Latest reviews

Adrienn Solt reviewed: 3 Day beginners Fused Glass crash course - Silver Zebra studio Cheshire - Est 2004 by one of the UKs leading glass artists

"I had a great time with Deborah this weekend. Despite this being the first time for me to work with glass, the result was amazing! I had the luxury to be alone on the course and Deborah allowed me to work on projects I was interested in. I am so grateful that I could manage my dream glass designs! I should mention that Deborah is a proper chef and pampered me with excellent lunch as a bonus! Go and try the course, you won’t be disappointed at all!"

Louise Brooks reviewed: Abstract Architecture: mixed media: Peak District, Derbyshire

"Having never gone through the stages of acrylic painting before, the steps that Pam demonstrated to us were clear and very helpful. The activities helped me to gain an insight into different brushes and techniques and colour. This enabled me to produce a painting which showed the skills I had learnt. The group was small enough so that Pam could spend time one-to-one with us all. The materials provided were well organised and the space itself was perfect for a creative day of painting. Plus her lunch was absolutely delicious. The best thing to do on a cold, wet and windy day."

Pam Smart Studio responded:

"Hi Louise Thank you for such lovely comments - I’m really pleased you enjoyed the day. I hope you will have more confidence now to develop your acrylic painting skills - good luck! Best wishes Pam Smart"

Joan and Elsdon Franks reviewed: Create a wet felted landscape using wet felting, needle felting and embroidery

"We thoroughly enjoyed the day. We were very pleased with the outcome of our work, having had no idea what to expect ( or much talent) Claire was so helpful and patient and has such an amazing supply of equipment which helps each person to create a beautiful image. It was a relaxed day in the company of other participants. We also enjoyed seeing their work develop. The bonus was a lovely lunch. Thanks again , Claire"

Teesdale Felt responded:

"Hi Joan and Elsdon, Thank you for your super review! I am so pleased you enjoyed your first experience of wet felting. I loved your landscapes which were both completely different and both fabulous! I hope that you will have another go at home and I am at the end of the phone if you need any advice. Very best wishes, Claire x"

Elizabeth reviewed: Wire wrapped jewellery taster class

"Another great course yet again. Really enjoyed it. Lots of selection of materials. Better this time as labelled more."

Andrew reviewed: Wire wrapped jewellery taster class

"Another really enjoyable afternoon :) Always feel comfortable to ask questions."

Carole waite reviewed: Intro into Quilting Weekend

"What a lovely weekend ! Claire was a wonderful teacher - informative and encouraging helping us make decisions as we went along . I came away with the confidence and enthusiasm to start a new quilt straight away for a new baby in the family, due at Easter. I would recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in making something creative ."

Sew Me Something responded:

"Amazing that you've now got the bug for Quilting Carole! We are actually in discussion about further Quilting Courses so do keep an eye on our Workshop Calendar. Let us know how you get on making another quilt!"

Sarah Gravell reviewed: Traditional lead stained glass courses for beginners

"Did the 2 day Beginners course in November 2019 in Tamasine’s workshop. 2 of us there. Went through the whole process from designing the cartoon to the finished result. Pleased with the finished result and Tamasine keen to make sure we were both happy. Very relaxed and pleasant environment. Would recommend."

sharon cooksey reviewed: Create a wet felted landscape using wet felting, needle felting and embroidery

"So good I have now attended a full-day course run by Claire twice - I even took my Mum and Dad the second time as a birthday present for them both. The day is always great fun, the time flies incredibly quickly and at the end of the day you have had a good work out (great for 'bingo wings' Claire tells me!) ... and you get to go home with a lovely and totally unique piece of art. Claire is a really great teacher - she understands and adapts to every person's needs. She is incredibly patient and an all-round lovely person to spend a day with. Wool is such a gorgeous medium and with Claire's help everyone goes away with something stunning - I honestly have not seen anything which hasn't made me say wow! I want to go again now I'm thinking about the day! As everyone else has mentioned lunch I will too - it was lovely and even my Dad couldn't eat any more :) I would highly recommend to everyone ."

Teesdale Felt responded:

"HI Sharon. Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review. I have enjoyed working with you and we have had so much fun on both occasions. Your lampshades are absolutely beautiful and contain lots of colour and movement. There was such a lot of discussion when you created your first one as the felt would have made a fabulous picture in it's own right. I hope to work with you again in the future and thank you for bringing your mum and dad along too! Very best wishes, Claire"

Paula Evans reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I arrived at Lucys workshop with no previous jewellery experience. At the end of the day I had practiced so many different techniques. Lucy explains everything so precisely and lets you work at your own pace and puts you so much at ease, so that you feel you can ask any question. My boat pendant was ambitious and I am absolutely delighted with it. I am looking forward to returning soon. Thank you."

Sharon reviewed: The Kate Dress Workshop

"Fantastic course! I went on this course with no knowledge of dressmaking. I knew my way around the sewing machine, thanks to Intro into sewing course. Left with a new dress and the bug for making my own clothes. Perfect small class in a bright, spacious studio."

Sew Me Something responded:

"Glad you are enjoying our workshops Sharon and pleased to hear you have the dressing making bug!"

Sharon Coleman reviewed: Intro into sewing (4 week course)

"I did this course a while ago now. I had always wanted to learn to sew, but I didn't know where to start, as I couldn't even thread a sewing machine. So this seemed the perfect course for me. After my first evening, I went home with a cushion, not only had a sewn it, I had learnt how to appliqué on to it and made my own button ( I was so proud). Couldn't wait for the following week! Since finishing this course, I have attended others and learnt so much. Have made lots new friends whilst attending workshops here."

Sew Me Something responded:

"Thats really good to hear! These Introduction courses are designed to work just like this; teaching the basics and giving people the confidence they need to begin sewing on their own. Thanks Sharon!"

Cass reviewed: 1 day Leather craft course beg/int

"Don't hesitate to book one of Slim's courses, you will not be disappointed!!"

Suzanne, reviewed: Candle making for business with legislation and branding 1:1

"I've recently attended a day with Jane, I decided to take the course having looked around for a long time at alternatives as I wanted to learn as much as I could in one course. The information that Jane supplies is second to non and because it's a one to one it was tailored to my business needs. I now feel so much more confident to start up my own business knowing that Jane will give me continued support. I highly recommend this course."

The Candle Coach responded:

"Thank you for your great review Suzanne, it was my pleasure to help you along on your journey and I’m sure you will be very successful."

Sharon Coleman reviewed: Love Your Overlocker

"What a wonderful way to spend a morning. I learnt so much about my overlocker and what it can do. Such a lovely studio, excellent tutor and a friendly, supportive atmosphere. I now know so much about my overlocker and what it can do. The course ran at a pace I could keep up with. I am now able to use my overlocker, I can thread it, remove & replace needles and so much more. I am no longer scared of using my overlocker, using it so much more now, referring back to my samples. I am hoping you will run an advanced class..."

Sew Me Something responded:

"Sounds like the Overlocker Course was worth while for you then Sharon. We will be organising more advance classes very soon, so please do keep an eye on our workshop calendar!"

James Wood reviewed: Advanced throwing masterclass with David Frith

"David Frith is an inspiration with a wealth of practical experience developed over years as a top potter. His teaching is clear and supportive whilst encouraging participants to stretch themselves."

Diane Jacques reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Warrington, Cheshire

"I attended the Footstool Upholstery Workshop at Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden on 21st February (2020) along with five other ladies who were totally unknown to me. Joanne was the tutor and took us through the process of creating a footstool from scratch. Helped and guided by Joanne's clear and simple step by step instructions, we all managed to make wonderful little footstools to take home with us at the end of the day. We got on very well and had lots of fun in the process. It was lovely to see how the fabric we had chosen gave a personality to each of the footstools. They looked amazing and we all felt very proud of ourselves when we viewed the finished items. The workshop took place in a heated potting shed and was very pleasant, despite the inclement weather that day. I would thoroughly recommend this workshop and, of course, Joanne, our excellent teacher."

The Boho Shed responded:

"What very kind words Diane. Thank you so much. I am so pleased you enjoyed the workshop. The footstools were all really gorgeous. Thank you for contributing to such a great day."

Steve Ford reviewed: Guitar Strumstick Dulcimer 3 strings instrument

"Teds day course was fantastic ! He is a very helpful man with a sense of humour too! My wife paid for a Gift voucher which was valid for 1 year, so in Feb 2020 I decided to use it. The Strumstick 3 stringed instrument was built in just 7 hours and sounded great at the end of the day. I learned about Acoustic instruments building including :- Fret boards, Fret levelling, Tonewoods, neck shaping, band saw use, sanding, finishing, and wood selection. I would recommend this craft course for anyone with or without experience in woodwork. I had 30 mins for lunch and tea breaks at any time we wanted. I chose a weekend day but I could of easily had any evening or daytime. I now have my instrument to play at home for many years to come."

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thank you Steve, it was a pleasure my friend. Tell your wife Wendy, thank you for the purchase of the Gift voucher and good luck and happy strumming for 2020. Kind regards Ted Ps We have a Bandsaw box and jewellery box day if you are interested ? Later this year we hope to do a Marquetry day too."

Sharon Coleman reviewed: Intro into Quilting Weekend

"I had no previous experience of quilting beforehand. Claire was very patient and was able to answer, any questions I had. I learnt how to use a quilting ruler, a rotary cutter and now know what some of the feet on my sewing machine are used for. I brought with me, my 6 fat quarters, that I wanted to use and was able to purchase the backing and binding in the shop, the batting was provided. Lovely small, friendly class. Tea and homemade cake. Went home with a beautiful quilt, that I'm very proud of, which I made for my granddaughters first birthday."

Sew Me Something responded:

"Those 'other' feet with your sewing machine have finally come in handy eh! So pleased you enjoyed the Quilting Course, hopefully you will continue to use the skills you learnt and make another. Thanks Sharon."

Ann Coleman reviewed: Mosaic taster session @ White Stones Studios

"Very enjoyable day and really pleased with the finished mosaic. No pressure but help there when needed. Highly commended."

Niki reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"What a wonderful day at Crafty Gal HQ - a warm greeting, an inspiring space, lovely company, fantastic cakes and I just loved the entire process of creating my moon gazing hare. Denise made me feel so very welcome, comfortable and inspired. Step by step process, very easy to follow and I'm delighted with the outcome. I hope to return!"

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you Niki for such a wonderful review - I enjoyed it as much as you did! Great to meet you, and your Moon Struck Hare! Dx"

E. Higginson reviewed: Oil painting for the scared - 8 week course

"This course is presented by Ian Walton with a 'can do' attitude. He prompts and encourages students to learn and use their existing skills to develop art work that is comfortable for them in a way that they perceive their own skills and abilities. When I enrolled on the first 8 week course I did not think that I had sufficient abilities or personal vision to create a painting but with the appropriate approach and guidance, I was able to produce a painting that I was proud enough of to have it framed and on the wall. I would recommend Ian's courses to anyone who is sceptical about their current skills in the world of painting. The course provides guidance, tuition on colour selection and the various techniques that are required."

Ian Walton Gallery responded:

"Thank you so much for such a fantastic review Ellen. It means a lot ❤️"

Sharon Morris reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"Fabulous day with Denise. Such a relaxed atmosphere and so easy to follow. We got to choose our 'animal' that we wanted to create, which was great. I did a badger which I was really really pleased with. We all started off chatting etc, by the afternoon there was deathly silence! We were all so engrossed in our needle felting. We learnt quite a few tricks of the trade and everyone's was different. I would definitely recommend Denise's courses. Lovely place, great atmosphere, easy to follow and great home made cake. Have a go! I am definitely hooked, or is it barbed!"

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you Sharon! It was fantastic to meet you and spend the day needle felting with you, I'm thrilled it's only the beginning for you in the world of needle felting! Dx"

Gail reviewed: Mosaic taster session @ White Stones Studios

"Really enjoyable day creating an outdoor mosaic plaque. Totally new skill which David instructed and guided us through in a clear and relaxed way. Small group in a bright & inspiring studio."

Rohini reviewed: Create a wet felted landscape using wet felting, needle felting and embroidery

"I attended the wet felted landscape class with my mother. We both had a fabulous time, Claire is a great teacher so enthusiastic and explains and demonstrates every step of the process in a clear easy to follow way. We both came away with a beautiful picture each that we had created, cannot wait to get it framed! We also got a very tasty lunch, the day flew by and I look forward to doing some more classes."

Teesdale Felt responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review. I am so pleased you enjoyed your day with me and created a felt landscape to be proud of! I hope to work with you again in the future. Very best wishes, Claire x"

Rebecca Appleton reviewed: Create a wet felted landscape using wet felting, needle felting and embroidery

"I thoroughly enjoyed the wet felting workshop! Claire is a fabulous teacher and gave us lots of useful support and advice throughout the day. I learnt a great deal and left feeling proud of my first attempt at a felted landscape. The lunch provided was really tasty and there was plenty left if people wanted seconds :) I’ve now got the felting bug and am saving up to buy the materials I need to get started on more felting adventures!! I’ll definitely keep my eyes and ears open for more of Claire’s workshops..."

Teesdale Felt responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to write a lovely review. I did enjoy working with you and discussing all your crafting experiences. You created a really lovely landscape and I loved your use of texture and colour. Please get in touch if you need any help in the future or would like to attend another workshop! Very best wishes, Claire"