Latest reviews

13 Nov 16'

Alexander Lenz reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Great day! I was quite amazed how far one get in blacksmithing without any prior experience. Thanks to Adrian and his team,"

13 Nov 16'

Gayle Arthur reviewed: Flamework (Lampwork) - Making glass beads for beginners

"I attended the Beginners Flamework Course with Toni this morning and I had such a lovely time! Toni is very informative and a clear and patient teacher. I would definately recommend this course to anyone who wanted to try their hand and something new and different. Thanks Toni!"

13 Nov 16'

Lisa Green reviewed: Brooch or badge wet or needle felting workshop with Heartfelt2Inspire

"It was great to find this course near my home. It turned out to be excellent. My daughter was home for a few days and joined me, and we both had a lovely day. I initially thought it would be a one day thing just to give it a try, and didn't really expect to do any more, but I have to say that Rachel has inspired me to keep going with felting. My thirst has not yet been quenched! It's great! THANKS A BUNCH! See you soon Lisa"

13 Nov 16'

Julian parkes reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"What a great day! Nigel was an excellent teacher and host, could he tell a tale or too. Came away amazed as to what can be done with metal. Will definitely be booking another day or two . Thanks very much Nigel."

13 Nov 16'

Paul T reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"This was a great course. Ricky makes you feel really comfortable and ensures that you are involved at all times. Considering it was the first time I have tried glass blowing, I cannot believe we produced the things we did including a sculptural piece and a vase. Having quality photos sent to you of both your work and you producing it is a nice touch. Great value for a full six hours which flew by, a memorable day and one I would recommend to anybody."

13 Nov 16'

Sue Tucker reviewed: Willow Christmas reindeer

"What an amazing fun day- Ive now caught the Willow Bug and I dont mean canker! Pre course contact, confirmation and reminder from Victoria was a very good start. On the day we were met by a smiling Victoria outside her newly refurbished workshop and a lovely hot cup of coffee and biscuits (which were never in short supply) . The group was small, just 4 of us so Victoria was able to spend lots of time helping us individually. She was an excellent teacher, informing us about the product being used and pointing out diseases to look out for and telling us about the soaking process. Her teaching skills were fantastic - we never felt rushed and she gave us lots of encouragement - in fact Victoria went out of her way to help Claire who had to leave earlier and then stayed with us until 6.30 pm on a Friday evening as she was so determined that we would leave with a complete reindeer which we could be proud of . I would highly reccomend visiting the Wilow Barn or attending any of Victorias courses. Looking forward to making sheep and pigs next. Thanks Victoria - best fun day out ive had for a long time xxxx"

13 Nov 16'

Jamie reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"WOW! Such an amazing experience for my first time at glass blowing! Ricky is a fantastic tutor and has an excellent raport with his students! I was surprised at how many skills and techniques we covered and I managed to make five pieces during the day!"

12 Nov 16'

Katherine reviewed: Friday mosaic making

"Great fun. I don't make enough time for crafty activities, so it's great to start and finish something in a session. Great selection of tiles to chose from, lots of design ideas - but freedom to work on your own concepts or incorporate your own materials during the session. Always seem to be a very friendly group and lots of guidance is available from Audrey. Lovely relaxing, focussed morning (with tea and biscuits!)."

12 Nov 16'

Claire Thomson reviewed: Beginners crochet course - in Trowbridge, Wiltshire

"Awesome afternoon with Lynn, she was very patient. I've learnt loads and even got some patterns to take home to help me practice and master my technique. Would highly recommend. Lots of giggles and fun x x Thanks Lynn"

12 Nov 16'

Alison Humphries reviewed: Introduction to Needlefelting

"This was my second visit to Lynne's lovely studio - this time to learn needle felting. Lynne provided all necessary materials - foam block, needles and holder, backing fabric and a huge selection of merino wools, yarns and embellishments. An enthusiastic group of students quickly became entranced and the sound of many needles punching wool was heard. Everyone took their own path with Lynne on hand to offer advice on construction of the 2D and 3D forms. By the end of the day, cows, sheep, birds and other animals had been created, as well as several pictures. Everyone agreed that they were hooked on a new craft. Tasty soup, salad and cake kept us going throughout the day. Thanks again Lynne."

12 Nov 16'

Katie B reviewed: Ceramic slip casting workshop

"Arty Alison planned this event so well... All the tools, materials and heaps of inspirational examples for a very pleasurable time crafting things more beautiful and funky than I could have hoped for! Looking forward to going back next week for the glazing and finishing."

12 Nov 16'

Martin Field reviewed: Wood turning courses

"As a complete (not so young) novice I was a bit apprehensive when my son told me he was treating me to the course. Even though I had always been interested in it as hobby I was a not sure how I would fare in practice but came away with both a good basic understanding of theory and some useful practical experience. I am delighted with the bowl I produced which far exceeded my expectations of what I would achieve in a single day. At no point did I feel rushed or overwhelmed and appreciated George's down-to-earth approach to training. I would recommend his course to anyone with an interest in woodturning as a way to ‘give it a go’ without paying out for loads of equipment. Many thanks again for a very enjoyable day. Martin Field"

12 Nov 16'

Mrs E Jones reviewed: Willow hearts and flowers

"This is the second willow workshop I've attended at The Willow Barn with Victoria. This time I brought a friend too! We arrived just before 10am and were warmly welcomed into the workshop by Victoria with hot drinks and big smiles. The workshop is a fabulous, very large but homely portacabin filled with lots of inspiring decorations and plenty of workspace. There's an area with lovely comfy sofas and a coffee table where you can eat your own packed lunch. We were given a choice of things to make and started with willow spheres. Once completed (with much laughter) we moved on to making an angel, stars and a Christmas tree each. The one thing that my friend really loves is dragonflies and we even got to make one of these each too, which was a fabulous surprise. Then we got to decorate our creations with bells, stars, sequins, ribbons, etc. The Christmas trees were 'planted' in florist's oasis in pots that we'd already decorated and were finished with lovely fresh holly and fir fronds. Plenty of hot drinks and lovely festive pies throughout the day and a lot of fun. I cannot recommend one of these workshops highly enough. Great fun, lots of inspiration and a great gift to give someone too."

12 Nov 16'

Alic and Graham reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Well what can I say? We had a super day with the talented George and his lovely wife Susan! This was a birthday present for my hubby (who suffered a stroke 3 years ago) and I was a last minute ‘add on’. Neither of us had done anything like this before – I had never seen a lathe let alone used one! George was a great tutor with an abundance of patience and managed to watch over us both – teach us and keep us entertained all at the same time. We not only learned how to use a lathe – we made a beautiful bowl each – mine was a lovely sycamore bowl and my hubby’s was a beautiful beech bowl – we were both thrilled to bits with our makes!! George had lots of stories to tell – with a great sense of humour and his lovely wife supplied us with tea and biscuits during our breaks and a lovely sustaining lunch at lunchtime! Our day was very special and very much enjoyed! George’s wood turning tuition days are 5 staras far as we are concerned and highly recommended by us!! Alice and Graham Reeve"

12 Nov 16'

Nick reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"I went on the introductory course to blacksmithing, had an excellent day, with great tuition thanks Colin. Brilliant atmosphere, I came home with a fantastic poker and a boot scraper. Thanks for a great day."

12 Nov 16'

Stephanie Cole reviewed: 'U' Box at Jacqueline Ritchie Art Retreats

"A fabulous day with loads of inspirational materials to use. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and came home with a lovely box shrine. A meal was provided and was delicious.. thank you so much Jacqui and Imogen . I would be delighted to attend another workshop x"

12 Nov 16'

Rebecca Barnes reviewed: Knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"I've just had a two hour session with Ann and it was fantastic. Ann herself is absolutely lovely and so patient. It's been a while since I've knitted and even then it was very basic. She answered all of my questions and even demonstrated crochet which I've never seen before. The vintage tea rooms are perfect for these one to one sessions too!"

12 Nov 16'

Stitchless Bags Workshop reviewed: Stitchless bags workshop - learn how to craft your own leather bag with no stitching

"Really excellent course. You are given a choice of bag design and colour and then you get on with making them in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Esther gives clear and simple instructions and lots of one-to-one attention. It felt good for the soul to be making something with my hands and now I have a lovely bag that has already received compliments (just on my way home from the workshop!). I highly recommend it!"

11 Nov 16'

Steve reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"One of the best things that I have done for a long time. As others have said, I was very surprised at how much I was able to make. It is definitely worth speaking to Colin or Polly before you go to get ideas of what it is possible to make in a day. I fully intend to go back and would not hesitate to recommend this course to anybody."

11 Nov 16'

Lily Doble reviewed: Stitchless bags workshop - learn how to craft your own leather bag with no stitching

"Absolutely brilliant course! Esther helped throughout the morning but also let us get stuck in and do our own thing. Really loved getting creative and properly using my hands to make something to be proud of. Also, excellent tea and cake at the venue we were at which was provided (and made a welcome break from mallet work!). Can't stop looking at my lovely little bag, thank you again."

11 Nov 16'

Alison Cooper reviewed: Ceramic slip casting workshop

"I have been to various events with this lovely lady. She is kind and patient with adults and children alike and inspires you to create beautiful pieces. Great opportunity to learn skills and produce Christmas presents! Will definitely come again ."

10 Nov 16'

Charlotte White reviewed: Christmas Decorations in Art and Floristry

"A really great course. My friend and I went together and were very pleased with the reverse applique pieces that we created. The tutor was very friendly, knowledgable and supportive. A wide choice of interesting materials were provided, and plenty of inspiration which encouraged me to experiment with different ideas and techniques. Can't wait for the next one. Thank you!"

10 Nov 16'

Carol reviewed: 2 day Traditional Upholstery Intensive Course- London

"I have had so much fun on the weekend course that I have booked into the drop ins. The dining chairs look lovely. Fun, creative and thoroughly satisfying."

10 Nov 16'

Martine Roberts reviewed: Mindful Mosaic workshops with Dionne Ible - Bedfordshire

"My mosaic day was very enjoyable and Dionne's guidance and encouragement made the experience of creating my sunflower mosaic and finishing it at home a wonderful achievement. There was books to find ideas and a amazing selection of mosaic colours to explore with. Looking forward to my next creation."

10 Nov 16'

Melanie Jordan reviewed: Christmas Decorations in Art and Floristry

"So enjoyed this course in a beautiful garden room setting. Jo is an incredibly knowledgable talented tutor, who has a very supportive encouraging way about her. Great choice of resources to choose from, as well as advise on how to use your own resources to best effect. Thank you, looking forward to the next one"