Latest reviews

Mitch Tiisler reviewed: Beginners stained glass workshops using copper foil.

"Jo has a vast amount of knowledge to share. The day was well organised and gave us some creative freedom alongside a structured task. It consisted of two creations. The first being four rectangles to practice and understand basic skills/process. The second we were give advice and shown examples, and given freedom to make what we liked with the provided colours and shapes. Great day."

Mat reviewed: Home Scented Workshop with Wirral Candle Co.

"I went on this course last year with my mum. It was a great day out and we learnt a lot about scent testing and blending. The tutor was amazing and the environment was so unique."

Wirral Candle Company responded:

"Aw, thanks so much for coming & supporting a local independent business. Hope to see you on more creative workshops at The Wirral Candle Company ?✌?"

Jill reviewed: Making a mosaic with slate

"Had a brilliant morning with Rachel. She was really knowledgeable and explained everything clearly. Had great fun making our mosaics and Rachel helped us come up with ideas and finish our masterpieces in time! Thank you!"

Carolyn Rapolas reviewed: Glass fusing workshop - 1 day

"100% recommend this class. It's fantastic, relaxing, fun, creative, I could go on and on. Jill and John are very friendly. Their studio is a little piece of heaven, full of glass "candy" to create your own masterpiece. Jill is an amazing teacher, with a passion for her crafts. Thoroughly enjoyed and hope to come back again."

Fired Glass responded:

"Thank you Carolyn for your positive review. We are so pleased you enjoyed the session and we made you feel welcome and relaxed. We would love to see you again in the future. Regards John and Jill"

Sue reviewed: Stone carving for the Garden - carve your own garden planter or bird bowl in Bath stone – a two day creative stone carving workshop with Zoe Singleton

"I loved this course and I'm delighted with my stone planter. Zoe was positive and helpful throughout the course. The lunch was terrific. Thanks very much. I look forward to joining you again for another course in the future."

Michelle winstanley reviewed: Furniture Painting Workshop (levels 1&2 techniques covered) in Warrington, Cheshire

"I had an amazing time both learning new techniques and brushing up (pardon the pun) on previously taught skills. This was my second experience of the level 1 course, and I was delighted to realise how much more I learnt. The entire day was so much fun, led by an extremely accomplished artist who was so generous in sharing her vast knowledge and experience. Joanne purposed to divide her time between all 8 of us so brilliantly, guiding and advising with ideas personal to each person, and perfectly appropriate to each piece. We all had a fabulous time of bonding throughout the day as we practised the various exercises. We all came away with a greater understanding of approaching furniture restoration, along with transferable skills for future endeavours. We also came away with a finished product that, to my mind, were of a very high standard. I can highly recommend Joanne’s workshops. You will never see a piece of furniture in the same light. A joy!!"

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you so much for your really lovely words Michelle. You are doing such a fantastic job of all your painting projects. You're very talented and creative. Your biscuits were delicious btw! Thank you!"

Dino reviewed: Pottery classes at The Ceramic Studio Brenchley Kent

"Ceramic Studio = absolutely stunning. Really love the atmosphere, the help, guidance and the range of pottery. Tutors are excellent, helpful and always ready to engage in whatever unusual project I come up with next. A real pleasure to be able to go here and the highlight of my week."

Elaine Smith reviewed: PickOne weekend weaving course

"Thank you James for the most enjoyable and rewarding weekend in years. It all seemed very daunting at first but you were a terrific teacher and with your unending patience and encouragement before we knew it were weaving with confidence! I now have a beautiful hand woven designer (me} scarf that I'm so proud of."

Janet Brown reviewed: Woodworking - Workshop/Taster Day - Coat Rack

"I really enjoyed the taster day at Dovetail Woodworking, as it had a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Having not done any woodworking since school, I had no idea what to expect but Steve is a very good teacher and made the experience very enjoyable. Would definitely consider doing another course there."

Dovetail Woodworking responded:

"I'm glad you enjoyed the experience and picking up some woodworking tools again. Steve"

Beth Carlton reviewed: Monthly beginners sewing class - Weds evening

"Got so much confidence in my sewing thanks to Tansy. Excellent course and would definitely recommend."

cheeky sew and sew responded:

"Thank you for your review, building skills and confidence is exactly what we aim to do. I'm so pleased you liked the course. Happy Sewing!"

Diane Brooks reviewed: Fine Silver Keepsake Business Course

"I have had a wonderful day learning how to make keepsake jewellery. Amanda is an excellent teacher and wonderfully patient. I can thoroughly recommend this course."

Everlasting Love responded:

"Thank you Diane, it was a pleasure meeting you. You should be proud of the pieces of jewellery that you made. All the best for your future venture."

Mary Molloy reviewed: Making a mosaic with slate

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course. Everything was explained very well with lovely mosaics that Rachel had made in the room for inspiration. All the materials required were to hand and I thoroughly recommend it."

JoAnne Hughes reviewed: Box or tub making

"Having studied under several master saddlers over the years, a skilled craftsperson doesn't automatically translate to be a skilled teacher. Nigel is both a consummate craftsman and a generous and articulate teacher. His knowledge is extensive, from historical references to the relative merits of pricking irons - I can listen to him all day! I wish I could have spent longer at his well-equipped workshop as one day wasn't really enough. I would heartily recommend this course!"

Gaynor Eldon reviewed: Autumn block printing workshop

"I spent a wild, wet Saturday learning to Lino print with Rachel. Everything about the day was excellent from the venue, Rachel’s teaching style and enthusiasm for printing and the supportive nature of the group which was fostered by Rachel. There was a good mix of teaching technique and ‘having a go’ and Rachel was on hand to advise and encourage without being intrusive. I finished the day with 4 lovely napkins to use on Christmas Day and a new found hobby! I enjoyed the day so much I went out and bought cutting tools and Lino to print my own Christmas cards and wrapping paper! I would highly recommend a workshop with Rachel."

Jeff Halse reviewed: Carving Woodland Beasts

"Jason was very informative & willing to pass on his knowledge. He was very encouraging to everyone pitching his teaching to their ability being supportive to everyone."

Vivienne Hemingway reviewed: Woodcarving with Jason Thomson sculptural woodcarving with hand tools, eccentric whittling courses, Sheffield.

"Attended the wood carving course a few weeks ago. Jason teaches with just the right mixture of instruction with the various tools, showing you how to achieve a particular effect, and just letting you get on with it. It was a lovely relaxed atmosphere in an inspiring workshop, and we all got help when we needed it. I was amazed at what I could achieve in a day from having had no prior experience. Thank you Jason - I will be back!"

Jason Thomson - Sculptor responded:

"Thanks for a lovely review Vivienne! A great day all due to your fellow course mates and yourself for working so hard. I look forward to seeing you again!"

Kat reviewed: Candlemaking workshops for beginners in Hastoe, nr Tring

"Having done the basic candle making workshop with Anne, I felt confident that the advanced candle making workshop would be just as interesting and I wasn't disappointed. Anne patiently showed us how to place wooden wicks and explained their burning tendencies, explained how to choose wicks for multi-wick candles and demonstrated the cooling time of beeswax. I now have several gorgeously scented candles and wax melts! Very happy!"

Liz Rowan reviewed: Monthly beginners sewing class - Weds evening

"I was a complete beginner- had never even turned a sewing machine on and was very nervous! By the end I was confident in setting up and using one and was happily making bags and cushion covers etc. Tansy is kind, patient and very knowledgeable. I loved all the tips she gave us about how to make things easier. Thank you so much!!"

cheeky sew and sew responded:

"Thank you for your review, building skills, knowledge and confidence is exactly what we aim to do. You've come on in leaps and bounds with your sewing, you've definitely got the sewing bug. Happy Sewing!"

Laura Gilbert reviewed: Make a footstool workshop

"The whole session was fantastic. I wanted to do this course because they provided the chair which just made life easier. The process was fun, well taught and I love what I made. And I love a good fish and chips lunch - supporting a local business as well. Top marks. The shop is a delight and the course is structured in a way that gives you nice rests from various tasks to have a coffee or visit the shop. I'd highly recommend it. The teaching was top class and Steph was wonderful - perfectly pitched, helpful, constructive and just lovely frankly. If you're thinking of this, go for it. So much fun!"

La Di Da Interiors & Gifts responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review and being a model student! Hope to see you again soon"

steve robinson fused glass taster course reviewed: Glass Fusing with Enamels Taster Class - Make a Tealight Curve

"I had a wonderful 2hrs. Steve was very informative and I was thrilled with my results!!!"

Jason Conway reviewed: Mosaic taster session @ White Stones Studios

"I attended a Mosaic Workshop last year at White Stones, Portland and have to say that I loved the whole experience. David was extremely helpful and knowledgable and made me feel confident in what I was creating. The venue is a lovely space in a wonderful location and the event was topped off by me making something I was proud of. I learned a new skill and came away with a fabulous mosaic artwork. I would recommend David's Mosaic Workshops to anyone that is looking to try something different and artistic, not to mention the excellent venue!"

Jayne T reviewed: Unconventional Dying Day with Chris Yates Friday 6th March

"I did this unconventional dyeing workshop today and it was excellent. Chris is a natural teacher and the other participants absolutely lovely, lovely people. Such a pleasure to meet all I met. I came home with a fabulous number of samples of rust dyeing, rust dyeing with tea, procion-dyed samples and - fabulous of fabulous - my very first concertina book. (I was so envious of Amanda's book, tea stained, pencil markings and a strip of gold cord; the colours were unbelievably gorgeous. Jealousy isn't just green, then.) I do a lot of workshops and I can't rate this one highly enough. The premises are very ideal for a workshop and there is ample parking - when you come from miles away you need that. It's a bit of a journey for me but absolutely worth it. I'll be back."

Bee Crafty responded:

"Thank you for your kind words. We're delighted you enjoyed your day (hope you didn't go home smelling of vinegar!). We look forward to seeing you again for further workshops. Polly"

Heather Smith reviewed: Introduction to yarn dyeing at Peak District Yarns

"As a novice to yarn dyeing, I really enjoyed my afternoon with a friendly group of ladies and learnt a lot about yarns dyes in a short space of time. I’d recommend the course for a fun relaxed afternoon with Carrie and Lisa and it was also interesting to hear experiences with knitting and dyeing from the other ladies. I took home a lovely shades of green skein to use. The shop is set in the picturesque High Peak village of Tideswell and has many lovely skeins and items to tempt you. Definitely worth a visit!"

simon whale reviewed: The complete basics of woodturning (2 days)

"This was my first time at wood turning. After a short but important safety brief we were turning. With Mark's guidance I was amazed that all the theory and advice Mark gave me I was turning and it felt so easy. Mark's constant advice and attention to detail gave me such satisfaction with my first attempts. I would strongly recommend the two days, as this give you the opportunity to get a basic feel on day one and then put your new found skill into action on day two. At the end of the course I was a proud man walking away with not only a beautiful bowl but a wealth of knowledge to start turning on my own lathe with confidence. Would happily go back for more with out hesitation. 10 out of 10. Thanks Mark"

Chris Hurley reviewed: Bladesmithing experience day

"I had a great day with Steve and learnt a huge amount. Steve is a very friendly guy and a great teacher with a lot of patience and an easy way of explaining things. He explains each step of the process as you go through it and provides help and guidance as you create your own knife from a simple piece of steel. Although there is a pattern to guide you towards the type of knife capable of being made in the day, Steve is flexible and creative enough to allow variations and developments on the theme as the knife develops it's own characteristics. With Steve's expert assistance, I left after a very enjoyable day with with a bespoke custom knife that I love and am looking forward to putting to use. Be warned it's addictive !!"

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi Chris I'm really pleased that you enjoyed your day with me so much, apologies now if you've been bitten by the knife making bug. You may become an official lost cause because once knife making gets under your skin it can become all consuming. ATB Steve"