Latest reviews

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."

28 Oct 14'

Karen Burnett reviewed: Leather Mask Making

"I had a great day and learned new skills. I hope to be back next year to try a different course."

28 Oct 14'

Beryl Freedman reviewed: Hand-stitched leather tote, satchel or messenger bag course

"What an excellent weekend. Everything was perfect - great bunch of people. I would definitely do one again."

28 Oct 14'

Rachel Burch reviewed: Advanced throwing masterclass with David Frith

"I really loved this course. I have been throwing for 3 years and felt it was at the right level for me and really moved me on. Initially I was daunted by the amount of clay we threw with (around 2-3 kgs) but I made huge progress and am delighted with what I am now able to do. David was a great teacher, really I would have liked one more day. Potclays were great, next time have a pile of batts available for us to buy at home time please! Two sinks with only cold water was not enough for 10 of us, it would be good if you could improve on this. I bought lots of the clay we used on the course, it would be great if there were opportunities to try out some of your other clays too. Many thanks."

28 Oct 14'

Ken Bromage reviewed: Green Wood Creative Seating - 6 Day Course in South Devon

"This was my first venture in green wood (definitely not my last) and it was a great experience, Peter is an exceptional tutor and I cannot recommend this course highly enough, the location is also stunning. This is a hands on practical course and you come away with the fruits if your labour. Word of caution you cannot 'pop' to the shops so don't forget lunch!"

28 Oct 14'

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

"I enjoyed this course so much! We were patiently guided through the skills needed to make our bags, from the cutting and hammering (noisy but fun!) to the hand-stitching and burnishing, with good humour from everyone involved. I'm now telling anyone who will listen about my new bag and the fun I had making it. Thanks to Gaynor, Enya and Elizabeth!"

27 Oct 14'

Jennifer Beaton reviewed: Hand-stitched leather tote, satchel or messenger bag course

"I thoroughly enjoyed the course. The instructions were excellent and at the right level. The materials were of a fabulous quality. I really cannot say any more I was so thrilled with the course, I cannot stop talking about it and it has given me the impetus to continue with leather hand sewing. Enya and Elizabeth were a delight to meet and so healpful."

27 Oct 14'

Jennifer Sweeting reviewed: One day blacksmithing course

"We spent Saturday with Julian making a poker, toasting fork and fire brush between the two of us. We really enjoyed the day, it was extremely hands on, and the pieces we made are very professional looking and look great by the side of our fire. I'd definitely recommend this course and may go back for another session, when my "bashing" arm has recovered!"

27 Oct 14'

Julia Horton-Powdrill reviewed: Online textile surface pattern design workshop

"Deb's use of colour is inspiring. She is a great teacher with masses of original ideas."

26 Oct 14'

Graham & Judy Massey reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"We have just had our third two day session with Sharron. What an excellent tutor - and SO enthusiastic. looking forward to being able to join her again at some point in the future. whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced carver, Sharron will have lots of help and advice to share."

26 Oct 14'

Fiona reviewed: Nuno Felting & Up-cycled Waste-Coat

"I have been on both basic felting and 3D felting course and thoroughly enjoyed them. I even came away with a beret that looked like a beret! Sarah is extremely patient and very knowledgeable . Had a brilliant time! Thank you."

26 Oct 14'

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

"I spent 3 days with Rowena, learning to throw a pot for the first time, learning how to mould wares, mould and fix handles and experimenting with new kinds of decoration, especially working with slip. Rowena was an excellent teacher, gradually building my confidence, and tailoring the pace and content very well to my interests and skills. Great to be in Lewes too as the town itself and the surrounding scenery are pleasant to explore and an inspiration for decoration. Thank you!"