Latest reviews

Barbaros reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"What a great day! My son and I went on the one day course with Chris and it really was a brilliant day. Chris was very welcoming from the start and patiently showed us what we needed to do. I would highly recommend this to anyone we had such a good time and are hoping to do it again."

Anthony Treharne reviewed: Grow climate change savvy, low-cost edibles

"Excellent course and well organised. The course caters for all levels and I personally took away a few ideas especially about "no dig" gardening. Kim was very informative and very knowledgeable. Highly recommended."

Stuart reviewed: Welding with confidence

"Nigel is an energetic and enthusiastic tutor, full of knowledge and hints and tips to help you along, combine this with his many anecdotes and tales and you are in for an entertaining and informative day. This course is squarely based at someone who has never used a welder before so is a great place to dip you toe into the world of metal fabrication. Situated in the heart of Norfolk countryside the whole site is an artisan paradise."

Brian Foley reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"We had a great weekend .with good company. Accommodation was good and very clean. Food was great and plenty of it"

Jan reviewed: Bronze casting weekend

"A fantastic weekend and introduction to Bronze Casting. Mark and Caroline very welcoming. Great instruction from a knowledgable and passionate artist (Mark) which resulted in the creation of pieces far beyond my expectations as a complete beginner. We stayed in the cottage which was immaculately clean, warm and comfortable, and the generous and thoughtful breakfast supplies and logs for the wood burner were an added bonus. Would thoroughly recommend this course. THANK YOU"

Louise reviewed: One day silver jewellery designing and making workshop

"I had a really lovely day with Bridget, and made two pieces of jewellery that were far more sophisticated than I thought I’d be able to make as complete beginnner. Bridget is very easy to talk to and encouraged me to personalise my designs, so I came away with two entirely unique items: a ring and a pendant. Bridget gives lots of expert help and encouragement so you quickly feel confident and at ease. The studio is bright and well-equipped with everything to hand. A fantastic day for anyone to explore a new skill. Thoroughly recommend!"

Sam reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"This half a day, short course is easily one of the best experiences I have ever had the pleasure of undertaking. Whilst growing up and being in the countryside I have always wondered what craftsmen are still producing this fantastic, rural woodwork. Ian is one of these craftsmen and has an impressive knowledge of 'the way of the grain'! Coming from a background in product design and typically working with machinery, it was an absolute joy to be able to connect with the materials on a more personal level and really gain a much deeper insight into what you are working with. Ian was a brilliant and encouraging teacher who I am grateful to for opening up his rustic workshop to the public. I've left the course feeling inspired and can't wait to get back at it."

Judith Oliver reviewed: Still Life with Posies & Pots - a drawing and painting workshop in Derbyshire.

"I really enjoyed the art course today . Lots of different skills have been experienced. As an art teacher Liz is very good at teaching very creative and imaginative art techniques. Lovely house in rural Derbyshire ."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Really pleased you had a productive day and hope you can continue to develop your new skills; all of the processes have lots of potential for your themes. Thank you for your comments and look forward to working with you again. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Peter & Sarah reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"We had a great day learning some new skills. Kate was very patient with us and an excellent teacher. There was an excellent choice of glass for the design, and were really pleased with the panels we made to take home. Would highly recommend."

Sharon Beagles reviewed: Creative Art as Therapy

"Tajinder's workshops are well worth attending. Not only are they well organized but they are also structured to allow you to get in touch with deeper aspects of yourself. I was amazed at the work I created and by talking about my paintings and drawings, I gained a completely different perspective on aspects of myself and certain situations in my life! Not only do you learn about yourself, but there is plenty of opportunity to learn about art as well -- information on technique and artists. I also see it as a time to take a step out of my busy life -- the venue, Westbury Farm, is ideal for encouraging feelings of calm and of connection with the beautiful grounds and the old farm house. All of these things, and Tajinder's gentle facilitation, make these workshops something very special indeed."

Joanne Waters reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Really friendly, helpful and made me feel at ease, excellent day!!! Thankyou so much. And to debbie for the lovely food and cake. I had a brilliant birthday many thanks."

J. Meader reviewed: Bronze casting weekend

"We really enjoyed the bronze casting course. Mark is an excellent teacher and we now have a much better understanding of the whole process. We liked it so much we’re coming back for another course!"

Elena reviewed: 10- week Introduction to Soft Pastels online zoom art course with live tuition. Suitable for complete beginners and people with some experience in Art.

"What a fantastic experience wet felting with a talented Artist and Felt maker Raya Brown! Raya inspired me to create fantastic felt work. I got totally addicted to the therapeutic process of wet felting! It is magical- you start laying wool fibres, then add water and soap and do some rubbing and end up with a substantial piece of fabric called felt ! I love it. Really enjoyed working with natural fibres in a lovely creative atmosphere of Magic Wool Art and Craft Studio with likemined people. I recommend this course to anyone! Thank you Raya!"

Sharon Rose reviewed: Chocolate Discovery Day - Workshop 1 - A Beginners Guide

"Would recommend this wonderful chocolate course. From start to finish was fantastic and well prepared for the full day. Making a lovely selection of different delicious chocolates."

Ian street reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"Nice relaxed atmosphere well prepared studio highly knowledgeable teacher a lot of background information on the history of stained glass and experience of teacher"

Pip field reviewed: Silver jewellery Pendant making workshop

"Had the most fantastic workshop with Sarah for our mums birthday. Sarah was a fabulous teacher and we all left with a gorgeous piece of jewellery. Couldn’t recommend enough!"

Sophie Harris-Greenslade reviewed: Stained Glass Workshop

"My sister and I booked the stained glass workshop for our mum as an early Mother's Day present. We all had a lot of fun and learnt so much, each taking our completed stained glass panel home with us. Jamie was a great teacher, extremely knowledgable, passionate and helpful. We would highly recommend the workshop! Thank you Jamie for a fantastic day!"

Anonymous reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"An excellent day with Ian, making oak stool. Enjoyed meeting fellow 'trainees' Sam and Ian. Learned a lot, really practical day, and I really enjoyed Ian's teaching style, keep sit simple, is very encouraging and let us get on with it. Already planning what else I could come back and do. To cap it all, weather was magnificent for March, well worth the money and drive down from Manchester. Thanks Ian."

Kerry Gibbons reviewed: Paint a Zentangle Platter

"What a wonderful experience! My friends and I thoroughly enjoyed our morning in Saz's workshop. If you're looking for something fun, creative & relaxing, then this is definately for you. Saz is friendly, knows her stuff & made us feel at home. We hope to book up again for another of her workshops at christmastime. Would highly recommend..."

Rhiannon reviewed: Candle making workshops

"Extremely overdue review but all to do with my laziness! Angharad is an absolute star, by the end of the day you forget you're on a course and feel as though you've popped to an old friends house. Her setup is in a beautiful garden and I love the fact it's away from any bustle. Beautiful family and I would definitely go again. Thank you again for a lovely day! ?"

Val Knowles reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"This morning I attended Claire’s Silver Clay jewellery course at her home studio and I throughly enjoyed my three hour class and my one to one tuition. Claire is very welcoming and explains everything in a very easy to understand manner and I was able to ask as many questions as I wanted. She supplied coffee and cake as well as excellent information on where and what to purchase to continue this craft myself at home. As a complete beginner I was able to produce three items which I am thrilled with. I can highly recommend this course. Thank you Claire."

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"Thank you Val it was nice to meet you and you made a lovely piece of jewellery. Look forward to seeing any further pieces you make at home. Claire"

Hilary Leach reviewed: Beginner and improver sewing club in East Yorkshire

"This is an excellent course. I have been attending since last summer and made several items of clothing and a few soft furnishings. Anna is very patient, helpful and inspiring. She has a wealth of knowledge and equipment which can can utilise. I have certainly learned a great deal and feel more confident using my sewing machine and tackling projects at home. Always enjoy the chat, cake and coffee too."

Sharon Murphy reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day with Jamal. His enthusiasm for his art was clear and I learned a lot in just one day. Each step of the process was explained well, and as beginner I felt totally at ease to ask questions if I wasn't sure. Thank you! Sharon (Redditch)"

Dana Broad reviewed: Introduction to Soft Pastels 10-week face-to-face art course in Kidderminster West Midlands

"I can not believe how far I have come in just a few weeks. Raya Brown not only is a brilliant tutor she is a talented Artist in her own right. I feel really lucky in coming across this fabulous Magic Wool Art and Craft studio in Worcestershire!"

Deborah reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"I have wanted to try dry stone walling for a while. I booked the course with the Lancashire branch well in advance and was quite nervous leading up to the course in case it was too physical for me. I needn't have worried as the instructors ensured that everyone worked at their own pace and stressed the need to work as a team. I had a thoroughly enjoyable two days taking down the old wall and then building up the new wall from its foundations. It was so satisfying to see the finished product and knowing it will be standing for a long time to come. The instructors led us through step by step and worked alongside us to help where needed and to build our confidence. I would definitely recommend it to others and hope to be able to attend other courses in the future."