Latest reviews

19 Mar 17'

Hannah Watson reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Had a great day and learnt loads. A really relaxed and enjoyable day. I would strongly recommend this and will definitely be returning :-)"

19 Mar 17'

Matthew Wesson reviewed: Beginners woodturning course

"I got bought the 2 day wood turning course as a present. It was a throughly enjoyable course. Ciaran was a brilliant tutor - very knowledgeable, skilled, patient and fun. It was very hands on and I went away with several pieces I was really pleased with. I'd thoroughly recommend this and would jump at the chance if there was another wood turning course run by Ciaran."

19 Mar 17'

Frank Renouf reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"I suspected that two days in Graham's company was going to be enjoyable the moment he greeted me with a warm handshake and the friendliest welcome. Chris and Graham are delightful hosts and really made me feel at home. We took tea and coffee breaks together, sitting in their beautiful and interesting garden which is so wildlife friendly. Graham's teaching style is relaxed and informal. He is supportive and his encouragement made my introduction to woodturning a great pleasure, so much so that I am now looking forward to my next visit, when I hope to benefit from his mentoring as I progress from beginner. I was particularly impressed by the effort Graham takes to ensure that his students experience success from the outset. Similarly he takes a lot of trouble to ensure that safety is never compromised and I am confident that while I have a lot to learn the foundation that Graham has given me is solid. I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend him to any beginner who would find a visit to his gallery inspirational."

19 Mar 17'

Phil Brownsord reviewed: StickMaking Classes/ Courses with Stuart Lawrence Northyorkshire

"We chose this course to give my dad more than just a plain gift but a new experience (as well as a handsome walking stick!) for his 70th birthday, the aim being my brother and I would join him too. Stuart delivers the course with just the right blend of teaching, wisdom and wit that we found ourselves laughing a lot of the time (not to mention filing a fair amount too!). The stick I made is truly mine, down to the skills and techniques I was shown and very happy I am with it too (as my brother and dad are with theirs). I know they are also planning the next sticks that they will make so that teaching must have stuck! Thanks to Stuart for a great day. Highly recommended."

18 Mar 17'

Jess reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Three of us booked on to the course with different skill levels and we all enjoyed learning how to make a silver ring. We practiced cutting and soldering, we had help with polishing. The atmosphere on the boat was relaxed and we all felt encouraged to give it a go. There was even homemade cake! I have recommended the course to friends of mine - some are going to make their wedding rings. I would like to return to make a bangle next time. Thanks!"

18 Mar 17'

Jez Jones reviewed: Blacksmithing taster course one day

"I really enjoyed my day and never thought I would learn and make as much as I did in 1 day. Peter was an excellent Teacher and very patient and great company the lunch was fantastic I recommend this day it is value for money and to cut to the basics you get taught by a Guy who has done this almost all his working life and teaches people for a Living. Thanks Peter"

18 Mar 17'

Virginia reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"My sister-in-law and I attended one of Sophie's courses together today as a birthday treat. Neither of us had ever done any needle felting so we were completely clueless. The day was heavenly: Sophie is so kind, patient and diplomatic with her input, everything is provided that you might need and her teaching technique is flawlessly generous. Refreshments were plentiful and lunch was a delightful feast giving us all a well-earned 'cold-turkey' from our new-found addiction. By the end of the day everyone had produced the most beautiful and eclectic selection of dogs most of which looked thoroughly professional (mine had some work to do still but was well on its way...). My fellow wool stabbers were a lovely bunch - the camaraderie of the day was an additional bonus. Sophie has a fantastic selection of starter kits and wools available so that you can have another go/worsen your addiction at home; all in all a wonderful treat and a hugely satisfying crafty success. Thanks Sophie for being such a gracious artist/teacher/hostess and huge thanks also to Sophie's mum for her amazing and delicious cooking!"

18 Mar 17'

Louise reviewed: KF Creative Mosaics Beginner Workshop

"I love doing mosaic class. Can't wait for the next one!"

18 Mar 17'

Tina Kinnar reviewed: Stone carving 1 day introduction course in East Yorkshire at Micklethwaite Studios

"Had a fantastic day on the Knot work carving course. Learnt so much and I'm really pleased with the finished piece. Alan and Tracey are very friendly, the facilities are great, and it's a lovely relaxed environment in which to learn a new skill. I've never picked up a hammer and chisel before and I managed to make something I'm really happy with. I'll certainly be back in the future."

18 Mar 17'

Jane Watson reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"We have just returned from a brilliant day of forging with Mort. Our day was awesome. Thanks to Mort we learned some amazing techniques. We did arrive with ideas, which were very ambitious, but thanks to Mort we came away with finished pieces. Do not hesitate to spend a day forging with Mort you will not only learn about forging, but also hear interesting stories about Mort and his knowledge of history. Thanks again can't wait till we can come again."

18 Mar 17'

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

"Amazing!! Absolutely loved this course. Peter is a fantastic teacher and I would highly recommend this course. I had never worked with wood nor the tools we used yet by the end of the weekend I came home with a beautiful bedside table and an overwhelmingly sense of achievement. Great location, really well structured course, thank you Peter!"

17 Mar 17'

SallyAnne, Willow Witch Of Pendle reviewed: Beginner's Spinning in Newcastle

"Loving rural crafts I have always wanted to try spinning but it looked so complicated. Cathy (and Jean) are outstanding teachers. Their patience, understanding and motivation made the day fly so quickly and resulted in a spinning novice producing yarn! I'm totally hooked. My aim is to do the Dye Day with them dieing Marino wool, spinning it, then knitting a scarf. Just need to drop a massive hint to the hubby for my birthday present, a wheel! I would highly recommend theses courses to anyone. Thank you"

17 Mar 17'

Andrew Toynton reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"An excellent course which Steve taught exceptionally well, giving plenty of time to all the students and very generous with materials. We had a lovely lunch at a local pub with free range on the menu not restricted to the cheaper items. My wife and I came away with 2 60x30cm panels, three tea light panels and 8 20x20cm panels between us."

17 Mar 17'

Tracy Cottis reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"I was a brand new spinner struggling to even set up my first wheel. Theresa very patiently checked and helped me set up my new wheel and to my great surprise, by the end of the day I was able to produce my first skein. She is knowledgeable, patient and a natural teacher. I left feeling inspired and confident and am looking forward to future lessons with her. Lovely surroundings too."

16 Mar 17'

Helen Woods reviewed: Hand Bound Leather Journal Workshop

"Really enjoyed the day. Wendy and Clive were very welcoming and provided great tuition. The course was at the right pace and good for somebody who has relatively few leather-craft skills, but the results were very good, a beautiful leather bound, hand crafted journal. It would be really useful to have a photo-copy step by step guide to take away with you. That would be the icing on the cake! By the way, gorgeous surroundings and views from the kitchen, a very enjoyable day. Worth the journey from West Yorkshire. All the best, Helen."

16 Mar 17'

Millie Wemyss reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"I honestly had the best day ever. I was lucky enough for there to be only two of us in the course that day, which meant I could ask as many questions as I needed to as we went along. Jason was fantastic teacher and really understood what I wanted to get out of my one-day course. He was easy to talk to and made a super-comfortable atmosphere for us to work in. The lunch was delicious and what an amazing building to be in! I have worked with leather for 9 years now, although not made items myself, but still learnt a huge amount whilst picking Jason's brain. I would recommend the course a million times over to anyone who enjoys working with their hands and learning skills - and it's so reasonably priced. Massively inspired and ordered a load of tools to continue with my leatherwork in my studio. I'm desperate to go up again and do the two-day course, which will probably be pretty soon!"

16 Mar 17'

Martin Ball reviewed: Beginners 10 week woodworking course NO LONGER RUNNING

"What can I say, but wow! An excellent teacher and mentor, brilliant facilities and fantastic food. Not to mention the fact that I have learned a raft of new skills in such a short time and come away with a product that I can be proud of, as well as something that the wife is happy with! I'm looking forward to booking onto the Intermediate course to continue my studies with Ciaran!"

16 Mar 17'

Candle making with afternoon tea reviewed: Candle making with afternoon tea

"I had a one to one course with Tracy this morning. Tracy was very informative, generous with her time, very patient and friendly. Constant cups of tea on offer. I made three candles, of various sizes and loads of melts all free to take home as included in the price. Can't recommend Tracy more highly to anyone who wants to learn to make candles for either pleasure or business. Easily 10/10"

16 Mar 17'

Philip Cooper reviewed: Bowl felting workshop

"A fun day learning a new skill. Can't wait to have another go soon."

16 Mar 17'

Pauline Cooper reviewed: Bowl felting workshop

"never having done wet felting before it was a great introduction to the craft. Had a brilliant day learning the techniques and came away with 2 lovely bowls"

16 Mar 17'

Caroline reviewed: Beginners candle making workshop - London

"Thank you for running such a fantastic party for Molly yesterday; she had a super time, as did her friends. Parents have been commenting how much their children enjoyed the party and how impressed they are with the candles they have brought home. I have no doubt you will see us again, as our younger daughter is now asking for a candle-making party too!"

16 Mar 17'

Viv Southorn reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"Had a wonderful day with a very skilled craftsman, Steve. Would recommend the course to anyone who wants to produce a unique piece of glass. Also the food was terrific midday."

16 Mar 17'

Saundra reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"I attended the one day leather workshop at Rosanna's studio in the the heart of Kent. I can honestly say I have never enjoyed a learning experience as much as this one! I cannot fault the day or Rosanna's teaching. I have some experience in making but had not worked with leather. The day flew as I made two styles of card holder and a lined purse. The day was shared with another attendee and we both enjoyed Rosanna's time and knowledge. I became quite absorbed in the hand-stitching element of the products and found the process almost meditative. Who knew. If you would like to learn some of the processes involved when working with leather plus leave with a handful of handmade goodies (that look shop bought) then this is the course for you. If you're looking for a day out with a friend (or two) then this would be perfect plus the day would make the most amazing gift experience! Rosanna is talented and generous with her knowledge. She is patient and accommodating. Oh, and the lunch was lovely too. 5 Stars all the way :)"

16 Mar 17'

Polly reviewed: Learn To Crochet On The Norfolk/Cambs Border

"A friend and I had a lovely morning relearning crochet yesterday. Sue and Deb really know their stuff and teach in a relaxed and really knowledgeable way. I think I came away with the confidence to build on what I learned, and my own sampler of stitches is really helpful. The location is relaxed and at tea time we visited the animals, which was fab. I recommend this course unreservedly!"

16 Mar 17'

Bob Kirk reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Attending this course has been a wonderful experience. My wife bought me the course as a surprise Christmas present and it has been the best present I have ever received. The course is very neatly set out providing all the help and guidance you need as the instructors ( Richard and Mark) take you through it. Experience is given on turning, routing, the use of a band saw, sharpening tools and finishing techniques. Part of each day is given over to an informal talk on the subjects such as measuring tools, sharpening techniques, recommended tools for a workshop and more. Whilst this is going on you are using the techniques shown so that at the end of the week you come away with a beautifully crafted piece of furniture. Richard and Mark are both exceptional craftsmen and they love passing on their skills to the participants on the course. I just cant wait for my wife to save up enough to send me on the next level of course."