Latest reviews

M. Fitzgerald reviewed: Have fun learning to forage for seasonal wild food and fungi

"What a wonderful day of learning, listening, walking, and foraging! Charming hosts and other participants were delightful. Great experience and definitely recommend it. "

Hedgerow Cottage responded:

"Hi Moe, Thank you so much for the lovely review. It was a delight to meet you both and I hope we'll see you again in the spring! Best wishes, Adrian & Renee "

Emma T reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"As a complete novice I was very nervous that I had taken on much too big a project! Jo was not phased however, and took me patiently through every step of restoring my old chair using traditional methods. Thanks Jo! I’ll be back soon! "

What Jo did next responded:

"With the decision to strip it right down to replace the stuffing platforms, and the repairs you made to the frame - your old chair will survive another 100 or more years. You're doing a great job! See you soon! "

Jane Scott reviewed: One day fused glass course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"Fabulous day. Met some lovely people and learnt a lot. Paul is a great teacher "

North Norfolk Stained Glass responded:

"Thank you Jane, much appreciated:•) "

Elliott reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Can’t recommend this enough!"

Amanda reviewed: Stained glass garden panel workshop - Hampshire

"We both thoroughly enjoyed our glass panel making workshop - it was such a lovely, relaxed and friendly course and Rachel was a very patient teacher! We could ask plenty of questions and Rachel was always on hand to help us out. We’re both really happy with our finished pieces - it was great to have something beautiful to take home with us! "

Swanwick Studio responded:

"Thank you Amanda for your very kind feedback. I'm glad you & your sister had a lovely day together, making something unique for your gardens :-)"

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

"This course was a present for my husband. He had a wonderful time and produced two beautiful items, a platter and a bowl. He would definitely recommend it and will be going back for another course."

Jacqueline reviewed: Crochet workshops in Leeds City Centre

"Fantastic course. Really helpful written materials, lovely venue and fantastic teacher. Ann really helped us as beginners at crochet. She was patient and really helped to breakdown the method and build our confidence. We will be back to learn more, thanks!"

Leeds Central Faith and Light responded:

"Thank you for this review - I'm glad you found your workshop helpful and I look forward to seeing you back. Kind regards Ann"

Jenny reviewed: Lino printing workshop - introduction to linocut block printing

"Thankyou Vicki for a really enjoyable morning. I had never done lino printing before but I will definitely be doing more of it in the future. It was a lovely relaxed morning with a small group, so Vicki was able to give everyone the guidance and attention they needed. All the tools were provided. There was enough time on the course to finish the lino cut and make several prints. I am really pleased with the results. "

Vicki Jordan Art responded:

"Thank you for this lovely review Jenny. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the workshop, and your prints were fantastic!"

Peter reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day

"Had a brilliant day with Les Symonds. He was an excellent teacher, extremely knowledgeable, and I learn't so much, just hope I can put it into practice. I finished the day having made and finished a beautiful bowl and trinket box, which I will treasure forever. Cannot recommend enough!"

Pren responded:

"Thank you so much for the review Peter and I'm really pleased that you enjoyed your day. Les"

Kay reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"Excellent course with a really informative instructor….Jo certainly knows her stuff. Would recommend as you can learn all elements of upholstery- just don’t over face yourself with too ambitious a project."

What Jo did next responded:

"Thanks for a great review Kay - it was lovely to work with you. Your wonderfully decorative black and gold velvet chair will be featuring on my course photos soon! "

JoannaM and MikeD reviewed: Fibre Fusion /Wool painting Masterclasses

"My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop. Jane is a talented artist and a wonderful tutor! We were both wet felting and fiber fusion novices but we learned so much during that session. Jane was really helful and patient with us. We both walked away with great works of our own making, which was amazing. Also, lunch was something else! The home-made spicy squash soup and the Victoria sponge cake were delicious. What a great experience! Thank you both!"

Mariner's Studio responded:

"Thank you Jo and Mike for your feedback. It was lovely to meet you both and a pleasure to show you the techniques needed to produce your works of art. Glad you enjoyed lunch in our garden. Keep in touch . Best wishes Jane "

Debbie Cliff reviewed: Eco Dyeing & Embellishment with Debbie Bryan

"Lovely crafternoon. Enjoyed it immensely. Learnt how to do eco dying at home using vegetables. The result is stunning. Very happy with my embroidery piece. Highly recommend this workshop. "

Debbie Bryan responded:

"Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We really appreciate you taking time to share your thoughts and are so pleased to hear you enjoyed your class with us You made a wonderful piece and are glad you are so happy with it We hope to see you again soon"

Chris howard reviewed: Woodturning Absolute Beginners

"Fantastic course. I had an excellent day and really pleased with what I made. Paul is extremely knowledgeable and very patient making sure I got to grips with using the tools correctly. He also went above and beyond going through other aspects of wood working. I would highly recommend this course. Thanks Paul!"

Paul Hannaby Creative Woodturning responded:

"Thanks for the feedback Chris. I'm glad you enjoyed the day."

Julie reviewed: Silver Circle Jewellery - Silver Jewellery Class with Tori Foster

"Excellent course. As a complete beginner I felt really welcomed by Tori. She guided us every step and shared her knowledge and experience allowing us to experiment with different ways to decorate our pendants. I have been showing off the lovely infinity pendant that I was guided to create to friends and family. I love it. Thanks Tori I will definitely be returning "

Tori Foster Jewellery responded:

"Thanks Julie, glad you’ve been showing it off - that’s the best bit! "

Peter reviewed: Potter's wheel pottery - half day course Siramik

"I was bought a half day course for my 80th birthday as it was something I have always wanted to try and my goodness I had a fantastic time and my respect has gone up for potters. Yoka was a marvellous and very patient teacher for this complete novice. I would 100% recommend anyone who wants to try pottery to book with Yoka, you won’t regret it "

Siramik responded:

"Hello Peter, Thank you very much for your kind words about the teaching and the course, I try to send a little bit of my passion to participants to show them what is possible. You were a lovely participant and got the feeling of the clay quite quickly. Just have a look at the results of those pots!! Thank you for your company that morning."

EH reviewed: Knife Making Class

"It was an enjoyable experience that I would strongly recommend."

Anthony Mcl reviewed: Garden Sculpture Course

"I recently had the pleasure of taking my other half to this blacksmith course, and I can confidently say that it was a truly outstanding experience for us both. I had the privilege of learning from Billy, whose expertise and friendly demeanour made this course an absolute delight. There was not an exact course available for us, but a simple message to Billy about what we wanted to do and get out of the day and he was more than happy to accommodate what we wanted with a custom day. Billy's guidance and encouragement throughout the course were exceptional. His passion for blacksmithing was evident in every step of the process, and he went above and beyond to ensure that me and my partner felt not only welcome but also inspired. His patience and willingness to answer questions and provide hands-on guidance were invaluable. Billy made sure that we both felt comfortable and capable, it felt like we had been doing this for years and just enjoying a laugh with friends while forging our first ever items, a fire pit stoker, a fire pit rake and a ‘blacksmiths knife’. The location of the course was equally impressive. Nestled in a forest, the woodland forge really lived up to its name and provided the perfect backdrop for our blacksmithing adventure. The peaceful ambiance and picturesque surroundings added an extra layer of charm to the entire experience. It was a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city where I live and work, and it allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the art of blacksmithing. I wholeheartedly recommend this, or any other course Billy has up when you read this. Thanks to the exceptional instruction and warmth of Billy and the combination of his expertise and the idyllic location made for a five-star experience that I won’t ever forget. Whether you're a novice or an experienced blacksmith, this course is an absolute must-try. "

Bill's Workshop responded:

"Thank you for your review Anthony ! I hope to see you again on another course soon, good luck with any blacksmithing endeavours until then! -Billy "

Sue Howson reviewed: Willow piglet/small pig workshop Portchester, nr Fareham

"Really enjoyed this busy day making a little Willow piglet. We were provided with all the tools and info to make a pig. And we were given extra willow to take home as we didn't quite finish off the piglet during the day"

Willow and Crafts responded:

"Hi Sue Thank you for sharing your experience I am glad you enjoyed yourself :-) Jacquie "

Paula Lovatt reviewed: Fancy a Cuppa? Create decorative wire sculpture in Derbyshire

"We had an excellent day creating a range of decorative wire and metal items. The pace was just right and there was plenty of scope to develop ideas using the skills Liz taught us. Liz was the perfect host in her beautiful house in the Derbyshire dales. I’m very pleased with my creations and would highly recommend this course for all abilities."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Paula, Lovely to hear from you and thanks for letting me know about your day at the studio. It was great fun working with you and good to see how you approached the different ideas and techniques. You created some beautiful pieces and I particularly liked your foil tea cup. Let’s hope you find some space to hang your pieces in your new kitchen. Happy making Liz Wellby "

Kathy Thompson reviewed: Painting animals in watercolour

"A BIG THANK YOU Liz for yet another wonderfully, enjoyable course, which really supported your book on 'Painting Animals in Watercolour' book, and online tutorial of the same name. Thank you for being so encouraging in your teaching. I am a big fan of yours and love visiting your YouTube page for more tips and tricks and inspiration. I am really looking forward to your 'Painting Watercolours on Canvas' and 'Painting Portraits in Watercolour' courses 26th and 27th October."

Peter Buckley reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket-weaving for Beginners/Improvers - Day Course at Paddock Art Studios, Lewes

"I recently had the pleasure of taking this basket weaving course, and it exceeded all my expectations! From start to finish, it was a delightful journey into the world of this age-old craft. The instructor's passion and expertise were evident in every step, making learning enjoyable and accessible. The materials provided were top-notch, and the pace of the course was just right, accommodating those who were working slower than others. I was amazed at how quickly I was able to create a beautiful, functional basket. The camaraderie among fellow participants added to the overall experience, making it not just an educational opportunity but also a chance to connect with like-minded individuals. This basket weaving course has ignited a new hobby for me, and I can't wait to take the next step. Highly recommended!"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much, Peter, for your super review and recommendation. I'm blown away by it. So good to hear that you enjoyed the day so much that you'd like to make basket weaving a new hobby. Should you need any help or have any questions, then you have my number. Would be great to assist you along the way. Hope to see you again, at one of my advanced courses perhaps. Happy weaving!"

Kathy Thompson reviewed: Line and wash

"This is an amazing, inspirational and fun course. I didn't know there were so many different pens, I especially enjoyed learning how you make your own dip pens and trying out pens that I hadn't come across before. Liz is an excellent teacher providing encouragement and positive feedback. I enjoyed myself so much I will definitely book myself onto her other courses. A BIG THANK YOU Liz."

Sarah reviewed: Paper marbling with tea & cake

"Wonderful way to spend a rainy afternoon! Excellent set up and tutoring with all materials provided and lovely tea and home made cake. I learned a lot and created over 20 sheets of marbled paper ( and some fabric) that - with Dina and her mum’s expertise - was actually very easy. I could have carried on for several hours more! It is messy though so heed the warning about wearing something you don’t mind getting splashes of paint on. "

Maryanne reviewed: Make Wedding Rings / Bands Couples Workshop (Cornwall)

"Would 100% recommend this course! Jo is a fab teacher, so patient and just generally great to be around! We loved making our wedding rings and are so happy with how they turned out. Such a personal experience. Thank you Jo! "

Joelle Poulos responded:

"Aww thanks guys, had such a lovely time making your rings with you guys!"

Jonny Arnold reviewed: Discovering Pen and Wash - with Margaret Jarvis - a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Ullswater and The Lake District

"The course begins at this wonderful venue in the Cumbrian countryside with you being greeted by a cup of tea and homemade biscuits and lots of smiles. As an absolute beginner this course was ideal, giving the basics on paper, paints, brushes and techniques. But not just beginners enjoyed it - there were people rekindling lost skills and others who wanted to hone their talents. Margaret showed a variety of techniques and styles and there was plenty of time to try any and all of them if you wished. After a fantastic picnic lunch you were free to roam the wonderful gardens for inspiration or to practice whatever you fancy. There was a great atmosphere full of friendly people, tons of encouragement and advice. And to end the day you received a gorgeous homemade aga baked scone and some paper and pens to get you started at home. Overall it was a fantastic day and an amazing experience that I can’t recommend enough. Two very enthusiastic thumbs up from me. "

Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns responded:

"Jonny thank you for your lovely review, we appreciate the time taken to post it! We're so glad you enjoyed all aspects of your day so much. We look forward to seeing you here again in the future. Annie and the Team."