Latest reviews

Camilla reviewed: Make a Windsor chair using traditional green wood working techniques

"I spent the most magical week in Wernog Wood and came away with a gorgeous handmade chair which is comfortable as well as pretty! I feel restored and reconnected with my creative core. Thank you to Claire and Rob for their generous, relaxed and fun hospitality, and to Ben for his good-humoured, expert tuition. Put me down for the next one!"

James Acworth reviewed: Make a Windsor chair using traditional green wood working techniques

"A fantastic slice of nature’s offerings in the Welsh countryside - a perfect mix of hills, woodland, meadow and stream all in very close vicinity. Claire and Rob made us all very welcome, and kept us more than well fed and watered. The chairmaking course was a complete detox from a life over-burdened with electronics and mechanical tricks that ‘save’ us the bother, and true joy of hand crafting something as simple as a chair. There are easier and cheaper ways of adding a chair to the household inventory but most definitely none so satisfying. All under the very attentive eye and encouraging words of Ben Willis.' - James"

Ryan Loader reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"Stephen was a really nice guy and is very knowledgable. The class had quite a meditative spin and made for a pleasant morning! My spoon didn't end up being anything special, I didn't even get to hollowing out the bowl, but I really enjoyed myself and it was great to learn some new skills. The work does get quite tiring, but if you aren't very strong Stephen had other strategies for carving that were a little easier on the arms. Can't recommend this enough if you're looking to try something a little bit different."

Mikum reviewed: Virtual Creative Gift Wrapping Workshop via Zoom

"I attended the gift wrapping workshop in December 2018. We were a team of 5. We had so much fun learning various techniques of gift wrapping and also made some stunning bows. The tutor was fantastic. She was patient and made the class really interactive. I would always recommend her."

Zoliab Craft & Gift Wrapping Academy responded:

"Thanks for your review. I am glad that you and your team had fun. I hope to see yoj again soon."

TREENA HESTER reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"My good friend and I attended Denise’s needle felting workshop yesterday. It was such a good day. I enjoyed every minute. I’ve never done anything like it before. Denise was great at explaining everything step by step and we both made the most amazing felted hare. I really can’t believe that I actually made such a lovely little character. We’ve been busy today checking out the next class that we can attend.... I can’t wait. Thank you Denise."

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you so much Treena! I'm really looking forward to seeing you both again, and meeting your little foxes! A world of needle felting awaits you! Dx"

Ade reviewed: Virtual Creative Gift Wrapping Workshop via Zoom

"Perfect teaching. I recommend this workshop to everyone that wants to learn creative techniques of gift wrapping."

Zoliab Craft & Gift Wrapping Academy responded:

"Thanks Ade for your review and thanks for your recommendation."

Simone Chester reviewed: Painting and Drawing one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"Penny's lovely gentle, manner put me immediately at ease and so I relaxed and learned loads in the warmth of the beautiful Home Studio. There was a lovely group as keen as me to learn as much as possible and Penny guided us effortlessly through lots of practical exercises, gems of techniques and tips, small nuggets you only get from a seasoned, patient and confident teacher. It was a joy to be part of and yes the soup was marvellous, Thank you, Penny. I will coming back to learn more."

Judi Duffy reviewed: Pet Portraits in Pastel

"My husband and I had such a lovely day. Gaynor was very knowledgeable and happy to help us. She started from scratch and gave us step by step guidance to produce final pictures which we were absolutely delighted with. I feel whether you have talent or not, Gaynor will draw out your inner artist. My husband, although artistic, hasn't taken up a pencil in 25 years, but he created such a magnificent piece of work that I feel he will continue with this very therapeutic pastime. Thank you Gaynor."

Lynn Brindle reviewed: Raise your own silver whisky tumbler, three day course

"This course was perfect to work through the process of raising a piece of silver. I had experience of making jewellery in silver but none of the specific skills of silver smithing. I have read how to raise a piece of silver but felt I needed a dedicated course to work though the process. This course was just what I was looking for. Charlotte is a very good tutor, with clear demonstrations on what to do and providing clear advice and guidance as we worked our own piece. The whole experience was very enjoyable as well as educational and I came away with my own worked silver cup, which I'm really pleased with."

Lynn Gonen reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"Spent a very enjoyable morning learning how to make a wooden spoon. It was very relaxing and a lot of fun. Stephen is very passionate and inspiring about his craft, as well as very welcoming with a cup of tea and shortbread biscuits."

LINDA FARRAR reviewed: Group Soap-making Workshop - Soapology Studio - Nottinghamshire

"A Great days course. Emma is very knowledgeable and passionate about her work. She made learning so enjoyably and easy. I learnt so much and came away with some lovely soap of my own making.? Great company, Great food, Great products. An excellent, value for money course. I would highly rate and recommend this company Congratulation to Emma and Richard for what they have achieved."

Debbie BROWNING reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Fantastic day creating two knives with our two boys along to help out where they could too. So happy with the result and have used it in the kitchen already - something to keep for a lifetime! We all loved the forging part hammering on the anvil, by the afternoon we were all a little tired but had lots of help on hand with the belt sanders and sharpening process. Would highly recommend if you are interested in forging and creating something unique to keep forever."

Debbie BROWNING reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"Fantastic day creating two knives with our two boys along to help out where they could too. So happy with the result and have used it in the kitchen already - something to keep for a lifetime! We all loved the forging part hammering on the anvil, by the afternoon we were all a little tired but had lots of help on hand with the belt sanders and sharpening process. Would highly recommend if you are interested in forging and creating something unique to keep forever."

Alexandra reviewed: Inspired by Nature II

"I attended a previous natural dye workshop of Sabrina's and it was incredible - we created some beautiful shades of colour simply from onion skins, avocado stones and pomegranate skins! Was very impressed by the beauty and range of colours that plants & nature can produce with different fabrics - even using iron nails to create patterns! Sabrina was so knowledgeable on all matters natural and environmental - who knew that certain dyes & fabrics could be naturally UV resistant and even healing! Would definitely recommend this course to beginners and more experienced artists/crafters alike."

Julia reviewed: Introduction to herbal medicine - weekend courses

"What a great course this was (October 2018)! Looking forward to booking the next one in the summer. Since attending the course I have made my own handcreams and ointments which my husband loves after a day working in the woods. Well worthwhile and I'll always have Christmas and birthday presents covered now! Also made some great friends ;)"

Ceri Harris reviewed: Soy wax container candle making workshop - morning

"Great fun! Really enjoyed it. I'm delighted with my candles, my kitchen smells wonderful and I cannot wait to light them this evening!! I also bought a kit from Lindsey and I am looking forward to making more at home. Venue was great with parking on site. Biscuits were naughty but very nice!! Thank you Lindsey!!!"

Fran reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"I absolutely loved the one-day leather workshop and was thrilled with the items I made. Rosanna was an excellent teacher, very patient and encouraging. I feel inspired to continue with this hobby and will definitely come back to learn how to make a bag!"

Bianca Pardhy-Avis reviewed: Spoon carving course - from log to spoon with Jeffrey Hart

"I so enjoyed my day learning to carve spoons with Jeffrey. He is an intuitive and knowledgeable tutor, and the whole course was really well thought out in terms of learning the theory and the skills, then loosing oneself in the process. Warning: Spoon carving is ADDICTIVE! I found it so hard to put down my spoon and go for a tea break - just one more knife stroke!! I would recommend doing this course to anyone. It was a wonderful way to spend a day, Jeffrey made it really fun and interesting, and remained cool calm and collected in the presence of many sharp objects in the hands of amateurs. I've now got some tools of my own and can't wait to build my collection of me-made spoons."

Theresa Peaden reviewed: Mosaic class

"I have attended 2 of Dawn's mosaic courses currently and have absolutely loved them both. Dawn is great and an excellent mosaic teacher and hostess. Dawn is there constantly on hand with tips and advice and also lots of tea/coffee and cake, then delicious homemade soup for lunch. It is a very relaxing day and i look forwards very much to attending and loving another course soon! Thanks Dawn xxxxx"

Jigsaw Mosaics responded:

"Thank you Theresa! My pleasure, you are a natural ??"

Trail423653 reviewed: Silver Jewellery - Ring Making

"Had a very enjoyable day on this course. Jenny was a very patient teacher and I was very pleased with my beautiful silver ring. This was the third course my friend and I have done at The Little Craftery and we would highly recommend the courses to others."

Jim Burley reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Absolutely excellent day. I booked this for myself as it's always something I've wanted to do for. Adrian took us through everything step by step, plenty of support throughout the day. It's honestly one of the best days I've spent in a long time and I feel like I learned so much, I'm certainly going to go on another of their courses to learn more. I really can't recommend this enough, the whole team there is so nice and friendly and really make it a special day. I know lots of other people have said but the food really is first class!"

Samantha reviewed: One to One Silver Jewellery Tuition

"I bought this experience for my mother-in-law and daughter for Christmas, so Jonathan had 3 generations in his Workshop! It was a great day, even more than I hoped for. Jonathan is a real delight so informative and a real good teacher/instructor. All credit to him for allowing each of us to work on bringing to life a piece of jewellery we imagined. The coffee flowed all day and I now have the recipe for the fabulous ginger biscuits, yum. Thank you for your patience and trust in us as novices."

yvonnecampbell@live.co.uk reviewed: Mosaic class

"I had a fab day, came home with my first ever mosaic and lots of insperation to carry on myself. Dawn had lots of time for the group as individuals. Unlimited tea coffee, with home made cake and home made soup for lunch, we were made to feel at home. I would recomend this class to anyone, it was well worth the money."

Jigsaw Mosaics responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review, it was a pleasure to meet you. Happy mosaicing!"

Becky Marsh reviewed: Photography Days

"What a great gift! Richard and Sue gave me a relaxed, friendly welcome and put me at ease from the very beginning, and after a good cuppa we headed straight out to a snowy Ullswater. I love taking pictures, but lacked the confidence to use my manual settings and never felt I could use my DSLR to its best capacity. They were very knowledgeable, and guided me on using manual settings, editing software and lighting. They tailor made the day to suit my level. Come home time I didn't want to head home to Manchester, but stayed out for a few hours to catch a glorious sunset and tested out my newly discovered skills! My confidence has increased and I can already see the results in my photographs. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who loves taking pictures."

Art by Camera responded:

"Thank you, Becky, we would love to hear how you get on with the wedding shoot later in the year. In the meantime, have fun with your camera!"