Latest reviews

Christine Vinall reviewed: Abstract Painting with Rebecca Hurst - Botanicals

"Well organised. Enjoyable session."

The Dart Centre responded:

"Good morning, Christine. Thank you so much for your positive review. We are so glad that you had such an enjoyable session and we look forward to welcoming you again in the future. Best wishes, Laura."

Marion Maw reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"We both really enjoyed the Blacksmithing day. The tuition was very good with support on hand when needed. Adrian and Andy were both most helpful. The food courtesy of Debbie was excellent. We would definitely recommend them and we would consider attending another session"

Margaret Hanlon reviewed: Introduction To Dot Mandala Painting - Cumnor

"I thoroughly enjoyed this workshop. The content and level of input was just right for the time. Techniques were well explained and demonstrated. I enjoyed it so much I bought all the tools and paint needed to do some at home. Well done Sarah "

The Crafty Boater responded:

"I am so glad you enjoyed the workshop, and very pleased that you will be carrying on with your dot mandala journey."

D.S.Taylor reviewed: Introduction to Natural Dyeing, Mere, Wiltshire

"Natural Dyeing Course taught by Claudia was informative and creative. I left with clearly written handouts and samples of items for reference. I am definitely inspired! Thank you. "

Elka responded:

"I'm so glad that you enjoyed the workshop and are feeling inspired! Thank you for the lovely review. Best wishes, Claudia x "

Mark reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"I bought this experience with Rudi as a gift for my wife for our iron wedding anniversary and the whole thing has just been perfect and an experience neither of us will forget. Rudi has been nothing but professional, helpful, accommodating and friendly throughout the whole process, even before we had booked this course. It was just myself and my wife giving us an exclusive and personal experience. We arrived with ideas of what we wanted to make and it was just awe inspiring seeing him work out how he was going to get us making our objects. In no time we were both at the forge and anvil making our first items. We made wine glass holders for the garden, a decorative bracket for a bird feeder and some key rings. As mentioned in previous reviews the balance of close supervision and direction with being left alone was perfect. We would both thoroughly recommend this course to anyone interested. Thank you for such a lovely day Rudi. "

Helen Cooper reviewed: Hand spinning course - absolute beginners

"It was an excellent day from start to finish. Hollie came to me for a one-to-one session as I am a complete beginner. She was wonderful! She is not only a real expert but also a very good and patient teacher. She came well prepared with 2 spinning wheels and all the equipment and materials we needed. She also managed to set up my own spinning wheel I’d inherited recently but hadn’t got working. I recommend her very wholeheartedly. A lovely lady!"

Dee Boyd reviewed: Lace pattern porcelain ceramics in Kendal, South Lakes

"This was a fantastic course suitable for people of all abilities, as Nik is a very clear instructor, and goes through everything first before letting us loose. Produced some pieces of work that I was very pleased with, despite the rustic organic finish. It was a lovely group and we all helped each other and shared the equipment, etc. Great value for money. Would highly recommend. "

NIKSLOVELYART responded:

"Hi Dee, Thank you for your lovely review. I’m delighted you felt your day was great value for money and that you were really pleased with your pieces. I will see you soon, when you collect them. Many thanks, Nik. 😊"

Sue Smith reviewed: Easel Weasel 1 day Saturday Art Workshops - Derbyshire Peak District

"We had a fabulous day with Denise. She is generous with her time and expertise and intuitive as a teacher. We each created different things from each other and had differing needs but she responded to us all and we all felt we had achieved. Her studio is fabulous for working in, and her displayed painting and prints were inspirational. We hope to come back!"

Easel Weasel Art Workshops responded:

"Hi Sue, thanks so much for your kind review. It was a fabulous day and an absolute pleasure to spend the day with you, Julie and Joey. I would love to welcome you back. Very best wishes Denise x"

Frances Fox reviewed: Beginners/improvers glass fusing workshops in Hemingford Grey, Cambridgeshire

"Had a lovely day with Carole at her glass fusing studio. Carole explained the history behind glass and the process for students to begin creating and cutting. Lots of lovely colours to choose from. Help always to hand and advice given. I created 4 items and was so pleased when I collected them. My random placement of glass shards produced a superb finish. I made a small rectangular dish, a pair of earrings, a pendant and a sun catcher in hues of blues and greens. My first time glass fusing and will be booking again. Next time to make Christmas gifts for my friends. "

Gore Tree Studio responded:

"Hi Francis, I so glad you enjoyed the workshop, I look forward to seeing you again :) Carole - Gore Tree Studio"

Diana reviewed: Suminagashi: Japanese Paper Marbling in Herefordshire

"Everything was provided to enable us to produce successful examples of marbling. Sarah’s instructions were very clear, and I feel quite confident that I can pursue this technique in my own studio. No daunting initial expense req’d. Altogether a most enjoyable day."

Sarah Amatt responded:

"Dear Diana, Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review - so glad you enjoyed it! Sarah"

Odin Taylor reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"I had a brilliant day with Alex on the Blacksmithing Beginners Day. The day started with a nice cup of coffee and introductions from Alex and the other three participants on the course. This was followed by a comprehensive safety brief and explanation of the facilities. The course started with Alex demonstrating step by step what we would be undertaking (which is great to observe a master at his art), followed by us diving in and having a go. We created three objects on the day, starting with basic skills and then culminating into a finely crafted bottle opener (complete with decorative leaf!). Alex demonstrated and explained the steps with great proficiency and clarity, and stepped in to help when required by us. Overall the day was excellent and very enjoyable with Alex being the perfect mentor and host. The other participants on the day were also friendly and welcoming, making it something I would definitely recommend to those who are interested in giving it a go!"

Sally Benson reviewed: Spoon carving taster session

"Fantastic experience with Dave. Felt really welcomed and his knowledge really shined through. Everything was supplied and Dave has wonderful patience and a great sense of humour. Fantastic experience and would highly recommend anyone to try this out. Myself and my friend have zero experience but we left with a crafted spoon and a wonderful memory of a great afternoon."

Woodwyrm responded:

"Many thanks Sally, I really enjoyed the afternoon. It was a pleasure to teach and spend time with you both."

Sue reviewed: Willow Weaving 'Trug' Workshop

"Jane was great, very informative and instructive."

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 shall let Jane know. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Sheila A reviewed: Bead stringing for Jewellery Making - One Day Workshop - In Person, In London

"Penny’s jewellery and teaching skills are phenomenal and I had a splendid day in excellent company. I wholeheartedly recommend this course and I will be booking a bead stringing next. "

Penny Akester Jewellery responded:

"Aw - thank you Sheila, great to meet you, and i hope you have lots of fun experimenting with your beads once you get home! Happy Beading x"

Shiv reviewed: Create Tiny Wire & Paper Bird Sculptures in Derbyshire

"I had the best day! Lovely calm environment, super teacher! Lots of giggles! And I came away with beautiful birds! And I have made more! Course environment outstanding, not a big group…honestly do it!! I’m doing more!! "

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Shiv, Thank you for your lovely comments - they are much appreciated and I have a big grin on my face. It was a lovely, fun day. You picked up all the skills really quickly and made a range of great beautiful wire and paper birds. So pleased you’re adding more mates to your little flock. Best wishes and happy making. Liz Wellby"

Alyson and Howard reviewed: Basic woodturning half day

"Fantastic beginners woodturning experience. I booked this woodturning tuition course as a birthday gift for my husband, and we both had an absolutely brilliant time. Chris was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and patient throughout the session. As complete beginners, we felt totally at ease in his workshop and learned so much in just a few hours. The hands-on guidance and encouragement made it a really enjoyable and rewarding experience. We left with a new appreciation for the craft—and a couple of handmade pieces we're proud of! Highly recommend this course to anyone curious about woodturning. "

Chris Parker Woodturner responded:

"Alison & Howard, it was my pleasure. You both did very well . The pieces you both made were tremendous,well done guys."

Ben reviewed: Full day Learn How To Upcycle Furniture Painting Workshop

"What a brilliant day!! Mel and Paul are fantastic, they were really welcoming and very knowledgeable in their craft! It was a real pleasure to spend time in their workshop turning a couple of old side tables (that we found on Facebook for free), in to two really beautiful pieces of furniture. This course has given us the confidence to try our hand at upcycling furniture and selling ourselves, really can't speak highly enough about this course, loved it!"

Redeemed Decor responded:

"Hi Ben & Oni, Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re absolutely thrilled to hear you both had such a brilliant day — it was a real pleasure having you in the workshop. It’s so rewarding to know the experience has given you the confidence to continue upcycling (and maybe even explore a new venture — how exciting!). You did a fantastic job with those side tables — they’re completely transformed and barely recognisable! Wishing you all the best on your upcycling journey, and we hope to welcome you back for another creative day soon. All the best Mel & Paul "

Wendy Loxley reviewed: Resin art workshops

"Brilliant day. Lovely people, excellent facilities, a great introduction to resin art. I recommend it completely."

Stephanie reviewed: Learn to Crochet Workshop in The Cotswolds - Gloucestershire/Wiltshire/Oxfordshire Border

"Truly fab and relaxing day."

Tabitha reviewed: Two Day Fleece Prep & Spinning Workshop

"The course was fantastic, I was a complete beginner and learned so much. Cathy is so welcoming, knowledgeable and patient, and it was wonderful to meet people as enthusiastic about sheep and wool as I am and to get to learn from them too. Having never done any spinning or fleece preparation before, I came away with two skeins of yarn that I'd washed, brushed and spun and loads of information about how to repeat the process in various different ways as I continue my spinning journey! I can't recommend this enough."

Lazykate Textiles responded:

"Thank you so much for this amazing review! I’m blown away. You were great company on the workshop and a natural spinner if I ever saw one Really looking forward to following your spinning journey Cathy"

Paul Smithiez reviewed: Advanced spoon carving techniques

"Had a very pleasurable couple of hours with Nick. I've carved quite a lot of spoons but have only had brief tuition. I brought a couple of spoons along to discuss and where I thought I wasn't happy with some aspects of them. Nick talked me through his process, Nick is more of a production carver. He uses a lot of drawer knife but the way he drew the crank on was interesting and useful, easy to follow and logical. I will try and remember the steps he showed me I think it will speed up my procesd and I might actually have a process. Thanks Nick"

Gosman Spoon Co. responded:

"Thanks so much Paul. If you need any more help and advice please let me know."

Julie reviewed: Silver jewellery making workshop for 2 people

"What a wonderful afternoon my mum and I had making unique silver rings under Julie’s expert tuition! It was such a great experience and we’re delighted with our new jewellery. Julie was a lovely, friendly, knowledgable and patient teacher. Would highly recommend! "

Jewellery By Julie responded:

"I'm pleased you enjoyed your workshop and hope your beautiful rings have been admired. Thank you"

Ceri reviewed: Lampshade making with Grace & Favour Home, Devon

"My lovely daughter gave me the gift of this lampshade making workshop for my 70th birthday. I must admit I was a little nervous to start, as I wasn't sure I had the ability to create a finished lampshade. I came out smiling. Rachael is a very calm and welcoming young lady, who demonstrated and explained the steps to us with great patience. I really loved the workshop. The shop is light and airy, with a calm atmosphere, and lots of Rachael's own creations to browse through. I was so happy with my lampshade, I bought a kit in the shop for the larger size and made a shade to match for my standard lamp when I returned home that afternoon! Thank you so much, Rachel for sharing your talent with us, and for the delicious coffee and biscuits, too. I will definitely recommend your workshop to everyone. "

Sarah Tullis reviewed: Modern Calligraphy at Cowshed Creative in the Lake District near Windermere

"Had a fantastic morning. Claire was a really good tutor and I would be happy to be taught by her again. The creative environment was wonderful, peaceful and cosy."

Cowshed Creative responded:

"So glad you enjoyed the workshop and thanks for such lovely feedback. I'll pass it on to Claire and hope to see you again at Cowshed Creative in the Lake District"

Margaret Boyce reviewed: Overcome your Overlocker

"A very informative and helpful course for anyone wanting to learn how to use an overlocker. Vicky was very patient and helpful showing me how to thread my machine. It looked very daunting to start with but once you learn the workings of the machine it becomes clearer as to how it all works. I thoroughly recommend Vicky as an experienced seamstress and teacher."

Sewing Vee responded:

"Thankyou for your review Margaret. V"