Latest reviews

1 Nov 16'

Stu Briggs reviewed: Annie Sloan Method with Chalk Paint for Upcycling Furniture at La Di Da Interiors - The Basics

"A fantastical informative & fun way to learn about & practice the modern art of furniture up-cycling."

1 Nov 16'

Sue Canavan reviewed: The Annie Sloan complete chair makeover Workshop at La Di Da Interiors

"I have always wanted to try my hand at upholstery and being a recent convert to Annie Sloan paints this seemed the perfect course for me. The course was a full day, but the time flew by with Steph keeping us supplied with drinks, snacks and lunch as we went along. Steph took us through step by step what we needed to do and was hands on helping where needed (some of the old nails and tacks are hard to shift!!). It was lovely to be able to transform and old chair and see it come back to life in your own hands. The day was very hands on, but such fun, I really would recommend to anyone."

31 Oct 16'

Clint reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"I attended a course at the Anvil Forge with my son and two my colleagues. We had a fabulous day. John and his partner were fabulous. They have an engaging style and the skills of true craftsmen. We learned a lot, had a fabulous experience and laughed a lot. We had a great pub lunch and came away really proud of the practical things we had made. We were so impressed by what John and his colleagues can do that my wife commissioned him to make her a Christmas Sleigh and my son had him complete a companion set for his new home. We definitely plan to go back again."

31 Oct 16'

Barry Gait reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"As with many other reviewers this day with Mark was a birthday present from my family, and it turned out to be a really memorable present. Mark took this YouTube/book/self trained incompetent and in a very encouraging, supportive and amusing way showed me the errors of my ways. A really fascinating and informative day that passed all too quickly, but I came away with a comprehensive set of notes, a really good grounding in getting the basics right and confidence that I can put it all into practice. I can well envisage another visit when I have a bit more practice under my belt. Many thanks Mark."

31 Oct 16'

Tim Fowler reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"Having no previous experience of metalworking, I was looking forward to John's course but uncertain what to expect. I needn't have worried - we were well looked after by John and his team, given access to all manner of tools and techniques through the day, and thoroughly enjoyed whole thing! There's something fundamentally satisfying about hammering the hell out of glowing steel on an anvil, and transforming an intangible idea into something solid. Try it !"

31 Oct 16'

Bev Ashton reviewed: Christmas Candle Centre Piece

"Lovely day with Jacqui with one to one tuition as classes are small. Class was very well organised and we took home a lovely finished centrepiece. Very good value for money and if you've never sewn before Jacqui is a good patient tutor."

31 Oct 16'

Aynsley reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"Fabulous ! When you first arrive and look at what previous groups have produced, it is a little intimidating. But the technique and the tuition means that by the end, everyone has produced two incredible sculptures. Prepare to be amazed - and exhausted !!!"

31 Oct 16'

Liz Partington reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"I was rather nervous at first, not being totally artistic, but Matt put me at ease and was extremely patient! He is an excellent teacher. I managed to make a couple of hangings and a lovely mirror. The classes were an enjoyable experience, fun and I met some interesting fellow students. I would recommend anyone to 'give it a go' as you may be surprised by what you can do."

31 Oct 16'

Gerry reviewed: Leather Workshop One - on - One

"Just completed a weekend course with Sarah and three others. Great course, Sarah is an excellent teacher as well as being a great leather worker. On the first day we learnt a lot about leather and leather construction and some good basic skills to get us started. Then we all chose a bag style to suit ourselves and by the end of the weekend had a really practical and useful bag to take home with us together with enough skills to enable us to carry on our new hobby at home. Set in a beautiful part of the country and with a great complimentary lunch each day we were well looked after and I highly recommend this course."

31 Oct 16'

Elaine reviewed: Felting and Embroidery with Jackie Cardy in Brindle, Lancashire

"Loved this course. Jackie was brilliant. Amusing delivery made learning such fun and everyone, even those with little or no experience produced at least one piece of work of which to be proud."

31 Oct 16'

Alex Tawns reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I had an absolutely tremendous time at the Blacksmithing taster session, and learned a great deal indeed about something that I've only been able to observe from an outside standpoint until now. Huge thanks to Adrian and Andy for the opportunity and instruction on not only hitting hot pieces of metal, but on making those pieces of metal look good. Lunch (as I'm sure you've seen by the other comments and reviews) was delicious and much appreciated. The whole day was a lot of fun, and well worth the long drive both there and back. Definitely ignited a new passion that I hope to pursue in the future."

31 Oct 16'

Jacqui Atamer reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"I had a fantastic time at the course. Kerry's passion for candles shines through. I learnt so much about candles, it's not just about striking a match Would thoroughly recommend this course I came alone but met some wonderful new people and left with my own candle which I am very proud of"

31 Oct 16'

Alex Freeman reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"if you're looking for a fun day with a difference, then a day learning some of the ancient skills of blacksmithing at the Anvil Forge is a must. What a fantastic day; we left with a real sense of achievement, a great understanding of the art and science of smithing and a finished project to be proud of. John runs the day with a very relaxed, informal style - he has a wealth and depth of knowledge that he readily shares and he's great with all ages. My teenage daughters loved the day, thought that John was a superb teacher and want to go back for more! I'd recommend the day to anyone who's looking for a very creative, unusual and satisfying activity; be prepared for some hard work, a 5lot of smiles and a great sense of satisfaction at the end of the day."

31 Oct 16'

Sarah Line reviewed: 2 Day Silver Jewellery Making Course - Ely

"I can highly recommend spending time with Jonathan. His infectious enthusiasm for his craft, his patience and expertise at introducing and guiding us through skills we had never realised we could achieve and his gracious hospitality are just a few reasons why you should book yourself onto one of his courses. Myself and a friend spent 2 days on Jonathans Silver making course, at his home Studio in Ely, and not only came away with 2 pieces of Silver Jewellery that we are now the proud owners and wearers of but we learnt so much in such a short time about a craft we had absolutely no knowledge of let alone any experience of participating in. We left feeling confident enough to start making our own Silver Jewellery and we both look forward to putting our newfound knowledge to good use."

31 Oct 16'

David Taylor reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"This course, for a wood turning novice, was first class in every respect. I attended the training course with an old friend and at the end of the day we both had a small Walnut bowl to take away but as two old age pensioners we were very tired. Thanks you for all of your tolerance!"

31 Oct 16'

Carolyn Kagan reviewed: Walnut bag making workshop

"The moccasin making workshop was excellent. A small group of novice moccasin makers spent the day learning to understand leather, cut out, skive (in the technical sense), punch, sew and last, in the convivial Green Shoes workshop. By the end of the day we all had bespoke shoes, with just the finishing of the soles to be done after we had finished. Alison Hastie and Rose Choules were skilled and attentive tutors, watching out for when which of us needed additional help, and ensuring the shoes were perfect. And of course, throughout, there was chatter and concentration in equal measures, so a really good time was had. I learnt a lot and have a lovely pair of shoes! Thanks for a stimulating, stretching and fun day."

30 Oct 16'

Jacky Corsby reviewed: 2 Online Felt Picture Courses - Summer Storm & Raindrops on Roses

"I attended a weekend workshop which was brilliant. . Bridgette is a fabulous teacher, very patient and thorough. What I really liked was the fact she shared her techniques with us, things that work for and techniques she uses on her own work. Everybody got lots of individual attention. Although we didn't finish it picture, we were given knowledge and fibres to finish at home. Loved the weekend and will definitely do another one."

30 Oct 16'

Vicki & David H reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This was our introduction to blacksmithing and what a great day we had. Expert tuition and first class hospitality. We made a pair of candlesticks and despite the blisters can't wait for the follow on course next year."

30 Oct 16'

David Billett reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This course on making a candle stand was my second blacksmithing course with Adrian and Debbie. It was again very worthwhile in every respect. Adrian provides first rate tuition, Debbie lovely food and refreshments, and the other participants are friendly and helpful."

30 Oct 16'

Chloe Cullen-Dent reviewed: Private, One to One Traditional Jewellery Making Classes, York

"Me and my partner made each other's wedding rings with Emma and it was honestly the most wonderful thing we could have done! We both keep saying how it was best part out of all our wedding prep, such a nice and insightful day. Emma was a brilliant teacher, so good at explaining things and being patient. She was fantastic with all the email communication as well and was great fun on the day - and very accommodating of our fairly awkward requests. Cannot rate highly enough!"

30 Oct 16'

Oliver reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Thank you for the day yesterday – it was really rewarding. You were both very welcoming and your knowledge and enthusiasm are infectious. It’s easy to see how you could get the bug and I’m eyeing up my shed jealously now. Everyone was very impressed by the bowl"

30 Oct 16'

John Noblett reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Thanks to Adrian and Debbie for another great day and superb hospitality. This is my 4th course with them and I left with another set of skills that I can use at home and lots of inspiration. The tuition, supervision and support is just right and all the courses I have done have been really excellent. If you think trying blacksmithing could be for you then definitely give it a go as you won't be disappointed. it might even be the introduction you need for a new hobby as it has been for me."

30 Oct 16'

Ottie O'Brien reviewed: Reduction linocut printing with Janet Dickson : a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Thank you Annie and Janet for a really enjoyable day at Greystoke for the reduction lino cutting workshop. I hadn't done anything like this for many years and it was so rewarding to have excellent instruction and something to show for it at the end of the day. I feel motivated to continue and plan my next print. Annie's hospitality was wonderful, the food delicious and the company was stimulating."

30 Oct 16'

Paul Bolas reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - 2 days

"I have recently undertaken a two day beginners course with Gary and came away firmly believing that I had achieved something. One on one was a excellent way to start with Gary working on his lathe to demonstrate the use of the chisels and positioning on the lathe itself, working on my own alongside him. He watches you carefully to ensure lessons have been learned and doesn't interfere except if asked or when positioning needs to be corrected. It was a wonderful experience and a joy to work with a true professional and the finished products were richly admired by the family If you are a true beginner or one that needs to develop further the skills leaned in earlier years Gary is your man. I was most impressed with his quiet dedicated manner and the way in which he made the whole experience fun. I'm looking for the family to give me a lathe for Christmas so that I can quickly put the training into practice."

30 Oct 16'

Stefania reviewed: Bath Bomb Workshop

"Booked through contact details on this website. Both Michelle and Lou were very accommodating when it came to deciding a session date, time and type for our group of 7 for a birthday! The actual session was fantastic! Lou is a great instructor, very personable and friendly. She taught us how to make loads of great bath bombs with all sorts of scents and colours, just like the ones you see in the shops. Michelle put on a lovely spread of food and Prosecco which added that extra touch to my friends birthday. We got given beautiful packaging for our bath bombs which just adds to it all! I recommend this class to all ages and I shall definitely be back! Thank you so much Lou and Michelle!"