Latest reviews

sarah orme reviewed: Stained Glass and Piqueassiette Mosaics Courses at Blue Sky Mosaics in Aberdeenshire Scotland.

"i was new to mosaics and Ann and Will made me very welcome . I learnt many skills to complete a table on a two day course. Ann gives just the right amount of teaching and shares her knowledge perfectly. I learnt so much on this course that I have been able to continue with this craft at home. I have returned since the course to purchase glass. It was so good to catch up with them both and to be inspired to carry on. I really recommend going on a course."

Asli reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"Excellent course! We spent the day making 2 beautiful oak stools. Ian welcomed us warmly and is an absolute gem! What a wonderful person and craftsman. He is passionate about his craft and is a great human being. We have left his workshop inspired and are grateful to have our furniture as a memory for this day! Thank you so much Ian."

Paul Burry reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"A wonderful trip through the medium of green wood furniture making. There seems to be a lot to do in two days but with Peter's constant support and step by step explanation of the tools and processes, we all completed the course with finished pieces of furniture to be proud of. I must do another course, I'm sure that I could do better next time !"

Lucy Rodd reviewed: Table Loom Weaving Workshop - Dobby & Rose

"Had a fantastic morning with Rebecca learning some of the basics of loom weaving. Rebecca was very patient with the many questions I had. The course was very flexible allowing my friend and I to explore and create in our own directions but offering us guidance when we needed it. Thoroughly enjoyable and very relaxing."

Diane Saunders reviewed: Micro Macrame - Beaded Bracelet

"Cute little craft shop, run by a patient lady. I was a bit wary of trying something new but I thoroughly enjoyed it, and Wendy was eager to explain and help as we worked. I am pleased with my bracelet and it has taught me a new craft which always opens up new ideas for me. I look forward to attending more classes. Thank you Wendy x"

Sara reviewed: Introduction to Block Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"This was a fabulous workshop and ideal for both beginners and those with some experience. The group size was small enough to quickly make friends and gain confidence, and it was lovely to be excited about every print that was revealed by each group member. Judith was brilliant at instruction and at making suggestions, as well as encouraging us to experiment with paper, ink, and other background media. The coach house was a good venue with good facilities. I would definitely recommend this course."

Jackie Lewis reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"Very enjoyable two day course - the time flies. Jo teaches traditional techniques and her advice and expertise is invaluable. I learnt so much but Jo also gives you the confidence to go on to tackle further projects at home. I did four dining chair seats but was able to see and learn from others who were doing more ambitious projects. Absolutely recommend this course, thank you."

Susie reviewed: Natural Dyeing & Eco-printing, Highlands, Scotland

"This was a thoroughly inspiring and enjoyable course. Rosie is a superb teacher and I gained the confidence to start natural dyeing myself. The lunches were excellent and the environment beautiful. I will definitely return for other courses in this little piece of fibre-y heaven!"

Maria Tuffs reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"What a fun two days! Jo was an excellent tutor. Advising where necessary and overseeing that instructions were being carried out. I stripped the chair prior to attending the course. I had taken my top cover fabric with me, but all other materials were provided along with tools to carry out the work. The chair was an ambitious project but Jo guided me through the basics with patience, and I will finish the project at home. There were seven of us in the group, ladies and a man. Interesting to see such a variety of projects and the pleasure to see completed items. I fully recommend this course."

Claire Rose reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"What a really enjoyable day! Very welcoming, Lucy was attentive, informative and patient. As a complete 're-upholstery' novice, Lucy shared tips and guidance from which tools were needed for my project (antique piano stool which need stripping and re-covering) to next steps to make this into an on-going hobby. The tea, cake and soup were also fantastic ! Thank you Lucy."

Lauren reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"My sister and I had a really lovely day at Sophie's needle felting course. I'd done a little felting before and my sister was a complete beginner. Sophie has a patient, quiet and calm approach to sharing her knowledge and skills and instantly makes you feel like anything is possible! I learnt a lot and also enjoyed meeting the others on the course. The food was delicious and the venue perfect - a little oasis away from the craziness of everyday life! Thank you :)"

Louise Rayner reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"A fantastic informative and fun day. Jo was fab, really friendly and helpful. We made a selection of different size candles in 5 different fragrances and were both amazed at the amount we got to take home with us! I would highly recommend."

Mike B reviewed: Glass blowing for beginners with Jon Lewis

"This was a really fantastic course! Jon is a really excellent teacher, inspiring and encouraging us to experience every part of the art of glassblowing, from the initial gather to intricately shaping and decorating our glass. With his help we were able to make some lovely marbles, a paperweight, baubles and a vessel. He even stepped in lightning-speed and saved my vessel when I was about to lose it to the floor! Jon really makes you consider and appreciate the process, and made sure we put a lot of thought and time into every piece we made. Resultantly, everything we made felt incredibly personal, and has given us a great insight into the medium of glass and inspiration to find out and try more! Overall - a really helpful, patient and down to earth teacher with loads of experience to share and guide you through this great course. Couldn't recommend more :)"

Carrie & Mark reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing and hand building full day

"Thank you Richard for a brilliant day. A really thorough course with plenty of excellent tuition and guidance. Learning about the two pottery methods (hand building and throwing) and getting the chance to get 'hands on' and creative finished the day off nicely. Even as beginners we even managed to sculpt a Mediterranean thingy and a salt pig! Thanks pal ;o) !"

Potterydayz responded:

"Lovely to meet you both and to spend time potting with you. Thank you for the review it is very much appreciated. Your work is due to be fired this week so I will be in contact very soon so that we can arrange a time for you to pop in to get creative with the glazing. Look forward to it. Richard"

Rosie Svardal reviewed: Stained Glass Weekend for Beginners

"As a taster, this condensed w/end course was very good. Jude was ever helpful, informing & patient - allowing us as long as it took to complete a generous sized product. I have already spread the word! Suggestion, if I may: The template provided was for the uninitiated to gain experience & learn technique - perhaps an abstract option of similar level could also be considered(?)"

Jude Stark Studio at The London Stained Glass Co. responded:

"Hi Rosie, Thanks for the good review and I'll take your suggestion on board. Best wishes, Jude"

Pauline Galbraith reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"I thoroughly enjoyed Dawn's workshop. It was exactly what I was hoping for. I was a total beginner, although I had done some ordinary sewing. Dawn was very encouraging and I definitely came away inspired to buy the bits I need and try to develop my skills. Dawn had lots of examples of work to give us ideas and a fantastic amount of máterials. She made the day very pleasant, providing us with several hot drinks and some delicious home-made cake! I hope to do a second day in a few months time."

Emma Fitzgerald reviewed: Stone carving in mid Cornwall

"Brilliant! My mum and I had such a lovely day at the stone carving workshop. The excellent tutor Peter is so skilled and has a wonderful way of teaching, he explained everything in such a calm and interesting way. Loved learning about this beautiful craft in the perfect, peaceful setting at the red stores Lerryn. Oh and what a fabulous lunch- yummy spread and delicious homemade soup and chutney! Everything is so well planned and thought about I highly recommend this course great hands on experience!!"

Nicola Taylor reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Loved this workshop. Fun, friendly, relaxed environment and Kerry is a great host and teacher. There was a good range of scents to choose from and the finished candles looked very professional and smelt amazing. Also tea/coffee and home baking provided which was lovely. I would highly recommend it."

Chris Douglas reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"A thoroughly enjoyable and educational day. Dave delivered a first class course with excellent and well explained briefings and demonstrations covering knife and axe safety, axe and knife holds and cuts, sharpening plus much more all in a single day, without it ever feeling rushed. We were all able to produce a spreader and kitchen spoon from beautiful green wood despite any previous knowledge. The setting was amazing for such a course and we were kept well fed and watered with tea, coffee and some wonderful flapjack. Thoroughly recommended"

Niamh reviewed: Piano Lessons

"Laura is very enthusiastic and jolly during our lessons. She is very supportive and gives great constructive criticism which is helping me improve more. I would certainly recommend her to anyone I know wishing to learn piano."

Hannah Shafran reviewed: Stained Glass Weekend for Beginners

"I loved this course! I wasn't expecting to come away with such a complex piece of work, and was thrilled at how much time Jude spent with us. She is a patient and thorough teacher, and the two days passed by in a flash."

James Gardener reviewed: Intermediate woodworking course

"This course is a truly excellent experience. Ciaran manages to combine charm, blarney, skill, patience and creativity in ways that draw out the best in every participant. It is very seldom that one meets such a gifted craftsperson who is also an intuitive teacher. Thank you to his long suffering wife for lending him to us!"

Ewan Preston reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Well what a great weekend. Think I've found a new hobby. Great people on the course with an excellent instructor. Sebastian gives enough guidance to enable your hidden artist to emerge and release your full potential. I can totally recommend this weekend."

Nicki W reviewed: Photography Days

"What a great course! It's hard to call it a course, more of a day's experience. Richard and Sue spend a day completely tailored to your current understanding and experience of photography, and take you on from there. Their understanding, enthusiasm and joy of photography is obvious. They very adeptly explained what all those buttons and twisty bits on the camera do, and managed to get me using most of them. Practical sessions in the studio and on the shores of Ullswater help to reinforce the capabilities of a DSLR camera. They also give you a simple to read summary of the basics to take home - just in case...."

Natasha Hall reviewed: Furniture Painting Workshop in the Cotswolds

"We booked a group of four on the furniture painting workshop. They all found the course extremely well presented and very helpful. Different learning styles and levels of competence were taken account of. They found that the pace of the course kept them interested and the day went very quickly. I know that they appreciated the patience that was shown them. It was a bonus that they came away with a piece of furniture that they had painted themselves. Overall this course has really motivated them to try their new skills and they are looking forwarding to putting their new skills into practice. They also thought the food provided was delicious."