Latest reviews

Jacquie Ryan reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"Had an absolutely fabulous time attending the basket making course- Julie is very experienced and gave us the opportunity to practise lots of different techniques within our basket, always giving ideas for scaling them up or trying different ideas. She also very kindly sent us home with instructions to refresh our memory and an email after the course with loads of relevant information to help us get stared makingbaskets on our own. I would say you definitely need patience for the course and an ability to do fiddly tasks with your fingers to really get the most out of it, but with Julie’s help, you are guaranteed to go away with something you can be proud of!"

Adjoa reviewed: Traditional soft lampshade making at ShedLight

"Top-notch course from a top-notch lady. Not only was Vanessa good at what she does but she is also attentive to your needs and personable. Had a wonderful time and educative. Thanks vanessa."

Stephanie Apperley reviewed: Beginners Upholstery Footstool Course

"The beginners workshop was exactly what I was looking for. Sarah explained each stage so clearly to us and made sure we understood what we had to do. She explained why we were doing the techniques she was teaching us and how they have stood the test of time through history! It was a lovely relaxed environment and I left feeling confident that I could use the techniques at home on my own. It was a great starting point to hopefully build upon for the next course."

Kate Sellers reviewed: Screen printing beginners workshop

"This course was an absolute joy. Lara is so calm and engaging. I learnt so much. I loved her studio and it’s in a beautiful spot. Such a lovely way to spend a Saturday morning and to meet new like minded people. I highly recommend this very reasonable and well taught class."

Lindsey Mitchell reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"Really enjoyed the business course with Kerry, it was exactly what I was looking for, very informative, straightforward and enjoyable. Would thoroughly recommend it!"

Karen Robson reviewed: Rag Rug Workshop - Full Day - York

"A brilliant half day course with an excellent and friendly tutor. It is amazing how much can be learnt in only a morning when you have a pressure free and relaxed atmosphere. Elspeth has the talents of a good teacher to provide clear instructions and individual help whilst encouraging creativity. She answers all questions with humour and the sincerity of an enthusiast. Thank you for introducing me to a new hobby I hope to enjoy for years."

Maureen Gruszczynska reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Felted Pictures Workshop in Cragg Vale, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"I have just enjoyed a wonderful weekend of felting with informal, extremely talented tuition at a fabulous venue with great food. It was great meeting other ladies all with different ideas and all producing something really special in a friendly social atmosphere. A highly recommend experience."

Laura reviewed: Make a footstool workshop

"This was a really fun course. Steph is brilliant at demonstrating how to do things and has great little hints and tips along the way too. The group size was just right, giving enough space to get around the footstool whilst also having a lively group atmosphere. I'm so pleased with the end product, it looks a lot more professional than I expected, which is definitely down to Steph's direction! I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to have a go at doing something crafty, you don't need to have any previous experience."

John Pinch reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I had been thinking of a suitable gift for a close friend's special birthday. We both enjoy making and I noticed Sebastian's advert on a canal walk one day. I enrolled the pair of us and we were not disappointed. The setting was idyllic. Close to the Cotswold hills nestling in a small orchard amid reclaimed sheds and studios the entire site was a montage of stone. Some dressed, some rough hewn and some carved. With plenty of space inside and outside the seven of us were introduced to each other and Sebastian's unconventional approach to stone carving. What was amazing was the collection of tools, some home fashioned and some from a previous life. With regular breaks to socialise we soon felt like one big happy family. The outcomes of the weekend were diverse and surprising. Without exception we all achieved something beyond our wildest dreams. Thank you Sebastian for being encouraging, supportive, knowledgeable and skilful."

Leandra reviewed: Regular ceramic & glazing tuition and pottery wheel workshops Shetland

"A super little studio where you'll receive one on one (or one on two) guidance from Sonje. We laughed and created and left feeling uplifted at the end of the three hour workshop. We used the potters wheel as well as learning how to make 'pinch pots'. Sonje's studio is on the main high street in pretty Haworth so perfect to combine with a walk on the moors and a nice lunch out."

Werxzovart responded:

"Thanks Leandra & James, It was a fun session wasn't it and am glad you felt uplifted afterwards! I loved the pieces you made, am looking forward to you seeing them when you collect, on your way for a jolly good hike! See you again soon. Sonje"

Amanda reviewed: Glass fusing with artist Patricia Lee - as seen on BBC1 Home Is Where The Art Is

"Really enjoyed the course, very relaxed, friendly and informal. Beautiful food at lunch time. I came away with enough knowledge to do it all again on my own. Great course, thank you Patricia"

Claire Wilcox reviewed: Beginner’s Soapmaking Workshop in Salisbury

"I Really enjoyed this course. It was well organised and Catherine is so knowledgeable about soap making, an inspiring lady! There was a good balance of demo's and practical and I now have 10 bars of soap curing nicely at home that I can't wait to use. The value for money is excellent and the location is idyllic."

VCA reviewed: Lampshade Making Workshop with Clare Cosens

"I had a lovely time on the course, Clare is very friendly and encouraging, and the course is run at a manageable pace in a well lit room. A small class size helps, and it was a relaxing morning. I was very proud of my lampshade. Oh and Clare serves delicious tea and biscuits!"

Phil reviewed: Pyrography Delites

"This course is ideal for anyone interested in this craft. It is aimed at beginners with no knowledge. Jane was so helpful, friendly and inspiring and we came away with some lovely items. Everything is supplied except your own imagination. Jane explained everything so well and within minutes we were making individual pieces - tea coasters and a lovely wooden spoon which was topped off with ribbon. The course is excellent (like me) who had always wanted to try this but never wanted to waste money on supplies and equipment not knowing whether I would enjoy it? Though only 2 hours it is enough time to complete all the projects Jane had laid out. Very inspiring. The coffee and cakes were wonderful too!!"

Kate Malone reviewed: Weekly classes at The Clay Studio

"My big treat of the week is my weekly afternoon class at The Clay Studio. After almost a term I have learned a massive amount already - and am undertaking a very large coil pot as my first big project already. I have made slab pots, thumb pots, slipped and glazed. The knowledge, gentle nudging and humour of the teaching team is fabulous. I have just booked onto one of their specific throwing weekend workshops too and am very excited about trying another new technique. I feel I am in expert hands and am loving every minute!"

Fiona Wynde reviewed: Beginners 2 sterling silver stacking rings jewellery course

"This was such an enjoyable course. The time flew by! Sarah is a fabulous teacher - patient, endlessly enthusiastic and obviously really enjoys teaching and meeting people. Her cosy studio creates a relaxed atmosphere to learn in. Having never worked with silver before, I learned a lot and felt supported through the whole process. I’m very proud of the results!"

Juliet Batten reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"Well, what can I say about this very patient and highly informative person; Jamal was a fantastic teacher and his knowledge is incredible. I had never cut a piece of glass or held a soldering iron in my hand previously, but his gentle guidance through the process was just what I needed to create my first piece of art. I would thoroughly recommend anyone to attend , I feel confident to carry on and create my own work positively. The other participant was great and the studio was relaxing to work in and didn't feel intimidated in the slightest. What a wonderful day, one I will remember for a long time with pride. Well done Jamal, I will definitely attend the glass painting course."

Pam Jones reviewed: Lampshade Making Workshop with Clare Cosens

"Did the lampshade making course with a friend and had such a lovely few hours. Clare was so nice, great teacher providing us with clear instructions and helpful tips. Can totally recommend for someone looking to escape a few hours! Location very handy being close to Cheshire Oaks ?"

Joanne reviewed: Glass fusing with artist Patricia Lee - as seen on BBC1 Home Is Where The Art Is

"My son was completing his BTEC art and design course at college but was frustrated by the lack of practical experience offered and this was affecting his confidence in his choice of future career so I booked us both places on one of Patricia's glass fusing sessions. I can honestly say it was the best decision I could have made. Patricia was so lovely and allowed my son to experiment with different techniques. By the end of the day he had regained his confidence and his passion for art ... And I had a great time too!"

Wen Gregson reviewed: Traditional Saddle Stitching with Armitage Leather

"I took a One-Day Basic Wallet Making Course with Nigel after reading all the outstanding reviews and recommendations from this site, and I can honestly say that every single review is absolutely true. Nigel is a true master with years of practical and theoretical experience whilst possesses the rare ability to communicate his knowledge in easily understandable terms. He is enthusiastic and methodical in his approach, patient in his instructions, and instantly put me at ease the moment I stepped into his workshop. I am a complete beginner but at the end of my course I have gained a thorough knowledge of fundamental leatherwork skills, and crucially I know I have learnt from Nigel the absolute correct techniques and methods which is going to set me in good stead. I have now in my hand a card wallet which I made completely from scratch, and I am going to continue to practise my new skills by making more items with confidence. I cannot recommend Nigel highly enough, and I will definitely be back for more courses."

Laura Cave reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Thoroughly enjoyed the 2day box making course with Mark and Jay. They were very patient and laid back, always happy to answer any questions. I was astonished how well my box turned out and now have the confidence to do more. Thanks guys!"

nigel mallinson reviewed: Pole Lathe Bowl Turning - Your First Bowl

"What a revelation! Having done 'electric' lathe wood turning before I found Ade's course inspirational, the feel and control you can achieve between your own foot power and the tool on the green timber is great. Ade's wonderful tuition and humour throughout together with the 'soupberb' lunch all made for a excellent day."

Wendy Gregory reviewed: Make you own fan bird

"In 6 hours managed to make a wooden serving spoon from a hewn block of wood initially using an axe then various knives. Steve explained and demonstrated each stage of the process and helped each of us as required. It was challenging but a really great day. The whole day was very well organised and I would recommend it to anyone who likes working with wood and want to be able to create something interesting and useful."

Evelyn reviewed: Introduction to English Willow Basket Making- Weekend Course

"My day of basket making was fantastic! Jonathan was a really brilliant teacher and gave everyone individual guidance. The pace was perfect and I really enjoyed learning a brand new skill. I’m proud of my handmade willow basket! I really recommend this course. Thank you very much.?"

Kryss Macleod reviewed: Upholster a chair seat or drop in top for a stool

"Really enjoyed this class. Anne is an excellent teacher, and we had an absolutely delightful day. Nothing phased Anne, even my very ambitious choice of chair!! She was very patient and helpful throughout. Brilliant company and a wonderful lunch. Highly recommended this if you would like to learn to upholster, or have a piece of furniture you want to give new life to, or also just a really lovely and productive way to spend a day. I would definitely book again."

The Little Vintage House responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review, it was great to meet you on Saturday and a most enjoyable afternoon. You did extremely well on a difficult project, and to get it to the standard you achieved in such a short time was a credit to you. I hope you have many more hours fun upholstering chairs. Best wishes, Anne"