Latest reviews

David Matthews reviewed: Straw skep hive making course - with Bees for Development

"Loved it. Chris is a really skilled, knowledgeable and engaging teacher, and I feel as if I now have a skill for life. One of the most enjoyable courses I've ever done."

Rhiannon Wiliams reviewed: Beginners Weaving Kit with handheld loom, instruction booklet and yarns

"A great little kit to have a taster of weaving. Well written booklet and good variety of materials. I am really enjoying it."

Kev O'Grady reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Middleton Hall

"Really enjoyed this course, my first of maybe many. Geraint is an excellent teacher and showed us both in explanation and hands on how to carve wood using an amazing array of chisels. Would recommend anyone who wants to have a go at wood carving to go on this course. 10/10 for me"

Amerton Arts Studio responded:

"Thank you for the positive review. We get a lot of pleasure out of seeing people progress and produce some beautiful work. It was lovely to meet you on the weekend."

Debbie Wells reviewed: Outdoor mosaic workshops - 1 day with Rachel Hyde at Creative with Nature studio Todmorden West Yorkshire

"Fantastic course - loved it. Rachael is friendly, supportive and knowledegable. Thanks so much."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"thanks for the review rachael. i'll let rachel know, she'll be thrilled. and glad you enjoyed the day! joe gregory. xx"

Carol Tooth reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery Course

"Great courses... silversmithing and silver clay. I had a wonderful time and learned loads! Lovely lunch and afternoon tea."

Lizz reviewed: Willow Plant Supports with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"Hello Rachel, I really enjoyed the Willow Plant Support day. Phil was good fun and made learning what to do easy to follow and broke each stage into easy to follow steps. He was there when you needed help and gave you encouragement when you could cope on your own. The lunch taken in the lovely bunkbarn was just what we needed after working hard all morning. I am looking forward to coming in July, all being well covid-wise, to make a Curlew. Thank you for a wonderful day."

Broadrake responded:

"Hi Lizz, Lovely to have you here and glad that you appreciated Phil's excellent tuition. We are very lucky to have him teach here so often. Looking forward to seeing you here again. Rachel"

Anita L reviewed: Log to Stool with Gedwood

"I am a complete novice, Ged was patient and course was really interesting. We learned a lot. An enjoyable experience, I am absolutely delighted with my stool and you couldnt ask for a better setting. The time just flew by and the sun shined just for us. I would definitely recommend Gedwood to anyone thinking of working with greenwood - thank you Ged."

Gedwood responded:

"Thank you Anita. It was a good day all round re weather and company. Enjoy your stool?"

Debbie gossage reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Chillington Hall

"Enjoyable weekend stone carving outside at Middleton Hall. Would go again"

Amerton Arts Studio responded:

"Thanks for the review Debbie!"

Sam Evans reviewed: 5 Day Professional Furniture Refinishing Workshop - Traditional & Contemporary

"I have just completed the 5 day course, split over 3 weeks due to Covid. This actually worked for me really well rather than all in one week. The first couple of days are quite hard work physically. I managed to restore a mid century sideboard back to it's former glory, french polish a small table and learned how to quickly bring back the sparkle into a piece of furniture. Ollie has provided me with instructions and a shopping list after the course so I can get set up at home."

Sue reviewed: Birds on a Wire: Create tiny wire sculptures (Art in the Barn)

"Really enjoyable day. Instruction excellent by Liz who made it a fun learning experience. Learnt the art of making wire birds which was achieved and much more. Lovely hospitable atmosphere created by Liz and Alison."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Sue, Really happy you enjoyed your day with us and thank you for taking the time to tell us. You created some beautiful pieces, which I hope you will enjoy at home. Go order that wire! Best wishes Alison & Liz"

Vanessa Williams reviewed: Eco herb & vegetable markers

"Bought these for myself, but they would make a fabulous gift, arrived beautifully packaged with a personal note. Loved the fact that I could choose my own names. Really good quality, I will be back for more!"

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much Vanessa. So kind of you to take the time. Really pleased you like them! All the very best. Rach"

Rebecca Calvert reviewed: Damascus knife making in Grassington

"Purchased for husband as a birthday gift. He loved the day, Richard was really patient, explaining the process all the way through. He kept him on track to ensure you came away with a high quality finished product. He has said he will be booking another session with Richard for himself whilst on annual leave again. A brilliant day in all."

Vicky Spence reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Myself and my 15 year old son did the course, Richard was brilliant, had a great time and learnt lots, the whole class had questions and he answered all of them. Really pleased with what we made and can't wait to see it finished."

Elizabeth Wakefield reviewed: Willow Plant Supports with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"Excellent day. The tutor was great. Everybody very welcoming. Lovely refreshments and lunch. Really enjoyed my day. Highly recommend"

Broadrake responded:

"Thanks Elizabeth for your 2nd review of the Willow Plant support workshop! Always good to be doubly appreciated and nice to have confirmation that what we offer here goes down well. Rachel"

Kelly reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"I also did this workshop 8 months ago, thoroughly enjoyed it the first time and again the srcond time. I went with more ideas this time and Martin advised and offered guidance thoughout the day. Highly recommended"

Douglas reviewed: Deep Buttoned Stool - One Day Workshop

"Really enjoyed the course. Emma was very kind and an excellent teacher. Learned a-lot of useful skills for upholstery which I will be able to use for a home up-cycling."

Semper Hopkins Interiors responded:

"Hi Jill It was so nice to meet you on Friday. I hope your husband loved the map fabric on your storage crate. Well done for making a lovely piece. It was a pleasure to have you at the workshop thank you for leaving us a 5* review. Emma"

Pip Forsyth reviewed: Turn a wooden bowl on a traditional pole lathe

"Just what the doctor ordered! A day completely focussed on creating a thing of beauty (to me at least), out of a log of wood . It was hard physical work but that was part of the joy of it and Steve was a great teacher breaking down both the process and the effort, into manageable chunks. Sustenance breaks were also a pleasure giving time to chat and rest while enjoying tasty food in the rural setting of Steve's allotment. A thoroughly enjoyable day, and new skills learnt. What's not to like?!"

Gina Saunders reviewed: Rose Necklace

"For my retirement a group of friends bought me a CraftCourses voucher November 2020. Unable to attend a course I decided to treat myself to a Silver Rose necklace. It is beautiful and very well made. I would recommend Louise's work and would like to do a workshop in the future."

Louise Anne Designs responded:

"Thank you Gina I’m so glad you liked it and would love to welcome you to one of my workshops in the near future. Thank you once again and hope to see you soon. Kind regards, Louise."

Renuka Jeyarajah-Dent reviewed: Lost wax carving jewellery workshop

"Very good attentive tutor and a great place to start an interest in jewellery design."

Lindsey McBarron reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"Thoroughly enjoyed the day. The tutors were knowledgeable and very helpful."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Lindsey, Thanks for taking the time to do a review, it is much appreciated. Hope you continue with your cutting and printing . Look forward to seeing you in June. Best wishes Alison and Liz"

Jayne Pyne reviewed: Reed diffuser making workshop

"I really enjoyed the afternoon. It was detailed, informative and fun. I particularly liked the opportunity to experiment with combining different fragances. Paula is passionate and extremely knowledgable about the industry- would definately recommend as a great starting point for anyone considering making reed diffusers."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"So glad you enjoyed it. Thank you! Paula"

Paul reviewed: Pottery / ceramics wheel throwing, full day

"Very friendly welcome, great facilities and excellent tutor. Highly recommend this place if you want to give pottery a go."

Dilys Lloyd reviewed: Woodcarving Beginners one day

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day on Gerry's course. The set up of the workshop is excellent and it is great to be introduced to and then be able to use good quality tools under the watchful eye of an great craftsman. Gerry is supportive and cheerful - as well as having obvious expertise. It is very encouraging to leave at the end of the day with a piece you have made yourself. I will be going back for more !"

Judith Horgan reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"I really enjoyed the block printing course run by Alison and Liz which I recently attended. The location was fabulous. The welcome was lovely from the start despite the social distancing. Alison and Liz explained each section of the process in a relaxed, informal way whilst still covering health and safety and all the important bits. Personally I quite liked the social distancing aspect because it meant I concentrated on the work in hand instead of chatting with new faces. We were not hurried out of the workshop at the end of the alloted time but allowed to finish our work, which was very much appreciated. Alison and Liz went out of their way to show us how to continue with our newly learned skill. I would definitely recommend a course with them and look forward to doing another myself."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Judith, Lovely to work with you . Thank you fir taking the time to do your review, it is much appreciated . Happy cutting and printing . Alison and Liz"

Judy Hilton reviewed: Beekeeping Experience Day

"The bee keeping course was fantastic. Some really informative talks and so much information I feel slightly daunted but really understand what would be involved and how to get help when starting to keep bees. The practical session all dressed up in our beesuits was particularly good. The weather was poor so the bees were very agitated when we went through some hives. We were still able to have a go at lifting out and examining the frames which was a great confidence boost when the bees were not in the best of moods. I would recommend this course to anyone Absolutely brilliant. Judy"

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Well done both of you! As you say not the best bee inspection day so it was good you all got to see the bees at work. Many thanks for the kind words. Sue and John"