Latest reviews

24 May 16'

Melanie Hope reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"Attended this course with my husband and we both had a great time, even if his candles were better than mine. Julie and Kay are great, they know their stuff and are more than willing to share all the insider secrets, I can't wait to get started at home. We would definitely recommend this course to anyone wanting a fun day out and a new skill."

23 May 16'

Alan Newman reviewed: Wood turning courses

"A most enjoyable day's woodturning tuition. Having not used a lathe since leaving school over 50 years ago I wasn't sure how I would manage but was put at ease very quickly and during the day I learned a lot and ended with a lovely bowl to take home. Alan"

23 May 16'

Alasdair reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I would like to thank you for the wood turning tuition today. It was the first time in 44 years that I have stood in front of a lathe and I had a thoroughly marvellous time. Your guidance and help were brilliant and the bowl that resulted exceeded my expectations, Liz finds it hard to believe that I had any hand in its manufacture! I'm really looking forward to practicing what you taught me today and I'm sure that we will be meeting again once I have perfected these basic skills for you to teach me some of the more sophisticated techniques that you showed me on your own work. Once again, thank you for an educational and extremely enjoyable day and thank you to Sue for the lovely lunch. Alasdair"

23 May 16'

Andrew Leong reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"With no previous experience or even any craft experience I signed up to the two day leather course. The courses are run by Jason, a very patient, friendly and cool guy, in his impressive workshop. The course is all hands on, so you'll be cutting, stitching and making your bag from the morning. By the end of the course you'll have your own bag, which you literally handmade - so you'll feel an absolute sense of accomplishment. Then you'll be hooked. While there are so many great things about this course, for me what I like is that you have a finished bag at the end, something tangible, something to carry with you to remind you what you can achieve. Thanks, Jason, see you soon."

23 May 16'

Jill Tisbury reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"Spent the most fantastic day on this workshop. Ricky is a great and patient teacher and let's you build up your ability naturally throughout the day. Made some fabulous pieces and they even look professional. Great value and you will definately want to go back for more! Thanks Ricky"

23 May 16'

Alex S reviewed: no longer avable

"We visited Jane to give raku a try for my partners birthday because we had always wanted to give it a go. We had the fabulous day that really gave us an insight into what raku can achieve and the different methods that can be used. We would love to return to continue our raku education with Jane who is a true master. I have thoroughly recommend this course to others on my general pottery course."

23 May 16'

Jeanette Cook reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"Really enjoyed this workshop.....lovely friendly people, relaxed atmosphere... Very informative and had loads of fun whilst learning the art of candle making...super afternoon tea too....thoroughly recommend......"

23 May 16'

Jan Norton reviewed: Wire & mixed media sculpture courses with James Ort

"This two day course was brilliant - it doesn't matter if you're a beginner (like me) or come with experience and your own ideas. James is a great teacher - clear about the things that matter and his interventions are positive and supportive. It was a privilege to work in the studio and sit outside for lunch with other participants - who, on this occasion, were skilled creators and fabulous company. It's my second visit to the Phoenix - and I'll definitely be back."

23 May 16'

Allison SCott reviewed: Willow Piglet workshop

"Had a lovely day and I brought home Henrietta to join our family. It has inspired me to do more willow craft. Wear warm clothes and substantial footwear as shed open and standing on a cold concrete floor for hours makes you colder. Luckily Victoria bring plenty tea/coffee on regular intervals."

22 May 16'

Rhiannon phelps reviewed: Wet Felting, Working with Resists to make Bags, Cat Caves etc At Crugybar Village Hall Carmarthenshire.

"We had a great day wet felting with Liz. She was very knowledgeable and helpful. I made a bag and found the process very rewarding. Looking forward to the next course !"

22 May 16'

Michael Wigfull reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Spent an amazing day learning from Nigel, he's an excellent teacher but he makes it look far too easy. He'll show you how to do it and then leave you to try it for yourself, if you fail no problem just put it back into the fire and try again. You'll be given access to most of Nigel's Knights of the Round table, various types of weights of power hammers that will help you draw out the metal once you've learnt how to do it by hand. I may have caught the blacksmithing bug, I wish I'd been taught this stuff in school. I think I'm going to be retelling Nigel's stories to anyone who'll listen for a long time. Five stars, can I come back next week?"

22 May 16'

Ros Beattie reviewed: Beginners Fused Glass Workshop - Light Catchers and Jewellery Making - at MADE IN HERTS STUDIOS

"The day was excellent, training was informative and the class was small so everyone received a great deal of attention. I was very happy with the results when I picked up the fused glass, which is now hanging in my window. I would highly recommend doing this course and am waiting for the next course to be listed in the events."

22 May 16'

Robbie Swales reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"I went for my first lesson with Sowmya last Friday afternoon. What a fabulous experience! I had a small bit of crochet experience and Sowmya took me from where I was, and added to my skills. She was very patient and adapted her input in relation to my skill and experience. Sowmya had painstakingly created a little book for my first Granny square. In her own hand and with pattern illustrations: Beautiful. I left the session with lots of new techniques and buzzing with ideas as to where to go next with my crochet adventure. A cot blanket for my fourth Grandchild! I will be going back for another session when I have collated all the crochet questions I want to ask her. Robbie Swales. 67 years old. I have been knitting since the age of 7. (My Mum taught me) Crochet is my new adventure."

22 May 16'

Chris Donovan reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I really enjoyed it, a great day. Alex's skill at guiding me through the process was really appreciated, it is something that a lot of teachers can not get right but you do it to perfection. Very enjoyable highly recommended."

22 May 16'

JAYNE BRAWN reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"The bangle workshop was the first time I had ever done anything like this. I had an amazing day and was so proud of the end result as I am not usually so artistic or practical! Jolene makes the course interesting and fun and I enjoyed learning the techniques needed for working in silver. I would recommend to anyone. It's a great day for a few friends. I have already done another course and am just about to book another !!"

22 May 16'

Helen Murphy reviewed: Wet Felting, Working with Resists to make Bags, Cat Caves etc At Crugybar Village Hall Carmarthenshire.

"An amazing day with Liz I loved it! Yes it's hard work but that's true of all wet felting it's just the technique. Liz is so helpful and very helpful and hands on throughout the day. I am hoping I can make it to another soon to try felt pictures."

21 May 16'

Casey Dillon reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Had an absolutely fantastic day. Chris has a natural talent for teaching and was very patient throughout the day. He helps to guide you back on track when you've gone wrong without doing anything for you. As well as his technical knowledge, Chris is a top bloke, really easy to get on with and he made me feel right at home. Could not recommend the course enough, I'm hoping to return soon with my brother-in-law."

21 May 16'

Smith Family reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"As a family we wanted to do something different...it wasn't just about the connection with something ancient, hot, physical, real it was our blacksmith host Aaron and the magic place they've managed to create. Aaron uses his skills and knowledge of history, metal working and politics to take you on a journey - we created so much more than objects - we forged and renewed friendship. Go, do it connect your head with your hands. Thank you Trudi and Aaron."

21 May 16'

Mia Hopkins reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"I have just attended a two day basket weaving course, taught by Phil Bradley at Broadrakes, and cannot praise it enough. Broadrakes has lovely new rooms with ample space for our group - a light, beautiful, clean and comfortable area. Our hostess Rachel Benson provided us with delicious lunch, tea breaks with home baked treats, and was friendly and helpful. Phil's teaching was fantastic, we all returned home with a basket, and enough knowledge to make others, and he interspersed his teaching with anecdotes and funny stories from the world of willow. I would not hesitate to attend another course at Broadrakes, or indeed one taught by Phil. Top Marks all around."

21 May 16'

Andrew Currie reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"Absolutely loved it. Great informal atmosphere and made to feel totally at ease. The tutors were extremely knowledgeable and answered all the questions thrown at them. I learnt a lot of how it should be done and also the things Not to do. The whole day was very informative and I would definitely recommend this course for anyone wanting to learn about Candle making"

21 May 16'

Bernie reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"Great course, very relaxed and friendly. I highly recommend it! Lou is very patient and a great pottery teacher."

20 May 16'

Sue Andrews reviewed: Glass Fusing and Slumping for Beginners and Improvers

"Thank you both for a fantastic day, I didn't know what to expect except that I'm not very arty so thought I'd not achieve very much. You put us all at ease right from the start, the instruction was easy to follow and the day was well organised but also made flexible to suit us. I came home feeling very pleased with myself. The lunch was delightful. I will be recommending this to friends."

20 May 16'

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

"I attended Peter's "Green Woodworking" course in May with all my family and other friends and had a fantastic time. I have done a fair amount of wood and metal work, but wanted to learn about some of the more traditional methods of shaping wood. It was very refreshing to create interesting objects without having to be too accurate about it (except the joints). Peter was very easy going and was receptive to all the questions directed at him. I came away enthused to do more green woodwork projects. We will always remember the weekend as a highlight of our year."

20 May 16'

Caroline Hartley reviewed: Circular sock knitting machine 'Sock School'

"Anne's obvious love of her circular sock knitting machines is infectious. She has taught for many years and this showed in her great patience and calm manner. From course admin, to fresh coffee, homemade biscuits and a delicious lunch as well as retrieving our dropped stitches, Anne took it in her stride. In addition to the powerpoint slides, we were given detailed notes with pictures to illustrate the position of needles and wool for the tricky parts. We learnt how to rib, produce a heel and toe and to invisibly sew up our socks. The result was no ordinary pair of tubular socks but a pair of lovely warm, matching, fitted socks in my colour choice and shoe size."

19 May 16'

Maureen Davey reviewed: Willow Deer Workshop at Skelton Grange with Phil Bradley

"I have recently completed my second course of willow weaving at Skelton Grange with the wonderful Phil Bradley. I now am the proud owner of both a willow deer and a hare. Phil is very patient and this is a very relaxing day and I can't believe I came away with two lovely pieces of work after never doing anything remotely like this before ! Makes a change from usual craft courses and we have booked to return in September to make a sheep - have a go you will not regret it!"