Latest reviews

Nicola Human reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"What I considered would be impossible was, as it turned out, possible. With expert tuition, a guiding hand when needed, patience and a little help when my arthritis played up, I produced a lovely basket to keep logs in. And there was cake and endless cups of tea!"

Jo reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"My first experience of basket weaving was very enjoyable due to the very patient and friendly tutors, Becky and Johnny. Participants had a warm welcome, plenty of cuppas throughout the day, homemade goodies and great tuition....what more could you want? Would highly recommend 👌 "

Ruth reviewed: Mosaic Making in the Cotswolds - a fun day out

"My 13 year old proto-goth niece and I attended this course. We both loved it. We received a warm welcome with lots of tea and coffee. We shared the day with 4 others and quickly became like old friends gathered for a shared purpose. Jennie has an enormous wealth of knowledge and crafting resources. You almost feel daunted when you first start due to the sheer number of options. But with Jennie’s gentle nudges you find yourself making a mosaic (or two) that looks both professional yet uniquely yours. You are at work most of the time, with a break over lunch for drying time. But in the end my niece’s was truly a work of art, the other ladies’ ones were very pretty, mine something I will happily hang on my wall to remember the day I felt artistic :-). I am fairly sure I will book again and take friends with me. I strongly recommend. "

Jolly Super Things responded:

"Thank you so much for your wonderful words Ruth! So glad you both enjoyed the day, what a lovely group and great fun. "

Sara Gomes reviewed: Needle Felting Workshop - landscape pictures

"Thank you Pip for Sara’s course she was so excited when she finished and can’t wait to get started when Sara gets home…"

Pippaluk Crafts responded:

"So glad Sara enjoyed it, I did too."

Glyn reviewed: Cyanotype Prints - the fundamentals and more ...

"A brilliant hands-on day for a beginner! Judy is extremely knowledgeable and made sure we had every opportunity to experience as much cyano typing technique as possible. A really fun packed day full of information, full of hands-on, full of enjoyment with material to take home and precious experience gained from Judy. I thoroughly recommend the course if you can get on it! Judy is a genial and knowledgeable host who makes me very welcome and explains things in detail whilst not assuming any knowledge on your own part. I can thoroughly recommend her as a trainer and she makes great flapjacks."

Judy P. dye - print - weave responded:

"Thank you Glyn, it was a pleasure to work with you and I am so glad you enjoyed the day. Do share how you progress. Judy "

Stuart reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"We both really enjoyed our day with Kate and her husband. Very relaxing in lovely surroundings. Well worth a visit."

Vince reviewed: Cyanotype Prints - the fundamentals and more ...

"Very enjoyable day course, well supported by knowledgeable and encouraging tutor. I learnt the basics and Judy provided a takeaway pack with pre prepared papers which means we can put into practice what we learnt without investing in chemicals. I produced a variety of prints, some more successful than others. Day ended by producing a wet cyanotype print which was a fun, creative way to end the day."

Judy P. dye - print - weave responded:

"Thankyou! It was a pleasure to work with you Vince. Send me photos of your progress! Judy "

Pete Kerr reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"My wife and I booked onto this and had a thoroughly great time! Alex talked us through the various tasks and techniques and had a nice balance between letting us try things and providing support. We made a poker and fire rake, a couple of edgy bottle openers and some door hooks. It's a well set up forge with quality tools and equipment. I was a little worried that it would have been 'health and safety gone mad' but in the end it was very safe but allowing us to get on and make things. The things we managed to make were surprisingly complex for absolute beginners! Thoroughly recommend!"

Bob P reviewed: Wheel Throwing Workshop

"Course was for my wife’s birthday. She loved the course and Kate's approach to teaching. Overall a very enjoyable experience "

Orchard Grange Pottery responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind review! I'm really pleased she enjoyed it and I'll get all the creations fired asap."

Shell & Graham reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"Really Enjoyed this Beginner’s Stone Carving Course today! John, himself a Master Stone Mason, was very knowledgeable and attentive. Neither my husband or I had any experience whatsoever in stone carving and were over the moon that our days achievements were very pleasing on the eye. Thank You John! We had a lovely day and will be purchasing some equipment of our own and having a go. Would defo recommend giving this course a go!!!"

Sculptor John Davey responded:

"Hello Shell and Graham, many thanks for the feedback. I didn't mean to be a hard taskmaster, I will definitely suggest a small break in the afternoon. It is tiring. You both did brilliantly and took on many of the skills for carving your stones. Lettering is really the hardest technique to learn and you both should really be chuffed to what you achieved in such a short time. Looking forward to seeing them painted and in place. Kind regards John."

Jen reviewed: Spinning Wool on a Spinning Wheel - Individual Tuition

"I had a wonderfully fun and productive day with Bec learning how to spin on a wheel. She is a great teacher, very passionate and knowledgeable, and got me spinning in next to no time. I produced my first skein of yarn and left the place feeling elated at how much I had learned, and excited about how much there is still to discover. Meeting the sheep was a pleasure and really helps you to appreciate the whole process. I highly recommend Bec to anyone who wants to learn to spin. "

The Woven Briar Ltd responded:

"Thank you very much Jen - it is always good to spend time with a kindred wool addict and send a new spinner out into the world!"

Emma reviewed: Stained Glass course

"I had a fantastic day with Keith, learning how to make a free form stained glass. I did not really know what to expect but he pushed me to create something beyond my expectations and I'm really proud with what I've come away with. He is really easy to talk with and the day felt relaxed. Thank you for a wonderful experience. "

Antique and Period Glassworks responded:

"Thanks Emma, yes it was a wonderful day, you really done well on every aspect of the process, thanks for the lovely review, keith"

Dawn reviewed: 1-2-1 Practical Leather Tuition & Consultancy with Georgie Tym

"What a fantastic day I had making my own bespoke bag. From creating the pattern to sewing and finally using my gorgeous bag I had the best time. Georgie went through everything, step by step, and nothing was too much trouble especially when I didn't understand things. I would recommend this course to everyone - I am already looking forward to another one!"

Pam Care reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"I attending the candle making course with two Granddaughters and we all came away having had a very enjoyable afternoon. Charlie is very knowledgeable and passes on info in a friendly and relaxed way. She coped with the added difficulty of the loss of power to the studio calmly. I would love to do further courses -perhaps one of the Christmas ones. "

Fraser Henderson reviewed: Make a spindle-back chair

"Fantastic weeks course. Not only made a chair but learnt so many skills I can use again. Peters really is the best teacher, the location is so tranquil so I dont know how he could improve the course, it has everything and more than I was expecting. "

Green Ash Chairs responded:

"Thanks Fraser, so glad you enjoyed the course!"

Fiona reviewed: Silver Clay - Beginners Jewellery Workshop

"Thoroughly enjoyed this course - the workshop is extremely well equipped with new equipment and plenty of space (and light) for small groups. Claire is thorough in explanations and has great imaginative and creative ideas - would definitely recommend the beginners course and would go again, I’ve got the bug! "

Halton Village Silver responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review, it was a pleasure to have you in the workshop. "

Annabel Hathaway reviewed: Beginners 2 sterling silver stacking rings jewellery course

"Amazing course. Sarah was such a good teacher. My daughter and I had a brilliant time."

Sarah Madsen Jewellery responded:

"Thank you Annabel! So lovely to teach you both😊."

Kate reviewed: Silver Stacking Rings Workshop 2024

"What a great course! Me and my 14 year old nephew left really pleased and with a real sense of achievement."

The Courtyard Workshop responded:

"Was lovely to meet you both and honoured you came so far for my workshop!! Welcome back anytime, enjoy your rings. Nikki "

Caitlin reviewed: 1hr Potter's Wheel Heskin, Chorley

"The course was such a fun experience and the instructor explained everything so clearly. There was the perfect amount of guidance offered alongside using the pottery wheel alone. The instructor offered plenty encouragement too ~ brilliant if it’s your first time haha."

The Crafty potter responded:

"Thanks for your lovely review Caitlin. You did brill xx"

Steve Levick reviewed: Introduction to Woodturning - Full Day

"A master of his craft and a natural tutor, Rick has produced an exceptional craft course. I enjoyed every second and learned much. My confidence in wood turning developed under his expert guidance and has increased exponentially. After a few months of practice I shall certainly be returning to Rick to learn more and develop further in this captivating craft"

Rick Dobney Woodturning responded:

"Thank you very much for your generous comments Steve, they are very much appreciated. I look forward to welcoming you back to take your turning to the next level. All the best Rick "

Paul S reviewed: Half Day Introductory Woodturning Course for 1 or 2 people near Salisbury Wiltshire

"Absolutely cracking afternoon with George who helped me with my own as yet unused lathe, was more than generous with his time, expertise, business experience and wood supply. Thank you so much. Absolutely recommend!"

Anthea reviewed: Spoon carving in the woods

"This was a really relaxing course to do with friends. We loved the mindfulness element. Suz was a great teacher. My only thought is we could have done with an extra 30 mins to allow for a short lunch break and to make maximum use of the tools provided to complete the spoon on site. Or maybe we were just slow workers ! The sanding is easy to do at home. "

Jane Barrell reviewed: Spoon Carving in the Woods - Beginner Green Woodworking course

"Bought for my husband and he really enjoyed the experience. Good tuition and good company."

Laurence reviewed: Router Day Class

"Really informative and enjoyable day. Received helpful tips and info on other tools during the day. Many thanks."

Lisa Fleming reviewed: Stained glass taster day in Worcestershire

"I had the most wonderful day with Vicky and thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. Vicky is the most wonderful and patient teacher and I came away from the day with a stained glass panel I am proud to display in my home. I had absolutely no prior experience but Vicky guided me through the whole process so well - and a lovely lunch too! Thank you so much Vicky."

Kingcot Gallery responded:

"Dear Lisa OK, I'm definitely blushing...... Thank you for your kind words, they are appreciated, so pleased you enjoyed the day and the panel won't be in the cupboard under the stairs! All the best Vicky"