Latest reviews

Lindsay Fulton reviewed: Lino cutting course - Laura Andrew Art Studio, Lincoln - Linocut lino printing

"My friend and I thoroughly enjoyed our linoprinting workshop with Laura. She is a knowledgable and patient teacher and is very encouraging and helpful. The atmosphere was relaxed and unhurried and we enjoyed a lovely lunch in her light-filled room overlooking the park. It was a very pleasant day and at the end of it we came away with some amazing prints which look much better than I could have imagined. I am definitely going to carry on doing linoprinting and Laura's expert information about the products to use will be very helpful. This was not just a one-day workshop for me, it was (hopefully) the start of a new and absorbing hobby. The next day at work I felt more relaxed than I have done for ages, and I really believe it was an after effect of the wonderful creative day we'd had. Highly recommended!"

Barbara Welby reviewed: Basic woodworking and DIY course

"My daughter and I went along to this course with an open mind. David immediately made us feel welcome with his enthusiasm as he guided us through many new skills. Any questions we had he answered by plain explanation and also demonstrated various possibilities or solutions. We had use of the ample supply of tools in David’s workshop and he gave clear and concise advice and demonstrated which tool to use for which job. David is an excellent teacher and both of us came away more confident with the knowledge we gained of DIY."

Christine reviewed: Weave a scarf in a day - handloom weaving

"Fantastic workshop for anyone looking for an introduction to weaving. I am visually impaired which made it a daunting thought, but Anne and the venue were nothing but helpful and supportive throughout. The workshop went at a good pace matched to the group and I came away with the basic principles and a scarf."

Lesley Tyreman reviewed: Group Soap-making Workshop - Soapology Studio - Nottinghamshire

"I thoroughly enjoyed my Soap Making day with Emma. She is a great teacher, imparting the theory in an easy to understand manner, and the take away pack is a comprehensive resource to refer to later. A lovely lunch was followed by a well prepared session in the workshop - what a great room! Emma moved from demonstrating to guiding to careful watching while I made my own batches of soap, enabling me to gain confidence in the process. Can’t wait to use the soaps (they have to cure for a bit first), but my house smells lovely while I plan my future soaps! The kit is well worth buying as well, giving me a chance to try again with familiar ingredients. A very highly recommended course!"

Fi? reviewed: Outdoor mosaic workshops - 1 day with Rachel Hyde at Creative with Nature studio Todmorden West Yorkshire

"This was my second mosaic course at CWN and I loved it. Laura is friendly, approachable and knowledgeable in her Craft. In a nutshell, splendid ."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"Thanks for the review Fi! And great to see your progress!! joe. xx"

Christine Edmonds reviewed: 2 day Asymmetrical basket making courses - two days with Joe Gregory at Creative with Nature Todmorden Yorkshire

"I've been on three willow weaving courses run by Joe Gregory, of Creative with Nature, and I would thoroughly recommend all of them. The foraged basket course was a joy - from learning about the different natural materials and their properties, to being taught the weaving process with expert advice, to bringing home the wonderful finished product (incorporating willow, hazel, holly, birch, dogwood and ivy). The hare sculpture course was also fantastic - looking at Joe's sample sculptures, at the start of the day, I thought "I'll never to be able to complete something like that that in a day"- but under Joe's careful guidance, I ended up with a willow leaping hare that is a much-admired wall feature in my home. I then booked onto the bird sculpture course, and loved making the willow heron, which stands next to the pond on my allotment. Joe is a true expert in her field - I feel lucky to have been able to learn from her."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"That's a lovely review!! Thank you so much Christine: ) Joe. xxx"

Fi? reviewed: Outdoor mosaic workshops - 1 day with Rachel Hyde at Creative with Nature studio Todmorden West Yorkshire

"This was my second mosaic course at CWN and I loved it. Laura is friendly, approachable and knowledgeable in her Craft. In a nutshell, splendid ."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"Thank you again lovely! xx"

Miranda reviewed: Training course in upcycling with pallets. An introduction to making furniture with pallets for beginners

"Such a fantastic course. I went with my son. Scott is a truly great teacher, explaining everything really clearly, really succinctly and then gives you the freedom and confidence to just get on with it and experiment. Undoubtedly 5 stars from both me and my teenage son who loved every minute of it."

Sharon Corden reviewed: Pottery throwing taster on The Potters Wheel (temporarily suspended due to social distancing restrictions)

"I can’t believe that I, a complete beginner, used wet clay on a pottery wheel and made some bowls - a bit wonky but recognisable bowls. Thrilled! Thank you to Sharon for the warm welcome and the friendly guidance for the pottery taster session. Highly recommend."

Sharon Pottery Classes responded:

"Thanks Sharon for your review. It was great to see how quickly the beginners fears dissolved with enjoyment taking over! Glad it was a positive experience and met with your expectations for your husbands surprise birthday treat!"

Tracey Whittam reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"Sophie's workshops are full of fun, laughter and inspiration to create your favourite felted friend. One to one coaching but all my own work, definitely going to book again, fab variety of wool and lots of tips along the way. A super fun day with a lovely bunch of ladies :)"

Kate Needham reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"I went on this course with my sister as part of her birthday present. What an amazingly lovely day we had. Amanda, who runs the course is simply lovely. We came away with lots of knowledge, 2 amazing pieces each, very full tummies (as Amanda also happens to be an amazing cook!) and a huge desire to do more and more glass work. Thank you very much. Highly recommended and great value?"

Sheila reviewed: Soy wax container candle making workshop - morning

"Brilliant, relaxing, non-stressful introduction to making candles. Lovely supportive participants, and a gentle wonderful morning, with lots of yummy refreshments and heaps of encouragement to keep us going. Amazingly, my three very own candles are lovely, and I bought kits for myself and a friend to continue our adventure. Thank you, Lyndsey, enjoyed every minute."

Jane Slowe reviewed: Weekly precious jewellery / Silversmithing classes

"Al and Jesa are brilliant and inspiring teachers and I absolutely love my time at Flux’n’ Flame (more than 5 years now). A wide range of jewellery and silversmithing techniques are taught according to the individual’s wishes, and all with fun, warmth and masses of encouragement and support. You will be able to design and create beautiful, unique jewellery from the start (I have also been making a silver box and bowls) - addictive! I highly recommend Flux ‘n’Flame."

Samantha Chapman reviewed: Silver ring workshop - morning

"I did a three hour stacking rings course with Jewellery Moves at Loam Ceramics and absolutely loved it. Fiona was patient and helpful, showed us how to make beautiful rings and I am so proud of the result. I would thoroughly recommend this workshop - it's great value for money, a really lovely relaxing venue and you get a top quality piece of jewellery at the end of it."

Kate Toch reviewed: 2 day Asymmetrical basket making courses - two days with Joe Gregory at Creative with Nature Todmorden Yorkshire

"A wonderful two days of making & crafting & company. Joe is an inspirational teacher and guide. I'm always amazed by the quality of the willow baskets woven in the workshops and the proud faces of us beginners as we show our basketry off for the end-of-class photo. I'm starting to 'get' the process of making a round basket with a 'slath' base and how this differs from a frame basket. I'm remembering the terminology and the processes: waling, French rand, butts & tips, chasing and pairing. Joe knows her willows, from planting, harvesting, drying, soaking and mellowing, and all of this is done for us so that we can concentrate on the weaving. And concentrate and weaving we did. Looking forward to building on these budding skills. Thanks Joe."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"A lovely and detailed review!! thank you Kate for taking the time: ) Joe. xx"

Carole H reviewed: Free-machine embroidery classes with Dawn Ireland

"I always look forward to the two hours on Wednesday morning spent with Dawn and her happy class of sewers at the Dronfield Hall Barn. It’s great to have someone so talented sharing their expertise so freely, and inspiring the class with the materials and techniques she introduces each week. Dawn is a very kind and generous teacher, who always has words of encouragement. When I started the class just weeks ago, I hadn't sewn for about 15 years. Thanks to Dawn, I’ve gained the confidence to tackle all types of adventurous projects. And Dawn’s stimulating help each Wednesday spurs me on. Dawn's teaching, coupled with the large range of materials she provides make this class excellent value for money."

Dawn Ireland Textile Artist responded:

"Thank you Carole for a really lovely review."

Lesli and Sue reviewed: Willow plant support and fat ball feeder

"Thank you Karen, we both enjoyed a very happy morning making our willow plant supports and the brewery buildings are a fantastic setting to learn in. Great fun and so lovely to come home with a much admired addition to our gardens. We just need a pretty clematis to grow up them now. Lesli and Sue"

Emma Horton reviewed: Shave horse making at Orchard Barn, Suffolk

"This was a fantastic course - challenging but inspiring, and very satisfying. All participants went home with a shave horse, as per the intention, but also in my case I also took home a lot of new skills, some know how and lots of stimulus to carry on exploring green woodworking. I felt the tutor and Sarah at Orchard Barn took great care of us while allowing us to do and think for ourselves. And the setting itself is a great place to be."

Tracey Jackson reviewed: Mosaic day workshop on Orkney

"Had an absolutely brilliant day at the Mosaic course. Catherine was so welcoming and friendly and the training was hands-on and very encouraging. I'd never tried mosaic before but even I managed to produce something beautiful with Catherine's tutoring. I'm going to be carrying on with mosaic when I get home as Catherine has left me with a feeling/belief that this is something that I can do. She also has some great other courses and when I come back for my next holiday I will be looking to see what she has available. If you go for one of her courses, which I would encourage everybody to do, also ask her about some of the other bits and pieces she has done in the past, I was able to buy some lovely cards and painted wooden eggs which I am going to incorporate into the silver jewellery I make, plus she has many other items to show. If you are even just considering visiting, just do it, I had a really great day and so will you."

Jent Biglari reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"I have now attended three of Sophie's workshops and also purchased her online tutorials. Sophie is a wonderful teacher and has a real gift for explaining processes in a very clear way. When I first started felting in Jan 2018 I never dreamt that I would be able to make a dog but with Sophie's help, I now feel confident in tackling quiet complex models like pugs. I also love taking a day out and traveling to Hatton where Sophie makes her participants feel so welcome, it's a lovely environment and perfect for a day of crafting. If you are thinking of starting felting but are not sure what the first steps are I would really recommend booking one of Sophie's workshops, she will work with you at your own pace and support you as you build up your skills."

James Seddon reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"The course is fantastic, I cannot recommend it highly enough. Lucy teaches you technical skills and then helps you nurture them while completing your own sculpture. It is the perfect way to learn. She is encouraging, funny and highly technically proficient. I was a beginner but was amazed at how much I could do and what I achieved. I enjoyed it so much I ordered my own tools before I even made it home. Lucy welcomes you into her home and is as attentive a host as she is talented as a teacher (the food was amazing). I had a fantastic time and left feeling good, enriched as a craftsman and enriched as an artist. Do it. (I drove four hours and it was worth it ten times over)."

Sheree reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"Booked this for my partner and Dad to spend a day with David. They haven't stopped talking about it since! David was so patient and his expertise and banter were brilliant. They really appreciated the fact that what they made, David also made, thus learning in the process, rather than trying to achieve something without guidance. They were so impressed by their day and I appreciated the fact that David spent the time and effort to ensure they made items that they actually wanted to take home with them (my Dad made arrowheads) and giving them a choice. Book immediately, it sounds like such a fun and exciting day. I will probably book in for myself after all the positive things I've heard about their day! Thank you David :)"

Chris reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Saturday's workshop was just simply enjoyable in every way. Dawn made us all feel so welcome in her home. It was my first time at free-machine embroidery and I loved every second. My ancient machine coped very well! It was the best day I've had in a long while. Dawn was amazing, taught brilliantly and was always on hand to help whenever needed and had such a vast array of threads and textiles we were spoilt for choice! And the cake was delicious! It was a lovely group and I came away with so many ideas and so happy to have dabbled in a new craft! I shall definitely try and book again to do more of the same! I would definitely recommend this course to others."

Victoria Brown reviewed: Free-machine embroidery classes with Dawn Ireland

"I have been attending Dawn's classes for around a term now, and enjoy them so much. I find it a lovely way to relax and forget about my problems whilst learning new techniques. Dawn tends to start the class with a short demonstration each week, which you can either use as inspiration for your project that week, or you can do something completely different, or bring a project from home. Dawn is on hand throughout to offer advice and guidance, suggestions on fabric, to help with threading your machine, or whatever you need. I find the classes so inspiring - it is wonderful to see what everyone else is working on that week, and quite often I come home just wanting to start sewing as soon as I get in. I am now building up a collection of pieces I have made, which I am framing and will put on the walls."

Dawn Ireland Textile Artist responded:

"Thanks for your lovely review Vicky!"

Eileen coyle reviewed: Intensive 2 day mosaic course with Claire Cotterill Mosaics @ Martineau Gardens, Birmingham city centre, West Midlands.

"It was a lovely couple of days, made better by the beautiful surroundings and Claire, who is a fabulous tutor who soon put the group at ease. I really enjoyed it and would love to do a further class and would encourage anyone to give it a go. Kind regards Eileen"