Latest reviews

Emma reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"My mum and I attended a full day pottery workshop. We wouldn't describe ourselves as artistic types and other than 'do pottery' we weren't sure what to expect. We had a fantastic time though, Louise was really clear showing us different techniques and had lots of inspiration for how we could use those techniques to make different items. We made some pinch and coil pots, slab vases and thrown pots on the wheel. We were really pleased with what we'd managed to acheive and can't wait to see our items when they're fired and glazed :)"

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

"Hi Emma, So pleased you and your mum had an enjoyable day. It was really lovely to meet you both, and at the time of me writing this response your pieces have been biscuit fired and are now ready to be glazed so they won't be much longer now! Thanks again for the lovely review :-)."

Joanne reviewed: Needle felt a robin - live online workshop

"I was a complete beginner to needle felting before the workshop but Gwen's excellent, patient teaching made it very enjoyable. I learned so much and am grateful to Gwen for sharing her enviable skills. The kit supplied is gorgeous and very good quality. I would highly recommend this course to anyone, either absolute beginners like me, or people with some experience of the craft."

Gwen’s Felted Paintings responded:

"Thank you so much for such a lovely review Joanne! I’m so glad you enjoyed it and am delighted that you are continuing with felting. I’m looking forward to seeing more of your makes :)!"

Sam reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Fantastic course - would definitely recommend to anyone with an interest in starting woodwork projects. I'd not done any woodwork since school, but I successfully made a lovely looking small table, and was very happy with the end result and the skills I learned over the week. The workshop is well equipped with all the necessary woodworking tools such as lathes, band saws and routers, as well as hand tools such as chisels. All protective equipment was provided (dust mask, face visor, ear defenders). The instructors, Richard and Mark, were great and with only 4 people in the group, they could give each of us a lot of instruction and support. Each lunchtime there was a 30-45 minute lecture on an aspect of how to choose, use and maintain woodworking tools and set up your own workshop. They actively welcomed any questions and were always keen to help. The setting is also beautiful, and looks out across the Cumbrian hills."

Gill reviewed: Woodworking - Beginner/Intermediate - four days

"Another great woodworking experience at Dovetail and a lovely finished table to show for my efforts. Steve's skill as a teacher and his endless patience and ability to encourage make the time fly and the whole process a real pleasure for those who love wood and enjoy getting hands on with a project. I am delighted with my table and my new knowledge of creating mortice and tenon joints. I have attended several of Steve's courses and they are always enjoyable and informative and you always get to take away your finished piece to impress friends and family. I highly recommend this course for anyone who wants to learn woodworking and enjoys working with wood."

Dovetail Woodworking responded:

"Hi Gill, good to see you again over the last couple of weeks on the table making course. Glad you enjoyed it and feel that you've taken away a little more knowledge and another project made with your own fair hand. I hope you get lots of enjoyment out of the table. Steve"

COSTAS PERATOPOULLOS reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"I highly recommend the four day course. Jamal is a great teacher and an amazing craftsman who shares his experience and knowledge. the course is perfectly structured so that every one of us had completed a challenging but successful project. the knowledge which I gained enables me to continue the painting at home. ten out of ten"

Hayley reviewed: Fun with Felt Flowers

"A very enjoyable and informative introduction to felting. I really enjoyed the time is spent with Nancy, not only because I learnt a new skill but she is a brilliant teacher. I took this class to then teach my students in secondary school and Nancy was great a giving me insights to teaching this to others. She clearly has experience of sharing her knowledge of felting to a variety of age groups and abilities. I will be doing more felting in the future and if I've any more questions I know Nancy will be the lady to ask."

flights-of-fantasy responded:

"I'm looking forward to seeing what your students produce!"

Georgina reviewed: Knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"I spent a very lovely morning in the company of Ann a couple of months ago. I had never done any crocheting before and I am left handed, but after a couple of hours I felt like I was getting there! Ann is very patient and helpful, so if you want one to one tuition from an experienced teacher, in a nice cafe that serves tea and cakes, then Ann is definitely the person to go to!"

Leeds Central Faith and Light responded:

"Thank you, Georgina, for taking the time to write your review about your crochet workshop in August. I'm pleased you found the workshop helpful - it can be challenging when you're left handed. I hope you've found a new skill and have managed to keep up with your crocheting. Kind regards, Ann"

Karina reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"Fabulous day - I learnt so many new skills in just one day and really enjoyed the relaxed and welcoming environment. Great cakes too!"

Melanie Neill reviewed: Make a chef's knife

"Three of us spent 2 days making a chef's knife at the Anvil Forge. Two of us have never thought about iron work previously, far less experienced anything like it. On day 1 Aiden took us through the forging process. He was really approachable, very informative and made sure we were all comfortable handling the red hot steel safely etc. On day 2 John oversaw the woodwork (to make the knife handles) and completion of the knives. He was very supportive, even allowing one of our party do try something John had never done before (it turned out very well and was fun to do something different). We all went home having thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and with three super knives that we are really very proud of. We highly recommend the experience. Good luck."

Samantha Peters reviewed: Candle Making Workshop with Bilsington Priory Afternoon Tea

"Great Day - learning how to make candles accompanied by an afternoon tea. Very comprehensive information on how to make candles - then came the best bit of making several different candles and hanging scented decorations. You get to choose the different scented oils, with step by step instructions from Karen of melting wax to different temperatures and mixing in the oils. Would make a great day out for friends/family members to get together and have fun. Thoroughly enjoyed it."

The Aromatic Candle Co responded:

"Thank you Sam, really pleased you enjoyed the workshop, hope to see you for the Christmas one!"

Oriane reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"Fantastic workshop with Alan who is an attentive teacher, giving clear and precise explanations for every step and a lot of helpful tips to sustain a good wood carving technique. In the friendly and focused atmosphere, the day pass by too quickly. Warning: very high risk of catching the spoon carving bug!"

Marilyn reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"The whole day was excellent. Jamal inspired me to go away and experiment with confidence. I would recommend this course to anyone interested In working with glass. Be prepared to be blown away by this mans expertise and passion for his art."

J Reynolds reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"The course was fantastic. Everything very well set up and prepared, excellent clear and patient instruction with lots of encouragement and great facilities. We were a family of three and everyone loved the experience and we were all really pleased with our pots! Wouldn't hesitate to recommend to others."

Chris Greening Pottery responded:

"Many thanks for the lovely review Jackie - it's lovely to know you all enjoyed the course so much - and you've still got the excitement to come of seeing your fantastic pots! Best wishes, Chris."

Alex reviewed: Woodworking - Beginner/Intermediate - four days

"Absolutely fantastic course, highly recommended. The course is well designed, and paced perfectly over the 4 days to cover everything in detail. Steve is a great teacher - he enthusiastically answered all my questions, offered useful advice on tools to buy, how much to spend, where to buy wood, and even sharpened and set up my new hand plane! He also took pictures throughout the course which left me with some excellent action shots"

Dovetail Woodworking responded:

"Hi Alex, Thanks very much for your comments. So glad you enjoyed the course, your finished table looked great. Good luck with your future woodworking. Steve"

Steve Brown reviewed: Intro to Green Woodwork

"This is the second course that I’ve been on with Mike. His knowledge and enthusiasm is obvious and as a result you want to make the best spatula and spreader that you can. Mike, another great day in the beautiful setting of Otley Chevin. I thoroughly enjoyed my day as well as the extra tips that you gave me regarding finishing my spoon from my previous course. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Steve."

Pearse Mc Mahon reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"I had a fantastic experience learning a little about glass blowing and had the opportunity to create 4 individual pieces. Richie, the instructor was very patient and clearly explained each step we would take on the various processes. I have no hesitation in recommending this course and venue for any one interested in glass or glass blowing"

Nikki reviewed: Three day luxury felt picture making retreat

"Loved every minute of it. Bridgette is very patient and very generous with her knowledge and the rationale behind things. Felt very safe with the Covid restrictions. Excellent value for money. Totally recommend. ?"

Bridget Bernadette Karn Studio/Shop responded:

"Thank you Nikki, very pleased you enjoyed my course and felt safe at The Hawkhills."

Jillian Deans reviewed: Three day luxury felt picture making retreat

"Excellent course and excellent tutor - learnt lots of new tips and techniques and I'd definitely like to do more. Just bought some curved nail scissors so I can carry on with the snipping! Good venue too. Great to see how the venue and tutor managed the whole thing despite the current situation. Was a very much welocme break from the current routine."

Bridget Bernadette Karn Studio/Shop responded:

"Thank you Jillian, so pleased you enjoyed the course! I’m looking forward to seeing your hare and any future creations you make on the forum."

Tash Salaman reviewed: Driftwood Harbour workshops with Harbour Wood Design at Walford Mill in Dorset

"Absolutely brilliant day. Michelle is an excellent teacher; patient and fun. Really enjoyed the day and have gone on to make more! Thank you Michelle."

Harbour Wood Design responded:

"Thank you so much Tash for taking the time to leave a review , it was wonderful to see you again and I look forward to seeing your future creations ."

Ben reviewed: Forge your own axe head in the blacksmith's forge (full day)

"Brilliant course, lots of smiths available for help, axe will hang proudly in my workshop ready for use. I forged the axe yesterday and am really feeling it today, you will be swinging heavy hammers for most of the day so be aware to warm up your muscles beforehand, these guys are strong as ox’s and will make it look very easy. Recommend going for a smaller axe head which will be easier to forge as the larger heads need a larger piece of steel and therefore more forging and more heavy hammer blows. A fantastic course and a great experience! Highly recommended"

Sheila reviewed: 'Field with Red Poppies' wool fibre painting art kit

"I received the poppy field wool painting kit with all the beautiful merino wool and silk colours. The illustrations and photographs were easy to follow in a sequence of stages. I attended Raya's online interactive Zoom course where Raya supported me by using her techniques creating a lovely colourful picture. I found it really easy as Raya took me through step by step instructions and guidance how to create a poppy field wool painting. I was amazed how much detail and colour you can get using different fibres. I completed the picture on the same day and I was delighted I was going home with a picture that I had created. I will give this picture to my sister for her birthday as she has recently had a new large kitchen fitted with loads of light shinning through showing off the colours of the poppy field wool painting."

Magic Wool Art and Craft Studio responded:

"Dear Sheila, Thank you very much for your comments. It was lovely meeting you virtually via zoom and teaching you. I am delighted that you liked my online Poppy Field wool painting course and the kit. I hope your sister will enjoy your beautiful wool painting of the poppy field. Regards, Raya"

Jane S reviewed: Interior design workshop in historical Norwich

"I really enjoyed this day with Dawn. She is so knowledgeable and creative and the workshop was bursting with information, ideas, tips, innovation and creativity. It was relaxed and great fun too, and Dawn tailored it to our needs. I would highly recommend this."

Jessica P reviewed: Interior design workshop in historical Norwich

"I attended this course as I wished to learn about room design and colour. It was such a fun course and Dawn made us feel all at ease, and was extremely hospitable. Having a room and theme in mind helped me choose colours and textures. The way that Dawn explained about light and colour was so interesting and sparked my imagination. I would recommend this course to anyone who is unsure about designing rooms in their houses, you will leave being confident in choosing the right theme and colours."

Lisa M reviewed: Interior design workshop in historical Norwich

"Had a really lovely day looking at interior design ideas and would highly recommend this course. We had great tuition from the friendly and knowledgeable Dawn and it was good to build on some of the ideas we had previously discussed before the course. We were treated to some lovely cake and fruit and then a trip into the city to look at samples and to have lunch. A great day. I feel really inspired. Thank you Dawn."

Nancy reviewed: Art + Wine evenings

"In the midst of all the current chaos, this was a lovely sanctuary of calm! Suzanne and Lynn create a friendly, open atmosphere where you feel encouraged and supported throughout, and as other reviewers have mentioned, you will be amazed at what you create! I'd highly recommend this, and it would make a lovely gift."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this lovely review Nancy. We're so glad you found some sanctuary while you were here, and really happy to hear that you were amazed at what you created within just 3 hours. You should be rightly proud! Hope to welcome you back soon. With best wishes Lynn"