Latest reviews

23 Oct 16'

Lin reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"I really enjoyed the lesson with Sowmya. I'm an absolute beginner with zero experience with crochet or knitting before. But I'm amazed how much I learned in one afternoon session. It really helped me to get started. Sowmya is excellent!"

22 Oct 16'

Russell Shaw reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"Less than a year later and I’m back again from Australia for another 3 days of high quality design and mould making along with great company. I love Ed’s new studio in the Old Spode factory. Ed’s ability to convert a concept into a plaster mould of the highest quality is sensational. His attention to detail and the quality of his work is fabulous, while at the same time sharing his knowledge and giving me skills that I can use in the future. All this and it is delightful to spend time in his company. Good coffee, great chats and high quality work. I’ll be back again soon! Thanks Ed"

22 Oct 16'

Dean reviewed: Willow Piglet workshop

"Thoroughly enjoyed the day, Victoria's style of teaching was very relaxed and informal which allowed us to get the most out of the day. For anyone interested in willow weaving I can't recommend Victoria highly enough."

22 Oct 16'

Lesley Pritchard reviewed: Willow Piglet workshop

"Fantastic workshop in a lovely setting. Victoria was a great teacher and made sure the day was both relaxed and fun. It was a credit to Victoria that we all came away with recognisable piglets!!"

22 Oct 16'

Jim Wreglesworth reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"I had always fancied trying wood turning, and I'm glad I did so through this great course. As a total beginner it was a steep learning curve, but it was incredibly satisfying and ultimately very creative. Under the expert tuition of Andy you will learn loads, and will enjoy every second of your time in his workshop - give it a try, you won't regret it."

22 Oct 16'

Martin & Jane Clift reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"Rowena is a wonderful teacher, very experienced and knowledgeable. Ready to jump in to save your work or to let you go as far as you dare. We spent two days laughing and learning to throw and decorate pots and tiles. She works hard to make sure you can achieve your potential. We loved our time at Paddock Studios. We highly recommend Rowena."

22 Oct 16'

Nina millard reviewed: Bath Bomb Workshop

"This is another one of Dotty Diva Courses i've done. It was so much fun, I went home with a box of Bath Bombs and extras. We had fizz and cupcakes and were made to feel very welcome as usual."

22 Oct 16'

Nina millard reviewed: Jewellery making, cold connection pendant necklace

"I've done a few courses at the Barn it's a beautiful place and the course was really fun. The Deli Lunch is great too. Id totally recommend it. The ladies are lovely as well, which helps you have a great day."

22 Oct 16'

sheelagh boyson reviewed: Jewellery making, cold connection pendant necklace

"A fabulous course. Totally inspired now and love my new jewellery."

22 Oct 16'

Sharon Robinson reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"I attended the gypsy basking weaving course with Sally Anne. I found Sally Anne to be not only very welcoming but very easy to chat to and get along with. Her home is absolutely beautiful and so are the many willow crafted items around the place. I thoroughly enjoyed myself making my basket and Sally Anne was a great teacher. I am already considering what course to do with Sally Anne next!! :)"

21 Oct 16'

Mrs E Jones reviewed: Mosaic class

"A wonderful break in a fabulous location complete with an inspiring mosaic workshop. Dawn welcomed us and settled us into our rooms in her beautiful home. The house is amazing and there are lots of examples of Dawn's own mosaics on display. From beautiful splashbacks in each en - suite, to mirrors, pictures and cabinets. We were able to choose which design we'd each like to mosaic and dive into a wonderful array of mosaic tiles in lots of colours and finishes. Dawn explained how to cut the tiles and create any shapes we wanted for our designs. It felt so relaxed and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. A scrumptious home made spinach pie with salad and a crisp, cold glass of wine rounded off a busy morning. We'd also devoured a beautiful home-made lemon and fresh cream cake for elevenses! On the second day we grouted our mosaics and simply couldn't believe what we had achieved. The breakfast was gorgeous too with lots of local produce cooked to order and succulent home-made jam and marmalade (it's a bonus that Dawn used to be a chef) A highly recommended workshop at an unbelievable price. I can't wait to try and get back for another break! Thanks to Dawn (and Ollie), we arrived as strangers and left as friends."

21 Oct 16'

Alison Bower reviewed: Felt Making Workshops - Stratford upon Avon

"I can only repeat the glowing and positive comments. Excellent morning both my daughter, Megan , enjoyed it so much. We are booked to return for more. This workshop was both informative and creative a winning combination. The setting adds to the overall atmosphere. Excellent cake and coffee. Lesley is a good teacher we enjoyed her company and expertise ."

21 Oct 16'

Gabrielle Spencer reviewed: Needle felting course with Furzie at Saltisford Canal Trust, Warwick

"I loved it. I loved the way that Michelle brings a total relaxing atmosphere to the workshop with no judgement and just constructive help and encouragement. I have learned a lot and really enjoyed sharing this experience with the rest of the group. The group is not too big which allow for some nice exchanges with others during the day. I am going back to another one as it was a real treat to be part of this workshop and to be really proud of my achievement."

21 Oct 16'

Graham reviewed: Taxidermy - A Mouse In A Day - one day course

"A really good, fascinating course. Surprised myself that my mouse turned out so good. V ery good tutor. Whole environment and catering excellent. Very good value for money. Graham L."

21 Oct 16'

Lesley reviewed: Taxidermy - A Mouse In A Day - one day course

"Wonderful course, tutor was very thorough with the step by step process. Venue was beautiful. I had the most fabulous day and Jools, Anne & Bob were so welcoming. Lesley"

21 Oct 16'

Anon reviewed: Taxidermy - A Mouse In A Day - one day course

"Really enjoyed the course. Jools was fantastic and had a very carefree and relaxed style which was great. Food and cakes were delicious. Excellent all round."

21 Oct 16'

Anon reviewed: Taxidermy - A Mouse In A Day - one day course

"Considering this was the first time that this course was run, I thought it ran incredibly smoothly. Not only because the taxidermy skills were taught effectively, but it also ran smoothly from a timing point of view and the number of people on the course was just right. The only thing that was slightly frustrating was getting a peek at what Jools was doing to that tiny mouse which was obscured by her hands. She did stop and show us regularly what we needed to see though. The materials provided were good too, anticipating the need for various items like glue or cotton buds, and the nice little touch of a bag to take your mouse home in. And speaking of which, my mouse looks quite bewildered perched on a shelf in the kitchen…. stuffing an animal is a really creepy thing to do, in some weird way. But it was a fascinating experience and a wonderful day at the mill. Last thing… if Jools does send you through the picture of all the mice on the window ledge, I’d love to have a copy.Fabulous course – great to be able to achieve a good result in one day. I bought my own bits to pose the mouse as I wasn’t sure what was provided so that info up front would have been helpful. Everything else absolutely fab."

21 Oct 16'

Dianne Charysz reviewed: Willow Sphere / Ball

"Victoria was very welcoming and friendly. Great way to learn a new craft and the ball I made under her clear and really helpful guidance will be a great talking point in the garden for years. Great to learn about more about willow and Victoria very happy to share her knowledge."

21 Oct 16'

Sally Ann Crofter reviewed: Traditional Upholstery Workshops - London

"I just wanted to thank you for being so patient with me over the last few days Sade. I learnt so much and it was such terribly good fun. The finished seat looked amazing and Gerald could not believe it when I told him I had done it myself. Thank you again. You are a darling."

20 Oct 16'

Jenny Wiley reviewed: Introductory course covering wet felting and Nuno techniques in the beautiful Forest of Dean

"I would very much like to thank you for my introductory session to the world of felting. As a complete novice to all things art and craft, I was supported and inspired to produce a piece of work that can be made into a tissue box cover at a later date. Your years of experience and love of the medium created a relaxed and happy atmosphere in which to focus on a new skill. The setting of your home and workshop are charming and well worth the hour's drive from the Bath and Bristol area-in fact I would say that the journey itself set my creative juices flowing; passing as I did the most spectacular views of the Severn estuary both crossing the original bridge via the M48 and on the A48 from Chepstow to Blakeney. Lunch was really tasty and left us punters asking "Are there any more men like your husband who can knock up a soup with home grown veg and bake flapjack who aren't already spoken for in the near vicinity!" Altogether a totally fulfilling experience and I can't wait to make a return visit for my second Saturday chez toi. Jenny Wiley"

20 Oct 16'

Mark reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had a fantastic two days at the forge. Alex is really helpful and passionate about his craft, and helpful and pleasant company. On the last day I was running very late completing my piece, but he was perfectly happy to wait until I had finished quietly offering advice until I had finished. I cannot recommend him enough."

20 Oct 16'

Jonathan and Aimee reviewed: M

"We spent a whole day with Maddie, working on a table top design. We were both novices and came away feeling very enthused and confident about how to take our project forward. Maddie is an excellent teacher, very patient and very helpful. We had a great day, learning about mosaics, practising how to do it, firming up plans for our project and getting started on it. The time went by very quickly, and we both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We learnt a huge amount in a small time and Maddie was able to supply us with the materials we needed. We couldn't have asked for more. Thanks for a great day Maddie and for your subsequent help."

20 Oct 16'

Mark & Ben reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Another fantastic day. Thoroughly enjoyed our first blacksmithing day, we had to do it again. Adrian and Andy are excellent, patient tutors and the food provided by Debbie was delicious. Looking forward to the next one, maybe try tool making! Thanks again"

20 Oct 16'

Ali reviewed: Silver Jewellery Day Workshop at Studio Budgie Galore, Sheffield

"Whether you've made jewellery for years or are looking for an opportunity to try it for the first time, Jules will make you feel welcome and capable. She's a really knowledgeable tutor and has a great way of encouraging and developing ideas with you, helping you to understand the best way forward with a particular project, and offering different options for creating your own unique pieces of work. I love being at the studio and would go much more often if I could. It's very well-equipped and the people who go to the classes are always so friendly and eager to learn / share ideas. If you're thinking of trying out Budgie Galore I'd really recommend giving it a go!"

20 Oct 16'

Lynn Bacon reviewed: Needle felting course with FURZIE at Trumpet Corner Tea Rooms, Ledbury, Herefordshire

"A thoroughly good day. The standard of teaching was excellent, the group size (8) was just right. The venue and facilities were good and refreshments and lunch also very good. Michelle gave us such encouragement that I am definitely going to have a go at home and then will probably do another course to improve and try a different animal."