Latest reviews

Lynn Orr reviewed: Weave an alpaca scarf in a day

"My friends and I thoroughly enjoyed our day and we made beautiful scarves. We also enjoyed meeting the alpacas and looking at all the machinery that is used for processing the alpaca wool."

Clivewood Alpacas responded:

"Thank you Lynn. "

Claire Morgan-Jones reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"Rachel provided a warm welcome, was chatty and informative throughout with lots of hints and tips so that if I wanted to I could continue to undertake Silver Clay projects at home. I was very happy with the piece I made and took home and left feeling inspired to have a go at home."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much Claire. So kind. I was really impressed with what you produced. Especially in just a morning! So lovely to meet you too. Happy crafting! All the very best. Rach "

Dave Cooke reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"A superb experience due to Matt's excellent teaching. I was able to make 4 pieces which were way above my expectations. Matt is very knowledgeable about his craft and will take you through the basics in a friendly manner so that you too can create great pieces from a lump of clay. The coffee's great too! If you're considering this course - go for it - you won't be disappointed. "

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Dave, thank you for taking the time to leave a review. It was a pleasure to have you on the course and the pieces you produced were excellent. Best wishes Mat"

Susan Buckley reviewed: Needle Felt a Herdwick Sheep with Felt fabulous

"The course was very well run and stayed within stated time frame with everything provided to complete the project. Mandy was very pleasant and knowledgeable, so it was all very relaxed and enjoyable. The finished articles looked really good! I may have just taken up a new craft."

Felt Fabulous Gifts responded:

"Thank you for taking the time out to leave me this lovely review Sue. I’m so glad you enjoyed it, happy felting! Mandy"

Peter Ward reviewed: Bookbinding - make a hardback photo / display album - no sewing!

"Excellent course. Friendly atmosphere, excellent teaching, patient and inspiring tutor. Materials all prepared, enabling speedy construction of photo album. No sewing a big relief but LOTS of gluing instead. Thanks Suzy for making it such an enjoyable session."

The Leaf Press responded:

"Thank you so much for your review and for attending another workshop Peter. It was great to see you again. I hope all the gluing was an acceptable compromise for no sewing! Thanks again. "

Robbie Grieve reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Just finished a five day course with Mark, the whole week was excellent. There were four of us, as it happens all doing different projects. Although slightly daunted to start with we were soon put at ease by Mark who was a great tutor. We’re were each supported through our projects but also given time to just get on with it. When an interesting point cropped up in one project we all gathered round to learn how to navigate a problem or deal with an issue. Each day we also had a short talk on a particular subject such as sharpening tools or measuring out. Lunch was taken sitting outside looking across the countryside to Helvellyn and chatting about our projects and carpentry. A very worthwhile course, well lead by Mark. I will be returning for another course next year. Highly recommended."

Bob Pass reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"A really enjoyable course, that I highly recommend. Alex is an excellent teacher, highly skilled, friendly and generous. He shows exactly what is needed and explains techniques well. He has a skill in not intervening and helping when not needed but is also very good in assisting when necessary. Participants therefore have possession and pride in their own creations. A useful number of items were made during the day (3 each) and had been selected as examples of the wide range of skills and techniques used. The work was totally absorbing and focussed all one's attention. An excellent antidote to the cares and worries of everyday living both mentally stimulating and therapeutic. You leave with a great sense of achievement and genuine satisfaction. Facilities were good with ample tea/coffee available, toilets and a space to have lunch. Course numbers are small with usually 4/5 members. Safety briefings and care during the day was excellent, with attention to detail that was sensible but not oppressive. I hope to go back, as it was thoroughly enjoyable with good company."

Christine M reviewed: Duckie Decoupage

"I really enjoyed this course. Maxine explained everything thoroughly and went through it step-by-step giving me time to grasp what to do next. It was fun learning from Maxine and a relaxing workshop. I now have a gorgeous decoupaged duck sitting pride of place where I can see it every day. "

Deborah Evans reviewed: Introduction to Natural Dyeing, Mere, Wiltshire

"An excellent introductory day to natural dyeing. Lovely welcome and an immersive day. It can be quite technical but don't let that put you off - you need to understand the basics in order to get the best results."

Elka responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review Deborah! It was a pleasure to meet you. Best wishes, Claudia x"

Luke Fromant reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"A very enjoyable day leaning about fused glass naking. Steve is a excellent patient teacher. The piece I did with star fish, jelly fish, sea horse, fish & weed looks great & will go in shower room."

Naomi reviewed: Corriedale Wool, Ideal for Spinning, Needle Felting & Wet Felting

"Thank you so much for the lovely wool. Excellent customer service, so friendly, and gave me the particular colours I wanted. Arrived quickly and beautifully packaged."

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

"Lovely relaxing couple of hours being creative in Beckies capable hands. A lovely lady who is happy to share tips and show you how to make a beautiful piece of glass. The village hall was easy to find and the class size was just right, it was a lot of fun chatting with the other class members too."

Kerry reviewed: Stained Glass 3d Copper Foiling for Beginners - Wreath or Flower Cascade at Vitreus Art

"I recently spent the day with Mike and Jenny at Vitreus Art attending a beginners stained glass workshop. I thoroughly enjoyed the day, both Mike and Jenny were friendly, knowledgeable and encouraging in their teaching. I was really pleased with the result and would love to go back and do another course "

Vitreus Art responded:

"Hey Kerry, Thanks for your review. We loved your special bird cascade! It was a pleasure having you in the studio. KR M"

Paul Ford reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This was an absolute fabulous lads n dads day out learning a new skill. Debbie was very welcoming and greeted us with tea and cake, Ade and Andy were very professional and gave us just the right amount of heath and safety brief! A good demo and then we were straight into heat and hammers. My 20 year old son enjoyed it immensely as we worked together at the forge and helped each other to produce a pair a dragons. We were taught a good range of traditional forging skills which gave our work pieces great detail, functionality and even personality in the dragons heads. Andy was able to correct our inevitable mistakes so that we all had had a useful gift to take home. Food and cakes were all homemade using local produce which was very well received to replenish energy levels. All in all, a suburb days activity which I would highly recommend."

Chris reviewed: Building and weaving a simple stool at The Quiet Workshop

"I had a brilliant couple of days making a stool and am delighted with the outcome! StJohn was very patient throughout, and gave me the space to try things myself and provided help at all the right times. Lunch and cakes provided by Bryony were delicious! Would thoroughly recommend."

The Quiet Workshop responded:

"Thanks so much for your review Chris. It was lovely having you in the workshop; great work and great company. Best wishes, StJohn & Bryony,"

Laura Foster reviewed: Cracket! 2 day beginners hand tool woodworking course

"Absolutely brilliant time this weekend. Loved making my cracket box and really enjoyed the company of my course pals, and Andrew, who is so knowledgeable and friendly. He was broke the elements of the build down so well such that even someone like me, with nil experience of woodwork, felt confident and accomplished by the end of the two days. The location is beautiful and the facilities are just perfect. Looking fwd to developing a project and visiting again asap!"

Gill reviewed: Willow Sculpture (1 day) in the Peak District

"A really enjoyable day from start to finish. My friend and I were greeted by the host and introduced to our tutor and 3 other students starting with lovely refreshments. Once we got started we were all engrossed and Alison was so informative and helpful in guiding us through every step to create the different projects we had chosen. Lunch and refreshments provided were great and the lovely setting made it all a very memorable day. Thank you so much to you all. 😁"

Zantium Studios Ltd responded:

"Thankyou Gill, Delighted to hear you enjoyed your day here at Zantium Studios. Wonderful weather, friendly group and super projects all added to the day 🌞 3 ducks, 1 hen and a heron!"

Debra reviewed: One Day Jewellery Course - New Forest

"I attended one of Natalia's silver bangle workshops with a group of friends, to each make a bangle for our friend's wedding. We had such a lovely time. Natalia was so helpful and accommodating when I was initially enquiring about the workshop and continued to be throughout the whole process. The workshop itself was brilliant, very informative and in such a beautiful setting. We all came away having made something really special that we can keep forever. I would highly recommend Natalia's workshops and her jewellery is beautiful too!"

Mike Ryans reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"A great day. I bought this for my husband’s birthday. This what Mike has to say: ‘Alex is a superb teacher. He spent necessary time going through health and safety and then throughout the day he provided us with clear instructions every step of the way. He made the day so fun and enjoyable that it was 5.30pm before we knew it. He has great knowledge and abundant enthusiasm - he loves his job, actually a way of life! We all came away with great memories of the day and 3 useful blacksmithed implements- a door hook, a bottle opener and a fire poker. If life’s stressing you out do this day! You’ll come away de-stressed!"

Christine Vinall reviewed: Abstract Painting with Rebecca Hurst - Botanicals

"Well organised. Enjoyable session."

The Dart Centre responded:

"Good morning, Christine. Thank you so much for your positive review. We are so glad that you had such an enjoyable session and we look forward to welcoming you again in the future. Best wishes, Laura."

Marion Maw reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"We both really enjoyed the Blacksmithing day. The tuition was very good with support on hand when needed. Adrian and Andy were both most helpful. The food courtesy of Debbie was excellent. We would definitely recommend them and we would consider attending another session"

Margaret Hanlon reviewed: Introduction To Dot Mandala Painting - Cumnor

"I thoroughly enjoyed this workshop. The content and level of input was just right for the time. Techniques were well explained and demonstrated. I enjoyed it so much I bought all the tools and paint needed to do some at home. Well done Sarah "

The Crafty Boater responded:

"I am so glad you enjoyed the workshop, and very pleased that you will be carrying on with your dot mandala journey."

D.S.Taylor reviewed: Introduction to Natural Dyeing, Mere, Wiltshire

"Natural Dyeing Course taught by Claudia was informative and creative. I left with clearly written handouts and samples of items for reference. I am definitely inspired! Thank you. "

Elka responded:

"I'm so glad that you enjoyed the workshop and are feeling inspired! Thank you for the lovely review. Best wishes, Claudia x "

Mark reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"I bought this experience with Rudi as a gift for my wife for our iron wedding anniversary and the whole thing has just been perfect and an experience neither of us will forget. Rudi has been nothing but professional, helpful, accommodating and friendly throughout the whole process, even before we had booked this course. It was just myself and my wife giving us an exclusive and personal experience. We arrived with ideas of what we wanted to make and it was just awe inspiring seeing him work out how he was going to get us making our objects. In no time we were both at the forge and anvil making our first items. We made wine glass holders for the garden, a decorative bracket for a bird feeder and some key rings. As mentioned in previous reviews the balance of close supervision and direction with being left alone was perfect. We would both thoroughly recommend this course to anyone interested. Thank you for such a lovely day Rudi. "

Helen Cooper reviewed: Hand spinning course - absolute beginners

"It was an excellent day from start to finish. Hollie came to me for a one-to-one session as I am a complete beginner. She was wonderful! She is not only a real expert but also a very good and patient teacher. She came well prepared with 2 spinning wheels and all the equipment and materials we needed. She also managed to set up my own spinning wheel I’d inherited recently but hadn’t got working. I recommend her very wholeheartedly. A lovely lady!"