Latest reviews

Jason Wheeler reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Excellent day! Professionally run but relaxed and fun. After half an hour of hammering away at my piece of steel it looked very like a piece of steel with dents in....but miraculously I managed to turn it into a lovely, and extremely sharp, kitchen knife which I used the day after! Highly recommended, I will definitely go again!"

Yin reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

"Fantastic fun days with Gary in the forge. Learnt so much and bought home 2 wonderful pieces. Already booked next course. Cannot recommend highly enough."

Mary Savage reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"3rd weekend away. A great time as usual. Loved the breakout sessions and the friendly atmosphere with likeminded people. Plenty of advice and stock available and it went all too quickly. Had to book for next year and only sorry I can only make one a year."

David Fenwick reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"I have just returned from a day's turning course, an early present from my family for my 70'th birthday at the end of next month. I am a complete beginner and Andy was extremely patient and instructed me in the basics of turning a bowl safely on his magnificent bowl lathe. He showed me the importance of correct stance and positioning as well as having the right tools and keeping them sharp. The elm bowl that I turned and finished with his help is far better than I could have achieved otherwise and his one to one instruction was so much better than watching any number of Youtube videos. A very enjoyable day in peaceful rural surroundings in an extremely well equipped workshop, highly recommended . I intend to practice and return at some time for further instruction, thank you."

Lianne Edwards reviewed: Beginners Sewing - Day course - Get to know your sewing machine

"Had a great day with Judi Glover on her learn to sew and made a fantastic envelope cushion cover, a drawer string bag and drinks coasters, all of which we were able to take home. I had never used my sewing machine and by the end of the day felt completely comfortable with it. I was with a lovely group of ladies and Judi couldn’t have been nicer, so patient and informative. I have already booked my next course, curtain making next!"

Anthony reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

"My fiancé and I turned up for our extended course with a great deal of trepidation, as my fiancé is scared of fire and has never lifted a hammer in her life. After 2 days with Gary, she’s immune to fire and has joined the hammer club, ready for her next project! We had an amazing time with Gary who is one of the most honest, nicest and happiest people you could ever meet, as soon as you enter the forge he makes you feel at home. I made 2 stunning knives, so beautiful they’re on display. My fiancé contacted Gary beforehand with project ideas, Gary was so helpful and ingenious, he helped her make a bell stand and a gorgeous patterned tortoise. He is very talented and his work is just magical, and forging with him is so much fun. I would and have recommended this course to many people."

Lucy reviewed: Silver clay Warwickshire

"I was completely new to silver clay but I came away from the workshop feeling like I could produce high quality pieces. Kate was so informative and the perfect guide; patient and embraced all our artistic ideas- nothing was too much trouble. The venue was great and lunch extremely tasty. Needless to say I’ll be booking more workshops with Kate to improve my technique. Highly recommended."

Gillian Keniston-Goble reviewed: Craft Workshop: Learn to make silver art clay jewellery in a day (beginner)

"Just attended Sally’s last beginners class, superb, she walked us through step by step and as a result I have come away with a unique pair of earrings."

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank You Gillian, lovely review and great to meet you. Kind regards, Sally"

Jane Hall reviewed: Full day mosaic workshop for beginners - Meriden, West Midlands

"Had a great day with Anne and three other lovely ladies producing my first mosaics. Anne is an excellent teacher and really knows her craft. Her studio is very well equipped and I felt like a kid in a sweetshop trying to decide what I wanted to use in my mosaics. I was really chuffed with what I made and will be doing more mosaicing at home. Lots of hot drinks and a delightful lunch rounded off a splendid day! I will definitely be going back for another workshop."

Vanessa Martin reviewed: 2d needle felted pictures

"I really enjoyed this learning experience, it was a lovely friendly group with loads of help, tea/coffee and biscuits. There were plenty of products for us to choose from for our projects and if we wanted to buy anything so we could make more at home again there was plenty of choice. Rachel had plenty of examples of felting work to help give us ideas for our own project and demonstrated the techniques needed."

2 Inspire You responded:

"Thank you Vanessa, it was a total pleasure! It hasbeen a fabulous 3 days and lots of laughter and cake as well! Hope to see you again soon"

Ali reviewed: Silver clay Warwickshire

"Never done anything like this before. Had a really informative day with lovely people. Kate was brilliant. Always on hand to improve my technique! And came away with some beautiful pieces I love. Thanks Kate"

Ros Morris reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"This was my 3rd year at Memories& Photos & as usual was a very relaxing & enjoyable weekend. If you want the opportunity for 2 days of uninterrupted crafting, good wholesome food prepared for you 3 times a day, unlimited tea/coffe & biscuits, a clean comfortable room & a huge craft space then this is the venue for you. Add to that a beautiful old house with attractive grounds & the chance to meet many like-minded people. Perfect!!"

Martin Dare reviewed: Stained Glass Taster Day

"Having been interested in this craft for a while it was an absolute pleasure to take part in this weekend course. Derek and his family were very welcoming and made us all feel special whilst putting any fears to rest. The course was well structured with excellent tuition alongside time to develop our own skills in this ancient craft. Derek has a wealth of experience in this field and his professional approach along with his passion for this art was infectious. The workshop, resources and equipment are superb and the results were very pleasing. On a personal level I now feel I have the knowledge and confidence to tackle new projects and would thoroughly recommend this course for those who have an interest in lead windows."

Derek Hunt Artist responded:

"Hi Martin So glad to hear you enjoyed the weekend course. It was a pleasure to share with you and it’s great you now feel able to tackle your own projects. Keep in touch, and best wishes, Derek"

Fiona Farmer reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"Thank you so much! A wonderful, relaxing and creative weekend! Will definitley be back!"

Amanda Shakespear reviewed: Introduction to screen printing

"We joined Ria for an introduction to screen printing on Saturday 23 March. Ria was an excellent teacher and showed us new techniques for creating our screen prints. Relaxed, enjoyable day in a lovely colourful workshop. Would definitely recommend giving it a go."

Louise Wright reviewed: Shibori Felting: A Felt Sampling Day - Ripples, Waves & Spikes

"This was a brilliant day!! I had relatively little prior knowledge of felting but Emma helped me through the basics so that I could also enjoy and learn about the shibori felting process. We were busy from 10 til 4 almost nonstop and there were loads of chances to ask as many questions as we needed and seek advice. I loved the variety of techniques which were shown and just being in the workshop, surrounded by Emma's work was inspiring. I am still waiting for my samples to be 110% dry before the big reveal, but can't wait to see how they look when I take the stitching out. Thank you for a wonderful day"

Marion Goodfellow reviewed: Needlefelting workshop at Dalkeith Country Park

"It was a thoroughly enjoyable, relaxing, afternoon. Jo was very good at explaining the craft and also very encouraging about our efforts. There was a warm friendly atmosphere and we all had our own creation to take home with us. The venue was lovely and peaceful. I would like to do more!"

Jennifer Stockbridge reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"I have been 3 times now and thoroughly enjoyed each session. Both Ali and May were lovely, very supportive and knowledgeable. I took my nieces aged 5 and 7 and my sister who us not at all crafty. We all produced something we were really proud of. May helped with cutting difficult shapes and teaching us how to get the best from our work. Cant wait to visit again! P.S. as long as you don't ask me to get the water from the well myself i am happy to make my own tea."

Glennis Dewey reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"Brilliant weekend as always, well organised, good food, lovely place to stay!"

David Goodman reviewed: Sculptural green wood working

"What a great day out! Stephen was a great trainer and facilitator. We started with an outline of the group and how it helps people, a safety briefing and course objectives. Stephen then took us through tools and techniques, demonstrated what he wanted us to achieve and some top tips. We were then left to try out what we learnt. As the day progressed we tried other tools, techniques and projects. Stephen kept and eye and ear on what we were doing and was able to help us correct course in a positive manner. The atmosphere was relaxed, friendly and positive. Plenty of breaks for tea, biscuits and chat. Overall we came away with feeling happily tired out with new skills and the feeling that we had contributed to a community project. Highly recommended. Thank you!"

Jeff Peters and Avril Peters reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Both me and my wife enjoyed the course , Graham and David made it fun and informative would definitely recommend the course great day out .thanks guys."

Jeff Peters and Avril Peters reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"Both me and my wife enjoyed the course , Graham and David made it fun and informative would definitely recommend the course great day out .thanks guys."

Georgina Elliott-Dew reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"Wonderful much needed weekend away from being Mum, Wife, Nana. Much needed Me time. We were well looked after & fed in a relaxing environment overlooking lovely we'll kept gardens. Being able to come & go without clearing away out scrapbooking equipment was great!"

Ian Rushton reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Thanks again Mathew for a fabulous return visit. I really enjoyed the day and very pleased with difficult shapes you helped me to master, especially the tankard. Hope to see you again soon."

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Ian, Thank you for the review, it was a pleasure to have you back on the course and build on the skills you learnt in the previous workshop you attended. Your pots are now ready for collection, and a cup of tea if you have time. Best wishes Mathew"

lili giacobino reviewed: An introduction to wood turning with Gregory Moreton (2 Days)

"I have really enjoyed my 2 days course. Greg is friendly, knowledgeable and very patient. I have learned a lot and created some beautiful pieces to take home. I really recommend his course."