Latest reviews

16 May 15'

Luke mintowt-czyz reviewed: Bronze casting weekend

"I can't recommend this course highly enough. I have learnt so much from mark and the course offered exactly the right blend of specialist technical instruction and inclusivity. I met some really wonderful people on the course, of a wide range of ages , backgrounds and abilities and I feel certain that they felt the same way about mark's teaching and the course structure as I did. Cilyrynys is beautiful and a perfect space for a workshop like this. I couldn't have learnt more or been made to feel more welcome"

15 May 15'

Ezriel Shaw reviewed: A Longbow Experience

"I was amazed at the tools it you had and liked learning how to use them. I liked all of your arrows. I liked filling up the kettle and keeping watch over the fire too! It was my favourite birthday present. Thankyou Tony for teaching me how to make a longbow. From Ez (age 7)"

15 May 15'

Anita Dickinson reviewed: Hand-stitched leather tote, satchel or messenger bag course

"I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and loved the environment, the people and the chance to practice some new skills. Starting with a warm welcome, plentiful hot drinks and the offer of cake and biscuits during the the two days, the atmosphere was relaxed but also very productive. Gaynor's instruction throughout was clear and her teaching manner calm and encouraging. She was enthusiastic and inspiring offering guidance aimed at both completing the project chosen for the weekend, but also developing the skills and knowledge to enable participants to continue at home. I am delighted with the bag I made and looking forward to using it. I have no hesitation in recommending this course."

15 May 15'

Linden Grieve reviewed: A Longbow Experience

"I booked on the course as a present for my son and we both really enjoyed it. It was hands on but also educational with lots to learn! Really nice location, I enjoyed the woodland walk and hearing all of Tony's local wildlife knowledge. My son has been practising with his bow and getting loads of compliments! Thankyou."

14 May 15'

Andrew Hughes reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"I have a (very) small amount of green woodworking experience and signed up for the basic pole lathe course as it's something I've always fancied doing but never had the chance. The one to one tuition is excellent and Simon was able to answer all of my questions on how the lathe works and is set up and very gratefully gave me some pointers on tool sharpening and where to buy various bits of kit. He took me through the stages of making a dibber. This was a great exercise - which although simple, has many different techniques which could be used for countless other projects and is something I feel I could now go away and make safely and efficiently by myself. Altogether a great day. Highly recommended."

14 May 15'

WILLIAM DAVIS reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Without a doubt, Mark is an excellent teacher. I attended a day course, done on a one to one basis, before embarking on buying my own lathe. So glad I did so, as there are so many features to look for, in both the lathe and the tools for the job. His patience and style makes him a perfect teacher, and I know from other sources his skills are remarkable. I would therefore recommend him for any level of teaching, especially to avoid developing bad habits in the art. His workshop is extensive, and with a central location, it is well worth at least one full day, but ideally longer!"

13 May 15'

Jessica Osborn reviewed: Beginners Hand spinning - 'From fleece to fibre’ - at All in a Spin

"Excellent day, Dunja was very patient and encouraging, her instructions were easy to follow, and I came away very motivated to continue. Dunja is also a supplier, so you can get everything you need for spinning at home, or she'll give advice on what you need to get and where to get it. Highly recommended. Thank you Dunja!"

13 May 15'

Wizzy Stevens reviewed: M

"What a wonderful day of creativity and company. Maddie and Penny made us so welcome, and imparted knowledge and inspiration all day. The atmosphere in the workshop was wonderful, warm and friendly. To be surrounded by some awe inspiring mosaic pieces on the walls, truly does get the creative juices going. I will definitely be continuing to mosaic, thanks to Penny and Maddie. All the best Wizz"

13 May 15'

Amanda Grant reviewed: Intermediary Glass fusing workshop with Laura Hart of Hart Glass

"I have been on a 3 day glass making course with Laura Hart and must admit it was probably one of the best courses I have ever taken - Laura encourages and helps so effortlessly which puts you straight away at ease - To make your own glass ware is so exciting (I didn't realise glass was so versatile) So glad I took this class and will be going back to make Christmas presents :-) Check out Laura's website and see what beautiful things she makes too"

13 May 15'

Christine Williams reviewed: Make silver jewellery using precious metal clay or silver clay

"Very enjoyable course, very relaxing - everything explained and Toni very helpful with tips, knowledge/experience, etc. Amazed how many pieces I made from what looks like a small piece of clay! Definitely recommend this course."

11 May 15'

Anthea Salem reviewed: Intermediary Glass fusing workshop with Laura Hart of Hart Glass

"I've just spent three days on Laura's glass art course. I absolutely loved it and can't wait to go again. Laura is an inspiring teacher with endless patience and a great sense of humour making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I highly recommend this course with Laura. You must check out her work...it is incredibly beautiful."

11 May 15'

Alison Coggon reviewed: Beginners Hand spinning - 'From fleece to fibre’ - at All in a Spin

"Great day, learning a new skill. Fantastic location. If you have ever wanted to try spinning this is the place to start."

11 May 15'

Caroline Levine reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"This course encompases practical hands on work with gaining an understanding of leather / tools / techniques. I would thouroughly recommend it to anyone. Bill is enthusiastic and patient and it was an honour to learn so much in such a short space of time from a true Master Craftsman. Thank-you so much Bill!"

11 May 15'

Dina Ingram reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops in London

"I highly recommend this great activity, which leaves you with something you can be really proud of. No prior experience required, you can create something great under Eva's excellent guidance."

11 May 15'

Nina Barnett reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops in London

"As a person who has never done any art, I was a bit nervous when I came to the workshop. I neednt have worried. I got all the help I needed and had great fun! There was lots of opportunity to create my own ideas and I couldnt believe the piece that I came out with - a wondeful glass picture that I have hung on my wall at home. Highly recommended as a fun session for anyone."

10 May 15'

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

"I'm very happy to recommend Graham - he provides first class training in a relaxed atmosphere and anyone who is looking for a great way to start out on a very rewarding hobby couldn't do better."

10 May 15'

David Walsh reviewed: Leathercraft Workshop Belt Making Skills 1 Day Saturday 26th November 2016 Make Your Own Belt Or Dog Collar LAST CRAFT DAY OF THIS YEAR

"The course was excellent covering everything you would want to know about working with leather. David's teaching style was very good, friendly and informative, the time went very quickly."

10 May 15'

Kerrylyn bell reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"I would highly recommend this course, Jane was a wonderful teacher, incredibly patient as I was a complete beginner. We had a wonderful lunch and refreshments and the small class size gave us an opportunity to get to know the other people on the course. I will definitely be booking another course."

10 May 15'

C Hyslop reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"Jane is so enthusiastic, takes time to explain all the techniques both to the whole class and then individually. She has the imagination and flexibility to help beginners, such as myself to adapt as they go along. The class was a wonderful experience, leaving me feeling more creative than I every have. Many thanks have to go to Jane for her knowledge, experience and great teaching techniques. The warm welcome for all, with cakes and coffee allowing the participants to have a chat and get to know each other first, delicious lunch provided by Graham, afternoon tea kept us all refreshed throughout the day. And of course the wonderful studio, with views to the open countryside when a stretch was needed was inspiration too! Highly recommended."

10 May 15'

Tristan Parr reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"It was great being able to make a poker from scratch with no prior experience and being able to take it home and use it. Very satisfying."

10 May 15'

Marie and Sue Coggon reviewed: Beginners Hand spinning - 'From fleece to fibre’ - at All in a Spin

"A really relaxing and enjoyable course, it was wonderful to see the fleeces from sheep to the end product, we got excellent tips and advice. Dunja was a great teacher and had loads of patients and made us feel calm, welcome and at ease even when we were getting ourselves a little tangled up. She is full of knowledge and great ideas and not to mention the location was absolutely beautiful. 10 out of 10 for everything :-)"

10 May 15'

Fiona Robertson reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"This was a great one day course. Jane was very welcoming and an excellent teacher who encouraged us all the way through. We were provided with a tasty lunch and plenty of tea/coffee and cakes. It was good to come out with a framed tapestry and a sense of achievement. I feel Jane has given me the skills to attempt this at home but I enjoyed the course so much that I am hoping to get one for my Christmas again this year!"

10 May 15'

Dot Lowe reviewed: " Day of the Dead" Silver Clay Workshop

"Sara gave us excellent, friendly tuition, which made it all seem so easy. I didn't know what to expect but really enjoyed the afternoon and was so pleased to bring home something I actually want to wear. Cake and tea was an added enjoyable bonus!"

10 May 15'

Liz Shields reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"I attended Jane's workshop yesterday. The theme was 'Sheep'. Right from the start Jane was welcoming and friendly. We were given a workbook which contained lots of useful information, including a drawn design of a sheep and detailed instructions of all the techniques needed to weave it. Throughout the day Jane gave helpful demonstrations of each technique, but she also gave individual guidance, encouragement, and suggestions to each of her students, too. A lovely lunch was served, prepared by Jane's husband Graham. (Graham also very kindly picked me up from the bus stop in the morning too to take me to the studio). Jane showed us how to finish off our woven picture and prepare it for framing. Altogether I found this a wonderful, very informative, very enjoyable day, and very well worth the journey from Liverpool to attend! It was so satisfying to come away having produced an actual picture (rather than just a sampler). Jane is an excellent teacher and a lovely, friendly person. I will certainly be back again!"

10 May 15'

Suzanne Thomas reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"A most enjoyable day in a spectacular location, with like- minded people and great food! Under Phil's expert guidance we all managed to create recognisable sheep worthy of any flock."