Latest reviews

Monika Potaszynska reviewed: Leather Crossbody/Messenger or Tote bag

"I had taken an interest of working with leather a while back and was very happy that I managed to come across this workshop. Initially there were no available dates left , but after emailing Richard he kindly added an extra date and even gave me an option of choosing a preferred week. The workshop itself was very interesting as Richard shared more and more of his leather knowledge and I had to keep taking notes, which will be very handy next time I want to make something out of leather. I really enjoyed going through every step of making my bag while having a cup of tea and casual conversation about leather and more. The day flew by so fast and I left the workshop with a big smile on my face, tones of knowledge, some new skills learned and a bright new purple bag! If you are new to leather craft, this is the best workshop to start with. I highly recommend it."

Tom McPhee reviewed: One Day Pottery Throwing Course, including lunch - Hampshire

"An amazing weekend spent learning how to throw pots with Jack at Loam Studio. Jack was a super teacher and he definitely improved my skills greatly! Would highly recommend the courses, so much so that I have booked onto the 10 week throwing course!"

MARIA OLDHAM reviewed: Drum Lampshade making at ShedLight

"I have just spent a vey enjoyable morning making a lampshade and am very happy with the professional looking result! Vanessa was very patient and it was a lovely relaxed atmosphere. I wouldn't have been able to produce such a succesful lampshade without the careful guidance of Vanessa. I would recommend this course and would make a great Christmas gift."

ShedLight responded:

"Thank you Maria! It was lovely meeting and chatting to you today - I am so pleased you are happy with your beautiful, professional looking lampshade which I’m sure your daughter will love too."

Breda Fitzgerald reviewed: One day stained glass workshop London for beginners and enthusiasts

"A truly fantastic workshop. This was my second project with Tejal. Firstly, I made a stained glass table top and this time i made a column lamp. Both pieces are beautiful which as a family we will always treasure. Tejal is a brilliant teacher with inspirational ideas and is patient and kind. Her workshop is an oasis of calm in her garden which is beautifully fitted out with all the necessary equipment and high quality materials. I thoroughly enjoyed my classes and I am looking forward to the next. Thank you very much."

GlassSeasons responded:

"Thank-You and I am so proud of you completing the beautiful column lamp!"

Alison Maguire reviewed: Glass Fusing and Slumping for Beginners and Improvers

"Many thanks to you, Jean and Janice for a fabulous experience at my first fused glass workshop. It was a treat for our friend Jane's 'special' birthday as you know, but we all had a super time. You were both very patient with us all, clear with your instructions and tuition and you never made us feel rushed. Although we were concentrating hard, ensuring we were taking everything in, the time just flew by, which is always a good sign that you are enjoying yourself. The lunch was delicious and we all went back for more!! Thankfully we didn't have any breakages and we are all happy with our creations. Many thanks again Alison x"

JJ Fused Glass responded:

"Thank you Alison, for this generous review. It was a pleasure to meet you all and help to celebrate Jane’s birthday. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there when you collected your work, but we are both really pleased you enjoyed the day and are happy with your art work."

Helen Rawnson reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"What a truly magical, inspiring and exciting day! The whole set up of the studio coupled with the skill, clarity of explanations and friendly tuition given by Matt enabled 3 generations to learn and it will be a day that we will remember forever. Thank you so much for such an amazing experience as well as for us being able to take home a unique piece of art that we all worked together on. We can’t wait to come back to create something else and to learn more. Thank you so much!"

Pam Richardson reviewed: Wood carving for beginners and improvers at Ness Botanic Gardens Cheshire

"My daughter and I had never used chisels or dabbled in woodcraft before we attended the Beginners Class but the prospect of creating a carved owl in a weekend really appealed to us. Although we were apprehensive at first we were soon under the spell of John’s brilliantly humorous but technical way of teaching. A small class with all tools provided and lots of one to one encouragement meant the whole weekend was a great time for all the students. We absolutely loved the course and hope to continue woodcarving now that we have been instructed in the basics. A ‘must’ course for anyone interested in crafts and wanting a new creative challenge."

John White Woodcarving responded:

"Thanks Pam, very pleased to hear you both enjoyed the course and that you are now on your way to being happy woodcarvers"

Liz Regan reviewed: Lino cutting course - Laura Andrew Art Studio, Lincoln - Linocut lino printing

"This Lino cutting day is an absolute must for anyone interested in learning about the craft and having a go. Laura is very welcoming and explains the process clearly. Throughout the day she offers excellent advice and great encouragement, so that by the of the session, everyone has produced a piece of art of which they can be proud. Thank you Laura for a wonderful day."

sandra White reviewed: 1-to-1 Beginners Leatherworking Workshop

"I had a brilliant day at the Wolf Studio. I do quilting so learning a different skill was a challenge but Pipa put me at my ease straight away and made me feel I could achieve my goal to make a bag. I was taught to dye leather, lacing, hand stitching and punching a design onto the leather and that was just a few of the techniques that I was shown. Pipa is a brilliant teacher who has patience and is very giving in her knowledge. She wants you to succeed. Its for any age group. I am 75 and I made a leather bag."

Paula Dickinson reviewed: 1-to-1 Beginners Leatherworking Workshop

"What a great course. I learnt so much about what to do and what not to do. Workshop is very welcoming and set in an amazing old Mill in Leigh with lots of other artists. Easy to find and park. Pippa is lovely and nothing is too much trouble. Lots of dyes and tools to use and try without having to buy your own. Its a great beginners course."

Julie Goldsmith reviewed: Fused glass Sailboat workshops in Codsall with Suzie Lavender

"I attended this course today as I'd always been interested in learning how to craft with glass. Suzie was very welcoming and extremely knowledgeable and introduced the session very clearly. We had a good variety of materials to use and were able to experiment with the resources provided. Suzie gave detailed guidance when needed and was eager to help when needed. The course gave me a great opportunity to get to know glass fusion techniques and to make some lovely decorations. I highly recommend Suzie as a teacher and this interesting course. I hope to be back soon to learn more about creating with glass :)"

Dianne reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"Loved my afternoon working with clay and fashioning owl pots. The basics were clearly explained and then we were able to customise our designs however we wanted. Only 6 people in the workshop, so individual attention was available if required. Who knew that working with clay was so relaxing!"

PoppyRose responded:

"HI Dianne, Thank you for your review. It's lovely to hear you enjoyed your pottery experience! Your owl planter is fabulous. Best wishes, Louise"

Barbara Lamb reviewed: Wood carving for beginners and improvers at Ness Botanic Gardens Cheshire

"Had a fantastic weekend on John's woodcarving course. Learnt loads and came home with my own piece of carving (an owl). Thank you John (and Carol for organising everything). Will definitely keep on carving. Was a complete beginner but feel confident I have the right basic skills now. Great fun too - even for someone with limited mobility - John made sure that I was still able to fully participate. Thanks xxx    "

John White Woodcarving responded:

"Thanks Barbra, pleased to know you are continuing"

Jules Hunter reviewed: Dye Recycled Materials + Create Mixed Media Embellishments

"I had a great day with Jess and learnt new and inspiring technique with easy to find, household items. No pre knowledge required and it was loads of fun. Thank you Jess"

Ivan Grove reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"Really enjoyable day with Jake, a real craftsman. Goals set for the day were realistic and achievable and good advice along the way. Good approach where you watch Jake carry out the process first and then you try to emulate it, with pointers from him. Safety at the forefront of everything, which was good to see. Jake is a pleasure to be around and a calm and friendly atmosphere. Looking forward to going back to do other courses."

Lou Kittel reviewed: One day stained glass workshop London for beginners and enthusiasts

"My friend and I throughly enjoyed our 2 days at Tejals class. I will definitely be booking again in the new year to continue on the journey."

GlassSeasons responded:

"Thanks Lou for the Prompt response, appreciate it."

Celia Javan reviewed: Christmas workshop in Chichester, leather books, key ring purses, cards and tassels

"What a wonderful day I had with Lynne. The cake was delicious, the music soft and gentle, the venue perfect and the handouts really helpful. The star of the show was Lynne who is a brilliant teacher instructing with patience and enthusiasm so that we all left with well crafted items that will make beautiful gifts. I highly recommend her courses to anyone who wants to learn a new skill."

Clare reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"We had a wonderful day and learned many techniques, we are really pleased with the items we created."

Laura Wilcock reviewed: Natural Skincare Products Workshop

"I can highly recommend this course to anyone who wishes to make their own bespoke, simply gorgeous 100% natural skin care products. I went with a friend and we enjoyed concocting different combinations and scents for our products then personalising the labels . This was a great value day spent in a tranquil setting, lead by knowledgeable herbalists who really 'walk their talk. As a result I continue to buy and use the wonderful Northdown organic products ."

Gill Lloyd reviewed: Wood carving for beginners and improvers at Ness Botanic Gardens Cheshire

"Great course and a super environment to get creative in, this is my 2nd course as I enjoyed the 1st one so much. From a taster weekend beginners course for carving, the course turned my slight interest into a passion for working with wood. The tuition was perfect, the tutor was friendly, patient and professional. Learning from someone with this level of skill and knowledge is truly inspiring."

John White Woodcarving responded:

"Thank you Gill, so glad you have enjoyed the courses."

Michael Allen reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"I had a great day with Nigel. I am a novice but he expertly and patiently guided me to carve a leaf-shaped bowl. Good surroundings and a really nice lunch. I recommend this to anyone interested to learn about wood carving or improve skill that they already have."

Alexandra reviewed: Make a textured, shaped and personalised silver brooch, pendant or pair of earrings

"I attended Rose's all day silver jewellery making course with my Mum and Aunt - and we all loved it. My Mum and I had a CraftCourses gift voucher and we couldn't think of a better present: spending time together and making beautiful jewellery, to our very specific designs. We all came away with beautiful pieces of jewellery - I was surprised how much I managed to make under Rose's friendly and helpful tuition. We are already planning on coming back in the new year, with my sisters and cousin too!"

Jenny reviewed: Explore your camera part 1 - Get off Auto

"An excellent mix of theory and practical assignments. Sid is an informative and patient teacher; his passion for photography is inspiring."

Going Digital Devon and Cornwall responded:

"Thank you Jenny it has been a real pleasure to meet and work with you on this and the follow up part 2 workshops. I hope to see you again soon on another of our varied workshop programme, in the meantime, enjoy your photography"

Russell Payne reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"I have wanted to make my own knife for many years, as a scout and scout leader many years ago I started collecting sheath knives, and the forged in fire come on the TV and they make it look so simple... well sometimes... and I always thought I would love to have a go myself.... So to my delight my wife bought me a day course the Anvil Forge in Wokingham.... All I can say is Wow! what a day, a mixed bunch of people from differing backgrounds and a team of instructors who were fantastic, very friendly, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and patient. We started the day making a fire poker and then went on to crafting a knife of our own, great fun, not as easy as it looks... But the instructors where there every step of the way to help. Every person left with a knife they had made and where pleased with. Seriously can't recommend highly enough, money very well spent. 10/10"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Russell thanks for comments , dont forget look at the days pictures on the Anvil Forge website and go to the gallery section. We are also going to start offering a small discount on returning students so the chance to make the axe we discussed could a good excuse to come back! Many thanks John"

Charlotte reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Attended Lucy’s course with my daughter for our joint birthdays. I was both excited and apprehensive about what I could achieve, as this was our first experience at silversmithing. Lucy put us at ease very quickly and explained a variety of different techniques we could try for ourselves. Lucy is very experienced teacher, and very good at showing and explaining things clearly. I was pleasantly surprised by what we both achieved. We had a really enjoyable day. I would definitely like to book more days with Lucy. Makes great coffee too."

Exclusive Jewellery responded:

"Thanks so much Charlotte for the great review. Would be lovely to see you here again and just get in contact if you need any advice. Lucy"