Latest reviews

23 Aug 16'

Paul Collings reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"What a brilliant course, any one with the slightest interest in wood would love this! and the great thing is that you get to take something home that you have hand made from a branch and slab of wood. Peter was a great instructor, had everyone feeling relaxed from the off with his laid back attitude but kept us working to an invisible time table. Jarv, Peters assistant was always available with answers and help when anyone needed it. All eight of us finished our stools or tables and I'm sure went home inspired to do more. I would have no hesitation in recommending this course to anyone whatever your ability."

22 Aug 16'

James Hill reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"A superb course - Peter is an excellent tutor, and led a group of varying abilities to complete some remarkable pieces of furniture. I did not expect to enjoy myself so much and found the process of shaping green wood very satisfying. I would recommend this to anyone and will certainly do more of his courses."

22 Aug 16'

Dr Mike Leonard reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"At first there was the uncertainty that "I cannot cut and shape glass" but Matt quickly taught the techniques and created the confidence to have a go. Attended three classes and created two lovely pieces of work that I treasure and am proud of. Would recommend Matt's classes to anybody who has wanted to try stain glass but never felt they could do it."

22 Aug 16'

Jan Dawe reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"I have just returned from Peter's 2 day green woodworking course and the proof of the pudding is that I want to return and have another go. Day 1 is relaxing amid good company, lovely surroundings: an excellent way to unwind using edge tools to shape our chosen wood. Day 2 is more technically challenging with an array of tools to encounter. Peter and Jav were excellent teachers, stopping short of doing things for us but encouraging and promoting confidence. By the end of day 2 everyone had a finished item which was amazing. The camaraderie in the workshop will be memorable with everyone prepared to stop and help. I would recommend this to anyone who appreciates learning hands-on and no previous experience seemed necessary."

22 Aug 16'

Paddy Lambton reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"Really good. Given that the things you would make are worth about 60 quid if you bought them, that means the food (there is loads) and tuition is only £40. Excellent value for money and a really great day."

22 Aug 16'

Angela reviewed: Leather satchel course

"Another brilliantly enjoyable course from Gaynor and her team. The workshop is well set out giving each person plenty of space to work with all the tools they need immediately to hand. The tuition is clear and responsive to the level and skill of each person. As always good humour is in plentiful supply too! I thoroughly recommend anyone thinking about doing a course - just go ahead and book! You will have a great time and produce something beautiful to be proud of. Thank you gals!"

22 Aug 16'

Naomi Patkai reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"I have just returned from a wonderful weekend on one of Peter's "Green Woodworking Courses". I went with low expectations of my abilities to produce anything that would look good and everything far exceeded my expectations. Peter and Jarv were brilliant tutors with great humour, patience and encouragement. Both are friendly and taught us so much in such a short time. The two days flew by, but in a really relaxed environment where we were all able to work at our own level and ask for as much or as little help as we needed. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and I hope very much to return to a further course in the future."

21 Aug 16'

Chris Harper reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"Such a great way to spend a weekend. I have done quite a few different types of woodwork over the past 15 years but have always been self taught and not tried green woodwork before. I found this to be such a satisfying way of working with wood and Peter is a great teacher. There is a lot to get done in the 2 days and it is quite a physical course because it is almost all done with hand tools. I am quite particular in relation to attention to detail so my recommendation would be to just go with the flow and don't worry about triple checking measurements etc or you will struggle to get everything done. And because of the organic nature of green woodwork the end result is always going to be unique and wavy anyway. I will definitely be booking on another course with Peter in the future."

21 Aug 16'

Claire Lawrence reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"We had a very enjoyable day learning glassblowing with Ricky. There were just two of us in the class and we learnt a lot in just one day. Ricky's a great teacher and helped us make some lovely pieces to take home. I'd thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who fancies having a go!"

21 Aug 16'

Richard and Sarah reviewed: All inclusive artisan baking weekend in Devon

"We'd like to say a huge thank you to Dragan and Penny for a wonderful weekend. Spending an entire weekend immersed in bread baking with our two expert hosts filled our heads with baking knowledge. Dragan and Penny passed on a wealth of advice and tips based on their experience of baking over many years, from techniques and theory, to advice on how to fit bread baking into a busy life. In addition to learning so much we also had a wonderful, relaxing stay in Devon. The cottage was beautiful, in an idyllic location, and all our meals were mouthwatering. We can't speak highly enough of this course. If you want to kick start your bread making skills, this is the course you need. Thank you Dragan and Penny!"

21 Aug 16'

Amanda Halpin reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"This was a really informative and fun course. Julie was an excellent and knowledgeable tutor. I can now make beautiful candles for friends and family. Lovely afternoon tea in a great location in the centre of Holmfirth......what more can a girl ask for? xxxx"

21 Aug 16'

James Dawes reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"My dad and I had a great day being introduced to the basics of the craft. Chris is very welcoming and an excellent teacher, allowed us to go at our own pace. The leaf key-rings are a good example to begin with as you learn a variety of techniques in one piece. Also very happy with how our coat hooks turned out and I can confirm that the 'rustic' bottle-opener works perfectly. Cannot recommend this course enough, thank you!"

20 Aug 16'

Sue Watson reviewed: Fused Glass for Beginners - One day workshop

"A fantastic day, love all things glass, thought I would try to make something and hopefully learn a new skill in the process. The day is not disappoint, 3 of us on the course, all made to feel very welcome - chocolate cake as well! As described on the website, morning spent learning the 'technical bits & how to use the various tools safely', afternoon, the fun bit making our chosen piece. Will be going again! Looking forward to seeing the finished product once it comes out the kiln."

20 Aug 16'

Sarah Pringle reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"My mother, daughter and myself had a very enjoyable, relaxing and productive day. Would highly recommend this to beginners like ourselves or experts also and we will be back to do more. Thank you."

20 Aug 16'

Carla Forsten reviewed: Silver jewellery Pendant making workshop

"I had a really great time during the workshop! Sarah and Anneke were there to patiently help us making our own bangle and I was delighted with the result I got to take home with me. The pictures that were taken during the workshop were great as well. So nice to see yourself, fully concentrated on making a really nice piece of jewelry."

20 Aug 16'

Christine Maslin reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day, 1 person)

"What a fabulous morning I had with Graham learning about wood turning. I am so proud of the bowl I managed to produce with Graham's excellent tuition and guidance. As a keen crafter who likes to dabble in something new, this is now my new favourite. Would recommend this to everyone. Hope to return with my son, who bought this as a gift for me, to share the experience."

19 Aug 16'

Berber Wijnia-Sieperda reviewed: Silver jewellery Pendant making workshop

"I have attended a workshop, making my own bracelet. Together with my mom, we have learned a lot. We have made a beautiful personal bracelet. Thank you Sarah and her assistent Anneke :)"

19 Aug 16'

John Atkins reviewed: Wood turning courses

"My deepest thanks to George for his excellent tuition, and for his patience with me. Thanks also to Sue for keeping me fed and watered. I had a great day, and will now look at my equipment needs to take my wood turning skills forward. Terri loved the bowl I created - with more than a little help from George - which will be a permanent reminder of my 65th birthday celebration."

19 Aug 16'

Sarah Beven reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"This course was fantastic! The welcome was great with Simon staying on the phone for directions when I took a wrong turn and a lovely cup of coffee brewing on the fire when I arrived. Simon is highly knowledgeable about the subject and is a very patient teacher. He is astute in assessing what a student needs in order to feel comfortable with all stages of the process, from cleaving a billet to creating a final product. As a result, you come away from the day with a good understanding of the history of green woodworking, a knowledge of the technical aspects of wood as a material and most importantly an understanding of the best way for you personally to approach pole lathe turning. Simon is an intuitive teacher and offers advice on the best stance to take when operating the lathe and treadle, the best way for you to comfortably hold the tools and the best way for you to develop and shape the piece you are working on. As a result the course builds confidence and is extremely accessible for participants of all abilities and practical skill levels. The icing on the cake is that Snelsmore Common is a lovely setting! A great place to spend a relaxing day working outside in the woods. I would thoroughly recommend and will be going again at some point in the future."

19 Aug 16'

Ian Col reviewed: Pottery classes near Bridgend- Hand building with a professional potter with over 30 years experience

"My wife and I have been on two raku days which we thoroughly enjoyed - please see my wife's review on Jane's raku course. Jane also gave me half a day's instruction on throwing, something I have only had a go at once before. She explained how to centre, how to use my hands as tools, helping me apply the correct amount of pressure, how to brace arms against the wheel and how to feel and understand the nature of the clay. By the end, and with her expert hands-on help, I had successfully thrown two pots and feel I have the confidence and knowledge to practice on my own. I can highly recommend this course."

19 Aug 16'

Debs Paproska Cole reviewed: no longer avable

"Jane is a warm and welcoming lady who lives and breathes raku. Her lifetime of experience and enthusiasm shines from the minute you step through the archway into her wonderfully creative and knowledgeable world. She immerses you in a hands-on experience that enables you to truly understand the nature of raku glazing and firing, encouraging you to take part from the onset. She provided me with the skills and confidence to have a go myself back home, returning for a second day a month or so later to consolidate what I had achieved and discuss my mistakes. Jane also taught me further raku techniques to have fun with. It's refreshing to attend a course that enables you to do it for real rather than stand around watching an instructor do everything ... and in such a welcoming lovely environment too. I highly recommend this course and hope to return again in the spring for even more."

19 Aug 16'

Julia Singer reviewed: Beginner's DIY Hand Sanitiser Natural Soap Course

"Really informative and enjoyable - and a bargain at the price. Will be going to her natural lotion/moisturiser course and natural hair products classes too. Location is very convenient - a couple of mins walk from Angel tube."

19 Aug 16'

Alison Chapman reviewed: One day mosaic workshop - Lincolnshire

"the course was excellent , thanks to Caron for all her expert help, inspiration and endless coffee and cakes . I could spend hours just looking at all her wonderful work. Looking forward to next time . I would recommend this course to everyone what a wonderful way to spend a day !"

19 Aug 16'

Rob Richards reviewed: POLISHING - French polishing & modern hand finishes in East Sussex

"The small group meant we got lots of individual help and were able to go off track easily to discuss specific things in more depth."

19 Aug 16'

Andy Wells reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"My son and I had a great time and I now receive the daily question of "when can we go again Dad?" Chris is a great teacher, very patient but didn't take over, even when I thought things were going south. In the end we were really amazed we managed to make the items and proud of what we did. Certainly learnt plenty and went home pretty tired. Thanks Chris"