Latest reviews

Kath Guyers reviewed: Introduction to modern calligraphy for beginners

"Worth every penny. Excellent tuition in a friendly and relaxed environment. Not sure where the 3 hours went. Thank you Jools and Helen."

Calligraphy Harrogate responded:

"That's really kind of you, the time always flies for us too as we want to try and fit in as much as we can to share our passion for modern calligraphy. You are an excellent student and we just know you will love your new hobby. See you again soon!"

Norman Kelsall reviewed: Guitar Strumstick Dulcimer 3 strings instrument

"How can you make an amazing 3 String Strumstick from a stick and a few other pieces of wood, on Teds woodworking course, well YOU can. Having little knowledge of woodworking, tools or anything musical doesn't matter as Ted guides you helpfully and funnily through, from start to finish. What a great day I had, unfortunately it went far too quickly, but I ended up with a great looking and sounding Strumstick and feeling proud of my self and my achievement. A very satisfying day. Thank you for an excellent adventure."

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thank you Norman......the feelings mutual my friend looking forward to our bandsaw box or jewellry box day later this year. I agree some parts of woodworking need special tools but as you seen its all common sense and with a little TLC you can get some astonishing results. It was a fun day my friend .....don't forget to practice with the instrument now ! Take care Norman .....see you soon .....Ted"

Dafydd reviewed: 2 Day forged chef's knife course.

"2 day chef's knife course. Was given the option of three shapes : Chef's knife, Santoku (my choice) or Nakiri. Started from pre-cut blanks which made the actual forging quicker than expected (hour or so). Although Stephen did a few parts (quenching, handle fitting, final sharpening) all the creative choices were mine. Those included choosing shape, patterning, polished or not, wood for handle and shape of handle. I get he did the mentioned parts to give me the best result, although I would have liked to do the quench. 1st Day - forging knife shape, grinding, quenching 2nd Day - making the handle, sharpening Well enjoyed 2 days, very proud of my knife. (Also given a nice carrying pouch to take it home)"

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi Dafydd Thank you very much for your review. It shows basically how the two days unfold and some of the processes involved in the making of the chef's knife. As you stated I do undertake certain production processes during the day and that is only because of the time limitations we face on the course days. As I say on day one, our biggest enemy is time and I want every student to go home with the best possible knife they can make in the time available. You have given me some food for thought though regards the quenching process. ATB Steve"

Liz reviewed: Sea-glass pendant workshop

"I had a brilliant day at this workshop and created a pendant that has been much admired! Jo is a fab teacher, getting the balance just right between giving support when needed, while allowing space to be creative and independent. The venue is ideal, easy to get to and has parking. I have already booked my next course with Jo and can't wait. Highly recommend."

Joanne Tinley Jewellery responded:

"Thank you for your kind review Liz! I'm very pleased to hear that your pendant has been admired - as it should have been, it is lovely! Looking forward to seeing you again soon."

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

"I recently attended the Dry Stone Walling Course at the Cowshed. The day was 'hands on' and very instructive. Richard, the course tutor, was very experienced and extremely knowledgeable about the course content. His relaxed style put everyone quickly at their ease and whilst the instruction and activity was testing (some of the stones weighed a ton - only joking) the day was very enjoyable and passed rapidly. I would thoroughly recommend this course. The farm surroundings, in the heart of the glorious Lake District, really raised your spirits and the care and attention paid to the arrangements and in particular the refreshments was first class. Well done and thank you to George and Richard."

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks David for such lovely comments. We hope to see you again."

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

"The host on the day was very welcoming and provided excellent refreshments throughout the day. The venue was perfect, with safe social distancing being practiced at all times. The course was a good introduction to dry stone walling. The instructor was very knowledgeable about his craft and provided excellent 'hands-on' tuition. I would have liked more written information to take away on the day but overall it was a really good crafting experience."

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks for such positive comments Carol. Richard already has plans in place to improve the hand-outs. Hope to see you and David again."

Lucie reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"I did one of David's courses last January, and it was absolutely great! I was an absolute beginner, and I am not even particularly good at crafts, but David explained everything from the very start (a log of green wood) to the end (oiling the spoon, sharpening tools etc). Each student carved their very own spoon, and there were a number of different tools to try out. David demonstrated many different techniques to use the sharp tools safely (for you and others around), while still leaving you room to figure out things on your own. David is an excellent teacher, absolutely passionate about wood carving, I had an amazing day! After just this one class I am carving spoons on my own, and this part is particularly important to me as I very much expected that after the class I would never dare to carve anything at all ; the exact opposite happened. David even helped me afterwards with advice on tools to get, sharpening techniques and more. I absolutely wholeheartedly recommend this class, and I am definitely considering taking another one myself."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Lucie Thanks so much for the review. The course I taught with you will be unforgettable, not so much for Storm Brendan that hit us, nor feeding the goats in the rain but because you were a great group of students! Keep making shavings!"

The Latimers reviewed: One day beginners painting course with Sue O'Mara Art - all materials provided

"As a family we booked a beginners lesson with Sue, which was amazing! Ranging from a 12 year old sister to a 55 year old father it was safe to say we had very different ideas of painting, but the very talented Sue was a great teacher and really helped us to all achieve beautiful art which none of us thought we would be capable of! We had a lovely day painting and will definitely be back!"

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Thank you all and I look forward to seeing you again soon! Well done :)"

Laure Potter reviewed: Sea-glass pendant workshop

"Great course, Joanne super knowledgeable and a very patient tutor to guide through step by step. Having never done anything like this, I found the hardest step was to pick the stone! You can definitely achieve a lovely pendant with no prior experience. I loved it that much I booked myself on another course in December. Have fun!"

Joanne Tinley Jewellery responded:

"I'm so pleased you had such a good day Laure! Choosing the stone is often the hardest part, but your pendant is beautiful. Looking forward to seeing you again in December!"

Derry Lowe reviewed: Shibori & indigo dye at Cowshed Creative, the Lake District National Park, near Windermere

"It was a really lovely day all round. Driving through stunning countryside and views to get there. The barn is a lovely place to work in, good facilities. Kate is a friendly helpful 'good' tutor, and George produced wonderful food, and plenty of it too. Went home happy and contented, and very pleased with my creations. Will hopefully do other courses there. Why would I not!!!! (no moji to put a smiley face)."

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Many thanks for your lovely comments Derry. Hope to see you again."

Julie reviewed: Lino print making (multi colours) workshop with Tamar Simpson

"I did the Lino printing course and it was fantastic. Tamar is a great teacher and made the whole process seem really easy. It was a good introduction to Lino printing and we made several prints on the day. I would recommend this course if you want to give Lino printing a try...but beware, it is addictive."

Jackie reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"A friend recommended this Stone Carving course after seeing her stone sculptures in her garden. The course is great fun, very hands-on - in a lovely rural setting. But the real alchemy is what you create in 2 days! Sebastian’s sculptures are there to inspire and he has a great teaching style, gently encouraging you as you see your vision transform in your hands! Lots of tea & home-made apple juice to keep you going. Thank you Sebastian for a memorable 2 days. We will be back."

Ben Waddington reviewed: Learn pottery with Marina - two-to-one course

"The pottery lessons were bought as a present for my partner, and they were great, we were both hooked instantly! Marina was very friendly and knowledgeable, and showed us proper technique on the wheel. She has lots of interesting pieces for inspiration dotted around her workshop. Considering we had never given it a go before, we came out with some bowls and jugs that look amazing! Thank you for all your tuition and patience. We would definitely recommend to others."

Alis reviewed: Rustic oak garden bench - one day course

"We had a great day on this this course. We went along one a complete novice and the other having some knowledge of working with wood. Both of us came away having learnt so much about a range of traditional tools, different wood types and various techniques used to create a bench. The real bonus is going home with a fantastic bench that will last us for a lifetime. Ian is very knowledgeable and a nice guy to spend a day with."

Maria reviewed: Mandala drawing - Beginners

"Kathryn was wonderful. I felt at ease and wasn't rushed to complete my mandala drawing. Kathryn explained the history and methods behind the drawings. At the end of the lesson I was so pleased with what I had achieved and the knowledge learnt. Advice on design, development, different textures were all helpful. I would definitely recommend this course."

Mandala Meadow responded:

"Thank you so much, Maria. It was a lovely evening. So pleased you enjoyed it too! best wishes, Kathryn"

Michele reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"My friend and I loved our course with Jo, really relaxed, learned a lot and came away with some lovely products made by our own fair hands! Thanks Jo."

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thank you Michelle. Youll have lots of time to practice over these two weeks!!"

Charlotte reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"I had a brilliant time at the Small Leather Goods workshop with Kingsley. He's extremely knowledgeable, a brilliant teacher, is friendly and patient. My friend and I had a lot of individual attention and are now inspired to start more leather work. Highly recommended - thank you so much!"

Rachael reviewed: Online leather work tutorials

"Excellent course."

Judith Anderson reviewed: Resin jewellery making workshop

"Granddaughter and I spent a wonderful afternoon playing with resin. Claire is a most patient tutor and most generous with her time and expertise, Granddaughter is hooked!"

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"It was lovely to meet you both! Thank you so much! Claire"

Jo Hams reviewed: Sterling silver ring making workshop

"Loved this afternoon with David. My son and I benefited (if you can say that) from the Covid restrictions and had David to ourselves meaning he was always on hand as we completed each step and ready to answer any questions. He is an excellent teacher; very patient, methodical and engaging. Instructions to find the studio were thorough and following his guidance and satnav we didn't go wrong. My son had a fair idea of what he wanted to create and following a bit of guidance on his design, came away with a very unique piece of jewellery. I took the opportunity to browse a selection of designs that David indicated could be easily replicated in this course and I gave my chosen one a tweak to make it my own - you don't have to know which design you want to make when you walk in the door. We chose David's course over others because we did not want to be producing run of the mill items. His workshop is packed full of ideas and temptation to return and enjoy other courses. If his studio was closer to home, I would be re-booked already! Thank you David for a lovely afternoon."

David J Lilly responded:

"Hi Jo, Thank you for such a wonderful review. I hope to see you and Adam again sometime in the future making more fabulous items. Best Wishes David"

Jackie Sweeney reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"I travelled over from Ireland especially for this course. Jo is an absolute lady and so inspiring. The business she has built up from incredible hard work and dedication is evident. She was so informative with all of her advise and helped iron out all of the queries I had so that I now have the confidence to get down to work and take the next step. Very enjoyable day with very good company. Jo deserves every success."

The White Candle Company responded:

"Jackie, Thank you so very much for this lovely review. It was an absolute pleasure to meet you and I wish you every success going forward. Thank you for making the trip x"

Patti de Clifford reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"Had a wonderful day last Saturday making a moongazing hare. I had been waiting to do this since lockdown started and I was not disappointed. Jo was so helpful during the whole process and everyone produced wonderful hares. It was a very interesting and enjoyable course. Also she took great care to implement all safe covid measures. A great day really enjoyed."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Patti! So glad to see you after your long wait - as you mentioned the group created lovely hares. Hope to see you again, Jo ;-) x"

kate martin reviewed: Online leather work tutorials

"Wonderful course"

sarah challis reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"As a beginner I found the day great fun and very informative, Matt was a very patient and thorough teacher and managed to maintain a smile throughout despite constant questions from me . The information that Matt forwarded via email re. tools, supplies and techniques was really helpful . The group size of 5 worked really well in relation to social distancing and Matt was very on the ball with all covid precautions so the day felt safe as well as fun."

Dawn Saunders reviewed: "Sparkle & Shine": beginner mosaic workshops with Joss Hughes, Peacock Mosaics

"An enjoyable morning with Joss. I learned loads but wasn’t overloaded with info. Came away with a tile of various mosaics which I was very happy with, being the first time. I’m now inspired to go and look for Sea glass and see what I can find! I’ll be back. Thanks Dawn."

Peacock Mosaics responded:

"Thanks Dawn, hope your back is better! Joss"