Latest reviews

Helen Ovens reviewed: Discovering Spinning on a Drop Spindle

"Excellent course. Well run and engaging tutor. Great venue. Good biscuits. The course really helped me understand the actual mechanics of spinning, and the importance of drafting, which will better inform my use of a spinning wheel. I hadn't fully thought through how portable a spindle is -I now have the skills to take spinning with me wherever I go, which is very exciting. Diolch yn fawr Amy a Mara!"

Denmark Farm Conservation Centre responded:

"Thank you Helen, It was lovely to meet you yesterday and many thanks for joining us. Hope to see you again, until then happy spinning!. Mara"

Tamara reviewed: Mandala Painting - The Sacred Heart

"Anne's Mandala Painting courses are always fantastic. Anne gently and expertly leads you through the techniques for some simple geometry to create a framework for a painting during the afternoon. The days starts with an introduction and guided visualisation. Anne is friendly and knowledgeable and opens doors to an amazing art form. "

Denmark Farm Conservation Centre responded:

"Thank you for attending this course and for your review."

Tamara reviewed: Discovering Spinning on a Drop Spindle

"A fantastic course if you'd like to get started with spinning. Amy covered so much from different types of fleece, fleece preparation and a range of techniques for using drop spindles. The day was informal and friendly with great handouts and information provided. Thank you!"

Denmark Farm Conservation Centre responded:

"Thank you for your positive review"

May reviewed: Fabric Pinboard Make&Take Workshop

"I absolutely LOVED the pinboard workshop with Lucy at the lovely Paddock Studio. She is clearly a very knowledgable and skilled tutor and as a beginner I felt in safe hands! The tools were excellent quality and even though the pinboards we made were relatively simple flat forms, it was really interesting to learn upholstery techniques and tips that could be applied to other projects. We had a beautiful selection of velvets and colours to choose from and I particularly liked that the materials were sustainable/recycled and that even the smallest offcuts were destined to be repurposed. I'm delighted with the pinboard I made and can't wait to put it up in my studio! Thanks Lucy for a wonderful afternoon x"

Roundedby responded:

"Oh May thank you for such a lovely review, you created a really beautiful pinboard, you have such a brilliant eye for colour composition, I'm envious! Really thrilled with the Linwood deadstock velvets, and yes always delighted to find a use for offcuts, because there really is no such thing as throwing away! Thank you for coming, it was such a fun, colourfilled afternoon! Best - Lucy x"

Gill reviewed: Weave a Scarf in a Day - Harrogate

"This is a brilliant day. Ann is encouraging, clear and extremely knowledgeable. I have made a lovely scarf with beautiful (extensive) choice of yarns. Highly recommend this full on, fabulous day. Ps I attended alone and met some wonderful people too - bonus "

Nick reviewed: Silversmithing Taster - Dedicated Tuition

"I had a great morning with Claire. Claire is a wonderful teacher with endless patience and great ability to get the point across clearly and gently. We made two silver rings, one beautifully shiny and simple, the other with additional markings and finish. Everyone I have shown is amazed that this could be learned in such a short amount of time and its testament to Claire's great teaching that is possible. Claire has a lovely light workshop with plenty of tools available. A really nice way to spend a Saturday morning. Thanks Claire."

Kasasagi Jewellery responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind words, I’m so glad you had a good learning experience. You did brilliantly, and made some beautiful rings! Thank you again. "

louise shaw reviewed: Crafted Beginnings - Make a rattle

"I do courses like this quite frequently but this really has been my favourite. It’s such a wonderful course! Rare to find one in such an idyllic setting too. The pace of learning was great. Charlie is a fantastic facilitator. She took her time to explain everything and was the perfect host. We had a wonderful afternoon. I’d really recommend this course. What you leave with is a really gorgeous item too! Don’t hesitate- get it booked. "

Sam reviewed: Candlemaking for Beginners

"So very glad I booked on this course. I learnt lots but most importantly enjoyed it very much. Not only that, but Rob made it so simple to achieve so much in a short time . Now I am sitting at home with some fabulous candles that I created! I highly recommend this course, if you are like me who did it on my own and felt really comfortable, or perfectly suited to coming with friends or family. I know what my friends and family will be getting as gifts from now on!!"

The Wax Studio responded:

"Hi Sam It was a pleasure to have you on the course - your enthusiasm was infectious! Hope your candle making at home goes well. All the best Rob"

Fionna reviewed: Exclusive One/One Jewellery Workshop For Two People

"This was a very belated 60th birthday treat but certainly worth waiting for. My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole day. Jolene has created a wonderful studio full of all sorts of quirky interesting objects and all the required tools. She was an excellent and patient teacher and both Anna and I were delighted with the copper and silver bangles that we made. We were also treated to endless cups of tea and delicious home made brownies! I would highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to understand a little more about the possibilities of jewellery making. Many thanks Jolene. "

Lesley reviewed: Enchanted Forest Journal - Project Kit PLUS online workshop by Curiously Contrary

"My friend and I both purchased this kit and made it on Boxing Day. It was great fun and we had a lovely, messy time ! Everything we needed was included. Would recommend."

Rebecca Broadbent reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"What a wonderful day I’ve had learning about fused glass. Excellent tuition, with plenty of different types of glass to choose from. I can’t wait to see my finished pieces after firing. Would definitely recommend, and I’m looking forward to trying another course 🙂"

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review, I'm really glad you enjoyed your day. "

George Oliver reviewed: Silversmithing workshop

"I had a silversmithing course with Kami today. I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Kami is a great teacher who is clearly passionate about her work. She went through all the equipment and techniques I can use and even spent some extra time to make sure I could make my pendant. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to make some silver jewellery."

Mya Designs responded:

"I'm so glad you enjoyed it and hope you learnt some new techniques to add to your skills set for your next project. It's good to have the opportunity to explore metals, textures, tools and also how to be savvy with options. I love your final piece which has a nice sturdy weight but with the most delicate design on it, just needs to be polished depending which finish you desire. You already have great skills and I hope you'll continue making beautiful things. Take care Kami x"

Tess Neasmith reviewed: Half-day pottery with Marina -for two

"We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Marina. I would recommend this experience. Marina welcomed us warmly and was patient and encouraging throughout. We loved the creative process. Thank you."

Marina Randall Ceramics responded:

"Thanks Tess for your lovely review. You were naturals on the wheel 😊 and I look forward to seeing you again soon Marina x"

Becky reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Lovely day learning basics of fused glass skills at a steady pace with great explanation and demonstration throughout. Lots of materials and equipment available and by the end of the day had produced a lot more pieces than I expected. Highly recommend, I will definitely book on more classes"

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review."

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

"Sharon and Graham were the perfect teachers and provided concise tuition in selecting, cutting and grinding the glass, applying edging foil, soldering and finally polishing our two created ornaments. The location was warm and bright with plenty of room and we all came away with a feeling of accomplishment and pride with our finished pieces. I would definitely recommend this course."

Lechlade Craft Barn responded:

"It was lovely to meet you both and so pleased you enjoyed the workshop. It was a lovely group yesterday, everyone worked so hard and the results were amazing! Thank you for coming and hope to see you again. Karen"

Jo reviewed: Full day diorama building course for action figures/war gamers

"My son's had an amazing day doing the Diorama course. The teachers were lovely and they learnt a lot, would recommend 😀 "

Gill Wilson reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Excellent course. Martin is very knowledgeable and also very patient. The day was fabulous and the end result was some great pieces of fused glass work."

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review."

Aaron stoker reviewed: 1hr Potter's Wheel Heskin, Chorley

"Absolutely loved this course. Very friendly & helpful staff. I will definitely be returning for another session "

The Crafty potter responded:

"Thank you for your fab review Aaron. You did awesome, it's very addictive, looking forward to seeing you again! Sharon "

Andrew McLaughlin reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"We thoroughly enjoyed the course, excellent tuition, all the equipment and every type of glass and colours to complete all your pieces. Martin watched us all throughout the day, provided refreshments too. We learnt so much and made some stunning pieces, the group was so friendly and we will be signing up for the Christmas decoration fusion glass course. Thank you Martin, a great day. "

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review."

Andy reviewed: Adventures in book binding with Ali Reeve

"I have no hesitation in giving this course 5 stars. I first looked into book binding over three years ago but never really got further than buying a number of tools, partly because a course I'd planned on attending was discontinued. I was therefore delighted to receive Ali Reeves' course as a Christmas present from my wife. I attended the course yesterday and to say it exceeded my expectations is an understatement. Ali presented the course in an informal but instructive and informative manner and both she and her husband were very welcoming and hospitable (even providing tea and donuts). The class was not small (I am guessing there were approaching 20 of us) but Ali was easy to hear and follow, and she was able to give students the individual attention they needed when they needed it. I was one of the slow member of the group, but even I was able to produce 4 differently bound booklets in the time available - most of the class managed 5. At the end of the class there was a real sense of personal achievement. I am now training my wife - partly because I think she'll enjoy it but, equally, because it is a great way of consolidating my learning. The range of tools that Ali made available for (optional) purchase, designed & manufactured by her husband, were used throughout the course and were, for me, a must buy - especially given the very reasonable price. Be warned, I suspect this is addictive and I've already been spending on Amazon since the course."

Stamps Away responded:

"Thank you for your lovely feedback and it makes me so happy that you are sharing this craft with your wife. It was such a pleasure to teach yesterday and your sense of achievement was truly deserved, everyone did amazing. "

Ann reviewed: Introduction to William Morris - an Artist's Study Workshop

"Thoroughly enjoyed this course! Fantastic facilities, a friendly and supportive group and excellent tutoring with delicious refreshments too. There was a nice mix of information and discussion as well as demonstrations and guidance, I’d never tried Lino printing before but was able to experiment and create my own prints inspired by William Morris which was a lot of fun!"

Jenny Beck reviewed: Pottery throwing sessions on the potter's wheel in Norfolk

"Amazing couple of hours spent being shown how to throw pots by the very talented Pat. Pat has years of experience and is so kind and very knowledgeable. Never made us feel silly. Very caring and patient and eager to teach us. Thoroughly enjoyed our few hours there and would do it all again in a heartbeat. Highly recommend this experience. "

Pat Southwood responded:

"Thanks Jenny, it was lovely having you both in the studio, so pleased you enjoyed yourselves. You both worked hard and made some good pots! Pat. "

Penny reviewed: Lino Printing onto Fabric Cottingham

"Great day, first time for my sister and I doing any linocut printing. We both made a lovely print and had time to print a couple of fabric pieces (to make into cushions later). Course was well paced for us all to follow easily and there were some lovely different prints made. Tutor (Holly) was great. Location was very good, plenty of room and very handy for me as only live a few minutes away! Would love to see more courses here. "

Thread and Press responded:

"So glad you enjoyed it. I will book some more dates in! Thanks for the lovely feedback. "

Alison reviewed: Fused Glass Workshop - Tea Light / Votive Candle Holder

"Wonderful morning workshop. Excellent tuition, well organised and a vast choice of materials to use. Recommend to anyone to have a go."

Irene Cowling reviewed: Reverse Applique and Free-motion Machine Embroidery Bridlington

"It was was a wonderful day filled with learning and hands on experience. Came away with enthusiasm and excitement to do more. Loved it. "

Thread and Press responded:

"Thank you Irene! It was lovely to meet you, really glad you enjoyed it. Hope to see you at the next one :)"