Latest reviews

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

"Fabulous day on this course. Laura is an excellent teacher providing all the guidance needed to create beautiful prints. So much information to inspire so many ideas for the future. Beautiful location. Fun and relaxing. I absolutely loved it. Many thanks Laura for such a wonderful day. "

Laura Sowerby Prints Cumbria responded:

"Wow Jennifer , so lovely to hear that. It was an absolute pleasure to spend the day with you, it makes it all worthwhile to know you had fun and feel inspired x"

Hazel T. reviewed: Willow Deer or Pig at Merriott Social Venue

"Thoroughly enjoyed this course, it was a fabulous day, Jo was a great teacher who gave simple step by step instructions to cater for all levels of ability with lots of encouragement. I am not a crafter, but absolutely thrilled with the deer sculptures we created. I would highly recommend this course, it was excellent."

Jo Sadler Willow responded:

"Thank you so much. It was a brilliant class and I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Jo😊"

Bernard O'Connor reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Great day blacksmithing. Very friendly welcome. Great instructions and help and advice when needed from Adrian and Andy. Lovely food supplied by Debbie. Great value for money and good fun. Thank you. I will almost certainly be back for another course."

Alice reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"A really great day with well structured teaching in a lovely location.. I learnt loads. Came away with an almost finished spoon and enthusiasm to make more."

Amy-lee Edwards reviewed: Tiffany stained glass wild flowers workshop

"Kate was amazing!! What a really fab fun filled day with so much to learn and experience. Kate made jumping back into the learning process a doddle and so clear with her guidance that everyone picked it up in no time. I had never even cut glass before (broken tonnes by accident!) but by the end I had the most delicate blue bell flowers with embellishments that dazzle when the sun hits them and some stunning pink daisies. I would love to do this again and I think I'm going to invest in her suggested starter kit to have some fun with! You honestly will not regret this course, see it as an investment in your fun!"

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review."

Moyna Edmondson reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at King John's Nursery, Etchingham, East Sussex

"This was without doubt the most rewarding, fulfilling and glorious way to spend a weekend. I did Marianne’s two day course and I wish I could have stayed two weeks. She is so patient and careful in how she guides you, just enough support to encourage self belief but on hand if you need more. I love my basket, so proud!"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Moyna! What a wonderful review! So fantastic to hear that you wished it could've continued for longer. For me, it was just so amazing to see you enjoying yourself as much as I always do, weaving a basket. So can I challenge you to make a log basket next time? Or would you like to go for something a bit more playful and arty like a lampshade? So chuffed with your review! Thank you very much and see you again soon, I'm sure."

Bina reviewed: Half-day pottery with Marina -for two

"Thank you Marina for a brilliant afternoon. What a lovely way to celebrate a special birthday. You were so patient with us, guiding us through all the steps. It was really fun to learn such a hands on activity and I have a new found appreciation of how much hard work goes in to producing the pieces. Looking forward to collecting our finished items. Thanks again! "

Marina Randall Ceramics responded:

"Morning Bina. Thanks for your lovely review. You both picked up the skill so well and made some lovely pots! They have been trimmed now and drying nicely. Will keep you posted😊 Warm wishes Marina "

Lesley McAllister reviewed: Come Frame With Me - Making your own Picture Frame

"Excellent course! Can't thank Ady enough for sharing his knowledge and skills so generously with a complete novice ... not to mention his patience. A great day which I have no hesitation in recommending to others. Thanks to Ady, I came away with a beautifully framed piece of "needlework" together with some new skills and a better insight into what needs to be considered when framing my (or other people's) work. Thank you Ady and Cath (lovely lunch and hospitality)."

Studio 93 Framing responded:

"Thank you Lesley! Was a pleasure hosting you and helping frame your needlework. All the best for any future framing endeavours! "

Juliet Higginson reviewed: Willow Plant Supports

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day with Richard making willow teepees. His instructions were clear and easy to follow. The course was extremely well organised (including cake) with everything we needed laid out in preparation for our needs. Richard is friendly and welcoming. I would recommend anyone to try this course."

Windrush Willow responded:

"Glad you enjoyed the day. Regards Richard"

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

"Loved this course, Laura was great and very informative. I spent the day with a lovely group of ladies too👍."

Laura Sowerby Prints Cumbria responded:

"Sandra , I really enjoyed meeting you and I’m so glad you aced it after years of curiosity 🤛 "

Jo J reviewed: Learn soft pastels in a relaxed beautiful environment

"Heather very supportive of a complete novice, the studio is a great environment, close to the canal with all its comings and goings. My friend and I were encouraged to use our creativity to great effect and we had a great day and lovely picture. Heather so helpful and supportive and put us at our ease. It wasn't just the painting, she had booked a table for lunch at the pub and actually took us there. She went more than the extra mile. A lady of great generosity with both her skill and time. We had a thoroughly enjoyable session thank you"

Dawn Corrigan reviewed: Willow weaving with Pippa Tee - Taster sessions

"I had a fabulous morning with Pippa on the Willow weaving taster course. She is very friendly and welcoming and I really enjoyed making my creations with her excellent tuition. The surroundings are amazing and very relaxing and I would highly recommend her courses and her fabulous cakes and biscuits."

Pippas plants responded:

"Thankyou Dawn! Thoroughly enjoyed our chats while we worked - and meeting the very pretty Perdy !"

Elaine Lynn reviewed: The First Cut - lino cutting for beginners & rusty printmakers

"A great introduction to lino cut printing in wonderful surroundings. Lots of equipment to work with and plenty of individual attention. The last part of the day is about experimenting with colour to produce a number of print variations to take away. A full on day in a lovely relaxed atmosphere. "

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Elaine, Thanks for letting me know about your day at the studio - it’s really appreciated. It was lovely to meet and work with you, seeing your ideas and understanding of the process develop. There’s lots of potential with your design, so I hope you have time to translate it into a 2 colour print. And then you can try printing onto fabric. Best wishes & happy printing. Liz Wellby"

Susan reviewed: Table Loom Weaving Workshop - Dobby & Rose

"Had a very enjoyable and relaxing morning in Rebecca’s lovely studio learning the basics of weaving on a 8 shaft table loom. Rebecca was very patient, encouraging and knowledgeable, and although the course was only 3 hours long we seemed to cover a lot of ground, learning about the whole process and weaving a sample piece in a variety of weave structures. Nice coffee and biscuits too! I would highly recommend this course."

Nell Lee reviewed: Ecoprinting- Exploring the Magic and the Alchemy

"We had a lovely day out in the lovely surroundings of the Reading Rooms. Fiona was a kind and careful faciliator who was keen for us each to make progress. An excellent gift to myself and my friend. We've come away very happy with our creations and with a few new skills. Thank you. "

Earthwise Ecoprints responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Nell. It was such a pleasure teaching you and the fabulous group on Sunday. I am so pleased you enjoyed the day and the magical process of Ecoprinting. Warning - it’s very addictive!!! "

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

"Marianne was a good teacher, explaining everything in a clear and enthusiastic way. It was a fun and educational day, both my wife and I came away with baskets we are proud of. We both recommend the course."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you very much for your 5-star review, Peter! I felt so flattered to hear that you planned your holiday in England around my Crafty Basketry course in Tenterden and not the other way around! You each made a great, sturdy basket to last you a lifetime. I hope you will have lots of fun, doing many more amazing craft courses in the future, now that you're both retired. Have fun and live life to the full!"

Hetty reviewed: Spoon Carving with Rosie Mockford

"A very enjoyable day in surprisingly charming venue. Clear and helpful teaching in a very encouraging atmosphere. Also a very productive day that was well planned. A great experience for beginners into the world of the wood people. Rosie was a sensitive, caring teacher with a special ability to instruct a mixed group and everyone managed to create a characterful wooden utensil. Thanks"

Tree to Treen responded:

"Thanks so much Hetty, what a lovely review. Glad you had an enjoyable day!"

Dave Barrett reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I had a great time! Learnt loads. Warm and friendly atmosphere with lots of help and support. Great blacksmithing, great food and great fun"

Alice Graddon reviewed: Woodland Blacksmithing and Bushcraft Course

"I recently had the pleasure of attending a unique experience day that combined blacksmithing and bushcraft, nestled in a scenic woodland setting. Under the shelter of a rustic forge, our instructor Billy introduced us to the basics of blacksmithing. Despite the initial challenge, Billy’s expert guidance and fun approach made the complex techniques accessible and enjoyable. We crafted our own steel tools, which felt incredibly rewarding. The day continued with bushcraft fire making with Alex, who expertly demonstrated various traditional and innovative techniques, from flint and steel, solar, friction and chemical methods, and the different fire types. The highlight was undoubtedly using flint and the steel we had made earlier at the forge to spark fires, over which we boiled kettles for a well-deserved tea! This experience was not just about learning new skills but also about connecting with traditional crafts in a hands-on, immersive environment and I would highly recommend it. We will be returning for another course in the future! "

Bill's Workshop responded:

"Hey Alice, I’m so glad all of you had such a great time and we’re really able to grasp the skills we went through so well and had so many laughs while we did! That is a lovely review, again I’m so chuffed you enjoyed your woodland Blacksmithing course and I can’t wait to see you again on another one ! All the best -Billy "

Tanya C reviewed: One-to-One Fused Glass Course

"Just a fantastic day from start to finish. Clear directions to get there, excellent communication and a warm welcome. Everything was carefully explained. Fun, informative and lovely food also. The perfect course and the perfect day. I cannot recommend highly enough. I am already booking my next course "

Pink House Glass responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Tanya :) I really enjoyed spending the day with you and sharing the wonderful world of glass fusing. I look forward to your next visit and exploring more ideas and processes."

Luci reviewed: Beginners Silver Jewellery Course

"Brilliant day with Mark making silver jewellery in his workshop. Loads of ideas for pieces and excellent range of machines and tools to help make them. Thank you so much Luci and Alex "

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."