Latest reviews

Graham Wooldridge reviewed: Green Wood Creative Seating - 6 Day Course in South Devon

"Was really looking forward to this course and it exceeded my expectations. Beautiful venue and location, attentive and supportive instructors. Thoroughly enjoyed all 6 days and came home with a stunning bench for our entrance hall. Would highly recommend this course to all abilities. You don't need to have any knowledge of wood working and you will be super pleased with the end result. Both Peter and Toby will guide you through the process from beginning to end. You wont be disappointed."

Sarah J reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"Really super day with friendly and knowledgable tutors in a gorgeous location. As a complete beginner I was a bit worried about how I would get on but both Alison and Liz were very patient and approachable. Covid guidelines were explained clearly and it was easy to physically distance, even during the demonstrations. I would thoroughly recommend both the course and the tutors. Thanks for a lovely day!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Sarah , Lovely to hear your thoughts and feedback . It was lovely working with you and pleased that you had a successful day . Good luck with the Christmas designs and hope to see you again . Best wishes Liz and Alison"

Prem Shah reviewed: Log to tumbler with Gedwood

"Thanks Ged- great course. Learnt a lot (including that I need to practice quite a bit!). Would recommend this course anytime. One of the highlights is using the manual lathe."

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks Prem. Glad you enjoyed turning the tumblers on the lathe and enjoy a dram in them soon ?"

Rachel reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"Excellent day of quality tuition. Jon and Becky were helpful and informative and very, very patient. I was extremely happy with my completed basket. The chocolate cake and flapjack were tasty too. I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to try basket making."

Kate Sheehan reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"Fantastic day. Great tuition, delivered at a pace you can follow. Very relaxing day and thrilled to produce a really beautiful basket. Highly recommend John and Becky."

Victoria Kenny reviewed: Pewter Casting - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"The course was so much fun. Rachel is a great teacher, really knowledgeable and friendly. It was fantastic to get stuck in and making my first item straight away, I got to try lots of different techniques and tools. There really is all you can drink tea & coffee too and lunch was superb. I came away with so many beautiful items and the confidence and skills to to have a go at home. Can't wait to book the next course!"

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much Vikki and for a fab day. You made such beautiful pieces. Look forward to seeing you again! All the very best."

Siobhan Murphy reviewed: One day slab-building clay workshop

"Myself and my partner had the best day with Louise making a plate and vase. The day went so quickly and we can not believe what we have produced by the time it finished. Louise is friendly, passionate about what she does and helps put your ideas into a master piece. There was so much choice from ideas, to coloured slips, textures, stamps you name it Louise would've had it! We are both looking at going back and making something else and we can not wait! If you're in two minds about booking this just book it, well worth the money and I promise you wont regret it ?"

Sugi Ceramics responded:

"Thank you for such a lovely review Siobhan! It was a pleasure to watch your designs come to life! You both embraced the possibilities and made professional looking outcomes! I am looking forward to the firings - will keep you posted!"

Donna Ford reviewed: Raku pottery at Cowshed Creative in the Lake District National Park near Kendal and Windermere

"What an enjoyable two Saturdays we had on the raku pottery workshop . The location is beautiful and the workshop barn is comfortable and warm ( the wood stove was on and gave the barn a very cosy feel ) On the first workshop Saturday Chris ,our tutor gave us a brief history on raku plus demonstrations on various hand builds . We then made items of our own ready for the following Saturday . Our host George is a very welcoming lady who looked after everyone very well and the lunches she provided were simply delicious and consisted of a choice of two homemade soups , three different types of homemade bread and if that’s not enough you also get a choice of two things to have after . On that particular day it was blackberry crumble and ice cream or carrot cake . Tea , coffee , fruit teas , water are for everyone throughout the day when ever they wish . Chris is a very easy going tutor , he brings examples of his work so you can see the end result . Chris would encourage you to have a go at trying out things and experiment making your own vessel / pot etc but also guide you through stages as a group so that you all have at least 4 items ready to fire . The second Saturday had the added bonus of the outdoor kiln and watching the pots being taken out and placed in the firing bin was good especially if you are hands on and get involved in the process . Of course the best bit is where you get to see how your chosen glazes that you’ve spent time on during 2nd Saturday , actually look like once they are taken out of the smoking straw filled bin and plunged into a bath of water . A word of warning though on day two , don’t go dressed in your brand new costly clothing as it is a raku pottery workshop after all and the fire pit gives off billowing smoke and you will smell like you’ve just climbed out of it yourself ! I would recommend this two day workshop to any one whether they’ve done any form of pottery before or whether they’ve never touched clay in their lives or even gone to a workshop of any description. I loved every minute of it ."

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks so much Donna for such lovely detailed feedback. Really appreciated and hope to see you again."

Karen reviewed: Abstract Art Workshop with Jo Garden Art in a beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"This was a day out that gave me a COMPLETE break from thinking of anything but FUN and PLAY...with so many lovely materials! AND Jo is so organised and has a keen eye to help any “beginner” make and finish a product they are proud of! I think I might consider signing up for a second time, just for the lovely experience. Karen"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Karen ;-) Really hope your son enjoys the monochrome abstract piece with embedded mathematic equations - fabulous! Hope to see you in the Spring, Jo x"

Vicky Ingram reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop

"Learning about different scents and the products used to make the candles was very interesting. Pauline and Olga were so welcoming and myself and my daughter really enjoyed our day. The candles we made smelled beautiful. Thank you both so much xxx"

Bonita Candles responded:

"Thanks Vicky for your kind words. You were so creative and I could see you were really enjoying yourself. Dont give up the candle making! x"

Stephen Tate reviewed: Polytunnel grow your own: productive, organic, year round food growing

"Really enjoyed this course. Kim was great and full of knowledge and inspiration. The course ran at our pace so nothing was rushed and every question we had was answered in depth. The practical side was fun which made this even better. Kim offered loads of advice regarding setting up green houses and poly tunnels which was very useful. Thanks again Kim."

Rachel Leach reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop

"The introductory course experience with Bonita Candles was incredibly informative and interactive. Pauline and Olga were so lovely and welcoming. I would highly recommend. Thank you both for such a lovely day xxxx"

Bonita Candles responded:

"Thank you Rachel. It was a pleasure to have you with us. We had so much fun. Thank you for being a fab participant! x"

Helen= B-S reviewed: Patchwork and quilting week with Dawn Cameron Dick

"A fantastic relaxed week at Lilac Barn with Dawn, in the bright airy spacious studio at Lilac Barn. Lots of one on and one and group tuition, a relaxed atmosphere and an open hours policy meant you can spend as much time sewing as you wanted. I learnt lots, and have come away brimming with new techniques and inspiration. Cherry is an excellent host, providing delicious homemade lunches and hands on help (she unpicked lots of seams for me as well as helped make a pressing mat) and has a wealth of local knowledge to help you get the most out of your time Will be rebooking for next year!"

Lilac Barn responded:

"Dear Helen Thank you for the excellent review, your work was inspirational. It is always good for Dawn and I to hear that the week works well and that the students leave having achieved their goals and more. We look forward to seeing you again Take care Cherry"

Alison Langton reviewed: Wire Jewellery

"A totally absorbing full day workshop making a fab necklace under Judith’s excellent tuition. The learning environment was great , light and airy and the refreshments including lunch and cake were delicious. It was good to do something new and feel safe in the current COVID-19 times ."

Carly Lawrence reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"This course was absolutely fantastic - I'm so amazed with the beautiful items I came home with. Who knew clay would turn into silver?! Even now, I still can't believe I made them! They get so many comments! Nothing was too much trouble for Rachel in terms of extra supplies or guidance on what to do/how. We tried so many different techniques over the course of the day and I'm so glad I decided to stay over at the campsite in one of the bell tents. I will DEFINITELY be booking on her other courses as soon as I can."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much Carly. And well done for your beautiful pieces. Looking forward to seeing you again."

Carly Lawrence reviewed: Pewter Casting - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"The course was fantastic - I came home with some beautiful pieces. I'm not sure if I can bear to give them away as Christmas gifts though, which was my intention! Everything was laid out so simply and Rachel's instructions/guidance were superb all throughout. We tried so many different techniques - I actually can't believe the items I made. Homemade bread and shortbread for lunch topped the day off perfectly! I will absolutely be doing some of her other courses soon."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"A huge well done and thank you. Your pieces were definitely too lovely to give away!"

Jane Jackson reviewed: Wire Jewellery

"I have just spent a day on Judith’s workshop and would like to highly recommend it. I haven’t been on a jewellery workshop before and wasn’t very confident but I came home with a lovely necklace after a very relaxing and productive day. Lunch and cake were excellent and Judith has taken every precaution with regard to Covid so I felt very safe. An excellent day, thank you Judith."

Mrs Yassmin Sanders reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"A great course in lovely surroundings. The tutor gave just the right amount of tuition, leaving the student to proceed with their own designs but always on hand to help and answer questions. I chose a piece of stone which was too big to finish in two days so maybe this could have been pointed out to me. Having said that, I do now have the basic skills needed to finish on my own. I would definitely recommend this course for anyone interested in stone carving."

Fiona reviewed: Introduction to glass painting (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"A great day of learning how to paint on glass. Martin is an excellent teacher. He had gone to great lengths to ensure his studio was Covid-secure. He supplies all the materials and there was opportunity to complete a number of pieces by the end of the day. He is very good at explaining the techniques and demonstrating the skills, and good at providing individual help and suggestions during the day. I have been on a number of Martin's Glass courses, and would readily recommend them to anyone interested in trying something different."

Emma Pinchin reviewed: Lino Printing Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"This workshop was exactly what I was hoping for. It was fun and informative. Claire is an excellent teacher, who explained the process of Lino printing clearly and succinctly, in a safe and socially distanced setting. I was able to complete two Lino blocks and print two sets of cards, which I absolutely love. I came home and ordered a set of tools and some Lino straight away. I loved that Claire provided a list of resources to take home, so I knew exactly what I was looking for. I had a thoroughly enjoyable time and highly recommend Claire and her workshops."

Susan Hall reviewed: Candlemaking for Beginners

"Thank you so much for a brilliant morning attending the candle making work shop. Fun and informative and being able to be your creative self , learning from the master himself , Rob. Rob explained the different steps of candle making at an easy pace of understanding. How the process comes together, from choosing your moulds, types of wax, wicks , fragrances, melting , calculations, poring and leaving to set. Having the confidence came away with five different types of candles . Thank you again."

The Wax Studio responded:

"Hi Susan, Great to meet you at the weekend- thanks for the very kind review, all the best Rob"

Henry Haines reviewed: One to One Ceramic Workshops - half day

"I first enrolled in a one to one course with Kate when I was doing A-levels, when she helped me bring my "newspaper in the hedgerow" fantasy to life through imprinted plants and old letter plates. More recently, since graduating from a BA course in design and looking to move onto the next stage, she has mentored me towards launching my ceramics career with a series of half day sessions. We have worked on slip casting technique, surface decoration (onto both greenware and bisque) such as sgraffito/inlaying, glazing/glaze testing and image transfer application. Having known Kate for many years I can attest to her wisdom and patience as a teacher, as well as her lovely nature and general enthusiasm. She is generous with her knowledge and experience, and keen to help you realise your ceramic ambitions. I would recommend her workshops to both beginners and intermediate potters looking to refine technique or expand their knowledge."

Kate Schuricht Ceramics responded:

"Thank you, Henry. It is a pleasure working with you and seeing your skills grow and refine as you respond to new techniques and suggestions. Your creativity and graphic ability are so strong and your originality will take you far in the ceramic art world."

Matt Middleton reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I had a one on one day tuition with mark and it was worth its weight in gold. Mark is an excellent teacher with tremendous patients and his way of explaining turning methods are so practical and easy to understand that it made the day truly enjoyable and very beneficial. I feel that the days teaching coupled with the very in-depth notes will benefit me for years to come as i progress on my turning journey. Thanks Mark Cheers Mark"

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to write and post a review on the Craft Course web site. I really appreciate it and the comments you made."

Les Sturgeon reviewed: Log to tumbler with Gedwood

"I had a great day with Ged in his well equipped outdoor workshop. This is the third course I have done with Ged and it won't be my last. Ged is a friendly and enthusiastic teacher who is very willing to pass on his knowledge of green woodworking. Knew skills are learnt and you walk away with a unique handcrafted piece."

Gedwood responded:

"Hi Les, thanks so much for your kind words. Hope to see you again soon?"

John Jackson reviewed: Leather Possibles Pouch Workshop

"A truly enjoyable and informative course. The instruction was clear and concise. The arrangement of all tools and materials was in such away that it was easy to use. The instruction by two excellent craftspeople was wonderful and you were treated as a family friend. I was on this course on 10th Oct 20 and would highly recommend it."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"We're really pleased that you enjoyed the workshop. Good luck with your future leatherwork."