Latest reviews

Becky Whitcombe reviewed: One to One Silver Jewellery Tuition

"My partner and I combined a two-day silver jewellery making course and a one-day stone-setting course with Jonathan and had a fantastic time. We were both fairly new to the techniques taught but with Jonathan's expert guidance and wealth of knowledge we came away inspired to continue. Between us we made four rings, two pendants and a malachite necklace, all of which we were very pleased with, as were the friends and family we gave some of them to as gifts! Jonathan was incredibly friendly, helpful and a great teacher - and cooked us lovely lunches too! I am also very grateful for the follow-up information on where to buy materials and tools, as well as step-by-step worksheets which were very thorough. I would highly recommend the courses to anyone, whether beginners or those with some knowledge of jewellery making. Thank you again Jonathan - we will definitely be back for more!"

Mr G Pike reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day

"Excellent for these reasons; Very able wood turner with excellent standards of completed product and wide experience Able communicator interested in teaching students to achieve using highly developed skills Well equipped workshop using higher quality machinery Pleasant scenery and surroundings in this part of Wales A warm welcome and interest in people coupled with his love of wood turning meant the whole days' experience was very enjoyable and fulfilling Thank you Les"

Alison reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Really enjoyable day. Clear concise instruction, help when needed but never intrusive. I got so much done in the time and immediately booked a second day (which was just as enjoyable). Very happy with the results and would highly recommend it to anyone of any artistic level."

Pam McCann reviewed: Rustic Sign Making Workshop Teesside

"Spent a lovely afternoon with friends making Christmas signs. They all turned out fabulous, Shelly was patient and helpful. A really lovely way to spend a few hours and something to take away that will last forever. I was hooked from that start and will be back. I can thoroughly recommend this for a group of friends. Or go on your own to one of the open days. You will get a warm welcome."

Christina Love reviewed: Stained glass one day course for beginners: one-to-one

"Had a wonderful day with Emma. It was so informative and such fun, would happily recommend it to anyone interested in stained glass. It was well worth the 2 hour drive for me to get there from Portsmouth. Would recommend any drivers to look at Justpark online as parking is limited as you would expect in that area. Highly recommended course."

Denise reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"A fabulous day spent with Lynn in her lovely home workshop. Lynn is enthusiastic and encouraging, just the right mix of advice with creative freedoms. I came home with two wonderful journals, plus the know how and confidence to make more! The cake was delicious too"

Jo-Anne Sharp reviewed: One-to-One Private workshop

"Have now done 2 workshops with Gigha- both excellent; her teaching, encouragement and help are wonderful. Can't wait to book another!"

Frances reviewed: Free Machine Embroidery

"Had a wonderful day, so nice to take some time out to learn a new skill and create something. Ruth is a great teacher , very patient and encouraging. Her studio is a lovely place to work in. The whole day was really inspiring !"

Lizzie reviewed: Introduction to Off-Loom Weaving Workshop, Crawley, Hampshire

"Such an enjoyable workshop last night. Ellie is very patient and so inspiring, a lovely lady. I came away with a finished wall hanging which I love. The yarns I used were beautiful and there was so much to choose from."

Elka responded:

"Hi Lizzie, thank you so much for the review. Really great to meet you. I'm so glad you enjoyed the workshop. Very best wishes, Ellie."

Jacqui simmonds reviewed: Creative Writing Workshops

"Joining the creative writing club has given me a chance to take time out once a month to work on my book. It’s a fabulous location. with a warmer welcome from jo and the other writers. Jo is an inspiration and has a natural way of bringing out your creativity. Seeing my book actually begin to form is magical!"

Josephine Dawn Munroe responded:

"Thanks very much Jacqui, love the book you're working on, always lovely to have you on the workshops, hopefully see you soon, Jo."

Tanya Watson reviewed: Rustic Sign Making Workshop Teesside

"Love love love this little business. First tried sign making on a friends evening and had a great time and my sign is fab... Thoroughly enjoyed the whole process. Instruction was fairly easy and the end result is proudly placed where everyone can see it. I’ve since been to do another one within the workshop and I’m hoping to continue... It’s such a tactile item, functional, funny, heartfelt and fun to do and Shelly is patient, gives great knowledgable advice and goes above and beyond to make everyone have a special time.... support this little venture cos it’s brill.."

Simon Hawkes reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"I had a really enjoyable day with Graham and returned home proudly with my first bowl. He is a kind and patient teacher and very knowledgeable and I hope to return to do another course sometime soon. I would highly recommend him."

Deb reviewed: Bespoke Interlined Curtains

"What an informative course. Lots of tips given. I never thought that I would be able to make such a good quality item by hand. Janet is a very patient and knowledgeable teacher. I am planning to return very soon to take the curtain course."

Lee Cook reviewed: Rustic Sign Making Workshop Teesside

"I went with my daughter on a Mum & Me workshop. We both felt really welcome. We were given instructions before each stage and shown what to do at each stage. Help was offered if we needed it and lots of encouragement given. I would recommend going, my daughter even wants to book for her birthday party later in the year."

Liz Dew reviewed: Natural Vegan Cold Process Soap Making

"Can't recommend this course highly enough. When we arrived we got a warm welcome, a cuppa and some delicious cakes. Lily gave us a great introduction to the history of soap making, then showed us how the process works, after which we got to dive in and make our own soaps. There was a great selection of natural scents, colours and things to decorate our bars with. My soap is currently curing in a cupboard and every time I open it there is this gorgeous smell. I can't wait to use it! I'll definitely book again and bring a friend."

Dani Bown reviewed: Upholstery weekly classes

"I feel so fortunate that this is the upholstery course that I signed up for (I have been attending for 18 months now). I’d researched others, but was put off by having to stick to a rigid syllabus. Karen’s class, on the other hand, allows you to bring any piece - however difficult or unusual - and work on it with guidance & the extreme expertise that Karen herself offers. Not only is the teaching tailored to students (of any ability), but the group is small (no more than 4) so that Karen can give everyone plenty of individual attention. Karen has tremendous warmth & patience, supporting students in gaining skills, confidence & encouraging their creativity (I love seeing other attendees develope their ideas & projects - I learn from that too). This class is a real pleasure to attend & I can’t rate it highly enough!"

stella cardwell reviewed: Rustic Sign Making Workshop Teesside

"Shelly took her time to make the children welcome.She spent the right amount of time and support for each of my 3 children, enabling them to make wonderful signs. Also to get the right signs for my 10 and 12 year old boys.... music related."

Norman Kelsall reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Chillington Hall

"What a great two day course, as a total beginner to stone carving I was really looking forward to it and was definitely not disappointed. Miranda is a superb teacher and with her gentle nudging and encouragement in the right direction ended the course with a lovely stone carving and a wish to carry on and do more carving. Thank you Miranda."

Anne-Marie reviewed: Rustic Sign Making Workshop Teesside

"I’ve attended several workshops with Shelly over the last 12 months and can honestly say they are amazing! Shelly is very knowledgeable about her craft, and teaches in such an amazing down to earth way that everyone can understand and participate - even my disabled 80year old aunt! I can’t recommend Rustic Wood Design Studio highly enough!! Along with attending workshops I’ve also bought her Crafty Takeaway kits for myself, my kids and to give as gifts. The fun in making your own wooden sign, then proudly displaying it in your home knowing you made that just can’t be beat, much better than just buying one!"

Vicki phelps reviewed: Rustic Sign Making Workshop Teesside

"I attended this class with my 9 yr old step daughter in the school holidays. I enjoyed it just as much as Liv!!! Shelley was fantastic, we both thoroughly enjoyed the sign making and it was brilliant doing something abit different. I’d totally recommend this to adults and children of all ages. I will definitely be going back Well worth every penny!!!!"

Paul corfield reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"My wife booked this course as a Christmas present to me. I had such a great day with jake, the whole day was relaxed and I learnt so much from this very talented blacksmith. The day started with a look around the forge with a coffee then straight to work firstly watching jake demo a poker , then my turn came jake was very informative and clear with instructions giving me confidence with what I was doing. A bit on lunch in a charming bistro around the corner from the forge and back to it. I will certainly recommend this course as it was such a memorable day, Jake is a hugely talented blacksmith and such a down to earth guy who clearly is passionate about his craft and I will be booking another day with him to further my skills as a ‘hobby’ blacksmith."

Kay Muir reviewed: Making a mosaic with slate

"I really enjoyed this workshop. Everthing required was supplied from tools and materials to excellent tuition. I’ve put my name down for another days workshop in May. Even though this was my first time working with slate and tiles, I’m really pleased with my mosaic and I can now plan my next piece. X K"

Jenny C reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"What a fun and creatively productive day. The atmosphere was relaxed and every now and again, it went very quiet while we all concentrated on our woodland creatures as they gradually developed their own character. It has inspired me to find out more about the craft. Would strongly recommend to anyone."

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thanks Jenny, delighted you enjoyed your day so much. I know there's a lot of ground to cover in one day but it was fantastic how you all embraced the techniques and went for it! Dx"

Nora reviewed: Very relaxing – make felt ‘inches’ with Margaret Fulwood

"Just to let you know that I did enjoy this class!"