Latest reviews

Lily Mai Morgan reviewed: "Escape to Creativity: 3-Day Craft Retreat with 2 Nights in a Charming Country House!"

"I can honestly say that the private craft retreat day we had with Beehive Wellbeing on Sunday was nothing short of magical! As a group of retired nurses who worked together for many years, we wanted to do something special for our 10 year reunion this year. After seeing Beehive Wellbeing advertising their retreats, I messaged them to see if they would consider hosting a private retreat just for us as a group of 13. They were incredibly accommodating and let us choose all the activities we wanted, which made the day even more personal and meaningful. We kicked off the morning with a soap-making session, where we each got to create our own artisan soaps. It was such a relaxing and fun activity, and both Louise and Laura were so helpful and patient with us. We all had a blast and each have a huge amount of soap. After that, we enjoyed the most delicious afternoon tea—complete with sandwiches, fresh scones straight from the oven, thank you Laura and, of course, plenty of tea. It was the perfect chance to sit down, relax, and catch up with one another. In the afternoon, we made wire flowers and then candles. Both activities were so enjoyable and gave us the chance to get creative while learning new skills. The wire flowers were surprisingly easy to make and turned out beautiful, and making candles was such a fun, hands-on experience. We all loved the opportunity to personalize our candles with different colors and scents. Honestly, the whole day was just magical. It was the perfect blend of creativity, relaxation, and friendship. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to reconnect and spend time together. We had such a wonderful experience that we’ve already planning another retreat for November with the hope it will be a residential. I highly recommend Beehive Wellbeing for anyone looking for a unique, memorable experience. It was a fabulous reunion for us , but equally could be for so many other celebrations. I can’t wait for our next retreat, thank you again ladies for everything. Lily & Friends"

James Bowling reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"Really enjoyable and inspiring course. Excellently taught in a friendly environment. I learned a lot! Planning to do part two soon!"

Robert Lawrence reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Excellent day, had a great time, Spike is really helpful and friendly, highly recommend "

Chris Whatmough reviewed: Gemstone Ring Workshop

"The course that Amie gave took me from complete beginner to making a beautiful gemstone ring in one day. Amie took care to make sure that the learning is delivered in bitesize sections so that you have a full understanding of one section together with learning the necessary skills with work carried out to the correct standard before moving onto the next. As a complete novice, I felt comfortable with the teaching and learnt a lot in the day. The whole experience was very enjoyable and I am looking forward to booking another of Amie's courses. "

Amie Jacobs Jewellery responded:

"It was a pleasure to have you in the class, Chris! Thank you for such a lovely review."

Georgine Whiting reviewed: Sculpture workshop two days with Jo Garden Art in beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"I've been agonising about how I can possibly give credit to Jo for her amazing craft courses. On a practical level everything you need to produce a wonderful piece of art is provided including drinks and treats. The studio is in beautiful surroundings and the care taken by Jo and Andy in its creation and the garden in which it stands, make it a peaceful, relaxing and memorable place to be. Jo is an extremely gifted artist. She is also an excellent and empowering teacher. After receiving clear instructions at each stage of the process, we are left to work at our own pace. Jo has the rare knack of knowing exactly when to offer advice and also more practical help when needed. She is kind, caring and funny all of which provides the perfect atmosphere in which to work. At the end of my 2 days I left with my beautiful greyhound sculpture. I can't thank Jo enough for enabling me to produce such a beautiful piece. My thanks also to Andy for all his hard work and support. If you're thinking about signing up for the course - do it. You will be so glad that you did."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Wow Georgie - what a beautiful review - I am very humbled. Your Greyhound was simply gorgeous, and I loved the way you went for the combination of bronze patina and rust as a finish. Never been done before and the alchemy worked perfectly. It will keep ageing and changing over time. Well done 🤗 Jo xx"

Emma Mitchell reviewed: Fundamentals of Italian fencing - Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA)

"I booked this course for my 15 year old son Noah, who is a fan of all things medieval and has developed a particular interest in Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA). Jude made us both feel very welcome and over the 3 hours Noah learned a lot, about both the history and the skills involved in Italian fencing. He thoroughly enjoyed every minute! Jude also talked to us about the history of his beautiful house and even allowed me to walk around the lovely peaceful garden while Noah enjoyed his lesson. We would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone with an interest in history. Thank you so much Jude for such a wonderful experience. "

The English Country House responded:

"Hi Emma, Thank you for your lovely review, I’m glad you both had a good day. It was a genuine pleasure to meet you both, Noah is an impressive young man who was a natural with the blade, I wish you both the very brightest of futures. Best wishes. Jude "

Rachel Dimbleby reviewed: Copper wire jewellery Workshop

"My daughter and I had a wonderful afternoon learning ring making techniques. Kami was amazing, teaching different skills to us and we came away with rings that we are so incredibly proud of. Highly recommended and we can’t wait to book again! "

Mya Designs responded:

"Hi Rachel and Imogen, Thanks for coming to the workshop. You both had very different styles in mind and the rings look amazing, Imogen, I'm so glad you managed to rescue the pearl ring in the end. You were both great at picking up new techniques and added your own twist on the designs you made. It was a pleasure to work with you and looking forward to seeing you again :)"

Maxine Hart reviewed: Lantern Making with Fused Glass

"Spent a fabulous morning with Wendy and three friends recently. Wendy was so lovely, supportive and encouraging as none of us felt we were particularly artistic but WOW were we happy with the result 😁. Would definitely recommend giving glass fusion a go with The Glory of Glass. Great fun and a gorgeous memento of the day too to take home. "

Victoria Percy reviewed: Introduction to hand spinning wool yarn

"Fabulous course, delivered by a lovely lady who is obviously passionate and knowledgeable about wool and sheep. Would definitely recommend for anyone wanting to give spinning a go. Had a great time "

Mrs Tamsin Eddison reviewed: Spanish and Mexican Tapas

"I really enjoyed this course. Not being a confident cook I was a little apprehensive but Phil immediately put me at ease. He was patient and encouraging and shared a lot of great tips. I appreciated his broad and plentiful choice of recipes and watching, participating and eating in his super kitchen set in a delightful location. I can highly recommend this good value course to both experience and inexperienced cooks. "

Edward Ryles reviewed: Spinner Ring Jewellery Workshop

"Suzanne is an excellent tutor, the environment is warm and friendly and she instills in you the confidence to achieve a very professional product at the end of the workshop. I made a Spinner Ring and was really pleased and proud of it. I would highly recommend doing one of her workshops or courses"

Pat Crosthwaite reviewed: Needle Felt a Herdwick Sheep with Felt fabulous

"My daughter bought the course for me (75yrs) and her daughter (11yrs). We made a sheep and we are both HOOKED 😀 lovely lady, great group of people...a most enjoyable afternoon. Just wish there were some nearer home, as we traveled from Stockport to Liverpool."

Felt Fabulous Gifts responded:

"Thanks so much for this lovely review Pat. I'm so pleased that you both enjoyed the afternoon and that you're both now fans of needlefelting! I was very impressed by your granddaughter's sheep. (and yours of course!) Best wishes, Mandy"

Ashley Seow reviewed: Silver jewellery making workshop for 2 people

"Booked the workshop as a surprise for my partner and he absolutely loved it. Julie made it such a pleasant experience and was so knowledgable, friendly, and helpful throughout. Delicious refreshments made by her as well! Would definitely recommend this workshop :) "

OLIVIA HART reviewed: Monthly Oil Painting Classes

"A most enjoyable & informative course on oil painting for a beginner. A nice relaxed atmosphere ! Thank you Louise."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for leaving us a lovely review. We are very pleased you enjoyed the course and hope to see you back here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Helen Llewellyn reviewed: Beginners 1 Day Traditional Stained Glass Course

"What a great day from start to finish. The fabulous Gill was a delight, her passion for the subject shone through. The day was over all too soon. With help from Gill I made a piece of stained glass which I am so proud of, and which has received so many lovely compliments. I can’t wait to book another session. "

Gill Rogers responded:

"Many thanks for your wonderful review Helen, it was so great to meet you and I had such a fun day with you too! Enjoy displaying your stained glass and we’ll done you, it looked absolutely stunning! All my very best wishes and hope to see you again sometime in the near future!👍🥰 x "

Sue reviewed: Upholstery 1 day workshop - make your own footstool

"I enjoyed the 1 day upholstery course. Sue is very welcoming and ensures that everyone goes at their pace but keeps the day on course. It was a small group which made for a friendly and helpful atmosphere to the whole day. I would definitely recommend this course and may well do another one under Sue's tutelage. "

Tuffett responded:

"Hi Sue. Thank you for your kind review. I am glad you enjoyed the day and you made a lovely footstool. Hope to see you again. Best wishes, Sue"

Patsy reviewed: Lino Printing Workshop for Beginners or Improvers

"Great fun - Caroline was very good at explaining each step"

Tim reviewed: Two day (consecutive) stained glass starter course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the course, and learned a great deal. Paul is a patient and careful teacher, and we have been inspired !"

Alicia Wisdom reviewed: 3 hour Silver jewellery course

"Had a lovely experience making rings with my friend. Richard is very experienced, knowledgeable and patient. Thank you for an enjoyable experience!"

Richard Whitelegg Jewellery responded:

"Many thanks it was a pleasure "

Colin Roe reviewed: Kitchen Knife Course

"I was given this experience as a gift and wasn’t sure what to expect - I haven’t done this sort of thing before. As soon as you arrive Dave (our instructor) was friendly and welcoming. His method of teaching is formative and delivered with clarity ensuring every step is understood to maintain safety while keeping the day fun. You are left to do as much of the knife making as possible and Dave has stills confidence I. You as you go while being patient and supporting where needed. I was amazed at how well my knife came out - I put my success down to Dave’s support during the day. I would recommend this experience to anyone and plan on going back to make another very soon. "

Steven Roe reviewed: Kitchen Knife Course

"I went into this course looking forward to it and learning from it. It was an exceptional day. Dave’s friendly approach complemented his expertise and was the right level of theory and instruction for a complete novice. He guided me through the process giving me confidence in every stage that at time could have been complicated. I came away with great memories and a fabulous hand crafted knife. A decent knife can cost a lot. So to have a day with an expert and come away with a quality knife is worth every penny. I would recommend to anyone."

Lorna reviewed: Learn to use An Overlocker (aka Serger)

"Absolutely brilliant. It was very informative. The thought of using my overlocker filled me with fear. After the sessions and practice of using different settings and seams, I feel much more confident."

Emma Jackson (Silversoles - Felted Textiles) responded:

"Glad you had a good day and are now feeling confident to use your overlocker more in your sewing. Keep practicing and your confidence will grow!"

Tom H reviewed: Blacksmithing course - spend a day in the forge

"I attended a blacksmithing day with Richard last Friday. I had fun and learned a lot; Richard's teaching style allowed the students to learn by experimenting and observing his demonstration. Richard was extremely flexible when I had to change my dates. Not only did I learn a new way to work with metal but also had a brilliant laugh with him and the other participants on the day. Highly recommended!"

Red Anvil School of Blacksmithing responded:

"Thank you Tom. I was really pleased we could get together and a delight to meet an enthusiastic young man with a lot of of potential. You performed the tasks really well and left with some really stunning pieces. Richard "

Lorna reviewed: Felted Bag - with Nuno and/or Resist features

"Awesome! Such an interesting day. Mind blowing, so much colour and texture. Loved it. Thank you Emma."

Dave G. reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Going to the Lakeland cabinet maker was a surprise present, I was a bit nervous before I went as I have little to no knowledge or skill. I need not have worried, Mark (cabinet maker and teacher extraordinaire) was really friendly and has a great way of mixing practical experiences using power tools with theory and teaching on methods and hand tools. I started with a few planks of (very nice) oak and ended up with a beautiful step stool (one of 4 possible projects in the first course). I have been inspired to have a go at home and am busy assembling hand tools and planning a workshop to have a safe place. If you (or someone you know!) is interested but unsure – I would say give it a go. If you don’t want to do more you will spend a week building something and have a great experience at the very least. Thank you Mark!"