Latest reviews

Sarah Williams reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"I've really enjoyed this term's classes and have re-enrolled for next term. I've done stained glass courses in the past, but Martin has demonstrated better and different techniques from previous teachers, making me feel confident in my ability to produce the things I want to do. The workshop facilities are excellent. Highly recommended."

Will Knight reviewed: Woodworking - Make Your Own Workbench

"Just spent a fantastic few days with Steve making a workbench. The course content was good for a beginner woodworker and the bench is well designed and really solid. Steve is a really approachable and encouraging teacher. His skill and patience not only allowed me to make a great bench but also helped my confidence to start some small projects of my own. A big thank you to Steve."

Dovetail Woodworking responded:

"Good to hear that you found the bench making course enjoyable and it has spurred you on to further woodworking."

Bev Fitchett reviewed: Contemporary Furniture Refinishing & Upcycling with Woodcare - 2 Day Workshop

"I spent two days with Ollie, learning how to restore two pieces of (very tired) furniture, both of which are now enjoying a new lease of life. The work space is amazing, and surprisingly warm for this time of year! The atmosphere is relaxed as Ollie allows you to work at your own pace, whilst ensuring each piece of furniture is completed within the timescale. I decided to enrol on this course as I was interested to learn how to paint my own furniture to a reasonable standard. Well, I couldn't have been more pleased, as the items I completed on the course surpassed my expectations and the knowledge I have gained will definitely be put to good use. Practice makes perfect and today I bought my next piece that is need of some TLC; bring out the paint brushes! Thanks Ollie."

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

"Fantastic course, would highly recommend. Ian is an amazing teacher and with no experience whatsoever, with his guidance, I crafted a beautiful stool. Superb day."

Ann Pearson reviewed: Weekly Art Classes with Julie Sajous

"Julie is an accomplished artist and a brilliant tutor, always constructive and encouraging but not afraid to push us to achieve. The small classes are structured around topics and different materials, ensuring that everyone finds a medium and style they really enjoy. We also have a lot of laughs and quite a lot of home-made cake!"

Fiona Dowle reviewed: Woven pod tapestry workshop

"We learnt how to weave a pod on a ready warped frame. We were provided with a very good set of instructions and a template to use to create our pod. There were plenty of Weavers Bazaar wools, in a great variety of colours, for us to use to weave our pods. Margaret Jones was always on hand to give advice and gave us plenty of encouragement! Towards the end of the session Margaret showed us how to create a pod from a sample she had woven and other members of the group created a pod form their woven areas. I was rather slow with my weaving but I was able to take the frame home I had used and I will finish mine soon! A very enjoyable day and I learnt a great deal about how to make a pod. It was great to see the pods that Margaret had created in different fibres. There were plenty of teas and coffees available and the cake Margaret provided was delicious!"

weaversbazaar responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to share your experience on the Pod Weaving Course it is much appreciated."

Nerys aird reviewed: Seasonal wreath workshop

"Initially I thought this was going to be an expensive experience but I am so pleased to say that the wreaths my mum and myself made are superb! We enjoyed the experience and the construction was made very simple by our guide. Great materials to work with and as a result the wreaths look amazing in quality. Thoroughly enjoyed. An added bonus having a glass of fizz on arrival."

Mary Hill Studio responded:

"Hi Nerys, So glad you enjoyed it and you thought it was good value for money too. Your wreaths were stunning. I very much appreciate the review. Thanks, Mary"

Sally Stanford reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"Such a great course, 2 days spent with Ollie and I am now obsessed with wood and furniture. It was a joy to be taught by such a great tutor, he is patient and has so much knowledge that he's quite happy to share and he is really good company. I have completed a project since finsihing the course and am about to start another and really loving it, all thanks to the skills passed on. Many thanks Ollie."

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

"Such a fantastic day course! I came to the workshop with no prior experience and Siobhan was an excellent tutor, providing inspiration, advice and guidance. There was plenty of 1:1 help and nothing was too much trouble. Great food too! A really fun day and an interesting introduction to this media. I came away with 3 pieces which I'm really proud of for a first attempt! Thanks!"

Peter Bush reviewed: Woodworking - Make Your Own Workbench

"Superb 2 day Workbench course. Great location\facilities and Steve is an excellent tutor. He explains every detail all along the way with patience and answers any questions you may have. He is a expert craftsman and I learnt so much. Highly recommended, and really pleased with my end result. Thank you Steve. 10/10. ?"

Dovetail Woodworking responded:

"Thanks very much. So glad you enjoyed making your own bench."

olivia burchell reviewed: Candlemaking for Beginners

"Had a fab day on Robs course well worth it. X"

Heather reviewed: Bladesmithing experience day

"Steve, you opened up a new world for us with your one day bladesmith course. A truly fascinating, absorbing and entertaining day! We love the knives we produced with your help and guidance and really want to come back and do it all over again. Darren’s been costing out what he needs to get the basics..just needs a proper shed for it! Thanks again, it won’t be the last you see of us!"

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi Heather Thank you for the great review, I can see the both of you spending a great deal of time making knives. Like I said once it bites you you're a lost cause. It does become quite an all consuming passion, they really are functional pieces of art. If you need any info in sourcing kit you know where I am. Kind regards Steve"

Jonathan Howell reviewed: Stitchless bags workshop - learn how to craft your own leather bag with no stitching

"Ok, so I did have a little trouble finding the place but that's me. However, once there, with a welcoming cup of tea in hand, you can relax into a totally non-stressful and deeply creative morning. A workshop so ably and gently led by Esther, demonstrating; encouraging; and enabling all the time, 'till, before you know it, 3 hours have just flown by; final touches completed; everyone else's creations admired; photo the bag - and then the realization hits - "Wow, I made that !" Thank you Esther."

Leather Needle Thread responded:

"What a lovely review!! Thank you so much Jonathan. It was really nice to meet you and I loved your bag!"

Trevor reviewed: Painting expressively in acrylics for beginners-intermediate.

"I thoroughly enjoyed Lynn's workshop - well put together, with the basics covered very quickly from what to paint on, what to paint with, how to mix colour. Good value for money, patient tuition and great for beginners too. Would definitely recommend this course. Lynn was very good at putting people at ease and encouraging you to explore your own style and not be afraid to really get stuck in."

Paint What You Feel with Lynn Keddie responded:

"Thank you Trevor, I'm glad you got lots out of the workshop and that it has given you the tools and confidence to carry on. Mission accomplished? Lynn"

Ashley reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"I had a really fun day, re-upholstering a chair with Lucy's expert help. It made me feel much more confident about doing projects at home, as Lucy provided lots of tips and helped me hone my skills. Her craft room is a really lovely place to be creative, and she provided a fantastic lunch with lots of tea and cake in between! Would high recommend, thank you Lucy!"

Toby reviewed: Stitchless bags workshop - learn how to craft your own leather bag with no stitching

"Second time in a course from Esther and thoroughly enjoyed it again. Esther is a great teacher and explains everything so well. It’s a small group so you get plenty of time when you need support or advice. And you come away with a completed bag in three hours. If you are considering this workshop, definitely sign up. It’s a great introduction to working with leather. Thanks Esther and look forward to another course in 2020."

Leather Needle Thread responded:

"Hi Toby, thank you for such a lovely review! Your bag is superb! best wishes, Esther"

Jackie wakefield reviewed: Colourful stained glass panel making course

"Brilliant afternoon spent making a colourful star alongside my friend who also attended. The pace of the course was excellent and jo made it easy for us to understand each process. It was fun choosing our choice of glass with many colours and textures available. I can highly reccomend jo , all abilities are supported and at the end of the course you have your own creation to take away with you. Thanks Jo."

Jo Snowdon Stained Glass responded:

"Many thanks for a lovely review, I'm glad you both enjoyed the class! Kind regards, Jo :-)"

Lisa Heller reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"Such a lovely start to the week. The class is fun, energising, relaxing and satisfying. Martin gives just the right amount of help and advice and creates a safe atmosphere for each student to explore their own creative style using the carefully taught techniques. I look forward to starting the classes again in the new year and cannot recommend them highly enough."

Jane Mowatt reviewed: Friday mosaic making

"A great course. My sister and I (both novices) attended together and were so pleased to have such warm and helpful tutors - thanks Audrey and Morag! There’s plenty of support available, advice, reference books and resources galore. Audrey’s huge selection of mosaics is a dream for anyone wanting to experiment with colour. There’s scope for everyone to pursue their own ideas and designs. The two hour afternoon course flew by and we were both amazed to have a masterpiece to take home. Time ran out but we were given plenty of mosaics and grout to finish at home. I’d advise attending Audrey’s longer courses and would love to attend again sometime. Thanks again Audrey!"

Helen reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Batik textile workshop in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"Lovely day spent with Melanie learning the basics of batik. She shared her knowledge well and was very patient with us! Great advice as we went along regarding pattern and colour. Delicious treats on offer too. Very enjoyable day."

Ken Osolinski reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"An epic way to spend a day; after a warm welcome and a short health and safety talk you're on the tools, shaping hot steel. Debbie provided a great welcome, not to mention a hearty meal, drinks, and, cakes etc. Adrian and Andy are both really knowledgeable, approachable, and generally nice guys. Try it, you'll ha e a great time."

Marc Weston reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"I had a fabulous 2 days with Jamal. Jamal is very knowledgable/professional and very friendly. The course was not pressured at all. Jamal managed easily to be able to spend lots of time with all 3 of us over the 2days. Answered all of my questions. I learned loads. And was chuffed to walk away with my stained glass project that I never realised I could make. Highly recommend this course. And hope to come back again soon. Thanks!"

Amanda reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"I had an amazing day on this course! Lucy is so welcoming and the studio and workshop were great to work in. It was nice seeing what the other girls projects were too, you get more ideas and inspiration. I painted and recovered an old dinning chair and was thinking about trying my project out at home but am so glad I didnt as I wouldn't have been so bold in my choice of fabric had I been left to my own devices. It was a 150 mile trip but I'd do it again. Thanks Lucy! X"

Toni Leggate reviewed: Friday mosaic making

"Great fun and instructive. Audrey and Morag (her mum) were so helpful and generous, even after the course! I went with a friend and we both achieved pieces to take home in the short time-frame. Next years' longer courses will be excellent."

Sarah Gordon reviewed: Silver Clay beginners workshop Todmorden West Yorkshire

"Sorry did not get as much as I had hoped for from this course. Would have liked a lot more teaching and ideas on techniques . There were only 3 of us so could have been prime opportunity for some great teaching of techniques. Needed more tools between us as were sharing basic cutters and more resources were needed to make prints from. If I had known before I would have been more than happy to bring more objects to make prints from. I am a hardy northern gal, but it was cold in the work space too. hope this is useful."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"thanks sarah i'll pass onto the teacher. xx"