Latest reviews

Meryl from Gwent reviewed: Embroidery Hanging-"Stitch for the Soul" with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Had a fabulous day. Instruction was brilliant- Julie has lots of patience! Lovely techniques which I'll use again and it was so nice to be able to take home a completed project. Thank you so much Julie- will come again. ps. cake was delicious"

Rob Lindesay reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"Top notch. We came for the one day course a couple of months ago as an anniversary gift for my wife. After a warm welcome from Jason we learnt a lot about types of leather and dye, tools and techniques for working with leather. The hands on aspect was great, and we came away with fantastic items we will get lots of use from. Overall, it was a brilliant day, and we look forward to coming back for the two day course sometime."

Richard Long reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"I spent a great day with Graham Turner and another person being taught how to experience wood turning. I had not done any turning for 45 years but with Graham’s expert tuition and gentle way of explaining I managed to make a very decent cherry wood candle stick holder and then a good ash bowl. In the middle of the day we had a lunch in the sunshine in his garden I can recommend Graham for anybody that wants to try woodturning and gain a lot from the experience. I will most probably enrol of another course with him to make something more intricate next time."

Yvonne Jackson reviewed: Training course in upcycling with pallets. An introduction to making furniture with pallets for beginners

"This was the perfect short course to get me moving from "I could do that" to "I made that". Starting with the basics of sourcing and dismantling your pallet ( with advice on the best tools for the job) through simple construction methods and different wood finishing techniques , Scott and Sue provided comprehensive, practical advice in a supportive, friendly environment. We even learned how to incorporate lighting into a pallet wood project. Over the two days I learned to use both power and hand tools effectively and to try out a host of creative ideas. I also picked up lots of practical woodworking tips. This course opened up a world of potential projects to explore back home and it was great fun. Scott, Sue and Max the Labrador (the black paws behind the name!) were all great company. Highly recommended. Thank you."

Carole H reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"With still glorious weather and the roses just out in Lucy’s garden, we took full advantage with a lovely tea break. Lucy has taught me so much about design since I started visiting her with a small scruffy sheet of paper and very rough drawings. This was another brilliant and productive day and I will have just one more visit to finish my pendant specially intended for me to wear at a wedding."

Tila reviewed: 'Bag in a Day' Practical Leather Course - Mini Bucket bag

"I had a brilliant time making a bag. I didn’t know I could produce such a professional product without previous experience. The instructor was very clear and helpful, yet there was plenty of room to personalise my bag. The day just flowed very naturally and easily yet it was packed full of creative information about the trade. I highly recommend it. Beautiful experience all together."

Paula Barker reviewed: Pembrokeshire Maddie Janes Mosaic

"Nine of us attended Maddie's workshop and unanimously agreed that we had an excellent afternoon - it was a great introduction to the techniques of mosaic making and done most enjoyably in pleasant surroundings. Maddie also took great care with the safety aspects of the process."

Maddie Janes responded:

"Thank you Paula. It was a pleasure."

Caro Hogan reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Brilliant one day course with Lucy yesterday recreating a 3D printed ring in silver. She demonstrated a number of techniques and theory in a simple to understand way and answered all my questions thoughtfully. Lucy gave me an insight into the jewellery making process and made it really accessible and approachable. The location is beautiful, the tuition is excellent. I’ll be returning for another session soon."

Teresa reviewed: Felt making for beginners - learn how to make a beautiful piece of wet felted fabric

"A very enjoyable afternoon, well taught and you come away with a creation you can carry on enjoying!"

jules reviewed: Enamelled jewellery for beginners and improvers - fired glass jewellery techniques

"Really great day with Toni, trying and learning new crafts is great. Toni is great tutor, and hopefully will be returning to do another craft with her, a really laid back day."

Dave Pickering reviewed: An Introduction to Spoon Carving

"This was an excellent day, Ade certainly knows his stuff and was able to explain and show techniques very clearly. The day was relaxing and informative, refreshments and lunch was top notch too. I will be back at some point in the future to raise my game once I have mastered what I was shown on this intro day."

Samantha Lawson reviewed: Oil painting day - In the artist's studio with Laura Andrew - Lincoln

"I had a lovely creative day at the oil & acrylic painting workshop - Laura was very welcoming, friendly and a brilliant tutor - she was always available to give guidance but allowing us freedom too. Laura had prepared various still life setups for us in her gorgeous studio and went through the great range of materials available to us. It was a treat to see Laura's art and to paint in such a calm & beautiful spot overlooking the park. Lunch was great and I really appreciated Laura providing vegan/gluten free options for me. I was travelling by train so Laura offered to post my painting which was very kind; she also followed the course up with useful feedback and details on materials. I came away with a painting I'm proud of but most importantly the course inspired me to get painting again! Thank you Laura!"

Guy Robinson reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"I very much enjoyed this course, and have wanted to do something like this for a very long time. The tutoring was of a very high standard, I really felt the tutors loved and knew what blacksmithing is all about. After some basic exercises, there is plenty of time to work on your own designs. So it is a good idea to think about this before the course! Even whilst I am not very artistic I can say that I'm proud of what I produced on the w/e. Thank you Ambrose, Eamonn and the other students for a good w/e far exceeding any a city break!!!"

Tony Ridley reviewed: A Practical Dry Stone Walling Workshop Central London

"JH provided a good overview of what needed to done how to go about doing it. All the equipment and materials were provided. The majority of the day was taken up with actually building a wall, with JH on hand to oversee progress and offer suggestions / advise on work completed and improvements that could be made. The day was very relaxed whilst being focussed on getting the wall built and the end result looked pretty impressive."

London School of Dry Stone Walling responded:

"Hello Tony - Thank you for your feedback. It was a great active day building, despite the heat. Another requirment being a shade hat and suncream ! The wall was completed and looks a really well engineered feature. I hope you can use the experience for your own garden feature or other building works."

adrian stew reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"My wife and I attended on the 26th of May at Tetbury, lovely location and peaceful. Very relaxed and enjoyable teaching from Dave. Even as a complete novice, there was something for everyone. Group size is ideal which gives very personal attention. Lots of tea and homemade goodies. i'm sure we'll find excuse to return. p.s apologies for the late review"

Sylvia Fogg reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"Excellent workshop! Good fun and surprisingly easy to pick up, -even for a novice-, thanks to Denise’s clear instructions and friendly manner. The pace was just right, my friends and I managed to each create our very own little woodland creature and were able to take home our needles and some additional material, in case we wanted to personalise them even more. (The options are endless!) It was really lovely to meet Denise, who is great company, and the calm, almost serene, workshop environment left me feeling very relaxed."

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you for the fab review Sylvia - the three of you were great fun and the detail on your hare was amazing. Hope to see you again soon. Denise x"

K. Imrie reviewed: Felting and natural dyeing craft holiday in the Highlands of Scotland

"Came from across the pond for the express purpose of taking the May week-long session in dyeing and needle felting and I was not disappointed. Instruction was excellent, as was the accommodation and the wonderfully delicious and nutritious meals. Even the bread was homemade. Week was packed full of activities without being in any way rushed. Very much enjoyed the opportunity to get away from the big city and savour country life. We even went for a day long hike in the ancient pinewoods in Glen Affric. Kudos to Rosie for making this week a holiday to remember!"

Sam reviewed: Pottery course for at home pottery

"Hugely enjoyable ! Something I'd always wanted to try and was bought as a gift for me. Sue and Geri are really friendly and knowledgeable have helped me try new techniques and encouraged and inspired me. I've made lots of different pieces which are functional and it makes me proud to use them. I love coming to Fired Thoughts, always fun and the time flies by!"

Alice Ellis reviewed: Table Loom Weaving Workshop - Dobby & Rose

"I was so excited about spending the morning with Rebecca and having a taster of what loom weaving was like. The workshop did not disappoint! I had a great time and learnt so much. Rebecca patiently walked us through the technicalities of loom weaving (the set up of which is way more complicated than I imagined) and then we had lots of time to get weaving! I would highly recommend this workshop and am now excited to learn more and have another go!!"

Alison Chantrey reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"What a great day! I'd never tried needle felting before. I didn't think there was much chance of producing such a cute animal as Denise had in the images, but it's a testament to her skills in needle felting and teaching that I am now the proud owner of a pretty cool Frankie Fox. It was a really relaxed atmosphere and we had lovely food too. I'm wondering what excuse I can come up with to book another session in soon. Thank you Denise."

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you SO much Alison, I loved how your confidence grew as the day went on, and your fox started to appear to you! He was SO cute. Denise x"

Avril Finnie reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I had a fantastic day yesterday at Lucy’s 1-2-1 tuition workshop. Even though I am a complete beginner I was able to produce a silver ring and earings to a professional quality thanks to Lucy’s tutoring style, expertise and motivational encouragement. I will definitely be going back."

Sarah Hobohm reviewed: Oil painting day - In the artist's studio with Laura Andrew - Lincoln

"The Painting Day was a great experience in the lovely art studio setting. Laura's expertise and encouragement meant that everyone produced a painting and learnt a lot along the way. I have been inspired to continue with art and drawing and would highly recommend the course."

Penny Trinder reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Booked a course for myself and my husband way back in October last year. As Chris is so popular we had to wait till June this year for our days training. We were not disappointed. The forge is in an idyllic countryside setting near to Birmingham and looked just how you would expect a Blacksmith’s workshop to look. Chris is very welcoming with a quiet assured manner. He is young and enthusiastic but also very knowledgeable and patient with newbies. Having never lifted a hammer in anger, let alone held onto red hot metal, under his tutelage I managed to turn out a hand forged keyring that was suprisingly like the example shown. My husband went on to also produce a poker of which he is extremely proud. We would definitely recommend Chris’ course to anyone who wants to have a go at this fascinating craft. You would be amazed at what you can make out of metal and fire."

Lynne Shields reviewed: The Annie Sloan complete chair makeover Workshop at La Di Da Interiors

"Had a smashing day. There were only a few of us as it clashed with the Royal Wedding, but it was a real treat as well as an opportunity to learn a new skill. I will have more respect for the chairs I sit on now I know just how much work goes into making them comfortable. Steph was helpful and knowledgeable and it was lovely to see the old chairs turn into such lovely items."

Lois reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"This is an excellent workshop. Julie is a clear, thorough and patient teacher, a good communicator and a really nice lady! We were six beginners with varying levels of dexterity and confidence, but by the end of the day we had all made really good baskets, and I think we all feel we have learned well enough to carry on the craft at home. There was practical demonstration; lots of hands-on-help;teaching about good,safe practice; discussion of varying styles of basket work and the different willows and how they should be worked. I learned so much, am thrilled with my basket and had a super -fun day. Thank you Julie."