Latest reviews

Moira Lempriere reviewed: Resin Jewellery Group Class

"A really lovely course making resin jewellery. Linda was well prepared and explained things very clearly. She carefully took us through some practice activities before we did our final pieces. I was able to produce some items which looked great even though I have not done anything like this before. Thanks very much Linda."

Stampaholics responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Moira. I am so pleased to hear that you enjoyed the session and that you are happy with the pendants you made."

liz raven reviewed: Weave a scarf in a day - handloom weaving

"Had a wonderful day, and we both love our scarves."

Anon reviewed: Make a Christmas wreath half day workshop

"All great, super materials"

Anon reviewed: Make a Christmas wreath half day workshop

"Feels very fun and festive and creative - love it!"

Emily Snowdon reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I am sending this review in on behalf of my husband who is utterly useless at anything with buttons and even worse at writing reviews but he had such a fabulous day doing this course that I can't possibly let it go unacknowledged. He is a super hands-on type of guy but had never done anything like this before and he learned loads - he is now seriously thinking about setting up his own home forge (sorry neighbours, sure you'll get over that eventually). I would like to say a huge thanks to Debbie and Ade for the day because although he came home late for tea and absolutely filthy, his hands were pitted and his face wasn't much better but he had the biggest grin plastered on his face and it was so lovely to see that I didn't have the heart to point it out, he was absolutely buzzing. Debbie, he really loves your chilli too. So would I recommend this craft course? Absolutely. Don't think that quite covers it but definitely give it a go, regardless of your current ability, you will be glad you did."

Dorothy Haynes reviewed: One-to-One Private workshop

"Christmas decorations 15th December workshop. This is my fourth visit to Gigha's workshop and once again thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Gigha is an excellent tutor and always very patient and knowledgeable. We all had an excellent time in a warm and relaxed atmosphere, lots of Christmas goodies to eat throughout the day also a lovely lunch. Came away with four decorations I will treasure. Thank you Gigha."

Adrienne & Louise reviewed: Resin Jewellery Group Class

"We had a great time at the resin jewellery course on Saturday, would definitely recommend it. Linda was an excellent host/tutor answering all our questions and supplying lovely tea, cakes and chocolate. We were so inspired we have already ordered some supplies and can't wait to get started."

Stampaholics responded:

"Hi Adrienne & Louise, Thank you for attending the workshop. I am glad you could make it and I am happy you enjoyed the course! I hope you will enjoy exploring the resin jewellery making further :-)"

Danielle reviewed: Throwing taster session

"Great morning learning the basics. The teaching was clear and well-paced. Loved the chance to actually produce two bowls after just two hours. I’m looking forward to returning to do a longer course."

Deiniol Williams Ceramics responded:

"Glad to hear that you're thinking of coming back for one of the longer courses Danielle!"

Alison Dancey reviewed: Candle & diffuser course

"John and Sue were very welcoming their course was extremely informative. The course covered all aspects of candle making, creating your own candles and diffuser. Lovely location, would thoroughly recommend for anyone who is interested in candle making. Will definitely return for the soap making course early next year."

Sarah Preston-Hall reviewed: Fleece Preparation for Spinners & Felters

"Elaine was a superb teacher, full of knowledge and advice on fibre preparation. She made us very welcome in her home and studio, taking us through the whole prep process from skirting to picking and carding to drafting. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and came away with the knowledge and enthusiasm to continue the processes at home. Elaine also let me have a go on her spinning wheel which was a fabulous treat! A very generous and inspiring teacher."

Cartmel Handspun Spinning School responded:

"Thanks Sarah. So glad you enjoyed your course and got so much out of it."

Julia Raymond reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"We had such a fabulous day, I did not look at the time once, the hours just flew by. I was totally immersed in the moment. Great tuition, very knowledgeable and patient. We went over time, my fault entirely, I chose something a little more complex but Jonathan was kind enough to see it through to completion. I would so recommend this course to anyone of any ability. The boat just added to the course uniqueness and ambience. A perfect day, I’m thrilled with the items I produced. I would love to do another course. Also shared what books I may like and would help as I’m super keen to learn more about it. Thank you so much."

Lynne Horner reviewed: 8 week jewellery beginners course

"Brilliant course. Karen is extremely patient and I can’t believe how many items I have made. Definitely going to do the next stage course. Would thoroughly recommend."

Carolyn Morris reviewed: Introduction to Off-Loom Weaving Workshop, Crawley, Hampshire

"Ellie was amazing at making everything easy from start to finish. She was patient and very good at explaining what to do. A great way to spend 3 hours."

Elka responded:

"Hi Carolyn, i’m so glad you enjoyed the workshop and thank you for the lovey review! Very best wishes, Ellie"

Margret Thompson reviewed: Tree Stump Planter Workshop - Sculpture Workshop Using Pal Tiya Premium

"A really lovely day was had by all. Joe and Bob couldn't have been more helpful and great company. Lovely people. Both have great creative ideas and know the material you are working with so are able to guide you. I would definitely recommend this course to all. Thank you both very much."

louise pope reviewed: Weave a scarf in a day - handloom weaving

"What a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend a day. Anne was great at building our confidence over the course of the day, so much so that everyone left the course with a beautiful wearable scarf and a real sense of what might be possible if we wanted to pursue this type of weaving as a pastime. I particularly valued the selection of yarns available to choose and Anne's great input on colour and texture combinations that will work together to give you the style of scarf you are hoping to achieve. She's a great tutor!"

Mavis Opperan reviewed: Two day (consecutive) stained glass starter course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"This course is definitely good value for money. I was a complete novice when I started this course but I learned so much as Paul is an excellent instructor, he explained each step of the process in making my stained glass panel and was so patient and encouraging. He also taught us a lot about stained glass which I have always admired but didn’t realise what went in to making it. Thank you to Natalie for the lovely lunches we had and to Gracie for sharing her mum and dad with us and being such a good girl. I came away with a panel that I really love and which now hangs in my kitchen window and looks lovely especially when the sun shines through it and with all the information on how to carry on with this new skill."

Carla Watkins reviewed: 8 week jewellery beginners course

"Proper jewellery making has been on my daydreams list for years, so when I saw BENCH Space had moved to Brightlingsea, near my hometown, I leaped on the first beginner course which had space. And it has been the best experience! I knew I'd enjoy it, but it's been one of the highlights of my year! I was a bit nervous to start with, but Karen is so kind and patient, explains everything so well along with demonstrations, and learning alongside others meant we all learned from each other too. Because you're making things from your own designs, no two pieces are alike, and by the end of the 8 weeks you suddenly realise you have actual skills! There's an amazing sense of achievement to have made things with your hands, and it's also a wonderful break from the real world - a few times during my course I rocked up in a terrible mood, and making, filing, piercing, soldering and polishing restored me to good temper - a wonderful side effect. I've come away with two rings, a pair of earrings and the leaping hare pendant of my dreams - and I'm already booked onto the next improver course. I've never been prouder of anything I've made and have worn them all constantly since... can't wait for the next course. Highly, highly recommended - and I'm planning to bring some friends on the ring making taster next year!"

BENCH space responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review and I’m so glad you have enjoyed the course. I’m so looking forward to seeing you in the new year for more adventures in making!"

Jen Horsley reviewed: Throwing taster session

"Really enjoyed the morning. Deiniol took the time to show us what we would need to do to create and decorate a bowl, then talked us through step by step actually creating a bowl and then allowed us to see what we had learnt by creating another bowl. Excellent couple of hours"

Deiniol Williams Ceramics responded:

"Thanks Jen!"

Jill Carver reviewed: Make a star! Stained glass half day workshop

"Meeting Jo Snowdon for the first time last week felt like bumping into an old friend, Jo is warm and friendly and an excellent tutor. Jo's small groups allow her to give all the individual attention and guidance that anyone could ask for. It was a joy and very satisfying to complete a piece of art to take home at the end of the evening."

Jo Snowdon Stained Glass responded:

"Thank you for the fab review Jill, it was a pleasure to have you all over for the class. You created a lovely star! Best wishes and have a lovely Christmas, Kind regards, Jo"

Pauline Hooper reviewed: Mosaics for the home and garden

"did the day course in December to make an outdoor mosaic. Had a great time. Frances was very supportive, offering help and advice where needed and stepping back when she was not needed. All equipment and tools were provided. I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to give mosaic making a go."

Mosaic Mania responded:

"Thank you Pauline! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Your mosaic looks fabulous! Frances"

Matt de Moraes reviewed: Glass blowing for beginners with Jon Lewis

"Jon was a tremendous and attentive coach in the entry level world of glassblowing. This was an immense experience that I will remember forever. I already have a long list of friends wanting to take part, so no surprise his gentle demeanor and tutoring style has created such demand for his lessons!"

Sharon Lee reviewed: Beginners 1 Day Traditional Stained Glass Course

"My friend & I have done both this leaded stained glass day & the Christmas decorations with copper foiled stained glass. The days were both great fun. We learnt a lot, had a gorgeous lunch & really enjoyed ourselves. The workshops are well taught & made more fun by Gill's lovely bubbly personality."

Gill Rogers responded:

"Hi Sharon Many thanks for your lovely comments, so kind of you and thrilled to hear you enjoyed the course. I had such a fun day with you both and hope to see you again sometime in the New Year! Have a great Christmas! All my very best wishes Gill x"

Neil Jones reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"Alison teaches Batik very well, small steps at first and then tailoring the class to the individual needs. My partner created an amazing piece which hangs today in our living room, a reminder of a fun day out! I would definitely recommend this course to anyone wanting an intro to Batik or even to further develop their skills"

Louisa Nahas reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"“Beatrice’s sculpture workshops have been very inspiring. I have enjoyed every minute, learnt a lot and spent quality time with like minded people. Highly recommended!”"

Copper Foiling One Day Workshop reviewed: Introduction to copper foiling workshop

"I had an amazing day at the Copper Foiling workshop. It was Christmas themed so we made some wonderful glass Christmas decorations. Sharon was a brilliant teacher and the space is just perfect for the small class size. Thank you Sharon!"