Latest reviews

31 Aug 15'

Janet Linehan reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"This was the best course I have attended. The venue was delightful, a beautiful studio overlooking an orchard garden. Sophie was a most welcoming host, who made the course participants feel instantly at ease. Hot drinks, snacks and a delicious, home cooked lunch were a most welcome extra on a course like this. But by far and away the best part of the day was the course itself. Sophie introduced the craft of needle felting, demonstrated the various yarns available, gained an idea of what the course participants wanted to achieve and throughout the rest of the day ensured that these goals were met with her tireless assistance and sharing of her knowledge and expertise. She has a real ability to impart her skills to others. I was genuinely surprised at what I was able to produce at the end of this one day course. I thoroughly enjoyed it."

31 Aug 15'

Annette Coats reviewed: Flamework (Lampwork) - Making glass beads for beginners

"I have returned home with some glass beads that I will incorporate into a Kumihimo piece (Japanese braiding). Thanks Toni for a great lesson!"

31 Aug 15'

Annette Coats reviewed: Encaustic art beginners class - paint with molten wax

"What fun I had learning Encaustic painting from Toni! I am anxious to do more painting at home in Florida. Yes, I traveled from America to learn some crafts from Toni -- what a great way to spend a holiday."

31 Aug 15'

Annette Coats reviewed: Enamelled jewellery for beginners and improvers - fired glass jewellery techniques

"Toni is an excellent instructor with lots of patience! I enjoyed the class and the opportunity to meet others who are interested in crafts. I live in Florida, and I am already thinking about another trip to the UK so I can improve on my craft skills under the guidance of Toni."

31 Aug 15'

Julie K reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"I loved every minute of the day. The course was brilliant and I've learnt a new craft. The dog I made is amazing and everyone else made brilliant teddies, dogs and rabbits. Loved the lunch, the venue and Sophie, and her mum! I want to book again as it us a great day out of the daily grind."

31 Aug 15'

Claire Merritt reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"This is the second workshop I have attended. Sophie as ever was warm and welcoming. The class was informative and relaxed with patient help at hand when needed. The setting is beautiful and we'll equipped. Both days have been fantastic and I left with pets to be proud of. I cannot recommend the workshops more highly. In fact I have booked for another class and am taking friends with me."

31 Aug 15'

Dave Smallman reviewed: Beginners 10 week woodworking course NO LONGER RUNNING

"I recently completed the 10 week beginners course and I have already signed up for the intermediate course! After just a few lessons Ciarán had taught me enough basic skills to confidently build myself a garden bench using tenon and mortise joints, and by the end of the course I had created a hand crafted piece of furniture that I am very proud of and never would have thought I could produce! Ciarán is a genuinely nice chap and it was always a great atmosphere in the workshop (so long as you don't mind his singing) even if it hadn't been one of the best decisions I've ever made going into this course, I'd still be going back for the chocolate hobnobs and good craic, so I would. Roll on September! Dave Smallman"

31 Aug 15'

Robin reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"HIGHLY RECOMMEMDED COURSE Thank-you Sophie for an amazing felting workshop. We had a great day making beautiful little bears. Lunch was delicious although quite naughty. Please thank the gorgeous caterer for her desert recipe & for watching over my baby boy when she had a spare minute. He loved strolling through your gardens and was smiling for hours after his time with her. Overall this course was very well instructed, took place in beautiful surroundings and was an absolute pleasure to attend. Thank-you for a wonderful day & for bringing much sunshine to our hearts. One final note, I never write reviews (good or bad) but I had such a lovely day that I felt I should."

31 Aug 15'

Barbara reviewed: Enamelled jewellery for beginners and improvers - fired glass jewellery techniques

"Thank you an absorbing and interesting day enamelling in your mini summer course. It was not the first course I have done with you Toni and I doubt it will be the last. Shame you no longer do classes near to Chelmsford but that's how things go I'm afraid. I always come away thinking of things I could have done better! It would be interesting to do some combined silver and enamelling one time. Or maybe I will come and do some glass beads for a change. Thanks for a good day. Barbara"

30 Aug 15'

June reviewed: " Day of the Dead" Silver Clay Workshop

"Magical day for me, learning all about the fantastic silver clay. Sara is a great teacher . knows such a lot about this skill and is so lovely and patient and I learnt such a lot, which I am now going to continue at home, maybe even investing in a kiln! I travelled from Bath in Somerset to take part in this course,stayed over the night before and it was worth every penny! I strongly recommend this lovely course, I think 'The Secret Garden' course will be very special too! Thank you so much Sara :-) x"

30 Aug 15'

Liz Corfield reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"This was a brilliant course. Amanda was so friendly and welcoming and put me at my ease immediately. The background information that she gave us about the different types of glass was really interesting and the course information was very comprehensive. She has a super garden studio and everything was provided for us to "have a go". She was a very patient and encouraging tutor. It was exciting to collect my pieces a couple of weeks later. The coffee and cookies at the start of the course and the 2 course lunch were delicious too. I would thoroughly recommend this course and am looking forward to the Christmas decoration one."

30 Aug 15'

Linda Marsden reviewed: Handspinning workshop

"An absolutely brilliant course. Book it and enjoy :) Diane is an excellent teacher and everything is meticulously organised. A stunning setting adds to the wonderful experience you will enjoy. I can thoroughly recommend this course, Linda"

30 Aug 15'

Sian reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"I enjoyed excellent tuition from Aarron, his experience in teaching is evident and he was entremly patient, explained in detail and tailored things to my pace. I learn lots about the art and skills of blacksmithing as well as its role in industrial development and Welsh history. Despite the physical nature of the course and a fair amount of standing, it was relaxing and distracting and a world away from my usual hectic life and demanding job. I would love to do more perhaps even a bit of welding next! I am extremely proud of the fire irons I made, and take every opportunity to show them to friends, family and any visitors."

29 Aug 15'

Victoria reviewed: Enamelled jewellery for beginners and improvers - fired glass jewellery techniques

"I had a great day, as part of Toni's mini summer school. Toni is an excellent teacher & I loved trying different techniques on copper. When things didn't go the way I'd hoped, she was able to suggest ways to 'save' my work & make it look good. So, I finished with 3 nice pieces, that I can turn into jewellery & had fun doing it. I'd love to come back & try silver clay enamelling sometime."

29 Aug 15'

Victoria reviewed: Flamework (Lampwork) - Making glass beads for beginners

"Excellent course & lots of fun. Toni is both knowledgeable & a very good teacher. She made us feel confident at trying something new, helped & encouraged us. It was an enjoyable afternoon, with a selection of glass beads ... which looked a lot better than we thought they would. I'd live to do it again & maybe be more adventurous"

29 Aug 15'

Lucy Hampton reviewed: Crochet workshop - Benny Rens Creations

"I have attended a few of Bethany's workshops. The atmosphere is always relaxed and Bethany is at hand to help should you become stuck at any time; she has even managed to help me master the dreaded 'magic loop'! I would highly recommend Bethany if you want to catch the crochet bug!"

29 Aug 15'

Lorna Moreton reviewed: Powertex fabric sculpted figure/Angel/Masai

"What a wonderful day me and my best friend spent with Annette making our first powertex angel sculpture! Annette is a kind, calm and patient teacher who guides you through each step to create your own angel. I am so pleased with mine and have already booked on another course. My Angel is proudly standing in my hallway and I have already received lots of compliments. I would highly recommend anyone (even if you consider yourself not creative) to book on a course with Annette who will confidently help you make a creation you will be proud of."

28 Aug 15'

Alona Bettinson reviewed: Intermediary Glass fusing workshop with Laura Hart of Hart Glass

"My husband and I spent the day with Laura in her studio whilst on our honeymoon. It was a fantastic experience and we made a wonderful piece which I'm very proud of and also a great memory."

28 Aug 15'

Magali Roberts reviewed: Handspinning workshop

"Brilliant course. Diane has a real gift for teaching, is very personable and encouraging. She made sure she looked after everyone with lots of personalised guidance. The day was well organised and I left with an even greater passion for spinning than I had before!"

28 Aug 15'

Patc reviewed: Whittling course

"Martin is a welcoming and thoughtful host for a fab day of relaxing whittling! Everything is taken care of and Martin shares his experience and knowledge with enthusiasm and humour, learned so much and really looking forward to trying out the techniques and projects ourselves. Many thanks Martin from Pat and Di, 23.08.15"

27 Aug 15'

Holly reviewed: Crochet workshop - Benny Rens Creations

"Bethany is amazingly patient, kind and thorough, she too time to make sure I properly understood what I was learning and showed me several times without hesitation, she makes learning the art of crochet fun and it has now become a bit of an addiction for me :) Highly recommended to anyone who wants to learn to crochet as you will get a 5* teacher and understanding"

27 Aug 15'

Claire Hoyle reviewed: Crochet workshop - Benny Rens Creations

"Bethany is an amazingly patient and approachable teacher. I had managed to teach myself a chain, but was floundering on any actual stitches. Bethany was able to make the patterns and instructions make sense. I recently attended a wreath workshop, which was great value for money and will be attending future crochet workshops to troubleshoot my progress!"

27 Aug 15'

Maddi reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"What a great afternoon! Sowmya's techinques and method of teaching was incredibly easy to follow. She was very patient and helped me to rediscover the art of crotchet. The examples she gave were very clear, and she encouraged me to continue patterns without relying on the instructions. I now feel confident to continue practising this art and would highly recommend Sowmya's class to anyone!"

27 Aug 15'

Philippa Wilmot reviewed: Crochet workshop - Benny Rens Creations

"I loved Beth's class. Inspiring and brilliant tutoring. I now have the crochet bug. Thank you Beth x"

27 Aug 15'

Caroline Edwards reviewed: Crochet workshop - Benny Rens Creations

"Bethany is so knowledgeable but also has the ability to break down and teach a variety of techniques. I recently did a wreath course with her and learned so much. It's a long time since I made something I was so proud of! I can not recommend her more highly!"