Latest reviews

Elaine Gardner reviewed: Warp your table loom

"I did this course with Jeremy and enjoyed it very much. He helped me to gain confidence in warping a loom and did a lot of work in calculating the warp and designing a pattern for me to weave. I would encourage any new weavers or those needing a refresher to go to him for a course. He is a very patient tutor. Thank you Jeremy."

Sue Green reviewed: Tailor made workshop, 6th August - The First Cut - lino cutting for beginners & rusty printmakers

"Absolutely 1st rate workshop. Can't recommend Liz & this workshop highly enough. We had an amazing day in Carsington. Felt like we made great use of the time and both me & my friend achieved decent prints in our 1st ever lino cutting & printing workshop. This was largely due to Liz's expert guidance and assistance. All in all, a really lovely & unforgettable day, thank you so much x"

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Sue, Thank you so much for your kind words - I’m a bit overwhelmed and have a very smiley face! I love running workshops, sharing processes that inspire me and helping makers on their creative journeys. Your comments make it so worthwhile. Thank you again and happy making. Liz Wellby"

Leo reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Had a great time on the box making course! The weekend was planned really well with Mark, the expert, on hand to guide at every step. Really well run and will be looking at more courses in the future! "

Vicky H reviewed: Silver clay 2 day course for beginners - Lori Ridgway

"What an amazing course this was, Lori throughout both days taught the skills and methods in a clear and supportive manner and was full of incredible tips about how to reproduce them at home with the minimum cost of equipment, so enthusiastic and encouraging for people to take this up independently without expecting repeat visits- which I will be doing in the near future to gain more insightful knowledge and benefit from her wealth of experience. I had a thoroughly enjoyable 2 days away from the stresses of everyday life in a productive, professional and fun environment. I can highly recommend this course without hesitation. It was amazing! Thank you Lori for a fabulous 2 days!"

Sheila reviewed: Make a spindle-back chair

"This course more than lived up to what I could have expected. With Peter’s supervision and assistance, I was able to take home a chair after 5 days. I still wonder at what we started with and my mind boggles at the intricacies of bringing all the components together. I am calling it “precision chairgineering” 😊! The lunches were delicious and the sweet treats at tea breaks were very much appreciated too, all in a disused quarry which provided a natural and peaceful setting - far from the madding crowd! I can’t think of many better ways to spend a week. "

Green Ash Chairs responded:

"Thanks Sheila, glad you enjoyed the course and took away a beautiful chair. I hope it serves you well!"

Oswald reviewed: Spoon carving taster session

"Had a great time today at Dave’s Wooden Spoon carving course. A real eye opener into the world of spoon carving and making, to take a block of wood to a spoon in three hours is so therapeutic, as well as being really good fun. No experience needed and thankfully the wood became a spoon with a bit of time and patience! A great great course! "

Carolyn Green reviewed: Make a paper lampshade from a your own paper collage design

"My daughter Abi and I spent a lovely half day at Ros’ house creating beautiful lampshades and eating delicious cake!! Ros is a talented artist, who facilitated the workshop well 😊"

Papershades responded:

"So delighted to hear you enjoyed the workshop. It was a great morning and lovely to meet you. "

Robert Turner reviewed: Make a traditional bent stick chair

"Excellent- a really great course, and a delightful way to spend a weekend"

Margaret reviewed: Landscape art 10-week interactive online course with live tuition

"This landscape art course exceeded my expectations. The instructor breaks down complex techniques into easy-to-follow steps, with an opportunity to ask questions during her art demonstrations. I particularly enjoyed working with water brushes and fineliners. The video quality is excellent, and the pace is just right. I feel much more confident in my skills now and have already seen improvement in my work. Highly recommend!"

Magic Wool Art and Craft Studio responded:

"Dear Margaret Thank you for your review. I am so glad that my course helped you improve your art skills. Really pleased with your results. Well done! Look forward to teaching you again in October. "

Helen reviewed: Fused glass make at home glass heart kit by Twice Fired

"I bought three kits to make with friends and we were all absolutely delighted with the mix of colours of glass that Kate included. Love the fact that there is no wastage as everything gets returned and re-used. We spent a lovely afternoon together creating our hearts and were thrilled with the results. I have since made further purchases of different kits from Kate's Etsy shop. Definitely recommend."

Amelia reviewed: Glass fusing workshop with Chan Foy

"Bought as a gift for my mother's birthday; she went with my dad and they both enjoyed it and are very excited to see their creations! Would recommend!"

Stockport Glass Fusing responded:

"I Love what they made, makes me smile:) A great gift x"

Sally hawksworth reviewed: Wet Felted Autumn Woodland

"Great day, excellent teacher, well organised. Would recommend."

Karen Stewart Textiles responded:

"Thank you very much Sally. I had a lovely day too and really enjoyed meeting you and your sister. You were excellent students and very talented artists. Do keep up your felting! :-) I hope to see you again some time. "

Kim & Leonie reviewed: Beginners Silver Jewellery Course

"If you like jewellery this is the course for you! We learned so much about the process of jewellery making, and have a new found respect for the makers. Terry was so informative, and helpful especially to those of us that needed a little extra.. We came away with several pieces of individually designed silverware feeling very much like we had achieved so much more than expected. Would highly recommend. "

Dandelion Silver responded:

"Thanks Kim. Means a great deal to us when students have a good experience. Hope to see you again sometime. Regards Mark"

Denice James reviewed: Beginners Copper Bowl Making

"I had a great time with Emily. Her instructions were clear. Her enthusiasm for what she does shines through and I would not hesitate to recommend her workshops. I love my bowl and I learnt so much from her. "

The Metalsmith responded:

"Thank you so much for this lovely review, Denice! It was lovely to meet you and spend the time with you! I'm so glad you had such a good time!"

David Kightley reviewed: Tinsmithing Workshop - One Day

"I really enjoyed the tinsmithing course. John was very good at explaining everything about measuring, cutting etc. Gave everyone the confidence to carry out all the different processes. He is very passionate and knowledgeable about his craft. I have been on a few courses at Stanwick Lakes, and have enjoyed them all. The staff at Stanwick lakes are very helpful, making sure we had water, tea etc. Also taking people's food orders for lunch. I will be booking for another course at some point. "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are very pleased that you enjoyed the workshop and look forward to seeing you here again at Stanwick Lakes in the future. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team. "

Siân Evans reviewed: Tinsmithing Workshop - One Day

"I spent a wonderful day with tinsmith John Wills, learning about the basic steps of this traditional craft. John is an excellent tutor – warm, good-humoured and incredibly knowledgeable. As well as taking the group through the techniques of cutting, hammering and seaming, he told us all about the interesting history of the trade. By the end of the session, all members of the group were able to take home the objects they had made, as well as a handout covering the subjects they had learnt about. This is a first-rate course, and I would highly recommend it."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review. It is very much appreciated. We are very pleased that you enjoyed the workshop and do hope to see you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Hazel reviewed: Two day jewellery making with silver precious metal clay - the basics

"Would highly recommend this course. We were thrilled by the finished pieces and really enjoyed the knowledgeable and friendly instructions that I feel gave an excellent introduction to the basics. I am not a natural 'crafter' but having admired the beautiful jewellery produced by Sumersata Designs at a local show and being told about precious metal clay I was inspired to have a go and I am so glad I did. Thank you Jan and Pauline for making us feel so welcome, being so generous with your time and skills and making this such an enjoyable learning experience."

Sumersata designs responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Hazel. It was pleasure to meet you both and to help you learn to use precious metal clay to make some beautiful jewellery. We look forward to seeing you again on another of our courses. "

Julia reviewed: Beginners needle felted seascapes

"I have definitely found a new hobby! I found it very therapeutic and relaxing. Rebecca gave us an intro to needle felting and provided lots of ideas on what picture to create, in a very helpful way. She was always on hand to offer help and advice and show us techniques to help us to improve our pictures. I would recommend this course. "

Kevin Forth reviewed: Beginners Knife Forging Day

"Fantastic course - beginners knife making. Alex is great, very relaxed, very thorough and very knowledgeable! I had an idea of the knife I wanted to make and it was made with Alex's guidance at each step of the process. Although slightly different to the knife I set out to make, my knife changed through the process of making my original idea and that's part of the beauty of hand making something - it's even better than what I had in mind! I would definitely recommend Alex, Hammer and hound and I will be back to make something equally awesome!"

Kathryn reviewed: Needle Felting for Beginners with Alyson Merrall at Vitreus Art

"I had a great afternoon yesterday - I'd never tried needle-felting before so was pleased by the end that I'd actually managed to create a fox! The session was really enjoyable and we were looked after really well. Thanks to all involved. "

Vitreus Art responded:

"Thanks for your review Kathryn - we’re glad you had fun! KR Jenny"

Lisa S reviewed: Introduction to Linocut, Bespoke Workshop For Three People

"Fantastic day with Gerry learning about linocut printing. We all really enjoyed the day and came away with some beautiful prints. Gerry is a great tutor, very knowledgeable and guiding us through the day at a good pace & was helpful with the creative side for the non-creative! I'd really recommend doing a course with Gerry"

Gerry Coles Prints responded:

"Hi Lisa Thank you so much for leaving me such a great review. I’m so pleased you had a good time and the prints you made were awesome! Best wishes Gerry"

Robyn reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"We really enjoyed the lesson with Chris!! He was a great teacher, very patient and thorough. Can’t wait to pick up our bowls! We hope to do more!!"

Chris Greening Pottery responded:

"Hi Robyn, Lovely to meet you and Charlotte yesterday and really pleased you enjoyed the session; you made and decorated some lovely pots. These are now drying nicely on the shelves and should be with you in a few weeks time; I'll be in contact to let you know when they are ready to collect. Best wishes, Chris."

Alison M reviewed: Beekeeper For A Day (full day experience)

"Had a wonderful day with Dafydd and Dawn . A very informative and hands on course from two very friendly, passionate and welcoming people. Would strongly recommend going on this day course whether you just want to learn more about bees or if you intend to keep bees."

Emma reviewed: Morning Creative Weaving 2 hour Taster Workshop - flexible timing

"Thank you for a great experience, loved learning new things "

Illuminating Weaves responded:

"It was great having you at the studio. 😀"

Paula P reviewed: Willow Random Weave baskets for Garden trugs for foraging

"Alison planned and delivered a wonderful Random Weave Basket workshop. Not only meeting our craft needs throughout the day, but additionally provided homemade bakes, beverage selections and served the most incredible lunch consisting of a variety of wholesome, hearty dishes. Her care and attention to detail in the preparation for our visit - which is clear was important to her - had a real holistic approach which made our experience truly unique. As newbies to the craft, starting our baskets was so exciting! We really enjoyed learning how to try to get the willow to form into a basket and skills to create beautiful patterns for example called 'God's Eye'. Alison was constantly at hand to give demos, support and advice throughout the workshop. By the end of the day, we were blown away by the way what we'd been taught and what we'd made had come together to form our BASKETS! Very Happy. Alison's lovely, calm approach to this craft was really helpful during tricky, crafty moments and she had an abundance of patience, knowledge and encouragement to give. We would highly recommend Alison as a provider and look forward to a time we could visit again."

Welig responded:

"Thank you Paula and Sue. What a great day we had, I am so pleased you both enjoyed it. I am sure you will make good use of your random weave baskets for years to come. You would be welcome back at The Barn any time. Kind regards Alison"