Latest reviews

RONA RIMES reviewed: Needle felt fairies and mermaids

"A most enjoyable and instructive day. We were made to feel welcome from the start and were supplied with hot drinks (and cake). The room we used was comfortable and light and our tutor, Maxine explained the craft very well and helped us individually . The day was well planned and all the materials were supplied. Maxine and Cath are tremendously talented and creative and I felt privileged to be taught by them."

Beechwood Crafts responded:

"HI Rona, Thanks for the review It was lovely to have you with us. Your fairy and mermaid were both beautiful. best wishes Cath"

Caroline Frodsham reviewed: Weave a scarf in a day - handloom weaving

"Had a lovely day on the weave a scarf workshop. Anne was very helpful and always on hand if you needed help shared her knowledge and skills. Would recommend this workshop."

Beverley Heard reviewed: Woven pod tapestry workshop

"A thoroughly good day. After getting settled and started, Margaret looked after us extremely well all day, patiently answering our questions and explaining all we needed to know. She was so generous showing us her samples and providing us with charts and information so we can continue to explore pods. We had a great selection of Weaversbazaar yarns to choose from and plenty of tea, coffee and biscuits to keep us going. A great day. Thank you."

Suzy Johnson reviewed: Beginners Mosaics Workshops near Exeter, Devon

"I went with two friends and had a lovely time. We were all beginners, but each of us had a professional-looking piece of work to take home at the end of the day. I'm no artist, but mine's on the wall and guests have actually asked where I bought it!! It's a very friendly, relaxed workshop, but at the same time Denny obviously knows her stuff when it comes to mosaics - AND baking; the cake was absolutely yummy and it'd be worth going for that alone :). She helps and advises without taking over, and you just feel really well looked-after in every way. There's also a huge range of materials available, from tiles, stained glass, mirrors and beads to pebbles and seashells from the local beach, plus all the tools and safety equipment you could need. You can even bring broken crockery that means something to you, and turn it into art. I can't recommend this course highly enough. It's a really lovely way to spend a day."

Shel Gray reviewed: Animal clay sculpture workshops with Jill Collier

"I love Jill’s pottery courses. I have made a chicken, penguin and hare. Jill is an excellent teacher always happy to explain and give a demonstration of how to make your clay animal. I really enjoy being part of a group in a relaxed setting. It is very rewarding to start the day with a square lump of clay and by the end of the day you have a sculpture that you have painted, ready to be dried out and fired in the kiln. I would recommend this course to everyone."

Chloe Jacout reviewed: Millinery Classes - Learn Hat Making like a Professional

"Silvia was an absolute delight to work with! Not only is she a lovely human and ensures everyone feels as comfortable as humanly possible (a cup of tea is never far away), but she is also an incredibly patient and knowledgeable teacher. She has a true passion for millinery, which shines through and is absolutely infectious! Be prepared for a marvellous time with her, and to also say goodbye to the sensation in the tips of your fingers. (There’s a lot of hand sewing)."

Sadia reviewed: Make a silver bangle: one-to-one workshop

"Huge thank you to Angie who is an excellent teacher and super friendly with years of experience which is clear to see. The workshop is in a cosy shed in the garden, and the process of making a bangle is intense and satisfying as I learnt a lot of intricate details that you otherwise don't think about or notice when buying jewellery. I flattened my bangle and added texture to create a beautiful piece of jewellery that I won't find anywhere else. A brilliant experience with a very happy customer and I would highly recommend!"

Lisa Arman reviewed: One day silver clay course at Gallery in Heswall, Wirral

"Really enjoyable day, learning something new with plenty of support. Really happy with my 4 charms. Thanks very much."

Nicola Mason reviewed: Painting and drawing course at Castle Park Arts Centre, Cheshire: Abstract Architecture

"A marvelous day. We joined a mixed group of all levels to enjoy drawing and observational skills. Everyone really enjoyed learning something new and some have mentioned booking in for another course already. The teaching methods and demonstrations provided were excellent. Everyone felt Pam was very helpful and encouraging, taking time to discuss everyone's progress and suggesting how to improve. The quality of art materials was superb. The natural light in the studio was wonderful, we will all be recommending your art courses. Relaxing, practical and fun. The tuition, lunch and venue was above and beyond all expectations. Delighted!"

Pam Smart Studio responded:

"Hi Nicola Thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed review. I am very appreciative of your kind comments. I’m delighted that you and your friends had such an enjoyable day and I hope to see you again. Best wishes Pam Smart"

Pauline Galliers reviewed: Denim jeans - be the designer!

"Very practical & informative. I won't have any difficulty making my own jeans & black work trousers from the pattern we've made. I know how I can customise future pairs now to make them unique. Bonus! I have a brand new pair of jeans that actually fit me & not some made up figure."

Can Do Crafts . Shop responded:

"Thank you Pauline keep me updated with those sewing projects. Glad to help."

Gillian Jones reviewed: Abstract Architecture: mixed media: Peak District, Derbyshire

"I wholeheartedly recommend Pam’s course on Expressive Landscapes. The course was well run, the studio was lovely and light and the lunch delicious. Add to this Pam’s encouraging and confidence building approach to teaching - it was a treat to attend. Her easy going nature helped me to enjoy a different way of painting landscapes and gave me much needed confidence. I look forward to attending more."

Pam Smart Studio responded:

"Hi Gillian Thank you for taking the time to review the workshop and for your positive comments - I look forward to working with you again in the future. Best wishes Pam Smart"

Louise Payne reviewed: Machine knit a scarf - 1 day workshop

"I was given a knitting machine but had no idea how to set it up and use it but after one lesson with Rachael yesterday I now feel confident enough to have a go on my own. I cannot recommend Rachael enough as she was very patient, allowed time for me to make notes and was meticulous and thorough at every stage. At the end of the day I could not believe how much I had learnt and I am so looking forward to the next workshop. Thank you Rachael."

Studio Tamanè responded:

"Thank you so much Louise! Had a great day with you. Lovely to have such an enthusiastic student. See you next Thursday ?"

Barbara reviewed: Silver Ring Stack - 3 rings in a day

"I have been attending group workshops with Rachel for several years now and I hope to continue doing so. Her knowledge, enthusiasm and patience make her courses a joy to attend. Rachel makes sure that all members of her classes get individual, as well as group, attention and she is able to cover all skill levels in an easy to follow and relaxed style."

Rachel Hearne Jewellery School responded:

"Thank you Barbara you are a pleasure to teach. Your continual progression is so exciting to witness and design challenges you have set for yourself are beautiful. I I’m looking forward to what 2020 will bring."

Shubhaa VILLANUEVA reviewed: Beginner sewing workshop

"Holly is a great teacher, I really enjoyed the sewing machine workshop! Holly goes step by step, giving lots of tips and advice. Already booked my next workshop!"

Holly Edwards Textiles responded:

"Thankyou so much Shubhaa! See you in a couple weeks for zipped cushion making. Holly x"

Janet McKinnell reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"I thoroughly enjoyed the candle-making workshop. I knew nothing on arrival, but Kerry's welcome and engaging manner ensured that I went away inspired by the easy and confident manner in which the various parts of the workshop were delivered. All I need is the time to pursue a new hobby! This is good value, interesting and fun! Do treat yourself and book this workshop. You go home with a candle you have made and, in case you haven't quite caught the 'bug', a small bottle of fragrance (of your own choice and blending) for your next candle!"

Clare Ward reviewed: Candle Making Workshop at The Recycled Candle Company

"A fabulous 5 hours of learning the craft of making candles in various forms i.e. in a glass, pillar, firelighters. The best part is that the wax is from using old candles, recycling! The tutor and owner, Richard, is a delight - makes the session fun whilst informative. There is not much he doesn't know about wax, he will tell you as much or as little as you want to know. Lots of fun stories too. This course has given me the starting platform and confidence I need to make my own candles at home. I am already pestering family and friends for used glass candle holders so I can recycle/upcycle them."

Chris reviewed: Stained glass introduction at Blue Kite Stained Glass

"Having expressed an interest in ‘having a go’ at at a stained glass workshop this starter course was booked by my daughter & partner as a birthday present for myself and husband. Iain is an excellent course leader. He started with a short introduction on stained glass in general and demonstrated the use of various tools and equipment before we commenced on our individual glass panels. With three persons on the course Iain was on hand to offer advice and assist as and when required. The whole day was so interesting the time whizzed by. We both thoroughly enjoyed the course and were very pleased with the resulting stained glass panels which have been much admired by family and friends. Would highly recommend."

Blue Kite Stained Glass responded:

"thanks Christine, so glad you both enjoyed it."

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

"Thoroughly enjoyed the wet felting course. Sally is very patient and has a great sense of humour! She is an excellent teacher and very encouraging. A highly recommended course to do. Thank you so much, Sally!"

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank you so much Angela ~ and thank you for coming to the wet felting workshop. We had a very enjoyable day and you all made such great pieces of wet felt. Look forward to seeing you again soon :)"

Jane reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"Really enjoyed this introduction to the craft , Siobhan’s own passion for the glass pulls you right in. Now I want to do more, following on from this taster. My next step would be to produce something functional."

Emma Wilkinson reviewed: PickOne weekend weaving course

"Absolutely loved it - James is a great teacher and really fun to spend a weekend with. Can’t wait to do the evening course next!"

PickOne responded:

"Emma, It was a pleasure having you in the PickOne studio over the weekend and I look forward to seeing the results! James :)"

George Dishman reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"My wife and I just did the one day course, she booked us as my Christmas present (at my suggestion) and it has been the best present I can remember. I loved the technical approach while Ann loved the colours and Siobhan's instruction is excellent. The simple coaster exercise to start is an effective way to learn about the behaviour of the material and start practising the skills needed, and the afternoon task turns that into a practical project with an end result that can be kept forever. I went with my own idea of what I wanted to do and Siobhan was completely supportive and helpful even though it was not perhaps what she intended. I am absolutely delighted that I was able to create exactly what I intended with her help, and now just have to mount it to best effect. I could not recommend this course more highly!!"

Ellie Rawden reviewed: Metal jewellery and silversmithing, beginner to intermediate, 4 weeks.

"I absolutely loved this course! I have always wanted to give metal work a try and it didn't disappoint. The class sizes are small which ensures you get some personalized tuition, every week we decide together what we want to make and Tracey helps you to create something personal. She always had a good stock of materials and plenty of tools so that you could always create what you wanted with support. In all, the classes were very beneficial and I learned a lot, so much so I feel confident enough to give it a go myself. Always offered a cup of tea and Tracey even made a delicious cheesecake on the final night which was a lovely surprise. Would definitely recommend."

Jane reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"We had a really fun day learning all about fused glass. Siobhan is an entertaining and extremely knowledgeable teacher, brimming with enthusiasm. If you want to try something new then I would recommend this one day course. We were well looked after throughout the day, including a delicious lunch."

Ashraf reviewed: Make your own green woodworking 'Shave Horse' from Oak & Ash

"An amazing experience. Ian’s attitude to rustic work in my opinion is second to none. The experience I had was certainly fulfilling. If you like carpentry you would most certainly not go wrong by going on a course with Ian. He has really good person skills. The time with him was not only enjoyable but educational as well. Thank You Ian."

Liz & Keith Charlton reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"I have wanted to learn to throw pots for a long time and for various reasons life had always got in the way. I decided that it was now or never. I read several reviews and chose to book with Matthew. To my surprise, my husband agreed to join me and so with excitement on my part and no expectation on my husbands we headed to Stoke. From the moment we were greeted at the door by Matthew the day exceeded both of our expectations, Matthew was welcoming, relaxed and positive, and we felt that whatever the day brought it would be enjoyable and fun. The day turned out to be better than that, we learned a lot, we made much more than we expected, we asked many, many questions that were answered and discussed without us being made to feel stupid for asking, and we had so much fun. To top it all, my husband thoroughly enjoyed it and wants to buy a potters wheel! A great day, made totally enjoyable by Matthew and his family and a foundation for further adventures. Thanks"

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Liz and Keith, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I had a fantastic day teaching you both and sharing my love of clay and the skill of throwing on the wheel. You both achieved so much in one day and it was lovely that you were both enthusiastic and were keen to learn more. It is always exciting when people complete the course and are so inspired they want to buy a wheel to continue learning. If you need any advice on a wheel just let me know. If you need to further your skills in the future it would be lovely to have you both back and extend you knowledge on the wheel. Best wishes Mathew"