Latest reviews

Gwen reviewed: Half day leather accessories workshop

"Vajira was excellent and patient as this was our first venture into working with leather. Clear instructions on the day which allowed us to make a purse and a case for glasses. Thanks for your patience 😌"

Paul Allen reviewed: Hanging planter workshop using the technique of steam bending wood

"A great course! Their stylish workshop made the perfect environment to learn about steam bending. This delightful couple shared their knowledge and expertise with us and confidently guided us through the process answering all our questions along the way. I could tell a lot of thought had gone into designing this planter and creating the course so that anyone could make it. I can't believe we all walked away with such beautiful and individual planters."

LayerTree responded:

"Thanks for your kind feedback Paul. We really enjoy putting these courses together and so it's wonderful to hear what a great time you had."

Val Thorman reviewed: Beginner's Modern Upholstery Workshop

"I attended this excellent workshop on 13th April and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was my first time tackling upholstery and Kim, our tutor, explained the tools and process in a very patient and friendly way. She was able to give each member of the class the time they needed for their individual projects as the number of participants was deliberately kept to a maximum of 4 . Each of us completed our projects completely or to a place where we could finish at home. I can’t recommend this workshop highly enough! "

Jennifer Wright reviewed: Tray making workshop using the technique of steam bending wood

"What an inspiring day learning about steam bending wood and having a go myself! It was a cleverly designed and planned course so that everyone, even those with little or no woodworking experience were able to make a high quality tray. Brought home a bag bursting with steam bent pieces and had a wonderful day out. Highly recommend!"

LayerTree responded:

"We are thrilled to hear what a great time you had at the weekend Jennifer. Your finished tray was just beautiful! Hope to see you again soon."

Julia reviewed: Small needle felted animals or pictures

"A great way to spend a morning. Barbara is very patient and helpful as I was a newbie to felting. Nothing was too much trouble, and it was a lovely relaxing thing to do. Plus there was plenty of tea and cake which always helps!"

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"I'm happy that you enjoyed your experience. Your mouse was absolutely gorgeous and chunky lol next project, maybe a chunky hare lol "

Jane Brearley reviewed: Beautiful Bookbinding

"Thank you Fiona for a wonderful day of bookbinding. I was absolutely thrilled with what I produced and couldn’t believe how much I was able to achieve in one day; all thanks to your expert tutoring, encouragement and patience. It was great fun to learn a range of traditional skills (some of which were nicely challenging and definitely rewarding) using such lovely materials. You provided a truly welcoming and friendly environment. Hugely satisfying and certainly inspiring!"

Earthwise Ecoprints responded:

"Thank you for your fabulous review Jane. It was so lovely to see you and teach such a brilliant group. Hope you are pleased with your fabulous prints."

Jo reviewed: Wirework Rings Workshop with Hand Crafted Jewellery by Jo

"My friend and I did Jo's wire rings class last weekend and loved it! She was so good at explaining what to do and patient when I kept forgetting. As well as having an amazing array of beads and styles to choose from! 100% wound recommend and amazing value for money as well! "

Handcrafted Jewellery by Jo responded:

"Thank you for the review Jo, I'm pleased you both enjoyed it. Hopefully see you on a workshop soon. Xxx "

Soo Dixon reviewed: Woodwork Beginners workshop

"I arrived feeling inadequate and left feeling like a million dollars. Sue has a lovely way of teaching which helps you understand what you are doing in the long term. The whole day was so very pleasant and Sue also provided a wonderful lunch. Would highly recommend this course. Thank you Sue. "

Tuffett responded:

"Thank you Soo. We had a great day and you should be proud of your work. Lots of hard work and fun too. Hope to see you again one day. Sue"

Lydia Hunter reviewed: Tiffany stained glass wild flowers workshop

"Fabulous instructors and tuition, friendly and informative! Thank you for teaching me the skills to create my own glass work. "

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the review, I look forward to seeing you again for another course in September."

Kat Dixon reviewed: Seaglass jewellery workshop at Sea & Solder, Dorset.

"Jules is exceedingly knowledgeable and so happy to help far less talented people make beautiful things. Had a lovely day in her workshop making a seaglass ring of which I am very proud."

Wendy reviewed: Ecoprinting with Bookbinding with Earthwise Ecoprints

"Had a brilliant day and learned lots, thank you"

Earthwise Ecoprints responded:

"Thank you Wendy. It was so lovely to meet you and teach such a super group on Saturday. Your books were fabulous."

Amy reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"I cannot recommend this course enough- to say it was perfect is an understatement. Lynne is not only extremely experienced, she is also incredibly hospitable. Lynne was very accommodating to the ideas I had in mind, and encouraged creativity with fantastic guidance to what was actually possible. Her leather options were beautiful, and she had a perfect array of lovely buttons, thread and elastic. Lynne is an absolute gem, and I hope more people discover this course! Thank you so much for your time Lynne, I couldn’t be more happy!"

Lynne Friel responded:

"Hi Amy, thank you so much for your very kind review. I loved the way you incorporated the collar of an old leather coat into the wraparound cover. I'm sure you'll be keeping your eyes open for discarded leather that you can recycle, the back and sides of worn out leather settees are a good source. It was a pleasure meeting you and your mother - what a thoughtful present. I hope I may see you both in the future and if you get stuck on anything do get in touch. Best wishes, Lynne"

RC reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"A really enjoyable course. Really informative for a complete novice like me, and I came away with lots of ideas for future projects. I will soon have all of the equipment I need to continue with my new hobby. Thanks to Judith for her friendly and easy to follow instructions and for her encouragement throughout the day."

Nadine reviewed: Lampshade Making Workshop with Clare Cosens

"Definitely recommend this workshop, I had such a lovely morning with Clare, who is a brilliant teacher and the small group of ladies who were all so lovely. The session was ran well, well informed, and a lot of fun. The workshop itself was a lovely space to be in and we created some beautiful lampshades which was really satisfying. It's so nice to come away with a pice of work you made that looks great and you can definitely use at home. I loved it and really feel like I learnt a new craft. Thank you Clare. Oh and the tea & biscuits were an absolute treat. x. "

Clare Cosens Designs responded:

"Thank you Nadine for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. I'm really pleased that you enjoyed the workshop. Your lampshade looked fantastic, great fabric choice, I really loved the bold colourful pattern!"

Ruth reviewed: Willow Birdhouse Kit

"I thoroughly enjoyed making the willow birdhouse, & very pleased with it. The instructions could have been a little more detailed in places, but as this wasn’t my first willow project they got me through without any problems. I’m sure I’ll be making more with willow in future!"

Rachel Harwood Willow responded:

"Thank you Ruth, I’m so pleased you enjoyed making it and will be continuing on your weaving journey 😁 Rachel"

Michelle reviewed: Autumn Hues - a Tree of Life Wire Kit

"Made the Autumn Tree. Very therapeutic and enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. Kit and instructions easy to follow with enough scope to make it your own individual piece of art. Will definitely be ordering another kit for myself and friends and family. "

Colourbuzz responded:

"Thanks Michelle, very glad you had a good time making your tree! "

Sue B reviewed: Creative coil pots - Introduction in Machynlleth

"Molly was great, very informative and knowledgeable… really enjoyed the course and made two fab coil pots… I will enjoy making my own at home, with the help of Molly’s helpful handout and experience x"

Molly Brown's Emporium responded:

"Thank you Sue for your lovely review. So pleased you enjoyed the workshop and especially that you were happy with what you made."

Ruth reviewed: Cherry Blossoms; Tree of Life Wire Kit

"I thoroughly enjoyed making my cherry blossom tree of life, & if I can get a great result then anyone can!! Unfortunately my kit had some of the wire missing when it arrived. I contacted Helga who was brilliant, sending out the missing wire to me immediately, and at no extra charge. I would definitely buy a kit from her again. "

Colourbuzz responded:

"Thank you very much Ruth. I'm very happy you enjoyed making your tree!"

Angela Craig reviewed: Lino cut printing - botanical and natural forms in full colour with Laura Sowerby

"A lovely day creating a floral oil based linocut print. The teaching was well judged and thorough and Laura was very welcoming and encouraging. The venue at Ambleside was delightful and we were well supplied with delicious food. All in all a great workshop - thank you Laura"

Laura Sowerby Prints Cumbria responded:

"Thank you Angela, what fun we did have. Thanks for your great company x"

JoB reviewed: Making fused glass hanging flowers

"Great course. Excellent communication before the course re location and parking. Really friendly tuition with Gen who is easy to chat to, supportive and encouraging. Really good fun to do and mindful. Would definitely recommend it to anyone."

Wicked Gen Crafts responded:

"I had lovely time with you both, so thank you for the lovely feedback. You will be really pleased with the finished flowers when you get them back."

Sarah reviewed: Spoon Carving Taster Session

"Great experience, was a great course. Mike was very knowledgeable and helpful. Taught us each knife skills at the right time. "

Laura carr reviewed: Wire wrap a seaglass pendant with Lindsay Forbes; Durham

"Lovely couple of hours making sea glass pendants. We were taught three different techniques with great patience from Lindsay and came away with 5 lovely sea glass pendants to add to chains. Thoroughly enjoyed the morning and look forward to doing additional classes "

Bench Box responded:

"Thanks for coming along Laura. Glad you enjoyed your morning of crafting and well done on creating 5 pendants, what a great selection to choose from!"

Linda Young reviewed: Traditional and modern upholstery classes set in a uniquely rural environment in Lincolnshire

"My sister and I really enjoyed our day with Lee, very happy and relaxed place to be and we didn’t feel rushed at all. Lee is very knowledgeable and really helpful. We would totally recommend, we look forward to going back with another project in the future. "

Finch and Toad responded:

"Thank you, Linda. It was lovely to spend the day with you both. Your projects were brilliant and I look forward to seeing you again. "

June & Colin reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Our day at Adrian wood blacksmithing workshop crafting a dragon coat hanger (looked more like a snake) and a keyring was nothing short of exhilarating. From the moment we stepped into the forge, we were greeted by Debbie, Adrian and Andy oh and a lovely cuppa and a biscuit. Under the expert guidance of Adrian and Andy we learned the art of shaping metal with hammer and anvil. Crafting the intricate details of the dragon coat hanger felt like breathing life into molten steel. The satisfaction of seeing the finished product, complete with fierce eyes and swirling wings, was unparalleled. The keyring project offered a different challenge, requiring precision and attention to detail. With careful guidance, we forged a unique keyring. Throughout the day, Adrian and Andy provided clear instructions and valuable tips, ensuring that even beginners like us could create something remarkable. The atmosphere was friendly and encouraging. Stopping for a lovely lunch made by Debbie. Overall, our blacksmithing day experience exceeded all expectations. It was not only a chance to learn a new skill but also a journey of creativity and self-discovery. We highly recommend this workshop to anyone seeking a hands-on adventure in the ancient art of blacksmithing."

David reviewed: Mastering Pen Making.

"What a fantastic day!! My friend and I did the full day pen turning course which involved us making two pens each. Derek is such a good teacher. He gently guides you through the process, explaining all the safety aspects, the correct way to use the machinery and how some materials act differently to others. There is a huge selection of pen styles and materials to choose from with some beautiful woods to turn. At the end of the day you walk away with a truly unique souvenir of an excellent day. I can't recommend this fabulous day enough!!"

Assynt Pens responded:

"Thank you to both you and Richard. Great students, and lots of laughs. And well done David for the two fabulous pens made. You made my job easy! Derek"