Latest reviews

23 Feb 15'

Annette Smyth reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"I recently attended Sophie's course and would highly recommend it to everyone. Sophie and her Mum are the most welcoming people I have met. Although a little daunted at first, Sophie guided us all from loose bits of wool through to finished individual dogs. Sophie is an excellent teacher with an amazing amount of patience. She explains everything thoroughly and is always on hand in case you need a little extra guidance. The lunch was amazing ...thank you and I would love to attend another workshop soon Thanks for everything"

23 Feb 15'

Ruth and Keira reviewed: Alex Allpress Pottery School: Learn to throw on the potter's wheel in Mid Wales

"My daughter and I had a wonderful day at the studio learning to make different types of pots and bowls. Although we were complete beginners we were able to make some lovely pieces by the end of the day due to Alex's fantastic teaching. The highlight was definitely using the potter's wheels and although we got messy it was so much fun! Alex and Blue couldn't have been better hosts, lunch was fantastic and I would recommend it to anyone who fancies having a go at pottery."

23 Feb 15'

Adele simpson reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"I attended one of Sophie's learn to needle felt a dog courses with my mum and sister (great gift idea!) Id tried it a few times at home and my mum and sister were complete beginners but like to sew - we all came away with 3 very unique little dogs to an amazing standard considering our abilities!! A testament to sophies teaching... One of the things we loved was the freedom to create your own dog rather than being forced to make something you weren't onterested in. This makes you learn faster and care more- especially if you use a picture of your own dog. Sophie goes above and beyond to her students from the pre course emails, her greeting, homemade food and drinks, the day itself then after the course she continues to be super helpful providing useful information about wool and suppliers. The whole day on Saturday was fantastic! I can't fault it and would highly recommend that anyone should attend. So if your unsure... Trust me and go! Sophie is a natural teacher, very open and not at all intimidating or hard selling her own commissions. I've learnt so much and think I've found myself a new exciting hobby. (I'm not usually crafty Thank you Sophie."

23 Feb 15'

Catherine reviewed: Moulded leather rucksack

"A brilliant course. We used techniques which we'd learned on other courses, the bag making course in my case, and over three days created a beautiful moulded leather backpack. Gaynor and Enya were very good tutors, and Elizabeth was very helpful. It was great fun as well, with a terrific group of people."

23 Feb 15'

Ross reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"This is an excellent course which packs plenty of knowledge into what feels like a very relaxed and laid back weekend. The notes that are provided cover all things you may forget to write down and Martin has an array of tools to try. I would recommend this this course strongly to anyone looking to pick up a new hobby ."

23 Feb 15'

Bonnie Blake reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"My mum and I attended one of Sophie's courses one Saturday and all though i was nervous about going to start with as soon as you see the location and meet Sophie you instantly feel at ease. Sophie and her mother are easily two of the nicest people you could wish to meet and kept us all fed and watered with homemade hearty food and cups of coffee and tea while we felted and had a good laugh with the whole group, it really does feel like a day out with a group of friends. As well as this you gain the knowledge of the different wools and the skills in how to make these little dogs and before you know it your taking home a whole new hobby. I wouldn't hesitate for a second in recommending Sophie's courses and can not wait to do more myself!"

23 Feb 15'

Sam Bryant reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"If you have even a minor interest in blacksmithing, its place in history or just working with your hands, you will thoroughly enjoy Mort's teaching and company. He’s a very knowledgeable and patient teacher and runs a relaxed but hugely educational and rewarding lesson. I had a rough idea of making a wine display that we worked on together, and had the immense satisfaction of coming away with something I’d made from scratch and will always treasure! Thanks Mort, see you in a festival field sometime!"

23 Feb 15'

Roger Loxton reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"A brilliant course with dedicated tuition from a gifted, caring artist. I was one of five on a one day course, and between the five of us we kept Steve very busy all day. Although busy, Steve had time to answer every query, however complicated or trivial, and not once was I (or any of the other participants) made to feel that our query was anything other than important to him. At the end of the day we all finished with some special pieces of glass art, and I for one will treasure mine and give them pride of place. I have now been inspired to continue with glass enamelling at home in addition to my usual stained glass panel hobby."

23 Feb 15'

Bethan Maycock reviewed: Pembrokeshire Maddie Janes Mosaic

"Great day spent with Maddie on the mosaic day course. Relaxed, inspiring surroundings with a wonderful log burner to keep you cosy on a chilly February day! Loads of practical tips, help and advice for a beginner like myself, with tools and tiles available to buy if you get hooked (like me!) and want to have a go at home. Thoroughly recommended. Thanks again Maddie x"

23 Feb 15'

Kate Charman reviewed: Felt Making Workshops - Stratford upon Avon

"Fantastic workshop, even for beginners with no experience. Lesley's own work is inspiring and she is a patient teacher. We had a wonderful afternoon."

23 Feb 15'

Karen Blake reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"My daughter and I attended one of Sophie's needle felting courses one Saturday and we had an absolutely wonderful day. Having had no experience of needle felting before, we came away feeling confident that we could give it a go as a hobby. The small dogs we made have price of place on display in our home! Sophie is an amazing teacher, as well as being one of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet, my daughter and I absolutely adored her. Sophie and her lovely mother kept us fed and watered throughout the day with home made goodies, the training room was the perfect setting and we met some truly lovely people. Sophie also gives very good advice on materials and her knowledge of the different types of wool was very useful. I would have no hesitation in recommending Sophie's courses to anyone wishing to have a go at this brilliant craft."

23 Feb 15'

Hilary Scoppie reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"I went along to Sophie's dog-making workshop with no knowledge of needle felting whatsoever, and by the end of the day had created my own little collie-cross in miniature! This craft was an astonishing revelation - to be able to construct such a tiny, intricate model simply by rolling strands of natural wool into balls and stabbing them with needles! And yet, the painstaking care with which Sophie explained, demonstrated and helped us all individually, transformed this basic task into the most inspiring day I have had in years. She is an excellent teacher, patient and methodical, with enormous enthusiaism for her craft. All her materials are ethically sourced, and she provides detailed information about the sheep breeds and shades of wool. We were served the most delicious home made soup for our lunch, followed by an equally scrumptious fruit 'crumble made by Sophie's mother, with drinks and biscuits freely available throughout the day. All the arrangements and facilities were excellent, we were warmly welcomed on arrival and reluctant to leave at the end! I encourage anyone who has never considered this fascinating craft to spend a day with Sophie - your life will be transformed for ever!"

22 Feb 15'

Sue Oldfield reviewed: Felt Making Workshops - Stratford upon Avon

"Just spent a lovely Saturday afternoon in Lesley's aladdin's cave of felting! Inspired by her stylish creations, we were all delighted with our own efforts. This was a small family group and we really enjoyed being taught by Lesley - she has a gift for teaching, using encouragement and praise, showing endless patience and generosity. Excellent value!"

22 Feb 15'

Helen Hyde reviewed: Introduction to silver jewellery making workshop with Diane Lee

"I took myself and my 17 year old daughter to one of Diane's silversmithing courses. It was a fun packed day with a lot of techniques explained and demonstrated very clearly. We came away very pleased with ourselves with a couple of rings each."

21 Feb 15'

Brian Cole reviewed: Blacksmithing courses

"What a great day we had, Lucille helped us take huge steps forward on our first day. The two to one ratio is perfect. We achieved our personal goals and now I have a huge ornamental spider to enhance my garden. Will certainly be back for more!"

21 Feb 15'

Laura Benton reviewed: Feltmaking - OOH the choices!

"I had a one to one lesson with Barbara so I had her full attention. I have limited use of one hand, but I am capable and with a little help with laying out the fibres from Barbara for an hour in the morning, I completed a beautiful delicate floral unique scarf or I may use it as a wall- hanging. Barbara is very patient, explains the processes in simple stages and a great teacher. She has many years experience and her rug which she made in Turkey is beautiful. Highly recommended."

20 Feb 15'

Fiona Lowe reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"A great workshop! It was with some trepidation that I began the day.Me,shoemaking?Something I had wanted to do for so long and now there I was surrounded by gorgeous shoes and leather in myriad colours. The whole day sped by so fast what with the excellent tuition,friendly fellow students,lovely charity lunch at a nearby pottery and most of all a pair of purple and avocado ankle boots which I made myself. For anyone who loves shoes so much that they want to make a pair to call their own- this one day workshop is a must."

20 Feb 15'

Karen Walker reviewed: Autentico Basic Chalk Paint Workshop - Hailsham, East Sussex

"Loved the course, very relaxed atmosphere. Pete was very patient and very informative. I now know what to use and in what order, still learning as I go. I am now totally addicted and painting everything that does not move!!! If you ever wondered what chalk paint is about, go to the course Pete runs, you will not regret it."

20 Feb 15'

Kim Ryan reviewed: Stained Glass Taster Day with Christian Ryan

"I had a wonderful time on this Stained Glass Taster Day. Christian was very organised, professional and patient. It was great to have the opportunity to learn and practice the difference processes involved in producing our panels, and Christian's support and encouragement was very much appreciated along the way. I would recommend this course to anyone, regardless of their abilities - no previous experience necessary :) I went away having produced a piece of work that I was really proud of and which has received many compliments...all down to Christian's great teaching."

20 Feb 15'

Helen Smith reviewed: Amazing encaustic art day course

"I chose this course as it has a five star rating by other folk who have been on Phil's course and I was not disappointed. I went with my 13 year old daughter for a fun, creative day out and we had a fantastic time. Everything the blurb says is true! It is quick, easy and the results are amazing. Phil is so patient and the beauty of just being the 2 of us is that you can go at your own speed. We travelled down from Lincolnshire and the course was worth every penny. I would highly recommend Phil to anyone. His years of experience in both the encaustic wax and teaching really show and made it a brilliant day. Thanks Phil."

20 Feb 15'

Christopher Graham reviewed: Blacksmithing courses

"I attended the course with lucille, I had a great time and enjoyed every minute of the experience. Lucille is very skilled, patient (which was great as I was sooo slow) and a pleasure to work with. I enjoyed the blacksmithing experience so much that I am planning to go back and do it again."

19 Feb 15'

Annettewalklet reviewed: Felt Making Workshops - Stratford upon Avon

"Myself and two friends attended Lesley's beginners course yesterday. We were very impressed with her patience and guidance she gave us and generosity of materials which is included in the price. Amazing to see the fibres transform into a beautiful flower. We would recommend this course, go on give it a go."

19 Feb 15'

Sally Brace reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Spent a lovely day learning how to spin and lots more besides, Elaine is a great teacher, full of encouragement, which was especially nice for a complete novice like me! I would definitely recommend her courses, very friendly, informative and interesting."

19 Feb 15'

Maurice Richards reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"As a beginner I needed to learn as much as I could about wood turning before I went into unnecessary expense, I looked around for evening classes and found Warwick College was doing evenings. Mark Hancock was teaching there, because I have retired and looking for a hobby in woodturning, I decided to speak to Mark regarding the course. After our chat I felt reassured it was the right course and Mark was the ideal tutor, as he made me feel comfortable with 25yrs professional experience behind him. When I arrived at the College with five other new beginners, he made us all very welcome, and easy to get along with we soon got into our work, explaining health and safety and the type of work we was going to do. We all liked his approach and he taught us well, some made a bowl and others made table lamps. I have been to some of his demonstrations which he does around the country and abroad showing his professional and impressive skills. He has a work shop at Pershore where he also does courses on a one to one or more, I have visited him for advice which I appreciate very much, and if I needed to advance on my work I would not hesitate to do a course at his work shop, knowing I would come away a better turner. MOSS Stratford upon Avon"

18 Feb 15'

Antony Johansen reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"A startlingly enjoyable day - starting with no experience and being coached through first principles to an understanding of the medium and a sufficient sense of adventure to attempt that piece of artistry I've been pondering for years - which now hangs on our sitting room wall. Really welcoming and supportive, and a lot of fun had by all of us. I couldn't recommend this too highly."