Latest reviews

12 Apr 17'

Jan Richardson reviewed: Wood turning courses

"A wonderful first experience of woodturning, something I have always wanted to try. The day exceeded my expectations and really brought home the importance of learning with a professional - so much information and so much to learn. I am delighted with the bowl, which has been admired by quite a few already. I hope to practice what you have taught me in the next few weeks and I am fairly sure I will be back to learn more very soon. Thanks to Susan for making me feel so welcome, and for lunch and the numerous beverages."

12 Apr 17'

William Grech reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I found the day with Mark really enjoyable especially as I came home with a very nice looking bowl. I had the taster day which basically meant it was an introduction to woodturning but as we went along Mark would answer my many questions allowing me to get an appreciation of the tools and costs involved in starting up myself. He was patient and personable and never made me feel under pressure. He was also very generous with his time and we worked until the bowl was complete and to a good standard . He has also been kind enough to offer support and advice to help set myself up with the necessities to get started in the future. I would not hesitate in recommending the day with Mark as an introduction to woodturning."

12 Apr 17'

Angela Garbett reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"I can highly recommend Dawn's course - a perfect way to spend a Saturday. Dawn's house is an Aladdin's Cave of fabrics, buttons & threads - a lovely, homely environment. Dawn has loads of inspirational ideas and was very encouraging to everyone. Since the course, I've had loads of fun experimenting with my sewing machine. Would definitely go back again."

12 Apr 17'

ALUN PAGET reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"We initially saw Colin at Tyntesfield and thought it'd be fun to go to a Blacksmith experience day. It was a Christmas present, and four of us went along. Colin has a really easy going character. He is very informative and passionate about blacksmithing. A great time was had by all. It was good value for money, and the only complaint is that we wanted it to go on into the evening as we were enjoying it so much. We had everything we needed equipment-wise. We made a variety of items - door hooks, knives, axes, toasting forks. We have made handles for the axes, sharpened them and even used them for kindling. We'd love to go back to do some more, and would recommend it to anyone. Colin is 110% genuinely enthusiastic person."

12 Apr 17'

Trevor Davis reviewed: 2 & 3 day Stone Carving course at Parndon Mill in Harlow, Essex

"Great venue, very inspirational, good instruction. I learnt quite a lot of different techniques even though my Hare looks a bit like a fat rabbit. Looking forward to doing another course soon. Thank you."

12 Apr 17'

Sarah reviewed: Needle Felting Workshop - Fairy Houses

"I attended the spring birds needle felting workshop and would highly recommend it. The beautiful setting and wonderful workshop inspires you to feel creative. Sara is a great teacher who is very calm and patient. I am really proud of the bluetit I created. I am now a fan of needle felting and thanks to Sara I now want to try more classes!"

12 Apr 17'

Amy Wardell reviewed: Wet felting (abstract or landscape) - Half Day - Feather Felts

"Myself and my mum came to a full day felting course with Jane a few days ago and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. There were only 3 of us on the course (I believe Jane never has more than 5 per group) which was fantastic as it meant we each got as much 1:1 time as we wanted and needed. We were both absolute beginners and came away with a piece we were very proud of. Jane had definitely gotten the best out of us both and was a warm, supportive, informative tutor. All communication was easy and regular. We both definitely got the "felting bug" and I've done a new piece already. We will definitely be back for more with Jane. Thank you for a wonderful day!"

12 Apr 17'

peter furnivall reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"2 days with Colin was twice as good as 1 day ! Anyone who enjoys the feel and smell of wood will love learning the basics and not so basics of lathe work from this friendly enthusiast . Colin is happy to taylor the time to whatever the student wants (or needs) to cover, but with safety and careful explanation of techniques as the starting point. Very worthwhile and very much recommended."

12 Apr 17'

Jenny Taylor reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"What an education! I never knew there was so much to learn about wool and spinning. So much packed into the course. I learnt how to spin using a spindle and spinning wheel. Elaine is patient, encouraging and an excellent teacher. Thanks Elaine you are very talented and I am totally hooked - can't want to get my own wheel. Loved the home made vegetable soup!"

12 Apr 17'

Jane reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"Thoroughly enjoyed my course with Elaine having packed in an enormous amount in just two days. I have learnt how to choose a fleece and turn it into usable fibre and all aspects in between - coming home with my own skeins of hand spun wool. I can now use a drop spindle and a spinning wheel with confidence. Great company, lovely lunches. Thanks"

12 Apr 17'

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

"An excellent introduction to a craft I've always admired - the day went so quickly! I hadn't been able to attend the 'Beginners' course, but Andy and Adrian more than brought me up to speed. The balance between being taught the basics of a range of techniques then going on to apply them was just right - now I 'just' need to practice them (er, rather a lot). Book now! Whatever you do, don't be deterred by the idea that it'll be too much like physical labour - it's more about technique than simply hitting bits of metal as hard as you can. Well, unless you want to. Many thanks for an inspiring day. And great food!"

12 Apr 17'

Jane H reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Enjoyable day. Everything provided. Ticked every box."

12 Apr 17'

Ian Seager reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"Given this course as a birthday present. Not sure what to expect, but pleasantly surprised. Received a warm welcome from Julie, Ian and the rest of the course members. The day was very informative and fun with an afternoon tea that was second to none! Well done, highly recommended!"

12 Apr 17'

Sara-Jayne Barrett reviewed: Fused glass workshop - Plymouth

"I absolutely loved the glass fusion workshop. I loved it so much I've been a second time and have now booked another session with a group of friends and family. I would definitely do it more often if I could! And others have loved what I've produced even though I'm new to it. Comes highly recommended. Thank you Sheena for bringing something new and exciting to my life."

12 Apr 17'

Linda Moore reviewed: Beginners introductory pyrography course in Lincolnshire

"Excellent course to give me a hands on insight into pyrography, perfectly pitched for a complete beginner. Learnt some basic techniques which has given me the confidence to get going. Very helpful guide to the different machines and how to make and care for nibs. Useful info re. Wood types and health and safety. Susan is a very friendly, informative and inspiring tutor had a great day ... could easily have stayed longer."

12 Apr 17'

Lia reviewed: The Natural Skin Care Workshop

"Very informative and educational."

12 Apr 17'

Tara reviewed: Soy Wax Candle Making Workshop

"Inspiring! Can't wait to get started."

12 Apr 17'

Jess reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Very informative and interesting. I feel I learnt all I need to know to have the confidence to try making candles at home. Thank you!"

11 Apr 17'

Amy Wardell reviewed: Needle Felting - Half Day - Feather Felts

11 Apr 17'

David Ralph reviewed: 2 & 3 day Stone Carving course at Parndon Mill in Harlow, Essex

"This was the best introduction to Stone Carving that I could have wished for. Ivan was very helpful and calming and after a quick introduction we were able to work away with his guidance. The venue was lovely and really helped with the creative process. It was a brilliant course from start to finish and I'm now completely hooked"

11 Apr 17'

Jennie reviewed: Silver jewellery Pendant making workshop

"I have been wanting to do a silver jewellery making course for ages but haven't been able to due to my work commitment until now. Sarah Bradley was very accommodating and fitted me in very quickly. I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and learnt so much! Sarah was great, she made me feel right at home and explained every step really clearly. I was so happy with my final piece, a lovely homemade silver ring with a beautiful opal. Thankyou Sarah!!"

11 Apr 17'

Rachel Benson reviewed: Willow Piglet workshop

"Learnt what I set out to - free weaving - and came away with a lovely looking piglet. Victoria is a good tutor and kept the kettle boiling. She was also willing to share knowledge on other willow structures and sculptures she has produced. Instructions on how to get to the venue could have been clearer, most of us ended up at the cattery before finding the right place. Also would have liked introductions to each other at the start, 4 of the 6 participants knew each other already so found it awkward to join in their conversations."

11 Apr 17'

Bridget Kauffman reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"My daughter and I attended this class. We had a wonderful time. Elaine is a very attentive instructor and was always aware of the students skills and needs as the class progressed. She shared very helpful information on wool, spinning wheels, preparing wool, what to look for in a raw fleece and spinning. We enjoyed meeting Jacqui and visiting with her. We traveled by train to Grange-Over-Sands and were without transportation to Elaine's class. She arranged transportation for us. If opportunity arises, I would like very much to return and attend the two day spinning course."

11 Apr 17'

Kirsten Mc reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This was my second course with Adrian and Andy. Again the tuition was excellent, learning to make a flower for the garden. Everything is provided and it's very good value for money. The lunch and snacks provided by Debbie were also excellent and there was a friendly atmosphere throughout the day. I would very much recommend the course if you're interested in learning a new skill or just curious about the craft."

11 Apr 17'

Sarah B reviewed: One-to-One Private workshop

"We thoroughly enjoyed the day, the company and the lovely lunch. It was excellent value. I can't tell you how pleased I was with my lightcatcher which now has pride of place in the lounge window. We'll be back. Sarah & Debbie"