Latest reviews

Tom Hunter reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"I spent a lovely day with Alan and a couple of friends learning to spoon carve. The day had a great flow to it with lots of hands on learning and regular breaks where freshly made scones, soup and cake were served up :-) I came away with much more than I had anticipated, having learned about wood, tools, tool care & sharpening, safety, different cuts, finishing and after care. I'd thoroughly recommend!"

Amy Bjørø reviewed: Bladesmithing experience day

"Me and my husband went and did the 1 day course and made our own hunting knives. Steve was a great teacher, made us feel very comfortable and always made time to explain each step and share his knowledge with us. We had an excellent day and were really happy with the overall experience and the knives we brought home (which were razor sharp). I would highly recommend this course to anyone and loved the fact there were only the two of us which made it much more personal and meant we both got the attention we needed through each step. Thank you for a wonderful day Steve and thanks for being patient and encouraging the whole way through."

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi Amy Thank you very much for your review. It really was a great day and puts into perspective what those guys on Forged in Fire have to achieve in three hours. Both of your knives will cut. Kind regards Steve"

Gillian Bunn reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"Just had the most wonderful day making soap with Paula. This was a present to myself and it was well worth the money. Paula is a very friendly, confident teacher who provided invaluable knowledge and was willing to share very useful contacts and resources should we wish to pursue further with our soap making. The afternoon tea provided with varied sandwiches and home made scones with cream & jam was also excellent. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who wanted to learn the craft of soap making whether for pleasure or business and would definitely go on another one of Paula’s courses in the future. Well done Paula and her team ?"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you Gillian, gifting yourself a soap making course was a great idea, and so deserved after a lock down! I’m so pleased you enjoyed it, thank you very much for your kind words. Good luck. Paula"

Gary Reid reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"My first spoon carving experience! Lots of fun and no injuries :) Allan is a great teacher and I learned a lot in one day, will be back to do more. The home baked food and coffee was amazing too. Thanks again Gary"

adam reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Excellently taught, lots of encouragement and guidance when needed and a great venue. 10/10 - thanks Sebastian"

Terry Reeves reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"Attended the 1 day course on Saturday 11 July for, what turned out to be a superbly informal and fun day! Jo & Andy are great hosts & very welcoming. As the first class since ‘Covid’ restrictions have been lifted we were a small group of 3 working in a beautifully tranquil & airy studio. The plan of the day is explained & then the fun begins. There is guidance at every stage & help if you need it. I not only managed to consume a vast quantity of Jo’s chocolate supplies but came away with a lovely hare that will always remind me of the day. We are all hoping to meet up again soon on a 2 day workshop with Jo."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much Terry ;-) It was lovely to work with you on my first day back after the Covid shutdown and I'm looking forward to seeing you again in August for an even bigger masterpiece! You did not quite clean out the chocolate supplies - I'm sitting here munching on Maltesers as I type, Jo x ;-)"

Gill Winks reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Martin made us all welcome and showed us lots of techniques with plenty of chance to practise them. Really enjoyed the day. Covid precautions worked well and would certainly be interested in returning. Good value for money, I made a bowl, 4 coasters and about 8 light- catchers. Martin is a nice guy!"

Maxine Connelly reviewed: Feltmaking - OOH the choices!

"Very informative day. Lots of help and support. Made a felted Nuno scarf which is unique. Would recommend anyone to give it a go. Would make a lovely day out for couples or gift for a friend where you can make something to keep and take home."

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"It was a pleasure to teach you Maxine. Your scarf looks stunning. I look forward to teaching you the next level...I am going to put on an advanced class to include layers and extra silks. Join the Newsletter on my website if you would like to hear more :-)"

Rachel reviewed: Half day: 3 Leather Accessories

"I attended the half day leather working course, and was able to make three items; a card pocket which I was able to emboss with my initials, a glasses case also embossed and a keyring. This course was a great introduction to leather working, and I enjoyed learning about the different types of leather and how to use the tools, and to end the session with three good looking items that I had made myself, was very rewarding. I highly recommend this course to anyone with an interest in learning about working with leather."

Tamsyn reviewed: Needle felt workshop

"A lovely morning learning how to create a picture using needle felting. I had recently been diagnosed with CFS and was looking for something creative to do that would help settle the mind. I found the needle felting did this and was able to complete the morning without feeling more fatigued. The setting was lovely Yvonne had spaced the room out perfectly. All in all a lovely morning."

Needle Felt Art responded:

"I am so pleased Tamsyn that you found the felting so calming and therapeutic. You certainly managed to get in the zone and create a beautiful picture."

Eve reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"I have truly enjoyed my 1-2-1 class with Sarah. Learning about various techniques of fusing glass and seeing the examples made by Sarah was fantastic. I felt very inspired and will look to book another session soon. Thank you Sarah"

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"Lovely to hear! Your pieces are cooking in the kiln - looking forward to giving them to you! Thanks very much"

Louise wiseman reviewed: Wax carving for complete beginners at Simply Amazing Jewellery School

"Excellent course, delivered by a teacher whose knowledge and enthusiasm shines through, as you learn through creating your own designs ready for casting. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and am now slightly obsessed with wax carving!"

Jeanette reviewed: Small needle felted animals or pictures

"Oh my gosh. Just spent an amazing full day workshop with Barbara. Made an 8inch needle felted doll, a fairy for my husbands memorial. Learnt so much, needed the full day as it was so relaxing and learnt so much more than I thought. Tried kits before but never understood the tips and tricks that Barbara shared with me. See her Facebook page Feltworld Creative Art Courses. I'll be back with my daughter."

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Jeanette it was really lovely to teach you and see your fairy develop. Looking forward to teaching you a more advanced level next time. Stay in touch :-)"

Jayne reviewed: Small needle felted animals or pictures

"Had this as a present with my mum. Wasn't sure what to expect as I've never done needle felting. Loved.... Loved... Loved the course, very relaxed and informal. Barbara was patient and full of knowledge. Everything was provided and I would highly recommended x"

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you very much Jayne, I had a fun day to and it was a pleasure to teach you how to make your funky hare :-), very well done. Looking forward to teaching you again and maybe sampling your delicious cakes again too lol"

Katie reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"I would highly recommend this course. The day was fun & informative & Jo was super friendly, helpful and extremely knowledgeable and I came away with plenty of top tips, confidence & a bag full of gorgeous candles that I’d made! This course is an absolute must, thank you!"

Linda reviewed: Leather Travelers bag 2 day course with Catherine Edwards West Yorkshire

"Absolutely loved the 2 day bag making course. Cathy lets people go at their own pace as and when needed. She is excellent at sharing her knowledge and giving hints and tips as you go along. My relatives are really impressed with my bag and it will last for years and years. I've always been a craft person and this has opened up my world being able to use leather work techniques on different fabrics and papers."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"Really glad you enjoyed your course Linda. Thanks for coming back. Xxx"

David Hitchcock reviewed: Hand stitched leather laptop case

"Highly recommend this leather laptop case course. Had a fabulous day in great surroundings with a fully equipped studio. Rosanna is friendly and very knowledgeable and helpful. Very pleased with the bespoke laptop case which I made and will be able to use in my every day in my work. The course is suitable for all levels and with Rosanna helping you with all the techniques you need. Lots of choices for colours of leather and thread with finishing touches for personalising your case. Lots of other interesting things can be made here too by the looks of it. Whether you are looking for an experience day or wanting to make a bespoke gift for someone or yourself I highly recommended Rosanna’s leather stitching courses! David"

Nick Healy reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Nigel is a great teacher and a man with vast knowledge of his craft. He made me feel relaxed and welcome in a new environment. Everything he demonstrated he did in a calm relaxed manner and he told some hilarious stories. Nigel's art work is amazing, such a clever man. I did the two day course and enjoyed every minute of it. l would recommend this course to anyone, l achieved so much in such a short time. Thank you Nigel, l hope to be back soon."

Val Button reviewed: Friendship Star On-Demand Digital Patchwork & Quilting Course

"Thoroughly enjoyed this online course. The teacher is friendly, supportive, approachable, knowledgable on her subject and quick at responding to queries. The teaching material, written instructions, photos and videos are very clear and very easy to follow. The whole experience worked very well and I will certainly be doing another of her online courses in the future. I can’t recommend her enough."

Green Man Quilts responded:

"Thank you for such a lovely review. You always bring so much to classes and I love the fact that you made TWO pieces during this course and not just the one. It is amazing how different the pieces are as a result of your fabric choices. Great work."

Pamela reviewed: Craft Workshop: Learn to make silver art clay jewellery in a day (beginner)

"Such a lovely day . Because of COVID 19 there was just 2 of us on the course. We managed to keep our distance and we felt comfortable with the precautions on site. The course was just everything I could wish for, I made 2 pairs of silver earrings . I’m wearing one of the pairs as I write this , they look very pretty . It’s such a easy going day . My recommendation is - do it you won’t be sorry ! Sally is fab !"

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

"As first time potters we thoroughly enjoyed our time with Chris and what a great teacher he is! We managed to produce 6 pots between us that we shall display with pride. Many thanks Chris."

Chris Greening Pottery responded:

"Some great work made - always lovely to see people enjoying their first experience of pottery. Many thanks for the kind words. Best wishes, Chris."

Sharon reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"Wonderful morning spent with Sarah. We were greeted with coffee and then went to her warm workshop where she explained various techniques to us. We then had freedom to create, using either our own designs or copying some of her beautiful pieces which were on show. Lovely relaxed environment - pure pleasure. I was thrilled to complete 5 small pieces. Thanks so much Sarah. Sharon Halliday"

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"Thanks so much for leaving a review - so pleased you enjoyed the class! Thanks Sarah"

Nicola Cox reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"My daughter and I had a fabulous evening with Sarah this week and it was lovely to see her be able to offer her classes again. She carefully explained the measures she is taking to keep her students, and herself safe, which was very reassuring. The evening was a wonderful escape from the hum-drum of ‘normal’ life and, with Sarah’s patience and knowledge, we both felt we learned a great deal and produced items to be proud of. Thank you."

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"It feels so good to be back taking classes again! Thank you so much for sharing that you felt comfortable with my precautions and that it didn't dampen the enjoyment if the experience at all! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I'll let you know when you pieces are ready! Sarah"

Paul langford reviewed: One day Bag making traditional leather workshop (tote bag / side bag)

"Just completed the one day bag course and have to say it's one of the best crafting type courses I have done. Kingsley is a great teacher and does an amazing job relaying information and taking you through the process step by step from beginning to end. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this course to anyone interested in leather craft. 10 out of 10"

Carl reviewed: Woodworking - Make Your Own Workbench

"I spent two very busy and happy days this week at Dovetail Woodworking with Steve. I chose to do the workbench course and had a fabulous time crafting and constructing it from scratch under Steve’s expert tutelage. The workbench was made to my specific dimensions but to Steve’s overall design, which I must say was brilliant. I was particularly taken by some of the more technical elements Steve had designed in to keep the build interesting and challenging. The Dovetail Woodworking workshop is in a marvellous setting, which adds to the overall experience. It shares space with a canal boat workshop at Norbury Junction. The history of the site gives something extra, I think. As a relative novice as a woodworker, I was not sure what to expect but Steve balanced his tutoring with considerable freedom for me to do most of the work. It is always a pleasure to learn from a master craftsman and Steve took time to impart some really useful and valuable woodworking practices. This was true of the technical woodworking and crafting elements as well as simple things like how to handle and use woodworking and other tools properly, including power tools, all of which I found massively helpful. It all certainly helped with my confidence for doing more in the future. The course was one-to-one, which meant I was able to gain the most from the two days instruction. It was also excellent value for money when the cost of materials and Steve’s time and expertise was combined - especially as it was all focussed on me and the production of a top-notch workbench. I used a British Army Standard Learning Credit to part-fund this course as part of my Resettlement from military to civilian life. I would highly recommend this course to other service leavers who may be looking for something different to learn - and gain a very useful item in the process. All in all, Steve has created a great learning experience with bags of practical appeal. If you are reading this recommendation, I suggest you sign up for a course as soon as you can!"

Dovetail Woodworking responded:

"Hi Carl, Thank you very much for your generous words. I'm so glad that you enjoyed the course and will be able to appreciate your labours in the years ahead. Steve"