Latest reviews

Julia Wilson reviewed: Dry stone walling at Cowshed Creative on our traditional Lakeland Farm, Lake District near Windermere

"I thoroughly enjoyed the dry stone walling workshop. We had an experienced, encouraging and patient tutor, the setting was stunning, the home made food was delicious and I finished the day very proud of the wall our group had built together and confident I'd be able to continue walling on my own. I'll definitely be considering other Cowshed Creative workshops in the future."

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks Julia. The wall you all built looks great. Look forward to seeing you again."

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

"I don’t remember enjoying an afternoon so much in a long time! I have wanted to try my hand at pottery for years; I’m in my mid-sixties and the last time I touched clay (other than a garden pot) was when I was at school and always regretted not having tried hand throwing. It was fantastic!! We tried our hand at pinch pots, slab construction and hand throwing and, despite all the concentration ? it was very relaxing. Louise was so easy to talk to and was also very patient, encouraging and tolerant. She made us feel very comfortable. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her course to anyone"

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

"Hi Angela, I really enjoyed teaching you and Francis, and I'm so glad you enjoyed what was evidently a "surprise" afternoon :-). You've both made some beautiful slab pots and you were very natural on the wheel - you looked thoroughly absorbed! I'll be trimming you pots this evening and I'll let you guys know as soon as they are ready for collection. Thanks again for the lovely review!"

Suki reviewed: Apple – introduction to botanical coloured pencil drawing at The Old Kennels

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course and definitely recommend it to anyone. I checked the link early and ordered a few pencils in and made sure I had some paper etc. around the house before I sat down to start. I spent a few hours on a rainy Sunday sketching in the company of the lovely tutor via pre-recorded video and I loved it. The course provides written instructions, extra details and the pre-recorded video that you can stop, rewind and re-play as many times as you need. I have never done anything quite like this and I was genuinely pleased with what I produced, even though I didn't think for one minute I would be. If you're not sure, just give it a go!"

The Old Kennels responded:

"Thank you Suki, what a lovely review! So glad you enjoyed your first attempt at botanical coloured pencil drawing. Do keep an eye out we are adding more online tutorials all the time!"

Leigh Collins reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"What a fantastic way to spend a weekend. If you are (like me) curious about woodwork or want to start a new career, this is ideal. It's pitched at the beginner and you are taken through the basics, expertly and safely. The pace of the course was spot on, which allowed everyone to go at their own pace. Aiden is very knowledgeable and is always open for questions and queries. The workshop is set in a perfect location looking across towards the North Downs Way. I can't wait for the next series of courses to become available so I can book myself on these. Highly recommend anyone with an interest in woodwork to complete this course."

Rosie Gibbard reviewed: 1 Day bag making course - 10 design options

"This is a great course and I'd highly recommend this to anyone who fancies having a go with leather sewing. As I've only used a sewing machine a handful of times, Rebecca was very supportive, providing instructions and boosting your confidence along the way! Having attended in August 2020 where people have been very cautious of their activities and whereabouts but I felt very safe in the workshop with Rebecca. It's a great feeling at the end of the day, walking out of the workshop with a bag you have made! 100% recommend :)"

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

"I booked this Abstract Art workshop for myself, my other half and my parents to spend some time together and do something completely different. We have had some difficult times as a family with the big ‘C’ word and I hoped it might offer us an opportunity to have some fun and learn something new at the same time. I feel I couldn’t have picked a more perfect workshop to be able to do that. Jo was an amazing host providing us with the perfect blend of tuition and encouragement. We all produced very different pieces of art, all of which we could proudly hang in our homes even though none of us had indulged in art since school, and that was many many years ago !!!! Thank you Jo and Andy so much for such a lovely day . Beautiful people , beautiful setting and two beautiful friendly dogs ( my dad is very uncomfortable with dogs but took to Mia and Tula which was a first too !! ) We can’t recommend this experience enough - fab day and I’m sure we will be going back for the sculpture workshops soon !!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much for this heartfelt review Kaz - it was a pleasure having your family together in the studio. Your Dad's wit with his art work was brilliant and despite your Mum saying she had no art in her whatsoever - I would have been pleased to hang her work in my home it was so harmonious. Looking forward to seeing you back again soon, Jo xx"

Shelagh Carter reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork – Belt making workshop

"Thoroughly enjoyed the day. Very pleased with my belt and my second lot of saddle stitch! Wendy and Clive are good teachers and leave you to get on with what you're doing without standing over you all the time. Definitely recommend this course. Thank you. Shelagh"

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Thank you and well done. We are pleased you enjoyed the day. It was great to be back up and running again."

Doug B reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I had been looking forward to this course for a while but work and then Covid-19 got in the way so thank you to Mark for putting on some additional courses to cover the backlog of cancellations. This is a justifiably popular course. Mark’s excellent teaching and patience caters for all abilities, from absolute beginner to experienced woodworkers, and everyone will come away with a fully finished box to be proud of. Mark will let you choose from a variety of different box styles and woods, allowing you to make a unique box. Mark will then introduce hand tool techniques covering measuring, sawing, chiselling, planing and scraping and then let you progress to using workshop machines. All fully monitored and in complete safety. Progress is surprisingly swift (even for those making dovetails by hand!), and the basics of your box will be complete by the end of a very satisfying first day. Day 2 is really all about finishing and again Mark will demonstrate the techniques and materials to use to really make your box stand out. If you have any doubts about booking this course then just do it - you really will enjoy it and have a wonderful hand-made box to show off to your family and friends at the end of it. Thank you Mark for an excellent weekend!"

Chris reviewed: Fissures II - Nuno Felted Mosaic Scarves

"A really good workshop where I was able to become totally absorbed in the process and emerged with an artistic, beautifully coloured Nuno felted scarf I was really pleased and proud of. I think it would help to have a little experience of felt making so that you can progress quicker than a total beginner, but I also think it's possible to be a beginner and get a lot from it. Emma was a calm, warm and responsive tutor, moving us from one stage to the next without rush but keeping the time boundaries effectively. Emma was generous in sharing her skills and knowledge; not only did we learn how to create beautiful scarves using a mosaic technique, we also learnt how to work up a design from an image of our choice, measure out the correct amount of wools, dye a piece of silk with acid dyes, make prefelt, and how to make a sheet of viscose fibre then incorporate some of that into our design. The day was packed with useful tips that only a well experienced creative felter would know. The setting was a lovely studio at the end of a long garden. We had the door open most of the time and Emma provided, masks, visors, gloves and hand sanitizer, although you don't really need the latter as you are working with soap and water a lot! You could choose how cautious you wanted to be. I felt perfectly safe from any potential Covid infection."

Emma Jackson (Silversoles - Felted Textiles) responded:

"Glad you had an enjoyable and fruitful day, your scarf looks stunning. It’s great to hear you had a great learning experience and felt safe throughout."

David reviewed: Carving & sculpture workshops

"I had a fantastic day with Gareth learning the principles of wood carving and came away at the end of the day with the confidence to explore and tackle the ideas that I have racing around in my head. The setting of the course out in the county has a very relaxing affect making the day more enjoyable. Gareth’s house and his work that he has done is amazing. Truly a memorable day and highly recommended to anyone who wants to learn or improve a beautiful skill"

Dave reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"I found this course after becoming an avid ‘Forged in Fire’ fan, and soon began grinding my own knives from flat stock. But all I really wanted to do was actually forge them. This course was brilliant. Bob is a fantastic teacher and has so much valuable knowledge to share of his craft. The information he gives to you will stick and enable you to pick things up much quicker. There is a lovely relaxed atmosphere there, but with safety also always being key. If you’re thinking about doing the course, just get it booked! You won’t regret it! Thanks for a top class day Bob, I’ll be back again!"

Roxanne reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Very pleased I attended this course. The teacher is informative, knowledgeable and patient. Happy to answer questions and give lots of guidance. Even with social distancing measures in place it was a relaxed atmosphere where I was able to work at my own pace. Would definitely recommend this as a good starting class if you have never used resin before."

Gill reviewed: Knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"Spent a lovely Saturday morning learning to crochet. Ann is lovely, she explains things very clearly and is really patient with a complete novice! I was amazed at what we achieved in just 2 hours. Also a lovely venue with outdoor seating within an arcade - tea and cake are a bonus!"

Leeds Central Faith and Light responded:

"Thank you, Gill, for taking the time to write your lovely review. I am pleased you are happy with what you achieved on Saturday and hope it has inspired you to continue with your new skill. I like the venue too!!!! Kind regards Ann"

Catherine Youngs reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork – Belt making workshop

"Great day with Clive and Wendy. My son and I learned a lot and really enjoyed the experience. Wendy and Clive are great teachers and have a perfect approach, being supportive but not taking over. We were really pleased with the end products. We are both wearing our belts as I type :-) Thanks very much! PS. Clive and Wendy were great with covid arrangements and we felt very comfortable with the hygiene and distancing and it did not detract from the course. Thoroughly recommend Gil and Tom"

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Great to hear you both enjoyed the workshop. It is fantastic to be up and running again. We're really pleased that you thought the measures weve put in place kept you safe as we have put a lot of effort into working out the best way to deliver the workshop. Thank you."

C. Lawrence reviewed: 'Bag in a Day' Practical Leather Course - Mini Bucket bag

"This was a thoroughly enjoyable and informative workshop.I enjoyed it very much and learnt the skill of making a beautiful leather bag. Georgie was patient and encouraging and guided me through every step. The bag will be cherished forever!"

Jakob reviewed: 2-day seax making course, Leeds, West Yorkshire

"Amazing, thorough, full-filled. Jorgencraft actually provided me with a bespoke weekend 1on1 to make a personalised item of a cut throat razor and sheath. During this time I was taught metalwork, forging, leather work and used dozens of tools. The workshop has every tool known to man and the teacher is able to make and teach anything under the sun from clothing to weaponry. Utterly amazing and surpassed my expectations.... Thank you so much :)"

Jorgen Craft responded:

"Thank you very much for your feedback. We are glad you have enjoyed the class with is. Jakob was a very good student with good manual skills. It was great to run a class with a bespoke personalised item. Thank you for choosing Jorgen Craft."

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

"Would highly recommend this workshop. I attended yesterday and had a fantastic day. Never done glass work before but the instructions and help from Martin were excellent!!"

Mike Manisty reviewed: Beginner's Candle Making Private Workshop - Marlow, Buckinghamshire

"Very professional approach. Steps clearly explained and workshop environment enabled learning by doing! Workshop well re-engineered to be COVID friendly. Close to 3 hours, which was just right for a beginners course. Good supporting material and follow-up advice."

Candle by Events responded:

"Mike, thank you for your feedback, glad you enjoyed the workshop"

Jan reviewed: Fissures II - Nuno Felted Mosaic Scarves

"This course couldnt have been better. Lovely venue, conducive to the task, lots of laughs, a really skilled, passionate tutor with answers to all felting queries, and support at all stages of constructing the scarf. So many lovely things, gorgeous colours, and a real generosity in sharing all of these, plus her skills and time. Best of all, I now have a unique beautiful scarf. Can't recommend the day more, do it, you wont be disappointed!"

Emma Jackson (Silversoles - Felted Textiles) responded:

"I'm so pleased that you enjoyed the course, I throughly enjoyed the day too. Thank you, Emma"

Lorraine reviewed: One day silver clay course at Gallery in Heswall, Wirral

"Georgina is an excellent teacher, the course was well run and structured, I learnt how to manage and roll clay, to prepare and plan a design ready for firing, and to tidy up, sand and polish a piece, it was a great day and can't wait to do another one"

Tony T reviewed: Cleft ash gate making with Gedwood

"Whether new to green woodworking or already with some experience, this course won’t disappoint you. The day I was there Ged was as welcoming as ever with freshly brewed coffee and his legendary flapjack ready and waiting for us all. You can get a feel for what’s coming just by walking through his own cleft-ash gateway and then sitting in his hand-built kitchen. Evidence of wood crafting is everywhere. The gate course involves extensive use of the shave horse and draw knife which, especially if it’s a sunny day, is a wonderful experience. The smell of the ash bark and green wood as it peels away under the knife will linger in your memory for days afterwards. Ged is an excellent tutor and will coach you to work with the wood to shape it into the components of the gate. I was utterly delighted with the result and inspired to take further courses with Ged to learn even more."

Gedwood responded:

"Hi Tony, Thats very kind of you to say. Glad you enjoyed the weekend and are pleased with your ash gate!"

Liz reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"I booked this course with three girl friends, and it was a really fun day out. Kate provides one-to-one guidance throughout the day, and is very subtle in making adjustments (if needed) so that even the least-skilled weaver goes home with an impressive sculpture that closely resembles what you set out to achieve!"

Teresa Fraser reviewed: Beginner's Machine Knitting

"I bought my preowned knitting Machine a couple of years ago and after many failed attempts to get going, it’s been sat in a cupboard gathering dust. I came across this course quite by accident, and I’m so happy that I did. In 150 minutes of excellent tuition, Farah has got me up and running and really excited about the potential of developing my expertise. Everything was very clearly explained and demonstrated, Farah talked me through a few hiccups and was very patient as I worked through each process. The course notes were excellent, very clear and well explained and will be an excellent aide memoir for the future. This has given me so much confidence to continue exploring and experimenting with the machine and one I’ve had time to consolidate what I have learned, I’ll be back for more!"

Linda reviewed: Beginner's Candle Making Private Workshop - Marlow, Buckinghamshire

"Thoroughly enjoyed this class with my daughter. Sarah had made it a thoroughly safe environment to work in given current covid climate. There was a nice welcome and a nice cup of tea offered. She explained all the stages very well enabling us to create tea lights, pillar candle, floating candles and a tinned candle. She introduced us to adding colour and perfume. I will certainly take home my new knowledge to make candles at home. Thanks Sarah x"

Candle by Events responded:

"Thank you Linda, really pleased you enjoyed the workshop."

Ritchie Kelk reviewed: 5 Day Professional Furniture Refinishing Workshop - Traditional & Contemporary

"Had a great 5 days attending the French polishing course with Ollie. The course focuses on different wood finishes with a view to re invigorate old furniture and bringing them back to life. Ollie's knowledge was exceptional, and his approach meant that the course was relaxed and enjoyable. Information supplied with the course was very good and with 3 different pieces to work on various different finishings were discussed and Ollie's experience in the subject meant that he had answers to any problem that was presented. A very good course well worth attending if you are interested in keeping old furniture alive."