Latest reviews

Guy McWilliams reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"Had a lovely weekend Met great people Beautiful countryside A sense of achievement and appreciation of work that been done before Carl was excellent at both explanation of what we were to do, but also getting each of us involved Sharon fed us fantastic fresh local ingredients I went home n Sunday very content "

Mark Newbold reviewed: Mig Welding For Beginners Introductory Day Course.

"This was a great course. Tony is a good teacher and provides loads of advice and opportunities to practice. He also helps with advice on equipment to buy. I was a complete beginner and came away feeling more than able to set up on my own at home. Inspiring and instructive - I highly recommend this course!"

Newport Wrought Ironwork responded:

"Thank you Mark for the great review, I am very pleased you left feeling confident and will continue developing your skills once you are set up at home. keep me updated on your progress and if I can be of any assistance feel free to contact me. Regards Tony "

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

"I recently completed the 10 week stained glass making course with Martin and it was fantastic. Martin was really clear with the instructions, making is so easy to follow and leave with some wonderful stained glass pieces. He was very supportive throughout making sure everyone was happy with their work and provided the assistance they needed. Martin has stock of glass, solder, lead and more if you wanted to buy materials off him and he has some great recommendations on where to get them from externally. He gives you the creative freedom at end of the course to design your own stained glass and gives practical advice on how to make it happen. I really enjoyed my time on the course and I highly recommend it! I hope to book on again over the winter :) "

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review, I hope to see you again for another course or one day workshop."

Jane Turner reviewed: Lino printing landscapes

"I went on a one day lino printing course with Lee as a total beginner and loved the whole day. Lee was well organised and the venue and materials were perfect for the activity. He gave us clear instruction in a relaxed and friendly way. I was surprised at how much could be achieved in the time available and I would definitely like to do another of Lee's courses in the future 😀"

Steevan Glover reviewed: Relief Wood Carving Art

"I attended this course in mid June 2024 and was fortunate that the sun shone as that allowed me to fully enjoy the wonderful woodland setting. Ruth is a relaxed and engaging teacher, with a brief overview of the art and then a few mins choosing some oak to carve on we moved to ideas for a pattern. (I took a couple of ideas with me) and then I was taken through techniques and chisels and mallet choices. The good thing, for me, was that it was immediately hands on. Doing was very much learning and Ruth allowed me to move forward at my pace then would check in and advise, help and encourage. Which i needed as I decided that doing Hokusai's the Great Wave was a good idea! The sun shone, the coffee and carrot cake flowed, and I relaxed. It's fair to say I loved every second. Ruth is a wonderfully engaging teacher and very interesting person to chew the fat with. Highly recommend. "

Sculpt IT - Ruth Wheeler Art responded:

"What an amazing recommendation to receive . THANK YOU Steven "

Cheryl & Mark reviewed: One day welding course for two people

"What a fabulous one day course! Julian is a great teacher and sets a nice relaxed but steady pace. There's so much to learn and he covers everything in detail, answering questions along the way. We both came away being able to weld, with lots of advice given for a particular motorbike repair Mark is going to make. Julian is a great guy, and we'd 100% recommend this course to anyone looking to learn / improve upon their welding technique. Thanks Julian, I'm sure we'll see you again!"

Julian Wadsworth - Artist Blacksmith responded:

"Hi Cheryl and Mark, Thank you for your review. It was a pleasure to meet you both, and you both did really well with the welding. Any problems or questions you know where I am , and just give me a bell . See you again,for more welding or even a blacksmithing course, as I think you were hatching out some ideas of things to make. Best ,Julian"

Jon reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"I had a great time on this course, spending a lovely sunny day carving a spoon at Hill End. It was quite hard work but David and Caroline were very helpful and supportive teaching us different techniques for design and carving."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Jon, thanks so much for your review. It's always such a pleasure to introduce people to green woodworking if they've never experienced it before and be reminded what it's like to hold a carving axe and knife for the first time. I applaud your commitment to give it a go and hope you may be tempted to carry on making spoons!"

Darren Robinson reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"The best, most relaxing weekend we have had in years. Very informative course and we all laughed a lot, would highly recommend to anyone."

Liz Hanvey reviewed: Introduction to table loom weaving, Fisherton Mill, Salisbury - Two day workshop

"This 2 day course exceeded my expectations! A lovely venue, small (just 4) class size, and most importantly an excellent tutor. Ellie’s enthusiasm, along with clear instructions kept each of us going at our individual pace. The time flew by, and we all learned so much- from choosing from a wide range of coloured thread, to warping the loom, to learning lots of different kinds of patterns on our sampler. My daughter and I attended the course together and had a thoroughly enjoyable and creative experience. For me, returning to weaving, having learnt 56 years ago (!), was an absolute joy. The whole process I would describe as therapeutic in that it can ignite parts of the brain as well as the body that may have been underused. Certainly that’s my experience. I highly recommend this course, and Ellie is a passionate and very encouraging teacher!"

Elka responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely review Liz. I'm so glad you enjoyed the workshop and I'm really looking forward to seeing where you take your weaving!"

Johann Van Rooyen reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"Whole experience was excellent. From the teacher to the people on the course as well as the refreshments. Every detail taken care of by Carl and Sharon. Thank you guys. Highly recommend this course. "

Helen Tucker reviewed: Pyrography (wood burning ) Course with Kez Halliday

"I had a fabulous day with Kez. The course was exactly as described and I enjoyed every part of it. Kez was knowledgeable and encouraging. Enthusiastic and passionate about what she is doing. Everything a tutor should be. I left feeling confident that I knew what I needed to develop my skills on my own. Would certainly recommend this course to anyone at any level of artistic development. "

Spirit and Bear responded:

"Thank you for the review Helen "

Tracey reviewed: Fused Glass Candle Curve

"What a wonderful morning. This was my first attempt at glass fusing and i thoroughly enjoyed it. Wendy was very knowledgable and encouraging. She was also exceptionally patient, which was much appreciated. I would recommend this to everyone. Thank you Wendy"

Sam Bear reviewed: Green Wood Chair Making - 6 Day Woodworking Course in South Devon

"A brilliant course. I learned loads and had a really nice time. A wonderful way to spend a week. "

Jackie Nash reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners/Improvers - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden, Kent

"I asked Marianne to do a basket making course at a friends house. 4 of us spent the most enjoyable day each of us making a beautiful basket. Marianne was so patient and made the day informative and fun. The 2 husbands had been sceptical but they thoroughly enjoyed it and were very proud of their baskets. I would love to do another course with her. Thank you ! "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thanks so much for your review, Jackie! On what felt like the first sunny day in months, we were in your friends' garden, underneath the fruit trees, weaving baskets. I couldn't have wished for a better atmosphere to teach you all about basketry and give you the best, most relaxing experience. Please thank your friends again for their hospitality, which knew no boundaries. I'd love to come and teach again. Perhaps something more playful like a lampshade or a few plant supports, or teach the grandchildren how to weave a humongous flower or enormous dragonfly. Wishing you a wonderful summer. "

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

"This is my fourth Bag in a Day Course so you can guess I love doing them! This one was just as fun. Georgie is the best tutor and the atmosphere is relaxed and happy. I will definitely be booking another one for the future!"

Cai reviewed: Marvellous Mosaic one day workshop

"Excellent course. Lindsey was inspiring. Talking about composition as well as the materials and how they might work together, she led us through the various steps whilst giving us free rein to choose what we did. It was a wonderful day to indulge in creativity."

Lindsey Kennedy Portfolio responded:

"Thank you for the very lovely review, Cai. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the day and, hopefully, inspired you to continue working with mosaic in your new studio! "

Pauline and Robert Plampin reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"We had a wonderful day! Mathew is a very gifted and patient teacher. It was our first time using a wheel, we learnt a lot, laughed a lot and were amazed and delighted by what we managed to achieve. Thank you!"

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review. I had a great day teaching both of you and lots of laughter throughout the day. The pots that you made are fantastic. Best wishes Mathew"

Robert Adams reviewed: Nettle Fibre Workshop

"Very enjoyable and interesting course. Loads of very useful information and advice on every step of the process. Fascinating to work through and understand the process of turning a common wild plant into useful, good quality materials within a few hours. Would definitely recommend."

BeeKayMakes responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind words! I am so glad you enjoyed the workshop :) I wish you many happy foraging and cordage making hours for the summer, and perhaps you can even beat your own record in creating the longest nettle line I have ever seen on one of my courses. Thank you again for joining the nettle fun."

Roë reviewed: Stonehenge needle felted landscape (inc quality frame & delicious high tea)

"What a wonderful day we had at the Stonehenge Needle Felting course run by the lovely Cecily. I found the venue without any trouble and we were all welcomed with open arms by Alison and Cecily and were offered delicious custard tarts and freshly brewed organic coffee and tea on arrival - by now I knew I was going to thoroughly enjoy my day! The needle felting was very well taught by Cecily, with patience and professionalism - everyone made a great picture of Stonehenge. We then retired to another room where Alison had laid out her sensational home made tea, there was so much choice we couldn’t possibly finish it! An added bonus to the class was Cecily playing her crystal singing bowl. I had never heard one before and found it a totally cathartic experience. Thank you again Cecily. I hope to back for another craft workshop very soon!"

Gemma reviewed: Creative Mosaic Making in-a-Day!

"Had a really lovely day learning new skill. Lisa is knowledgeable and helps people individually to craft something pleasing. "

Creative Avenue York responded:

"Thankyou Gemma. I'm glad you had a lovely day. Looking forward to seeing your candle grouted, I think it will really sparkle with the black background. Kind regards, Lisa-marie"

Martin reviewed: Axe / Hammer Forging Day

"I had a great day. Alex was a welcoming, enthusiastic teacher, explaining each step as we came to it. It was a great introduction to hand-making tools and also to the tangibility of working with metal. I came away with new understanding and a new axe. I would happily do this again. "

Hammer and Hound Forge responded:

"Thank you martin! I'm really glad you enjoyed the day and I hope your axe sees lots of use! All the best Alex"

Jane W reviewed: Crochet for Beginners - Right Handed

"Perfect course for beginners as we had forgotten the crochet lesson our mother had given us as children. Laura was an exceptionally patient and supportive tutor. Very encouraging and showed us what can be achieved with practice with her own impressive work. Was pleased to have my own sampler to practice, crochet hook, ball of wool and pattern to make my own blanket with granny squares. Was fun, relaxing and stressy at times, when things went wrong. Would highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to start crocheting."

Tracey reviewed: Glass Fusion - Candle Holder workshop

"What a lovely course. Very relaxed and pleasant session. Sally was lovely and very helpful. I would love to do another glass fusion workshop. "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

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

Betsy Suzenaar reviewed: Tailor-made one-to-one textile print workshop

"I joined Kathryn with a friend of mine to learn the basics of screen printing. Neither of us had any experience, but both love fabrics and design. I thoroughly enjoyed my time learning about the different techniques when using dyes and inks. Using daily objects like brushes, credit cards, sponges, bottle tops etc. to create patterns. Understanding how different fabrics absorb the dyes. Once I got going I became more confident in mixing colours using my imagination and not strive for technical perfection. Kathryn is a great communicator and encourages you to give it a go. I learned a lot and had a very enjoyable day. Thank you so much Kathryn. "

Kathryn Green Textiles responded:

"Thank you so much Betsy. It was such an enjoyable day and a real pleasure to teach you both. It was exciting to see the creative results of your explorations and I am pleased you felt you learnt a lot. You both produced some lovely work and I hope it has given you ideas for your future creative journeys. "

Stephen & Alice reviewed: Japanese style chopping boards workshop - Marlborough

"We had a great day making Japanese chopping boards. Pete and Jacqui are very friendly, knowledgeable and guided us through the techniques required, explaining each stage and allowing each participant time to make board of their choice. Thank you very much Pete and Jacqui."