Latest reviews

Brian Burden reviewed: Coptic stitch handmade sketchbook

"Although I had made a few simple folded and single signature books I had never made a Coptic stitch book before. Janina took us through the process step by step, as well as providing one to one assistance where needed. Like many craft projects, the process takes practice and there are lots of tips and tricks which were passed on too. An enjoyable day and I feel sure there will be other courses that pull me back."

Micklems Farm Creative Workshops responded:

"Thank you Brian - hope we see you again soon! Rosemary"

Joan Burns reviewed: Stained Glass/Mosaics

"A complete novice and oldie as well, I found the classes relaxing, challenging and very fulfilling. Sam is very friendly and helpful. The other people in the class are also friendly and welcoming, as well as helping you out where they can."

Sam Finning responded:

"Thank you Joan I’m glad you find it challenging as well as relaxing- there is always something new to learn!"

Jo Thompson Coon reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery for Beginners

"Fabulous workshop - great, encouraging tuition from Jo, lovely setting complete with log burner and nature outside the windows! Never done anything like this before but Jo talked us through each step clearly and carefully so I came away with some really beautiful earrings. A really, calm, relaxing and satisfying workshop - I'll definitely be back for more!"

Jo Hunter Wearable Art responded:

"Thank you Jo - I'm so pleased you enjoyed your day."

beverley gerega reviewed: Stained Glass/Mosaics

"A lovely course, great set of people. Since the course I have gone on to sell at local craft fairs."

Sam Finning responded:

"Thanks Bev, you are doing so well with your glass, it’s great to see!"

PAT DUKE reviewed: Portrait painting in oils

"Really enjoyed the two days - only 3 'pupils' (it takes place in Karls studio) so lot of one-to-one guidance. Karl is also painting one of his own portraits from scratch so you can really see what he is reaching in action. Lovely atmosphere. Would do another workshop with him and recommend it."

David Lynn reviewed: Pottery experience day at The Ceramic Studio

"Such a great experience. Everyone was really friendly and there was a lovely atmosphere. I really enjoyed the hand building and learning how to decorate my work. The food was very good and the lunch break was relaxed and thoroughly enjoyable. Throwing was challenging, but fun!"

Susan Craig reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"An excellent beginners course. Well paced so we completed our items in the time allowed and we both wore our new earrings the following day. Lots of examples and ideas so the hardest part was choosing what to make. Nice coffee and biscuits too !!"

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"Thank you very much Susan it was lovely to meet you and your sister! Claire"

Jayne reviewed: Botanical eco printing workshop

"Had a fabulous informative day and went home with a beautiful naturally dyed silk scarf."

Cedar Farm Gallery responded:

"Thanks so much for the kind words Jayne. Hope to see you again at another class!"

Claire reviewed: Stained Glass/Mosaics

"I'm a complete beginner in tiffany/stained glass and I found Sam's classes extremely helpful and very friendly. I've been on two of her 10 week courses, making various sun catcher ornaments for Christmas trees and gifts etc. The group is made up of lots of people with different skills, and all of them offer advice and take an interest in each other's pieces. Sam provides all of the equipment you need to start off with: once you know what you want to make, she gives you the information you need to buy your own glass/copper tape/flux etc."

Sam Finning responded:

"Hi Claire, glad you enjoyed the courses, look forward to seeing you again!"

Caroline reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"What a great course - I learned so much about the art of candlemaking thanks to Jo and had a lot of fun along the way. Who knew wax has a memory?! We came back laden with beautifully scented candles of various sizes as well as melts and much more. Jo's knowledge and enthusiasm is infectious and she's inspired me to have a go at making my own candles. Her workshop is in Lavenham which is a great spot to explore afterward too."

Matt Burton reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"Ciarán is an excellent teacher and this is a great course, I enjoyed it thoroughly. Plus there is plenty of tea and biscuits and lunch is great :)"

Anna Quick reviewed: Sterling silver ring making workshop

"This course was booked as a birthday present for me and my best friend by my husband and we had the most amazing time. The workshop is on top of a hill with gorgeous countryside and in the summer this will be the most glorious setting. Sadly on the day we were there it was pouring down and blowing a gale but the barn was still warm and inviting. We were welcomed, given tea and biscuits and allowed to progress with the course at our own pace. Tuition was clear and helpful without being over bearing or too simple. David was friendly, knowledgeable and a wonderful tutor. It as also great to see other examples of the different types of work he does and has done in the past. All in all I cannot recommend highly enough. I am delighted with the ring I produced and wear it most days! Looking forward to being able to book up for the copper fold forming workshop in the future."

David J Lilly responded:

"Hi Anna, Thank you for the lovely feedback. I am delighted you enjoyed the experience so much and look forward to you booking on the Copper fold-forming workshop in the future. Do remember to contact me directly to get your discount for that. Best Wishes David"

Barbara Gaj reviewed: Needle felting - woodland creature or bird, or other small animal: (beginners+)

"Another great experience with Sally. This was my second experience at needle felting with Sally. I was able to reinforce first skills learnt and progress to new skills. I came away being able to make a cute bird. I was thrilled. Sally was very patient with my partner and supported him well. He was thrilled with his adorable robin. It was his first ever crafting experience. Many thanks Sally."

Barbara Gaj reviewed: Introduction to container candle making half day in Henstridge near Stalbridge Dorset Somerset

"My partner and I attended Sally's brilliant course on candle making using containers. Sally is an excellent tutor. She covered all aspects of candle making from health and safety, materials needed, adding colour and fragrances and the processes. The session was informal giving everyone the opportunity to experiment and ask questions. Sally makes everyone feel relaxed and able to achieve. After the session Sally follows this up with an email providing information on our learning experience as well as links to information for buying resources. A great session. Many thanks Sally."

Yvonne Turner reviewed: Wire sculpture course - birds in East Yorkshire

"Very good, really enjoyed the day , Sue is a very good tutor, very pleasant, have booked to go again ."

Dianne Dyson reviewed: Watercolour painting afternoon workshop - birds, animals & nature - with artist Laura Andrew

"I had a wonderful second visit to Laura's art studio. It's just lovely to be in her company and the art classes are truly inspiring. A relaxing, enjoyable and memorable experience in the company of lovely people. I even managed to take home lovely paintings that I didn't realise I could produce. Highly recommend these courses. Thanks again Laura ❤️"

Cecilia Ashcroft reviewed: Upholster a chair seat or drop in top for a stool

"Had a wonderful day learning and doing upholstery. Great teacher extremely knowledgeable and patient. Thank you Anne."

The Little Vintage House responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to review my course and your positive feedback. It was a pleasure to meet you last week and see the lovely job that you did on the chair, thank you for coming. Best wishes Anne"

Cameron reviewed: Make your own leather belt with Cazzy, a qualified saddler.

"Had a brilliant time on this course making an amazing navy blue belt for my wedding! Highly recommend and looking forward to coming back to learn more!"

Jan Collins reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"My friend and I had an amazing day on Judith's Introduction to Linocut Printing course as a birthday present to each other. We were welcomed into Judith's beautiful home and given tea, biscuits, cake and careful instruction on how to bring our ideas to life. Judith has loads of equipment and reference books and a wonderful, light space to work in. Most of all she's a kind and patient teacher and shared her time among the group well. The point at which you lift the paper to reveal your first print is like magic - we were all super pleased with our work. It was easy to book and the instructions for joining the course were clear. Judith even advised us on good places to walk and eat in Ely to complete our exciting day!! I travelled from Kent to join the course and would happily do so again."

Anne Darlington reviewed: 12 week stained glass course

"I have been going to Sam's stained glass for a few years now. I have learnt to fuse glass, copper foil, solder, and use lead in my pieces. I really enjoy my time there and enjoy the company. Sam is a great teacher. Anne"

Sam Finning responded:

"Thank you so much Anne, the class wouldn’t be the same without you!"

Beth reviewed: Winter Woodland beauty- natural cosmetic making from woodland plants and trees

"What a great day! Brilliant well structured, hands on course. The morning was soap making, starting easy and building up to making soap that feels like you're doing a science experiment. The afternoon involved a variety of products tailored to each of us and what we fancied making. Rachel was a great tutor with lots of knowledge about the materials that we were using and the products we made. We didn't only go away with lots of goodies but also got plenty of very useful hand outs so we can carry on making at home. The location is great, welcoming and warm."

Ann Marie Butchard Thursten reviewed: Upholster a chair seat or drop in top for a stool

"Had a wonderful day on Ann’s course. I have done other courses before, this course had a very personal touch. Ann is very knowledgeable, friendly and patient with both novice and more experienced. Highly recommend this course. Don’t hesitate to sign up and get busy."

The Little Vintage House responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to review my course and your kind words. It was a pleasure to meet you last week and work with you on your chair. Best wishes Anne"

Pamela Wyles reviewed: Watercolour Art & Spa 2 day full board learn to paint @ The Flackley Ash Hotel Rye Sussex

"Fantastic weekend, couldn't have been better. Beth and Vicki gave us 110%! So encouraging, supportive and hands on helpful. They certainly packed a load in, we worked hard and got great results. Thank you so much, I feel like I have started on the most fantastic journey."

Sarah reviewed: Linen weaving Edinburgh

"Fab beginner course!"

Emily reviewed: Linen weaving Edinburgh

"I learnt so much. Jess has an extensive knowledge of weaving history and techniques, fascinating. Going back for another soon."