Latest reviews

Theresa George reviewed: Make a Christmas Wreath

"Spent a lovely afternoon making my Christmas wreath with great guidance from Marie. I now have it hanging on my door and it looks far more beautiful than I imagined anything I could make would be! Mince pies and mulled wine, along with Christmassy music playing in the background, just added to the festive feeling."

Toby James Crutchley reviewed: Improvers Rigid Heddle weaving at All in a spin

"It was great to be back for another day of learning with Dunja at her studio. It’s such a great atmosphere to learn in and Dunja explains things really well. It was great to understand the basics of using a pickup stick and be led through the various patterns that can be made. I’m really pleased with the sampler I made and it is already making me think about my next project using pick up sticks. I have come away from the day with renewed confidence in my weaving."

Sara reviewed: Candlemaking for Beginners

"Spent a brilliant morning learning all about different techniques and materials for making candles in Rob's wonderful workshop. We poured, sniffed, scented, coloured, moulded and dipped, coming away with a selection of very smart candles. Rob answered all the design, technical and marketing questions we fired at him, and has inspired my teenage son to get making in order to fundraise for a school trip. The perfect introduction to a new craft. Thank you for your generosity and hospitality, Rob, we had a fantastic time."

The Wax Studio responded:

"Hi Sara - thank you for your kind review. It was great to have you both on the course. I hope Max is able to use his new skills to raise some money for his challenge. Best wishes Rob"

Selina reviewed: ‘Winter dream ' wool painting face-to-face textile art course in Worcestershire

"Spent a wonderful day at Raya's Magic Wool Studio creating the 'Robin in Snow Drops' wool painting. This was a new technique for me which I thoroughly enjoyed. Raya is a patient teacher who is generous with her knowledge of this creative craft I would recommend anyone attending Raya's workshops as you will have a lovely day and a take home a piece of art you can be proud of!"

John reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Nigel is what I can only describe as a true craftsman - upholding all that is true to his craft and art. He has a breadth of knowledge spanning decades drawn from a lifetimes work of creating and problem solving. He not only knows how to creat wonderful work but also how it should be made - what materials are best suited to a particular application. He's also a tool maker - while I was on one of his extremely popular and I might add very entertaining courses he showed me many custom made jigs, tools and processes he has developed over the years. He takes a real delight in show and explaining how things are done and why different types of steel work in different ways. If your looking for an introduction or something more advanced don’t hesitate to book a day. His workshop is an Aladdin’s cave of light and heavy machines where anything is possible."

Jane reviewed: Greenwood carving at Sallerton Wood

"Although I've completed quite a number of greenwood projects in the past, I've done very little carving and was a little unsure how I'd get on. It proved to be the perfect way to learn the techniques of carving and how to make use of the different gouges and come away with something useful and to be proud of at the end of the two days. Most of all I enjoyed creating my Kuksa right from square one; from log form and using super-sharp hand tools in the peaceful woodland surroundings that Sallerton Wood offers, which made carving far easier and more enjoyable than I imagined!"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you, Jane, for posting that review, and we're glad to hear that you enjoyed the Kuksa carving. We look forward to seeing you again at Sallerton Wood in the future."

Daniel reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"I had an excellent day learning throwing from Mathew. His relaxed hands-on style really helped me to pick up the techniques involved in throwing. This was my first experience on a potter's wheel. Mathew taught me how to throw bowls & jugs. He gave me leeway and choices to impact the design of the final pieces as well, which gives a much more personal feel to the output. I'd recommend Mathew's course to anyone who wants to learn how to throw. I'd do it again tomorrow!"

Pauline Princy John reviewed: Candle making with afternoon tea

"Really enjoyed the course with Tracey . Had a very good company on that day so was very relaxing . I am glad that I have learnt a new craft and going to pursue it as a hobby. Tracey was very supportive and helpful"

Kate Offer reviewed: Pottery throwing workshop Saturdays or Sundays

"A really fabulous afternoon. Great fun and great results too! I couldn't recommend more highly :-)"

George Paton reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"This was a first class course delivered by Dave Crockett, who has a relaxed teaching manner. The course syllabus covered all aspects of basic spoon carving, together with the appropriate safety and axe and tool techniques. The course make-up had various experience levels, but Dave was able to offer advice for all to follow precisely. He was very aware of the pace and timings, insisting on breaks were necessary. This course has furnished me with the appropriate information and skills for me to confidently produce a good level of carving. Many thanks Dave."

Bev reviewed: An Introduction to Lino Cut Printing at Old Bank Studios

"Really well run. I loved it, so great to walk away with a finished piece, so much fun. Lovely company and the food from Bev and Nigel was outstanding. Amazing !!!!! ❤️"

Linda reviewed: An Introduction to Lino Cut Printing at Old Bank Studios

"A huge amount of fun - and very instructive too. Really nice group - excellent tutor. Can’t wait for the next one! Food wonderful - as always. Facilities and location great. Website very informative and easy even for a tech dinosaur like me."

S. Wilson reviewed: An Introduction to Lino Cut Printing at Old Bank Studios

"Great day, well informed, great food."

Jill reviewed: An Introduction to Lino Cut Printing at Old Bank Studios

"Another enjoyable and instructive day with Helen. Everyone obviously enjoyed the excitement of their final results. Excellent food as usual and warm welcome from Bev and Nigel"

Dave reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"Thank you for a very interesting day in a great setting. The course provided an excellent introduction to the different types of leather and variety of tools. Best of all we came away with handmade coin and card holders which we made ourselves!"

Sian reviewed: Christmas Wreath and Willow Decorations at Old Bank Studios

"Thoroughly enjoyed! Great variety of activities, got to make a beautiful wreath."

Kate reviewed: Christmas Wreath and Willow Decorations at Old Bank Studios

"Wonderful tuition, great food and fab wreaths, wicker star and tree to take home as well."

Susan reviewed: Christmas Wreath and Willow Decorations at Old Bank Studios

"I really enjoyed the workshop, Jo provided excellent demos and was very helpful and thought out the day. Got to take home a lovely wreath. Excellent food and facilities."

Jacqui Sheppard reviewed: Christmas Wreath and Willow Decorations at Old Bank Studios

"Good demonstration, worked at our own pace, super venue excellent food."

Jackie gray reviewed: Christmas Wreath and Willow Decorations at Old Bank Studios

"Great fun, feel very proud of the wreath I produced, a great way to spend the day."

Andrea Rimmington reviewed: Improvers Rigid Heddle weaving at All in a spin

"Great workshop. Enjoyed further guidance about the right way to warp the loom. And then getting started and learning how the pickup stick(s) creates a pattern on the surface of the weave. Worked through a variety of patterns and created a nice sampler which might end up as an unusual style scarf, but will definitely always be a great memory aid for the different pickup stick patterns. Loved being back at All in a Spin. A wonderful venue for learning this fascinating skill. Dunja (the tutor) is an excellent guide and really makes the students feel welcome. Plus she’s great at building confidence. An all round great day and an excellent early Christmas gift."

Lisa D reviewed: Pewter pendant and keyring making at Manchester Craft and Design Centre

"Ella is a fantastic teacher. She knows how to set you at your ease, tells you just enough without overwhelming you in details, and then proceeds to check in with everyone individually to make sure you're ok. She makes the whole pewter process seem so easy and highly rewarding. I wouldn't hesitate to book with her again."

Michele Etherton reviewed: Monday Stained Glass (Daytime)

"A great opportunity to learn new skills in a friendly welcoming environment always a cup of tea/coffee and biscuits available. Nice likeminded interesting people to chat with and a chance to try different techniques with glass. Well worth a visit."

Believe Kelly reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Fantastic day. Lots of fun and beautiful items. Thank you Beki"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Hoping you are still enjoying your hand made jewellery. Well done, and thank you. Jonathan"

Mhairi & Iain reviewed: Nordic wood craft

"What an absolutely fantastic course! Spent the day learning a lot from Tom while making a traditional kuksa. From the very start Tom made us feel at home, as if we were working in our own back garden. He imparted his extensive knowledge and experience in a kind and relaxed manner, giving detailed instruction but balanced with enough room to work away at our own pace. A delicious homemade lunch and many welcome hot drinks were provided throughout the day. Thanks to Tom for a brilliant day!"