Latest reviews

13 Aug 14'

Graham & Jen reviewed: Greenwood stool making courses at Greenwood Days

"Jen and I absolutely adored our course, Peter is a great host and more importantly, a great tutor. He leads by example and is always on hand to lend a hand. He has a tool for everything and knows a way to fix everything. The woodland setting is simply stunning and with homemade bread and soup for lunch, we wanted for nothing with ample tea and coffee regularly supplied. The location on the Leicestershire/Derbyshire border is a beautiful part of the country, with great village pubs for the evening. My wonderful armchair sits proudly in the kitchen and reminds me of one of the greatest weeks of my life. The best bit was when my daughter asked to inherit it, although I hope to spend many years sitting in it first!"

12 Aug 14'

Hannah Robinson reviewed: Pembrokeshire Maddie Janes Mosaic

"I attended a two hour 'creative' session with my 8 year old son and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Maddie and her colleague were on hand for advice and help as and when we needed it, whilst we were able to work independently on our own mini projects. The studio is a really nice spacious room, well equipped, and in a lovely setting, which all adds to the positive experience. I will definitely recommend Maddie's workshops to my friends and hope to go back again to create another piece."

12 Aug 14'

Adrian Jackson reviewed: Greenwood stool making courses at Greenwood Days

"I have been of several courses with Peter at his place in the woods, staying on the excellent camp site adjacent. Peter is a superb teacher and mentor ensuring that you become competent and skilled at pole lathe turning, using chisels, spokes haves, draw knives and other traditional tools. At the end of any course you take away a chair or stool to be proud of and something that will become a family heirloom. As well as having fun learning new skills you will eat delicious home made food, and new tire of enjoying fresh brewed tea or coffee."

12 Aug 14'

Maisie Parkes reviewed: Basic throwing with Jon French

"The course was absolutely perfect for beginners. Duncan was friendly, clear with his explanations/demonstrations and didn't put pressure on you to feel as though you had to stand and watch every demonstration. There was plenty of hands on time so you could be on the wheel practising as much as you liked and Duncan was available at all times for one to one help. There was no shortage of clay and there was a 'recycling bin' so you could practise without worrying about wasting any materials. I think there could have been an opportunity for us to fire and decorate our pots given the cost of the course. I loved throwing the pots and working with the clay but I now have 5 pots at home that I can't really do anything with."

11 Aug 14'

Gwyneth reviewed: Residential Gyotaku Japanese NATURE printing in Pembrokeshire Wales

"Wanted to try this technique after teafing a magazine article. Deb's enthusiasm for the subject really shone through and the course was fun and interesting producing some very pleasing prints. Definitely worth having a go."

11 Aug 14'

Lesley Hough reviewed: Basic throwing with Jon French

"I found the course really useful and excellent value for money. The staff were all very helpful as usual. The chance to go around the factory was very interesting and a real bonus to see how the clay is mixed. I would recommend the course to anyone wishing to learn how to throw. Duncan was brilliant, very clear, he worked at just the right pace and his enthusiasm for ceramics and education was infectious! It would be difficult to improve the course other than having a few more sinks and water available for drinking during the course, perhaps a water dispenser?"

10 Aug 14'

Ben reviewed: Traditional English Longbow making outdoor course - a 2-day 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"I had a great time on the course, coming away with my own 1-piece ash longbow and the skills to do the same thing again. Thanks to Tony's informal and friendly approach we all came away with a lot of transferable knowledge on green woodwork, and thanks to his infectious work ethic we managed to cover everything from hewing a stave to properly preparing the bowstring and shooting off the first arrows from our new bows. Greystoke is a lovely little village and a warm welcome awaits for all at the cycle cafe."

9 Aug 14'

Lisa Collins reviewed: Felt Making Workshops - Stratford upon Avon

"My friend and I had a lovely few hours at one of Lesley's beginners workshops and came away with two pieces of felt we were really chuffed with. Lesley, herself, is incredibly kind and patient, explains processes clearly and makes fabulous cake! We're heading back for a more advanced class within the next couple of weeks - yay!!"

9 Aug 14'

E Silcocks reviewed: Learn to Weave on Rigid Heddle Loom, Pin Loom, Tapestry Loom or Table Loom at Weft Blown

"This was the first course that I did with Ange Sewell, and it was fantastic. Ange is a natural teacher, and the atmosphere was totally relaxed. Experimentation was the order of the day, within a framework of clear information, good demonstrations, and a very useful handout. Great fun was had, and there is an *enormous* stash of materials with which to work. Suffice to say, I became a weaving addict, that day!"

9 Aug 14'

Brenda Chambers reviewed: Felt Making Workshops - Stratford upon Avon

"Just had such a great morning with my friend at Lesley's felt making workshop. Nether of us knew much about it but had been inspired by what we saw at the Fibre East show. Lesley is very experienced and talented but was very gentle with us beginners! We made two pieces with which we were pleased. The atmosphere was very relaxed and we enjoyed tea and homemade cake. I think we will soon be back for the next steps!"

8 Aug 14'

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

"Caroline is an inspiring tutor in her inspiring studio. She gives her 'all' so that you can achieve yours! A thoroughly delightful day."

6 Aug 14'

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

"I achieved more than I ever thought possible on this wonderful one day course. Caroline is an absolute delight, having such a natural ability to bring out your (in my case, latent) artistic flair. Her own work is profoundly inspiring in terms of the subject matter and skills execution. I feel totally inspired to develop my skills further. What a magical day we had!!!"

6 Aug 14'

Ewan Ryan reviewed: Advanced Timber Framing Course

"I did the two week course with Alan in July. I learnt lots, laughed loads and put on half a stone with Mary's superb cooking. If I can afford it I'll be back next year for a refresher. All the others on the course were great too which made it an experience I'll not forget."

5 Aug 14'

Neil Colquhoun reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I attended the one day course about a week ago and have to echo my fellow attendees comments.it was absolutely brilliant. Adrian's a patient and helpful instructor,giving us a hands on demonstration of all that we would try to make,then encouraging us to have a go and assisting where needed.I would encourage anyone to attend the course as it is fun and the pride you feel when you have accomplished the three pieces of work that are part of this one day "taster" course is immense. The food that Debbie prepared for us was superb,home made cakes,biscuits and a lovely lunch.I can't wait to hear about some other courses."

5 Aug 14'

Amanda Allen reviewed: Glass Fusing and Slumping for Beginners and Improvers

"I have been going to these classes for nearly 18 months. I have never considered that I was creative but I have managed to produce some extremely imaginative pieces loved by many friends and family, in fact some say 'you never made that!' If you would like to try something different, go and give it a go, you may surprise yourself. Oh, and the food is WONDERFUL Thank you ladies xx"

5 Aug 14'

Helen Davidson reviewed: Ceramic moon gazing hares

"Fantastic way to spend a few hours relaxing and creating something you never imagined you would ever be able to make. Linda's relaxed and expert step by step instructions take you through your new creation until you are gob smacked and delighted at the end result :-) The work shops are addictive, very affordable, and yummy as Linda provides delicious home baked cake :-) There are a variety of different workshops which I am happily working my way through. Give it a go :-)"

5 Aug 14'

Caroline Bray reviewed: 1 day traditional silver jewellery making course for beginners

"We had an excellent introductory day with a very patient tutor and well organised workshop in a beautiful setting. Can't wait to go back and learn more, and very pleased with our lovely rings ."

5 Aug 14'

Dean Ryan reviewed: Advanced Timber Framing Course

"Fantastic experience. I did two weeks with Alan and enjoyed every minute. Alan's teaching style is superb. He makes everyone feel capable and at ease, he manages to divide his time so everyone feels that they are getting personal attention when they need it. The location is beautiful and the food was the best I have ever had, all home cooked and in huge quantities. Thanks Mary! The other people on the course were a pleasure to spend time learning with. I would highly recommend this course to anyone with an interest in wood or in how to teach others regardless of subject."

5 Aug 14'

Jacqueline Monroe reviewed: Mindful Mosaic workshops with Dionne Ible - Bedfordshire

"Dionne is a friendly and professional tutor. I had the pleasure of a days course with my two daughters who are 12 and 17. Dionne gave us great overview of mosaic techniques and was helpful and encouraging. We completed our pieces at home and were delighted with them! Dionne provides a warm and friendly atmosphere in which to ask questions and get tips on technique and how to approach problems with positive instructions. She was great with the younger children and has an easy to get along with manner. It was a lovely day, wonderfully relaxing! And great cake too!!!"

4 Aug 14'

Heather reviewed: Ceramic moon gazing hares

"What a wonderful way to spend a day making amazing models that I had never dreamt I could achieve. Linda's expert advice and guidance along with her homemade scones, tea & banter make this a great day for anyone from absolute beginners to those who have done some clay work before & want to develop their own creative talents. Very much recommended!"

4 Aug 14'

Giovanna H reviewed: Glass Fusing and Slumping for Beginners and Improvers

"Tried a 'taster' at my usual pottery class & was hooked,,,,, Can't draw? No problem Not artistic? Prepare to be amazed! 2 brilliant ladies with loads of patience & resources will teach you various techniques before letting you make pieces that you didn't think you could,,,,,honestly! Great day, good company & lovely food, well worth it"

4 Aug 14'

carla reviewed: Ceramic moon gazing hares

"Fantantastic courses, you get to learn step by step how to create something while being encouraged to put your own creative touch to it to make it your own special made item. Well worth it. Really enjoyable and friendly environment and enjoyed every minute of it. Just clear a shelf space ready to display all the things you will want to go back and make on the other courses"

4 Aug 14'

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

"I had such a brilliant day and came away quite amazed at feeling that I could actually achieve the spinning and also very inspired to practice practice practice so that I could do some of the more advanced projects that Dunja described. Dunja's teaching is amazing because she watches and gives feedback and tips in a very detailed and practical way - very empowering! Coming away with an actual skein of wool was very satisfying. Home cooked lunch "en famille" round the farmhouse table was delicious and relaxing."

4 Aug 14'

Therese reviewed: Ceramic moon gazing hares

"A brilliant way to explore your creative talent in a fun but supportive way. There are usually, well almost always, lovely home made cakes and always great company and a great teacher too. The best courses ever and very very addictive. You will soon fill your home with lots of lovely things :) and even make gifts to share"

4 Aug 14'

Vicki Taylor reviewed: Ceramic moon gazing hares

"What a wonderful way to free yourself with a relaxed approach to art and all it's wonders be warned. Not only is it affordable as a treat it is also highly addictive. The teacher lady Linda is very lovely too:). Highly recommended if your feeling creative for yourself or would like to make a personal bespoke gift. Bloody lovely"