Latest reviews

Andy & Emma S. reviewed: Blacksmithing course - spend a day in the forge

"Really great day, we learned lots and thoroughly enjoyed it. Richard is super helpful and keeps a close eye on safety but also stands back and lets you get on with it. Plenty of breaks for coffee and chocolate biscuits in a lovely setting - and all communication beforehand was friendly and useful. Overall, this craft day is highly recommended, we’ll definitely come back again. Thanks!"

Red Anvil School of Blacksmithing responded:

"Thank you Andy and Emma, it was great to meet you and glad we were able to coordinate things. I’m so pleased you enjoyed your day and gained a great deal from it. I’m always thrilled with the items made by attendees. It’s a great deal to take in and you both did extremely well. Kind regards Richard "

Joy Morris reviewed: Flower Patch Hand Embroidery Workshop with Rachel Davies

"Rachel obviously puts a great deal of preparation into a course. Every part of the day was thoroughly explained and a delight to do. A very friendly atmosphere with plenty of refreshments when you wanted them. The patch I made will be added to a jacket. I’ll certainly look for further courses with Rachel Davies. "

Carl reviewed: Woodworking & Door Hanging Course (3 days)

"Amazing course. I had to leave a review now and I still have 2 more days left. One of the most welcoming families on the planet. Feeding you refreshments and unlimited drinks. The location is a peaceful farm land with amazing sideline and really relaxes you for the learning. The tutor is not only highly experienced and I mean highly he is patient, informative and really breaks down everything in to easy bites I've understandable ways. I was cutting hinges and fitting looks within a day because of the teaching methods. This course is worth every penny in my eyes and I will he doing more. Will enhance anyone wanting a career in wood work or for their own home use. I will leave another review after completion too. Excellent all round and so glad I did this. This is an investment in yourself whilst having a teacher who cares and gets you up to speed in a day. "

Have a Go: DIY Training Academy responded:

"Thanks so much for your review. We are so pleased to have helped you gain confidence in woodworking skills and that you had a great time too!"

Alison Wilkinson reviewed: Flower Patch Hand Embroidery Workshop with Rachel Davies

"Wow, such a fantastic day. Rachel guided us through each step and supplied us with endless refreshments. I've done a few of Rachel's workshops and have never been disappointed. Would highly recommend. Thank you for a brilliant day."

Sara Lewis reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What fantastic introduction to blacksmith techniques with great instructions from Adrian and Andy who were brilliant and very helpful. I can't believe I managed to make a beautiful and functional key ring and Dragon coat hook. The food and hospitality from Debbie was amazing. Thanks to you all for such a wonderful experience x"

Elizabeth George reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Excellent course Adrian and his team are fantastic and very patient tutors The whole day was great fun and can’t wait to do another one. The food was also fantastic "

Amanda reviewed: 'Bring Your Own Project' Day - Upholstery

"I've been wanting to try upholstery for a while and this was the perfect introduction. With Katie's guidance I covered two ottoman seat pads in just a few hours and I'm so happy with the results! I learned a lot and I now feel confident to try some basic upholstery projects at home. It was lovely to spend the day in such a relaxed and beautiful location. I would definitely recommend this course and I hope to learn more from Katie in the future."

Meticulous Restoration responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Amanda. Your seat pads looked fantastic, you did a brilliant job of covering them - and your fabric choice was absolutely brilliant. I’m really glad you enjoyed the day. It would be lovely to host you in the studio again. All best wishes, Katie "

Alison Watkins reviewed: Fluid Art-Acrylic Pouring

"This is a fantastic class. Lorraine is very knowledgeable, patient and helpful. Excellent for beginners and those with some experience. We got to produce 3 finished pieces and learned multiple tips and techniques. There is also a fantastic display of Lorraine's work, which I found really amazing 👌😊"

Art By Lorraine Kim responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to share your positive experience. I am so grateful for your kind words ❤️"

Nic reviewed: Stained Glass 1 Day Beginner workshop

"A really fantastic day. Deborah couldn’t have been more patient and helpful in teaching us the necessary techniques. A really relaxing day learning new skills from scratch. Thank you Deborah - thoroughly recommended!"

StainedGlassByDebra responded:

"Thank you Nic for the great review. It was great to meet you both and you both worked really hard to make beautiful panels you should be very proud of."

Carolyn Reid reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"This was an absolutely wonderful day. Judith is a perfect tutor - so friendly and encouraging and giving just the right amount of guidance. I'd recommend this course to anyone, whether you think you're artistic or not! Such fun - thank you!"

print paper stitch experiences responded:

"Thank you so much Carolyn. It was a pleasure to spend the day with you and Clare, your prints are stunning!"

Debbie reviewed: Painting with beeswax & dyes - Batik Pictures

"A fantastic day! Me and my daughter thoroughly enjoyed learning the technique of batik. Barbara was a lovely teacher giving us advice and guidance as we went along. Thank you"

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you Debbie, it was a pleasure to teach you and Molly. Four lovely colourful floral pictures to frame 😁. "

Angela reviewed: Painting with beeswax & dyes - Batik Pictures

"We spent a lovely day with Barbara learning about batik techniques and she effortlessly met the needs of novices and established artists. "

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"It's been a lovely creative day spent with you Julie and other ladies. It will be great to see your four paintings framed 😁. "

Brendan reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"What a wonderful three days. Lucy is a fabulous host, great listener, tutor and source of inspiration. She understood exactly what I wanted to achieve and guided me through every stage. Her methodical approach, instruction and encouragement has given me great confidence. If you are a complete beginner wondering ‘should I… shouldn’t I?’ then you should, you will not be disappointed! The small group of three really lends itself to learning and provides a great opportunity for conversation and laughter. Hearing the experiences and thoughts of other students was also an important part of the learning experience. Plenty of cakes, biscuits, tea and coffee to keep us going! Thank you Lucy and thanks to the other students. "

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

"I went with my sister to the course as an absolute beginner and thoroughly enjoyed the day. Marieanne was a very patient and helpful instructor and I am very pleased and proud of my first basket! I definitely recommend it 😊"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your 5-star review, JC! It was so nice to teach you naturals and what a delight to see the result of your baskets. I hope you found it relaxing and a nice change to your usual lives at MI5. ;) I trust you'll have fun, using your new found basketry skills in the garden, applying what you've learned in different ways. All the best for now."

Naomi Betts reviewed: Seaglass jewellery workshop at Sea & Solder, Dorset.

"A fabulous class. Small group of only 4 students means you get lots of support from Jules who is an excellent teacher. I came away with a beautiful pendant that reminds me of a beautiful beach day with my mum & daughter, and I made it!!!"

Pete reviewed: Woodwork Day Course

"Thanks for a brilliant day Ted. Thoroughly enjoyable and so informative, I’ve left with so much confidence to continue with my efforts at home, hopefully managing a 10/10 joint! I’ll certainly be coming back for the 4 day course. Cheers Pete"

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thank you Pete, It was a good day indeed and I hope it helps your woodworking journey my friend. I'm sure you have good hand skills and with practice you will come on leaps and bounds. See you on that 4 day course soon , you know where I am. Kind regards Ted"

Adrian reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"Amazing course. Gavin and Tom were always patient and knowledgeable. They passed on so many useful skills over the weekend and spured everyone's confidence. Definitely get a buzz from exceeding your own expectations and walking away with a beautiful and fully functional Longbow!"

Sherry Knight reviewed: 1-2-1 digital photography for beginners in Oxfordshire

"Aimee was brilliant; patient & tailored the day to the type of photography I liked. We got on like a house on fire & I didn't hesitate to ask all my basic (& repetative) questions! I also went to places in Oxford I never knew existed! Highly recommend. "

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

"Thank you for a wonderful weekend weaving. Marianne is so knowledgeable and helpful. I came away with a lovely basket and plenty of ideas for more projects. Marianne also taught my daughter (12) to weave a lovely rattan basket which she is super proud of! "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you for your wonderful review! It was such a huge pleasure to teach you and your daughter. So amazing, to meet someone who is just as enthusiastic about basket making as I am! Enjoy your new basketry skills, Ruth, and I'll look forward to seeing you both back soon, stepping it up to the next level. "

Luke Lewis reviewed: Welding For Beginners

"Was made very clear and easy to understand, can't recommend enough!"

Liz Dixon reviewed: Woodcarving Tuition in Cornwall

"Excellent workshop. Zoe was a great teacher, explaining how to use each of the tools, with a chance to practice technique on a scrap bit of wood before working on the main design. Also learnt about how to carve the wood depending on the grain, adding detailing & finishing with some beeswax. Really pleased with my finished piece."

Zoe Gertner Woodcarvings responded:

"Thank you, Liz, it was a very enjoyable day."

JAMAS reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"What an amazing day, bought this as a gift fir husband and son and they had a great time. Alex is a genuinely nice person, highly skilled and knowledgeable. Will be back to make horseshoe fish."

Nicola Woods reviewed: Full Day Mosaic For Outdoors on slate with Laura Barnes.

"I booked the full-day mosaic class for my birthday with Laura at the last minute. I enjoyed the day to myself, being creative. With Laura's patience and expertise, I ended up creating something I'm so proud of and excited to hang outside. I found the whole day relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable. I would recommend Laura's classes in a heartbeat and look forward to the next time I can go. Thanks again Laura. :)"

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hi Nicola, how nice to hear from you! It was a really good day and I am so glad you enjoyed it. Do come again any time you can get a free day and fancy more crafting. Would be lovely to teach you again. Thank you for your review! Laura. "

Claire Hepworth reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Brilliant! I just loved this class. Mark was very knowledgeable and patient (which was a good job!). It was really interesting to learn new techniques and machinery. I would highly recommend Mark and this class to anyone."

Lizzie Colley reviewed: Ecoprinting- exploring the magic and alchemy 1:1 workshop

"A fantastic day exploring the magic of eco printing & some detailed methods of book binding. Fiona was extremely knowledgable & helpful & it was such a lovely day full of creativity & wonder! I recommend thoroughly to anyone with a love of plants and/or arts & crafts!"