Latest reviews

Anon reviewed: From fleece to fibre

"I really had a lovely day trying stuff. The company, the format of the course, Ann's attitude and humour were all great."

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

"Hi Paul Sorry I have not got back to you before now as we have just arrived home at lunch time today and during our road trip through the EU there was very little WiFi available. Well where do I start, firstly what a fantastic course I had with you. You meticulously went through all aspects regarding stain glass and gave me the opportunity to learn from the master; learning about lead work, soldering, using a glass grinding machine and what the process was to cement and black lead my work. I must say that anyone who is planning to go on a stain glass course would fully enjoy and learn all that's need from Paul. Throughout the two days the tea and coffee flowed and a good lunch was provided. I am now looking forward to booking two more courses, thanks."

Caroline Darrell reviewed: Oil Painting for Beginners and Intermediates

"A wonderfully inspiring teacher & studio. Lee is a very observant teacher who managed to guide my first attempt at oils right through to a finished painting in spite of my sometimes erratic daubing. He always knows how to transform what looks like a mess into what you want it to be! The studio is so atmospheric- a 19th century atelier- previously a Victorian village school, easels, plaster busts & amazing paintings all over the place also the old playground is rapidly turning into a beautiful garden. I really enjoyed my time here & think I have got a good grounding in oils."

Sean Young reviewed: Clay portrait weekends with Karin Ort

"A very enjoyable weekend with excellent tuition in a very pleasant environment. The course is extremely good value and the major surprise is just how good a head you have created."

Sean Young reviewed: Clay portrait weekends with Karin Ort

"A very enjoyable weekend with excellent tuition in a very pleasant environment. The course is extremely good value and the major surprise is just how good a head you have created."

judith shelley reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"A really enjoyable day. Claire explained everything with examples. She was welcoming, friendly and informative. We made our designs and Claire helped when things didn’t quite go according to plan so we left with our own designer jewellery. Really pleased."

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"It was great to meet you! So glad you are pleased with your beautiful jewellery !"

Peter Hatherell reviewed: Knife making tuition - Wiltshire

"I really can't recommend this course highly enough. In two days I made a fantastic chef's knife from sheet steel, brass bar stock and burr elm under Graham's expert guidance. The facilities are excellent and Graham is great company. His tuition style ensures that you understand each step and why it is necessary but he lets you get on with it, helping when requested and aiding improvements to the finish. If you have ever considered learning how to make a knife, you will not go wrong learning with Graham."

Melanie Naylor reviewed: Needle felted dogs workshop with Frankie and Sidney, South Yorkshire.

"As an amateur felter but keen crafter I was excited to attend this course and it fullfilled all of my expectations. The group were really friendly and learned so much about the craft. I also went home with a model of my own dog who looked identical! Would highly recommend Mandy and her brilliant classes."

Frankie and Sidney responded:

"Thank you for your fantastic review, it was a pleasure working with you. Your little model was wonderful ....well done !"

Katie Robbins reviewed: Porcelain Masterclass with Richard Heeley

"I did this course at the beginning of the week. I can't believe how much we covered and how much I improved during the few days tuition. Richard's knowledge of porcelain was fascinating and invaluable. Such an inspiring teacher and great personality. I really enjoyed the course."

Potclays Ltd. responded:

"Many thanks for your lovely review, Katie. We're glad you enjoyed the course! Best wishes, the Potclays Team"

Elizabeth Fearnley reviewed: Beginners crochet workshop

"Attended the beginners Crochet class today and WOW what a day!! Jenny, Sarah, Natalie and Jennie are all so friendly, Jennie who runs the class is fantastic and has so much patience. Natalie is a fabulous cook and makes fabulous cakes. I had the home made Salmon and Cauliflower crustless quiche with salad and her home made carrot and apple cake, both to die for. Definitely going back again."

Thomas Hills reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"What a stunning day. I brought my wife and daughter and together with Jamal we created some beautiful stained glass and wonderful memories. Jamal is a true artist. Being able to discuss his work with him and hear about his thought processes was life enriching and I'm so glad I was able to share it with my family. Not only that, but the path ahead to making more stained glass on our own is now clear! Jamal has set an inviting and inspirational stage to continue work on our own. Highest marks."

Victoria Booth reviewed: The Whole Table Loom Set Up - Dobby & Rose

"Having already attended the beginners course with Rebecca, this was a great follow on. There was a lot of information to take in, but Rebecca made it easy to follow and understand. I left feeling that the many of the mysteries of how a hand loom is set up and how the whole process of weaving works had been explained. It was a lovely couple of days; wish it had been longer as it is a great way to spend time. I am looking to buy my own loom and I know that Rebecca will be available with help and advice."

Shaun Noelene BROWN reviewed: Table Loom Weaving Workshop - Dobby & Rose

"Rebecca is an amazing teacher and the beginners course at Dobby and Rose is a great introduction to weaving. Rebecca's easy way of teaching makes the overwhelming first introduction to a loom feel like a walk in the park. Always at the ready to answer any questions. My sample of weaving which I brought away with me has inspired me to sign up for the next course. Thank you Rebecca"

Angela reviewed: Table Loom Weaving Workshop - Dobby & Rose

"I very much enjoyed Rebecca's laid back, patient approach to teaching which displays her understated but obvious passion for the subject. She clearly loves it and explains things very clearly (although there is a lot to take in). I am seriously thinking about following up the introductory day as I was inspired by the potential of the end products - absolutely love the lampshades Rebecca designs and produces!"

Viv reviewed: Table Loom Weaving Workshop - Dobby & Rose

"What a lovely way to spend an evening. Rebecca’s calm and relaxed approach made us feel very welcome. Her passion, knowledge and experience was evident. We are so pleased with the woven samples that we bought home, now we just need to decide what to create with them! Thank you"

Sophie Philp reviewed: Tambour beading embroidery: In person class

"I really enjoyed this class! Stephanie was so lovely which was really refreshing. She is also patient and very helpful. The technique was trickier than expected but feels great once you've cracked it. I would definitely recommend!"

martin hedges reviewed: Rake Making Workshop Using Traditional Green Woodworking Skills

"What a brilliant course I would never believe I could learn so much in one day and all in such a beautiful location. Peter & Jacqui were perfect hosts and their enthusiasm was infectious, the whole day was a pleasure. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone."

Sophie reviewed: Upholstery course - bring your own project

"The perfect way to spend a weekend. I adventured down to Falmouth for a much needed escape from the big city - to learn how to upholster by the seaside. I had bought some dining chairs a while back with the vision to give them a new lease of life only I didn't actually know how to do that... When I arrived at Polliander studio I was greeted with a very warm welcome. The studio is a really lovely space to work in. Polly knows her trade inside out and is very passionate about her trade. Her attention to detail is really quite something. Over the course of a weekend I learnt how to strip back my chairs and rebuild the coverings with my chosen fabrics. My chairs now look absolutely brilliant in their colourful new skin and after my weekend course with Polly I feel confident enough to up-holster similar items again myself in the future. I'll be back Polly - next time to tackle an arm chair! Thank you very much."

Nicola reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Excellent course - I was given this as a brithday present and throughly enjoyed the 2 days. I'm amazed that I was able to produce something that looked vaguely like a hedgehog, carved out of a block of bathstone, in just 2 days. It has inspired me to try carving a house name once I find a suitable piece of stone. The setting is lovely and the whole experience relaxing yet fun. I'd certainly recommend anyone to give it a try."

Britt Garland reviewed: Needle felting course with FURZIE at Trumpet Corner Tea Rooms, Ledbury, Herefordshire

"Lovely fun day today , great tuition with a fantastic funny lady. Produced a lovely hare with such character. Tasty lunch included, will recommend to my friends."

LUKE ABBOTT reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"If we read the reviews from the past as well as from the most recent we see a pattern emerging....terrific camaraderie, very healthy well prepared menus, beverages whenever needed. All so skilfully done by Lucy in addition to the tutoring of us. The quality of the course is beyond excellent as we are in the hands of a person with the highest skills in masonry and stone carving. Lucy is able to bring the masons skills to the table of the carver and enable us to see the age old panorama of stone-craft belonging to our ancestors. The weekend in York was a sheer triumph because as an aspirational worker in stone, Lucy is able to keep me on the cutting edge of what I can do that is always in the growth mind set. Both Sandy and I believe the weekends to be such great value as the consistent quality of teaching and the learning climate were so highly tuned. What awaits us on the next course we are to attend in the autumn will depend on what we do in the meantime! Can't wait."

Ben reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"The course was very enjoyable, the amount of products you come away with seems great value for money and Jo's knowledge and experience was excellent. Jo was super friendly and answered all my questions and has been very helpful since. The village location is beautiful and the lunch was really tasty."

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thank you for your Review, Ben. It was great to meet you and I wish you every success in your candlemaking journey. Remember to send me pics!"

Katherine Craig reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing and hand building full day

"I booked a day's course for two people with Richard of Pottery Dayz as a surprise birthday gift for my husband. What an amazing day we had! Richard was a welcoming host and patient, knowledgeable teacher. The chance to have such individual attention was one of the main reasons for booking Richard's course, and I'm so glad I did. Whilst my husband had made some pottery whilst at school (a long time ago!), I was a complete beginner and neither of us had thrown on a wheel before. We were absolutely thrilled with the results and can't wait to go back after our pots have been fired, to decorate and glaze them. The day was paced perfectly, right down to the break for a lunch of homemade soup. I can't recommend Richard's course highly enough!"

Lisa Ann Saggers reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"I had the most fantastic time here yesterday. Jo is a really lovely lady, so helpful and an absolute inspiration. I purchased the starter kit and I honestly cannot wait to get started. Highly recommended. Thank you for all your help and guidance Jo x"

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thank you Lisa, it was really lovely to meet you. What a lovely little group you were! Keep in touch and best of luck. x"

Ashleigh reviewed: Mother's Day Workshop for Two

"I love Mad Lilies! I went to a Mothers Day Spring bouquet workshop with my mum, where we learnt how to create a bouquet from a beautiful range of flowers. We were taught how to spiral, to get the flower stems to sit together in a spiral fashion and then arrange their height to create an arrangement. The Mad Lilies team are great at teaching and supporting everyone in the workshop and one to one, so it's perfect for novices right the way through to people who have an interest in floristry. My mum has never taken part in a floral workshop before and she loved it, it was such a lovely present. Their store is also beautiful!"