Latest reviews

14 Sep 15'

Stephanie Taylor reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day, 1 person)

"What a fantastic morning we had! My boyfriend and I were bought the experience as a birthday present and we had no idea what to expect. We had so much fun making candle sticks and bowls and we're delighted with the results - a great looking bowl we each made ourselves! Graham and his wife Chris are fabulous hosts, made us feel truly welcome. Graham is a great and patient teacher. Can't recommend this experience highly enough. We're telling all our friends and will be returning!"

14 Sep 15'

Mike reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - 2 days

"I did this 2-day course in May 2015. The reason it has taken me over 3 months to post a review is because the training Gary gave me has encouraged me to dive in, buy a lathe and some tools and get woodturning myself! Gary is a good teacher, explaining the tools and the techniques of turning. I found the course to be well-paced and the projects worked on a good introduction. The workshop is small and well equipped and there are a variety of woods to try turning with. Since I got my own equipment (based on a list of supplied during the course), Gary has continued to offer support by answering some of my beginners questions."

14 Sep 15'

Mike reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I greatly enjoyed this course. Mark explains the steps, techniques and tools used to take selected timber and produce a professional-looking box. The workshop has a good range of woods available and Mark takes you through each stage of making a box and the variations you can have. I would recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in trying their hand at box making or craft woodwork in general. Starting as a box-making novice, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the result I achieved with Mark's tuition."

14 Sep 15'

Michael Hedge reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day, 1 person)

"A very good introduction to wood turning. I came away with a very attractive fruit bowl. The instruction was very good for the group of 2. The only way it could have been better would be if it was 1 on 1."

14 Sep 15'

Mike Hamblin reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"I attended Simon's Basic Pole-Lathe Taster course. This was a really good introduction to basic green wood techniques for the complete novice. Simon takes you through the skills needed to use a pole lathe and you get to use those skills to make something to take home. He is an excellent instructor but made the whole day interesting and fun so that you come away inspired to do more. A great day out."

14 Sep 15'

Bev reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"Brilliant course which shows you right from the basics with lots of hints and tips throughout the day. Great fun, would recommend."

14 Sep 15'

Jane Wright reviewed: 1 day mosaic class with Claire Cotterill Mosaics @Martineau Gardens, Birmingham

"Had two wonderful, creative days making mosaics with Claire Cotterill at her studio in The Custard Factory . I’ve always wanted to learn how to make mosaics. Claire was very welcoming and the rest of the group were lovely. There were only five others , so plenty of personal attention. Lots of lovely materials to work with, and clear, patient instruction - I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved in such a short time, I made a portrait of my dog and it turned out far better than I expected ! Others made flowers, trees, house numbers – It was great to see the range and different styles of the mosaics we made. Can’t recommend enough, a really creative treat and bit of me time in my busy schedule – Thanks Claire, I’ll definitely come again !"

14 Sep 15'

Cathryn Westwood reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"Caroline has such an infectious love for all things art, nature, teaching and life. She is a pleasure to be around. I'd do her course every day if I could!"

13 Sep 15'

Claire Wiseman reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"The 2 day course exceeded my expectations in all areas. A beautiful, inspiring work space, a choice of projects, a choice of leathers, a fabulous teacher all combined to ensure I left with a host of new skills, a new hobby, and a messenger bag that I am exceptionally proud of, and which looks highly professional. I've already had compliments about it, no one can believe I made it (myself included!) and I know that it will still look as good in years to come. I have no hesitation in recommending, and I'm already planning on attending the tote bag course. Thank you Jason, this is the best craft course experience I've had. See you again soon I hope."

13 Sep 15'

Julia reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"I attended Sophie's course recently and absolutely loved it. Sophie is very patient and generous with her knowledge and time. I was very pleased with the bear I made and it has encouraged me to do so much more! The lunch provided was excellent and the workspace was a lovely place to felt in. I have recommended the course to several friends and would definitely go back to learn more about needle felting. Sophie is definitely a master in her field."

13 Sep 15'

Laurel English reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"Sowmya was an excellent teacher - she was very patient, welcoming and explained things extremely well. Her written instructions, which I could take home, were also very clear and I feel confident that I can practice and improve my skills on my own. I felt like I achieved an learnt a lot in just one lesson with Sowmya. I would absolutely recommend her class to anyone interested in learning how to crochet!"

13 Sep 15'

T Boo reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"What a BRILLIANT day. I'm not usually one to do reviews but this was too good not to... Ricky is an amazing instructor - made me feel completely calm and confident. He guided me through the 'how to's' and always explained everything we were doing - also explained all sorts of options (if you do this then this could happen, etc). I didn't think I was a very creative person, but after a day with Ricky I wonder if maybe I am - I just haven't known how to get it 'out'!"

12 Sep 15'

Enrico and David reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"We enjoyed our session with Rowena. She made us feel welcome and was very good at teaching us new approaches to improve our centring and throwing technique. There are clear benefits to private classes and Rowena is very observant, patient and knowledgeable. We both left feeling we had learnt things that will help us improve and would wholeheartedly recommend Rowena to others."

11 Sep 15'

Bal Kaur reviewed: Beginner's Spinning in Newcastle

"As a complete novice to spinning, I was rather doubtful that I could turn my own alpaca fibre into something that remotely resembled yarn…after a fantastic day, a lot of encouragement and patience from Cathy, I have come away feeling inspired, with some rather pleasing (and surprising) results as well as some new vocab to impress my friends with (niddy-noddy?!). A highly recommended course."

11 Sep 15'

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

"I had a very enjoyable 3 hour course with Graham and learned a great deal in the time. I am new to wood turning and was having problems with catches. Graham talked me through the problems and we worked on the piece of beech I was having difficulty with. With his guidance I was able to finish the project with no problem. I then made a small hardwood bowl and he demonstrated the different stages from starting with a circular blank to the finished piece. Well worth the £40."

11 Sep 15'

Pat Dew reviewed: Mini Art Projects

"Having recently retired I wanted to have a go at trying out some art work but have not done any drawing or painting since school days. Katy suggested I tried pastels after having a chat with me and almost immediately I was totally absorbed. The group were all very supportive and friendly and I quickly stopped worrying about 'not being arty'. It was amazing how everything else just faded away and I concentrated fully on the picture I was making. Katy made suggestions and showed me how to use basic tools and mix colours but was never obtrusive. I would thoroughly recommend this class to anyone interested in trying out some art projects - and I walked home feeling on top of the world."

11 Sep 15'

Craig Leanney reviewed: Stone Carving Workshop

"Friendly professional tuition. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in learning the practical craft of stone carving. AAA+++"

11 Sep 15'

Fran Molyneux reviewed: Full day fused glass course with breakfast, lunch and all materials included

"I booked this course for my friends birthday because I thought it sounded a bit different. She was a little bit nervous because she had never used glass before but also excited. We were made to feel welcome the moment we arrived . What lovely ladies nothing was too much trouble, the food was delicious, the expertise and knowledge made us feel at ease with what we were doing. We are planning a yearly (if not more) visit. What a great day . Fran and Sandi"

11 Sep 15'

Jeannette reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"We bought a one day course for our friend's 40th birthday - she had an excellent time (and so did I watching). As other reviewers have said Alex demonstrates and then it's your turn. Gradually taking you through each stage of the process and answering questions. My friend went home a very happy customer with a much-admired ram's head poker. I was very impressed."

10 Sep 15'

Edward ingham reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I've had a great day learning lots and making some great things. Including knives and arrow heads. This experience was brought for me by my better half and she also came along for the day and made some lovely metal leaves. All of the teaching was great and resulted in me booking another day with mort to work on a project. Can't recommend enough"

9 Sep 15'

Ken Caldwell reviewed: An introduction to wood turning with Gregory Moreton (2 Days)

"An excellent introductory course - spent almost all the time on the lathe, and got far further than I had expected in two days as a complete beginner. Lots of practical tips and ideas from Greg, as well as lots of fun"

9 Sep 15'

Connor reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"This course was such a great eye opener in to the leather working world. Bill went above and beyond to make us fill welcome and comfortable in his workshop. He had an abundance of knowledge and expertise and was so willing to share it. He also stayed back on the 2nd day to ensure myself and another student got our projects finished, which i appreciate a lot. Since the course he has also given me advice on a few things and i'm know starting to create my own leather pieces! All in all Bill is a legend and you won't regret booking a course with him."

9 Sep 15'

karen baldwin reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"For me as a complete novice, I felt the course was informative, relaxed and friendly. Not at any time during the day did I feel that I was not capable of having a go at any of the techniques I was shown. Marks communication skills and knowledge were admirable, and this was only topped by his patience. The notes given to take away with you at the end of the day was also a handy reminder. I would recommend Mark's course to beginners or more experienced alike."

9 Sep 15'

Steve James reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day, 1 person)

"My wife purchased a 3 hour course with Graham as a birthday present - I had mentioned my interest in looking at woodturning as a potential hobby... Well... Graham and the dogs welcomed me at 9am on a sunny Sunday morning and the next 3 hours were outstanding. Grahams teaching methods and patience are so encouraging and no matter how many times I asked for things to be repeated/explained (short term memory issues on a Sunday morning!), Graham calmly and patiently guided me through many turning processes. It has given me an initial understanding on how the tools work and the possibilities of wood turning as a hobby. No -one was more surprised than me about how lovely the grain looked on my finished bowl and my wife was astounded that something like that could be produced in a morning. - requests for more bowls have been mentioned from family members and I haven't even got a lathe yet! I now officially have the bug! (just need to sort out a location for the lathe, tools etc....) If you are considering this as a hobby or want to top up your knowledge/skill levels, then look no further. A fun, informative, productive and relaxing time with someone who clearly loves what they do and enjoys passing on that passion! Thanks again Graham!"

6 Sep 15'

Mervyn Ashford reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"Adrian and Andy were very patient and made great teachers. A really enjoyable day , a great lunch and a fabulous view. What better day is there?"