Latest reviews

9 Jul 17'

Thoma family reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Just returned from a fantastic family weekend break at Fransham Forge. Did a one day course as a whole family treat (kids aged 16 and 14 yrs), and had a great time. Nigel was endlessly patient, and made sure that we all came away feeling that we'd achieved impressive results. Staying in the Shepherds' huts was perfect - such a tranquil and secluded setting in the woods. Just a shame we didn't bring any musical instruments to have a sing along around the camp fire."

9 Jul 17'

Miss Jane A Rogers reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"I went on this course, thinking I would probably be no good at it. But after a beautiful day in a fantastic woodland and with Andy's excellent tuition and patience (and cups of tea) I came away with a mallet, a spatula and a rolling pin. I had a really great day and learned a lot about the different types of trees, etc. Andy's knowledge of the different types of tree and his woodworking skills are amazing, very well done. Seriously thinking about another course - maybe to make a stool! Would definitely recommend this course as an introduction to woodworking"

9 Jul 17'

Jai Jacka reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"The course is held in a truly unique and wonderfully peaceful location which obviates distraction and is conducive to creating. The small class size meant I had a good deal of one-to-one instruction as I progressed with my work piece and Sebastian was always available to offer good direction and guidance. After short introductions we got briefed on stone-carving tools, their uses and had a go at using them on a test piece of stone. Once confident, you could progress onto your own design and Sebastian was always on hand to guide you through the process, demonstrate techniques and provide encouragement. The two-day course allows plenty of time to get a good sized piece completed and it's a good idea to have a design in mind (or 3D model) before you arrive. There was no pressure and you progressed at your own pace. Tea breaks were at your own discretion and tea/coffee were provided. You bring your own lunch but the course sat down together which allowed time to discuss progress, techniques and get to know your fellow students. I really enjoyed the course, meeting our excellent instructor Sebastian and visiting his unique workshop. Whilst I didn't create a masterpiece I got a great deal of satisfaction from the course, met new friends and now have a real enthusiasm for stone carving which I hope to build upon in the future either on my own but most likely, returning for more sessions under Sebastian's instruction. If you've got an interest in stone carving I would strongly recommend you contact Sebastian and get on one of his courses. Great location, excellent instructor, great course!"

9 Jul 17'

Kate & Nicola reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"We had an amazing day learning to throw and decorate pots with Rowena. She is an excellent teacher and communicator and we felt well supported by her all day. She is also a lovely lady who we enjoyed spending the day with too! We absolutely loved the experience of throwing and couldn't believe how much we learned so quickly. We made some lovely bowls and look forward to using these at home in the future. In the afternoon we also had the opportunity to make a plate using a mould and decorated this using the slip & decorative method of our own choosing. Thank you Rowena for a brilliant day. We hope to return again in the future."

9 Jul 17'

James Silk reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"Cracking course - great, helpful staff, excellent equipment well worth it. If you're considering buying some handmade, why not save some money and get the satisfaction of doing it yourself on this course?"

9 Jul 17'

John reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"Simon is obviously a very knowledgeable, skillful and patient teacher and craftsman who made my first introduction to woodworking yesterday, extremely fun and rewarding. I would have no qualms about recommending this introduction into the art of Bodging to almost anyone!"

8 Jul 17'

Pete reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I have spent a really enjoyable day today learning some of the basic skills of blacksmithing with Adrian and Andy, and benefited from Debbie's great food. Adrian gave clear demonstrations of technique, then sent us to go off and try for ourselves. It was fun bashing the hot metal into shape, though it would be hard work doing it for a living! Adrian and Andy were very patient and were always ready to assist and answer questions. Thanks very much - it was a great birthday present!"

8 Jul 17'

Esther Klein reviewed: Mosaic Summer/Autumn School (5 days) in the Peak District

"I've attended the week long mosaic course 5 times now and it never disappoints! Lovely surroundings, great tuition and never-ending encouragement from Peter, plus the most delicious lunches and teas from Alison - such a pleasure to surrender all your worries and commitments for 5 days and escape to another world and let loose your creativity. The atmosphere is so friendly and fun and yet, somehow, at the end of your stay, you have produced something you probably never imagined you could......! I would highly recommend a visit."

8 Jul 17'

Lucy K reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"My sister and I attended The White Candle Company's candle making course and thoroughly recommend it. We learnt a lot, made beautiful candles and other wax products to take home and just had such a nice day. Jo ran everything with ease and had the perfect balance between guiding you and letting you do it yourself and make your own decisions on options. Thank you so much Jo!"

7 Jul 17'

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

"I have had a wonderful day! Raya is welcoming, warm and encouraging. With her guidance I managed to create a painting that I am so proud of. Thank you Raya."

7 Jul 17'

Claire reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"I have done a couple of days course for fused glass in the past and wanted to brush up on what I had learnt and gain more confidence. Julie was excellent and passed on some great tips and is very nice and friendly!"

7 Jul 17'

Maria reviewed: Machine patchwork courses with Green Man Quilts

"Thank you Sheena for a fantastic year. I have gained an enormous amount of confidence not only on how to use my sewing machine, but to tackle the different technicks of patchwork and quilting, from a very unsure beginner to someone who can't wait for next September.....bring on the " pinwheels ""

7 Jul 17'

Tunisian crochet reviewed: Intro to Tunisian crochet

"Very clearly explained by gaelle. Very impressed with the result of Tunisian crochet. Could almost be mistaken for knitting. Look forward to another session with gaelle."

7 Jul 17'

Georgina Aitken reviewed: Encaustic Art - What do you want to learn?

"Spent the day with Mel on a recent holiday to Wales. As a mixed media artist with a little experience with encaustic techniques I was looking forward to spending the day playing. Mel was great, she was able to pitch the course to the level of my experience and my interests to ensure that I came away having enjoyed the day and having gained a lot of techniques and ideas to use in my own art. Thanks Mel for a great day"

7 Jul 17'

DAWN HAMMOND reviewed: Feltmaking - OOH the choices!

"I have been on two of Barbara Meeks courses.....what an inspirational teacher/instructor. I have learned so much from Barbara and she has given me the confidence to work with and experiment with my own dogs Husky Wool using Wet Felting and Needle Felting techniques. I designed (with Barbaras help) a Nuno Scarf using my Husky Wool from each of my 12 Dogs.....just love it!!!!! I could not have achieved this without Barbaras clear teaching and instruction......EXCELLENT!!!!!! Will certainly be attending more!!"

7 Jul 17'

Lesley Strong reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"Absolutely brilliant 6 days in a fabulous woodland setting! Would highly recommend this course. Andy is an excellent tutor and I'm delighted with my chair."

7 Jul 17'

Ben Clay reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"The "hack away at a practice stone" was a great way to start without feeling concerned about diving straight into the creation of the (ahem) masterpiece to take home. One piece of advice: go with some idea(s) of what you want to create. Make sketches. I went with a complex idea for a sculpture in my head - far too ambitious! "What's your name and where are you from?" session could have been a little shorter. Not a serious problem and there is no button for 4.9 stars. It was a great two days switching off."

7 Jul 17'

Chris Bussell reviewed: Angie Hughes Workshop - make a mixed media/textiles bookwrap

"Angie was an excellent tutor, very generous with sharing her ideas and materials. Would do another course with her any time. Good to find a new venue within reasonable distance although classroom was a little cramped and the course a bit more expensive than usual. An inspiring day."

7 Jul 17'

Helen McArdell reviewed: Natural soap and skincare workshop

"I want to say a huge thank you to Nichola and Boo Cottage Botanicles for such an fabulous day. We learnt such a lot about natural skincare got to make an huge amount of products including soap, lip balm, bath truffles and body scrub and had so many laughs along the way. Nichola was a brilliant teacher and her love of soap making is infectious."

7 Jul 17'

Agnes Pritchard reviewed: Glass Art: Tiffany Stained Glass

"Lovely teacher takes time with you very helpful bit bossy lol"

6 Jul 17'

Carole C reviewed: Glass fusing and slumping (warm glass) in the beautiful Kent Downs near Canterbury

"Fantastic course! Really recommend it. Mattt is a great teacher - we had a great day - and learned a huge amount. Have just signed up for a 6 week course -really inspiring!"

6 Jul 17'

Maria reviewed: Machine patchwork courses with Green Man Quilts

6 Jul 17'

Sue Shilling reviewed: Stained Glass Nuno Felted Scarves Online Class

"A fabulous afternoon creating my very first felted picture. Lena is very informative, friendly and helpful. So good I immediately booked another course. The apple cake was also a winner! Thanks Lena."

6 Jul 17'

Mary Rees reviewed: Machine patchwork courses with Green Man Quilts

"Just completed another term working with Sheena. Brilliant teacher, always encouraging and never makes you feel anything less than wonderful, even when you have made a bit of a dog's breakfast. Looking forward to next term already."

6 Jul 17'

Rusti Wells reviewed: Throwing & hand-building pottery workshops £64 per person for 2 hour workshop

"Had an awesome time. Such a lovely teacher and everything was perfectly explained. I felt really accomplished at the end of the session."