Latest reviews

Hilary reviewed: "Scroll Saw" Write Your Name in Wood

"I thoroughly enjoyed my scroll saw day. Ted’s friendly and supportive approach inspires confidence to have a go. Ted personalised the course to look at my desire to make jigsaws alongside making a lovely wooden name and I am now itching to get my own saw and start practicing at home. I now fully believe I will be able to continue my grandfathers hobby of making jigsaws for the family. Thank you so much Ted for such a great day."

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thank you Hillary it was a pleasure to see you work so well on your name plate. I'm certain you will have a good time making puzzles in the not so distant future. Keep it in the family 👍👍👍 Kind regards Ted "

Chris Bourton reviewed: Blacksmithing experience day

"I had a great day, a lot of fun and I learned a lot. Arian is a lovely guy, a great tutor and obviuosly very passionate about his craft. I would recommend this experience day to anybody who is interested in metalwork or just in trying something new."

Arian's Forge responded:

"Thank you Chris, I’m glad it was an enjoyable day and a valuable experience for you. Thank you for your feedback, much appreciated. Warm regards, Arian"

Christine reviewed: Blow a bauble at Chew Valley handmade glass

"Fantastic morning making Christmas Baubles. Lovely experience and the owners were so friendly and helpful."

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review Christine. It was lovely to meet you. Regards Steve and Angie "

Rose reviewed: Monthly Watercolour Classes

"Brilliant thoroughly enjoyed the course. Cathy is a superb teacher I will miss her and wish her well for the future."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you so much for your review. We shall pass your best wishes onto Cathy - we shall all miss her here at Stanwick Lakes too! We have a new tutor coming into teach from September onwards so we do hope you will still join us for classes! Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team. "

Rose reviewed: Monthly Oil Painting Classes

"Brilliant thoroughly enjoyed it! Cathy is such an inspirational good teacher."

Richard Bowser reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - 2 Day Beginners/Intermediate Workshop

"Lovely 2 days in the Cotswolds. Oliver has a very relaxed style , hands off style but helping whenever needed . We worked hard over the two days restoring 3 testing pieces of mahogany! They all look great and we have learnt some significant knowledge. To be a true French polisher you need more than 2 days but we both feel confident to have a go ! I recommend it "

Margaret Brice reviewed: Creative Mosaic Making in-a-Day!

"I had such a lovely day and would definitely recommend to others. The leader was very helpful and encouraging plus a wonderful range of materials on offer. Thank you very much. "

Creative Avenue York responded:

"Thankyou Margaret. I've since been shopping for more lovely tiles, glass and china! I hope you're inspired to try it again sometime. Kind regards, Lisa-marie"

Tom D reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"Did the one day intro course and had a great day out. Oliver is keen to show you what options you have restoring your piece and you have opportunities to try them out. Also good to see what other students are doing with their restorations. Would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in restoring wooden items."

Mike B reviewed: Copper wire jewellery Workshop

"We thoroughly enjoyed our day making copper mushrooms. Kami was very understanding that we had limited craft experience and with it being our copper wedding anniversary that we were there to enjoy the activity and have something to show for it. We achieved both! I’d recommend Kami, she’s a great host, very knowledgeable and friendly. "

Mya Designs responded:

"Thanks for coming to the workshop and happy copper anniversary to you both. You made some lovely shiny colourful mushrooms between you and glad you enjoyed it and one day they will become heirlooms one day."

Tracey reviewed: Watercolours for beginners online course, by Sarah Colgate

"This course is absolutely brilliant! As a complete beginner Sarah’s written information sheets together with great videos carefully guided me through manageable steps that built my knowledge, skills and confidence. The exercises are really interesting, using a variety of subjects and as the course progresses you are able to use skills learnt as you learn new ones. I have learnt so much, e.g colour mixing, colour strength, washes, brush techniques, textures and distance and perspective. I could not have imagined how much I would learn. Sarah has a lovely calm manner in her videos. She clearly puts much time and thought into giving helpful and supportive feedback on your work. This has added something special to my life. I highly recommend this course. I have already registered for Sarah’s improvers course in September which I am excited about. Thank you Sarah. "

Sarah Colgate responded:

"Thank you, Tracey, for your review. I am glad you feel that you have developed skills and confidence (which I can see you have) in watercolour painting and liked the variety of subjects and techniques. Also finding the feedback on work useful. It’s excellent to hear that painting has become something special to you. I very much look forward to working with you again in September on the Improvers course. Sarah "

Meg Bernstein reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"Lucy's stone carving course has been one of the highlights of my year-- I can't believe how much I learned about tools, materials, masonry, and carving techniques in just three days. I'm an art historian who has studied stone sculpture for years, but experiencing carving stone myself under Lucy's tutelage has revolutionised how I think about the medium. Lucy is a gifted teacher-- patient, thoughtful, and clear. It is truly a testament to her and the course she has designed that my cohort and I left on the third day with objects that we couldn't have fathomed making three days before! Beyond the actual carving, the whole experience-- carving in Lucy's sunny workshop, lovely food and plentiful tea and biscuits, great conversation with Lucy and the other participants-- was absolutely wonderful, and I'll be returning as soon as I can!"

Di reviewed: Lino Printing onto Fabric YORK

"Thankyou Holly.. This was a lovely few hours working on a process I was eager to learn. I will definitely pursue this craft further. The class was calm and structured and Holly was a great tutor who was willing to share all her knowledge and experience so we achieved a successful piece of fabric at the end. I would highly recommend you take this course with Holly. "

Richard Parker reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I did this course last weekend and - with Mark's excellent (and in my case patient!) support and guidance I came away with a wonderful box, of which I am inordinately proud. Mark took us through all the steps with great care, took time to demonstrate procedures someone else was following (if making a different box) and we did a detour into making dovetails the old fashioned way! I thoroughly and unreservedly recommend course - one of the best activity weekends I've had in a long time and certainly the best craft course I have ever done. And all in a good company of learners and in glorious Cumbrian surroundings. I may do it again!!"

Rashmi Patel reviewed: Batik Silk Painting for Beginners

"Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. It was an absolute bliss. Would certainly do it again. "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review - we are very happy that you enjoyed the workshop. We do hope to see you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team. "

Gill Kniveton reviewed: Beginners crochet - York

"The 3hr crochet for beginners was hosted by Stephanie who put the small group of 4 at ease straight away. Over the course, we learnt a few different stitches. Everybody went at their own pace and Stephanie took time with us all individually. She was very patient with me. Although the time went fast, it felt it was just the right amount of time as a beginner. Highly recommend this course. My friend and I enjoyed it very much. "

Naomi Warren reviewed: Crêpe Paper Peony

"I loved this workshop and came away with the knowledge to create beautiful paper peonies. The teacher was friendly and informative. The setting for the workshop was in a stunning rural location, inside an old oast house, very picturesque. Delicious cakes and beverages were available made by the host. It was a lovely day out for me and I am delighted with my peonies, and am definitely going to make more at home now that I know the steps to create them."

The Oast Studio responded:

"Thank you Naomi, it was lovely to meet you and thank you for travelling so far! I wish you were nearer as I would love to have you teaching jewellery making at The Oast! "

Steve Heckels reviewed: Beginners Knife Forging Day

"Fantastic day with Alex guiding me through the process of making my own knife. Great atmosphere, professional instruction but with plenty of laughs along the way. I would recommend this course to anyone as Alex makes sure everyone gets the support they need ."

Pat Jarratt reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"Excellent course. Martin is a great teacher, very helpful, always there if you need him."

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the nice review."

Daniel B reviewed: Intensive 1 to 1 Welding Day Course M.I.G / T.I.G or M.M.A (Stick)

"Highlight of that course is individual approach to you and your training. After mandatory health and safety talk, we went straight to practicing all kinds of welds that are required for both lvl1 and lvl2. I didn't expected that I would learn so much in such a short time. Definitely recommend it!"

Allied Welding School responded:

"Thank you for your positive review Daniel, unlike bigger collages we are able to keep the numbers small & deliver the courses with the service I think should be given & what attendees deserve. Kind regards David "

Helen reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

" Clear instruction and ready support & guidance from Martyn, made it encouraging and enjoyable and I'm pleased with the result, as a first-timer. The studio is a pleasant space in a nice environment and Lunch from Joni's cafe next door made it even more of a treat. Would definitely recommend."

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the nice review, I'm really pleased you enjoyed the workshop."

Hunting Treasure reviewed: Willow 'sculpture of your choice' - one day workshops with Willowtwisters

"Sara is an inspiring artist. I love the swan that I brought home. A lovely location to spend the day. "

Willowtwisters responded:

"Many thanks for this lovely review. You are a natural with willow and your swan was excellent! All the best, Sara"

Anna Baker reviewed: Fused glass introduction full day at Kingcot, Worcestershire

"A brilliant, chilled out yet productive enjoyable day. Vicki has the ability to pitch to your ability and provide as much support and ideas as you require. Thank you so much, we will be back "

Kingcot Gallery responded:

"Dear Anna, thank you so much for your kind words, they are appreciated. Your pieces show how confidence is gained throughout the session which is always a good thing! Thank you again - Vicky"

Glenys Jones reviewed: One day fused glass course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"Excellent day, everything explained clearly, guided and helped, lovely relaxed atmosphere. Thoroughly enjoyed this birthday surprise, highly recommend this ."

North Norfolk Stained Glass responded:

"Hi Glenys, Thank you for coming on the class and your kind review. I posted your project today, expect it very soon! Best wishes Paul"

Paul Harrison reviewed: 2 Person Pen Making Experience. Make & take home the pens of your choice.

"A very well run and enjoyable course, resulting in a very presentable pen! Duncan was a very good tutor. Recommended."

Duncs Wood Turning responded:

"Paul, I'm glad you and Henryk both enjoyed your time with me, I think you do yourself a dis-service, you both made great pens. You were fun to have in the workshop. Thanks. Rgds, Duncs"

John Ratter reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I had a most enjoyable weekend on the box making course. I found it to be a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy learning new skills. Mark is very patient and knowledgeable and is good at explaining all the steps involved. It's a great workshop with a huge selection of machinery and hand tools. Highly recommended. "