Latest reviews

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

"Thank you so much for the course yesterday - my daughter and I enjoyed making our baskets under your expert and patient guidance."

Verity Steele reviewed: Moroccan Leather Bookbinding

"I found this course really fascinating. The tutor was extremely knowledgeable and welcoming. He was also very patient when I was a bit slow with stitching my signatures (batches of pages). The end result was a Moroccan-style notebook with embossed leather covers and marbled paper covers on the inside. Really satisfying. Thank you!"

CRAFT DRAFT responded:

"Thanks so much for your kind words. I had an absolutely wonderful time with you! "

Brenda reviewed: Wooden Pendant Carving with Giles Newman

"What a fabulous day. It was friendly, informative, a beautiful setting and Giles taught in a relaxed informal manner with plenty of questions, chat and laughter - and complete silence at times when we all focused on our carving. I would recommend this workshop 100%, as a complete novice I’ve learnt so much and came away with a knife and determination to take this up as a long-thought-about hobby. Also the hospitality from Giles and his wife was second to none - thank you. "

Marianne reviewed: 1-to-1 Organic Skincare Workshop at Maid in the Meadow

"Allison was professional, informative, fun, and relaxing to be with and covered everything I expected and more. I was also given a handbook to take home as well as all the products I learned to make. I would thoroughly recommend this interesting and stimulating day course."

Maid in the Meadow responded:

"Thank you for your review Marianne. It was a pleasure to spend the day with you and I hope you are enjoying the gorgeous products you made. As promised I will forward the updated material to you in the next few days and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. Kindest regards, Allison "

Tony Smith reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"This course was a Christmas gift from my daughters and my partner. As I am a retired "DIY-er", they thought it would appeal. I have to say they were absolutely spot on. From first introductions with the tutor and the other course members, the whole day was very enjoyable. We laughed when it was appropriate but I felt secure in "bashing the metal" as safety was always the primary focus. The tutor made his examples look quick and easy (expected) but my work took longer (never done it before so also expected). At no time was this an issue - patient explanation of the whys and wherefores helped throughout the day. I would highly recommend this as an experience to savour and enjoy. My only criticism - the leaky electric kettle. I think it would be a good idea to furnish the forge with a new one. "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are very happy that you enjoyed the workshop and shall pass your comments onto the course tutor. We have noted your comment about the kettle too! We hope to see you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Lizzie Thomas reviewed: 2-hour 'body bits' pottery workshop for your hen party, birthday or other gathering

"I booked this activity for my best friend’s hen do and we all had an amazing time! We all really enjoyed it and are looking forward to getting our pots! The cocktails were also lovely at the bar!"

Hot Fox Pottery responded:

"So glad you had fun! It was lovely to meet you all. Hope the rest of the hen do was good! xx"

Pauline reviewed: Resin crafting for beginners

"Had such a great experience learning about resin with Scott. Would definitely recommend "

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Thanks Pauline "

Peter & Karen Forrester reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"We had a wonderful day and thoroughly enjoyed this introduction to woodturning. Simon is a brilliant teacher and passed on a great deal of his undoubted expertise and experience during the day. A most enjoyable lunch included too! We would highly recommend this course and look forward to attending the intermediate course in the not too distant future."

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Karen & Peter, Really glad you enjoyed the day and look forward to seeing you again soon. -- Simon"

Patricia Darley reviewed: Personalised leather bound journal workshop

"Had a lovely day with Tracey on her leather workshop. Completed a journal cover with super soft leather in bright colours. Planning on another day making sneakers! "

Christine Russell reviewed: Paint a Poppy in acrylics (in the style of Georgia O'Keefe)

"Very enjoyable workshop, using acrylics, a medium I haven’t tried before."

A.S.K Art & Pottery Gallery & Studio responded:

"Thanks Christine, it was lovely to meet you yesterday. Hope to see you soon xx"

Rachel Allen reviewed: Learn soft pastels in a relaxed beautiful environment

"What a fantastic course. Coming as a beginner, Heather's easy way of explaining and answering my questions made my day a really valuable experience. Her knowledge and skills were shared with ease and I had a thoroughly amazing day, which went very quickly! I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn the magic of soft pastels. The icing on the cake were the unison pastels, pastel paper and pencils I was given to take home and enjoy! I will be going back for sure!"

Rachel reviewed: Private and Group Silver Jewellery Making Workshop for Beginners with IZABO Jewellery

"This was an absolutely brilliant experience and I cannot stop recommending it! Izabella is an amazing teacher, it’s a really hands on experience and she makes it so fun and interesting. The rings I made are also stunning and people cannot believe I made them myself! "

Andy reviewed: Beginners spoon carving

"I had a thoroughly enjoyable day on this course. Learned a lot, had great fun and came away with a decent spoon that I'm very proud of. Together, Nick, Emily and Charlie were a great instruction team with seemingly endless knowledge and enthusiasm."

Gosman Spoon Co. responded:

"Thank you Andy! We really enjoyed the workshop and meeting you. If you need any help with tools or advice please drop me an email."

Sarah Garratt reviewed: Beautiful Bookbinding

"We had a fabulous day with Fiona! A really productive session; learning how to prepare and bind three different types of books. Fiona had a great selection of resources for us to use which meant that I ended up with three very different completed projects. A great day in Fiona’s delightful garden studio which has definitely inspired me to use my newfound bookbinding skills…… lots of new projects on the horizon now! "

Earthwise Ecoprints responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Sarah. It was really lovely teaching you some fabulous bookbinding skills and I’m so pleased you are inspired to do more. Delighted that I will see you again on the Paper Making workshop."

Eren. O reviewed: One day welding course: an introduction

"Great value for money course and a great teacher. Was willing to work with me and make the course relevant to my needs and desire to do welding work on my van. Highly knowledgeable and very experienced. Went out of the way to show me what to do and did not rush the learning - but also did not hold back on pushing me to do better either - best of both worlds. I'd genuinely recommend this course to anyone looking to learn welding. Probably would get more hands on experience doing this than a "Pro Welding" Course. Thank you for your support and I look forward to the future. "

Julian Wadsworth - Artist Blacksmith responded:

"Thank you Eren for your great review. I am really happy to know the course has worked for you. It's no problem if you need to get in touch about the welding or machinery , or come back for another session sometime. It was a pleasure to meet you and give you this training. Best Regards, Julian"

Heather reviewed: Sew and Make a Notebook Cover for ages 8 - 13 years Bugthorpe

"My daughter had a lovely time and really enjoyed the course. She was made to feel really welcome and was so pleased with her notebook cover. She would definitely like to do another course. Thank you!"

Sean Thorpe reviewed: Beginners Screenprint Workshop With Oli Fowler

"I had a really nice day with Oliver in his studio. I would recommend this course to anyone thinking of trying screen printing. I was guided through the process and patient help was at hand at every step. "

Dot reviewed: Wire Craft Kit

"This is a pretty little box with different wires and pliers, plus a few extras. I had been collecting such things myself, with a view to trying my hand at this craft. I bought the kit as a treat to myself, thinking it would take me, a total beginner, step by step through making something, showing me techniques to achieve different effects. It doesn’t really offer this. However , there are some suggestions and a very attractive design sheet for inspiration, so I’m hoping this will be enough to get me started. "

Debbie Bryan responded:

"Hello Dot, thankyou for taking the time to review your new craft kit, we take onboard your feedback, we can look at this for our future revisions. The kit instructions we hoped would be transferable to use with drawings on our design sheet over making one main idea. If you are ever nearby be Nottingham or Ruddington you are very welcome to visit with your kit, it would be our pleasure to support you in person with your new craft or over zoom / phone, do let us know :) bye for now Debbie "

Anne Pidgeon reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops

"A truly wonderful day; and I can't wait to go again! Elaine is the perfect tutor and so kind, patient and encouraging. Nothing is too much trouble and her skill-sets are first class - highly professional and so versitile too. I cannot recommend this course enough. It is faboulous. Do try it for yourself ......... Oh and the cake! Delicious."

Lady of Glass responded:

"Hi Ann. Thank you so much for the lovely review Ann. My main goal on any of the courses are to make sure a good time is had, and secondly, to make sure your are happy ! 😊"

Dan Price reviewed: Box making for beginners

"Does exactly as it says on the tin! A fabulous way to spend a day. Andrew patiently guides you through the process and techniques required, with plenty of clear demonstration and opportunity to have a go yourself. Looking forward to visiting again, once I've honed the skills I've taken away this time, to expand my understanding and knowledge further. Looking forward to it. "

Lee Furniture responded:

"Thanks Dan, glad you had a good day. Look forward to seeing you again."

Kirsty reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Cheadle

"Had a wonderful day. Jo was an awesome teacher. Very patient and helpful to all in the class. I came away with some new skills and a beautiful footstool. Definitely recommend! "

The Boho Shed responded:

"Lovely Kirsty, thank you for your review of the course. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the day. 💕"

Harriet James reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"Very good teaching and friendly atmosphere. Olivia is very organised and approachable. A thoroughly enjoyable day."

Clare & Rich Halligan-Hoad reviewed: Introduction to Indian Block Printing in East Yorkshire

"We attended the Block Printing workshop on 3rd March as total newbies & really enjoyed it. Sharon is a great facilitator; friendly, patient & knowledgeable about the subject. All materials were provided, inks, aprons & a good selection of stamps to experiment with. We were really happy with our finished tote bag & tea towel. "

Elaine Joy reviewed: 💜 The Suffolk Silk Scarf Painting Workshops 💜 at The Arty Silkworm, Green Farm, Suffolk ~Fabulously Creative

"What a thoroughly enjoyable day we had making our silk scarves. Ruth is lovely and a very good tutor and gave my friend and I a very warm welcome into her home where the workshop took place. We both left feeling very proud of our achievements and will definitely return to learn more from this very creative knowledgeable lady."

Janet reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"A nice day all in and I left with total confidence. I could do this again on my own with the right tools. As others have said, it was cold cold cold so do take plenty of layers. Thanks for a lovely day "

Touchwood Glasgow responded:

"Thank you for my first 4-star review in almost 2.5yrs of passing on some of the techniques specific to carving spoons, I'm glad I was able to help instill the level of "total confidence" required to now practice the craft independently! Unfortunately I don't control the space (unheated) or the weather, and was caught out by the day being pretty cold during a typical spell of Scottish weather being all over the place, so never got the chance to send out a 'wrap up warm email message' prior. It's unclear in your review why the star was dropped, so I assume this was not a teaching gripe given the "total confidence" statement, but rather a climate related dissatisfaction. Nevertheless, I appreciate all and any reviews, and/or constructive feedback. Thanks again for joining the growing league of spooncarvers :))"