Latest reviews

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."

Penny reviewed: Creative giftwrapping & Bow making workshop ( in person )

"I really enjoyed the workshop today! Joko was warm and friendly. I learned a lot and left feeling inspired. I am planning to attend the advanced course! Thank you so much!"

Zoliab Craft & Gift Wrapping Academy responded:

"It was really great meeting you. I am glad you enjoyed the course and that you are feeling inspired. I also enjoyed working with you. Here's wishing you more grace to accomplish much more than you desire. I am looking forward to seeing you soon. Thanks for attending."

iona williams reviewed: Learn how to make a stained glass panel

"What an amazing two days! I had looked forward to this course for a while and was definitely not disappointed. I believe that its success is down to the relaxed and calm atmosphere created in this gorgeous little building by Brian. He has the patience of a saint and has a knack of gently guiding you through the process without taking over. Luckily he also has a good sense of humour which is essential at times! I even had a private little corner where I could eat my lunch or curse quietly if things were not quite going to plan! Thank you Brian for teaching me so much about the process in such a short time. I shall definitely be back!"

Maureen Jackson reviewed: ColourWheel Art Class, Stockport

"I joined the Colourwheel art class last September and have enjoyed every minute of it. With all the resources provided it couldn't be easier to attend The tutor is excellent: empathetic and encouraging and the administrator puts her heart into making everyone welcome and comfortable. I highly recommended this course."

ColourWheel Stockport responded:

"Thank you so much, Maureen - it's such a pleasure to have you on the course."

Chris reviewed: ColourWheel Art Class, Stockport

"Love these classes. So well organised and resourced. The atmosphere is so relaxed and everyone is so supportive. Amazing."

ColourWheel Stockport responded:

"Thank you Chris, I'm really glad that you enjoy the classes, and we love having you there!"

Philippa reviewed: Blacksmithing experience - spend a day in the forge

"We were given vouchers for a blacksmith course as an anniversary gift and chose Red Anvil because it seemed good value for money. Right from the start communications were quick and helpful. We'd booked a long time in advance of the course and weren't sure whether it would be going ahead because of social distancing requirements, but we were quickly reassured that a lot of thought had been given to ensuring that the day was safe. As soon as we arrived we received a friendly greeting from Richard and a comprehensive introduction to the forge and how to work metal. We were then given lots of latitude to try different techniques, but Richard was always at hand if we needed any assistance. He was happy to help us try and achieve our plans (albeit that they were a bit too ambitions!) and patiently showed us lots of different ways to do this, including how to use the power hammer. The day is billed as "a day in the life of a blacksmith" and this felt like an authentic experience. Whilst it's fascinating, it's worth noting that it is also a very physical day. We had a great time, but definitely left feeling that we needed to work more on our core and arm strength!"

Red Anvil School of Blacksmithing responded:

"Thank you Philippa for taking the time to write a very well thought out review. I am now rewarded with a ‘Gold’ level award from Craft Courses, with the effect that my courses move further towards the top of the list on the CC website. I am also rewarded by the enthusiastic responses from those who have been on my courses, I am very much aware of just how difficult it is to master any craft. Blacksmithing as a craft has its difficult moments, so for those who undertake the experience, full marks for withstanding not only the technicalities of hammering hot metal into shape, but also for withstanding the conditions of fire and noise. From a beginners point of view, it must be infyriating to hammer away, only for the metal not to co-operate by going in an unexpected direction, or to change into an unwanted shape. Thank you both for enjoying your time as ‘blacksmiths for a day’, it was great to share the experience with you."

carter reviewed: Creative Fused Glass for beginners and improvers

"Great knowledge of pigment and colours, and enthusiastic teacher!"

Simon bennett reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Great course covering all aspects of making a knife from start to finish. Good staff to attendee ratios enabling prompt attention to each stage of the process with clear guidance and explanations not only what to do but why the step is necessary. Good natured conversation throughout made the day highly enjoyable. Very pleased to get a finished product at the end of the day, and with the parachute cord option for the handle allowed the knife to be usable immediately."

Clarke Knives responded:

"An enjoyable day indeed Simon with a great result."

Elena reviewed: Nettle Fibre Workshop

"This masterclass is an ode to heritage, that stands behind us in cloth. One will not only learn an ancient sustainable craft, achievable even for complete beginners, which is already amazing for just six hours of your life. Brigitte's natural teaching ability and passion are also a testament to practice based on meticulous research and scholastic knowledge, which she shares generously."

AMANDA GRATTON reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"What a lovely way to spend a 'coming out of lockdown and becoming sociable again' day. Adela had the studio all sorted so that we would feel and be safe without it becoming stressful. She explained how to make our mosaics really clearly so that we were able to relax, snip and stick happily all afternoon. I'm inspired to carry on and try another mosaic now. Thank you"

Peter reviewed: Introduction to welded metal sculpture

"This was an excellent course and would highly recommend to anyone looking to have a go at welding sculpture work. Me and my wife attended the one day with Alan and it was thoroughly enjoyable. We had an idea of what we wanted to make and Alan went through all the processes to get to the finished product. MIG welding, plasma cutting, bending and cutting metal there was so much content in one day. When you are finished you have a piece of your own work to take away with you which we were thoroughly pleased with. Also Alan was a great teacher, very funny and had some great welding stories."

Chloe reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"Thoroughly enjoyed this course, I hadn’t had any experience in leather work and I was looking for a course that could teach me all of the necessary skills to create leather products. This course did just that and more! It was so professionally done and Jason was great at teaching his passion, making everything look so easy. The quality of the leather and tools are of an excellent standard and the whole setup is perfect. I’m really happy with the bag I’ve made and couldn’t quite believe I’d done it all by hand! I would 100% recommend and I’ll be going back for more tips and tricks."

Vicky Minck reviewed: Creative Fused Glass for beginners and improvers

"Such an interesting class. Nadine is a fun and kind natured teacher sharing her knowledge of such unique skills. A great idea to do something with a friend or to escape reality for a moment. Highly recommended for anyone, not necessarily just artistic types. Amazing value for money too!"

Linda Wallis reviewed: Introduction to glass fusion Morning half day taster (beginners)

"I absolutely loved this, I have done glass fusion before but, still brilliant. Sally's great. I think she's going to have to put up with the fact that i will be a regular at her glasses. Not just glass fusion either."

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank you Linda - what a fabulous workshop we had! I thoroughly enjoyed it as well and look forward to seeing you again very soon :)"

Catherine Jones reviewed: Half day: 3 Leather Accessories

"This was a great introduction to leatherwork and in half a day I made items I was really pleased with, and got a taste for wanting to learn and do more. Rosanna is a great teacher; explains things well, is very patient, and forgiving of mistakes. The venue in Smithbrook kilns is perfect for small groups and even on a roasting hot August day it was cool inside and a lovely environment, which also made it a great experience."

Monique Mahoney reviewed: Creative Fused Glass for beginners and improvers

"Loved the class and can’t wait to come back for the lantern with glass."

Perry reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Fantastic 2 day course, well worth the money. Nigel demonstrates and explains with the ease of a master craftsman, and then gives you the freedom to work independently; within an hour or so you don't feel like a novice. By the second day, you're confident enough to get on the machines and tools without having to ask or be guided, but Nigel is always around to help if needed. When you consider the items you make and the overall experience of the forge, I can't recommend it enough."