Latest reviews

Kassy reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"It’s really rewarding getting to use my new leather wallet every day and admiring it. I am very happy that I did the class and learning this skill was fun and exciting for me. Kingsley helped me feel comfortable with his positivity and encouragement. With 2 other people in my group it meant we had enough support and time to ask questions but could also look at each others work and learn different skills. The location was awesome. We had a break and went to Brick Lane Market around the corner.It is located in a shop with great coffee and a very cool set up. Would highly recommend."

Jeanette Kendall reviewed: Introduction to Blacksmithing in North York Moors National Park

"We bought our 15 year old son a day blacksmithing with David and it literally ignited a flame with him to begin working with metal. When he returned home he said he knew he would enjoy the day but didn't realise how much he'd enjoy it. David has totally inspired him and we are at the moment getting inundated with homemade keyrings, pokers and other creative objects all forged using the skills he learnt on the day. David was calm, methodical and inspiring in his approach to teaching and we would thoroughly recommend the course to anyone. Thank you David, you've helped to make our son's mind up that working with metal is what he wants to do when leaving school this summer."

Emily Grace Williams reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"I am very glad that I decided to come to Jamal’s workshop for a 4-Day intensive stained glass course. I needed to use up my holiday in 2019 and decided on learning a craft in this time. Myself and my mother came across this course and I went with it! I have always found the stained glass in buildings one of my most favourite aspects of it, so learning in the flesh the process of their crafting was fabulous. We received a bit of a history of both stained glass making and also of Jamal’s working time at the Hardman studios. Both of these factors was a great introduction to our time! We had to bring a design to make on the course, I had made one but also had created a tile design a while back from inspiration in the Jackfield Tile Museum in Ironbridge in the Arts and Crafts Morris style which he spotted and recommended doing as my first piece. I am very glad he did as it brought to life a concept I had made! It was a very effective design and also challenging! We learnt various things on the course ranging from cutting of the coloured pieces of glass to fit into the blocked out ‘panes’, to ensuring these were the correct size for leading. We also learnt using browns and blacks painting to both shade and block out some of the painted designs on our works. Mine had lots of naturalistic shapes including leaves and a squash on it where I successfully made it shaded so it looked 3D which I was amazed at by the guidance of Jamal. We also finally did the leading of the piece, which the other two had done previously on a 1-day course and practiced at home with own pieces between times. Jamal was very useful in guiding me on this, so I completed getting my 21 glass pieces together with few issues including successfully teaching me soldering and cementing techniques which I hadn’t done before either ever in my life. It was fabulous also to see Jamal’s work as inspiration including a commissioned piece for someone’s private collection of Sikh devotional items. It was a beautiful sight in the flesh! I am currently working on some designs of pieces to create before I venture into buying kit to make it with, I think it may become an addictive pastime! I would like to thank both Jamal and his wife Somia for making us welcome in their home alongside the rest of their family including on the weekend with plenty of cups of tea! As I typed to Jamal after the course “Tumhara duniya ek rangeela duniya hai! Bohat shukran ke liye meri duniya bohat rang bana, aur nahin andhera!” meaning “Your world is very colourful. Lots of thanks for making my world more colourful and not dark!” This has been fabulous in a difficult year for me, a good hopeful end to 2019 and a start of new colourful hobby for 2020! Thank you very much Jamal and family!"

Stained Glassic responded:

"Hi Emily, This is one of the most detailed and longest review I have ever received! Thanks so very much. I am so humbled. Thank you for writing in-depth details of the course. It will help many others to know what to expect before choosing a course. Thanks again for booking a course with me and for coming all the way. Cheers. Lots of love and all the best for your new hobby and for 2020!"

Bev Evans reviewed: Botanical ecoprinting: the secrets of spring leaves

"Although I do my own botanical printing, I wanted the chance to learn the processes properly as well as being within a friendly 'group' environment. I was also interested to find out how tannin works with iron to produce a range of effects. Maggie covers all the details, using her own examples that you can view first hand, plus she talks in detail about the methods used and also gives plenty of chance for any questions that you might want to ask. It was a totally fascinating workshop and I learned so much. I made a beautiful scarf (which I have worn a lot!), I managed to use some of the leaves that I brought with me to the workshop, and, I also got to see how everyone else's work turned out, which was really helpful. A very enjoyable and useful workshop! :D"

By Maggie .. Naturally responded:

"Thanks very much Bev. I’m really glad that you felt you gained so much from the course, given your prior experience, and that it was a good experience. I look forward to seeing your future scarves. Maggie ☺️"

Beverley Jefferson reviewed: Knitting for Beginners

"I thoroughly enjoyed learning to knit. The teacher was very patient with me, as I didn't always grasp things first time. She was happy to go over stitches with me as many times as was required. I didn't feel silly to ask basic questions. All in all, I would heartily recommend this class to anyone who wants to learn knitting. I will come back again for more classes. Bev x"

Fleur Malta reviewed: Candle making course (introductory) - in the heart of the Ashdown Forest, Sussex

"This course was absolutely fantastic. We learnt so much in such a short time. Simon is a wonderful and fun teacher. We made lots of candles to take home. Thank you so much it was such a pleasure!"

Jill reviewed: Natural soap & cosmetic products workshop

"A great introduction into making soaps, bath salts and body butters. I left the course with products I had made and was inspired to learn more about making my own soaps, bath salts and body butters at home. As a result, my friends and family all received 'zero plastic' hand made toiletries this Xmas. Also, lunch was fabulous, thank you."

Julia thomas reviewed: Learn how to sew -beginners sewing course

"I thoroughly enjoyed the beginners course, Gemma was very welcoming and a good teacher, very patient and enthusiastic , which I needed as I had not touched a sewing machine for many years."

Jean Mills reviewed: Learning to Spin: One Day Workshop

"Just wanted to say a big “thank you” for a really good day. Despite our moaning and groaning we enjoyed the day, very informative and we learnt a lot. Lucy is a great teacher and quite right when she said it’s just practice now. Thank you Lucy for your patience and not to mention the yummy cake!"

Lesley P reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"Three of us recently did the beginner’s glassblowing day with Creative Vibe Glassblowing. It was a fascinating experience and very enjoyable. Ricky was a calm and very skilled tutor and quickly put us all at ease. We produced some beautiful pieces throughout the day and couldn’t quite believe what we had all learnt and achieved. I thoroughly recommend this course to anyone wanting to try glassblowing. We all agreed that it was one of the best courses any of us had done. We are really looking forward to signing up for the intermediate day."

Julie Norman reviewed: Botanical ecoprinting: the secrets of spring leaves

"I loved this course and Maggie is a font of knowledge on botanical contact printing, we arrived with lots of questions and left with a wealth of ideas, new skills and beautiful scarves. I would recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in eco printing, although be warned as it is fascinating and could easily turn into a full time hobby. Thank you Maggie."

By Maggie .. Naturally responded:

"Thank you Julie, for such a lovely review. I'm glad you got such a lot out of the course, and I look forward to planning workshop at your own venue n the near future."

Jenni reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Such a fantastic day. Really enjoyed the course. Jo really engaged with us and made the course so much fun. Highly recommend it. The candles are lovely and burn really well, lovely fragrances. Lunch was scrummy too ?"

Sue Snow reviewed: Art course for improvers

"I love this friendly group organised by Rachel. I haven't done art before but have progressed to this intermediate class. Claire the tutor is very knowledgeable and develops a syllabus around the students requests with achievable lesson objectives. We use different media looking at different artists and techniques used. I really look forward to my Tuesday morning . Thank you for your inspiration."

The Art Class - Yorkshire responded:

"Thank you Sue. I'm glad you enjoy the class so much."

Sandra Fawcett reviewed: Botanical Contact [“Eco”] Printing: An Introduction

"I really loved the course. Maggie explained the processes really well. It was great to gather the leaves for our work from the beautiful grounds at Speke and then to go back and roll them on a piece of silk round a copper tube and boil them to make a beautiful scarf (beginner’s luck!). I travelled from London with two friends to do the course and it was well worth the trip."

By Maggie .. Naturally responded:

"Sandra, thank you very much. Im glad you had such a great weekend.. your scarf was beautiful. come back with your chums for another weekend sometime, for the Improvers Course!"

Sandie Packman reviewed: Sandal Making Italian Style

"Not being a crafty person, I was nervous. Didn't need to worry, the lady tutor is lovely. The process is simply explained, there's no rushing but you do make your sandals in a day. And they are totally exclusive. It's your design, your colour choices, made to the shape of your feet & fitted to your exact size (& width). There's no sewing - just cutting, gluing & sticking. A very nice lunch is included in the price. I really enjoyed myself; so much so that I want another pair!"

Lucia Girardi responded:

"Sandie I know it’s not easy however you did an amazing job, you should be extremely proud of yourself. I love the double soled look. They fit you perfectly and a great colour combination too. Look forward to seeing you make your next pair."

Heather reviewed: Introduction to bushcraft - Level I

"Had a great time on the Level 1 Bushcraft course! The weather was miserable but Peter was attentive and good humoured, always had a brew on over the fire and made sure that the activities could be done under the canopy as well as in the rain! Learnt lots of new skills and Peter told us about the benefits of various trees and bushes without it being dry. Peter also took photos and gave us access to the box so we could re-live the memories from the comfort of the sofa! I hope his new woodland offers even more!"

Rick reviewed: Introduction to bushcraft - Level I

"The introduction to bushcraft course was fantastic. Pete really knows his stuff and is great at explaining ideas and ways of doing things. There was a good range of topics with just about the right length of time spent on each. We really enjoyed the practical work - the exercises were great fun and cleverly designed so that everyone got a chance to practice the skills and techniques. We would highly recommend this course - a brilliant way to spend a couple of days. And the burgers weren’t half bad either..."

Cher Steinberg reviewed: Giant Knit Blanket Workshop with Mini Wine Tasting

"Really enjoyable course and riveting to produce such a nice piece of craft from it! Very fairly priced considering the materials are very costly ....I might just do this course again!!"

Jemma Elizabeth Designs responded:

"Thank you! I am so happy that you enjoyed the course, and would love to welcome you back again. :)"

Mike Bree reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"Not having done any woodturning before, yesterday was a thoroughly enjoyable day. Andy has a very relaxed approach to the subject, but with a fountain of knowledge to call on. Lovely little workshop, but absolutely jammed packed with equipment........... equipment to die for!! The course fee included a very tasty lunch, so all in all a thoroughly enjoyable and instructive day, money well spent. Mike Bree"

Lucy Ibrahim reviewed: Mug making workshop

"I had a fantastic evening with the very talented Carla. Everything was laid out and organised so we could get as much done as possible but didn't feel rushed and even a lovely break time in the garden with drinks. The mugs we made have been well used, I'm thrilled to have achieved something so good. Carla was a great teacher with patience and the techniques used."

Joanne Penny reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Thoroughly enjoyable day. Nice to try spinning, before considering a purchase."

Sophia + David reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife and sheath course

"Wow, what an experience this was! Still feel giddy about the day and the knives we got to take with us at the end of it! Andy was so helpful, insightful and very funny! He was always watching to make sure you don't make huge mistakes and offering good tips or bits of interesting info. Was an absolute pleasure to spend the day with him while he let us have fun with the hammer, and later with the grinding machines. They were all easy to operate, but we suspect the ease came from the help Andy gave us, as well as encouraging words and constant + careful inspection of our work. The day was completed with making the sheath, which I honestly think is a brilliant idea. It gives the feeling of doing a completely different task and finishing off your piece. I will be honest, I came along thinking the end product might not be great but the experience would be worth it... The experience WAS worth it but I also ended up with a great product that I am extremely proud of. Been recommending this to friends and family since New Years. Thank you Andy! Happy 2020!"

Rebecca reviewed: Mini Willow Weaving Lesson

"Very informative and helpful. Lots of varied equipment and glass to use when creating your Mandala."

renaud barbier reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"A day I really enjoyed. Small group of four that left plenty of time for Alan to answer our questions and assist us. We learned about the tools and their maintenance, safety and technique to carve a spoon. Looking forward to buy a few tools and improve this skill. Thanks Alan."

Rosemarie Cantrill reviewed: Silver clay beginners course - Lori Ridgway

"Just loved this workshop, I came away with 2 gorgeous pendants. Lori was an excellent and patient teacher, I learnt so much in just 3 hours. I would highly recommend this workshop to anyone interested in this gorgeous medium. Thank you also for the coffee's and biscuits. I'll definitely be back for another workshop :)"

LR Silver Jewellery responded:

"Hi Rosie. Thank you for the lovey review, I'm glad you enjoyed the course, you made some lovely pieces. Thanks. Lori"