Latest reviews

10 Nov 14'

Hannah reviewed: PickOne weekend weaving course

"I thoroughly enjoyed the 3 day weaving course, James was very patient, helpful and encouraging! I was overwhelmed by the choice of yarn colours and the potential to make many different colour combinations! I was delighted with my scarf and have definitely caught the bug. Although, hard work, James made the atmosphere light and fun! I'd love to book on an evening course."

10 Nov 14'

vicki reviewed: PickOne weekend weaving course

"Very enjoyable course, especially when I unrolled the finished scarf at the end. James is an excellent teacher, extremely knowledgeable and encouraging. It was fun, and hard work!"

10 Nov 14'

Christine Rose reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"I have just returned from a carving course with Burn Brae Carvers in Cheshire, led by Sharon. What a lady - Such enthusiasm and a natural talent for bringing out the best in each of us. I hadn't used or sharpened chisels before,but after carving my Lovespoon,now feel quietly confident to handle them with the respect they deserve! Thank you Sharon and for the good talks we shared in between the carving!"

9 Nov 14'

Claire Lawrence reviewed: Candle Making Class

"This was a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon! Farah is an excellent teacher and was very welcoming. A great introduction to scented candle making."

9 Nov 14'

Deborah Lokier reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"A great days candle making, thank you Sakeena for sharing your knowledge in such a fun and relaxed environment. It was an excellent course , I left feeling confident and truly inspired by your enthusiasm, can't wait to get started. Once again thank you."

9 Nov 14'

Louise Hawson reviewed: Longbow Making Course - a three day course

"This was an excellent course, in a fantastic location, with great tuition from Ben and Wes. I started the course assuming I'd struggle with the woodworking and using unfamiliar tools, but the support and guidance from Ben and Wes, as well as sharing highs and lows with the other students, meant I came out with a beautiful longbow, confidence with woodworking tools, and a whole host of new skills. I'm now completely addicted and am already considering how I'm going to get hold of my own tools. One area for improvement - we didn't have enough of some key tools for everyone to make progress at some points, specifically working spoke shaves, glass bottles and knifes/files. Also, the traditional shave horses were too small for working longbows, especially for taller guys. We successfully worked round all this, but worth considering for future courses."

9 Nov 14'

Pete Simpson reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Very enjoyable week, sorry it's over. Great atmosphere and plenty of chance to learn new things additional to chosen course content. Lunch time talks by Richard were very informative and led to wider topics of discussion which can save time and money in the future. Richard and Mark give guidance, then allow you to progress at your own pace. They keep an eye from a distance, ready to step in if you ask for help, or see you struggling. Course is structured to give time to complete project and also have a go with other tools, and learn about different techniques - all adding to the value of the experience. Thanks again."

9 Nov 14'

Mel Withe reviewed: Beginner's Spinning in Newcastle

"I had a fantastic day learning to spin with Cathy. The small group size meant that there was lots of time for her to spend with each of us coaching and teaching us in avert pacient way. I would highly recommend this course"

7 Nov 14'

Anne Plummer reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"I have just started wood carving classes with Sharon in Port Talbot, having never so much as held a chisel before. From the moment I first contacted her regarding the classes Sharon was extremely helpful, warm and welcoming. The class consists of people with a wide range of carving abilities, most having attended for years which shows how enjoyable the classes are. The work they produce, along with Sharon's own work is very inspiring. Sharon is lovely, very warm and funny and you are welcomed and taken into the group and made to feel very much at home immediately. Everyone has their own individual project/s and progress at their own pace, receiving any help they require which in my case is a lot! I have been taught how to use the tools safely and correctly and am thoroughly enjoying how my first project is coming on. Sharon is very patient and encouraging and has an easy way of teaching, making anything seem possible. I have found a new hobby that I am absolutely loving and look forward to learning so much more from Sharon."

7 Nov 14'

Bob Hanlon reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"24/25 NOV the second of Sharons courses I have been on, Both brilliant, We will be making this a regular event for our group the Stafford U3A Woodcarving group."

6 Nov 14'

Laura Martin reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"The two days that i spent with Bill were great. he is extreamly helful and encouraging to all abilities in the class and was happy to answer any questions regarding leatherwork and about working in the industry. i would recomend this coures to boyh people looking at leather as a hobby or to thoses hoping to start a buisness."

6 Nov 14'

Lynne H Callaghan reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"I went to Higham Hall in the Lakes District on a walking holiday - but, due to a bad back, I couldn't walk. At the same time, Higham Hall was also offering an Art course and a Wood Carving course - I had been looking for a suitable course on the latter for months. I spoke to Sharon and asked if I could come over and look at what was going on. Sharon was most welcoming and agreed happily. The next day she introduced me to everyone, allowed me to wander round looking at their work and then Sharon sat with me and talked about wood carving and the different tools. When she asked me if I would like to do some wood carving I almost fell over with delight! And that's when I became smitten with wood carving. I stayed the day working on my love spoon. I asked Sharon if she would accept me onto the course - she said she would if George , the manager at Higham Hall, would accept the transfer from walking to wood carving - he did. As a tutor, Sharon has a wonderful manner when teaching (I'm a semi-retired teacher so I recognise a good one when I see it). Her warm, Welsh, welcoming nature puts people at their ease and her one-to-one tutoring skill is excellent. Everyone is given individual help regularly throughout the day. I can honestly say that I had the most wondrous time wood carving - so much so, that I have booked on Sharon's course next April 2015 and October 2015. I can only recommend something by my own experience - therefore, I absolutely highly recommend Sharon's wood carving course to you"

5 Nov 14'

Radmila Kovacevic reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"I am so pleased that I decided to take one day introductory course.It has inspired me more then I expected.Looking forward to come again for more skills. Thank you Sakeena . Radmila"

5 Nov 14'

Sally Fox reviewed: Shabby Chic Mosaic Workshop

"I had a lovely day in Anya's studio, which is full of her work, and shelves of inspiring materials: broken china, tiles, glass. Anya is generous with tea and cake, and with her expertise. Having made one mosaic for my garden with pottery I found in it, I am now encouraged to make more. Anya has all the tools, materials and good advice you need to be creative. A productive, but relaxing day!"

4 Nov 14'

Rachel Bush reviewed: Green Wood Chair Making - 6 Day Woodworking Course in South Devon

"This course was one of the best things I have ever done. I came to this as a complete novice and ended the week with a beautiful chair and an incredible sense of achievement. Lovely location, great teaching, wonderful people, I would recommend it to everyone."

3 Nov 14'

adrian doyle reviewed: Carve a Rocking Horse Head Course

"I started with a very nervous disposition and ended with something I am very proud of. The journey of how you get from one to the other is excellent and all in the calming hands of Tony. I could not fault the course which is a very good balance of being spoon fed and taking that knowledge to think for yourself to overcome problems. Highly recommended."

2 Nov 14'

Garry Scholes reviewed: Shabby Chic Mosaic Workshop

"Great course in a relaxing environment with friendly and informative tuition. Was a really fun weekend.... definitely recommended !"

1 Nov 14'

Anita Cook reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"Another wonderful four days of wood carving. Although I have been very ambitious this time I feel confident I will finish my project before the next time Sharon visits us in Cumbria!!"

31 Oct 14'

Neil reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I booked this for my son and decided to join in too. Despite a dodgy taste in music George was thorough and explained the process in great detail and terms my son could comprehend. We came away with 2 top class bowls, a large dose of confidence for my son and the knowledge to continue the evolvement of the craft. As a man that calls a spade a shovel George is quick to identify incorrect technique, and will put you on the correct path quickly. Don't expect any airs & graces but good old fashioned teaching that gets results."

30 Oct 14'

Dennis and Kate Lee reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"We have just attended another of Sharons courses. She is an excellent carver and very good at teaching her subject. Everyone on the course really enjoyed it. Can't wait for the next one."

30 Oct 14'

Jim Hutton reviewed: Green Wood Creative Seating - 6 Day Course in South Devon

"Peter is a great instructor with a good selection of tools, wood and knowledge to let you create something special. The setting is special and the peace and quiet, good company and fresh air combine with working green wood to make it a lovely and fulfilling six days. Very highly recommended for both novice and experienced green wood workers."

29 Oct 14'

Willie reviewed: Advanced throwing masterclass with David Frith

"Inspirational potter.a very enjoyable and helpful two days. Helpful staff, and may thanks for the jump-start as I flattened battery during day 1! Two sinks is insufficient , though we got by. The food was excessive in amount, and perfectly satisfactory,though a bit stodgy -some fruit would have been good."

29 Oct 14'

Anna Harvey reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What can i say that has not been mentioned already! I bought this for a birthday present for my boyfriend but had to go on it myself as it sounded amazing and i am very glad i did. From the moment we arrived we knew it was going to be a great day and I am not just talking about the baking. The step by step instruction was fab and Adrian gave you plenty of time to practice the skills on your own. He was also on hand if you needed more help which was good. The home made food was delicious and this made the whole day more enjoyable. You wanted for nothing and everything had been thought of to make your experience memorable. Thank you both and hope to see you again on a two day course!"

28 Oct 14'

Peter Nutbrown reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Informative, interesting and fun course, taught by a very competent and engaging teacher, Adrian explained everything very clearly and made the whole day very enjoyable. The food was delicious home cooked food, enjoyed it very much, I left with a bulging belly!! Everyone was very friendly and helpful, I cannot recommend this course enough!!"

28 Oct 14'

Chris reviewed: Shabby Chic Mosaic Workshop

"I had a great time with Anya learning to mosaic. The workshop is light and airy . There was a mind boggling selection of tea on offer and Anya was a charming hostess and great teacher. It was a great day and inspired me to look at materials in a different way. All the tools and materials I needed were on hand and Anya's approach to the creative process and attention to detail was inspiring. At the end of the days course I had thoroughly relaxed and left with ideas about a mosaic for my home."