Latest reviews

Shirley reviewed: Fused Glass Workshop at the Warehouse

"I love my piece of fused glass. Jo is an excellent tutor. She loves her craft and this shines through in her teaching. We were a small group of some who had experience of glass fusing and some newbies like me. Everyone was so helpful. A welcome brew was much appreciated and Jo provided water and yummy biscuits for us too. I wish we could have stopped the clock as time went by so quickly. Thank you, Jo. "

Jo Turner Stained Glass responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review. Look forward to seeing you at the next one! Best wishes, Jo 😀"

Matt reviewed: Make Your Own Wedding Rings From Your Old Jewellery.

"Not only was making our wedding bands fun, but we were also delighted with the results. Anna was very encouraging and instilled confidence in us by emphasising how you can rework the band until you’re happy with it. We never felt rushed during this process. Anna’s workspace reflects her values of sustainability and a commitment to ethical supply chains."

Anna Mcloughlin Fine Jewellery responded:

"Thank you so much for the review and for choosing me to help you make each other’s wedding rings! I had a lovely day too and can’t wait to be able to get your beautiful hallmarked rings posted back to you."

Elizabeth Champion reviewed: Wooden Maille Construction Kit

"This kit has been vital to my understanding of maille. If you are even considering starting maille, get this kit. It helps one understand the patterns required to begin making maille, which is one of the key components to this craft. Therefore, it is a good way to gauge one's interest in continuing the craft before spending large sums on tools. I would recommend this to everyone; it is a piece of kit I find myself returning to again and again to try out new patterns before committing to making them in maille, and are of an easily manipulatable size for those that might struggle with anything small and fiddly. Not only this, but Phil himself is a fountain of knowledge and is very helpful when it comes to any further questions or concerns about this kit."

Phil Parkes Maille responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review. It's great to hear that the kit continues to be useful even as you get more experienced in your maille making."

john joyce reviewed: Beginner OR Intermediate Woodworking Full Day Course - Saturdays

"Ray, thanks for your time last Saturday, enjoyed the course, learned a lot and also good fun! All the very best for future courses. "

David Kightley reviewed: Willow Weaving 'Trug' Workshop

"I really enjoyed the day, something I hadn't done before. Jane was really good, demonstrated each process and went around helping us all, to see if we needed help. When I arrived, Jane was very nice and explained a few things about the what to expect from the day. Jane was very well organised with everything in place for each person. She had different colours of willow and all the tools etc, that we would use over the days course. It was a very hot day and the staff at Stanwick lakes kept bringing in iced water. Tea and coffee etc for us to help ourselves. I didn't quite manage to finish my basket, so Jane gave me enough willow for me to finish it at home. I would recommend this course to anyone. I would like to do another at some point. Thank you Jane for an enjoyable day. David "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review. We are so pleased that you enjoyed the workshop and shall pass your comments onto Jane too. We hope to see you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Cath Slater reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Warrington

"What a great experience. Jo is a great teacher and communicator. And so very organised; in order to pack all the stages of building your footstool, she helps the slower builders or those who are struggling with a particular stage. Thoroughly enjoyable activity and I love my little footstool."

The Boho Shed responded:

"What a lovely review, thank you so much Cath. You were a pleasure to teach and you made such a lovely job of your footstool. Jo x"

Sarah reviewed: Willow weaving workshops for gardeners.

"It was great to meet Toni and spend some time learning about willow and being shown how to produce some great pieces. Really enjoyed this workshop."

The Licky Cow Gallery responded:

"Thanks Sarah, lovely to meet you too. "

Katy reviewed: Wax sculpt a knot ring with Lindsay Forbes of Laconic; Sedgefield

"Great experience. Learnt lots of technique to design the rings. Looking forward to seeing the finished casted pieces "

Jan reviewed: Straw skep hive making course 9 September - with Bees for Development

"Enjoyed the day and learned a lot but one third of the skep was not achieved by anyone, so I think that was an ambitious promise."

Bees for Development responded:

"Hello Jan, thank you for taking the time to leave feedback, we greatly appreciate your comments. We will review our course description to reflect what is achievable in the time available but are glad you enjoyed the day and hope to see you again. Thank you for supporting Bees for Development. Kind regards, Rachael"

Denise Helen Ward reviewed: Stained glass sun-catcher workshop: Hampshire

"What a fantastic day making a beautiful sun catcher! As a complete beginner I felt guided throughout with each piece of information building on the next. Rachel was extremely knowledgeable and helpful and the whole day was just perfect. Highly recommended!"

Swanwick Studio responded:

"Arhhh Denise, what lovely feedback & thank you for taking the time :-) Hope that beautiful love heart is being admired by All :-) R"

Shane' reviewed: Chair caning from scratch

"I had a wonderful day with Louise, her teaching methods are excellent and offered me very helpful advice on a piece of furniture I wanted to restore. I'm really looking forward to making my next booking."

Christina Davidge reviewed: Roman Blinds

"Really good course. Jenny our tutor is so patient and helpful. Looking forward to making something else now. "

Dillington House. Somerset County Council responded:

"Dear Christina. Thank you for sending your lovely review for the Romans Blinds course you attended this week at Dillington House, we are so happy you enjoyed your day. I have passed on your kind words to the tutor Jenny. Kind regards. Dillington House Events Team."

Dave reviewed: The First Cut - lino cutting for beginners & rusty printmakers

"Such a lovely, creative day. Liz was perfect in introducing the day and guiding us through the process. Supportive and informative throughout. And in such a lovely studio. Already looking for further courses with Liz."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Dave, Good to hear from you and thanks for letting me know about your time at The Slipper Studio. It was lovely to meet and work with you, seeing your evident interest and delight in the process. It’s such a great process and there’s lots of potential ways to link your interest in photography and calligraphy. You’d be very welcome to return to Derbyshire for more workshops. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Jen White reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"Kris and Alison were amazing considering it was a VERY hot day! I was on my own so I got to make several lovely pieces that I am yet to collect. Would highly recommend the course. And remember … never stop turning!!! "

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Hi Jen, many thanks for taking the time to leave us a review. Really pleased you enjoyed your time with us, I'm sure you will be pleased with your creations. Regards, the team at chew valley handmade glass."

Jason Root reviewed: Two day (consecutive) stained glass starter course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"An excellent course given by a knowledgeable instructor. Paul was welcoming and friendly. Advice was given when needed and Paul explained WHY things were done certain ways to give a more rounded experience. The pacing and small group size was perfect and we produced some impressive stained glass panels by the end of it. Plenty of hot and cold drinks provided throughout the day and lunch was great. Definitely recommend this course to anyone."

North Norfolk Stained Glass responded:

"Thank you Jason, it was good to meet you both and thank you again for coming on the course. Please pass on my best regards to Martin. Best wishes Paul"

Ryan reviewed: Gem cutting - cabochon cutting and an introduction to faceting

"James is lovely guy and real professional at the craft. He provides a really relaxed pace for new beginners, this was an excellent experience and I felt really at ease with him for my first lesson. I will definitely be booking more sessions with him in the future. "

Treasureworks responded:

"Thank you so much for that review Ryan! That's lovely to hear, thank you. It was lovely to meet you and your Brother, looking forward to seeing you again soon. Take care, Regards James :)"

Allan Crow reviewed: Wooden mechanical toy (automata) making

"I have an interest in Automata and my family gifted me a voucher from CraftCourses. I decided to choose Penlan Crafts in Bristol. I spoke over email to Stef on several occasions and each interaction was very useful and warm. I was guided by his expertise in choosing an automata to build which would suit my ability. I met Stef on route to his workshop and received a fantastic warm welcome which put me totally at ease. Once in the workshop, which was very cozy and well equipped, he assessed my skill levels and after a briefing on my chosen automata he put me to work. I was constantly under his eye but not made to feel uncomfortable. Once he could see I was coping with the tasks he set me he would leave me to complete them. During my time in the workshop we talked about anything and everything as if we had known each other for years. As the day progressed I could see that Stef wanted me to leave the workshop with a well-crafted automata which was certainly the case. Stef is a very knowledgeable craftsman with an eye for detail and a gift of passing his knowledge to his students in a way which is easy to grasp. For an Italian he makes a nice cuppa. If you are thinking about choosing an automata course, Stef’s your man. You won’t be disappointed."

Penlan Crafts responded:

"Dear Allan, thank you! I agree, we really had a great time during the course, you are a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic student, so no surprise your automata was completed at very high standards... and I warned you about the cuppa, you risked it having your tea prepared by an Italian! Thank you again and all the very best"

Agatha reviewed: Introduction to Loom Weaving

"My first hand weaving experience with Kendall Clarke was absolutely wonderful. As a beginner, I had no idea what to expect, however I gently allowed myself to be guided by Kendall who was patient, focused and more than happy to support me in the process of weaving simple to more challenging patterns. I gladly would recommend Kendall to any student who is keen to learn the process of weaving. "

Jane reviewed: SAORI Weaving Discovery Session

"What a lovely relaxing and creative way to spend 2 hours on a Monday afternoon. Nicola's instruction was clear and we were able to enjoy the exploration of Saori weaving. I will be coming back."

John reviewed: Natural History Illustration ~ Seedheads

"What a lovely day spent drawing and painting with a bunch of lovely people. Claire is a great tutor and her artwork is so inspiring. Looking forward to the next one!"

Denmark Farm Conservation Centre responded:

"Thank you for joining us John. We're delighted you enjoyed this course. Looking forward to seeing you for the next one. Mara"

Charles reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Highly recommended! A 70th birthday present. 3 of us went for 2 days and had the most marvellous time. Sebastian is a charming and interesting character and did a great job of introducing us complete novices to stone carving. Learned a lot and came away with sculptures we're all very proud of. The best birthday present imaginable! Great fun learning in beautiful surroundings."

Jenny reviewed: Sewing courses - All Levels at Tandem Crafts, Stourbridge

"I went for a free motion embroidery lesson. It was such good fun and really informative. I would 100% recommend this charming shop to anyone. As well as tuition it sells lots of useful sewing, knitting, crochet and other craft stuff. 5* from me"

Tandem Crafts responded:

"Thank you Jenny was a lovely afternoon. Glad you enjoyed it. Hope to see you again"

Dr. Vince Leonard reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course at Pensychnant, near Conwy North Wales

"An excellent course in a beautiful location with an outstanding instructor in Iolo. Although physically demanding and challenging in very hot weather, because it was led by an expert, who worked harder than anyone else, it was stimulating and rewarding. I highly recommend the course and wish I had done it forty years ago! It is nice to think that we have contributed a little something positive to the Welsh landscape. Please sign up for a course and keep these important craft skills alive. Thank you for the experience, even the bruises. "

Dry Stone Walling Association North Wales Branch responded:

"What a lovely review Vince. I gave this on to Iolo. The boulders at Pensychnant are really brutal but they enable a wall to be built quickly because of their size. Regards Paul "

Rachel reviewed: Silversmithing Class Level 1

"Thoroughly enjoyed my first class yesterday. Sara is so knowledgeable and a great communicator. The theory aspects of metallurgy were interesting and useful background, and the practical tasks of embossing, hammering and sawing were a great introduction to the craft. Can't wait for next week! "

Stratford School of Jewellery responded:

"Thank you so much for such a lovely review Rachel! It was fabulous to meet you yesterday as well and an absolute pleasure to welcome you on your jewellery making journey, I am really looking forwards to working with you over the coming weeks! Sara x"

Jeremy Shaw reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"What a great wood turning course! Did a day 1-2-1 with Simon, and learnt a huge amount. The two projects went very well, and I got an immense sense of achievement. Simon is a really nice guy and excellent teacher, and it all felt nice and relaxed, but motivational. Now to acquire my own lathe, and put the learnings into practice! Thanks Simon! "

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Jeremy, Thank you for a lovely review and glad that you're on your way to taking up the craft. -- Simon"