Latest reviews

Vicki reviewed: Beginner’s Soapmaking Workshop in Salisbury

"I really enjoyed the course, Catherine was a brilliant host and teacher, was very helpful with giving directions to get there. Had everything we needed prepared for us and was very informative and even made us all tea :)"

Herbal Harmony responded:

"Thank you for your review Vicki! I'm so glad you found the class enjoyable and informative! Have fun making more soaps at home!"

Rachel Wolffsohn reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"Had a fantastic day with Jolene. I bought this course for my mum and me as a Christmas present and we made a bangle each and a shawl pin. It was a lovely day with only 3 people in the group. Lots of flexibility as to what you could do and a range of techniques covered at the level needed to make your preferred piece. Many thanks for a great experience."

Olwyn Hughes reviewed: Wet-felting workshop with Fabulous Feltings

"What a fabulous day spent learning a new skill and unleashing my creative side. Jane’s patience, enthusiasm and wonderful use of colour are inspiring and, because the groups are small, you get lots of individual attention too. The riverside studio is in such a perfect setting and we enjoyed a very tasty lunch in the garden whilst our first pieces of finished samples dried on the line. Jane has lots of her work on display around her home which just inspires me to learn more and continue with this particular pastime. I highly recommend her workshops as a day very well spent indeed. Thank you ?"

Fabulous Feltings responded:

"Dear Olwyn, thank you so much for your lovely words. It was a pleasure to host you and your friend - you both produced some stunning samplers and I'm glad that I was able to share with you the magic of wet-felting. I do hope to see you again for further felting adventures! Keep creating! Jane"

Jonathan reviewed: Glass fusing workshop - 1 day

"The two of us went for a day session, very unsure of what to expect. Jill was quick to destroy all nervousness with her warming friendly personality. She gave alot of useful information, tips and tricks whilst we were busy creating our pieces. After a lovely lunch (perfectly catered to our dietary needs!) we were amazed and thrilled to of completed several pieces. Within a few days of eagerly waiting to see the finished product, Jill had done an amazing job adding finishing touches such as shaping jewellery, finishing edges. We had an amazing day, thoroughly recommend having a go!"

Fired Glass responded:

"Thank you Jonathan for your review of your day with us. We are so pleased that you and Alison enjoyed your day and it met, if not exceeded, your expectations. You made some beautiful pieces between you, plus you have the honour of making the studio's first dinosaur inspired piece!"

Hayley Geary-Andrews reviewed: Glass fusing workshop - 1 day

"What an amazing day! I really enjoyed learning about glass fusion. I created a picture of my dogs, a pendant, cuff links, a bowl and a light catcher. Jill was very patient and kind and made us a lovely lunch. I would thoroughly recommend a day course and will definitely be doing it again."

Fired Glass responded:

"Hi Hayley, thank you for your review of your day. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your day and you created a wonderful array of items during your day. I'm sure you will treasure them all and the memories from the day for a long time to come. We would be delighted to see you again in the future. Regards John and Jill"

Debbie Terry reviewed: Enamelling - Flowers and Hearts

"Thank you Rachel, a most amazing day, I enjoyed every moment, and I’m very pleased with the pieces I made and excited to start wearing them. Having never experienced enamelling before you had plenty of patience and I really learnt loads, I will love to come back one day and do more. A lovely relaxed atmosphere. I would highly recommend this enamelling workshop and great value for money. Thanks again Debbie"

2 Inspire You responded:

"Thank you so much. You are very kind. It was a lovely day with everyone really keen to experiment. I learnt more as well and it is great to watch your excitement as you take pieces out of the kiln! I will order some shim ready for your return visit. Best wishes Rach"

Sue Perdue reviewed: Needle Felting Workshop - landscape pictures

"My friend and I had a great morning with Pip and would definitely recommend it. Everything was explained thoroughly and there was no pressure at all. My husband was very impressed with my pictures so the course has inspired me to do more."

Pippaluk Crafts responded:

"That's great thank you so much"

Paul Judge reviewed: Woodcarving for beginners - two day course in Suffolk

"This was my first experience with woodcarving, and I found Gerry to be an excellent and supportive teacher. His choice of projects was clearly based on lots of experience of teaching, alongside his own finely honed skills. He gave detailed instruction and demonstration of each stage, gradually introducing us to a number of tools, and how to use them effectively. The first day we all carved a scallop shell, and the second day worked on individual projects. Throughout, he was able to pass on helpful tips based on his many years of professional experience carving wood. He also gave us detailed instruction on sharpening, and by the end we had all tried sharpening gouges to the exacting standards needed for fine work. He gave us a very useful list of recommended 'essential' tools to go forward with woodcarving, and some pointers to the best sources for purchasing them. It was a very enjoyable and instructive weekend; I learnt a lot, will definitely continue woodcarving (when time permits!) and definitely recommend Gerry's courses."

Maeva reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"Jonathan is a great teacher, clearly passionate about his work and also a great person to spend the day with! In addition to learning a lot on silver jewellery making I had a great time and we were well-looked after (including drinks, great biscuits and a lovely lunch!) When I booked the course I was expecting an introductory session, and already thought about booking additional courses if I liked it but I was very pleasantly surprised (I hadn't read the reviews!) by the fact that Jonathan made sure we could continue on our own, not just by showing us the techniques but also providing guidelines and references to buy tools and giving us advice to get started on our own with a minimum investment in money and space. I'm definitely going to get some of the basic tools and start experimenting! I've also convinced my partner to do the same course as I'm sure he'll enjoy it just as much! Thanks again! :)"

Thomas Whitfield reviewed: Turn a wooden bowl on a traditional pole lathe

"I had spent the last 2 years building things out of wood - after watching a wood turning video on YouTube I’d mentioned that I’d like to give it a go. My wife booked me a course with Steve in February 2020 as a Christmas present. After a very nervous and excited drive to Steve’s house I was greeted warmly and he chauffeured me to his workshop which sits neatly in an allotment plot. As soon as you walk in - it is clear that you’re going to be going back to you’re roots the hard way. Everything is covered in the course - from knowing what you’re looking for in a quality piece of greenwood, sawing the log to shape, manually chopping the wood to a shape that somewhat resembles a bowl (with a sharp hatchet) to actually turning the wood. Steve doesn’t stand over you're shoulder and encourages you to get stuck in. Be prepared for hard graft. Wood turning on a treadle lathe is a challenge but very rewarding and with Steve’s help I managed to “turn” out with a Beechwood bowl. Thanks Steve - I’m already looking at adapting my garage to accommodate a lathe. Tom"

Melanie Jones reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Warrington, Cheshire

"What a fun and Inspiring day I had at Jo’s footstool workshop yesterday along with the other participants. Jo’s straight forward, inclusive teaching manner led to us all leaving thoroughly delighted with our footstool babies and eager to learn more from Jo at one of her other courses. Thanks so much x"

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thanks so much Mel. You did a lovely job on your footstool. I had such a great day with you all and I look forward to seeing you again for some painting! ?"

James reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day at Leeds, West Yorkshire

"I had a great day with Jacek in the forge. He explained everything very well and helped me to get the correct techniques. I ended the day with a brooch that I now proudly wear on my cloak. I would highly recommend this course and will be looking to go again in the future."

Peter Richardson reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing and hand building full day

"I just wanted to say what a great Pottery day we had with Richard ealier this month. Both I and my wife Ann are relative novices, but Richard's teaching methods, manner and obvious love of pottery was inspiring, and we improved so much in the hours we spent with him. We're both very keen to return, and I understand that Raku sessions are also available, which would be amazing. Many thanks to Richard - a lovely, patient man, with years of experience and skills to share (he also makes great soup!) Peter and Ann (Irthlingborough, Northants)"

Potterydayz responded:

"Hi Peter and Ann, Thank you! It was a pleasure to have such able and enthusiastic students. You did really well! Richard."

Lisa reviewed: Natural facial skincare for spring

"A lovely few hours with Juliette, tea, cake and a delightful bunch of other students. We learnt how to make shampoo, face cream and lip balm from natural ingredients and took them home at the end. It really was a perfect afternoon. Thank you!"

Hand Made by Juliette responded:

"Thanks for the review Lisa. It was a pleasure to teach you all and I am sure that you will continue to make your own skincare and enjoy both the work involved and the results you will get."

Linda Rosemary Folkard reviewed: One week upholstery courses with Cherry Dobson

"Spent a fascinating week with Cherry at Lilac Barn as a complete beginner. I learnt so much from her and enjoyed her friendly tuition & company of the other students. Wonderful lunches every day in her own home plus home made cakes and tea & coffee throughout the day. Learnt the process of reupholstering a very old family chair and intend to return to learn how to apply the actual covering fabric, buttons and piping once I have obtained the right material. Thank you so much Cherry for a most enjoyable and interesting week!!"

Sue reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Warrington, Cheshire

"Had a fantastic day today learning to make a footstool with Jo from the boho shed. She is a great teacher -very patient and encouraging and worked at a pace to suit all. I have never done any upholstery before, but Jo walked us through the steps and everyone ended up with a beautiful footstool to be proud of. The day was very inspiring and I met some lovely people and was kept fed and watered with plenty of tea and coffee and Jo’s gorgeous cakes. I can’t wait to attend another of Jo’s courses and would thoroughly recommend this to anyone looking for an enjoyable day learning the basics of upholstery -you won’t be disappointed!"

The Boho Shed responded:

"I had a great day with all of you Sue! You made such a great job of your footstool. Thank you so much for your kind words. Very much appreciated. I look forward to seeing you again."

Amy Trainor reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"I had an absolutely fantastic day at Claire's silver clay making workshop. I made three pieces of silver jewellery in the space of three hours! Claire was really helpful and very knowledgeable, offering me advice and support along the way but also encouraging my own ideas allowing me to experiment with the tools and techniques. The workshop surroundings are very comfortable and welcoming and I was provided with refreshments throughout the day. Claire also provided me with lots of info and useful links to silver clay websites so I now know the best places to go to buy the tools needed to do silver clay making at home. I will definitely be recommending to workshop to my friends and family. Thanks very much Claire for a great day! I had a ball!"

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"Lovely to meet you Amy! You made some great pieces of jewellery. Look forward to seeing further pieces that you will make !"

Nettie from Leominster reviewed: Hand embroidered flowers - mini books- with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcestershire

"What a lovely day, thanks to Julie's patience. She was a brilliant teacher and I loved every minute. Thank you Julie, hope to see you again soon."

Sarah from Gloucester reviewed: Hand embroidered flowers - mini books- with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcestershire

"A most enjoyable workshop. Lots and lots of inspiration and Julie was very patient and explained everything very clearly. I would definitely recommend this workshop to anybody thinking of coming along."

Kate from Cheltenham reviewed: Hand embroidered flowers - mini books- with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcestershire

"Lovely relaxed day with lovely people. Very satisfying learning the stitches - great teacher, Thank you!"

Pat from Tewkesbury reviewed: Hand embroidered flowers - mini books- with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcestershire

"A super day of discovery! And a piece of work to take home."

Sam reviewed: Silver jewellery workshop for beginners with Jude Karnon

"The perfect experience. From the first communication to leaving her home, Jude made this a beautiful experience. I was nervous my designs were to difficult to achieve, she made it so easy to follow her instructions and supported me, fully enabling me to achieve my chosen piece to an amateur's perfection. Jude was funny and open-hearted putting me at ease throughout the whole process. Topped by a great gluten free lunch. Worth the money and some! Thank you Jude. Brilliant!"

Jude Karnon Jewellery responded:

"Sam, thank you so much for a lovely review. You were a talented and enthusiastic student and made such wonderful items. The necklace was inspired and well done for working on such a detailed piece. The end result was beautiful. It was also wonderful to spend the day with such a funny person! Loved all the laughs. Jude x"

Oak stool making reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"We had an outstanding day with Ian making an oak stool yesterday. Following a stroke my husband is unable to move his right arm and can struggle in company with his speech. We met with Ian a couple of months ago to discuss the possibilities. By the time we arrived yesterday Ian had everything in place to make this a perfect day, even designing new tools with friend Henry to ensure Rob could make a stool under his own steam and independently (apart from a small amount of axe work!). As we relaxed in such good company both the stool and easy conversation grew. My husband has a beautiful stool he crafted himself and enjoyed an experience that was truly accessible. Thank you Ian for going that extra mile!"

Zoe west reviewed: Acrylic paint pour canvas with cake - beginners session

"Recently I went on the acrylic paint pour canvas course with Harriet. She was absolutely amazing and made sure everyone had such an incredible time. She was very patient,helpful and informative. She made the course extremely enjoyable and helped me create amazing colourful canvases."

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

"Thank you for such a lovely time with you and I'm absolutely delighted with my scarf! I'll be back for more workshops very soon. Excellent."

Felting in Devon responded:

"Thank you for your positive comments."