Latest reviews

13 Oct 14'

Sally reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"Thanks Julie for the great class (& cake). I learnt a lot and have a lovely basket to use. Thank you for being so patient."

12 Oct 14'

Tom Jenkinson reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"The one day course was well tutored, very informative and highly enjoyable. I can recommend this course to anyone."

12 Oct 14'

Vivien Barton reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I had the most brilliant time learning to make moulds from the clay wall plaques I had made. I was shown how to prepare the figures , before the process , and with Ed's expertise and support I made my moulds. I have never had the opportunity before to be able to learn to make moulds , and to have one to one tuition, with Ed made it possible. Ed is patience itself, and along with his fun and enthusiastic attitude, nothing seems impossible. If anyone is thinking about having a go at mould making , either on their own or with a few friends, have some fun in lovely surroundings I as a beginner, can recommend it . I cant wait to try my moulds out Ed! Thank you."

12 Oct 14'

Kate Wolstencroft reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"Fabulous day spent learning mosaic. Caroline teaches the skills you need confidently & really makes you feel you can do it. Everyone achieves in a friendly, sociable atmosphere. Wish I was doing some more today & definitely going to keep trying out my new skills! Well worth the money & great 'me' time."

11 Oct 14'

Kath Maltby reviewed: Beginners Willow Weaving Course

"What a wonderful day today at Wilsons Willow. I made (or tried to make) a wreath and a Heart, Well I am super pleased with the result,all thanks to Ian. So well presented and such fun, your patience Ian was amazing. I teamed up with Jayne who made a wonderful partner, (so thanks Jayne for saying all the right thinks to encourage me). Looking forward to next lesson. Who knows I may manage an Angel next time. Thanks Alice for introducing me to the wonderful world of Willow Weaving."

11 Oct 14'

kirsty reviewed: 121 - An Introduction to Cold Process Soap Making

"WHAT A DAY!!! With it being my friends 30th she booked us on soap making with Sam and her partner. I was made to feel at home and the smell as you walked in was amazing. It was a party of 6 and I absolutely loved it. I had a ball and a good giggle. As I had fly home the next day Sam posted my batch of soap which I received very quickly by surprise. Thanks so much for a wonderful day xx"

10 Oct 14'

Jinny Wessel reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Bill is a brilliant teacher. I have had three one-to-one lessons with him and not a second is wasted. In that time Bill taught me every detail from pattern making right through to producing a professional looking product. Bill's depth of experience and knowledge gained from a lifetime in the trade is obvious and he imparts this with openess and generosity. I'm longing to have some more lessons!"

9 Oct 14'

Eli Colin Payne reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I initially booked myself on a one day course at the craft barn, but we ended up needing two days for my first animal wall sculpture. Sid the stag has proven to be very popular with galleries and I love the finished product every time...this is all down to Ed at the craft barn. Ed was extremely patient and has helped me through every stage of the process. I walked away with plenty of pictures and have managed to make a mould of my new bulls head on my own...its nowhere near Ed's high standards, but a huge thank you for teaching and guiding me Ed...your experience has proven invaluable to my projects."

9 Oct 14'

Zoe Baggott reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"My experience at the craft barn was very beneficial as I wanted one of my products that I designed to become reality and this was made possible. I booked into a 2 day course where we created a mould for the basis of my prototype. Working with Ed was really good fun, his vast experience within the industry showed through the execution of the mould through the different stages. This was excellent for me as I was able to be a part of the whole process and learn as well as bringing my product to life. I fully recommend this course to anyone who is interested in making pottery themselves or like I did making a prototype at an affordable cost. I will be using Ed's services again for future product development."

8 Oct 14'

Peter Constantine reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"I thoroughly enjoyed the two day course at The Old Kennels. However, it did appear that time was a little short putting pressure on at the end."

8 Oct 14'

Simone reviewed: Mindful Mosaic workshops with Dionne Ible - Bedfordshire

"Dionne's workshop is amazing - really fun day and I learned loads. Great setting in Dionne's lovely home - gives it a personal touch. Dionne works really closely with each person so you can develop your own creation with as much help as you need. Designs and all materials are provided so you can pick something from a book or you can bring your own work like I did and she will help you bring it to life. You come away having learned the basis of a new skill. Also, if you don't finish, Dionne gives you extra tiles and grout to work on at home. Highly recommend this course!"

8 Oct 14'

Roger Adams reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"From a complete novice's viewpoint our course was just the ticket. Being faced with some unusual tools, an extremely sharp knife and a collection of sticks we then proceeded to be led through each stage and element of basket construction. Where needed, individual support was given for the trickier moments and at the end of a most enjoyable day we came away with not only a good understanding of basket making techniques but also very presentable baskets that I'm sure will be prized by each of the makers. Thanks for a wonderful day Julie."

7 Oct 14'

Adam reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"A brilliant time spent with Bill. I wanted to learn more about leatherworking in order to make small items for charity. I couldn't have had a better teacher! 4 days were spent with Bill, a patient & understanding instructor, who had designed a course to cover my needs. Starting with the basics, we progressed until by the end of the course I had made several items, covered stiching, staining & dying and pattern making. Including the design & pattern for a special item for myself to cutout & finish at a later date. I would heartily encourage ANYONE thinking of taking up leatherwork, or wishing to improve their skills, to contact Bill. You will not be disappointed."

7 Oct 14'

Fused Glass Taster Course reviewed: Full day fused glass course with breakfast, lunch and all materials included

"I have been on several day courses - eg. cookery, mosaics, quilting, but this was THE BEST. A warm welcome from Sharon and Kim and a delicious breakfast with fresh coffee was followed by a brief session on how to cut glass then myself and my fellow pupil were left to start creating! Sharon and Kim guided us through the morning offering friendly, helpful advice and we then had a break for a supurb lunch with a glass of wine. Then on to the afternoon session where we continued with our masterpieces, being encouraged to fill every space available on our allocated trays for the kiln by making small pendants and cufflinks. I cannot recommend this course enough - do go!!! Angie - October 2014"

7 Oct 14'

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

"A lovely friendly atmosphere, mood set and fostered by Anne and Nichola. It was fun making little stencils, almost cartoon pictures of birds, and assembling them to build up the collage. A good venue, good facilities in rooms and large social spaces, very good food, lots of choice."

7 Oct 14'

Trisha Downe reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"Peter was an excellent tutor, very sympathetic with those that had no knowledge at all yet able to instruct those who had some knowledge as well. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the course and came away inspired with our lovely interlocking tables. Well worth the money!"

6 Oct 14'

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

"Arriving at the little farm out in the Black Mountains with its amazing views was a delight. Dunja has the course set up very efficiently . You begin with the fleece and follow the stages through the day as you learn how they work. From washing the fleece to preparing it for spinning. As a complete beginner I was amazed how the teaching helped me quickly pick it up. There is a lot to learn in one day but I came home with a small skein of wool I had spun myself. I took notes and lots of photos which has helped me to have a go on a borrowed spinning wheel. Now I need to practice a lot. I know if I get stuck Dunja is only too pleased to help answer my questions."

6 Oct 14'

Helen Knight reviewed: Pembrokeshire Maddie Janes Mosaic

"I spent a lovely relaxing afternoon at Maddie' studio on Saturday together with four friends - None of us had tried mosaics before, but with Maddie's guidance & her wonderful range of tiles, beads & sparkly things, we were all able to make a unique piece of artwork to be proud of. It was great value, good fun & I would definitely recommend it to others! Many thanks Maddie & Penny"

5 Oct 14'

Sarah Bell reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"My 10 year old son and I have just completed a 3 day course and what an amazing time we've had. Neither of us have ever done anything like this before and will definitely be doing it again. From the minute we walked through the door Sharon made us feel so welcome and relaxed, we had lots of one-to-one attention and step-by-step instructions, she was so eager to help, encouraging, complimentary, professional and very funny! In a nut shell we are both hooked on carving and have already booked on Sharon's next course. Thank you sooooooo much."

5 Oct 14'

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

"I really enjoyed the course, Peter is a great teacher and makes sure that you learn the "proper way" of making a stool or table. All tools and wood was provided to make the course as easy for new learners as possible and Peter was ably assisted by his keen helper. I hope to do another course when possible."

5 Oct 14'

Sophie Goard reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - London

"Thoroughly enjoyed this class for the second time - Elspeth is an excellent tutor with oodles of patience and lots of creative and sensible suggestions. Fab location, excellent pace and length of class, all equipment provided and something tangible to show for it and confidence to complete the projects not quite finished in the time. Would heartily recommend - next stop rag rug Christmas wreaths!"

4 Oct 14'

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

"Very relaxed and friendly. Toni was helpful and gave clear instructions, we had a great day and it is a really good way to get a introduction to enamelling. Try it! Toni is a inspiring teacher and very easy to talk to."

4 Oct 14'

Jeremy Briggs reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"This was one of the best two days woodworking I have had for quite some time. We were blessed with good weather that allowed outdoor working, which together with the other people on the course, Peter's calm instructions and a great location combined to make it a fantastic course. I have since bought myself some tools and have started to build my own shave horse. Hopefully I should be able to get some freshly felled Ash soon, and then I can make a stool without Peters guidance. Scary stuff, but I am sure all he taught me will be remembered. I would thoroughly recommend this course to others."

4 Oct 14'

Anna Whitfield reviewed: Hand-stitched leather tote, satchel or messenger bag course

"I had such a great weekend doing the course. Who knew so much went into making a leather bag! Quite an eye opener . Beautiful leather, good instruction (thanks Gaynor and Enya), I've come away with a bag for life that I made!!! What could be better than that? If you enjoy learning new skills and have a free weekend I would recommend that you gave this course a go, you won't be disappointed."

3 Oct 14'

Margaret Shaw reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"I have just completed a two day course with Peter at the Old Kennels and love the small table that I made. If I can do it anyone can and it was all excellent. The small group size means you get all the help you need and Peter makes sure that the finished product is the best it can be while still being your personal design."