Latest reviews

23 Apr 17'

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

"Went with two friends. We all had so much fun. I didn't know I could be so creative. Julie said I could do it despite my reservations, and I did with help from the expert. I am so proud of my lovely seascape picture and delighted with the very positive comments from my family. It will hang in pride of place on the wall. We are now planning which will be our next course at Tigley Textiles. Thanks again Julie."

23 Apr 17'

David Woodcock reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A great day out with great people! Adrian and Andy are real characters and they have a relaxed way of showing you how to use the forge and tools to make the key ring and the Dragon Coat Hanger. The group were taken through the stages to make the two items and then we moved to our anvils to just do it! The guys were always on hand to advise and at times correct the errors I made, but always with a laugh and encouragement. The lunch and afternoon cakes that Debbie made were superb and went down well with all! Thanks to you all for an exceptional day! I will be back for round two!"

23 Apr 17'

Wolf Shankland reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"This was such an awesome experience, a day of traditional blacksmithing out in the majesty that is Ashdown Forest. Mort was an excellent and immensely skilled teacher!! His knowledge of historical weapons and smithing were a great assest when it came to forging the head of my Dane Axe. He also has the patience of a saint. The location is prime, far from prying eyes and overlooking the forest gives you the best enviroment to forge in, (though recommend you follow the directions given on the receipt once purchased other wise you will get lost) This was totally worth the price (and sore hands) and i am still happy with my axe head!!! If you want to learn from a skilled blacksmith this is the course.5"

23 Apr 17'

June Gittins reviewed: Embroidered landscape with words, with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Excellent course in stunning surroundings. Julie was so encouraging and helpful. Five of us on the day course, the day flew by and I came home with a framed dragonfly picture, and still can't believe what I achieved in a day. Thank you Julie."

23 Apr 17'

Debbie reviewed: One day silver pendant and earring workshop

"I actually made a unique set of silver jewellery that I will wear for many years to come, and all just in one day! During the session there was plenty of opportunity to pick up the basic craft skills needed by making some practice base metal pieces before moving on to the silver work. The small group size – there were four of us in the workshop I attended – meant I felt I got just the right amount of personal attention and instruction I needed, as well as space to experiment with the materials. As a complete beginner I was apprehensive as to whether I’d be able to turn my ideas into something real but Jo was very patient and had the uncanny ability to step in at the right moment to make sure my work was a success. I came away having had a lovely experience, feeling I’d learnt a new skill and definitely wanting to come back again."

23 Apr 17'

Alison reviewed: A willow basket making day in Scotland

"Hello Anna and Eoin, Just to say thanks again for yesterday, it was a brilliant day. I couldn't believe how tired I was. Must have been all that concentration! I'm delighted with my basket and definitely hope to be back for another course at some point. Best regards, Alison"

23 Apr 17'

Elaine Battams reviewed: Learn To Crochet On The Norfolk/Cambs Border

"I had a really good time and I learnt loads. I am not a complete beginner, unlike my 2 companions that day, however Sue and Debs gave us all individual attention according to our needs."

23 Apr 17'

Rhianon reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"A really wonderful course! The teaching was clear and helpful whilst allowing you to express your own style. Everyone was really friendly. It's a wonderful light environment with everything that you need to get to grips with a new skill or improve on your existing ones. Thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in clay (or has ever been curious about it!)"

23 Apr 17'

Morgan reviewed: 2 day blacksmithing courses

"Great introduction to blacksmithing on the one day course. Learnt lots from an excellent instructor, happy to progress at a pace that suits. Highly recommended."

23 Apr 17'

Ann solomon reviewed: Learn To Crochet On The Norfolk/Cambs Border

"It was such a relaxing environment. The instructors Sue and Debs are the most patient people in the world. They taught me , a complete beginner, to crochet and made great tea and we got to talk to the llamas and Alpacas. The environment is welcoming and relaxing. A great afternoon and I will certainly do this again. Thank you Sue and Debs."

23 Apr 17'

Stacia Lingard reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"I absolutely love my day learning with Jo. Lovely environment to learn in and Jo was very thorough. I would recommend to anyone wanting to learn candle making."

23 Apr 17'

Nigel Collins reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"Course bought as a Christmas present - the last time I had worked metal in a forge was in the late sixties whilst at school, and had always enjoyed metal work. I looked forward to the course and was not disappointed. Aaron was a great teacher, relaxed and ready to share his love of working with metal. The day passed quickly and efficiently and I was able to produce some decent for me products. Great day highly recommended."

23 Apr 17'

R Bowles reviewed: Stone carving - 2 day introduction

"Surprise present from my Wife at Christmas. Very knowledgeable, friendly interesting lecturer. Great group of students. Found my hidden talent and produced a beautiful Grave Marker for my old dog. Can't wait to do some more carving. Thanks for a brilliant two days."

22 Apr 17'

Kathy Currie reviewed: Stained Glass

"Thoroughly enjoyed this course and was really pleased with my Suncatcher after the 2 sessions. Barbara supported each stage with clear instructions & guidance. Cannot wait to do it again."

22 Apr 17'

Kate Scott reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - 2 days

"I have just completed a 2 day course with Gary after really enjoying 2 days wood turning with him last year. I am even more hooked on wood turning now and I'm determined to get my own lathe. Gary was extremely helpful, patient and allowed me to complete the projects that I wanted to do. Gary is an excellent tutor and I would recommend him to anyone wanting to try out a new craft."

22 Apr 17'

Alison reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"What can I say! A fabulous day. Times of frustration. Times of quiet concentration. But also plenty of giggles and laughter. I opted for a cat and my friend opted for a penguin. Kate had never made a penguin before but my friend left with one anyway. Kate was a great host and a fantastic teacher. Her instructions were clear. She was patient with our frustrations and poor weaving. She had time for everyone and ensured we all left happy with our sculpture. She even allowed the slower weavers - me and friend - overtime to ensure we completed our animals. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be planning another visit! Thanks Kate"

21 Apr 17'

Alan Squires reviewed: Beginners introductory pyrography course in Lincolnshire

"Had a great day and learnt a lot in a relaxed atmosphere. Susan is knowledgeable and passes on her expertise in an easy to understand manner. I have no artistic ability and was a little worried about some of the techniques we were going to practice, but Susan made them easy to achieve. I have already ordered the same pyrography machine as we used on the course. Would recommend Susan's courses to anyone who thinks this may be for them."

21 Apr 17'

Tom Crowther reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Like many people I did a bit of woodturning at school - then life happened, and always in the back of my mind it was something I thought I'd go back to. Now I've retired that is exactly what I'm doing and I thought it would be better to get a bit of tuition and guidance before I went out and spent real money on a lathe and all the necessary tools. I'd also quite like to pursue a career in turning without killing myself or anybody nearby - so safety was another priority for me. How glad I am that I found and booked this course! Mark had obviously put a lot of thought into our prior e-mails and the day was tailored exactly to what I needed and Mark's no-nonsense style of instruction was perfect for me. We covered the various types of lathe and features that are essential/desirable/nice-to have or just gimmicky - and the same with tools and sharpening equipment. Mark also gave me a wealth of contacts, websites etc as sources of further information. Then we spent all afternoon doing practical exercises using all of the five main types of chisel - culminating in the production of a beautiful (I can say that because Mark did the clever bits) little bowl from a piece of green apple wood. An exceptionally enjoyable, informative and rewarding day. Once I have spent some time practising the basics I will be back for a next-level-up course - hopefully before very long. To anybody in a similar position to myself - make sure you do this course. Without it you will almost certainly waste a lot of money and quite likely do yourself some physical harm."

21 Apr 17'

Susan hyde reviewed: 5 weeks fine Jewellery Making Course Stourbridge

"I recently completed a five week course with Joséphine and it was amazing. I learnt so many techniques and completed two bangles and a ring of which I am very proud to wear. Joséphine is an excellent teacher and has so much patience. I will certainly be going back for a further course to learn more. She gave me confidence to make other pieces at home when I finished the course, she's also willing to help by phone or e mail if needed. Thanks Joséphine see you again soon."

21 Apr 17'

Hilary Dickson reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"I took part in Alice's weaving workshop last weekend and it was brilliant! A lovely calm, talented and patient teacher, like minded fellow students, and a whole day to be creative. I have wanted to weave a picture for ages and Alice enabled me to fulfill this and be very pleased with the result! The hotwalls canteen food was really good and so you don't need to take a packed lunch, what a bonus. I can thoroughly recommend this course, to learn a new skill and have a super creative day in good company."

20 Apr 17'

Jennie Bennett reviewed: Photography Days

"I've just spent the day with Sue and Richard on one of their photography courses in the lovely Ullswater area of the Lake District. They had 'tailor made' the course to my needs, listening to my ideas and what I wanted to get out of the day. I didn't have any of my own equipment so I was able to experiment with theirs, and then had excellent guidance on purchasing what I needed. This I have now done! So my new second-hand DSLR Cannon camera and len will be arriving shortly, so it is very exciting. Sue and Richard love what they do and this comes over it they way they teach. Great value for money. Try it!"

20 Apr 17'

Angus Harper reviewed: Wood turning courses

"A brilliant day, I went in barely knowing a thing about woodturning and came away knowing lots along with a beautiful coloured bowl that everyone who has seen it has complemented. I started off nervous but progressed to being much more confident with using the tools, his patient manner is great as it makes you feel at ease and he doesn’t grumble if you forget something or need assistance. What really made the finished article stand out was the colouring which everyone has said how incredible it is. Also thank you very much to his wife Susan for the cups of tea and a delicious lunch. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone thinking of having a go. Many thanks for the enjoyable day Angus"

20 Apr 17'

Fiona Love reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"Sculpture classes are an oasis in my week. A time to learn and be creative in convivial company. Beatrice imparts her expert knowledge and understanding to enable each of us to develop our own ideas. I have had fun, learnt lots and made progress. Thank you Beatrice."

20 Apr 17'

Ian Saffery & Debs Hill reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"Jamal's course is excellent, both of us thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience of learning and making stained glass panels. Jamal combined a very inviting environment and friendly approach, which carefully led us through the various techniques needed to make a stained glass panel. We were given all the necessary instruction both theoretically and practically to produce a final piece and both felt extremely satisfied with our experience. This course is great for newcomers and beginners and as we had no previous experience we were very proud of our achievements on the day. Jamal is an excellent teacher and talented artist and would highly recommend his course to anyone serious about wanting to learn about stained glass."

20 Apr 17'

Cath and Harry Winser reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"Had a wonderful 2 days last weekend. Great location and workshop and fantastic tuition from Peter and Jav! We had a really friendly group and thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone and making our stool and table! Totally amazed at what we made and so so pleased with them! Would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone else, we were complete novices and received very patient instruction and help! Our stool and table are our pride and joy and we would definitely return to do the course again! Thank you Peter so much for an absolutely fab weekend. Cath and Harry"