Latest reviews

9 Oct 16'

Caroline reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"My mum and l went to the bangle workshop, and absolutely love it. The lady running the workshop - Jolene is a inspiration. MUST TRY!"

8 Oct 16'

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

"This is a brilliant course for anyone wanting to dip their toes in the wonderful world of water colour painting. Vicki and Beth give confidence and ensure that you take home a "masterpiece" at the end of your very first lesson. The lessons are friendly and fun and very encouraging."

8 Oct 16'

Claire Floisand reviewed: Embroidery Hanging-"Stitch for the Soul" with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Loved my creative day! Julie is very inspiring and so helpful. I Came to the course with an idea that i had wanted to make for such a long time but didnt know how to go about it. Julie was able to give me expert advise and show me how to go about it. She has so many wonderful ideas, a huge bank of resources and years of talent. I am still fairly new to sewing so was amazed at how easy Julie makes it all. I am so proud of my picture and could never have envisaged it looking so 'professional.' Thank you Julie. Will definitely be booking again."

8 Oct 16'

Gary Maltby reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This course was a inspired birthday gift from my wife. The wait since July has been torture. A warm welcome by Debbie, Adrian and Andy put everyone at ease and I could not stop smiling all day. I was tutored and guided to produce something that was totally unexpected (a Rams head fire poker) and it is now in pride of place within my fire place. Adrian, I believe, gets as much pleasure from watching our"

8 Oct 16'

Claire reviewed: Needle Felting - Colourful Birds

"I loved this craft session, I have found my new favourite craft"

8 Oct 16'

Gemma & Chris reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This was our second course with Adrian and Andy as we had enjoyed the first so much. This time we made a fire poker (me) and a toasting fork (Chris) and we're thrilled with them. Both Adrian & Andy are incredibly skilled and patient, taking you through what you'll be creating step by step and helping out when necessary. Debbie provides delicious home made lunch, dessert and cake to finish off the day. Despite being with 6 different people each time there was still a brilliant atmosphere which is all down to Adrian, Debbie and Andy. They are all so easy to talk to and make the day so enjoyable. I guarantee one course won't be enough, we'll be back for our third go!!"

8 Oct 16'

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

"These courses are excellent for beginners. They give students confidence and a variety of subjects to paint. The evenings are friendly and fun with great company and good tutors. The courses are run on a five or six week basis and having finished the first you can enroll for the next. This enables you to build on previous lessons."

8 Oct 16'

Dave Parker reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Just finished the 5 day tools course and came home with a beautiful, small side table which has been much admired already. I chose the course partly because they only have 4 students at a time, the intention being to give students a very high level of personal attention and coaching. This proved to be true and Richard and his colleague Mark were on hand all the time and took great care to explain and demonstrate every step we took. Richard is very open and is keen to share his experience and knowledge so you learn a lot in a short time including the daily post-lunch lectures (It's worth taking notes because there's so much and it's easy to forget). We used a wide range of tools from basic hand tools like chisels and saws to heavy machine tools like lathes, band saws, routers etc and I would feel much more confident about using them in the future. The atmosphere is informal, relaxed and friendly. I would recommend it to anyone interested in woodwork whether you're a beginner or just want to raise your standards."

7 Oct 16'

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

"I've always been curious about watercolours and just a little bit scared, but thanks to Vicki and Beth I am now beginning to realise what a great medium watercolours are. Thanks to Vicki's guidance and support I am now growing in confidence and will definitely keep at it and hopefully create some good work."

7 Oct 16'

Justin Cubitt reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Just spent another fantastic day with Nigel at the forge, learnt many more blacksmithing skills. Will be booking up to return soon. Nigel is a true inspiration and true craftsman and fantastic teacher. Thank you."

7 Oct 16'

Yvonne reviewed: Artisan sourdough & rye day

"I thoroughly enjoyed my baking day. I am a sourdough baking novice, although I love to eat it! Dragan and Penny are excellent teachers with so much talent and enthusiasm. I baked baguette, which I enjoyed with the excellent home made lunch, spelt, malted wheat (granary by any other name) and a fig and caraway rye loaf. I came away with all this wonderful bread, my sourdough starter (which I have named Doris) and my homework which I will endeavour to make into an acceptable loaf. I have wanted to learn how to bake sourdough for a while and am so pleased that I was able to start my journey with the help and support of Dragan and Penny and their excellent books. I would recommend them to anyone."

7 Oct 16'

Lucia dello reviewed: 4-week online flower arranging class with Julie Davies Flower Workshops

"I loved this course and learned lots of flower arranging techniques. It was my birthday this month so i got to practice my skills. My favourite part was the self-paced learning and tasks, video and step by step instructions. These worked brilliantly for me to juggle around family and part-time work. The Facebook group element was really successful and it felt like shared learning for us all. Julie was a fabulous teacher, always positive and full of suggestions to help us improve further."

7 Oct 16'

Janet Purvis reviewed: Watercolour Art & Spa 2 day full board learn to paint @ The Flackley Ash Hotel Rye Sussex

"This was a fantastic weekend. Not only were we taught many skills and given access to all materials, but also a comfortable stay in a spa hotel and great food was included! Vicki and Beth were very helpful and encouraging and made sure everybody felt welcome and supported. I really enjoyed the weekend and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it."

7 Oct 16'

SarahHolmes reviewed: 4-week online flower arranging class with Julie Davies Flower Workshops

"Julie's four week course was fun and informative. I love having flowers in the house but was guilty of just plonking them in a vase. This course gave me lots of ideas and tips to do something more! The Facebook group was great for interacting with other students and asking questions. I liked the fact that the homework was creating arrangements that I could see myself doing again and not just for special occasions. Julie is a great tutor - her instructions and videos are well thought out and very clear. Her feedback was always positive, constructive and personal. I thoroughly recommend this to anyone who wants to learn more about making the most out of their supermarket flowers!"

7 Oct 16'

Penny Stevens reviewed: Watercolour Art & Spa 2 day full board learn to paint @ The Flackley Ash Hotel Rye Sussex

"Had a fantastic 'Art & Spa' weekend. I've been twice now and learn a whole load of new skills each time. I go on my own and come away with a great many new friends. Great for both novice and experienced artists. Lots of excellent food in a warm, comfortable and friendly hotel. All your needs catered for, especially lots of laughter!"

6 Oct 16'

Anna platts reviewed: Make a textured, shaped and personalised silver brooch, pendant or pair of earrings

"I did roses jewellery workshop and it was great! Beautiful workshop and she's an exlelent teacher. I made a lovely silver pendant which I love. Rose was very good at talking me through every step and was very knowledgable on the processes. I would recommend this class to everyone."

6 Oct 16'

Mike Hallett reviewed: Wood turning courses

"What can one say? A first class day's instruction removing countless wrinkles in my admittedly pathetic bowl turning technique. George's expertise and robust sense of humour made for a thoroughly productive and enjoyable day. You can always measure the quality of this kind of experience by whether ones first impulse on arriving home is to go straight to the workshop or tackle a rather fine sirloin steak. I'm afraid to admit the steak won but only under the extreme duress applied by my better half. Thank you George, I will be back- you have been warned!"

6 Oct 16'

Sarah Corder reviewed: 4-week online flower arranging class with Julie Davies Flower Workshops

"I really enjoyed this online flower arranging course which fitted nicely around my busy week. The tutorials and videos were easy to follow and Julie's feedback was excellent. I would highly recommend this course if you are looking for something creative and love flowers."

6 Oct 16'

Claire Honan reviewed: 2 day blacksmithing courses

"Six of us descended on Aaron for a day's blacksmithing course to celebrate hubby's 'big' birthday. Fantastic time. We all came away having made a poker, plate with 3 hooks and several other hooks. We all really enjoyed it and would recommend it highly. Aaron is a great teacher. Thank you."

6 Oct 16'

Steve Flanagan reviewed: Beginners 10 week woodworking course NO LONGER RUNNING

"What a cracking course this was! Hard work but you didn't notice it as it was a great feeling knowing what you were learning and making! Highly recommend this and Ciaran is so passionate about woodwork and tools but also passing that knowledge on and seeing how people enjoy it! My Dad did the 10 week course and he also really enjoyed it!"

6 Oct 16'

Swazi Rodgers reviewed: 4-week online flower arranging class with Julie Davies Flower Workshops

"I took this online course with Julie Davies having had absolutely no experience at all. I found the tuition simple to follow and online videos were invaluble in learning the skills involved. Online support was excellent ranging from facebook, twitter and peers also taking the course. The pace was just right for me with no pressure to complete tasks in a specified time. I was able to fit in the tasks with my own schedule and feedback was prompt and helpful. I'd recommend this course for anyone who is interested in making the most of their flowers either from the garden or shop bought."

6 Oct 16'

Isabel Pinder reviewed: Making large traditional Floor Rag Rugs with Emma Tennant: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"A thoroughly enjoyable day in a delightful setting! Emma provided excellent tuition throughout. Her rugs are inspirational and I appreciated seeing her at work. Being able to use and purchase both the hessian/frame and hook there and then, facilitated the whole process and the acquisition of tools for a new adventure. The hospitality was super with good homemade fare and much appreciated. Even the cream scones at the close slipped down a treat! Many, many thanks for a most memorable day. Hector says, "Wuff!""

5 Oct 16'

Ruth reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"I found the day a real treat. Enjoyable, relaxing and lots to learn. Lovely food and good tuition. We all finished the day feeling we had really achieved something. I hope to return for another workshop."

5 Oct 16'

Donna Adam reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"A natural host and story teller,Kerry makes you feel welcome from start to finish.Her genuine enthusiasm for her products shines through as she takes you through the process of making soy wax candles and I was amazed at how much she managed to fit in, in a fairly short period of time. Kerry is very generous in sharing her knowledge and giving lots of hints and tips for candle making success. The workshop was conducted in a really relaxed but extremely professional manner , the group size was just right and it was lovely to meet up with and have a wee blether with new people over candle wax and home made scones - not at the same time of course! Great value for money and a fantastic feeling leaving with a beautiful fragranced candle made by ME ! Thank you Kerry."

5 Oct 16'

Andrew Mee reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Had one of the best days ever! Adrian is an excellent tutor, very experienced and knowledgeable. Got down to making something from the go and left with a sense of satisfaction and some pieces that I am proud of making. I would recommend this to anyone and everyone!"