Latest reviews

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"

Sharon H reviewed: A day of glass fusing with Chan Foy

"I had an absolutely fantastic experience making my glass tiles, wave and bowl. Great place and amazing quantity and quality of glass to work with with the perfect level of tutoring. I can't wait to see how they turn out. "

Stockport Glass Fusing responded:

"Ahh thanks Sharon, it was a pleasure to teach n meet you and your creations are ready so watch out for the collection email (ready from Saturday in our porch 10am-7pm) - they have fused beautifully, you may have seen them on our socials? x"

Bernice O’Reilly reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"One of the best workshops I’ve ever done. Lynne is an excellent tutor, guiding you all the way with the practical information, skills and techniques but she also gives you space to be creative if you want. I came away with two fabulous notebooks which I’m very proud of and my family were very impressed. I’d definitely sign up for more courses by Lynne and have recommended this one to everyone I know. Five stars all the way! "

Lynne Friel responded:

"Thank you so much Bernice. Your books turned out so well and I'm sure you'll be able to make lots more at home. It would be lovely to see you again at one of my workshops. The first of the Intermediate book workshops start in June, although lots of people come two or even three times to the beginners' one - the results are always so different. Happy book making, best wishes, Lynne"

Helen reviewed: Ecoprinting with Bookbinding with Earthwise Ecoprints

"This was a really interesting and enjoyable day! The printing is a fascinating process, which I'm keen to continue. Fiona is such a knowledgeable and friendly teacher, I learned a huge amount - we fitted a lot into the day and came away full of ideas! Highly recommended."

Earthwise Ecoprints responded:

"Thank you Helen, it was lovely to meet you. I am so pleased you enjoyed the Ecoprinting with Bookbinding Workshop on Saturday. It was such a great group to teach. "

Kate reviewed: Willow Obelisk Plant Support Workshop with Dovecote Willow

"This is a wonderful course to do. Not only do you learn a new technique but you get to take home something wonderful to put in your garden. Vicky is a very good instructor and explained every stage of the willow work obelisk build clearly. I was so happy with what I made and will be signing up to do another course with Vicky as soon as I can. "

Dovecote Willow responded:

"Thank you so much Kate, you were a wonderful student and it would be lovely to see you again"

Sarah HARRISON reviewed: Fissures I - Cracked Mud Vessels / Panel

"An outstanding felt vessel workshop. Expert knowledge. Fantastic resources. Friendly, relaxed atmosphere in a purpose built garden studio. Constant tea, coffee and biscuits on hand. Thank you Emma. I throughly recommend the course and will be back! "

Emma Jackson (Silversoles - Felted Textiles) responded:

"Delighted to hear you enjoyed the workshop - look forward to seeing you again."

Kim Burrows reviewed: Sew and Make a Skirt Ages 8 - 16 years Allerthorpe nr Pocklington

"My granddaughter Chloe did this course yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed it. For someone who is very creative I felt it was something good for her to attend & do."

Katie reviewed: One day blacksmithing course in West Wales

"I booked the one day course for my partner's birthday. From the moment we arrived we felt very welcomed and at ease. Aaron makes smithing look so easy, he truly is a master at the craft. Aaron was on hand to help (which I admit was quite frequently as I was far from a natural!) but despite this I had a great day and my partner still hasn’t stopped saying how great it was! We were able to make two items we can use for our log burner and two coat racks which go beautifully in our house. I cannot recommend the course and Aaron enough and we are looking forward to booking on again in the future."

A and T Petersen Ltd responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely review. We hope to see you again."

SusanBJ reviewed: Lampshade Making Workshop with Clare Cosens

"In a lovely space for creating, we were given not only the means but also hints and tips on how to get a great finish on our lampshades. Clare is a great teacher and it was well worth the three hour round trip to participate in this course. Thanks Clare!"

Clare Cosens Designs responded:

"Thank you Susan for leaving a lovely review and for travelling all that way to attend the workshop. Please send me pictures of the big lampshades you are going to make. I would love to see them. Happy Making!"

Jacqueline Parry reviewed: Textured landscapes in Mixed Media - working with acrylics, collage and texture pastes

"Mike and Clare were so very welcoming! They introduced themselves in a friendly way and explained everything clearly. Throughout the session, Mike plied us with countless cups of tea and coffee and took our lunch orders, which he fetched from the cafe later. Clare explained what the course entailed and provided us with materials and her expertise; encouraging us all the way. I really enjoyed my day, which was a gift from my children and came away with three completed mixed media studies and much more experience. Thank you to all involved with putting this workshop together!"

Vitreus Art responded:

"Thanks for your review Jacqui - it was a pleasure having you in the studio. KR Mike"

Gill Robertson reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"I really enjoyed this day course. Judith is an engaging teacher, she explained things simply and clearly, and helped everyone to feel 'can do' rather than 'that looks hard'. 10/10. "

print paper stitch experiences responded:

"Thank you Gill, it was a pleasure to spend the day with you. I hope you feel inspired to add Lino Print to your creative repertoire, your botanic prints were beautifully executed."

Jane reviewed: Peonies - Crepe Paper Flower Making

"Lovely helpful teacher, clear directions and very generous course material to take home . Throughly enjoyed the course . Wonderful surroundings and super baked cakes . "

The Oast Studio responded:

"Thanks Jane, So glad you enjoyed the day. Happy flower making & hope to see you again."

Pamela Garrick reviewed: Crochet - Intermediate - Wednesdays

"Following on from the Beginner’s class, I found the Intermediate Class delivered by Bryony with the same excellent care and patience and once again mindful consideration of each individual’s ability and pace of learning. Thank you for not giving up on me!"

Jenny Hardcastle reviewed: Sewing tilly and the buttons indigo top kit

"Tilly and the buttons sewing kit. Beautiful material, box with everything and more I’ll need to sew this item. Very happy with this purchase"

Connie reviewed: Wire Wrapped Crystal Necklace Workshop with Hand Crafted Jewellery by Jo

"Loved this course and the necklace I made. Jo was brilliant explaining how to make it. Would highly recommend!"

Handcrafted Jewellery by Jo responded:

"Thank you Connie, I'm so pleased you both enjoyed your jewellery making experience. See you on a workshop soon. Jo x "

Sally Jackson reviewed: Lampshade Making Workshop with Clare Cosens

"This was my second course with Clare for lampshade making and was as superb as my first time. Clare is an excellent tutor, friendly, informative and explains everything in great detail and is most helpful. In fact I could just keep on attending her courses! My friend, Jenni, who accompanied me this time also found the course extremely fun and thoroughly enjoyed herself too. We left with beautiful shades with many thanks to Clare.😊"

Clare Cosens Designs responded:

"Thank you Sally for coming to my workshop again and taking the time to leave such a lovely review. I am really pleased that you both enjoyed the workshop. Your lampshades looked fantastic!"

Carol Garner reviewed: Creative coil pots - Introduction in Machynlleth

"What an enjoyable course. Molly is an excellent teacher. I am so pleased with the coil pots I made and will definitely continue to make more at home. Thank you Molly!"

Molly Brown's Emporium responded:

"Thanks for your comment about my teaching, especially as you are a teacher yourself. Hope you enjoy making lots of pots, it does get a bit addictive."

Germaine reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"I spent an excellent day making a basket, something I have wanted to do for a long time. Nothing was too much for Becky and Jonny. The lunch was lovely, even the dogs were well behaved! The other learners were lovely too. Thank you. "

Ali reviewed: Copper Foil Stained Glass Workshop in The Cotswolds - Gloucestershire/Wiltshire/Oxfordshire Border

"This was a Christmas gift from me to my mum and we attended together. What a lovely day! Comfortable surroundings, kind and patient tutors and a relaxed atmosphere. At a time where more people are seeking experiences rather than ‘things’ to give loved ones as gifts, this course and others like it are just brilliant for ensuring we put the time aside to spend with each other. A joy to spend a day mindfully engaging with gaining a new skill. Many thanks indeed!"

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

"Fantastic location. Lyndsey was great. Very friendly and helpful. We were shown 3 different designs and tried each one making some lovely jewellery. All wire, tools and seaglass provided, even a cup of tea and biscuits. Would like to do more designs."

Bench Box responded:

"Thanks for coming along Karen, it was great to see what you created! I'm glad you enjoyed working with wire and seaglass and keen to learn more!"

Annemarie reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"Loved the course. Lovely group. All the equipment and resources were great. Definitely recommend to others. "

Sophie reviewed: Ecoprinting with Bookbinding with Earthwise Ecoprints

"Had such a lovely experience learning about ecoprinting and book binding. Fiona is a very patient and knowledgable teacher, explaining everything in a really accessible way. Had such a lovely day - can’t wait to put all that I have learnt into further use!"

Earthwise Ecoprints responded:

"Thank you Sophie. It was so lovely to meet you on Saturday and I am so pleased that you enjoyed the day especially travelling all the way from Bristol to join the workshop. Glad that you feel inspired to make more fabulous books!"

Sue Joines reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"Fabulous course. Loved every minute. Johnny and Becky were so patient and excellent teachers. Came away with a basket I'm really proud of. "

Jennie reviewed: Blow a bauble at Chew Valley handmade glass

"This was a lovely experience. The workshop leaders were friendly and clearly went through the process. The finished results were amazing. "

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you for your kind review Jennie. Pleased to hear you enjoyed your time with us. It was a pleasure to meet you all. Regards Steve and Angie "