Latest reviews

9 May 17'

Magnus Mowat reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I have spent two day with Chris and greatly enjoyed both of them. He is very knowledgeable and endlessly patient with a beginner who does not always remember what he was told an hour ago! I learnt a great deal and am going back again. Magnus Mowat"

9 May 17'

Chris Loxley reviewed: Furniture Painting Course with Afternoon Tea in Sheffield by South Yorkshire Interiors Academy

"Thank you for a lovely day"

9 May 17'

Yvonne S. Markham reviewed: Furniture Painting Course with Afternoon Tea in Sheffield by South Yorkshire Interiors Academy

"Just completed this course at SYIA. Beautiful workshop and the afternoon tea was wonderful. We all had a walk around the village, which was so pretty. Well worth the money and a great day had by all. Thank you Y"

9 May 17'

Julie Davies reviewed: Furniture Painting Course with Afternoon Tea in Sheffield by South Yorkshire Interiors Academy

"Brilliant course. Gill gave us some great advice on where to start when it comes to selling painted furniture. Looking forward to visiting her shop in Holmfirth."

9 May 17'

Stephanie Harold reviewed: One day Fused Glass Workshops

"I recently went on a 2-day course with Bonnie at the Purple Stained Glass Studio near Loughborough and it was a thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening experience. I was a complete beginner, but under her expert tuition, I actually came away with a stained glass window that I feel really proud of and can display in my home. My partner was surprised at how 'professional' it looks! Bonnie is an exceptional tutor with a natural aptitude for teaching- she is calm, reassuring and has oodles of patience. She is very flexible and tailors her course around what you actually want to learn, and if you have a specific project in mind, will help you complete it, incorporating more days if needed. In theory, you can learn how to make stained glass windows by watching YouTube videos- in practice, you can't beat hands-on tuition where you get ongoing advice and tips. I highly recommend anyone wanting to learn about the 'how to' of stained glass to go and see Bonnie- you won't be disappointed."

9 May 17'

Gail reviewed: Half day: 3 Leather Accessories

"We spent a lovely afternoon with Rosanna using leather for the first time. Rosanna is an excellent teacher with a pleasant and friendly manner. We were all very happy with our finished products. My children, my mother and I will remember this afternoon for many years."

9 May 17'

Sharien Hussain reviewed: Patchwork and Quilting for Absolute Beginners

"Had a brilliant 2 days on the patchwork and quilting course. I learnt how to use a rotary cutter in the correct way. I was always frightened to use one. Wow was I impressed. I was able to make a cushion cover and started the log cabin design for a sewing machine cover. The tutor was very helpful and was able to answer the questions I asked and gave everyone equal time. She was a pleasure to be with. Hope to do another course with the tutor in the near future. Thank you."

8 May 17'

angela moon reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"Was a complete novice and delighted with end product. A truly therapeutic day fully focused on learning new skills and creating your own design. Glass is such a beautiful medium and Matt's teaching' patience and enthusiasm are fantastic. Good bunch of people all acheiving their own amazing designs. Fully Recommend the day whether you are a complete novice like me or more experienced wanting to hone your skills. Worth every penny."

8 May 17'

Yvonne Jones reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"Lucy is very welcoming and an excellent teacher. I had a brilliant day and learnt lots of new skills. Lucy made everything seem so easy. I made buttons for my footstool and piping for cushion covers. Things i always thought were too difficult. It was a very relaxing and enjoyable day with delicious homemade cake and lunch. I would definitely recommend the courses and hope to go back myself."

8 May 17'

Julie Edge reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"Having already dipped my toe into the stained glass water, I came to the class with 2 techniques I wanted to master and left knowing so much more. 2 terms of evening classes had taught me the confidence to cut glass and copper foil it, but even the tuition about cutting on Matt's course was valuable as I learned new techniques and improved my speed and confidence. I feel ready to try came work now as well. Matt is very patient and clearly has a passion for this type of work. His enthusiasm is infectious and I only wish I lived nearer to attend again. Handouts supplied after the course were an unexpected and helpful addition. How many times have I wondered at the array of glass available to buy and never felt certain about the choices I was making? Thank you, Matt. Your course comes highly recommended."

8 May 17'

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

"I thought the workshop was therapeutic. I enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere. Raya proved to be a great host providing us with tea, coffee and cakes all day. It was great to recreate a holiday picture I took of the Devon landscape where I used to go on holiday. Raya showed me how to create this picture using merino wool and other fibres. I was amazed that using Raya's techniques I could create a wool painting. I am so proud of my work and it decorates the kitchen wall in my house. Raya Brown is a professional teacher with lots of skills and experience. I would recommend this course to anyone. I would not class myself as an artistic person but this workshop gave me new confidence to continue with my artistic side. Natella"

8 May 17'

Patricia reviewed: Patchwork and quilting week with Dawn Cameron Dick

"A great thank you Cherry for your kind and warm welcome and all the delicious meals you prepared for us as well as the special treats every afternoon. It was lovely to meet you and I could not have hoped for more from this 5 day retreat. Our group got on very well and we all learnt from each other. The studio was bright and very spacious and ideal for spreading our fabrics and equipment. Dawn provided me with many new skills and very good refreshers. Her extensive knowledge and passion are fascinating and very addictive. I have returned home refreshed but also with many new goals and ideas for my patchwork. Thank you. Patricia"

8 May 17'

Richard Hague reviewed: Private One to One Stained glass by Le Breton Traditional (near Exeter/Crediton/Tiverton)

"Absolutely loved the course. An excellent introduction in to the world of Stained Glass. Matthew is a great and enthusiastic teacher. Having already been on a glass fusion course last year, I feel that I picked up so much more from my day with Matthew. In particular, thanks to some great tips I am now so much more confident and accurate at cutting glass. I left the day with a lovey piece and I am now truly hooked. I can't wait for another day of stained glass and I'll be booking my wife on to the next course. I recommend this course for anybody with an interest in glass. Thank you Matthew"

8 May 17'

Paul Tait reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"This was the first woodworking i had ever done, never really used tools, or even knew the names of some tools. Mark was an excellent teacher, i learnt so much over the two days, he was also very patient and answered every question i had, no matter how stupid the question was! I used a variety of hand tools and power tools, and had a lovely box by the end of the weekend. I found this course as a great introduction to working with wood and would absolutely recommend this course to anyone who asks, and would definitely take any future courses that Mark puts on."

8 May 17'

Lisa reviewed: The Pottery Cave - Evening beginners classes

"Carolines classes are excellent, not only are they creative & fun, they are very relaxed & there is no pressure or judgement on what you make. She has a lovely calming manner & always has ideas if you are struggling with what to make. I really look forward to going & seeing how all of our creations have turned out - every class is a surprise!"

8 May 17'

Nick Godley reviewed: Timber framing courses

"Where to start about this course...... From start to finish, the course was excellent. Alan, Mary, Connor and Sid made everyone feel very welcome and even though some of us had less experience with hand tools than others, everyone was treated the same and nobody got left behind in a haze of confusion! By the end of the course i felt as though i could happily crack on with my workshop framing.... although i am going back for the advanced course for sure! All in all, the week was great. Good people, great instruction, excellent tools and amazing food! Cant wait to return!"

7 May 17'

The mad hatter reviewed: The Pottery Cave - Evening beginners classes

"Initially my main reason for joining pottery was to get myself out of the house as I'd been struggling with depression and anxiety. The thought of walking into a room full of strangers terrified me but i had no need to worry. Caroline was so warm and friendly i felt so at ease around her. The other members are friendly and supportive. There is no pressure to join in conversations. Caroline plays classical music and i often sit quietly and work listening to the music and the general chit chat from the others. At times i have struggled with inspiration but Caroline is always on hand to offer suggestions or will point you to a folder of potential ideas. I wouldn't say my work is fantastic, but i believe it is improving (slowly but surely). I love the pottery classes they have played a huge part in my recovery and i hope to continue them."

7 May 17'

Phil Argyle reviewed: Pole-lathe turning taster days: spindle turning

"I recently went on the pole lathe turning workshop at Brockhampton and found the entire day totally absorbing. We created 2 tools from the raw cleaved wood, and Maurice skillfully guided us throughout the process. It was a great day and thoroughly enjoyable. I have impressed many friends already with the implements created on the day!"

7 May 17'

Elizabeth Harvey reviewed: Powertex fabric sculpture introduction session

"Annette was absolutely lovely, patient & encouraging. The workshop was lots of fun & it was amazing to see what can be done with Powertex. Our creativity has been reignited & we've been inspired to play some more with Powertex!"

7 May 17'

Lena reviewed: Group Soap-making Workshop - Soapology Studio - Nottinghamshire

"Big thanks to Emma for a soaptastic day! Interesting, informative and thoroughly enjoyable. I was nervous about the maths and chemistry and working with lye but Emma made it really clear. Great to go home with a guide I will refer to again and again. The first half of the course was the necessary theory, then after a tasty lunch, we experimented with fantastic oils, butters and techniques and came out with varied soaps I'd happily pay a lot for in a shop! Not bad for a first try. Can't wait to try my own recipes with more confidence. Overall, I can't recommend this course highly enough for anyone interested in natural soap making."

7 May 17'

Mel reviewed: Introducing Macrame Knots and Intricate Designs

"What an excellent course have learnt have to do a sampler.. will highly recommend this course"

7 May 17'

Greer Jones reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"My sister and I thoroughly enjoyed our day course with Rowena. She is a really good teacher and we were surprised that we were able to throw five pots each. The decorative work in the afternoon was fun too. The day passed very quickly. Lewes is an interesting town and there are plenty of places to get lunch. I would definitely recommend this course"

7 May 17'

Claire Owen reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"An absolutely fantastic day, Nigel is truly inspirational his enthusiasm is infectious.I had a brilliant day making my poker,shovel acorn key ring and a bowl , Nigel guided us without interfering with patience and energy .He has so many funny stories from his life he shared throughout the day.Ican not recommend this course enough I haven't ever done anything like this before but Nigel makes it excessible for everyone. Thankyou Nigel."

7 May 17'

Simple Stained Glass reviewed: Weekend Workshop and Retreat - Curvaceous Railfence

"This course was very inspirational, taking me from a 'I can't do that' feeling to a 'look what I made!' one. Sheena is an excellent teacher, patient, extremely skilled, and a great motivator with terrific focus. Anyone doing any course with her will come away with much more than expected. I hope to be back for more! The venue was very suitable for the occasion - food was plentiful and delicious and accommodating different dietary needs."

7 May 17'

Ben reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I would like to start by breaking this honest review into three parts. That will be the course, the venue and finally the tuition. To start with the course Nigel got us to make a poker and coal shovel to try out basic techniques. I should add we were both total novices. After this we made a small pot, an acorn key ring and a very delicate leaf necklace. These were the pre-planned so to speak but we had the option at any point if we had something in mind we wanted to build. He taught us not just how to work the metal but also some history as to why. Now the venue. This place has it all, and I mean all. It has a workshop that has every tool you need for whatever task you need whether it is small work like we did or big forges and power hammers. Not only is the forge well equipped but at lunch there's a small forest to walk around where he keeps some of his art, shepherds huts and some lovely old engines and not to mention a little bit of wildlife to boot. It is only short ride off a main road so easy to get to. Finally we get on to the tuition. All I can really say is this is a top class bloke. Once your working he is not over bearing but will not let you struggle and if you do cock up he repairs it in no time. The lessons were informative but more important fun and when everyone was doing ok he rocked out with some pipe instrument. I'm 30 and was in there with an old boy so this course is for all ages and I am already trying to think of what I can make next time. So to finish this off I would say fantastic price for a day where you learn, have fun and even take home some items you made. Thank you Nigel."