Latest reviews

28 Mar 17'

Debbie reviewed: Two-day Silkscreen Printing Course: Design and Print Your Own Fabric £170.00

"Caroline is a wonderful teacher. Her warm, inviting and beautiful workspaces provide the perfect backdrop to learn about screen printing. I wasn't sure if I had any creativity in me but she skillfully helped me to realise and consolidate one or two ideas. She is amazingly talented. I loved seeing her home which is adorned with the most brilliant examples of her work. Her husband provided fabulous lunches and both he and Caroline make you feel as though nothing was too much trouble. I came away from the weekend feeling truly inspired and will definitely return in the future to learn more. If you are looking to try out screen printing then this is the course for you- I cannot recommend it enough."

28 Mar 17'

Abi reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"What a brilliant weekend, couldn't have asked for more patient or entertaining instructors with such a clear passion for what they do! Would highly recommend to anyone wanting to have a go like me, or with skills to polish. Thanks Peter, my stool has pride of place in the living room"

28 Mar 17'

Charlotte Spender reviewed: A 2 day throwing and handbuilding weekend at an established pottery in the New Forest.

"Having spent many years being interested in studio potters' work but never before tried it myself, I found the 2 day course incredibly interesting and absorbing. Jo's teaching was brilliant - calm and well balanced, providing help when needed but letting us work at our own pace, and we all managed to produce at least half a dozen pieces that we were really pleased with. We covered throwing on the wheel, hand/coil building, turning, slab building and various decorating/glazing techniques. The biscuits and lunches were delicious! The studio has masses of inspirational pots by Jo and her students and it is a lovely environment. I came away with my head full of potential projects for another day and could not have had a better teacher or a more enjoyable weekend."

28 Mar 17'

Ingvild reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"What a great way to spend a weekend! The location is lovely and the course is relaxing, fun and challenging all in one. Sebastian draws from his background in various creative/artistic endeavours (especially in wood; making cabinets and violins) in his approach to stone sculpting, which is very interesting and inspiring. His teaching method is less heavy on theory and more about experimenting and learning as you go along. He knows when to let you graft and get on with it, and when to step in and offer advice on tools and methods. The atmosphere is very relaxed and friendly, and after the first day you really look forward to the next one. At the end of the course, we all left with pieces we were chuffed with, smiles and good memories. The small size of the group (we were seven) is perfect, allowing enough room for the required one-to-one tutoring as well as some good banter. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking to try out some new creative skills."

28 Mar 17'

Chris Matthews reviewed: Fused Glass Drop Vessels

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course and learned so much.. including how to take the rim off a drop vessel with a hammer! It was good to be able to learn a whole range of ways to make drop vessels, and Liz is a very patient teacher!"

28 Mar 17'

Debbie reviewed: 1-to-1 Organic Skincare Workshop at Maid in the Meadow

"Was a lovely relaxed day learning about and making these fab products. Plenty of laughs, Allison is a great tutor, very friendly and approachable. Who knew soap could be such fun!"

28 Mar 17'

Toby reviewed: Training course in upcycling with pallets. An introduction to making furniture with pallets for beginners

"What a superb course! Scott aimed the course at the level appropriate for the participants and supported us through the main processes of sourcing, dismantling, assembling and finishing a product. He was able to provide vital tips in all areas while answering any questions we had with ease. I feel confident now to begin creating any item of furniture from old pallets! Scott was a delight, engaging and supportive throughout. Thanks for everything."

28 Mar 17'

Ali reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"I had the best time on this course and would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to try glass fusing! I bought the workshop as a gift for my mum and we had such a laugh. I researched glass courses in Cornwall around the Bude area and this looked like the best one, the studio was massive and the lunch was amazing with the YUMMIEST chocolate brownies! Amanda made us feel at home right away, and she allowed you to feel confident and stepped in whenever we needed help. When we received our glass makes in the post, all beautifully wrapped, we were amazed at how professional our work looked. Im so proud of my cheese platter! Now Im thinking of coming for my Hen Party next year! ..Thank you Amanda!"

28 Mar 17'

Edna reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I spent a lovely day with Lucy learning the skills of soldering. Prior to the day Lucy checked out my experience and expectations for the day. Lucy provided support over and above my expectations and I can't wait to have another day. Her knowledge and experience shone through and I learned so much more than soldering skills"

28 Mar 17'

Louise Lister reviewed: Friday mosaic making

"I recently attended one of Audrey's mosaic workshops with my Mum. It was a present to her for Mother's Day and something creative and fun we could do together. I cannot recommend the workshop enough. It was great fun and we were amazed at what we accomplished in the time under Audrey's tutorage, especially given neither of us had done anything like this before. Audrey talks you through the process and guides and helps you along the way. She has such a lovely calm and encouraging manner and the atmosphere in the workshop was lovely. I would definitely recommend it and I will almost certainly look to do another one in the future."

28 Mar 17'

Clare reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"Wonderful course for me and my 12 year old. The time went very quickly and we learnt so much. We are both very proud of our pieces. Well done Matt for managing such a diverse group all working away on their own designs and each person requiring your attention!"

28 Mar 17'

Liz F reviewed: Furniture making course: Laminating and Veneering course (beginner) - 2 day course in Surrey

"This two day course was a revelation. Aidan is a brilliant teacher with both the theory and practice, and endlessly patient with his practical support and willingness to answer all sorts of questions. I came away with an enthusiasm to put what I'd learned into effect, knowing that Aidan will be happy to respond to emergency cries for advice."

28 Mar 17'

Adele Simpson reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"My mum, sister & I recently spent the day with Kate making willow herons and a crow. The atmosphere was relaxed, supportive and friendly - the other people (approx 9 of us in total) on the course were all in the same boat complete beginners. We all had a brilliant day and couldn't believe from humble willow rods beginnings to making a 3d circle which we weren't sure were ever going to bind then turned into massive big willow sculptures; my heron was taller than me! Kate had some helpers which was neccessary as this craft is fairly intensive and tricky at first but it clicks and if not Kate is amazing at rescuing your work and getting you back on track again. I have and would recommend Kates workshops to others. A great value day where you'll end up with something amazing and unique to take home."

28 Mar 17'

Jane Roberts reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I really enjoyed this stone sculpting weekend. The setting is idyllic right between the canal and the river Severn with beautiful views on both sides. Seb holds it in his cosy eco workshop and summer houses that he self-built which adds to the charm and uniqueness of it, although we worked outside most of the time. And in the end, we each came away with an individually designed sculpture, thanks to Sebs tutoring skills and the great choice of shapes and sizes of stone he has in the workshop."

28 Mar 17'

Andy Gill reviewed: Spoon carving course (1 day)

"Great intro to spoon carving in a very beautiful and tranquil setting. Dave is a good teacher and very knowledgable. He also provided delicious homemade sour dough bread, soup and amazing cake. Real coffee too. Couldn't fault it and would recommend it to anyone"

27 Mar 17'

Stephanie reviewed: Christmas Pudding - needle felting workshop with The Lady Moth

"I attended a class yesterday to make a blue tit, and had a wonderful time! Żenia was a great teacher, and it was a nice class atmosphere with 6 students around a communal table. The class was 4 hours (including a break for tea and biscuits), which went by quickly but gave us enough time to all complete our birds. I had needle felted a couple of times before using basic kits, but it made a big difference to have a teacher explaining the process (particularly things like making the initial shape and the finishes), and I think the bird I made looks a lot better than the previous projects I had made. I would definitely recommend this class to anyone!"

27 Mar 17'

Neil reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"I was not sure what to expect as I parked outside Anvil Forge on Saturday morning . Within 20 minutes, after a safety talk and demonstration, we were straight into heating , hammering and bending metal to construct a poker. John and his team challenged our project ideas for the afternoon session, encouraging us to try new skills and equipment, while at the same time developing the skills experienced earlier that morning. We were given the opportunity to work by ourselves, yet help and advice were close at hand when required. Have a look at the photos of projects completed by people who have attended this fantastic course so that you can have an idea as to what you want to achieve by the end of the day. Think big- John and his team will help you achieve it."

27 Mar 17'

Louise Riley reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"My husband and I have just returned from a fantastic day making baskets with SallyAnne. We were both complete beginners, but came home with a lovely, sizable basket each. The pace of the day was perfect, with really good explanation of the techniques and lots of help where needed! Thank you again, we had a great time."

27 Mar 17'

Gilly Messing reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"I sooooo enjoyed the leather workshop, Bill is a wonderful, patient teacher who explains everything really clearly and answers all your questions really helpfully. We designed our own bag, made our pattern, chose the leather and cut and sewed it with just the right amount of guidance and help from Bill. I really learned a lot and am definitely going to do another course some time soon .... and try to work by myself at home once I have got a few of the essential tools! Thanks, Bill!"

27 Mar 17'

James Mouser reviewed: Woodturning courses in Norfolk

"Just had a one day introduction course and it was awesome. Nick is an excellent teacher. As well as being very knowledgable, he adjusts the speed and approach to the student. He is very easy to talk to and puts you at ease. I plan to follow up with a second day looking at making boxes. I came away with a nice bowl and a dabber."

27 Mar 17'

Marlene Laing reviewed: Fabulous felt picture 2 day masterclass near York

"This was a really enjoyable way to spend a weekend. There were only four of us on the course so Bridget had lots of time to spend with each of us. Everything was very well organised and there was lots of different coloured wool to choose from. Bridget showed each of us individually how to create a colour palette and talked us through how to build a picture. Her techniques are very different from anything I have seen before - a much gentler way of working but with fantastic results. Everyone went away with a beautiful felt picture."

27 Mar 17'

Jenny reviewed: Christmas Pudding - needle felting workshop with The Lady Moth

"I attended the blue tit workshop yesterday (March 26th 2017) and absolutely loved it! The teacher was lovely and patient and demonstrated and instructed very clearly and managed to cater for everyone's pace. This was the second time I'd done any needle felting and I was really pleased with the outcome, everyone's birds looked great at the end! I would highly recommend and would definitely go again."

27 Mar 17'

Emmanuel Onipede reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"I attended the full day workshop with Rosanna and went there with a photo of a phone case I wanted to make. As complicated as I thought it would be to make, Rosanna took the time to explain all the options available to me, including what kind of leather I could use, and also the techniques I could use. Where others would have tried to guide me down a path, she gave me carte blanche to pick which material I used for the case, and helped only when I asked - she wasn't overbearing. Over the course of the day, Rosanna's patience shone through; with her constant advice and guidance, the day was over so quickly but it was so enlightening, I can't walk past a leather product without trying to figure out how it was made. The course comes highly recommended. Top job Rosanna."

27 Mar 17'

Neil reviewed: Wood turning courses

"What a lovely long weekend, which all started with my better-half - Terri stating, that as she could'nt knit and did not enjoy it,she would like to try weaving and had found a course run by a renowned weaver Janet King in Nether Stowey in Somerset. To make a trip of it,I thought I'd look for any woodturning or woodcraft courses available in the area and found that George Foweraker, a professional turner, ran courses in Burnham-on-sea,just down the road from Nether Stowey and would be able to give me 2 days one to one tuition at the same time that my wife's course was being run. I was'nt sure what to expect or achieve, having seen examples of George's work on his website which was all of an extremely high standard and quality,such that I could never achieve with my small experience in the 2 days! Well, I was delighted. From the moment I met George and his lovely wife Susan, despite his insistence in calling me by the wrong name- Nigel for most of the first day,I knew we would have fun and I could learn a lot from him. Having decided to go for turning a platter or bowl and learn different texturing and decoration methods rather than hollow work we set too in his very impressive workshop. George's easy tuition manner was great,his course content and attention to detail, theory and particularly of safety, was a pleasure to work with, and I was very grateful for his patience of ny inexperience. Despite continuing to call me Nigel (my brother in Australia) and moaning at me in his broad Somerset brogue,for costing him a plaster from his first aid box, when I nicked my finger, I really enjoyed my new found abilities! Coffee and teas and the nice lunches supplied by Susan,all added to the hospitality. I came away tired but very satisfied with the work done, having learned a lot and realising there's a load more to learn but its great fun in doing so. Weaving in Somerset looks as though it will continue at a pace,so,George and Susan,I shall be after Hollowing techniques next if you will let me!!"

27 Mar 17'

Angie Wakefield reviewed: A 2 day throwing and handbuilding weekend at an established pottery in the New Forest.

"My wife and I went on the residential weekend, we are complete beginners with no experience at all. We absolutely loved it! Saturday morning after a lovely cooked breakfast we went into the pottery and within 10 minutes we were all our own wheels throwing clay!! After a 3 course lunch we did coiling, although you could carry on throwing if you wanted. Sunday morning we turned our pots that had spent the night drying, and after another gorgeous lunch, we decorated and glazed our items. Jo will fire them and post the finished articles back to us. Assuming they survive the kiln we have 9 pieces each which we are amazed at! Jo and her family are really warm and friendly and we were made to feel welcome from the moment we arrived to the second we begrudgingly left! The food is amazing and you are kept topped up with tea, coffee, home made biscuits and home made cakes. We had a great time and cannot recommend highly enough."