Latest reviews

23 Feb 20'

Ali H reviewed: Wet-felting workshop with Fabulous Feltings

"Had a brilliant day with Jane in her picturesque riverside studio learning 3 welt felting techniques ! Jane made the whole process very accessible - she was well prepared and took us step by step through the techniques. We were able to choose from her extensive selection of fibres to create 3 pieces from our own imaginations. Such an inspiring day - I hope to be back for a more in depth class soon !"

Fabulous Feltings responded:

"Hi Ali It was a pleasure to teach you - I’m always amazed at the variety of designs I see in my ‘students’ work - all starting from the same selection of fibres. That’s the magic of felting - you are only bound by your imagination. It will be lovely to see you again! Jane"

23 Feb 20'

Sue reviewed: Gelli Printmaking with No5workshops Group Booking

"Brilliant workshop! Excellent teaching and introduction to mono printing. Armi is just wonderful full of inspiring methods which comes from a huge knowledge of printing processes. All students were incredibly engaged and interested and supportive of each other’s creative ‘masterpieces’ ;-) Great fun worth every penny, the best way to start your day."

no5workshops responded:

"Thank you Sue, such a pleasure to meet you and have your creative input in this mornings workshop. Some lovely experimental mono printing! Hope to have you here again :))"

23 Feb 20'

Helen Derrick reviewed: Circular sock knitting machine 'Sock School'

"The whole day was absolutely fabulous. Anne was an excellent teacher and with all the experienced helpers on hand we were never left unattended. The lunch was utterly delicious as were the freshly baked shortbread biscuits and afternoon cake. I had always wanted to use a circular sock machine and I was not disappointed with my efforts and pleased that I had a beautiful pair of socks to take home for my husband to wear. We learnt how to rib, produce a shaped, short row, heel and toe and to invisibly, kitchener stitch up the toe. An excellent day."

23 Feb 20'

Astrid Fraser reviewed: Introduction to coil-building pottery workshops in Denmead

"Making coil pots with Sally as our tutor, was a wonderful experience. Lots of fun, completely engrossing, and with great results. The workshop brought out the inner artist in all our group! Thank you so much Sally!"

23 Feb 20'

Laura reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"Loved my time doing the candle making course here - Julie and Janet really looked after us and it was interesting as well as fun. So happy with all my creations I got to take home with me, and they all smell incredible. The lunch spread was also brilliant, so make sure you go hungry! A brilliant course, and also the shop was lovely - make sure you have a look around for some things to buy too. Thanks so much ladies x"

23 Feb 20'

Jo Chambers reviewed: Have a go at kiln fired enamelling

"Mum and I attended this course today and thoroughly enjoyed it. We each made three pendants using different techniques and have learnt a great deal about the enamelling process. Lesley is an excellent teacher and due to the small group size there was lots of individual support. We both highly recommend it and will book onto other courses run by Lesley."

23 Feb 20'

Debra Gilbert reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - Crafty Sew & So, Leicester

"A really enjoyable half day course that was very well led. We were given very clear instructions as to what to do with good demonstrations. The course was very relaxed and we were able to complete or nearly complete a little project we could then take home."

Ragged Life Ltd responded:

"Thank you Debra, I'm really glad that you enjoyed the workshop."

23 Feb 20'

Paul Sharville reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"I had a fantastic three days being taught by Jason in his incredible workshop. He is a great teacher: knowledgeable, patient and encouraging - and a pleasure to spend time with. Going from having no idea to walking out with a backpack made with my own hands felt like it could be a challenge, but Jason guides you patiently through the process, builds your confidence and then allows you to work alone, but there whenever you need him. He's generous with his knowledge (and tea and biscuits) and enthusiastic about his trade. The end result was a beautiful piece of leathercraft of which I am very proud, and it's thanks to Jason that I am now raring to go solo on projects of my own. This review wouldn't be complete without mentioning Jason's workshop. It's in an old cotton mill, and is an inspiring place in which to work, surrounded by great tools, made pieces, vintage gear and curios, in a warm, well-equipped space. You feel like a craftsperson the moment you put on your apron. He plays great music too. Just need to work out how I can get back there to continue the journey. Thanks Jason."

23 Feb 20'

Bernadette Silcock reviewed: Paper marbling with tea & cake

"I absolutely loved the paint pouring afternoon. Great space. Lovely teachers with lots of knowledge. Don't hesitate book it!"

23 Feb 20'

Laura Knight reviewed: Wet Felt a beautiful neck warmer for Spring- in fine Merino wools and silks

"Terrific course. I now have my very own neckwarmer to wear! Thank you for your patient and expert tuition. I really enjoyed myself."

Felting in Devon responded:

"Thank you! ?"

23 Feb 20'

Jo M reviewed: Introduction to coil-building pottery workshops in Denmead

"We had a great time learning how to make coil pots with Sally. We all produced something we were proud of and she kept everyone (from 9 to 78 years) interested."

23 Feb 20'

Elaine Garner reviewed: 2 day knife making course

"An absolutely fantastic experience, I can’t recommend Friargate Forge enough. Gary and Joss are so passionate about what they do. I have been a fan of Forged in Fire for years, I finally took the plunge and booked a knife making course instead of sitting watching other people doing it. I hoped to make a basic knife on the course. My knife is a thing of beauty and with Gary and Joss’s patient teaching and assistance I can say I actually made it! I enjoyed every minute of the course and am so proud of the result. I am planning my next visit and can’t wait."

23 Feb 20'

Sarah Clarke reviewed: Beginner's Candle Making Private Workshop - Marlow, Buckinghamshire

"Went to Sarah Ditchfield’s Candle Making for Beginners and had an excellent time. The three hours were very well planned, we made tealights, beeswax candles, moulded candle and a container candle. Sarah was very informative covering colours and scents, wicks, containers and learning about the different waxes you can use. I came away very inspired and eager to try candle making at home. Am going to experiment a bit and then book on to an intermediate course."

Candle by Events responded:

"Hi Sarah, thank you for your lovely feedback. Really pleased you enjoyed the workshop and you would be most welcome at an intermediate workshop."

23 Feb 20'

Caroline Reed reviewed: Wire sculpture course - birds in East Yorkshire

"A really good day and a lovely goose to show at the end of it. Sue has a lovely way of explaining and showing the technical aspects and made the day very enjoyable - her cakes helped too! I would definitely like to do another day and add to the flock."

23 Feb 20'

Ruth Wigmore reviewed: Introduction to handmade paper flowers workshop with GillyGetsCrafty

"I really enjoyed the workshop and learnt a lot from Gill who was extremely knowledgeable and explained everything in detail. The pace was just right and I had a lovely day meeting other like minded crafters! I would certainly recommend this course and will be attending one of Gills other workshops."

23 Feb 20'

Annie Townsend reviewed: Wet-felting workshop with Fabulous Feltings

"Absolutely one of the most enjoyable workshops I've had the opportunity to experience! How utterly amazing that Jane can unleash such creativity in me! A Fabulous day of colour,chatter,inspiration,imagination,laughter and great company? Under Jane's patient instruction & guidance this day was a truly Fabulous Felting Adventure. Thank you Jane!"

Fabulous Feltings responded:

"Many thanks Annie It was such a treat to have you here and thank you for travelling from Portsmouth - you were able to sample some of the lovely Welsh countryside too! Watching my ‘students’ have such a relaxing, enjoyable and fun day is just as rewarding as admiring their fabulous pieces of art. I’m so glad to have inspired you! Jane"

23 Feb 20'

Wendy Beal reviewed: CHALK PAINT MEGA DAY Furniture Painting - one-to-one.

"Lovely day, enjoyed meeting Michelle and learning all her idea. Would definitely recommend it to friends."

23 Feb 20'

Fran Turner reviewed: Private or private group silver jewellery making / silversmithing workshop half-day at Silver Designed Personally

"My friend came down from Shropshire and I thought we do something different so booked this course at the last minute. What a great time we had! Completely different to anything we had done before and under the patient guidance of Sara, we created unique silver cuffs, earrings and pendants, learned new skills and had a blast doing it! Sara is talented artist and an amazingly gifted teacher ..at no time did we feel may be leaving without something that looked professional, she deftly showed us each step and assured us it would be fine! We are now proud owners of one off pieces to be worn and appreciated for many years. We can't recommend this workshop highly enough, a creative few hours with an expert has certainly brightened our dull February weekend, and Sarah made us very welcome in her lovely country cottage .. with frequent guest appearances from Misty, who completed the ambience!"

Silver Designed Personally responded:

"My dear Fran & Jayne - A total pleasure to work and chat with you both. I had a great afternoon too, so wonderful to see your work develop...... what's next????? Look forward to seeing you again some time I hope. Sara (& a lick from Misty)!"

23 Feb 20'

Helen Pryer reviewed: Introduction to English Willow Basket Making- Weekend Course

"Always wanted to have a go at weaving and what a perfect way to do it. Had a great day, learnt a lot and came home with a lovely basket. Now I just have to convince friends and family that I did actually make it! ( With the help and patience of Johnathan!)"

23 Feb 20'

Lynn Jennings reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Warrington, Cheshire

"I’ve just completed the upholstery workshop, it was lovely to meet likeminded people and do something you all enjoy, the tutor Joanne was so lovely and very patient allowing you to work at your own pace, she also makes delicious cakes to share with the group, it has given me the skills and confidence to take on a small project myself. I would highly recommend it and will definitely book another workshop soon ?"

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind words Lynn! It was lovely to meet you. I am really pleased you feel you can now take on your own upholstery projects at home and I look forward to seeing you again soon on one of my furniture painting workshops."

23 Feb 20'

Liz McConnell reviewed: Natural Skincare Workshop: Moisturisers and Creams

"My sister, niece and I joined three others yesterday for a fabulous morning on this course. An excellent short introduction to our skins and how they work and then we were on to mixing our ingredients for the body creams. Great fun smelling all the essential oils to see which ones we liked best. Everything was clearly explained, all the equipment was ready for us to use and Nic and Ben were there throughout to help us and explain things. After the body cream we all had a go at some face cream which was a slightly different recipe. I can't recommend this course enough, it was informative, fun and we all came home with beautiful and aromatic creams. And there was plenty of coffee and biscuits throughout the morning. Thanks Nic and Ben, a truly fun morning."

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Thanks Liz for such a lovely and comprehensive review! We really enjoyed having the three of you back and hope you are enjoying using your creams. Hope to see you again on another workshop, Nic"

23 Feb 20'

Peter and John reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

"What a great day! I booked this as a Christmas present for my Dad and I as a father / son day out. Gary was helpful with all booking details and great with advice on ideas for items to forge. We really enjoyed what came across as an authentic experience with Gary and Jos. These are 2 guys who have an obvious passion for sharing their expertise whilst letting you get really hands on in learning new skills. Dad and I both have amazing blacksmiths knives and the satisfaction of the work that went into making them. Whether you are a fan of the tv 'forged' shows or just fancy learning new skills, we would highly recommend Friargate Forge for a great experience."

Friargate Forge Ltd responded:

"Thank you, so happy you both enjoyed your time at the forge Thanks Gary"

23 Feb 20'

Laura Marett reviewed: The Garden Plant Support

"Can recommend tipi making with Nicki- had a really enjoyable morning and came away with a beautiful plant support for the garden. Fun atmosphere, great teaching from Nicki and her husband. Delicious coffee and nibbles, so happy to have learned a new skill."

Willowandyoga responded:

"Thanks Laura, it was lovely to meet you and we are so pleased you enjoyed the course. Warm wishes Nicki and Brian."

23 Feb 20'

Alison cartwright reviewed: Half-day traditional basketry willow workshops with Pip Cottage in Lancashire

"Really lovely day, with a fabulous willow deer to take home at the end of it. Really welcoming atmosphere and a lovely group of people. Julie gave great information and guidance on the whole process and on tools needed and where to source willow for future projects. And she has great taste in biscuits. Hoping to do a basket course with her in the near future."

Pip Cottage responded:

"Glad you enjoyed the day Alison, some great company and lovely sculptures made on the day. Look forward to meeting you again in the future. Thanks, Julie"

23 Feb 20'

Caron Cocks reviewed: Solid silver precious metal clay jewellery making courses

"I've been on a few jewellery courses so I knew what to expect but Hannah’s course surpassed all expectation. It was relaxed, fun and I went away with a jewellery ‘Course in a Box’ so I can carry on making at home. I’ll be back!"

Wild Heart Collectif responded:

"Thanks Caron, was an absolute pleasure making your seashell necklace together. Hope to see you again soon x"