Latest reviews

21 Jul 17'

Emmajayne Johnston reviewed: CSM - Circular Sock Knitting Machine Course

"I really enjoyed my lesson with Mia. The content was pitched just right for me and being a 1-to-1 lesson We were able to go at my pace. After the lesson, I returned home and I was able to finish assembling my circular sock machine and get it working. Mia's socks, yarn and enthusiasm were really inspiring and I'm well on the road to cranking out some pairs of socks independently."

21 Jul 17'

Rupert Holtby reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"I have always enjoyed working with wood in the outdoors. My Wife kindly booked me on the course as a present. We lead such busy lives that with children it seemed a little extravagant to have a day to myself, but it felt like a week. No distractions, simple tools, natural material, first class instruction and good food. Kris looked after us very well, he is very knowledgeable, a patient teacher with a passion for what he does. All of us stayed beyond the course finish time which was testament to how engrossed we were and how the time passed so quickly. I would recommend the course to anyone regardless of ability, everyone should be able to master this basic life skill that harks back to a more simple way of life."

21 Jul 17'

Christine Townsend reviewed: Introductory soap making workshop

"We had a wonderful morning with Ben and Nicola today learning about and making our own soaps. We started with an introductory slide show explaining the 'science' of the process and quickly started to look at oils and recipes for our personalised creations. Instructions were clear, and support helpful and informative. The whole experience was more simple than we had anticipated and was great fun. We would thoroughly recommend this course to any budding soap makers."

21 Jul 17'

Helen reviewed: 2 day blacksmithing courses

"I brought this course for my sister on the condition that I had to go with her. I was not disappointed! It was the first time that I'd tried anything like this and although I don't think I will ever become an accomplished Blacksmith, I am really pleased with what I managed to achieve over the 2 days (with a lot of help from Aaron). What I was particularly impressed with was the way in which the course was structured as there were lots of demonstrations and things were explained at each step. Aaron was also more than happy to repeat things and because there were only 4 of us, there was plenty of time to provide guidance on a 1-2-1 basis. When I read the description of the course I had been a little concerned that I might end up with a number of things that I would have no use for - I live in a rented flat with no fireplace or garden. However, I came away with a short curtain rail (rather than a poker) and 2 candle sticks as well as the hooks made on the first day. Aaron was more than happy to accommodate my requests, offering suggestions that were within my skill level and used it as an opportunity to show the others a few different techniques. I've been proudly showing off my accomplishments to my friends as I can't quite believe that I made them. A fantastic experience which I would highly recommend. Aaron's skill as a Blacksmith and patience as a teacher mean that you learn a lot over the 2 days and importantly have several completed projects to take how at the end."

21 Jul 17'

Adrian Hicks reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"This course is a fabulous opportunity to spend six days in the woods working on a challenging but very satisfying project. The patient and expert tutor Andy Morton guided me and five others through the many processes involved in making a chair of my choice to produce a result which I am particularly proud of. All tools required are supplied as are the excellent refreshments. Jane Morton was particularly helpful during the course, especially in respect of the bark seat to my chair."

20 Jul 17'

Julie Cheesman reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2 day Course

"My Friend and I took our children (aged 7-11, boys and girls ) out to the children's workshop that Margaret runs, to be honest I was not sure what to expect but it really was THE most amazing day. From the minute you arrive you're swept along on a wave of creativity, from looking around the truly fabulous garden (esp the amazing bottle waterfall!) to getting into the studio and seeing the brilliant array of materials and endless creative possibilities it really was mind blowing and engaging - Margaret was lovely and very helpful with subtle tweaks and suggestions which was lovely, and gave the children total expressive freedom- honestly one of the best things I've ever done with the kids- and my friend and i are planning an adults day very soon! ❤️"

20 Jul 17'

Lewis Wraight reviewed: Pottery making party in lovely seaside studio

"What can I say, Jenny was a fantastic host and a fantastic teacher. We treated our mum for her birthday who hadn't done this in 30 years, having once made a business out of it. Jenny helped to make her birthday truly special. I couldn't recommend booking more. Not only was Jenny great on the day, guiding all of us who had never done it before in multiple techniques but also helping our mum to blow off the cobwebs and run at her own pace. She gave advice after our visit to my mum as she considers getting back into more often. All of us (novices and out of practice expert) had an incredible day. The most fun we have had together in a while. We look forward to seeing how everything comes out!"

20 Jul 17'

Penny Trouo reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2 day Course

"My friend and I took our children and a couple of their friends to one of the workshops and had the most fantastic day. Margaret's garden is inspirational and all the children let their creative juices flow, even the boys!!! Their pieces were really beautiful and the children were so happy! Margaret is just wonderful, engaging and most informative. And was there to offer suggestions if required. I cannot recommend this course and Margaret's work enough! Thank you!"

20 Jul 17'

Tom Wilson reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I have just completed the weekend box making course and would highly recommend it . The help and tuition from Mark was exceptionally good . I am proud of the boxes I made and the skills I learned . It is one of the best things I have done ."

20 Jul 17'

Sam Grigg reviewed: Introduction to Soft Pastels 10-week face-to-face art course in Kidderminster West Midlands

"I attended a wool painting course with Raya Brown in Kidderminster. I really enjoyed exploring merino wool fibres and creating a fibre picture using Raya's methods and techniques. Raya as encouraging and made me, as a beginner, feel at ease. Raya is a practicing artist. Her lovely work was displayed in the studio and inspired me. I feel very proud of my wool painting that I created at course. I would definitely recommend this workshop to others."

20 Jul 17'

Sarah reviewed: Needle felting course with FURZIE at Trumpet Corner Tea Rooms, Ledbury, Herefordshire

"Really enjoyed my day learning to felt with Michelle. She was very patient and helpful ; the venue was great (Ledbury); and it was a relaxing and therapeutic day. My dog is a bit spooked by the "mini-me" that I created of him with Michelle's help - but I take that as a good sign..... Thankyou - and I hope to come along to another session and tackle a hare next time!"

20 Jul 17'

Julie reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Thanks for a great day George, could do with another few days to really get the hang of it but was amazed that in one day with no experience we both turned a slab of beech wood into two very impressive bowls. Really enjoyable day. Julie"

19 Jul 17'

David Bryden reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"One day course in spoon carving contained all of the essential skills to create a spoon blank ready for finishing. All tools were provided and plenty of chances to use the tools given. Great lunch and even cake given. Really great day spent outdoors at a lovely venue."

19 Jul 17'

Clare Harvey reviewed: Bags, Vessels, and Green men! Using resists to make an item of your choice.

"I have been on many courses with Chris, I always enjoy them and learn something new. This time I started out making a Green Man, but ended up making a Betty Boop! I had a great day, working out in on a beautiful day was a bonus!"

19 Jul 17'

Gemma C reviewed: Portmeirion crafts retreats

"I was a little skeptical going in to this weekend as it was my friend's idea to go and I don't consider myself particularly arty, but I was made to feel very welcome and free to do as much or as little as I'd like. We had a great time, and I came home feeling rather refreshed. I think we'll be heading out for another trip soon :)"

19 Jul 17'

Liz duffy reviewed: Bags, Vessels, and Green men! Using resists to make an item of your choice.

"Learnt lots of new skills and went home with a wonderful planter. Great food, lovely company, brilliant day!"

19 Jul 17'

michelle Covington Jones reviewed: Bags, Vessels, and Green men! Using resists to make an item of your choice.

"What a lovely day. We all went home with fantastic felt! Green Men,Betty Boop, and planters. I have learnt so much from Chris, and have been treated to wonderful hospitality and excellant company too! Inspirational!"

19 Jul 17'

Jo Preece reviewed: A One-day Feltmaking Course to Make a Fabulous Felt Hat in the Beautiful Forest of Dean.

"Fabulous day... relaxed and creative! Just what was needed! Lunch was lovely-an added bonus! Will be in touch very soon for school and ladies club day. Thank you so much."

19 Jul 17'

Lucy Martin reviewed: A One-day Feltmaking Course to Make a Fabulous Felt Hat in the Beautiful Forest of Dean.

"What a super day!! It was so much fun,and so relaxed all at the same time! I will be back very soon. And a beautiful lunch. Thank you so much."

19 Jul 17'

Melissa reviewed: Portmeirion crafts retreats

"I spent my 40th birthday on one of these weekends. I was unsure as we are all creative in differing ways but due to the relaxed style we all enjoyed it equally."

19 Jul 17'

Tina fox reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"I was blown away (no pun intended) by Rickys patience, expertise and encouragement. It was a fantastic day with one other lady, Kate, who was as interested and fascinated at the prospect of creating something with what looked like a molten alien blob. With Rickys help we created sculptural and recognisable usable pieces and the time just flew by. I would thoroughly recommend his courses and hope to be returning for a follow up day soon."

19 Jul 17'

Amanda Halpin reviewed: Silver Fidget Ring Workshop

"I had a wonderful day in Helen's beautiful studio. The fidget ring was the best I have made. Helen is a great tutor and a lovely lady. I thoroughly recommend this course."

19 Jul 17'

Beginner pyrography reviewed: Beginners introductory pyrography course in Lincolnshire

"Really enjoyable day. Very well presented, with plenty of hands on activities."

19 Jul 17'

Ronnie reviewed: Hand Embroidered Hares with Julie Brand from Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Such an enjoyable relaxed day, excellent tuition in beautiful setting. Went home with a piece of work I thought was beyond me. Thank you Julie. Ronnie x"

19 Jul 17'

Alun Fowler reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"Received a 1-day beginners course for myself and a friends as a birthday present for my wife having had no previous experience of wood turning. However, we have been on craft courses (pottery and glass blowing) previously. We had a magnificent day - Graham is a superb and knowledgeable teacher; he was able to judge our ability, set achievable but challenging targets and had a patient approach to keeping us on track. A simple but delicious home cooked lunch was provided and both Graham and his wife were terrific company during our meal. Their attitude was relaxed and informal; they made us feel very welcome and gave us a genuine break from the rigours of a normal weekend. We left proudly clutching the candlesticks and bowls we had made during the day which everyone is highly impressed with! However, Graham also left us with a better understanding of the craft, a deeper knowledge of how to work with wood and some samples of wood to fuel our first forays into whittling. I have no hesitation in recommending Graham to anyone how wishes to learn more about this absorbing and rewarding activity."