Latest reviews

Jane reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"A day to remember, which all 5 of us enjoyed. Mathew is a great teacher and we all learnt so much. We would highly recommend the experience as being accessible to beginners and a great way to spend a day doing something new. Painting our creations was fun too and we are looking forward to receiving the finished products when they are glazed and fired."

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Jane, It was lovely to have you all in the course and see the amazing progress you all made. Lots of fun, laughter and excellent pots made. Your pots are now drying ready to be turned, biscuit fired and glazed. Best wishes Mathew"

Liz reviewed: Copper Sculpting workshop: Chasing & Repousse

"A friend and I spent yesterday on this course. Fabulous, no pressure, everyone was very friendly and the tutors very encouraging. After initial instruction and completion of a test piece we could all create whatever we wanted and the help was first class. Having no previous experience did not matter and I would recommend this course. For anyone with an interest in learning new skills or just looking for an interesting experience. "

Harri Harrison (From worcester) reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"Me and my wife both did the course yesterday. What a really good day! The whole experience was great. Becky and jonny were very attentive and helpful with everyone on the course. I would recommend it to anyone."

helen bambrough reviewed: Router Day Class

"This was really useful, I was so excited to attend. The group and Dave (teacher) were really supportive. I would have perhaps liked a little more hands on though and bought something away with me. An intricate bit of routing that I'd done... or similar. I did a woodturning workshop last year and came home with a bowl and it would have been nice to add to the collection. Great day though, fully recommend it. "

Su reviewed: Glass Mosaic sun catcher

"Really enjoyed this course. We were given just the right amount of time and guidance, for us it was fairly hands-off but Diane was always about to answer questions and help out. Looking forward to getting it grouted and up. Would definitely suggest that you go armed with an idea of what you want to do. "

Crafty Diane Gift Shop, Art Gallery and Craft workshops responded:

"Thanks for the review. It’s always difficult to gauge how hands on or off to be. I tend to be guided by the confidence of the participant and I had confidence in your ability :) . Send us a piccie when you have grouted it and if you have difficulty get in touch. :) "

Clare Bradford reviewed: Linocut Printing Class

"Fantastic afternoon. Clear instructions and space to experiment. Really enjoyed and hope to come back."

The Dart Centre responded:

"Hello Clare, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. We are so pleased to hear that you had such a wonderfully creative afternoon and we very much look forward to welcoming you back in the future. Best wishes, Laura."

Dawn reviewed: Needle Felting Workshop - landscape pictures

"My sister and I started this workshop with no experience of needle felting at all and each left with two very successful framed projects! Pip was really well organised and gave us really clear step by step directions to complete our landscape and seascape pictures. We both really enjoyed the experience and are looking forward to doing our own needle felting projects. Thank you Pip!"

Pippaluk Crafts responded:

"Thank you always good to hear and so pleased you both enjoyed the workshop "

Morgan reviewed: Wool spinning course

"Rosemary was such a great teacher! The class size was small, which I really appreciated because it meant that when we needed help we were able to get it right away! That meant more time practicing carding and spinning - which was so fun!! I really liked that she showed us lots of different methods, and let us have a go on electric spinners, portable spinners and peddle spinners! I also liked the extra info on how to select fleeces, and wash them (though I probably will stick to store bought until I get a it of practice under my belt!) Truly enjoyable experience!! "

Simply Spun responded:

"Hi Morgan, good to hear that you enjoyed the class. Thank you for such a lovely review. It is much appreciated. Rosemary "

Alison reviewed: Lampshade making with Grace & Favour Home, Devon

"Wonderful morning with a lovely group of ladies. Every process was well explained through to the finished article. Wow so chuffed with my beautiful lampshade 👍"

Grace & Favour Home responded:

"Thank you so much for this lovely review Alison, I'm so glad you had a great time - you did an excellent job on your lampshade with your beautiful check fabric! I hope you feel very proud of yourself every time you look at the lampshade! "

Tessa reviewed: Woodturning - Beginner's Platter and Bowl Turning

"Paul is an amazing and patient tutor! I’m sure I must have tested his patience to the extreme! I needed telling again and again the same thing! I’m not sure I ever totally understood (not a reflection on Paul, just me!) but I still made two incredible pieces that I’m so proud of. I attended with my husband for his birthday and he thoroughly enjoyed himself too. He may have understood more than me, but at the end of the day, our pieces looked pretty much the same! So just put your faith in Paul and you’ll be fine. Don’t get frustrated, if like me, you'd never done anything like this before, you’ll still have fun! I signed up with craft courses so that I could try as many new crafts as I can and sometimes things outside my comfort zone as this was for me, I’m so pleased I did. Worth every penny, you won’t be disappointed! "

Paul Hannaby Creative Woodturning responded:

"Thanks for the feedback Tessa, I'm glad you both enjoyed your day."

Sharon reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"An amazing day, thank you! I learnt so much about Lino printing . Olivia has a wonderful warmth and fantastic positive energy, very encouraging as an individual and to the group. The time flew by and I left triumphantly holding my creations, sad to leave new friends and a wonderful creative space. I would definitely book again!"

Clair Meager reviewed: Bushcraft Skills - Wet Weather Fires and Tarp Shelters

"Wonderful course - friendly, informative and relaxed. Beautiful environment. I would recommend this course to anyone who needs a refresher or wants to learn some great tips. Thank you Emma and Matt "

Mark Fry reviewed: Stained glass weekly course - Wednesday afternoons at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"Very good tutor I enjoyed the course very much and shall be carrying on broadening my skills."

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Hi Mark very pleased you enjoyed your time with us. I will pass your kind comments onto Elaine our stained glass teacher. Hope to see you again. Regards Alan "

Jane King reviewed: Whole day wet felted landscape workshop with Teesdale Felt

"I had a wonderful day on the wet felting course, I really enjoyed it. There were plenty of materials available and Claire talked us through each stage in a very helpful way. She was always on hand to offer help and advice and show us techniques to help us to improve our pictures, so we all came away with pictures we were pleased with. I would definitely recommend this course. Thank you Claire for a lovely day. "

Teesdale Felt responded:

"HI Jane, Thank you so much for your lovely positive review. I am so pleased you enjoyed my landscape workshop and your picture was beautiful. I hope to work with you again in the future. Very best wishes, Claire "

Jane Sutton reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"My 13 year old son had the most wonderful day in this course and left feeling very proud of his achievements. Alex was an amazing teacher; so knowledgeable and engaging. He built Reuben’s confidence and empowered him to try everything in a safe and supportive environment. I can’t praise him and the whole day enough and would highly recommend this experience for both adults and teens wanting to try something new. "

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

"Finished the two day course today and I am blown away by the sculpture I have created thanks to Jo. The setting is beautiful and idyllic. Jo and Andy were incredible hosts, really welcoming, supportive and good fun. The care and attention to detail is evident in every aspect of how the course is built and the supplied materials were carefully selected and of a very high standard. Jo is passionate in ensuring you learn to create something that is truly beautiful and reflective of your own voice. Her ability to spot a tiny tweak that would transform the piece was truly remarkable and handled very sensitively - recognising when you were not completely happy with what you have done. My fellow students were lovely and the relaxed atmosphere meant we had a shared bond throughout the workshop and many laughs. I thoroughly recommend this course and hope you find Jo as inspirational as I have! "

Jo Garden Art responded:

"What a wonderful review Sandra, thank you so much. Your wonderful cat will be much admired! And those long, long copper whiskers were fabulous 😃. Well done. Jo xx"

Sam Stoneley reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"The day included enough theory to understand what you were going to undertake, followed by a full hands on experience. Colin is a very patient, knowledgeable and understanding tutor. A great day, learned a lot and enjoyed myself and came away with something I made myself, so feeling very happy."

Rhiannon reviewed: Beginners Silver Jewellery Course

"I attended this course today with my son for his 10th birthday and we have had a brilliant time. Mark is lovely and a great teacher. We have made some beautiful jewellery and learnt lots of new skills. We are already planning our next session. Thank you so much Mark for a very special day."

Dandelion Silver responded:

"Had a wonderful time with Rhiannon and her son. This young man was amazing! The amount of care he put into the pieces he made would put many a seasoned jeweller to shame. Definitely a bright future ahead of him "

Jemma reviewed: Silversmithing workshop

"Had an absolutely brilliant day. Loved every second and time flew by! Highly recommend Kami. Already have ideas to advance further. "

Mya Designs responded:

"Jemma, You did absolutely amazing with how technically difficult the Tudor rose design became. I'm well impressed. You can continue making it as shiny as you'd like if you can find some teeny tools to work with. So glad to hear how much you enjoyed it too and hope it's a start to your creative journey this year. xxx"

Brian Williams reviewed: Lino printing landscapes

"A brilliant day in the studio with Lee. Discovering that lino printing is quite a complex procedure. With Lee's expert tuition managed to produce a pretty good print."

Lee Wright Artist responded:

"Great to meet you Brian and glad you had such a good day. Hope you do more!"

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

"Such an amazing activity and experience for a hen do!! Everyone had a blast and would highly recommend ❤️"

Hot Fox Pottery responded:

"So glad you had a good time! Your booby pots were excellent and it was lovely to meet you all!"

Andrea reviewed: Glass Experience Day: Try fused glass, stained glass and enamelling in 1 course!

"I did this 3 in 1 day course last weekend with a couple of friends. Wonderful day, full of creativity and learning. Sarah is an excellent teacher and very welcoming. Highly recommended."

Avril Wareing reviewed: Woodturning Absolute Beginners

"I was extremely disappointed with this course that I bought as an 18th birthday gift for my grandson. Described as a ‘beginners’ course, my grandson, who has no experience of woodwork but was keen to have a go, found himself in a group with three older men who all had considerable experience. My grandson was totally out of his depth and there was no consideration of his being an actual beginner. Having expected him to come out with a small memento of a pleasant day that he could keep as a reminder of his special birthday, he is totally disillusioned and has no interest in taking his interest in woodwork any further. This course is not inexpensive so I regret having wasted time and money that would’ve been better spent in any other way. "

Paul Hannaby Creative Woodturning responded:

"The course is aimed at complete novices and no prior knowledge or experience is assumed or required and I have been running these courses for nearly 20 years without a single complaint for both adults and children. Actually, two of the other three people were complete beginners, the third had limited experience in other aspects of woodworking but none of the three would have booked the beginners course if they were "considerably experienced " as I offer more appropriate courses for people at that level. Had your grandson completed the day, I'm sure he would have gone away with the small memento but instead, he gave up. I offered your grandson additional support, which he declined to take up and I also emailed you to offer time for your grandson to return to complete the course, potentially with additional one to one support (as he was obviously struggling on the day) but I received no response. The offer is still open if you wish to contact me directly to discuss."

Graham M reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"Worth every penny, great experience. Would recommend."

Brad Crosby reviewed: Yorkshire Rose stone carving class

"A great bit of lad and dad time with a nice stone carving to take home with you. We both really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and skills we picked up on the day. Helen was there if we needed any guidance and made the experience one to remember. Fully recommended."

The West Riding Stonecarving Association responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a great review. Helen"