Latest reviews

5 Jul 15'

John Sweeney reviewed: Green Wood Creative Seating - 6 Day Course in South Devon

"A fascinating week. Peter helped us all the way from mad idea to finished chair with his brilliant skill and craft. The tools and facilities were great. I would very much like to continue with the skills Peter taught me and he has e-mailed a list of the tools and techniques to help with that. The bench got some great reviews by friends and family so much so that I've got 2 commissions already!"

5 Jul 15'

John Sweeney reviewed: Green Wood Chair Making - 6 Day Woodworking Course in South Devon

"What a wonderful week! Peter's experience and knowledge as a craftsman were a privilege to work with. The location in south Devon is fantastic and very picturesque. I'm so happy with the chair and the course has inspired many more ideas and more chairs to make. I highly recommend the course, the tools were also great."

5 Jul 15'

Richard Jones reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Firstly I'm not the first person to be a fan of one day courses. I have been interested in blacksmithing for a while and as a panel beater have a good sound knowledge of metal. My other half bought me a days training with Mort at the firebird forge for Christmas and I finally attended on Saturday. All I can say is I had the best time I've had for a long while. I learnt so much more than I anticipated. Mort is a great guy, brilliant laugh, patient and very knowledgeable. I can't recommend him enough. There is no set pieces to make, you turn up with ideas of what YOU want to make and off you go. Mort will incorporate as many blacksmithing methods in your design as possible so you get to learn so much more than you think you will in a day. I will be going back for sure. Don't delay, if your interested then choose Mort, it will be one of the best things you've done."

4 Jul 15'

Jane Davies reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Thanks Elaine for yet another inspiring day. I loved your special bespoke workshop as I really wanted to spend time just focusing on plying - getting it balanced and being creative. Now have lots of ideas for my new stash of fleeces!!"

4 Jul 15'

Wendy reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Elaine put on a special bespoke course for me which covered everything I really needed to know and more. Had a really useful day and covered some unexpected ground which made the whole experience worthwhile. Thanks. Recommended? Certainly."

4 Jul 15'

Alan Eaglestone reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Thank you George for a very informative, relaxed and hands on day. I had been turning bowls for quite some time, on and off, but I now know how to do it correctly and when I compare my previous efforts to the bowls I produced on the day then mine look ready for the bin! I will keep them though to see the improvement. Given a chance I will recommend your turning course to anyone. Thanks also to Sue for a nice lunch."

2 Jul 15'

David Lee reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"A very good course as a introduction to green wood working. The two day course is busy and fairly full on. You are able to make and complete a simple stool or small table and take it away with you. Peter is available with as much support as you need. What ever your experience of other areas of woodworking you would find this course worthwhile and useful."

2 Jul 15'

Katy Clark reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"My two days with Ed were a huge learning curve, and just what I needed to improve my mould making skills. He's a great teacher, patient, enthusiasic and genuinely interested in your plans and ideas. Over the two days we modelled a cup on the plaster lathe and carved a handle and I left his lovely workshop inspired and full of new ideas. I'd recommend it to anyone looking to know more about the art of mould making."

1 Jul 15'

Jo - one of many! reviewed: Handspinning workshop

"Brilliant tutor. Brilliant setting. Brilliant day. Don't stop and consider this course....just book it because you will enjoy :-)"

1 Jul 15'

Jacqui Mexson reviewed: Powertex fabric sculpted figure/Angel/Masai

"I have just completed my first Powertex fabric figure/Angel sculpture course with Annette. It was amazing! Annette is a great teacher who obviously knows her products well. She is really encouraging, which is just what you need when you are a total beginner. I came away feeling quite emotional about my Angel. To have created something so beautiful in such a short time has quite blown me away. The patience shown by Annette and her love for her craft made it a very special time. I can highly recommend anyone to book on one of Annette's courses. If Angels are not your thing she will help you create something that is right for you. I am already looking forward to my next creation. This could become addictive!"

1 Jul 15'

Jo Jenkins reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"We had a great weekend on this course. I have never done wood work of any kind before, and as a complete beginner found that Peter and his helper Dave were patient teachers. I surprised myself by coming away with a green wood stool that I am proud of, and isn't wonky! It was brilliant to get away from the rat race, (no mobile signal) and create something beautiful. If you are in any doubt about choosing this course, all I can say is ' do it!'"

1 Jul 15'

Mei reviewed: Soy Wax Candle Making Workshop

"Great course. Exactly tailored for what I was looking for. Thank you!"

1 Jul 15'

Joy reviewed: Soy Wax Candle Making Workshop

"Really informative. Really enthusiastic tutor. I enjoyed making the candles and I learnt a lot."

1 Jul 15'

James reviewed: Soy Wax Candle Making Workshop

"It was a great 'date' with my girlfriend...would really recommend it if you want to treat your other half."

30 Jun 15'

Lennie Pirie reviewed: Autentico Basic Chalk Paint Workshop - Hailsham, East Sussex

"Did a basic chalk paint workshop at Renaissance Originals, had a great evening with Artist/ shop owner Pete, there was three other ladies and we all took along a piece of furniture to paint it was such fun, Pete was brilliant he talked us through the different techniques and patiently watched each of us transform our pieces of old furniture into masterpieces was a fantastic workshop I thoroughly enjoyed it and came away with a stunning chair. I would recommend this workshop to anyone interested in learning such a rewarding craft......"

30 Jun 15'

Paul Dowlman reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Having thought about wood turning for some time decided the best way to go about it was to go on a course before spending money on equipment. It was worth every penny for a full day with Mark it was a very informative and well run day with Mark giving so much information it was a job to absorb it all and I now have a good idea of what to buy and what not to buy and Mark is at the end of the phone if ever you need him."

30 Jun 15'

Toni Valmarre reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery for Beginners

"Jo is a very gifted and generous tutor. The day was spent learning and playing with her wide range of tools, moulds, cutters etc. She very patiently took us through all the beginner aspects of metal clay helping us each to realise our silver pieces. I came away with some lovely jewellery and buzzing for more knowledge. I will definately be returning for more workshops. Warmest thanx Txx"

29 Jun 15'

Helen Whitehead reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"I learned so much on this course and it was a truly wonderful experience. My head is full of things I need to remember and I know that everything Rowena taught us will be massively useful (I promise to keep my arms down! :) ) The day was paced very well and Rowena was both patient and ambitious for us. We both really enjoyed our day and Rowena couldn't have been more helpful. Many thanks!"

29 Jun 15'

Helen Whitehead reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"An absolutely brilliant day, hugely enjoyable. I learned so much about the properties of glass and the fusing process and it was fascinating and massively fun. Siobhan was lovely and highly approachable, lunch was delicious and everyone was so friendly. Plus, the birthday cake was so very thoughtful and a lovely surprise! I've learned a huge amount and it was a brilliant experience, many thanks."

29 Jun 15'

Sowmya reviewed: Mosaic, One Day Workshop

"Took the workshop along with my mother.. Both of us enjoyed the experience and Jane was wonderful, she has done great job herself with mosaic and is an inspiration to me, Thanks Jane"

28 Jun 15'

Paul Taylor reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"What a great day. I still can't believe I somehow thanks to Simon's guidance and patience turned a log into a dibber and a willow stick into a flower. What a brilliant day in a lovely woodland location. Thanks to Simon's inspiration I'm now planning to build my own pole lathe and create more masterpieces in wood."

28 Jun 15'

Monica reviewed: Weaving: the journey begins

"Thank you very much for lessons last week, very well structured, very patient! delicious lunch at Cargill's restaurant and overall a most recommendable experience. I enjoyed it very much."

28 Jun 15'

paul B reviewed: One day Traditional Lead Stained Glass Course

"Cant recommend Cheryl highly enough. A brilliant and inspiring teacher. I cannot believe what she enabled me to achieve, and so enjoyable in the process! Thank you!"

28 Jun 15'

deborah Butcher reviewed: One day Traditional Lead Stained Glass Course

"Had a truly wonderful day creating a stained glass panel with my best friend Tina - thank you Cheryl"

27 Jun 15'

Hilary Wrigley reviewed: Willow Kindling Basket- Beginners Log Bottomed

"A unique opportunity in unique surroundings. I thoroughly enjoyed it and felt the tutor was excellent, helpful and knowledgeable. I made a great basket - with help!"