Latest reviews

Caroline reviewed: Fused Glass Advent calendar

"Fantastic course. Time flew by as we were transfixed in creating our masterpieces. Everything was explained clearly and the course instructor was so helpful. A great pre Christmas course."

Steve Creek reviewed: Beginners half-day pen turning experience (woodturning) 1-2-1 or pairs

"Simon is very knowledgeable and has an easy going fun attitude which puts you at ease straight away. The course was well run and we both enjoyed the experience very much. We will definitely be returning to increase our wood turning experience. Thank you Simon !!"

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Steve, So glad that you and your mum had such a nice experience and went away with two lovely pens. I've sent the notes as promised; any queries or questions, just get in touch. Would be great to meet you again soon! --Simon"

Ally reviewed: Moroccan Leather Bookbinding

"Really interesting course. Hamza was extremely knowledgeable and patient, and I was even treated to an impromptu concert! Highly recommended"

CRAFT DRAFT responded:

"I had the pleasure to host you. You were so good at bookbinding and I enjoyed the discussions we had about culture. Thank you ! "

Izzie reviewed: An introduction to flint knapping

"A wonderful experience learning all about Flint Knapping with Johnny! Well worth the price and couldn't recommend this course highly enough! "

Jonny Crafts Things responded:

"Glad you enjoyed it, tell your colleagues!"

Irina Hurley reviewed: Lampshade making in Bradford on Avon

"Great experience, fun and amazing tutor. Can highly recommend. "

Stitches by Mary Lu responded:

"Hi Irina! It was lovely to meet you and a pleasure to have your company on the workshop! Your finished Lampshade was super! Mary Lu "

Tim H reviewed: Kitchen Knife Course

"What a wonderful experience, a birthday gift from my wife. David was a hive of information and provided just the right amount of guidance and instruction. Although a recently retired engineer and used to working with my hands, I learnt so much and benefited from Davids vast experience. An excellent instructor with a warm and friendly delivery with supporting anecdotes. I had a great day and came away with a knife to be proud of, thank you. "

Hand forged Yorkshire responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind review Tim, massively appreciate it. Was a pleasure meeting you and its fantastic to hear you enjoyed the day and found it so interesting. You did an excellent job with your knife, really well done I hope you enjoy using it for many years"

Jonathan S. reviewed: An introduction to flint knapping

"A tremendous introduction to practical flint knapping. Excellent premises, exceptional help throughout the day - 5 stars (because there aren't more - really should be 10 out of 10! Highly recommended."

Jonny Crafts Things responded:

"Glad you enjoyed the day."

Rachel Toach reviewed: Gothic/Steampunk Style Shadow Box

"My daughter and I did the gothic/steampunk shadow box workshop today. Jan was fantastic, she was so accommodating to our requests and questions. My daughter wanted to do a different theme for her box and Jan was able to accommodate with this request, nothing was too much trouble and Jan made us feel very welcome and comfortable. It was fantastic value for money and we have both come away with our own amazing unique piece of artwork. Just sorry for all the mess I made!! We had loads of fun x"

Feline Fixins Powertex Fun responded:

"Hi Rachel & Bethany, it was lovely to meet you both, and to help you to achieve your great boxes. Each very different but equally artistic. I hope Bethany gets full marks in her GCSE for her work, she deserves it. Loved your creation too, just up my street. "

Jasmine reviewed: Sip and make-Beginners Earring making workshop

"Diane was lovely. It was a fab course really enjoyable 🙂"

Samantha Brown reviewed: Lino printing landscapes

"A wonderfully creative day. Lee is very encouraging, a great teacher, making the whole process easy to follow and enjoyable. The setting is inspirational in itself. The day has given me the confidence to sign up for more courses. "

Karen Silvestri reviewed: Weekend Beginners In-depth Workshops- Bobbin Lacemaking Workshops (Effingham, Surrey).

"A really excellent 2 day workshop. Great teaching meant we each came away having completed something. Plenty of helpful hints (and cups of tea and cake) to keep us going and all the equipment provided was of excellent quality. "

Tina's Bobbin Lacemaking responded:

"Hello Karen It was lovely to meet you, and spend the weekend teaching you the rudiments of Bobbin Lace. I hope you find time to finish the snake bookmark. Looking forward to seeing the finished item. Thank you for taking the time to leaving a review. Best wishes Tina"

Paula Limburn reviewed: Gelli plate printing workshop with Creative Hug

"A great afternoon with 5 other pupils. Very well organised, with plenty of space and materials to experiment with. Thoughally enjoyed it. "

Creative Hug responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind words, Paula! I’m so pleased to hear that you enjoyed the session and felt comfortable experimenting with the materials. It’s always lovely to see everyone getting creative. I hope to welcome you back again in the future! Sharon x"

Clarke Uren reviewed: Beginner's Woodcarving half day course

"Fantastic experience for the uninitiated in the art of wood carving. Anna did a really good job of getting across the basics then guiding us through a project of our choosing. Highly recommend. "

Yandle & Sons Ltd responded:

"Thank you for your feedback. I will let Anna know :)"

Vicky S reviewed: Make Your Own Mosaic Decorations

"We received a warm welcome from Ann and was on hand to guide us step by step throughout the session. There was lots of choice as to design and colours, and no rush to complete. Highly recommend to anyone."

Mosaicables responded:

"Thank you Vicky. Glad you enjoyed it. It was lovely to meet you both and hope to see you again"

Sandy reviewed: Festive Watercolour Retreat Staffordshire

"Thoroughly enjoyed the day, Joan was lovely and supportive, the teaching was very good in a fun and friendly atmosphere, refreshments were great and the whole day was topped off with a lovely trip by boat on the lake. "

Joan Kennedy Artist responded:

"Awww thank you Sandy. It was so lovely meeting you both and I really appreciate you leaving a review. Thank you so much for coming and wish you well in your watercolour journey. Many thanks indeed Joan x"

Fiona reviewed: Garden Stained Glass Panel Workshop

"We had a great day. Ruth was great, leading us thru the project and ensuring we all came home with a lovely piece. She is a calm teacher and has so much expertise. We learnt alot about this skill. Many thanks for the day and making us welcome in your lovely studio and home."

Ruth Mullan Stained Glass Artist responded:

"Thank you so much Fiona for your lovely comments. It was lovely to share my knowledge and teach you the basic techniques of stained glass. You made some great garden panels and I look forward to seeing the finished panels in situ. "

Pat Langley reviewed: Wire wrapping tree of life pendant

"Had a great session with Cath. Explained everything very patiently and guided me through the creation of a beautiful wire wrapped pendant which I love. Thank you so much. "

Maureen reviewed: Fused Glass 'Christmas Gift Tags/Tree Decorations' Workshop

"Super afternoon crafting with supportive and friendly tutors , lots of materials and guidance plus lovely location. All four friends enjoyed this and used a range of techniques. Can’t wait to see the decorations "

Carry on Crafting responded:

"Hi Maureen, Thank you so much for this. I hope you enjoyed the rest of the weekend with your friends. Kind regards Ali and Shirley"

Hannah reviewed: Festive Willow Reindeer (1 day) in the Peak District

"We really enjoyed the willow weaving session. The hospitality was lovely - food was amazing and well beyond our expectations. The instructor Anthony was so patient with my mum with can struggle a little due to arthritic hands. He was personable and made the whole day a pleasure. Great day, would highly recommend and will definately be back for other sessions at the studio!"

Zantium Studios Ltd responded:

"Thankyou very much for joining us yesterday and for your wonderful message. I am so glad you both enjoyed your day here in the studio and will pass on your positive feedback to Anthony. May your fabulous reindeer take centre stage this Christmas! Have a happy time 🦌❤🦌"

Johanna Sturges reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"What an amazing weekend! I purchased a wood-turning day for my husband for his birthday and decided to make a weekend of it with a pottery session for me and a stay in the beautiful ‘Crafter’s Retreat’. Louise was a wonderful pottery teacher, encouraging me to try new things and have confidence in what I was doing with kindness and patience. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for some relaxation and proper time out. "

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Jo. It was a pleasure having you in the studio and we're so pleased you enjoyed your experience in the pottery studio and in Crafter's Retreat :-)."

Craig Brown reviewed: Wood joints class using reclaimed materials

"Just done a course with Tyler, all I can say is that it was excellent, was exactly what I wanted from the course, he was very patient & knowledgeable & had no issues answering my many questions I would definitely recommend if you're wanting to improve your woodworking skills"

Liz reviewed: Weaving workshop with Naturally Textile

"Thoroughly enjoyed this course. Equipment and instruction excellent."

Tresillian House responded:

"Thank you very much for your kind review. I am delighted you enjoyed your day. Best wishes, Alison at Tresillian House"

Mike Parkinson reviewed: Watercolour and drawing courses

"Highly recommended - well paced and instructive with great pieces of practical work and very helpful gentle guidance. A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. I will definitely be rebooking for more ! "

Paul Sturges reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Wow! What a brilliant course. Really informative and well delivered. I learnt so much and will definitely be booking the next session very soon. "

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Paul, So glad you enjoyed your day. If you need any assistance with your woodturning journey do get in touch. Look forward to seeing you again soon. -- Simon"

Annika reviewed: Collage workshop with Helen Norman

"Lovely setting for the course. I enjoyed the opportunity to try something new and come away with a finished piece at the end of the morning. Lovely home made cake too!"

Hen House Studio responded:

"Thanks Annika for your kind comments and pleased you enjoyed the workshop, we were really impressed with your collage"