Latest reviews

Ellie reviewed: Woodcarving with Jason Thomson sculptural woodcarving with hand tools, eccentric whittling courses, Sheffield.

"It took a lot of searching online to find a course that covered the kind of hand woodcarving I wanted to learn and this one sounded perfect. I have previous experience whittling greenwood but I wanted to learn how to do relief carving. This course didn't disappoint! Jason is very knowledgeable and supportive and the class was small enough that everyone was able to receive pretty much 121 teaching. Jason guided us through techniques using different kinds of hand tools and stepped in occasionally to demonstrate how to 'read the wood' and make the best use of those tools. Although I didn't manage to finish my project on the day my new found knowledge has given me the confidence to finish it at home and go on to other projects. I'd definitely go back to Jason if other courses are available. "

Jason Thomson - Sculptor responded:

"It was great to work with you and to encourage you to pursue an ambitious piece. I like to see people carving personally challenging themes whether they’re experienced or beginners. Some people return over a series of all day sessions to tackle bigger or more complicated carvings. I’m open to considering more specialised courses in a variety of materials what would you like to do?"

Irene reviewed: Fused Glass Lantern (medium)

"Lovely relaxed session with ample resources and choice. Diane gave a quick intro, showed some inspirational pieces and then let us create. She was on hand if we needed help but not intrusive."

Crafty Diane Gift Shop, Art Gallery and Craft workshops responded:

"Hi Irene, So glad you enjoyed your lantern making. Your pieces will also be inspirational once they are fused and back with you :) Hope you visit us again. Diane x"

Toni Valmarre reviewed: Love your loom tapestry weaving 1 day course for beginners - Devon

"Such a great day being creative with a Frame Loom. Very relaxed and fun day learning some of the basics for Tapestry Weaving, made so pleasurable having such a lovely and generous tutor (Alana). Would highly recommend any budding weavers to spend a day learning from such a knowledgeable teacher. "

weavewithalana responded:

"Thank you Toni for the review. It was lovely to meet you and do please send me a photo of your lovely tapestry when it is mounted and finished. Glad you enjoyed the day. "

Eliza reviewed: Coffee Table/Bench Making in the Woods - Beginner Green Woodworking course

"The course was so good! Celi was an amazing mentor too, our table has turned out so unique and i am so excited to put a coffee on it!"

Rosemary reviewed: Willow Trug Workshop in the Woods

"A fantastic day in the woods. Thanks Suz for a magical time learning a new skill in a beautiful setting. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and are chuffed to bits with our baskets! "

Adam Carlson reviewed: Work of Iron | Innovation from the Anvil | Edinburgh | AXE FORGING

"Jack was very down to earth and friendly, and the experience felt very personalized. Even though a lot of the equipment and processes felt intimidating at first, Jack does a good job of explaining the use and purpose of each one; to the point that after the course I felt like I would be quite comfortable going into a forge and making something myself. Not only did I get to learn the techniques of the craft, but also the behind the scenes knowledge of the business itself. Overall a very useful, fun, and satisfying experience."

Julia Gray reviewed: Mend and Meet - Hope and Ruin, Brighton

"An absolutely lovely evening! I learned a lot, came away with a new skill and had a lovely time chatting and sewing. Thank you Saskia! "

Stephen reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"I took the one day course, really enjoyable and achieved a remarkable finish on my coffee table. Given that I possess no french polishing skills the result is testimony to Ollie's teaching skills and encouragement. a hugely enjoyable day, and most satisfying. I highly recommend a course with Ollie"

S. Richardson reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Middleton Hall

"Spent a really enjoyable - but intensive - couple of days carving a beautiful owl out of portland stone under the guidance of Miranda. The class was just the right size for Miranda to give each of us attention & assistance when we needed it & it was lovely to be working out in the fresh air (even under the gazebo when it was raining!). Middleton Hall is a gorgeous, quirky location - I'm looking forward to visiting just to take a proper look around."

Amerton Arts Studio responded:

"Glad you enjoyed the weekend, thank you for your review. Best wishes, Miranda"

Jeannie reviewed: SAORI Weaving Discovery Session

"I can highly recommend the 2 hour weaving workshop. Nicola is a great tutor who talks you calmly through the process to begin weaving your piece of cloth. I absolutely loved it and will definitely be back. I was very proud of what I achieved in the 2 hours. If you're thinking of booking I would highly advise you to do so, you won't be disappointed. "

Wayward Weaves responded:

"Thanks very much Jeannie. It was great to meet you again and introduce you to weaving the Saori way. It was such a happy session and I'm really glad to hear you enjoyed it so much! Look forward to seeing you again soon... "

TracyG reviewed: Wildlife photography

"A lovely way to spend the day, location was great. Nick is very knowledgable and I did manage to take my camera off auto setting, managing to change shutter speed. The day has given me confidence to try changing other settings when I work out how! I would have liked more than 3 minutes of 1:1 time, maybe Nick could allocate a time slot to spend with each participant? Unfortunately we missed both otter feedings and I am yet to receive the copy of the powerpoint presentation we were promised. "

Handmade Workshops Ltd responded:

"Hi Tracy Thank you for your feedback and we’re glad you enjoyed your day at the Wetlands Centre overall, but are sorry that you didn’t get enough one to one time with Nick and weren’t able to go to the second otter feeding after the class finished. We’ve spoken with him and the Powerpoint presentation was sent out as a link in his email to participants after the class. I'll resend it on an email to you and would be grateful if you could let me know if you receive it. Many thanks Ann "

Becky Kennedy reviewed: Couple's Rose forging day in Grassington

"Richard was a lovely guy, and a great teacher. We had a fantastic day and have come home with a beautiful creation and lots of happy memories. Would reccomend taking a packed lunch with you. "

Harriet reviewed: Knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"Absolutely amazing experience with Ann. I have tried and failed to knit so many times watching Youtube videos and tutorials and using books. I just never got it. Ann is so kind, patient, and encouraging! I really thought I might be unteachable! Ann taught me to cast on, knit, purl and cast off. She offered to teach me more but I settled on the basics as I could feel my brain trying really hard to retain this basic info! Ann showed me so many things she'd knitted and crocheted include teddy bears! One of my friends is pregnant and I am determined to knit a baby blanket and now thanks to Ann I can! Can't believe what a great opportunity this is and that the money goes to charity! I would recommend anyone who has tried and fail to knit to try this!"

Leeds Central Faith and Light responded:

"Thank you for this great review. I hope you are able to complete your baby blanket. You were a pleasure to teach and thank you for letting me chat on! Kind regards Ann"

Adeline Meurou reviewed: Ecoprinting- exploring the magic and alchemy 1:1 workshop

"Fiona was an amazing tutor, very patient and explaining all the steps clearly. Great 1 to 1 in a beautiful garden studio. Very interesting and fun technique to learn !"

Chelsea Renton reviewed: Introduction to MIG welding and metal fabrication for artists, Diy'ers and furniture makers

"Within 10 minutes of arriving, I was welding! A fantastic day, straight in at the deep end and I lost any fear I might have had.. Conan is relaxed and informative and a great teacher. "

Conan Sturdy, Blacksmith responded:

"Thanks Chelsea Wishing you well with the sculptures The wire frame person you welded up was really well done and would be amazing scaled up "

Rose reviewed: Monthly Watercolour Classes

"Excellent course with great support and encouragement. "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are pleased you enjoyed the course and hope to see you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Wendy reviewed: Woodturning 2 day workshop

"Hubbie and I spent two days with Andy trying to grasp the basics of woodturning. Andy was a great teacher, sharing his passion and enthusiasm for the craft. He has great patience (which he definitely needed!) combined with a fine sense of humour. Came away having learnt a lot and having had a really enjoyable 2 days and wanting to do more. Also wanted to take the resident Westie home with us but we sadly weren't allowed"

Andys woodworking responded:

"Really enjoyed teaching you the delights of Woodturning over the two days I hope you keep the tuition up Very best wishes Andy mary and of course ANGUS xxx"

Emily reviewed: Glass Fusing Workshop, half day

"Penny was a wonderful host and this is an excellent course for anyone of any skill level who is interested in glass fusing! Penny was very accommodating and especially good supporting my mother in law who has dementia but loves art courses. We all had a really lovely day and thoroughly enjoyed a new experience in a comfortable, well equipped workshop at Pennys house in the beautiful countryside. We will definitely be coming back! "

Peter Baxter reviewed: Bowl Carving (Round Bowl) in Walderchain Wood

"I had an enjoyable day, Mark quickly putting us at ease. Simple cutting to get used to using an axe, then progressing to log splitting and making ready for the spoon carving. Mark guiding us at every stage, with demonstration and personal attention. I came away, confident that I could handle carving. Thank you Mark."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Peter Thank you for joining us and taking time to review the class. Glad to hear you enjoyed the day. Keep at the crafting and hope to see you back here sometime. All the best Mark"

Fiona C reviewed: Blacksmithing - Hammer Making

"Blacksmithing - Hammer Making First blacksmithing experience. Sandy is a natural tutor. I left with a sense of achievement and proud of my finished hammer! I highly recommend this experience! "

Lynda reviewed: Christmas Ribbon Wreath Workshop

"I really enjoyed this small group workshop. The ribbon kits were beautifully presented and included everything we needed to make an everlasting ribbon wreath. Margot was on hand for advice. Nice to sample the delicious cakes in the cafe. "

Heart UpCycling responded:

"Thanks Lynda- so glad you enjoyed the workshop. It’s always nice to have a good excuse to sample the lovely cakes at Café Evoke too. See you at another workshop soon…!"

Brenda Taylor reviewed: CALLIGRAPHY COURSE for Beginners in Bournville Birmingham

"A welcoming, well structured and excellently explained calligraphy class. Session leader/teacher is very knowledgeable in the subject of calligraphy and managed to somehow bring it alive! I will be back for more!"

Ann Mason responded:

"Thanks for that lovely review Brenda. See you soon. "

Mrs. Titmuss reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I had a really good day. Mark was very knowledgeable and patient. At the end of the day I felt confident that I understood the rudiments of spoon carving and I will endeavour to try to do it myself. I will go back to Mark’s course if I feel I need some more guidance. I would recommend this day to anyone and lunch was good too! "

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Doreen, thank you for joining us and taking time to review the class. Glad you enjoyed it and that you're going to keep carving. All the best Mark"

Philippa Lyon reviewed: Mend and Meet - Hope and Ruin, Brighton

"A very enjoyable 2 hour workshop. Saskia is a fantastic facilitator - very welcoming and relaxed but also very good at giving clear and helpful guidance. All the kit we needed was provided, including lovely fabric pieces to work with. Came away with a sample of visible mending and lots of ideas. Highly recommend! "

Sue reviewed: Monthly drink & draw evening class

"I had the best time at my first drink and draw class with Julie. I received such a warm welcome and how nice to have a glass of wine at this social event with a group of people with a shared love of art. This is my first adventure into watercolour, learning at home initially, but I learnt so much more with Julie’s help. Julie is a very kind and friendly teacher, hands on when needed and hands off giving me time to explore and create. I really enjoyed being with everyone on the class, taking a break for wine and cheese and then coming back with fresh eyes on my creation…… 😁 Great fun! Thank you so much Julie and see you in October. "

The White Room Art Studio responded:

"Thank you so much Sue for your lovely review, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the evening, Julie "