Latest reviews

11 Sep 17'

Wayne groom reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"A big thank you to stuart and his team at the trading post. I had such an exciting time learning to use the forge and trying to make the metal do what I wanted (badly).Stuart was patient,witty and very knowledgable and helped us get through to the final result.i throughly enjoy my day and would highly recommend it to anyone to give it try."

11 Sep 17'

Jeanette reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Having never spun any wool I was really nervous about attending this course in case I couldn't do it and was out of my depth. Elaine very quickly made me feel relaxed and at ease. She was a great teacher, so calm and nothing was too much trouble. I was really please to come away with my home spun wool. A really enjoyable day."

11 Sep 17'

Rachael Leach reviewed: Photography Days

"I highly recommend this course to anybody. Right from the first meeting, Richard and Sue made me feel completely at ease with them. They are both very knowledgeable and passionate about photography, and are genuinely interested in helping other people get the best out of their cameras and photography. Richard and Sue explain things in a way that is easy to understand, and give you plenty of time and guidance to take plenty of photographs and then review and change them in Lightroom. They also gave me lots of advice on equipment I may need. I feel much more confident using my camera now and playing around with different settings. As others have said, you will not regret going on this course if you are keen on photography!"

11 Sep 17'

Rachel Palmer reviewed: Introduction to stone setting 2 day course

"Absolutely loved this course. After doing the 2 day silver jewellery making course with Jonathan 3 weeks ago I was really excited to learn how to finish off my pieces with stones and it was even more rewarding than I'd expected. I came away with pieces of jewellery that I'd actually buy which felt like a great achievement. As before, Jonathan communicated everything so well, made sure to balance information with hands on practice, managed to split his time evenly between all 3 of us on the course and make sure we were ok with what we were doing at all times. Not to mention he kept us well fed and watered. Would recommend to anyone wanting to learn the basics of stone setting."

11 Sep 17'

Rachel Palmer reviewed: 2 Day Silver Jewellery Making Course - Ely

"What a great course. Really hands on and loads learnt in such a short time. Jonathan is a great teacher and has helped make what once felt so daunting feel so doable (with a little practice). Definitely got the jewellery bug."

11 Sep 17'

Stephen Reynolds reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"Very good, thorough, informed and interested tutoring in the basics and not-so-basics of wood-turning. Excellent matching of information to the customers - proper conversation rather than a prescribed course. I'll be signing up again soon."

11 Sep 17'

Jan reviewed: Willow Weaving Workshop

"I wanted to thank you very much for the really enjoyable day today. I am so proud of the hare, but am, very aware I couldn’t possibly have created it without your expert guidance. You were so patient with us all right through the day . I couldn’t believe it when you said it was 4pm and realised that we had been working away for 6 hours."

11 Sep 17'

Bryan W reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"What a fantastic day: two great little projects; two keen classmates and an enthusiastic tutor. You should consider running an 'advanced' one day course to make something a bit more challenging."

11 Sep 17'

Philip robinson reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"Enjoyed every second of this course, it was so informative, the tutor helpful, the time just flew away. Thank you so much for a wonderful day."

11 Sep 17'

Dr Kevin Pyke reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"Great day blacksmithing. Really enjoyed it. Good teacher and with only 3 students, it worked very well and tuition was just right. Good to take home two really decent handmade pieces which friends and family were most impressed by. Do you do a second level course? It would be fun to keep going a bit and learn some other slightly more advanced techniques."

10 Sep 17'

Jan Preshous reviewed: Candle making with afternoon tea

"A very relaxed and enjoyable course, Tracy was very welcoming and very informative we came away ready to start making candles. Would definitely recommended this course"

10 Sep 17'

Tony Bettison reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"A thoroughly enjoyable and educational day. So much information presented with a calm relaxed approach and all course members treated in a very professional and inclusive manner. The day went by a flash and yet we all came out with our completed masterpieces! It has certainly wetted my appetite and I can see myself continuing to practice the skills gained today (should my retirement from work ever happen!!) 100% recommended."

10 Sep 17'

Robyn Martin reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"A fantastic 2 days. I attended the course with my Father and we both enjoyed it immensely and have been telling everyone about it. We both love the bags we have made and have had loads of compliments. Neither of us really knew what to expect and Jason and Louise did everything to make our experience a great one. I would encourage anyone to give this a try and be really impressed with what they will help you to achieve. I certainly was and now I just need to decide on the next project..."

10 Sep 17'

Gayle reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Quite simply a high quality course, instructor and candles. They keep the frangrance exceptionally well and look stunning. Will be coming back."

10 Sep 17'

Chris Hyde reviewed: ‘Winter dream ' wool painting face-to-face textile art course in Worcestershire

"Having painted with watercolours for many years, I approached the workshop with more than a little apprehension. How could one paint with wool? Would it be possible to complete a landscape in five hours? My worries were unfounded. Raya is an excellent teacher with endless patience and encouragement. I learned how to build colour and texture using fine Merino wool and completed an autumn landscape which was beautifully framed ready to take home. Many thanks, Raya, for giving me the confidence to pursue this addictive hobby. A further workshop is on the cards."

10 Sep 17'

Julie reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Fantastic day with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable tutor. Elaine was patient and encouraging through every aspect of the spinning process. The small number in the group (3) meant that close supervision and assistance came in a timely manner and kept everyone spinning throughout the day! With no previous knowledge of spinning I came away with my own, handspun wool. Great day."

10 Sep 17'

Jim Ayres reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"An excellent day with an excellent tutor who managed to turn (no pun intended!) my mistake into a piece of beauty by the time I had finished. Lunch was very nice as well!!"

10 Sep 17'

Callum Kay reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"An exellent day has got me hooked on blacksmithing, great teachers who go through each step with you and you get to keep what you make would definitely recommend to anyone looking to start blacksmithing"

9 Sep 17'

Ayla terzi reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"An absolutely fantastic day! Amanda was knowlegeable, excited, friendly and hilarious! She welcomed us into her lovely studio and shared her expertise and enthusiasm! I attended the workshop with my mum who ( having no prior experience in the techniques used) is now looking into taking up the craft at home! In a group of three (all at different levels of confidence and experience) Amanda balanced her time and energy beautifully to ensure we all achieved our desired designs, leaving all of us feeling very proud of what we achieved! And to top all of the wonderful artistic endevours, she is a top notch chef! Serving the most wonderful hot lunch with dessert, and greeting us with tea and homebaked biscuits! What more could you want! A truly wonderful day and experience, leaving us not only with wonderful memories but beautiful souvenirs that we can boast we made ourselves!! If I could I woukd give 6 stars!!!"

9 Sep 17'

Rachel Main reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"I had such a lovely morning at Kerry's workshop today and learned so much about candles from wax, fragrance, how to burn them properly and most importantly how to make my own! Kerry created a fun and relaxed atmosphere and made some delicious cake too - I'd highly recommend this workshop!"

9 Sep 17'

Judith reviewed: Glass Fusing and Slumping for Beginners and Improvers

"Amazing! If you're uncertain, just book it. Not only will you meet some lovely people, but you'll also surprise yourself at what you can produce (with the expert help of Jean and Janice). Loved it!"

9 Sep 17'

Beth reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Had a lovely morning making candles with Kerry. I learnt a lot about how to make the most of burning a candle to its full potential, and how to spot the good ones! Kerry also made a cake that catered for my dairy free needs which was much appreciated and delicious. Definitely recommend this workshop. Thank you!"

9 Sep 17'

Anne Mather reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Had a Lovely Morning in Temple on the Candle making workshop. Kerry made me welcome from the start (emails) and gave a lovely warm welcome as I entered her home then a 'Grand' cup of tea. Kerry is very informative about candle making and even told us about her 'mishaps' in the beginning of her journey. I was able to mingle with others who were there and choose the scent I wanted for my own candle from her amazing collection of scents. After blending the scent and wax together and pouring this in to the tin we had a a slice of yummy cake and another cup of tea. I had a lovely morning and would highly recommend this course to anyone. I was even able to buy a starter kit (or two) and some fragrances to make some more candles. Kerry, Thank You and look forward to seeing you again for the next one!"

9 Sep 17'

Tim Burden reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"I did a small amount of wood turning about 10 years ago and recently decided to dig out the old lathe and have another go. This did not go too well and so I decided that I needed to get some help. I came across Andy’s Web site and read the reviews which were all excellent. My children gave me a day course as a Birthday gift. On the day of my course I arrived at Andy’s workshop and straight away was made to feel at home. I had brought my own gouges so Andy could check my sharpening technique. I soon realised that I had no sharpening technique ! Andy reshaped and sharpened my gouges and we made a start on a bowl. I found Andy very patient and he explained things clearly. When I got it wrong he just showed me again. I learnt a great amount during the day and went home with the confidence to practice what I had been shown. Now my gouges are sharp things are starting to go a bit better on my old lathe. I thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who is interested in learning wood turning. I don’t normally pay much attention to reviews but I totally agree with all the good comments made by previous students. I would definitely like to attend one of Andy’s other courses once I have had some more turning time. Roll on next birthday. Tim Burden"

9 Sep 17'

Sue Tyson reviewed: Basket weaving for beginners - make a round basket

"Attended the one day basket making workshop run by Emma at Bird Farm on the 7th September. Have wanted to learn this craft for a long time and Emma is an excellent, patient teacher and I finished the day with a completed basket which I'm very pleased with. Lovely surroundings and a chance to see Alpacas. Highly recommended."