Latest reviews

18 Sep 16'

Jessica reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"This course was exactly what I had been looking for. Having tried to learn crochet from online tutorials, I couldn't get to grips with it. However, after just four hours with Sowmya, I mastered the basics and was pleased to have made a full granny square. I now can't put my crochet hook down and have made another square even though it's not even midday the next day! Sowmya was welcoming, hospitable, and an excellent teacher. I would recommend her to anyone who wants to learn this craft."

18 Sep 16'

Chris Browning reviewed: Glass Artist's Studio Experience Day - Fusing (Open)

"As a family of four, we spent the day with Dawn at her workshopand had a fantastic time. The variety of pieces Dawn showed us how to make in the time was quite phenomenal. Freestanding waves, dishes, baskets, coasters, a pendant, hanging pieces..... The day was a present from my family for my 50th birthday and it was a real treat. I'm sure it's suitable for most ages, my sons are 17 & 19 and we all enjoyed the day and meeting the lovely Dawn."

18 Sep 16'

Claire reviewed: A One-day Feltmaking Course to Make a Fabulous Felt Hat in the Beautiful Forest of Dean.

"A great day where I made the hat I really wanted - each time I go I learn so much more in great surroundings, a friendly atmosphere with expert tuition and guidance from Chris."

18 Sep 16'

Claire Shortland reviewed: Traditional Welsh Quilting with Lesley Jenkins in West Wales

"Really enjoyed the course and I was disappointed that I could not attend the second day. The venue was good and the lunch very tasty! Suzi and Lesley were friendly and the class size was just right. The only thing I would have liked would have been pre-printed measurements and instructions to work along to and take away."

18 Sep 16'

Ian Markham reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"A thoroughly enjoyable 6-hour course for 2 people - we were fascinated by the whole process and the skills it involves. Ricky instantly made us feel at ease and has a clear passion alongside patience to teach us novices! We knew nothing about the process to begin with but left at the end feeling inspired. This course would suit most people and I highly recommend Creative vibe to anyone wanting to give glassblowing a try."

18 Sep 16'

Jane whitehouse reviewed: Fabulous felt picture 2 day masterclass near York

"I've looked forward to this workshop for some time and it did not disappoint. I had a lovely weekend with all the help and tuition I needed. It was great fun with like minded people. I'd recommend the workshops with Bridget to anyone. The setting was lovely and peaceful and we were lucky enough to enjoy the sunshine streaming into the room. All in all, tip top!!"

17 Sep 16'

Dave Atkins reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Just completed a two day course with Nigel and had a fantastic time. His dedication and enthusiasm is second to none, and leaves you wanting to learn more. He makes the art of forging and blacksmithing seem effortless and shows how to make each piece by example, but with a bit of patience and practice I was able to produce respectable (by my standard anyway) items that I was allowed to take home. Never a dull moment listening to his many tales and stories of the work he's done and people he's met along the way. Wish I'd found out about this course years ago, but now my eyes have been opened - who knows!"

17 Sep 16'

Christine reviewed: Painting & Prosecco Party in Broadstairs : learn to paint in acrylics

"Vicki is lovely teacher, you may also have lovely Beth. Makes all levels of students feel comfortable. I was a true beginner. I recommend her classes it's all very friendly and every week I took home a work of art that l had done! 6 two hour lessons for £60. Money well spent if you're looking for a Watercolour course."

17 Sep 16'

Nicola Morse reviewed: Flamework (Lampwork) - Making glass beads for beginners

"I found this course very informative and really enjoyed it. I learned several different enamelling techniques and managed to make three items in the time. Toni was very friendly and helpful and was there all of the time to guide us through what we wanted to achieve. I would thoroughly recommend this day course."

16 Sep 16'

Helen Hall reviewed: Traditional Welsh Quilting with Lesley Jenkins in West Wales

"Really enjoyed my day Friendly helpful Most of all I learnt to do what I have wanted to do for years Looking forward to 2017"

16 Sep 16'

vicki noble reviewed: Glass fusing and slumping (warm glass) in the beautiful Kent Downs near Canterbury

"Absolutely loved it! I went with my sister to do a glass fusing day. There was just the two of us which meant that we got Matts full attention. We both learnt so much and I cant wait to get my bits. Matt was professional but very friendly. My sister and I both teach so I think we are qualified to say that Matt is a really good teacher, patient, engaging and a super host. I will be doing this course often."

16 Sep 16'

Lewis reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"Just completed the 4 day intensive course and have left feeling confident and excited about the future. I am currently taking evening joinery classes and will be recommending to everyone there. Ciaran is a fantastic tutor who goes above and beyond for his students and is clearly very passionate about his work. I can't thank Ciaran enough for the amazing experience and helping me develop my skills. Hopefully I will attend more courses in the future."

16 Sep 16'

Sam Whatley reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"Really enjoyed the four day intensive beginners course.Very clear instruction and lots of " hands on " practice. Course gave me confidence to try the techniques and what a buzz when you achieved a very passable result! Nothing is too much trouble for Ciaran. Relaxed atmosphere but steady hard work. You get an awful lot of information,help and experience in one course!"

16 Sep 16'

Keith Anderson reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I really enjoyed the 4 day course ! The location in the Arts Centre is great. We were taught not just how to use the tools but how to maintain them and which ones to buy. Ciaran was so helpful in dealing with my mistakes - my finished article has been much admired and I have the confidence to try and make something on my own once my back and hands have recovered from a hard 4 days !! It is the start to a new retirement hobby and a great refresher from when I did carpentry at school 50+ years ago !"

16 Sep 16'

Simon Wood reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"An absolutely superb course !! Having just completed the 4 day intensive course I can highly recommend it. Ciaran is a great teacher and excellent craftsmen. His knowledge of woodwork is outstanding and he passes this on in a thoroughly enjoyable fashion. His patience, enthusiasm, great humour and plentiful supply or tea makes the days fly by (although his choice in music can sometimes leave a little to be desired). He encouraged us throughout the course, helped rectify any mistakes and was as proud of our work as we were. To top it all we not only came away with a beautiful piece of work but also the skills and knowledge to carry our own woodworking forward. Thank you Ciaran."

16 Sep 16'

Angus Barney Barnes reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"just completed the 4 day intensive beginners course and I totally had an amazing time and a fantastic experience,Ciaran is an awesome tutor and woodworking genius,This course caters for anyone who wants to either build on the skills they already have or a complete novice, Even if (like me) you don't know your axe from your elbo when it comes to carpentry! I learned a lot of skills and techniques over the 4 days and come away from the course inspired and very happy. The course is excellent value for money and even your dinner is paid for along with Ciaran's magic bottomless biscuit jar and flow of tea and coffee! I would 100% recommend this course to anyone and everyone and give it an all round 5 star rating and am looking forward to joining the Intermediate course that he also runs. Thanks for everything Ciaran you're an awesome dude and also thanks to everyone who also attended the course too, a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable experience (I hope this gets me a discount off the next course)"

16 Sep 16'

Sandra Taylor-Farrell reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I completed the 4 day intensive beginners course in November. I've still not tired of showing off my completed table! I had done a few bits and bobs before, but this course did exactly what I hoped it would do; fill in some gaps in my knowledge and give me a foundation of practical skills that I could then progress from. The workshop is good, and having the cafe on site with free lunch was a real bonus! It was nice to learn with others, too. Ciaran is clearly a very skilled craftsman, and it was a real pleasure to take away even a tiny bit of his knowledge and experience. He got it right in terms of the balance between pushing you, and building your confidence. He very kindly fixed my table when all threatened to go wrong near the end! I guess the mark of a good course is that you want to go back to the next level course and that's exactly what I'll do. Thanks again Ciaran, see you soon!"

16 Sep 16'

John Allison reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"Just completed the 4day intensive beginners course and would like to thank Ciaran for a fantastic course. Ciaran passes on his in depth knowledge with great passion and enthusiasm, taking time to pace the course to the individuals requirements . When the course has come to an end you will be tired but so satisfied with your finished work piece you just want to start the next level. Here's to the next course for more new skills and meeting Some more fellow trainees."

16 Sep 16'

Ian Williams reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"The four day beginner’s course is intensive but also very enjoyable. The added bonus being that the satisfaction / sense of achievement from producing a finished piece of furniture comes sooner! Skills and techniques are learnt not only from Ciaran’s very passionate tuition but also from other fellow trainees who (on this course) having varying trade backgrounds are happy to pass on their knowledge. The pace of the course is not forced by the programme timeframe. Ciaran ensures that everybody is given enough time and support to complete each stage whilst also keeping everybody engaged and working together. Ciaran was happy for trainees to begin earlier and or stay later to complete, there is definitely no clock watching."

16 Sep 16'

John Sparks reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"Just finished the 4 day intensive beginners course. Ciaran is an excellent teacher, very skilled and helpful. It was a pleasure to take part on this course. The course can begin earlier or you can stay later to complete your work. Tiring but highly recommended, Thank you."

16 Sep 16'

Alistair Cragg reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"Just completed the 4 day intensive beginners course and can honestly say it has been the best course I have ever done. Ciaran's informal teaching style is great and not only have we left the course with a great looking piece of furniture we also have enough skills and confidence to try things on our own. With only having 5 people on the course you get plenty of time and help from Ciaran when needed. Teas, coffees and mandatory biscuits were plentiful. My body feels achy today.....but it is a good ache and a worthy reminder of the time, effort and plasters (!!) expended!"

16 Sep 16'

Katherine Culshaw reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I've just finished the intensive 4 day beginners course with Ciaran and I have to say, it's the best course I've ever been on. I had very little woodwork experience before I started but now have the confidence to make my own piece of furniture using mortise and tenon joints. Ciaran is an excellent tutor, very patient and a fantastic host. He has an impressive range of teas and caters well for food allergies too. With just 5 people on the course, Ciaran was able to spend time with each of us individually to ensure we understood each task. I can't wait to get started on my own project now, as soon as I stock up on plasters. Then will hopefully be back soon to do the intermediate course."

16 Sep 16'

Adam reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I went from total beginner and no idea to building something I was proud of in 4 days. Ciaran was great - funny, very helpful and ensured the course went smoothly. Learnt so much that is applicable to woodwork but also DIY and definitely want to continue with what I have learnt."

16 Sep 16'

Mark Egerton reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I have just completed the 4 Day intensive beginners course with Ciaran and I could not recommend it enough. The understanding that Ciaran has for the materials and the passion he shows for his craft is both infectious and an absolute joy to be part of. If you're a complete beginner or have done some woodwork previously Ciaran's relaxed approach to the group ensures his time is given to everybody and you will come away with something to be really proud of . The intensive course is exactly what it says on the tin but you will have some great laughs and meet some really great like minded people. A big thumbs up and a thank you to Ciaran for sharing his time and knowledge with our group and I have learned skills I will treasure . See you on the intermediate course . Mark"

16 Sep 16'

Andrew Turner reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I have just completed the 4 day intensive beginners course. What an awesome weekend. I cannot believe how much I have learned on this course. Ciarán is an excellent teacher and master craftsman. The 4 days are really full on but the atmosphere is laid back and enjoyable. Overall the course was a very satisfying experience that I would fully recommend to anyone interested in learning more about woodworking. I will definitely be looking to build on my newly acquired skills with the intermediate course :)"