Latest reviews

27 Jul 17'

Anon reviewed: Experimental Portraits in Malhamdale - 4 night residential

"Enjoyed the art and loved the house and the surrounding countryside"

27 Jul 17'

Anon reviewed: Introduction to watercolours in the South Downs - 3-night holiday

"Abingworth is my favourite house as it's the easiest to get to from London I am now tending to go more I have booked there for two art holidays next year"

27 Jul 17'

David shepherd reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"A great course if you enjoy learning the rudiments of a new hands on skill. It's very practical so you are wielding a hammer within minutes of starting the course. Ambrose goes at a really nice pace allowing you to be as guided or sell sufficient as you please. A top experience."

26 Jul 17'

helen sargent reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I highly recommend this day's course. I took my 16 year old nephew and we each came away with the most beautiful turned piece. Chris is superb and makes everything clear and straightforward - it was a fun, creative and uplifting day. Don't hesitate: go!"

26 Jul 17'

simon clayton reviewed: Woodturning courses in Norfolk

"What a fantastic day with Nick (Alan!! Lol)... He and his wife are great and very friendly, Nick puts you at ease straight away, he has a very calm and relaxing demeanor.. The morning was spent showing the different tools, sharpening and how to use these tools for different shaping all hands on and not rushed at all. Then a light lunch and back to workshop to make a bowl.. Definitely wpuld recommend Nick ..Thank You!"

26 Jul 17'

Jules Michaels reviewed: Introductory soap making workshop

"Time Very Well Spent...A fabulous course for absolutely anybody who has wondered how easy it would be to 'have a go' at making your own beautiful soaps. Nic and Ben are great hosts and teachers and nothing is too much trouble. The cookies and cupcakes were equally great:) And their soaps and lip balms are divine. I definitely recommend Boo Cottage Botanicals to friends and everybody who has a few hours to while away having fun being creative in a lovely location."

26 Jul 17'

Dylancita Gonzalez reviewed: Sewing lessons

"I went to keep my friend company and didn't expect it would be so much fun. It brighten's up my week to drop in on Mondays and let my imagination run riot."

26 Jul 17'

Tanya Lawton reviewed: Sterling silver beginners pendant making jewellery course

"Had a fabulous time and will definitely be going back."

26 Jul 17'

Mark Fowler reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"Had a truly magnificent day at the glass workshop in St David's. This was a birthday gift from my lovely Helen and what an inspired idea! Good company on the course and a relaxed but purposeful atmosphere. Steve is a superb artist in his own right and - thankfully - is able to transfer his knowledge to us students! We all had a great time and were engrossed from the beginning. The introduction was thorough and to the point. The transition to getting on with the job was timely - enough information to help us get going but no delay in getting down to working with the glass. Advice from Steve was helpful throughout the day - gentle pointers how to get what you're looking for and avoid the pitfalls. Good food at lunchtime and good company. I was delighted with the results of my workshop. Just can't decide which wall now best fits my own "work of art"."

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26 Jul 17'

Yvonne Smeaton reviewed: Needle-felting course with FURZIE at The Globe, Hay on Wye, Herefordshire *Accommodation available*

"Fantastic day with Michelle, learnt lots to help me take my needlefelting to the next level. The take home kit was very good. We had access to Loads of fibres and fleece. Lunch was delicious and there were plenty of refreshments throughout. Really really good day."

26 Jul 17'

Sarah Storer reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"A great way to 'have a go' at blacksmithing. The course was relaxed but I still managed to create three items over a weekend that I'm proud of. Everyone was really friendly and supportive, encouraging creativity. It's a testament to how much everyone in the group was enjoying the course that we all continued working on our pieces even after the official end time on the first day and had to be (gently) encouraged to leave!"

26 Jul 17'

Clinton Askew reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"The course was an excellent introduction to Blacksmithing. I wanted the opportunity to create an object rather than just learn techniques and this course provided the perfect blend of creativity, techniques and hands-on support. The weekend brought together a group of people from different backgrounds and we all enjoyed the experience. I look forward to building on this course."

26 Jul 17'

Robin Drury reviewed: Art in the Garden Fullers Mill Waterside Gardens Suffolk Drawing and Painting

"Fullers Mill Garden is just glorious. Lucy & Amanda goaded us into a creative response. Result - a new awareness of the possible. Game changing. Made for a beautiful day. Thanks both xx"

25 Jul 17'

Emma Queensborough reviewed: Pottery throwing sessions on the potter's wheel in Norfolk

"A thoroughly enjoyable experience on every level! Pat is a fantastic teacher who guided me over the two hours from being a complete novice to producing some fairly decent and totally useable pots! A very relaxed and friendly atmosphere made this a great activity to completely switch off from the hum drum and get immersed in learning new skills. Superb tea too Pat! I would thoroughly recommend and I can't wait to try it again! A great evening with a dear friend...just because! Thank You!"

25 Jul 17'

jodi buckley reviewed: Hand-Spinning & Natural Dyeing Retreat, Highlands, Scotland

"I don't even know where to start! Rosie's Dye to Spin adventure in the beautiful highlands was a dream come true. Rosie and Alex are welcoming hosts and their farm is beautiful, filled with sheep, chickens, goats, a rabbit, Otto the dog, Lavendar the lamb, and two adorable children. The house accommodations were nice and comfortable. There was plenty of space to spread out and knit until the wee hours. The woods and pastures surrounding the property were breathtaking. During our week on the farm, we learned the techniques of the process to turn a newly shorn fleece into eco dyed yarn. It was fascinating to see what colors we could create from the local flora around us. Bridie is a wonderfully patient spinning instructor. We were taught the basic skills to allow us to pursue spinning, should we desire. We also had a needle felting tutorial, we got to participate in a "waulking wool" song tradition with Ele, and had a nice introduction to fair isle knitting by Catherine. What I didn't expect, were the amazing meals cooked for us daily! What a treat. The food was healthy, delicious and plentiful. I can't say enough about my week in highlands. It was everything I had hoped it would be, and more!!"

25 Jul 17'

Colin & Shirley Scott reviewed: 3 Day beginners Fused Glass crash course - Silver Zebra studio Cheshire - Est 2004 by one of the UKs leading glass artists

"Thoroughly enjoyed all three days, learnt a lot, made a lot of pieces, met lovely people and shared some delicious food. Can't recall being so satisfyingly absorbed in an activity. Deborah is an excellent teacher, generous with her knowledge, ideas and materials. Course is excellent value for money."

25 Jul 17'

Peter Thompson reviewed: Blacksmith forgework Learning Experience Day

"Had a brilliant day with Robin and Darren. Both very knowledgable and easy to get on with. The day flew by and I came home with a mezzaluna and a bottle opener, really pleased with both. Food was excellent and he makes a cracking cup of tea. Would recommend this to anyone that has an interest in metalworking."

25 Jul 17'

Rachael Butler reviewed: One day pottery making course for 2 people in Norwich, Norfolk

"Excellent tuition from an inspiring teacher! From arrival we were made to feel welcome and relaxed within Pat's studio. We learned about the types of clay, how to prepare it and the basics of wheel thrown pottery techniques. Pat is an outstanding tutor, patient with beginners and always ready with a new challenge for those with more experience. Whether you are advanced in ceramics or a complete beginner, Pat will take your learning and techniques to higher levels. Thank you Pat. We had a fabulous time in your studio."

25 Jul 17'

Carolyn Littlewood reviewed: 3 Day beginners Fused Glass crash course - Silver Zebra studio Cheshire - Est 2004 by one of the UKs leading glass artists

"Had an amazing time, met new friends, learned so very much, ate wonderful food and brought away memories and many glass inspirations, the whole thing was well taught with an informality that made everyone comfortable with the work they produced."

25 Jul 17'

Paul Counter reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"I have some traditional woodworking experience, but this was a fascinating insight into the process of green woorworking. Actually taking a growing tree and, over the course of a few hours, felling, splitting and then carving out some useable objects was a wonderful experience. Even my teenage children enjoyed it. Andy and Jane are excellent hosts and instructors. 8 would thoroughly recommend this to people of any level of experience."

25 Jul 17'

Dominique reviewed: Furniture painting workshops / Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

"Fantastic course, just what I was looking for. Nyree gives the right amount of information and help to give you the confidence to take on furniture painting projects. Lots of tips and enough techniques to give you a good feel for the possibilities. Well done Nyree and thank you."

25 Jul 17'

Catherine Pinnock reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"A lovely day to try something new! Caroline took us through the rudiments of cutting tiles and set us going with what we each needed to create our own unique piece. We had help all along the way and timely demonstrations of each stage. We had a lovely soup and rolls lunch in her beautiful garden, and tea and cake! I didn't quite finish but that was no problem as I came away with what I needed to complete my piece. A grand day!"

24 Jul 17'

John Rogers reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"This is the second course I have attended at Sallerton wood the first being a two day stool making course about a year ago, it served me well in taking on a six day chair making course. Doing the stool making first gives you a good grounding in the use of the tools and the techniques and I felt allot more confident, I only say this as before the stool course my woodworking skills were zero. It is not absolutely necessary to do the stool course first as as the quality of the training and guidance you will get from Andy Morton is second to none, he is very patient and always on hand to guide you through the difficult bits and it is amazing what you can achieve in the six days. Everything is done with hand tools and the wood is from the woodland you will be working in. Sallerton Wood is about 10 acres with under cover working and eating areas should it rain but working outside under the trees with the birds singing and the sun shining, absolutely brilliant. I'll be back next year to make chair number two. John Rogers"

24 Jul 17'

Ali Andrew reviewed: 2-Day Traditional Stained Glass Painting Course for Beginners

"Nathalie has a lovely teaching manner, she is passionate and patient and obviously an extremely talented artist. It was really interesting to learn the different techniques for applying the paint to the glass and how to create different effects. I was just sad when it ended! A great 2 day course!"

24 Jul 17'

james reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"The course was fantastic we covered the 7 basic forging techniques and had adequate time to put the skills Pete was teaching us into practice. Pete guided us carefully and clearly so when he sent us off to complete the next stage of the course we had a clear idea of what we were supposed to do, and if someone was unsure Pete was happy to explain in another way until it was clear. During lunchtime we were provided with plenty of food and drink which was delicious and filling. In summary the course was well worth it and the techniques I have learned will remain with me forever and have allowed me to pursue forging my own path."