Latest reviews

Tracey reviewed: Stained glass craft

"Absolutely brilliant workshop! Me and my daughter took this workshop as a taster session, and left with a very professional looking piece with multiple colours and shapes of glass. Dennis is an excellent teacher who made sure we used the tools and glass pieces safely and helped us choose suitable colours for our landscape piece and assisted us with various techniques when we needed it. I would definitely recommend this workshop."

stained glass craft responded:

"Thank you for lovely comments was a pleasure showing you both Dennis"

Natalie reviewed: Star Mosaic Kit - White Iridescent Glass Tiles and Light Teal Dots

"From start to finish, I thoroughly enjoyed creating my star mosaic! The kit was easy to order, arrived beautifully packaged and was a delight to create. It helped me to feel very calm. I was unsure of my own method with grouting so I contacted Audrey (the owner of the wonderful Montet Designs) and she was only too happy to help which I really appreciated. I have recommended to everyone and would not hesitate to purchase more in future. Many thanks!"

Corrina Grffiths reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket-weaving for Beginners/Improvers - Day Course at Paddock Art Studios, Lewes

"Very good teacher, and very patient with my autistic husband. I enjoyed our day willow weaving baskets. I was pleased with the results and the teacher was hands on with help and seeing to pupils needs. "

Jenny Baranowski reviewed: Crochet for Beginners with Joy Spelman

"A very enjoyable morning. I was able to start a crochet project on my first lesson with Joy's help. She is a very patient tutor and I’m looking forward to the next session next month."

Tudor Rose Patchwork responded:

"Hi Many thanks for your review"

Christina Little reviewed: Silver Jewellery making class at Sandra Kerns Jewellery studio, Little Sampford

"For a big birthday, some friends gave me money towards a jewellery making course. After much investigation including checking out the beautiful pieces on her website, I chose Sandra Kerns' half day workshop and I couldn't be happier. Sandra has all the kit to allow you to experience every step in the jewellery making process for beginners as well as those with experience. She is an excellent teacher, explaining each step clearly and patiently and she's good company as well. Sandra also listened to my ideas and thoughtfully gave me some relevant feedback which resulted in a beautiful pendant that I love and am proud of. The location is easy to find in a peaceful setting. It was a lovely day. "

Gilly reviewed: Confidence with tools for DIY beginners

"What a great course, thank you. Matt is a very patient, knowledgeable and friendly tutor and welcomed questions. The location, complete with visiting house martins flying into the barn, was perfect. I had a little knowledge of DIY but feel more confident using tools now and can’t wait to have a go at some of the jobs I’ve been putting off. Please do a follow on course Matt - I need to convert the loft! Thank you "

matt boysons responded:

"Hey Gilly. Thank you for the kind words. I’m really glad that you and Liz got so much out of the course and that it has inspired you to rock on with your loft extension.😁. As soon as I’ve got myself together and written up a plan for a slightly more advanced course have no doubt I’ll be in touch. In the meantime, good luck with everything. M."

Maria McCann reviewed: Leather Bookbinding Workshop in The Cotswolds - Gloucestershire/Wiltshire/Oxfordshire

"Fabulous course - very well run, good facilities and excellent teacher. And you end up with a lovely leather bound book to boot!"

Enid reviewed: One Day Introduction to Wood Carving

"This was bought as a gift for my husband. He enjoyed the course very much. The instructors were very knowledgeable and explained everything clearly. It was a small group which facilitated easy access to help if needed. A delicious lunch was provided. He returned home tired but happy together with his beautifully carved cheese board! "

Melissa reviewed: Axe / Hammer Forging Day

"Brilliant course by Alex. We had a wonderful time and he was able to help us create our vision of an axe and hammer. Thank you "

Chloe Mellor reviewed: Stained glass course - 2 day

"This course is amazing! Karen is so friendly and helpful, supporting you to bring your design to life! Nothing was too much trouble and the whole process was explained in a really relaxed but informative way to ensure it was clear how to create an amazing piece of stained glass. We did this course as a group and will definitely be booking onto future courses- the BEST craft course I have done EVER!!"

Sara & Lefty reviewed: One day welding course for two people

"We had a great day with Julian, he went through all the fundamentals of MIG welding so we understand exactly what we were doing,. He was a great teacher & paced the course to suit us & spent some time at the end going through welds that would be useful for our project. We came away confident that we would be able to tackle the work to our van that has been giving us stress for years. It was so worth attending & we feel proud that we have learnt this skill for ourselves. Thanks Julian."

Julian Wadsworth - Artist Blacksmith responded:

"Hi guys, thank you for your review. You both were great students and a pleasure to teach. I was especially pleased to cover very specific examples of the type of joints/constructions that you are foreseeing in your renovation. Good luck with your future projects , I have no worries. Julian"

Lesley reviewed: Mosaic mirror workshop in Edinburgh City Centre

"Really enjoyed this one-day course. Lovely welcome from Lynn to her amazing studio space. Jacky was a great teacher, taking things at just the right pace. Will definitely look at other courses here. "

Helen Banks reviewed: Monthly Acrylic Painting classes

"I attended this course with my daughter and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. We both came away with a better knowledge and feel for using acrylics and wanting to learn more. All the members of the group were very friendly, a brilliant tutor and a very relaxed atmosphere led to a very enjoyable morning. We will book again!"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

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

Robbie reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"A very good day was had. Nicely paced although a little more time to carve the bowl of the spoon would have been good. Mike is very pleasant and a very good teacher who shows patience and a thorough knowledge of the subject."

Craig B reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This is a fantastic, full on day that my wife bought for me. I made 2 garden flowers using the furnace and a shed load of hammering. Ady and Andy were great at giving advice , but also allowed us to give the work our own ‘creative' finish. There were ongoing works of Ady’s commissions and these are spectacular - a true craftsman and his enthusiasm and love of his work is obvious. I highly recommend this if you don’t mind the heat and want to come home with something that will look great for years. "

Sally reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"From the moment I turned up onto your drive, Andy was extremely helpful in guiding me to park, and so the day progressed in the same fashion. You were very welcoming, and I instantly felt at ease, and you and Andy were the perfect hosts, offering us unlimited tea and coffee [of various flavours] throughout the day, along with Kit Kats and even an ice cream cone, totally unheard of 😊 The studio is nestled in the beautiful and tranquil gardens of Jo and Andys property, its magical actually, you feel as though you are in a open air art gallery. To begin with I CANNOT believe what we achieved in a day! We all left with our Hare in various postures and poses, all with different personalities. You explained the whole process thoroughly, supplied us with everything that we would need, down to your favourite bamboo stick! I don’t want to give too much away as it would spoil it for all new students, but the process was fantastic, from the skeleton to the finished product. We could then purchase kits of various kinds and sizes to take home with us, and included was absolutely everything. Jo you are so passionate about your arts and crafts, and it is lovely that you find the time to share with willing students. I will definitely be coming back to learn a new thing or two. Thank you to both of you. "

Jo Garden Art responded:

"What a heart warming review - thank you so much Sally 😘 Those bamboo sticks appear everywhere in the kits and workshops! Would love to see you back in the studio. Jo xx"

Kate reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I ended up with an unexpected one on one session with Nigel and had a brilliant day. Nigel was informative (with some very great stories thrown in!) and very patient. I came away with a set of BBQ tools that I never thought I would be able to create. I would highly recommend this to anyone who may be interested in giving iron work a go - even just an inkling! "

Stuart Barber reviewed: One day welding course: an introduction

"This is a great course. Julian is very, very knowledgeable about the subject and delivers the course in a easy to digest, enthusiastic manner. It covers everything you need as a beginner to get you started. Absolutely loved it. A+++"

Julian Wadsworth - Artist Blacksmith responded:

"Thank you for your review Stuart . I feel that you picked up the principles and techniques really well , almost a breeze! Have fun with your welding and don't shy away from tackling that vehicle project. Best regards, Julian"

Jack reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"I've never blacked a smith before, and now I can't wait to do it again! I loved this experience and can't wait to give it another go. Far tougher than I expected, my arms were complaining by the end of the day but I wouldn't have it any other way. The instructor was so helpful and kind and a good teacher to boot. A great experience at a great venue run by great people. I highly recommend."

Gemma and Sam reviewed: Spoon carving taster session

"We had a lovely afternoon spent spoon carving with Dave. He was incredibly patient and we were both surprised at what we managed to achieve! "

Woodwyrm responded:

"Many thanks, I really enjoyed our session. All the best, Dave"

Paula reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"Excellent course. There was a real mix of skill/ability in the class and everyone was catered to well. Fabulous range of glass to use & equipment to try. Would definitely recommend "

Kevin Ellis reviewed: Traditional Leaded Stained Glass Panel

"What a fantastic day. We were made to feel so wlecome. Every aspect of making a stained glass panel was explained and demonstrated. We had enough help to get us through the difficult bits and enough freedom to learn from our mistakes. A lovely lunch was provided to top it off."

number8glass responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind words Kevin; you made a fantastic panel and should be really pleased with yourself. "

Georgina reviewed: Sew and Make Baggy Pyjama Bottoms Ages 10-16 years Allerthorpe/Pocklington

"This is a brilliant course and my children loved it. They were so pleased with their finished pyjama bottoms and both wear them all the time. A great introduction to sewing and making clothes and perfect for any gender. Thank you!"

Tricia Morrison reviewed: Eco Printing

"I had a wonderful day with Jacqui and Pete. The setting was perfect and I’m very pleased with my results. They are so knowledgeable about nature, especially trees and plants. It wasn’t a prescriptive workshop but all working together to get the best results, I would definitely recommend it."

Sophie reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"We had an excellent afternoon making candles with Charlie in her beautiful garden. She was so helpful and friendly and made it really fun. We were all pleased with all the candles we made to take home. "