Latest reviews

Olivia Squance reviewed: Mig Welding For Beginners Introductory Day Course.

"My mum did a welding course with Tony for her birthday. She enjoyed herself so much! Tony was patient and very knowledgeable walking her through a creation she’s wanted to make for a long time. Needless to say they made something amazing and my mum is incredibly grateful for the day and would recommend to anyone wanting to get into welding! Or have a brilliant creative day. "

Newport Wrought Ironwork responded:

"Thank you Olivia for the feedback, I really enjoyed the day I spent with your mum Bridget making the horseshoe fire brazier for her garden. Hopefully she will have many years of use from it and also continue being creative making stuff from metal. Regards Tony "

Lucianne Lassalle reviewed: Portrait Sculpture in Clay

"Luke was an attentive and brilliant teacher on this amazing course, with very clear and easy to understand step by step instructions, he really helped me to get a good grasp on how to create a great likeness of the model. Totally recommend this course. "

Luke Shepherd responded:

"Thank you Lucianne. It's always a pleasure to have professional sculptors participate on my courses. The beauty is there is always something to learn from working with others, seeing how they approach and tackle the subject. Even how they hold and use their modelling tools. The learning is 2-way. Thankyou!"

Christy Cruft reviewed: Portrait Sculpture in Clay

"Before enrolling on one of Luke's portrait sculpture courses, I've done very little clay sculpture myself. Luke's approach is very thorough and detailed. He also created a confidence building atmosphere in the group as well as giving each participant plenty of individual support and guidance. We also had a few short sessions looking at anatomical and portrait theory which I found very helpful. I now feel sufficiently competent and confident to tackle some portraiture work independently and I'm amazed at the likenesses that I'm achieving."

Luke Shepherd responded:

"Thanks Christy for your kind review. Please feel free to send me images of your work. I'd like to see what you are working on and I'm very happy to offer you feedback if you wish. All very best"

Sally Wood reviewed: One day silver jewellery designing and making workshop

"This was a really wonderful bespoke course. Bridget was lovely and very knowledgeable. Have an idea of what you want to make, but don't be too specific, helps to learn more. We were able to get ideas on the day looking at Bridget's own collection. My husband and I decided to make a ring as he had recently lost his wedding ring and Bridget made it easy to make design decisions and guided us through every step. I would definitely go again (even though not local to us) we had a really great day."

Bridget Bradshaw Designs responded:

"So kind of you to leave your review. Plus you are more than welcome to return anytime you wish, we all had so much fun. Kind regards Bridget xx "

Gwen reviewed: Fused Glass "Spring & Summer- Flowers & Hearts" with April Pebble

"My friend and I spent a fruitful few hours with April creating some beautiful fused glass ornaments. She was patient and kind and I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in finding out more. We are looking forward to receiving our creations in the post"

April Pebble responded:

"Your fused glass creations are being fired as we speak! It was a pleasure to meet you both and thanks so much for the kind words, April :)"

Rich reviewed: Atlantic Ribbon Stool - 3 day

"Great course, fantastic guidance given and incredible hands on experience using all the hand tools to produce an outstanding stool which I never imagined I would be able to hand craft from a few pieces of wood! Fantastic location with great views across the Cornish farmland in an amazing workshop. Picked up so many really good tips on how to produce real quality woodwork and looking forward to using them on my next project at home. Huge thanks to all for a fantastic course"

Lisa Tank reviewed: An introduction to Argentium Silver

"I spent a wonderful day with Elizabeth making a beautiful ring and bangle. Elizabeth's teaching and support was perfect and she was incredibly helpful, informative and patient! Her own work is stunning and I would highly recommend doing this workshop day with her."

Claire Freeman reviewed: Willow Hare Workshop

"Absolutely loved this workshop. I had been looking for a while to find a hare that I liked the look of. This one was great, nice chunky solid body with detail in the ears. Some hares on other workshops look a bit sparse. Rachel was a good tutor and explained things really well. She took time to go round everyone and help/answer questions. I think we were all impressed that our hares turned out to look just like the one on the literature. Would definitely recommend."

Frances reviewed: Lamp glass bead making

"Fantastic half-day workshop learning how to make glass beads. Jade is a lovely teacher, she explained and demonstrated the techniques clearly. I really enjoyed learning the basic technique and then trying various embellishments (using frit, bubbles, swirls). Amazed how many techniques I got to try in the session and delighted with my beads 😊 Totally recommend!"

Goldwrightsjewelleryschool responded:

"You both made such lovely beads, it was a lovely morning. I loved the bubbles :) Thank you for choosing Goldwrightsjewelleryschool xxx "

Marie reviewed: Stained glass sun-catcher workshop: Hampshire

"Rachel is so patient and supportive you can’t fail to finish the day with a lovely sun catcher. I really enjoyed the whole day and can’t wait to do more. "

Mary Luke reviewed: Bookbinding - make a hardback journal and leather notebook - two session workshop

"I very much enjoyed this 2 session course. We learned a lot with Suzy who is an excellent teacher. She introduced us to some very interesting techniques and gave advice on how we could make books at home. She is incredibly patient and explains everything very clearly. Thank you very much for 2; brilliant Saturday afternoons "

The Leaf Press responded:

"Thank you very much for your review Mary. The books you created were lovely and I'm so pleased you enjoyed the workshop. "

Beat Neukomm reviewed: Willow Deer or Pig at Merriott Social Venue

"Jo is an excellent teacher and very generously shared her knowledge with us. There were 14 in the course, 12 making deers and 2 of us making pigs, it was very well prepared and structured. All the sculptures looked amazing on the stage for the group photo at the end. Great day, thank you Jo."

Jo Sadler Willow responded:

"Thanks Beat-it was a very creative day and produced lovely sculptures!"

Lucie reviewed: Peg Loom Seat Mat made with fleeces from our own flock.

"If you want to spend your Sunday in a fun and relaxing way, peg loom weaving may be just the thing for you. To ensure we all finish our makes, Victoria was happy to go over the designated time! She had prepared a mountain of wool from the sheep in her care- I used the softest white wool from Peter Pan, the sheep who loves to wear hats and other head gear. You could choose from different colours, and some added a piece of fabric to their design. My completed project is on my office chair already and is very comfortable. Peg loom weaving is very achievable and the final result is rewarding. "

The Willow Barn responded:

"Hi Lucie, Thank you and so glad you enjoyed your time here making your fabulous seat pad. I'll let Peter Pan know you gave him a mention. ;-)"

Martin W reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"Had a terrifically informative, inspiring and creative day. My day job is all copy/paste and 3D printing, so it's nice to get hands on with real materials, and with Kingsley’s expert guidance try out some new skills. I made a small wallet, and have so much more appreciation of the skill that goes into leatherwork. My main goal was to learn what's possible and be inspired for ideas that I can create or commission on the future, and this workshop was perfect for that."

Julie Gill reviewed: Lantern Making with Fused Glass

"Really enjoyed the fused glass workshop. Amazing views, and a lovely tutor. Going to think about booking my next one. Thank you "

Jill Collerton reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"A fantastic, informative and absorbing weekend. I had never even seen a spinning wheel in real life before this course, and have come away with the skills to help me practice on my own. Elaine is a brilliant host, creating a comfortable atmosphere in which to learn. She knows her stuff - thanks so much Elaine."

Cartmel Handspun Spinning School responded:

"Thanks Jill I'm so pleased you enjoyed your course. All the best with your spinning as you go forward. Elaine"

Kate B from Manchester reviewed: Linocut & print for beginners with Artist Catherine Carmyllie

"The Linocut & print course for beginners was brilliant. Catherine was an excellent teacher and gave everyone advice when needed and lots of positive feedback. She provided everything needed and we all went home with great prints! I had never done anything like this before and really enjoyed it. I would definitely recommend this course."

Esther Kidd reviewed: Fused Glass One To One Workshop

"I recently attended a fused glass course which was one to one lasting from 9 am to 1pm. Claire explained the process very well and I successfully made a panel. However the panel was completed by 10.30am. I was not offered any further pieces or offered advice on how to display the panel. I also discovered I had to return a few days later to collect my panel. In my opinion the course (which cost £100) was not value for money and I would not recommend anyone to purchase this gift voucher. "

Standing on a Beach responded:

"Hi Esther, Thank you for your review and I’m sorry you felt you didn’t receive value for money. All options on how to create a panel were explained and I am unable to control the time it takes a student to complete their piece. Some students take much longer than the four hours, some take less. It depends on the design chosen and the complexities of the piece that is made. The size of the panel is in the description on CraftCourses prior to booking so all students understand the dimensions available. I do not offer stands as part of the workshop as pieces differ greatly in width and depth, depending on the technique utilised on the day. However, I did advise you could purchase stands for your piece specifically made to the dimensions of the finished panel from websites when you collected the panel. Had you asked about mounting your piece on the day we could have discussed options available. I would also like to draw your attention to the description on CraftCourses which clearly states ‘the fused piece will be fired after the workshop and can be collected at later date’. I also offer postage if collection isn’t an option. Firing, depending on your chosen style’ takes many hours in the kiln and this process is not that of stained glass which can be taken away on the day. Your panel took 36 hours to fire. I’m sorry your experience wasn’t as anticipated and I appreciate your feedback. Kindest regards Claire "

Andy reviewed: Rustic Stool Making Course, 2 days

"Really good course and John is a great instructor who readily helps everyone, whatever their skill levels. Very practical and delivered at a relaxed easy pace for all participants. "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a great review. We really do appreciate it! We are also very pleased you enjoyed the workshop and shall pass your comments onto the course tutor. We hope to see you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes Team."

Cy reviewed: Willow Weaving – Little Peg Basket

"Really enjoyed this day course, learnt a lot and made a sweet little basket which I will treasure! The venue was very good with plenty of room, T&C, facilities etc and the tutor was excellent. All material was well prepared and ready for us. Nice small group of poeple so we could get one to one assistance as we needed. I would definitely recommend this course."

Denmark Farm Conservation Centre responded:

"Thanks for joining us Cy. We're delighted that you enjoyed the course and have left such a positive review - much appreciated. We hope to see you at Denmark Farm again soon. "

Louise Cunningham reviewed: Wood turning - Two day course

"I had a great two days learning to woodturn for the very first time with Anna. She was extremely patient and encouraging with this nervous newbie, and I managed to come away with a lovely 3 legged stool and an interest in wanting to do some more now I have a little knowledge. Would highly recommend this course."

Anna L Nichols Furniture responded:

"Thank you for your review "

Richard Thomas reviewed: Shabby chic skills for beginners

"Did the Shabby Chic Course with Scott and it was great . Learnt loads in a really fun and relaxed environment . Scott has a wealth of knowledge and is a great teacher . I took along a yucky brown Jali type cupboard and we transformed it into a fab looking piece of furniture . A fun and informative day . "

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Richard Thank you for your feedback! I'm really glad to hear that you enjoyed the project and found it useful. Your cupboard looked amazing by the end—I even fancied keeping it for myself! Great job! Best regards, scott"

Lawrie reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"Being able to take a natural piece of wood all the way to a functional and aesthetically pleasing spoon in a single day was a genuinely moving experience. Robert was an excellent teacher, taking time to demonstrate to the group and also individuals to help ensure we all came away with something unique and personal. I will definitely be continuing my greenwood carving and spoon making, and highly recommend this course for both acquiring skills and enjoyment. Thank you Robert!"

Jenni reviewed: Parent and child blacksmithing

"My husband and son had an amazing time creating pokers and more on this course. The Forge were really helpful, they tried lots of different techniques and everything was well thought out and enjoyable. They will be back! "

Gavin reviewed: Spoon Carving - Sloyd Workshop

"Interesting course, well taught with some challenging techniques really well explained and demonstrated. Excellent lunch."

Max Sconyers III responded:

"Thanks Gavin! Great to meet you and the family. Hope you are enjoying the spoons. "