Latest reviews

Mark Saich reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"Great class in a lovely place. Nigel is calm, patient and accommodating. His tuition is relaxed, encouraging and tailored to suit the individual."

Caroline Stead reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"I booked onto the course after a taster session run by Jason where I’d really enjoyed the saddle stitch and wanted to take those skills further. I booked the two day course which was a hands on immersive experience at making every bit of the bag. Jason is passionate and knowledgeable about the subject and he and Louise were excellent and attentive tutors. I left at the end of the 2 days with a beautiful bag that genuinely looks hand crafted."

Jayne cooke reviewed: Painting and Drawing one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"Had a wonderful day at Penny's warm and inviting workshop. Penny has a natural talent to teach drawing and painting techniques that not only enhances your creativity but pushes you beyond the Boundaries. Clearly, her dedication and knowledge in the arts is a credit to her. We are privileged to be taught by this former foundation teacher on this auspicious occasion and would highly recommend the course to every creative soul. Freedom to laugh, have fun to create, enjoy warm soup, bread and cake are a must and worth the trip alone."

Kate reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Another fantastic day sewing with Dawn who is really helpful and supportive. This time the workshop was dedicated to making Christmas decorations and cards. Using free-machine embroidery with access to Dawn's stash of fabric, card, sequins, ribbons & trims, a small mountain of threads and much more some great crafty, creative time was spent. I'd definitely recommend this workshop to anyone!"

Sandy Andrews reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"What a fantastic day!! A very relaxed atmosphere and Aaron is so knowledgeable about so many things. Masses of hands-on 'doing' and it was surprising how little strength was needed to form the metal into something pretty. I can't believe I came home with such professional-looking and useful items - brilliant! Highly recommended. :-)"

James Dewes reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"It was a full and busy day with quick demos and then getting stuck in for ourselves. You very quickly learn different techniques in steps that you build on over the day, gaining confidence in working with metal. Adrian & Andy help you learn and share interesting stories of their time blacksmithing. I am not in the least bit artistic, so I was amazed to go home with work that I am proud of. It is clear that a lot of thought and effort has gone into both the format of the day and the things we made. I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to try something practical and satisfying."

Paul Shardlow reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"My girlfriend and I made some Christmas tree and beeswax candles with Anita. The course was great fun and informative, Anita is an excellent host with a amazing knowledge of everything candles!"

Anna Bowen reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"My Mum and I went on a half day Willow Working course with SallyAnne last week for my Birthday present. We both thoroughly enjoyed it. SallyAnne is warm and welcoming, she was organised and very professional. It was obvious that SallyAnne was not only passionate about willow crafting but a skilled teacher. We made a fabulous angel each which we are both very proud of. I learned lots about willow and weaving techniques on the course and came away feeling confident that I will be able to make more willow items as SallyAnne made it seem very simple. I can't wait to do the next course!"

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

"Thank you for the inspirational felt making workshop. I have fallen in love with the magic of felt! I made a beautiful felted flower brooch which I attached to my bag. I would recommend this workshop to anyone- clear instructions, professional tuition with a creative approach. I am coming back to Magic Wool Studio to explore felting further and make more beautiful things. Wendy"

Caroline Barnes reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"A most enjoyable day spent making a lovely hare. The course is excellent value for money as it included all materials plus drinks,lunch and afternoon tea and cake ( the course was held at Bonds ) The pace was just right and very relaxing. Denise is an excellent tutor very encouraging and just the right amount of guidance given. The opportunities for further projects are endless ( im attempting to do a 3d midel of my mums boston terrier) its an inspiring medium to work with and im really pleased I attended this workshop. Needles(s) to say I'm well and truly hooked."

Crafty Gal responded:

"Needles(s) to say I'm delighted with such a lovely review Caroline, thank you. You and your mum helped make the first course I held at Bonds extra special, you were both lovely - AND expert hare needle felters! I can't wait to see what you both make next with your Crafty Gal kits, keep in touch."

Helen reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"A fascinating and very enjoyable day! Jamal was very enthusiastic about his craft and created a very welcoming atmosphere. This was bought as a gift for me and my partner, but Jamal made it very easy to add an extra person onto the course. Now we all have a beautiful panel of stained glass to take home and a deeper understanding of the craft."

Kerry reviewed: Creative Paper Cutting (1 day) in the Peak District

"Everything about this two day course was a joy! Peter and Alison are warm and welcoming hosts at Zantium Studios, situated in beautiful rolling countryside of the Derbyshire Dales, serving a delicious home-cooked lunch, and afternoon tea with homemade cake. The paper cutting course was fantastic! Christine is an inspiring and encouraging teacher, guiding us through each stage and sharing her vast knowledge generously. Zantium take only small groups, ensuring lots of individual attention and support. I cannot recommend Zantium Studios, or Christine Green highly enough!"

Alan Morton reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"If you want to try new things that you might only do once in your life then you have to do this course. Great set up from start to finish, well looked after by Adrian and Debbie. As stated in other reviews, after a quick chat over coffee, a bit of health & safety and guidance you are pretty much straight into smashing red hot bits of steel with hammers as you set out making your first item! The environment is excellent as it is a proper barn on a working farm, the noise, the dirt, the heat of furnaces, the aching arms of swinging hammer blows make it a really authentic experience and an fascinating insight how a blacksmiths runs on a day to day basis. Photographs and videos are encouraged to take home memories of the experience. Debbie's home cooked food was outstanding as was selection of breads and cheeses. The other participants made the day memorable too. All in all an outstanding experience."

Sue Thomas reviewed: Hand spinning for Beginners Level 1 accredited course at All in a Spin

"How can two days go so quickly ! I've just spent the weekend with Dunja completing the level 1 course...and it was excellent. You learn so much and its only when you reflect on the two days do you realise quite how much was learnt on the course. Its a very relaxed atmosphere and Dunja is such a professional in the way she delivers the course and so generous with her knowledge. If you are genuinely thinking about booking this course ...I'd definitely recommend it."

Manon reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Attended one to one course with Lucy recently. I was a complete beginner but with Lucy's knowledge, expertise and patience I created a silver stacking ring. Very cozy workshop in a beautiful setting. I hope to return there in the new year to create another piece of jewellery with Lucy's assistance."

Ashley Willoughby reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"The one day workshop with Jamal was everything I wanted it to be. Fabulous day learning technique and putting it into practice. Jamal, excellent teacher, experience and patience makes for a very enjoyable and rewarding time. Highly recommended."

Wendy Willoughby reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"One day leading workshop - what a brilliant day! Jamal was very knowledgeable and was very patient, explaining all of the techniques so we understood what to do. We were thrilled with our pieces - thank you so much!"

Noemi Janosi reviewed: Christmas Pudding - needle felting workshop with The Lady Moth

"This course was so perfect. I enjoyed every minute of it. Zenia is such a lovely and patient teacher. I would definitely recommend it and would go back again :)"

Tamsin reviewed: Throwing & hand-building pottery workshops £64 per person for 2 hour workshop

"Myself and my boyfriend spent the day with Catherine at her beautiful studio last month. We each got to produce a range of thrown and coiled pieces, learning about the techniques and styles of decoration available to us. Catherine was a patient teacher and helped us to achieve so much more than we had hoped for from the day. Our pieces were then expertly packaged and shipped home to us in London. We would definitely recommend her course to novices wanting a fun days exploration of clay, or for pros who'd like to practice with a knowledgeable teacher in a welcoming environment. Thank you Catherine!"

Mike and Vicki Lumb reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Fabulous day at the blacksmithing course. Very knowledgeable, patient and experienced course leaders. Warm welcome and we brought our keyring and dragon coat hanger home with pride. You get the opportunity to make the items yourself, with guidance and actually feel like you have achieved something. Worth every penny."

Chris Fletcher reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"An amazing full day of blacksmithing. Whilst I thought it might be an easy introduction, we were straight into it! flaming furnaces, hot metal, anvils, hammers. Before we knew it we had made stuff! Brilliant. Help on hand to assist and encourage. Everyone makes a coat hook but there is scope to personalise and make it your own. Good food and good conversation around the lunch table. Fab day worth every penny and the few months of anticipation. Warning - don't plan anything big for that evening. We were fast asleep by 9pm!"

Debi Scott reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"Fabulous day making a small deer. I’m not at all arty or talented and making willow animals is hard but Kate was great guiding us through it all of the way and providing lots of help and assistance. I finished my deer at home today and I am very proud of him. Wonderful day with a great lunch and a roaring fire to keep us toasty. I’ll definitely return. Thank you"

Iso reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"A great sunlit day with Mark and Jill at Mark's workshop in autumn-bright beautiful woodland. These two experts gave us excellent hands-on teaching of axe and knife work, tips on wood types and spoon design, plus plenty of tool envy opportunities - all accompanied by much good humour and Chris's fabulous lunch. Thank you!"

Rita Winter reviewed: Embroidered landscape with words, with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"A lovely day spent learning new skills and actually coming away with a picture I will frame and put on the wall. Thank you Julie for your patience and for giving me something I will try on my own. A great group, a great instructor highly recommended."

Alison Edwards reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"Lovely day. I am not very practical which was partly why I wanted to try this course & it was a great introduction to the art of blacksmithing. Aaron was very patient & gave individual attention to each one of us. Would highly reccommend."