Latest reviews

Jonathan Wilkinson reviewed: Living Willow Harlequin trees

"Very enjoyable, practical, and you make something really good. Nikki is an excellent teacher."

Carol grant reviewed: Crochet - Moving On

"I went on this course as I wanted a beginners class in order to help me start my crochet experience. Unfortunately I am still unable to even do the simplest of crochet techniques - although the afternoon was lovely I did not learn anything and still unable to even hold the crochet hook in the correct way - this may be down to me but I did have some expectations which is why only 2 stars- better if you have some knowledge and want to progress but not for a complete novice."

Tresillian House responded:

"Dear Carol, so sorry to hear that you did not make the progress you had hoped. I have perhaps a solution and will contact you directly. Best wishes, Alison at Tresillian House"

Lewis Wilson reviewed: Silver Ring Making Workshop

"Had a great time with Darren, super laidback and tailors the session to you and is very welcoming. Was invested in my ideas and making sure he gave a helping hand when needed but not to the extent where it felt like you weren’t making the ring yourself. Overall would recommend this workshop as it’s not with big groups of people you don’t know so you get way more attention and get an in depth understanding/breakdown on how to create a silver ring of your choice."

Dave reviewed: Design and carve your own hairpin

"This was a really interesting introduction to woodworking and I feel like I learned a lot about the materials, tools and techniques in a fairly short time. If you're going to take this course I would definitely suggest choosing a fairly simple design as, while I was very happy with how my hairpin turned out, my ambition significantly outstripped my ability! Justina was methodical in her teaching and made sure that we understood how to use the (very sharp!) tools safely and explained why we were working in the way we were. After this I feel like I could pick up the basic tools and understand how to do some simple woodworking which is a nice feeling. All in all I really enjoyed the workshop and learned a lot about a topic I had no knowledge of previously. If you're looking for a new hobby or to pick up a new skill this is well worth your time."

Judith Drew reviewed: Pick & Mix Glass Fusing Taster Sessions (Open Group)

"What a great afternoon, Dawn's enthusiasm for glass comes across in what she does. She's knowledgeable and helpful. Already saving for round 2"

Dawn Turner Designs responded:

"Thank you Judith, it was a pleasure to welcome you and Alyson to the studio, I very much enjoyed your company, thank you both for making me smile. Work is already in the kiln, I managed to get it all in to trusty Bill! "

Pat Carden reviewed: Mosaics for Beginners - West Sussex

"Most enjoyable as always. A course making something decorative and, I hope, useful which I have left with the tutor to finish off for me (to make sure it is done the right way). I really appreciated her help."

Lisa reviewed: Fantasy dip resin flowers workshop

"Jan was great, really welcoming and warm, I made some lovely resin flowers, Jan talked me through everything and was really patient. A great day and can't wait to return and have a go at other creatures to make."

Feline Fixins Powertex Fun responded:

"Hi Lisa, I am really pleased that you enjoyed your creative time and that you were happy with your makes. It was a pleasure to meet you and to assist you in making your beautiful items."

Mary reviewed: Make a Copper Rose or Christmas Decorations

"I really enjoyed the day, and brought home a lovely copper rose that I'd made!"

Jackie Hall reviewed: Weave an alpaca scarf in a day

"I had a really lovely day. Caroline was an attentive teacher and host. The farm and facilities are excellent. We even got a tour around the farm and met the alpacas from which the yarn for our scarves came from. I had never weaved before and I came home with a complete scarf made of the softest, natural alpaca yarn. Oh and the lunch was excellent too. I highly recommend this course. "

Clivewood Alpacas responded:

"Thank you Jackie. "

Katie Robinson reviewed: JJB Upholstery, handmade tripod round footstools in Abraham Moon wool various

"Wow beautiful craftsmanship, fabulous footstool, very pleased with the whole process. Thank you again "

JJB Upholstery responded:

"Thank you Katie for purchasing from JJB Upholstery. Enjoy your footstool! :)"

Kirsty Mauritz reviewed: Beginners Copper Bowl Making

"Fantastic afternoon! Thank you for a lovely activity resulting in a beautiful bowl. "

The Metalsmith responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review! I’m so pleased that you had such a good time! The bowl looked amazing!"

Alison reviewed: Experience the Japanese art of raku using fire and flame

"This experience day did not disappoint! It was as exciting and enjoyable as we had hoped it would be. We were lucky with the weather and worked alongside a great group of people. Both Janet and Suzanne were encouraging and supportive throughout. We would definitely recommend this experience day. Thank you."

Gone To Pot Ceramics responded:

"Hi Alison, thank you for your kind review. Yes we were really lucky with the weather and everyone produced some lovely pots. I particularly liked your pot with all three glazes on, it was lovely, kind regards to you and Richard, Janet "

Jacqui T reviewed: Watercolour Landscapes for Beginners - Saturday One Day workshop - Chester

"Excellent. As a complete beginner, and having become totally overwhelmed by the many beginners youtube video's watched, this workshop was just what I needed. An in person down to earth hands on approach. Simple discussion and demonstrations on the materials and tools and how to use them properly. Tips on preparation and an easy to get started process. The opportunity to put things into practice with guidance and the ability to ask questions, make mistakes and learn from them. Thank you Jane for your great tuition, I came away inspired and understanding so much more than I did before your workshop."

Jayne Carroll reviewed: Crafty Basketry's | Weaving Willow Plant Supports or Other | Day Private Course at Downe Village Hall

"Loved my Basket Weaving course, it was my birthday so a great way to celebrate, doing something for myself and having a basket at the end to remember it by. A fun day learning new techniques and having fun with friends. "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Great to hear you had a lovely time, Jayne! I'm looking forward to planning the next private course with you in rural Downe's characterful Village Hall."

Deborah reviewed: Portrait sculpture in clay

"Luke provides a very different approach which works. It is built on observation and measurement and at the end of the one week's course, I was able to really improve. It is a relaxed and friendly course over five days. I have taken the course twice, and also Luke's courses on mould making and casting, which are also very good. 4 out of 5 stars as it can take a long time to get your work back as Luke also fires everyone's work individually. "

Luke Shepherd responded:

"Hi Deborah. Thanks for your great review. Sorry to drop a star. I know it can take a long time to get work back. This is 2 fold. It has to be fired, so has to dry first. This can take up to 2 months (depending on time of year) as the clay can be thick in places and needs to thoroughly dry out in my studio. Secondly, I only fire when the kiln is full and this can take a while to get enough work ready to fill the kiln. This makes it far more environmentally friendly and cost effective. I will add to my course details that heads may take up to 3 months to fire, so we have clarity around expectations. Hope this gives some explanation. All best Luke"

Tim reviewed: Asymmetric Baskets with Windrush Willow

"A very good day. I had never made a basket before but do want to make more now. All conducted in a helpful and welcoming way. Thank you so much."

Windrush Willow responded:

"Hi Tim Glad you enjoyed the day and hope to see you again. Regards Richard"

Patricia Weir reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Really good course. I am ( was) a complete beginner yet was able to make a lovely coffee table with Mark's supervision. I think he has the level of assistance just right. He shows you how to use tools and then you do it. Would highly recommend to either a beginner or someone with some experience who wants to gain a bit more confidence. "

Veronica Gilbert reviewed: Bookbinding - make a hardback journal and leather notebook - two session workshop

"Very enjoyable workshop. Suzy is an excellent teacher, breaking down processes into easy-to-follow steps and showing how to get the best results. She offered alternatives for the materials used so we could choose the colours and patterns that suited us best. The hardback and (in my case, faux) leather notebooks are lovely. Suzy also explained where to find specialist materials and how to adapt materials we have already to make further notebooks at home. Highly recommended."

The Leaf Press responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Veronica. Your books were great and yours was a lovely class ❤️. Thanks also for booking another workshop!"

Richard S reviewed: Mig Welding For Beginners Introductory Day Course.

"Wow!!! What a great day with Tony. He really knows his stuff and took me from a complete MIG welding novice to someone who was able to start hobby welding at home. The pace is great and it felt tailored to my progress, and his ability to explain both theory and practice was superb. I really recommend this course. "

Newport Wrought Ironwork responded:

"Thank you Richard for your feedback. You have the ability to keep progressing and developing your skills to suit the projects that you will be working on. Hope the car restoration goes smoothly and successfully and I am sure that you will learn lots of techniques along the way. Regards Tony "

Sonja reviewed: Rustic Stool Making Course, 2 days

"Great course, John was an excellent teacher and the small group of 4 meant we all got all the help needed. There was good choice with design and we learnt some new and interesting skills. Good facilities on site as well, would really recommend this is if you’re looking to try woodwork and haven’t done any before. "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a lovely review. We are so happy you enjoyed the workshop and shall pass on your comments onto the course tutor. We hope to see you here again at Stanwick Lakes soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

David Lacey reviewed: Build your own bird box or bug house from recycled materials for beginners

"Great day with my teenage son making a bird box and bug house. Sue made us feel welcome and did a great job teaching the basics. My son said it was lots of fun and appreciated learning useful skills. "

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Thank for a lovely review. I'm glad you both enjoyed it Sue "

Charlotte Chapman reviewed: Handmade socks ( yarn design Thelma)

"I recently bought this pair of socks. They are so wonderful and I am so pleased with them. They are made beautifully and were made and shipped so quickly. "

Circular Sock Machine school responded:

"Thanks Charlotte"

Charlotte Chapman reviewed: Handmade socks ( yarn design Kim)

"I absolutely love these socks. I bought 3 pairs of a different design. They were made to my chosen size and shipped within a few days. I'm so pleased with them."

Circular Sock Machine school responded:

"Thank you very much charlotte, I’m so pleased that you love them. "

Alan & Di reviewed: Introduction to Stained Glass Workshop

"My wife and I weren’t too confident that we’d be able to make anything with stained glass but have always admired the skill. Sarah was a patient and friendly teacher prepared to go the extra mile to make sure we were all comfortable and enjoyed the day. It was informative, relaxing, fun and we were really pleased with the sun catchers we brought home. We would certainly recommend this course."

Hobgoblin Stained Glass responded:

"Hi Alan, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Was great to meet you and Di, glad you had a good day. Well done, you both picked it up really well. Kind Regards, Sarah "

Paul Scott reviewed: Portrait sculpture in clay

"I have attended Luke’s sculpture courses about half a dozen times. He is a generous and insightful teacher, and these courses have not only improved my clay work, but they have also altered the way l look at people, and their faces, and l mean really look at people ! To encourage you to see more clearly, to look at the detail in the round, is a gift which carries on beyond the end of the course, and l remain indebted to Luke for that. He is a wonderful teacher, and his own beautiful sculptures speak for themselves. They ask questions of you, their viewer, long after you have stopped gazing at them. Superb!"

Luke Shepherd responded:

"Paul, thanks for your very kind review. Coming back again and again is the best review of all. "