Latest reviews

21 May 17'

Patrick Morgan reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Course - one day

"Well taught, excellent course, from which I learnt a lot."

21 May 17'

Rosemary Sheen reviewed: Lampshade Making Workshop with Clare Cosens

"My friend and I spent a lovely afternoon with Clare on the Drum Lampshade making workshop. Clare is an experienced teacher and took the time to explain everything clearly. Whilst not taking over, our teacher encouraged us every step of the way , which ensured that we learned the skill for ourselves. We were thrilled with the result! On our return home , my friend had What zapped me a photo of her lampshade in situ in her bedroom before i had even had chance to unpack my bags !! needless to say we were thrilled with the whole experience and would highly recommend a workshops with this excellent teacher ( NB : Clare is also a fantastic designer too, and has created some gorgeous fabrics, which you can see in her workshop)"

21 May 17'

Carol Rowatt reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"Great day, very friendly, fun and informative and there was cake, what more could you ask for"

21 May 17'

Sam Thompson reviewed: One day glass blowing course -creating sculptural glass

"Absolutely amazing day, Jake's relaxed teaching style really enabled us to explore what we could do. Mum and I were bought the course as our birthday and Christmas presents, only have one other person on the course means lot of individual time with Jake. Both Jake and Jo were so friendly and welcoming, we had a fabulous time. The pieces we made were stunning, and we can't wait to come again. 110% recommended for a brilliant experience day."

20 May 17'

Shane Murphy reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Thanks Nigel best course I've ever been on great tutor see you soon"

20 May 17'

Carole Bates reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"As a Christmas present treat, we took a session with Ali, ages from 8 to retired, we had a lovely afternoon, and came away with not only a gift but with the resolve to try again. Ali's instruction was clear, including the health and safety element, and she made herself available all afternoon to answer questions and give guidance, all participants we engaged and entertained, I have to say that the projects have all found their own place in our respective homes, and are used. The children were amazed at what they had been able to achieve. On the whole I would recommend anyone who is thinking about this taster to give it a go, you will not be disappointed."

20 May 17'

Paul Brown reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What an unusual and brilliant day! Led by people that are clearly passionate about what they do, and keen to share their experience in a supportive manner without being overbearing. Great day Ten out of ten - would hammer again"

20 May 17'

Alison Richardson reviewed: Glass Fusing Workshop

"I arranged for 10 members of my family to attend a morning workshop at Ania's Original as part of my 30th Birthday. A few members of my family (the guys mainly) were a little unsure what to expect but Annie welcomed us in, walked us through all the options available and presented great examples for ideas. Within an hour my dad was cutting interlocking circles to create a logo for his cider business and my husband was making a beautiful seascape. Nothing was ever any trouble, even if some of the ideas were a bit different and Annie offered support and advice all the way through. Not to mention the lovely cakes, punch and tea/coffee available. Everyone created fantastic and very different pieces and I think secretly the guys enjoyed it even more than we did! I know that the pieces are already proudly on display. The workshop was fun and enjoyable and you should definitely give it a go, you won't be disappointed. We certainly will be going back for another workshop soon! Thank you."

20 May 17'

Grady Woods reviewed: The Forge Experience

"This was a surprise for me on a stag do and it was awesome. We chose to make candle sticks as we each got to make and keep it. It was the half a day course. Some of us then got to make bottle openers as we had extra time. The team there were very friendly and very very talented. Food we great. I would highly recommend this course. We had a group of 10"

20 May 17'

Jackie reviewed: Needle felting with Virginia

"Simple , straight forward demonstration, then quickly down to work with constant help & encouragement. A wide variety of materials to work with allowing a satisfying piece of work to be produced in a short period of time. A lovely work space. Thank you Virginia."

20 May 17'

Eileen Davies reviewed: 3 Day silver jewellery making course

"After arranging with Jonathan for a bespoke three day course for three of us, all I can say is that it was an amazing experience and I gained so much knowledge in such a short time. Jonathan is a very patient and caring tutor and lets you work through some of the challenges he sets with just the right type of input. I've done courses before where a teacher will try and show you how to do things and not let you actually do them yourself to get that vital practice, Jonathan was very different, he clearly knows a lot about teaching/tutoring as well as his craft and we all learned so much. We made some lovely pieces, and I have a lovely ring with a bezel set turquoise. That said, for me the most important thing was having the hands on practical skills and learning in a supportive and caring environment. One of the other participants, Val, has quite severe arthritis and Jonathan was very sensitive to this and provided all the support necessary without being overbearing. Oh, and the biscuits and lunch were lovely each day!!!!"

20 May 17'

Val reviewed: Embroidery Hanging-"Stitch for the Soul" with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"My friends and I had a lovely day. The beautiful and inspirational setting helped the creative juices and all were surprised at the quality of work we produced. Thank you Julie!"

19 May 17'

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

"Thoroughly enjoyable day. Friendly welcome, excellent tuition for a total novice with no previous art/craft experience + those with experience. Well structured, great pace. I am totally amazed by what can be created in such short time. Thank you! Debbie"

19 May 17'

Rae Gervis reviewed: Bees for Development Sustainable Beekeeping Weekend Courses 2024

"Beekeeping course attended a month ago was absolutely fantastic! All the tutors were passionate, incredibly generous with their knowledge and inspired me to order my first Warre hive after a couple of years of procrastination! The accommodation was fine, the food wonderful . Evening walks around Ragmans with other students were delightful & a great opportunity to share thoughts about the course. Would totally recommend the course . The highlight was observing a swarm choosing the Warre hive to move into when all other hives were on display."

19 May 17'

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

"Andy is an experienced thoughtful and interesting teacher. I really enjoyed the course and would recommend it to all......as a starter in this field or just for an interesting few hours."

19 May 17'

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

"Well done Andy. Excellent course"

19 May 17'

Helen Wyld reviewed: PickOne weekend weaving course

"Weaving with James was the nicest weekend I have had in ages! He explained everything we did beautifully, guiding us through choosing colours and designs, and was very patient when we made tangles (which are called fankles). Seeing the fabric take shape was like magic, and the whole process was very therapeutic in the calm atmosphere of the studio. On top of that, it was wonderful to come home with a beautiful scarf, which I have been wearing ever since. All in all a great way to learn a new skill and leave behind the worries of the modern world for a weekend."

19 May 17'

Gill reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Lovely day. Finally got to do something I have wanted to do for about 17 years! Small intimate class, organised, very informative and lovely people - thank you!"

19 May 17'

Mary reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Brilliant!"

19 May 17'

Zoe reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"The training was clear and informative and I feel I have the skills and knowledge to make candles at home."

19 May 17'

Matthew reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Excellent. Really enjoyed it. Thank you!"

19 May 17'

Bradley reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Really fun and enjoyable."

19 May 17'

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

"Siobhan's one day glass fusing course is probably the best one out there. She encouraged the group to use their own ideas and designs starting with a coaster size piece to play with the idea of glass fusing principles. Her instructions were clear and at a good pace. The day culminated in making a larger piece of our own design and an abstract hanger. Siobhan offered valuable advice without interfering so everyone's work was very individual and different. I am delighted with my fired work and highly recommend the course. Hospitality throughout the day was very generous. Thanks Siobhan!"

19 May 17'

Carole Aldridge reviewed: Sewing with Suzi Stitch

"I can only echo what the others have written. Suzi is an exceptional teacher with the patience of a saint (I was a teacher for many years and know the challenges of teaching art and craft, involving equipment, machines, multiskills, etc. and constant demands for help.) I learned a lot and came away feeling enthusiastic, with new skills, and with much more confidence in using my machine. Suzi also had an awareness of the 'group', as well as each individual, and brought us all together. Let us not forget the CAKE. It is because of Suzi's enthusiasm and vision that we are able to enjoy courses like this, which fulful so many various needs other than practical ones. I shall return. Thankyou."

19 May 17'

Linda Mitchell reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"I had no idea what to expect when I was given a voucher for this workshop for mothers day. It turned out to be a wonderful experience. We received a warm welcome and refreshments from our host before entering the realms of candlemaking. I could never have anticipated how much was involved. The information was delivered in a relaxed atmosphere with freely flowing questions from the group. Kerry provided all the answers to all the questions you have about the candles you buy that maybe don’t burn the way you expect! We all got to choose our scent and make our own candle. and came away with a handout with all the information we needed to do it all ourselves at home. We were treated to lovely home made scones (fresh out the oven) mid morning which we all enjoyed and I got to meet some lovely people. Great fun, would highly recomend"