Latest reviews

21 Oct 14'

Simon Evans reviewed: Green Wood Chair Making - 6 Day Woodworking Course in South Devon

"An excellent course in a lovely setting. Peter's skill in teaching, patience and depth of knowledge make for a great week of hard work and good friendship! And I've come home with (though I say it myself) a fine chair and a burning ambition to make some more. Highly recommended!"

21 Oct 14'

Annie Kinghorn reviewed: Mosaics for the home and garden

"Have now done a couple of courses and thoroughly enjoyed them. I was stunned to see how someone like myself with no artistic talent can actually produce something which I am proud to show off in my home. Would highly recommend to all, Frances is a patient teacher and makes the time fly by so quickly as the courses are fun and entertaining - the endless supply of coffee and biscuits didn't hurt! Can't wait to sign up for another."

21 Oct 14'

Johnathan Rowles reviewed: Leather Mask Making

"What a great day, I enjoyed every minute. Lots of very useful tips with a safe and friendly environment. The day was well constructed giving every one equal time with help using the many variations of leather craft."

21 Oct 14'

Nev Wiggins reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"I spent two enjoyable days in a lovely shed in a wonderful garden learning how to carve a spoon and a butter knife. Martin is a knowledgeable and enthusiastic teacher. He explains everything you need to do thoroughly then lets you get on with the task while keeping a watchful eye. I highly recommend this course."

21 Oct 14'

Heather Skee reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I attended the 5 day woodwork course tooland things in September 2014 and I'm so pleased I did. It is amazing how I, a complete beginner could turn lumps of wood into a beautiful piece of furniture! But under the guidance of R&M I have, and I am now the very proud owner of a wonderful, hand crafted chair. To achieve this I needed the correct guidance and support from enthusiastic teachers, an array of power tools, sharp hand held tools, a little humour and of course the wood. Though the atmosphere was relaxed and fun we were all made aware of the relevant rules of safety and were briefed on using tools and given clear instructions. I learned many skills and had a fab time whilst doing so. I highly recommend this course, the instructors are first class! Thoroughly enjoyable. Well done R&M! Thanks again, Heather from Newcastle"

20 Oct 14'

Sheila Herbert reviewed: Mosaics for the home and garden

"As a complete beginner to mosaics I couldn't believe that I was able to produce a beautiful mosaic in just one session! Frances gives everyone lots of individual attention...nothing is too much trouble for her. I had a wonderful time and cannot wait to do more ."

20 Oct 14'

David Bedward reviewed: Leather Mask Making

"A great course with lots of opportunity to learn new skills. Also a very friendly host who was able to provide information on the area and was even kind enough to arrange transport to and from the course location. A great day all round."

20 Oct 14'

Jason reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Thanks for letting attend the Firebird Forge!"

20 Oct 14'

Niki Clappison reviewed: Vintage furniture chalk paint techniques

"I went on this course with Amanda a few months ago now, it was fantastic. She is really hands on, explains things really clearly and will spend time just checking as you go along. It was very relaxed and friendly too so it was fun too. I was lucky as my brother gave me some furniture to upcycle and now I am doing all sorts, if I have a problem with anything i just pop into the shop or phone to just check I am doing the right thing. I have completed two pieces of furntiure now and am just on with my third which is a rocking chair. I am adding my own touches which is a bit of bling! This is the benefit of having the shop because she has so many lovely things you can buy to transform your old furniture. It does not have to stop there though I am now painting my cabin upcycling an office desk. Can't wait to go on more of her courses now. You don't need to spend a fortune to really update your home or a room. Go on a course I am sure you will get as enthusiastic as me too. Niki"

20 Oct 14'

Carol Rout reviewed: Kiln formed glass day workshop

"I have been wanting to try my hand at fused glass for a while and was so pleasd when I found Helen's classes. I decided to treat myself and a friend for my birthday and we could not have chosen a better way to spend the day! Helen soon put us at our ease and has a really good way of communicating all the skills needed to cut glass etc. We were soon cutting away for our designs without even giving it a second thought and she was so generous with the supplies. When we picked up our first time efforts we were amazed by how well they turned out! It's really got us hooked and when we get the time we are hoping to return for another creative session. We would both thoroughly recommend the classes to anyone!"

20 Oct 14'

Rosemary Roome reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - Hertfordshire

"An excellent course which I attended as a complete beginner. Elspeth explained the techniques well and enabled attendees to rag rug successfully and to go home with enough confidence, and desire, to carry on with our projects. A thoroughly enjoyable day which I wholeheartedly recommend."

20 Oct 14'

VIN DERAMO reviewed: Nuno Felting & Up-cycled Waste-Coat

"I took part in one of Sarah's workshops. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and came away with a finished article. Her approach is enlightening and inspiring. I would recommend her courses to anyone with an interest in felt and textiles."

20 Oct 14'

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

"Really enjoyed myself and came away with a lovely pendant and a "charm". i knew nothing about silver clay before this workshop, and would now feel more than confident to have a go at home"

19 Oct 14'

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

"Had a most enjoyable day learning abut fused glass and trying some of the techniques. Siobhan is very friendly and provides help, encouragement, and guidance as you explore this fascinating material. The Forge studio provides a comfortable and well equipped environment to learn in. A really fun way to spend a day being creative."

18 Oct 14'

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

"Sara is very good at explaining how to use silver clay and the different stages. The session is creative and fun"

18 Oct 14'

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

"Had a great time at my first workshop. Caroline gave us all the skills, time and encouragement to produce a mosaic of our own design. I shall be back!"

18 Oct 14'

Martin reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"As I sit in the kitchen admiring my freshly turned dibber I can't help but reflect on one of the most enjoyable days I have had in some time. Simon is a fantastic and patient teacher who is clearly passionate about his subject. This enthusiasm is so infectious, and the task so absorbing that, for several hours at least, the troubles of the outside world seem to be banished from this magical place. The kettle is always simmering over the campfire allowing refreshment when required, or a pause to reflect on the task ahead. I couldn't recommend this course highly enough, don't equivocate just book now!"

18 Oct 14'

elva reviewed: Furniture Painting/Upcycling Workshop

"Excellent time and learnt a new skill from it not to mention was good to do something different."

17 Oct 14'

Marianne Young reviewed: Stitch Retreat Weekend with Anne Kelly, "Birds" workshop at Wyboston Lakes, Bedfordshire

"A fantastic experience. Venue was easy to access, hotel rooms and food couldn't be faulted, Staff all friendly and approachable, set round a beautiful courtyard garden. Nichola very welcoming and friendly, expert tuition from an excellent tutor - Anne Kelly. Conference rooms were spacious and ideal for workshop. The weekend started at 4pm on Friday, we learnt,planned,stitched,and reached our goals by 4pm on Sunday. Quite how we managed to fit in so much work in between Breakfast, morning coffee, Lunch,afternoon tea-break, and dinner was amazing. I could have stayed for a week! Thank you Nichola, what a fab Stitch Retreat."

16 Oct 14'

Sue reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"I gave this course to my husband as a birthday present who has been talking about wanting to work with wood for a very long time. I joined him for the day and am so glad I did. I knew nothing about wood turning when we arrived but this did not seem to matter and Simon was full of encouragement and a great teacher. Such a peaceful spot in the woods with endless cups of tea from the old camp kettle made the day fly by and we couldn't believe the time when we were leaving with our very own dibbers. Addictive? Well we currently have a pole lathe under construction in the garden!"

15 Oct 14'

Michèle Ayres - van de Geest reviewed: Stitch Retreat Weekend with Anne Kelly, "Birds" workshop at Wyboston Lakes, Bedfordshire

"We had a fantastic weekend. The facilities were brilliant, the staff at Wyboston Lakes could not have been more helpful or friendly and the rooms were large and very comfortable indeed. The food was also delicious. Anne was a lovely tutor, she was very professional but friendly and lovely and kept us motivated and working hard - pushing us just enough to get loads done but also still able to really enjoy the process. I was surprised at how much we achieved over the weekend. I would thoroughly recommend Stitch Retreats to everyone - very thoughtfully organised and a complete treat! Thank you Nichola"

14 Oct 14'

Gillian Robertson reviewed: A rustic chair making weekend

"Since attending my first green wood course in April I have returned 3 times. I am hooked! My knowledge has increased as has my skill base under the tuition of Gail, Eoin & Dave. I have been impressed by the encouragement received &, as a result, now have my own shave horse & a wee workshop. None of this would have come to fruition without the patience of the Big Tree 'guys'. This, coupled with their unique brand of humour creates a perfect working/ learning environment."

14 Oct 14'

Elaine Henderson at Scapa Studios, Orkney reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"First met Ed when he tutored us on the BA Ceramic Design course at Glasgow School of Art in 2008 when he introduced us to the joys of precision drawing, technical design and plaster moulds. Went down to the Craft Barn with three other GSA graduates earlier this year for a refresh in plaster designing and moulding. Can't imagine a more knowledgeable or helpful tutor, will bend over backwards to adapt to whatever you need to know, has the patience of a saint, ( we were a very demanding bunch!) and has a good humoured, relaxed but focused style. Combined with the lovely residential facilities, you won't find a better course in this field."

14 Oct 14'

David Stocks reviewed: Introduction to green wood craft - a two day course

"This course was absolutely superb. I cannot think of a single criticism and now have my stool in pride of place in my living room. David who ran the course was extremely knowledgeable and helpful and all the volunteers throughout the weekend were incredibly friendly and pleasant. The venue itself was lovely the perfect setting for doing outdoor woodwork. It would be nice to see additional woodland courses being offered at this centre such as felling and woodland maintenance as well as more types of greenwood working course. It these courses were on offer I would attend in a heart beat. I am already planning to book on another course as soon as time allows. If you are thinking about booking this course stop thinking and start booking."

13 Oct 14'

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

"I tried enamelling on silver clay as it combines two of my favourite things. The course was all I hoped for and more! I picked up useful techniques and came away with a little clutch of lovely items I will enjoy using. My earrings are divine, silver with a subtle hint of purply colour. Will definitely book another course at some point!"