Latest reviews

Elizabeth Stewart reviewed: Making a mosaic with slate

"An excellent workshop. Rachel was a great teacher - very patient and gave us great encouragement in what we were doing. A wonderful selection of slate to work from."

Sally Boyton reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"Had a fabulous day at Crafters Cottage with Julie and Judith learning to make candles with my best friend. The venue in Honley is beautiful and quirky and we were warmly welcomed on arrival. Julie is a friendly, patient and informative teacher - she shares lots of tips about the production process and details on how to purchase your own materials plus things to consider if you plan to create a small business. Afternoon tea was delicious and a lovely touch to break up the learning process - we even had time to pop next door to a little clothes shop in the break. Overall, an enjoyable and good value for money course. Thanks Julie and Judith for a wonderful, care-free day."

Emma reviewed: Candlemaking workshops for beginners in Hastoe, nr Tring

"Excellent course - small group which worked perfectly. We got to make far more candles than I thought we would in one session. Would definitely recommend."

James Roper reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"I attended the course having had very limited experience of working with green wood. This was a fantastic course set in a picture perfect setting. Andy is an excellent and knowledgeable teacher with a lot of patience. I had a great day learning about the different types of trees and using the tools to shape the wood. I was very pleased that even for a novice like myself I came away with a decent mallet and spatula as well as having a go on a pole lathe! I would highly recommend this course and I’m now planning to attend another."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks for your kind words about the course, James, and we very much look forward to welcoming you back for another course in the future. Don't forget to request the Return Booking discount when you book!"

John reviewed: Small Leather Goods Workshop

"I was delighted to receive this course as a birthday gift. On arrival I was greeted by Richard who was to tutor us for the day, and was offered a drink. We was taken through to his work shop which is clean and well set out. Richard then gave us an introduction to the different kinds of leather and tanning methods. As the day was to be about making a leather belt we were offered to choose our leather and buckle which we then got to work on. As with all the tools used, Richard clearly explained and demonstrated their worth. We then proceeded to cut our own length from the hide of choice with the strap cutting tool. From that moment the time just seemed to fly by and before I knew it I had completed my first belt which I am wearing today. Richard was a first class tutor, very patient and passionate about his craft. Apart from learning something new you get to keep a quality item you have hand made. I am now buying tools to try and create some more items and who knows might even earn at it. Richard not only made the day pleasurable but was very keen to promote the craft by sharing his contacts, suppliers and the offer to contact him for any help or advice . I would very highly recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in working with leather. Thanks again Richard for a great day."

Eva Sanchez reviewed: Virtual Jewellery Making Workshops

"I’ve always wanted to create something with my hands and this workshop was perfect. Made a ring for my little daughter! Jade was great and intuitive to what I wanted to design. Loved the ambience and the lovely afternoon tea!"

suzanne durie reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"A really enjoyable two days in a Gloucestershire field and we all went home with a sculpture we had designed and made ourselves - including abstracts, birds and a gorgeous sleeping dragon. I loved the process of chipping away at the softish Bath stone and then carving and sanding. Sebastian was always on hand with advice about which tools to use when and to remind you to stand back and have a good look at your work."

Carol Adams reviewed: Clay life modelling weekend with Karin Ort

"What a superb course. Entire absorption - everything thought through and provided. Karin explained and guided us all through, making sure no one was missed out, perceiving our attempts, alongside us all the way. The model was perfect, a difficult pose was kept all the way. If you have not been before, go - you will not regret the life skill you have gained, the kind nurturing place and people. Indulge all of you as soon as you can."

The Phoenix Studio responded:

"Ahhh thanks Carol, what a lovely, lovely review! So glad you enjoyed it! See you on a Monday soon x"

Christine reviewed: Spoon carving course (1 day)

"This one day course was bought for me as a present, and I had a really lovely day working in the woods with a small group of people led expertly by David - he clearly knows all about wood and carving and has a quiet patient teaching style. The day was a good mix of demonstration and instruction, hands on carving, good conversation and breaks for homemade snacks and a tasty lunch. Highly recommended."

Jenny Stevenson reviewed: Natural soap & cosmetic products workshop

"I came with my Mum and we had a really lovely day. The cottage is just perfect with a really friendly atmosphere. The soap making (and all the other things) were really fun to do with fantastic looking results. The afternoon tea was lovely - so much food and really nice. I couldn't fault the course and would highly recommend it."

Sheena Waddington reviewed: Copper foil stained glass workshop

"Lovely afternoon experiencing a new craft. Samantha was a brilliant tutor. Would definitely recommend the workshop."

David Durie reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Really fun and relaxing new experience. 2 days just flew by. Not that creative but ended up with a piece I was pleased about and the direction and encouragement given by Sebastian was excellent."

Angie reviewed: Christmas Pudding - needle felting workshop with The Lady Moth

"A wonderful relaxing and creative afternoon felting a duckling - thank you Zenia!"

Mary Hollinshed reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Lovely course, well thought-out and designed to give relative beginners to fine woodworking a good set of core skills. Tutors are friendly and very helpful - when you get one standing next to you holding a lamp so you can see what you’re doing, you know you’re onto a winner! Lots of excellent tips and techniques, and you will come away with a lovely box with which to astound friends and family!"

Adam reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"Really good, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and the knife I made is now used in the kitchen as it is plenty sharp enough and fully functional. The instructor was great and managed to get all of us with differing levels of skill and competence to the stage where we had a usable kitchen knife with our own individual twist/design element ready to take home at the end. I would recommend this course to anyone."

Adam reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Really good, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and the knife I made is now used in the kitchen as it is plenty sharp enough and fully functional. The instructor was great and managed to get all of us with differing levels of skill and competence to the stage where we had a usable kitchen knife with our own individual twist/design element ready to take home at the end. I would recommend this course to anyone."

Sophia Mackenzie reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"I had the most fantastic time on this course. Paula is a really lovely lady, so helpful and such an inspiration. She did a really good job of teaching us, she is extremely knowledgeable. We had a very productive day and we all made amazing soaps. The food was excellent too! Absolutely brilliant."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you Sophia, lovely meeting you"

C richards reviewed: Glass fusion workshop, Cardiff, Wales

"Our 8 year old daughter is now completely captivated with glass fusion having spent 2 amazing mornings with Cathy learning this specialist craft. With clear expert instruction from Cathy and 2 hours of concentration a beautiful horse and an elephant were created, using tweezers to dexterously place fine glass rods and twinkling stones onto a glass base. Each piece is unique and very much treasured- a magical morning."

Glass By Design responded:

"It is always rewarding teaching children as they are so creative. Hope to see you again soon."

Sarah Williams reviewed: Virtual Jewellery Making Workshops

"It was a great afternoon, I loved making the ring and the afternoon tea. I think I would be happy without the food too."

Zoe Sharpe reviewed: Glass blowing for beginners with Jon Lewis

"What a fabulous experience this was. Jon was just excellent, a great teacher and fun guy to learn from. Loved every minute of it, would highly recommend this to anyone who is practically minded and interested in learning new skills. A credit to Jon's teaching, we made lots of lovely items to bring home and keep. Many thanks!!"

Kaye Williums reviewed: Beginners Shibori and indigo dyeing workshop

"What a fabulous day we had with Lisa at Gueswick. We were in and out of the dyeing pot like Indigo ninjas ? and couldn't wait to try the next way of making patterns. All the results were so different and was of great excitement watching them unfold. Lisa was excellent, full of ideas and a knowledge of experience. It was a really great day and if you get a chance book a workshop. Our host at Gueswick also excelled with lunch and endless supply of coffee and cake ?"

Jennie Sapsford reviewed: Two day needle felting a wired armature animal

"What a marvellous teacher Karin Celestine is! I thoroughly enjoyed the 2-day workshop, learning so much and wanting to pursue this craft when I returned home. Karin was encouraging, supportive and clearly knowledgeable about techniques, materials & different approaches to suit each individual student. That is the mark of a real teacher. She really cared that each of us achieved our goals and we all went home feeling we'd achieved and learnt. I should add that we all had fun, too. I thoroughly recommend Karin as a teacher and provider of fun and fascinating workshops."

David Nilsson reviewed: Shimmer & Sparkle: polymer clay jewellery making

"There were just two of us on this course, so it was almost one-to-one tuition! The studio is pretty new and very nice, warm, pleasant views out the window of passing pheasants, squirrels and a rabbit posing and eating a dandelion. When it came to the crafting itself, we both made rather a lot of finished items (necklaces, earrings, cufflinks) and what was most impressive was that despite using the same basic materials and identical techniques we ended up making items completely different in appearance to one another. Jo was very helpful in teaching us (and keeping us supplied with tea) and I would thoroughly recommend this course."

Jo Hunter Wearable Art responded:

"Many thanks David. I'm glad you enjoyed it!"

Helen McGarrigle reviewed: Stained glass beginners workshop, Cardiff, Wales

"I have attended an all day taster with two friends when we made stained glass Christmas decorations and fused glass window hanger. I really enjoyed it, Angelina and Cathy are so knowledgeable and helpful, a very relaxed day and all pleased with what we made. I have since taken my daughter to a fused glass course and again we both loved it. I'll be back to do something else soon."

Glass By Design responded:

"Thanks so much and very glad you all enjoyed yourselves. Hope we see you again soon."

TerrillBayley reviewed: Glass etching workshop in Devon

"Wonderful course. Informative and relaxing. Clear helpful tuition . Came away with some lovely pieces of etched glassware. Suitable for all abilities and nothing was too much trouble for Jenny . Thank you, will definitely book again with friends."

Jenny Ayrton responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review Terrill. I very much enjoyed the afternoon too. You created beautiful designs!"