners | Lead lights

"Myself and my partner both had a wonderful time attending David's "Stained Glass For Beginners" course. He is a great teacher with plenty of knowledge to share and much patience as he guided us through the basics of working with glass. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking to explore the world of stained glass."

16 Oct 17'

Rachel Farmer reviewed: Stained glass for beginners | Lead lights

"This was an excellent course, a fun and different way to spend the weekend. David was a great teacher, he was very patient, very informative and he kept it a lot of fun. We both came away very happy with our stained glass panels and have been feeling inspired to make some more. I would definitely recommend this course."

16 Oct 17'

Susie D. reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"The venue was comfortable and welcoming. Plenty of tea and coffee and biscuits and a very good canteen a few doors away. Alice was a 100% available during the day. She took us through how to prepare the small looms for weaving, attaching various threads, weaving, finishing off and how to make a tassell finish. There was a good variety of wools, fabric, ribbons. Her own work on the walls gave inspiration. She was patient and offered ideas with colours and texture and wools. I did not finish my work and bought the loom it was on to finish at home. I felt the loom was a bit expensive given I was attending a workshop...maybe a small discount? A few written notes and photo of loom, how to start would have helped as I tend to forget things (am a senior?) and am a visual learner .Also maybe Alice could have a few simple booklets/books to sell. Overall it was an excellent day and I would recommend the workshop to anyone either just to try out or to start on the weaving journey. I am hooked? ! thank-you Alice."

16 Oct 17'

Stephanie reviewed: Beginner’s Soapmaking Workshop in Salisbury

"I had a lovely time on the soap making workshop!. Found it very easy to understand and would be confident to try making soap at home! Catherine is a great teacher and would highly recommend going to one of her workshops !"

16 Oct 17'

Maija Pykett reviewed: 10 week silver jewellery course

"I am on my second 10-week progression course with Lucy and I love it! She has lots great tools in her studio and each student has their own bench space. Lucy works at the pace of each student, so there are times when we are all working on something different. It means you learn from what other people are doing too which is great. I have also recently completed one of Lucy's one-day course in Flush Setting. It was quite fiddly, but great fun. If you have never had a go at making jewellery, Lucy is the perfect teacher. Just be warned it's slightly addictive!"

16 Oct 17'

Chris Stoves reviewed: 10 week silver jewellery course

"This is my fourth year learning from Lucy. Her courses are thorough, build on skills learned and she makes learning fun in a bright, light, well equipped studio. She is patient and knowledgable and her gentle yet firm approach always ensures the learner feels encouraged and achieves their best results. I can't praise these courses highly enough!"