Latest reviews

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!"

13 Oct 14'

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

"I had a fantastically enjoyable day from start to finish learning to spin with Dunja. She's a thorough teacher who takes time to explain, demonstrate and then observe her pupil to make sure they have taken the information on board while remaining calm and encouraging throughout. I felt that we covered a large amount of information and techniques in just one day and in a very logical order that made me feel I understood the process. I feel equipped with the knowledge that I need to go ahead and get practicing on my own. Both Dunja and Brian are very welcoming and I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking for instruction in spinning."

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."