Latest reviews

10 Jun 14'

Philippa Harris reviewed: Glass Fusing Course for beginners

"This was a brilliant way to spend a weekend! I did the painting on glass course and am now really keen to try the others (fusing, leading etc). Really inspirational: makes one want to run off and starting fitting out kilns in the kitchen. The workshop was thorough, well-structured and well-paced. Richard is patient and knowledgable and very liberal with his resources. The small number of people makes it cosy and sociable. I came away with two roundels and one panel, all of which I love! Keep up the good work, Richard!"

9 Jun 14'

Sarah Calder reviewed: Funky Wire Workshop

"We really enjoyed this course. We had fantastic tuition in an inspiring environment and the hospitality and welcome was wonderful. We had opportunity to play and experiment initially with a variety of wires and tools and began to create a larger piece for the afternoon session. Becky was on hand to support and inspire. I would definitely use this studio again and shall be looking out for further courses. Thanks for a great day."

8 Jun 14'

Julian Baker reviewed: Timber framing courses

"Not knowing really what to expect other than good recommendations that Alan and his team knew their stuff. My initial reason for doing the course was to get some experience and research to renovate my place in Spain. I got that and much more, with the expert tuition and hands on involvement alongside meeting like minded people to exchange ideas and new contacts and eating like a king the whole week was very rewarding activity. I strongly recommend the course to anyone who has an interest in timber framing but not knowing where to start, you will come out of it wanting to do more and with an idea how to go about it."

7 Jun 14'

E Gorman reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"Second time at one of Jane's courses for me and birthday treat for my sister. We both had a superb time and are so delighted with our framed seascape tapestries. This is just such a lovely day out. Jane has the patience of a saint and is an excellent teacher- great with colour, technique and encouragement. Graham, Jane's husband is also a perfect host and the plentiful supply of tea, cake, lunch and general hospitality just adds to the day. The whole experience just makes your heart sing! Don't hesitate to book..you'll love the studio, teaching, food, chat and gorgeous views... Brilliant walking away with a framed piece. Thank you."

6 Jun 14'

Sarah Fanthorpe-Smith reviewed: Tool sharpening

"Excellent course on Sunday, thank you all for a very enjoyable day. Thank you."

5 Jun 14'

Maff Punton reviewed: Timber framing courses

"I've only one recommendation to make: stop reading these reviews and just book it! You won't regret it - whether you want to go into framing, have a project on your house or you just fancy an interesting way to spend a week's break! Alan is a natural teacher and I left the course feeling confident enough to start my own frame and some time on I'm amassing more and more experience and confidence. And besides, whether or not you end up taking timber framing on after the course, you will return home feeling like you've had a holiday! The woodland setting where you can pitch your tent is beautiful and the nearby Black mountains are a real sight in the mornings. Alan is a great laugh and Mary's food is absolutely amazing... any time not spent on the frame project may be spent axe throwing, trying archery, and mainly sitting round the campsite, laughing with a drink and a full stomach. I'm really looking forward to the advanced course next month!"

4 Jun 14'

Sarah Kearsley-Wooller reviewed: 1 Day Fused Glass for beginners workshop at The Silver Zebra studio Cheshire - Est 2004

"Deborah's courses are both informative and great fun. Her sense of creativity is replicated in her enthusiasm and her drive to ensure that all students make the most of their time with her. I came to her courses as a pure beginner and have now with her energetic encouragement, designed and created my own glass splashback for a new kitchen and am just hooked on the breadth of work that can be achieved in glass fusion! She is an inspiration."

4 Jun 14'

Dr Fiona Beddoes-Jones reviewed: Wedding Flower Workshop

"I attended this workshop last year and I was delighted! I had a great time, learnt such a lot, and even managed to create some lovely floral pieces (though I say so myself!) The other people on the course were really nice and Susan gave each of us personal help and support and advice in terms of helping us to plan our own weddings. I'm going to get Susan to run a workshop for me and my bridesmaids in the few days before my wedding so that we can create the table centres ourselves and decorate the marquee just as I have imagined it! I'm soooo excited, and I can't thank Susan enough for her professional approach, her kindness, generosity and support. In fact, I've invited her to the wedding!"

4 Jun 14'

Kate Greatorex reviewed: Handspinning workshop

"Lovely venue, and brilliant teaching. Thanks"

4 Jun 14'

Laima Blij reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Absolutely fantastic workshop and Sakeena is just brilliant! We had a hands-on day and made a variety of candles using different techniques which we then took home with us. This class is both informative and fun, I really feel inspired! Fantastic! Highly recommended!"

4 Jun 14'

Louise Barson reviewed: 1 Day Fused Glass for beginners workshop at The Silver Zebra studio Cheshire - Est 2004

"I can highly recommend Deborah Moses fused glass courses. Regardless of your artistic ability and experience Deborah is a great teacher and helps you make the most of your day in her workshop by giving you enough of the basics to allow you to then create your own designs. I first attended a one day course but had such an interesting, enjoyable day that I've been back for more sessions since having received some of Deborah's gift vouchers for my birthday and xmas presents. Whether you want to have a go creating fused glass yourself or you are looking for a unique gift for someone else I can highly recommend a course with Deborah. Her workshop is in a lovely location and you get to enjoy a farmhouse lunch too."

4 Jun 14'

Kim Shepherd reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"My husband and I really enjoyed our basket making day with Julie. Trevor had never done a craft workshop of any kind before and was a little apprehensive, but he needn't have been; Julie is calm, patient and very thorough, explaining and demonstrating all the techniques needed to make a small basket in the English style - and with only six students in the group there is plenty of individual help. There were drinks and delicious homemade cake available throughout the day which helped to keep up our energy levels - basket making is energetic work! Both of us are very proud of our baskets and are keen to do another workshop in the future. Highly recommend. Thanks Julie!"

3 Jun 14'

Roger Nowell reviewed: Tool sharpening

"Thanks folks Really enjoyed the course, extremely informative, just the right level for me, great bunch of people running and helping with the course. A lot to take in - would benefit from a few notes on different tools and sharpening from recovering tool to day to day sharpening"

3 Jun 14'

Paul A Smith reviewed: Timber framing courses

"The practical work you do on Alan's course actually becomes part of a building Alan is working on. Starting with marking out large green oak timbers, moving on to cutting joints and making pegs, each stage was well structured and explained. Alan is a real master of his craft and a very good teacher. We had a lot of fun too. I can't recommend it highly enough."

3 Jun 14'

Rose reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"I would definitely recommend this one day course. Came away with a lovely set of candles that are easy enough to make again at home. Sakeena was a wonderful teacher - feeling so inspired. Many thanks."

2 Jun 14'

Ben reviewed: Seaweed Foraging Goodwick, Pembrokeshire

"Very enthusiastic & passionate tutor & we learnt loads. Thank-you!"

2 Jun 14'

Ruth Minter reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"I have to admit that I was a little apprehensive at the beginning of the day. I had once briefly attempted spinning and was convinced that it just could not be done! How wonderful to be proved so wrong. Theresa was amazingly patient and explained and demonstrated the techniques. There was plenty of opportunity for one-to-one tuition if we got into a muddle and I was confident at the end of the day that I could set up a spinning wheel and get going on my own. What was especially rewarding for me was that I was able to see some wool from one of my own fleeces through every process from the raw fleece to the finished skein of wool. Lovely relaxed atmosphere. Tremendously enjoyable. Inspiring. Thoroughly recommend this course."

2 Jun 14'

Simon Hacker reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"A fantastic day learning the basics of Blacksmithing . Mort is a very interseting guy and made me feel very relaxed. Having never done anything like this before I was a bit nervous but Morts teaching techniques soon made me feel as though I could give it go. The end results were pretty good for a complete beginner. I would recommed this to anyone who has even a slight interest in Blacksmithing."

2 Jun 14'

Sam varns reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I bought this as a birthday present for my boyfriend. He has always wanted to have a go and I thought the one day taster would be ideal. The day seemed to disappear very quickly as we were having so much fun. We were able to produce some Viking knives, arrow heads an leafs if which we were able to keep. We will be back for more as we had such a pleasurable time. Thanks Mort, very informative and hands on day xxx"

2 Jun 14'

Amy roper reviewed: " Day of the Dead" Silver Clay Workshop

"Sara is a wonderful teacher. It was a great day I gained lots of information and learnt all about silver clay. Sara has a large collection of tools so you can try out many different techniques. I found the course gave me much more info than any book has, sara made the day relaxed and fun and I now have the confidence to use silver clay at home."

2 Jun 14'

Roy reviewed: Carve a Rocking Horse Head Course

"I enjoyed the head-carving course enormously. Tony Dew adjusts his teaching to the individual, with just the right amount of intervention or additional advice and, as so many reviewers above have pointed out, one does finish the course with good/excellent result. I was amazed that, after intro's, demonstration of the tools and safety-explanations, we were straight down to work and 6+hours just sped by. And a word or two about the setting; the workshop, factory and shop are all very interesting, and the tour of Tony's rocking-horse museum (with anecdotes) is as inspiring as it fascinating. May 2014"

2 Jun 14'

David reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Bought for me as a birthday gift and was an excellent day. Nigel was very informative and had the balance of instruction perfectly balanced with the amount of practical,he was always at hand to give instruction when needed. From the start to the end an excellent time was had. Thank you"

1 Jun 14'

Sophie Hodge reviewed: Alex Allpress Pottery School: Learn to throw on the potter's wheel in Mid Wales

"My husband and I did the day course and it was such a wonderful and relaxing time! We are so pleased with what we created in a day (both complete beginners)! A really chilled time and going at your own pace is great... still managed to make 3 mugs and 6 bowls of varying sizes (and shapes!!) Really recommend this to anyone artistic or not! Thanks Alex and Blue!"

1 Jun 14'

Jekaterina reviewed: The Natural Skin Care Workshop

"I had a wonderful time with Sakeen during beauty workshop, it was really interesting and good to know, everything was easy to uderstand. I think I am going to attend other workshops with Sakeena, she is a great person! And the main thing, now I have a new hobby, and I am really happy about that!"

1 Jun 14'

tim palmer reviewed: Timber framing courses

"Alan has an infectious love of his craft which is hard not to catch. The course is completely hands and pushed along by enthusiasm and years of experience, the results leave you with a real sense of achievement. A truly great course fuelled by delicious home made food."