Latest reviews

25 Jan 17'

Mike Rudkin reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I was a little apprehensive when I arrived-being a self taught turner I knew there would be bad practices to sort out and I had no idea how bad they would be. It was a good idea to use my own Beech Burr lump of timber as it meant we were starting right at the beginning,and I was pleased that George's assessment of how to cut it was very close to my own-we were off to a good start. My knuckles were white as I started making my first cuts, but George's quite gently firm ways of correcting firstly my stance and then how I held the tool and presented it to the work had me relaxing as the morning went on.The occasional theory breaks were well timed and reinforced what we were doing on the lathe. By the time we stopped for an excellent lunch prepared by Susan the bowl was well under way-and so,also were the re-grinds to my bowl gouges. Afternoon and we finished sanding and put a finish on the outside then started on the inside. The turning was interspersed with gems of information about all sorts of aspects of turning,finishing,holding work on lathe,friction chuck making,putting a sanding arbour on lathe.basically lots of stuff that quite often a turner will say "Oh make a friction chuck from some scrap wood" George actually showed me how it was made etc. As we got deeper into the bowl and encountered the voids etc, George's comment that this was probably the most difficult piece of wood I would turn made me feel quite pleased with the achievement. I was quite tired by the time we finished and my brain was working overtime processing all the data it had absorbed during the day. The finished bowl is a thing of beauty and I have a fantastic sense of achievement-once I have consolidated everything I learnt,I will be back for more !! My only regret is that I didn't take up turning until late in life-at 79yrs I've got a lot to get learnt,but if anyone can teach an old dog some new tricks it's George-thanks a lot."

25 Jan 17'

Audrey reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"Sowmya is a fantastic teacher!!! I learnt so much in such a short time. I am a complete beginner. She has given me the confidence in my own abilities and now I shall practise and develop. Thank you Sowmya....you are fantastic x"

25 Jan 17'

Laura reviewed: One day leather bag making workshop

"It's difficult to know where to begin this review as every aspect of the workshop was tremendous! The country setting in a workshop looking out across the fields is idyllic. We were met with a very warm welcome from Rosanna, whose expertise, talent and patience are limitless. My sister and I very happily settled into making our choice of leather and being adeptly guided through the process by Rosanna. We both felt confident under her tutoring and the result was a purse & card holder each which we are both delighted with! This is a perfect course for either a seasoned "crafter" or anyone wishing to dip their toe into craftsmanship. With a brew in hand, the radio on in the background, the company of Rosanna and the immense satisfaction of actually making something which you will use and treasure, I cannot think of a better way to spend a Saturday morning! Once again - thanks a million Rosanna! Laura & Kate x"

25 Jan 17'

Vincent reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Really informative - answered a lot of technical questions that showed a wealth of experience."

25 Jan 17'

Ashana reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"It was a wonderful and informative day. Sakeena is an amazing instructor and really funny."

25 Jan 17'

Esther reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"It was very enlightening and the methods of teaching were very easy to grasp. I love the ethics code subtly advised as I believe this will help with growing my business. I really enjoyed the creativity the class allowed me and I'll be back for the advanced classes. Thank you!"

25 Jan 17'

Elle reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Informative and inspiring. Loved every minute."

25 Jan 17'

Michael reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Very informative and learned an awful lot having started from about no knowledge at all!"

25 Jan 17'

Stella Hulott reviewed: Two day leather bag making workshop

"I had a wonderful two day course with Rosanna, designing and then creating my very own bespoke bag. Rosanna gives you the freedom to do what you want, design wise - and if you cannot do it (such as the leather is too thick) she will explain why. A talented, patient teacher who gives you as much or as little help as you need. My bag is absolutely fantastic, a one off, in the most beautiful leather with all my personal touches. I am going back to do a half day wallet making course in the Summer! Thank you Rosanna!"

24 Jan 17'

Rose Thomas reviewed: Candle making workshops

"Our day with Angharad was nothing short of wonderful. She is warm, friendly and genuine and also an incredible teacher. She welcomed us into her home and made a lovely lunch which we enjoyed with her and her family. She has such a great way about her that makes it so easy and enjoyable to learn the craft of candlemaking. She has a wealth of knowledge and not only teaches you candle making skills but imparts information to you to help you along with your business that many other people would not. We made lots of candles all of which we took home with us and are now enjoying. She is happy to customise the course to suit your individual needs and answer all your question. I'm certain that we couldn't have found a better or nicer teacher. We will definitely go back to her for follow up lessons if necessary as we intend to put our knowledge to good use and turn our newly found skills into a new business. As a teacher Angharad is an asset to anyone who wishes to learn the craft of candlemaking. Thank you Angharad for the wonderful day that we had with you. Rose and Len."

24 Jan 17'

Nerys Osbourn reviewed: Beginners Weaving with the Rigid Heddle Loom - at All in a Spin

"This is the third workshop I've attended with All in a Spin and I thoroughly enjoyed all of them. The workshops are held at Dunja and Brian's beautiful farm in the magnificent Black Mountains. This time I learned to design a scarf, calculate the amount of yarn required, warp a loom and weave the scarf. Throughout, Dunja was on hand to pass on helpful tips and steer us through the process. I recommend All in a Spin to anyone wanting to learn the basics of weaving on a rigid heddle loom. Dunja is a patient and encouraging teacher and a skilled weaver. I look forward to the next workshop."

24 Jan 17'

Jill Chadwick reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"Really good day. Lots of valuable tips and practical hands on making. End result wasn't bad either. Thanks to Steve for endless patience."

24 Jan 17'

Sarah Blenkinsop reviewed: Two day needle felting a wired armature animal

"I have been on several workshops run by Karin over the last couple of years and they have all been really wonderful. Interesting venues, lovely food and a great tutor. Karin really does make it easy to learn and express yourself. Trust me you WILL make something which amazes you! I have made several needle felted creatures who have pride of place on my shelf, along with Karin's wonderful creations. and enjoyed a day of fun, craft and laughter. Well worth booking to come on this and you will learn a lot. And you get to be a part of the Tribe if you join the club, which I recommend you do as it is such fun!"

24 Jan 17'

Enid Richards reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Could there be any better place to learn about candlemaking than in the luxury of Jo's home, a beautiful converted barn in Suffolk, which overlooks a field of intriguing Highland cattle (which are mirrored in some the internal decorations in her home). Always a genuine very warm welcome received here for everyone and our day began with a cup of wonderful latte as Jo explained what we would be doing today. All the equipment is provided and Jo takes care that we understand each step of the process. Being very biased here, the candles are far superior to anything you can buy and being able to make them ourselves was truly a magical experience. The goodie bag we took home was wonderful with a kilner jar full of nightlights, 3 different sizes of candles, plus ones for the burner and some lovely heart shape wax decorations filled with a variety of dried flowers, fruits and seeds. Although we learnt a great deal, we also had a laughter filled day which included some wonderful home made vegetable soup with fresh crusty bread and butter. With the sun setting brilliant red on the hazy horizon as we left, the aromas of the various oils we used perfumed my car all the way home and are now filling various rooms in my house. I would highly recommend Jo and her classes in her truly wonderful home and it it can't fail to entice you into making your own."

24 Jan 17'

martin wharmby reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"Went to Ed's with some designs on paper and came back two days later with two beautiful moulds. The various processes were explained simply and very clearly the first morning, then we set about making the two moulds and developed the designs in the making process. I came with an understanding of the principles of the process but it was the detail that made it so valuable for me.....just how thick should that plaster be?....how do you get that glassy finish on the pattern? It was also fun, Eds interesting and really good company."

24 Jan 17'

Anna reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"I spent the Saturday morning with Sowmya doing a crochet course and really enjoyed it. We were given some notes & materials and she also explained how to read a crochet pattern. Relaxed atmosphere, Sowmya is kind and patient and it was so easy to follow her instructions."

24 Jan 17'

Roger East reviewed: Steam-Bending Courses in Cumbria

"My wife booked me on to the back-to-back beginners and advanced courses for a weekend in Dec 2016, after seeing the steam bending techniques used on Grand Designs a few weeks earlier, and wanted to find out more and have a go. The beginner course started with a most welcome cup of tea and introductions in Charlie's workshop in beautiful Cumbria, followed by a short walk to the neighbouring woodland to see where (and how) the process starts. Then on to the village hall for the day for lots of demo's, hands-on experiences, plus tea and cake, from the outset. The group was a great mix of people including families, wood craft enthusiasts, previous course attendees, and those who had watched Grand Designs and now had the bug. We experimented with all kinds of timber (different species, old vs new, green vs seasoned/kiln dried, etc) to learn how it handles (or not) when you attempt to steam-bend it. It is very much a hands-on experience and you learn an awful lot by getting involved, getting a feel for the wood, and discovering which techniques, tools, and jigs work well together. You quickly build a great rapport with your fellow course mates, as many of the learning experiences lend themselves towards helping each other out, especially when bending an oak beam that is several inches thick! The first day concluded with everyone making their own fruit bowl to take home, which is a great way to put your new skills in to practice and have something to show for it. The group then headed off to the local village pub for evening drinks and dinner with Charlie and his family. Day 2 saw a few of the beginners group return for the Advanced course. As before the course was very hands-on. The course content was a little more fluid allowing the group to experiment with their own techniques and ideas, as well attempting more sophisticated bends such as S bends and loops. If someone had an idea for a bend, then Charlie had a jig for it, or if not would make or adapt one to get the desired result. Charlie Whinney is a great ambassador of this craft. His passion and experience are soon made apparent through his natural ability to impart his knowledge in an open and friendly manner. He is very accommodating in helping his students in terms of the course logistics/accommodation, working through ideas and concepts, and also providing equipment for those that are looking to start a workshop on their return. I highly recommend his courses and would be keen to explore attending another in the future."

24 Jan 17'

Dave Nelson reviewed: Fabulous felt picture 2 day masterclass near York

"Super course. Just 6 participants so Bridget could give lots of individual attention to us. All materials and equipment supplied. Bridget is a fantastic artist and her passion, knowledge and enthusiasm for working with felt was infectious. We felt she tailored her tuition to your individual needs - obviously based on the image you wanted to recreate, but also based on the level of experience you had and what you wanted from the course. Can't recommend it enough."

24 Jan 17'

Anne-Louise perez reviewed: Traditional upholstery courses @ The Woodworks Project, Bath, Somerset

"This was an excellent course made so by Leigh Anne's relaxed teaching style and support. Super practical... Basically able straight off to crack on with my project. All very hands on. I came away with a couple of projects and I am using my new skills upcycling and upholstering at home. Another bonus .... All the others doing the course were lovely and so was a sociable thing too! Thanks."

24 Jan 17'

Hayley.R reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"Fantastic, personalised and practical course with wonderful tuition from Alison and Sarah. This was exactly what my soul needed! Many thanks"

23 Jan 17'

Cara Jane reviewed: Wild pottery workshop - dig your own clay in the woods, bonfire/clamp kiln firings

"The whole family had a fantastic weekend in the woods! I love the way you structured it. We all loved playing the games, making the faces as well as of course creating with the clay and the fires! You clearly have a lot of knowledge and experience and I am so glad that we had the chance to learn some of that."

23 Jan 17'

Simon reviewed: Wild pottery workshop - dig your own clay in the woods, bonfire/clamp kiln firings

"Really, really enjoyed those two days – we all felt very refreshed and inspired. I have my little pot on my desk to remind me of the wonderful experience."

23 Jan 17'

Yasmin S. reviewed: Wild pottery workshop - dig your own clay in the woods, bonfire/clamp kiln firings

"We learned so much… yet the pace was never rushed or stressful. Each part of the process was completely engrossing and I was able to be more fully present than I usually am in my daily life in the city. It’s hard for your thoughts to wander when you’re waving a smoking nest of grass in your hand, watching it burst into flames! It all felt so sane, human and natural."

23 Jan 17'

Steve reviewed: Wild pottery workshop - dig your own clay in the woods, bonfire/clamp kiln firings

"Thank you for such a wonderful weekend of digging, potting and fire-making. We all had such a blast, and learned LOADS. Arthur practised his spark making all the way home in the car, and has continued this morning at the breakfast table… He’s going to have worn out his flint by the end of the week. We will be back again for more adventures."

23 Jan 17'

Shan reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"My daughter and I spent a wonderful morning with Sowmya...the time flew past under her gentle teaching and guidance. She the gift of being able to explain things clearly and simply and also in a way that helps you remember what to do when you leave the class. A very talented teacher and a warm and lovely person...thoroughly recommended!!"