Latest reviews

3 Mar 17'

Lesley reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"I was lucky to have the session by myself so had Kate's full attention. I would have been just as spoilt in a group (with attention and food). I was so relaxed sitting there making my pheasant that time flew by. The surroundings, Kate's company and the pure enjoyment of working with the willow was a real treat I would love to do again."

3 Mar 17'

Kate reviewed: Wood Carving Course

"My Dad and I had a fabulous day. We had never carved before and really weren't sure about what we'd be able to achieve in a day, but went along anyway for the experience. It turned out that we were both really pleased with and proud of what we made. Pete's love for his craft, for the techniques, the tools, the wood, for the projects and for the people he meets along the way were great. We were in a small group with heaps of individual attention, with plenty of tools on hand and given an introduction to the tools, the wood etc. We followed Pete step by step to make a small piece to get us started and then launched into our own relief carved project. We'd come armed with ideas - a running hare and a teddy bear - but there were a good range of patterns and ideas to look at and chose from. Pete took his time with each of us, carefully explaining to us the best way to approach our designs and helping us along the way. We loved his sense of humour and his little stories and anecdotes about life as a carver - what a lovely guy. Thanks Pete! (Ps husband not so happy with Pete - I spent over a 100 quid on carving tools and cut proof gloves etc as soon as I got home that night!)"

3 Mar 17'

Hazel March reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"I really enjoyed my day with Theresa, such a lovely lady! I am a complete beginner but I gained confidence throughout my lesson. I am now looking for a wheel of my own to continue my new found hobby! Thank you Theresa, highly recommended!"

3 Mar 17'

Georgie reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"I had a fantastic time reupholstering my rocking chair. Philip is a fantastic and patient teacher. It was great to spend a weekend with friendly people and see their different projects develop. I'm already planning my next project and look forward to booking onto another weekend course soon!"

3 Mar 17'

Fiona Young reviewed: The Annie Sloan complete chair makeover Workshop at La Di Da Interiors

"Had a really fun, busy and relaxing day with my Mum learning all about painting and upholstery with Annie Sloane paint and fabrics. Steph is a very knowledgeable, patient and lovely lady. We both loved our chairs at the end of a brilliant course."

3 Mar 17'

Claudia reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Excellent course. Really worth the money. Clear explanations and guidance throughout! I am really excited about developing a candle business. (Attended the Intermediate Candle Making Workshop)"

3 Mar 17'

Eliza Fox reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I bought this as a 16th birthday gift for my Son and what a great day we had from start to finish. We were greeted with refreshments and homemade goodies before starting our epic day of bending and hammering bits of metal into our very own masterpieces! Adrian and Andy guided us through our projects with expert tuition and Debbie fed us until we were ready to bust! Adrian, Andy and Debbie, thank you so much, you were the perfect hosts and we thoroughly enjoy every bit of our day."

3 Mar 17'

peter head reviewed: Damascus steel pattern welding

"Truly hands on and down to your skills - Stuart is a great teacher. Recommended"

3 Mar 17'

stephen veer reviewed: Bronze Age Swordcasting Workshop

"Wealth of knowledge and fun day out. Recommended."

2 Mar 17'

Suzanne collis reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"What a fantastic day out. Informative and fun with a lovely homemade lunch. Came home with lots of lovely candles. Jo was very welcoming in her beautiful home. Would highly recommend."

2 Mar 17'

Maria Picken reviewed: Intermediate throwing with Richard Heeley

"The intermediate throwing course was challenging. By the end of the first day I felt as if I had taken a step backwards compared to the beginners course attended last October. Perhaps it was too early to attend the intermediate course. However, after a chat with Kevin and some personalised teaching and support, the second day was far more productive and successful. I progressed quickly in terms of developing better shaping of cylindrical forms and bowl shapes. Most importantly, I learnt why I had made mistakes and how to correct them. Kevin is an outstanding teacher; intuitive and supportive. Although I didn't quite finish making a teapot, one of the course objectives, the necessary skills were practised enough to give me the confidence to finish and make another one!"

2 Mar 17'

Mike reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"I attended one of the recent beginners courses run by Jo, and with her guidance and encouragement came away with lots of wonderful smelling candles. With the knowledge gained I am now looking forward to making them for myself. I would recommend anyone thinking of trying this craft to attend one of Jo's courses - I'm sure you will thoroughly enjoy your day and come away inspired !"

2 Mar 17'

Laura Hughes reviewed: Intermediate throwing with Richard Heeley

"I thoroughly enjoyed the two days, and was suitably exhausted by the end of it. The venue and equipment was excellent - my only issue being that we could have had more batts to throw on. Perhaps some smaller ones would have been useful. The drying cabinet was most useful, enabling us to turn pots on day two, and also get them into a fit state to transport home. The tuition from Kevin was enthusiastic and knowledgeable - there was ample opportunity to observe techniques and then practice them - and to ask questions as we went along. I felt that I was learning and developing throughout the course, and that it was a most profitable way to spend a couple of wet days in February. It has developed my own practice and has given me plenty of good tips to pass on to my own students. Thanks very much to Kevin, Potclays and my fellow students who were all great. I would definitely recommend this course to develop throwing skills and confidence :)"

2 Mar 17'

Sam Fourie reviewed: Furniture Painting Course with Afternoon Tea in Sheffield by South Yorkshire Interiors Academy

"Just completed a private course with Gill. loads of knowledge given and had a great day."

2 Mar 17'

Serena Gillott reviewed: Knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"Ann was a pleasure to meet, a very good teacher who made it very easy to learn. The setting was so comfortable as the lessons take place in The Grand Vintage Tea Rooms in The Grand Arcade just up from the Grand Theatre. I thought the lesson was a very reasonable price and even better you feel good because Ann donates her takings to Charity. It was a relaxed morning chatting and knitting and I would recommend anybody to do it even if it just to have a change. 1st March"

2 Mar 17'

June Willey reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"This was most definitely one of the best craft courses I have ever attended. Such a well thought out day which included a fabulous lunch made by Sophie's mom. The room and facilities were ideal. Sophie is very friendly and welcoming and combined with that, a great teacher with lots of patience and enthusiasm for the craft. I made a felted sculpture of my Welsh Springer which I now proudly display at home. I also came away with enough confidence and information to start making one of my other dog a Cocker Spaniel. Everyone on the course did really well we all came away with prized felted dogs. I would recommend that if you are thinking of felting go on this course you learn so much. I hope to return and learn some more. Thanks Sophie."

2 Mar 17'

Debbra Nightingale reviewed: 1 Stone setting ring beginner course

"Had a fantastic day with Sarah. I've never done anything like this before and was nervously excited, Sarah made me feel relaxed and confident in what I was doing and explained things in a simple and not too technical way for me. I never realised what actually went into making a ring with stone setting and never thought in a million years I'd make one with a garnet stone. I've also picked up soldering skills as well! At the end of the session Sarah gave me a written brief of what we had done and I was amazed I had done all that. Well worth the money, excellent teacher, had so much fun as well. Thank you Sarah x"

1 Mar 17'

Tony Parsons reviewed: Beginner's Traditional Stained Glass 2 Day Course

"Why be bored – forget the television get yourself onto one of Gill Rogers stained glass courses and not only learn a new skill but end up with a completed project to be proud of. Having just attended one such course in a warm and friendly studio with a skilled glass artist who guides you through the art of stained glass, and provides an excellent lunch, I can recommend the experience. Singles, pairs or parties give Gill a ring and enjoy learning that new skill you will not regret it. Regards, Tony Parsons"

1 Mar 17'

Wendy Nobes reviewed: Curtain making

"I had a wonderful day that was very informative and easy to understand with a lovely teacher who was very patient with me. I hadn't made curtains before and not touched a sewing machine since I was at school, ( which was a long time ago). I was taught how to measure a window properly before starting to make the curtain, then I was taught step by step how to make a pencil pleat curtain from start to finish and was very pleased with the result. I am now looking forward to making my own curtains for my new home. I would recommend this course to anyone looking to learn how to make curtains either for themselves or if you are thinking of starting your own business. Thank you Denise."

1 Mar 17'

Kathy Burman reviewed: Art classes - sculpture

"Sculpture Workshop at Parndon Mill I have attended a Thursday morning group with tutor Ivan Daggett since January 2016. The prospect of three hours in a studio in the beautiful environs of Parndon Mill has made this one of my favourite mornings. My work in 3D, prior to starting this course, was primarily in clay. I created ceramics and sculpture by hand building, generally on a small scale. I have also worked in wood and wire. Ivan’s studio offers a much broader range of opportunities and has enabled me to experiment with carving in stone, plaster and composite materials as well as creating a latex and plaster mould in order to replicate a figure originally created in clay. My work in the past year has been challenging and rewarding. Ivan is on hand to help develop ideas, suggest materials and guide students towards achieving the best results. One learns from him and from the others in the group, which is friendly and supportive. It is a great class and I look forward to increasing my skills and embarking on further exciting projects over the coming months."

1 Mar 17'

Richard reviewed: Introduction to silver jewellery making workshop with Diane Lee

"I bought my wife this as a present and thought I should attend to make a day of it despite having no real interest in jewellery making. However I must say that as the day progressed I found myself completely engrossed and fascinated by it. Diane was excellent, taking things at just the right speed and explaining each process in detail. She is clearly passionate about Silversmithing and that rubbed off on the rest of us. Highly recommended"

1 Mar 17'

Isabelle reviewed: One day blacksmithing course

"I had a great day on the one day blacksmithing course, if you're considering giving this course a go I really recommend it. Julian is a friendly and highly knowledgeable teacher and his workshop is a treasure trove of tools. You'll get to learn about some of his amazing commissions and make a piece of your own using different techniques and skills. I am so happy with my final piece, a candle holder, and felt like Julian really pushed me to make the best piece I could and make the most of my time in the workshop. You will get a lot out of this course and I have learnt a new skill that I intend to take forward and build on."

1 Mar 17'

Lisa Hoey reviewed: Christmas Decorations in Art and Floristry

"Thoroughly enjoyed my day with Jo and two lovely ladies who welcomed me into their home for the day. I hadn't touched a sewing machine in over 30 years but Jo is very knowledgeable and patient so my renewed experience of using the machine was stress free and I now feel I have the confidence to use my very antiquated Singer machine at home. Jo provided a variety of interesting materials and inspiration to enable me to experiment and produce a piece to be proud of. Thank you :O)"

1 Mar 17'

Isabelle reviewed: Powertex Fabric Sculpture workshop - Sheffield area Authorist Tutor

"I really enjoyed my day at Patchwork Garden, it was my first time using Powertex and I had great fun learning how to use this unique product. It was a small group and Stephanie really knows Powertex inside and out so you will learn everything you need to know in a easy going and friendly environment. I am so pleased with my final sculpture and have lots of ideas as to how I can use what I learnt in future projects, so if you fancy having a go I highly recommend this course."

1 Mar 17'

Becky Jackson reviewed: Silver clay beginners course - Lori Ridgway

"A brilliant workshop with a very talented and knowledgeable teacher. Lori explains why you do certain stages, shows various ways of doing themand supplies tea and homemade flapjacks - what could be better!! I learnt so much, Thank you."