Latest reviews

Sally reviewed: Sculpture workshop two days with Jo Garden Art in beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"I had a fantastic two days and am thrilled with my handstand man. I can’t wait to find the right place in my garden for him. Join a relaxed and excellent tutor, everything was well organised and supportive and the group I was with were great fun. I’ll be back many thanks."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Sally ;-) - I loved your bronze version of 'Balance' - thank goodness you had a long vehicle to accommodate 7 feet 3 inches! I hope you enjoy seeing him in your garden & would love to work with you again in the future, Jo x"

Shirley Sampson reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"Just spent a fantastic three days learning how to restore furniture with Bill. I took along two chairs which I had rescued and then not had the skills to restore. Thanks to Bill, I feel like a now have a thorough grounding in the correct and ethical ways of restoring furniture, with skills such as stripping upholstery, re-gluing joints, using fillers, reviving shellac finishes, and refinishing bare timber. It's been really enlightening, thanks to Bill's clear and patient teaching. I love dusty old junk, but it has been wonderful to see my 'orrible old chairs slowly regaining their beauty and dignity beneath my hands. Bill is great company, and seems to have lived several lives in one! Looking forward to returning to pick up more skills once my chairs are finished!"

Siobhan Moore reviewed: ColourWheel Art Class, Stockport

"I started this course last September with the intention of just doing a term. I had hoped I might be able to improve my drawing skills but I actually learnt so much more. I had never really done much painting but by Christmas had a selection of pictures that showed steady progress and had painted a portrait in acrylics that I was incredibly proud of. I had learnt about watercolour, mixing colours, composition, charcoal and negative space, to name but a few. The teaching is friendly and accessible and the class also learn a lot from one another. When lockdown happened, the organiser sent us online projects, set up a WhatsApp group, made zoom classes available and has just been incredible. In under a year I have made new friends, learnt new skills and have a range of art works that I am extremely proud of. I simply cannot recommend this course enough."

ColourWheel Stockport responded:

"Thank you so much, Siobhan. your skills have progressed so much, and it's wonderful to have you on the course!"

Elizabeth Snee reviewed: Handmade cards in Hampshire

"Just had my first course yesterday. Had a fab time! June is a lovely lady and I learnt such a lot. Will definitely be booking again. Can’t wait to go back!"

Cardinal Cards responded:

"Hi Elizabeth and thank you for your review. I'm so glad you enjoyed the class and it will be a pleasure to welcome you back. Hope to see you soon!"

Kathy French reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"Steve explained everything very well (didn't talk down to us) and was very helpful and obliging in assisting each of us achieve our desired result. He's a patient, good teacher. The day was well thought out and busy yet flexible and well paced so that each of us was able to make trial/test pieces before our main project. The advice about having something in mind beforehand was good and Steve even phoned beforehand to help me develop my ideas. A very enjoyable day and I intend to join another class in future."

Sue reviewed: Handmade cards in Hampshire

"After two classes with June I have learnt so much already. So much to learn. Great atmosphere! Can’t wait til the next one!"

Cardinal Cards responded:

"Thanks Sue. Lovely to meet you and I'm looking forward to seeing you again and sharing even more techniques."

Rosemary Gray reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Batik textile workshop in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"I attended this course recently and thoroughly enjoyed the day. Melanie Louise is an excellent tutor and made the techniques very accessible and fun to try. I am by no stretch of the imagination any good at drawing but I was stunned at the way my designs turned out. I had a great experience in a COVID safe environment and can't wait to book again."

John reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"What a great weekend! After a lack of normal social activities for months due to the Covid-19 lockdown, it was challenge to attend an indoor practical course that required close supervision. However, excellent attention was given to ensure safety in the workshop, with all appropriate PPE provided, and I would have no hesitation whatsoever in returning for another course. Mark was an outstanding teacher with a clear precise style of communication and very good-humoured patience (which was certainly needed for me!). His practical demonstrations were like watching a surgeon at work, amazing. We learned lots of little tips that make all the difference and everyone completed a box with their own choice of woods and design. If you are looking for an interesting workshop that delivers, then this is certainly it - very highly recommended! Thanks again Mark."

Jill Glover reviewed: Floor standing Lamps by ShedLight

"Vanessa was great. She had just done a covid course so the room and safety was set out to protect everyone, she even has visors for each person. The choice of fabric is amazing. I made a tall floor lamp and it's beautiful. So professionally finished off under the tutoring of Vanessa. She was so helpful and full of tips. She is so approachable and friendly. It is easy to find as well as it's just off M54. I can now successfully make my own."

ShedLight responded:

"Thank you Jill ! It was so much fun working with you I really enjoyed the morning and your Floor lamp is fabulous! ?"

Joanna Wilson reviewed: Create your dream business from candle making - One to one session

"I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Jane it wasn't like being on a course at all she was so friendly and approachable right from the start . She was easy to talk to and I felt I could ask her questions, she was so helpful and and at the end I had a clear idea on what to do next in setting up my own business. She has promised to keep in touch to see how I'm getting on and has said I can contact her for further advice. When I left I had the feeling that she genuinely wants me succeed. I would recommend this course especially for the branding legal side of things which she explained so even I could understand them ! Thank you Jane for a brilliant day."

The Candle Coach responded:

"Thank you Jo for such lovely words, it really was a pleasure to spend the day with you. You definitely will go on to have a great business, just take your time! And yes, I’m here if you need me! P.S I’ve emailed you today to make sure you’re working on your day 1 ?"

Sarah reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"We really enjoyed the wood turning course, it was a lovely day and we are very happy with the pieces we made. Simon is an excellent tutor; very informative, and very patient! Simon and Louise made us feel at home, plenty of refreshments, lunch was lovely. We enjoyed every second! Highly recommend; we will be looking to book another course in the future."

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

"Hi Sarah, hi Robin, Thank you for the really lovely review. We're so pleased you enjoyed your day - it was lovely to have you! Simon says that Robin's a natural! Love to have you back again in the future :-) Take care."

Frances reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"Spent a great day with Kate learning how to weave willow. I was a complete beginner but came away with an imposing 6 foot heron which I am delighted with and which has already garnered many positive comments. I will definitely be attending another course in the near future"

Kate Morrell willow sculpture responded:

"Hopefully see you at larkswold? Many thanks for a great day and your heron was superb well done!"

Annie reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"What a rewarding day spent willow weaving with Kate. Fabulous tutor, so patient and encouraging. Lovely group of weavers too making a hare and herons, I made a chicken “Henny Penny”. Lovely to see how we each created our animals. Plenty of refreshments and lovely lunch all included and served by Kate's partner. What a lovely way to spend a very wet Wednesday. Thank you Kate and partner."

Robert Holmwood reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Spent the day with Mark which was very informative and enjoyable. Mark knows his craft and is happy to explain things again if it doesn't sink in the 1st time. He makes it look so easy. Need to practice now!"

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you Rob"

Mark reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"Very enjoyable and informative course. Jason is generous with us time and knowledge. Recommend this course to anyone interested in learning about leather work in a very nice well equipped studio space and with a genuine talented and great guy."

Martin W reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"Myself and my 11 year old Son had an excellent day in Andy’s workshop, both being able to complete a bowl by the end of the day. Andy is very helpful, knowledgeable and patient, allowing us to feel we had created our own work (with help from him with the tricky parts when needed!) We were both made to feel very welcome by Andy & Martine and very much recommend the course."

Michelle reviewed: ColourWheel Art Class, Stockport

"I started at Colourwheel having never done an art class in my life.....and I am hooked! Both class leader & class teacher are welcoming, encouraging & enthusiastic. Over the last 11 months we have had classes in pencil, charcoal, pastels, oil pastels, watercolour & acrylic. During lockdown classes continued via zoom, providing calm & creativity during the storm. Now we have returned to face to face teaching, great effort has been made to ensure that classes are safe yet still engaging & informative. I can't imagine life without my Colourwheel class."

ColourWheel Stockport responded:

"That's lovely, Michelle - we can't imagine the classes without you either!! Seeing your artwork progress to such a high level is fantastic."

Ashley Davies reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"My wife sent me on the full day course with Bob. Being the Forged in Fire fan that I am and knife collector I arrived with all the excitement you could imagine. This was the first time I had even seen a forge in person so a complete novice in all things blacksmithing. After a safety talk and taking a genuine interest in my background Bob went on to explain, demonstrate and then had me repeat some basic skills, which gradually moved on to slightly harder skills. The depth of knowledge of the craft fascinated me, Bob sure knows his stuff! After a chippy lunch and relaxed interesting conversation we moved onto the second part of the day. Bob asked me what I would like to make - somewhat unsurprisingly to Bob I wanted to make a knife. Bob let me design my own knife to make which I thought was a nice touch. We actually made two knives, the first a Viking knife which combined all the skills from the morning to come together to make an awesome finished piece. We then made my own design. I am very proud of the end results for both knifes that have pride of place in my collection. Bob is a great guy and effortlessly made me feel at ease. I will be going back again soon for sure now that I have the bug! Thanks for a great day Bob."

christine simmonds reviewed: Jewellery making with silver clay - one day beginners workshop

"Charlotte is a brilliant instructor and very generous in sharing her knowledge and experience of using Silver Clay. The day was really well organised and Charlotte had ensured her approach was appropriately socially distanced and following safe working arrangements, which was very reassuring and enabled me to feel relaxed and confident through the day. The day was well paced, really interesting and Charlotte supported me in making two pendants and two pairs of earrings, which I am delighted with. Being able to work through all stages of the process of making and come away with my jewellery was a real bonus. Brilliant way to spend the day. I would definitely recommend Charlotte's workshop to anyone."

Felix & Reuben Jewellery School responded:

"Thank you Christine. I am so pleased you enjoyed the day. The jewellery you made was beautiful. Well done!"

Susan Stevenson reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"Adela was very welcoming and a great tutor. She was organised to deliver the course safely due to to the pandemic. We had a lot of fun and it has inspired me to continue to create mosaics at home"

Michele Carron reviewed: Bring Your Own Upholstery Project - 1 day workshop - Week Days

"I had a fabulous day on this course and Sarah was extremely patient, kind, knowledgeable and I would love the opportunity to do another course. Great setting, and I highly recommend this to anyone who fancies learning about upholstery. I did the course with 2 friends, which added to the enjoyment of the day. All COVID-19 social distancing was maintained without affecting any part of the learning - thank you Sarah for a great day."

Mel Soanes reviewed: Introduction to glass fusion Morning half day taster (beginners)

"What a lovely morning! Relaxed, informative and fun. Sally is so knowledgeable and very funny, really positive and encouraging too so that nobody felt left behind. My only complaint is that it went by so fast, I was sad when it was over! Looking forward to coming again. Thank you, Sally."

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Mel - much appreciated. It was a fabulous workshop which I am so glad you enjoyed. I look forward to seeing you again very soon :)"

Jen Alexander reviewed: Wet felting workshop: Introduction to picture making in Henstridge near Stalbridge Dorset & Somerset

"I had a wonderful day with Sally and had arrived as a complete novice. Sally was super organised and all work stations were socially distanced, well stocked and ready to go - the day was structured and learnt a load more than expected and found I really enjoyed the process of making a wet felt picture - great day thanks again!!"

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thanks Jen - it was a lovely day, and I hope to see you again soon."

Hilary Baptiste reviewed: Private or private group silver jewellery making / silversmithing workshop half-day at Silver Designed Personally

"I have just spent two wonderful afternoons with Sara, coming away with a spinner ring, a pendant and a pair of earrings. I have been taught an array of techniques, all of which I hope to be able to use when I attend another one of Sara's workshops. I had the opportunity to use a wide variety of tools and equipment, all under expert guidance. More than anything else I would say that I had fun and came away feeling that I had accomplished alot in a very short space of time. My dogs had a wonderful time too!"

Silver Designed Personally responded:

"Hilary, thank you so much for taking the time to write me a review. You have a great natural eye and that leaf was lovely .... I will look forward to seeing you and your lovely dogs again and to your next creation. Sara"

Nele Bergmans reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"We had an amazing weekend at the site near Cheltenham. It was wonderful to work on a sculpture in a setting like that. Beautiful wooden structures made by Sebastian with found pieces of wood and doors of other buildings. Sculpture and stone lying around in grass fields for you to explore or just to be surrounded by. We felt very welcome and supported, Sebastian showed us the tools and helped us figure out what we wanted to do/how to do it. It was very laid back, we could work on our own ideas, but whenever there was something difficult we could ask for help or Sebastian would give advice. We both think we got quite far with our sculpture/ I think mine is even finished. You can really achieve something in two days. Our group was small and intimate, it was a nice atmosphere. We had nice chats during lunch and coffee breaks. I would recommend everyone who want try out sculpture/stonecarving Sebastian's course. We made some great memories."