Latest reviews

Barry reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"Great day out in the woods. Andy is a passionate and very skilled craftsman, who also happens to buy good cake and make a decent cup of tea ! Came away with 3 (semi useful - limited by my skills only) items but really enjoyed the day. It was given as a present and turned out to be a real treat - Highly recommended !! Thanks Andy. "

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed, Barry for that positive review and recommendation. We're really pleased to hear that you enjoyed the course, and the cake and tea too! We hope to see you back at Sallerton Wood sometime in the future. "

Chris reviewed: Natural dyeing course in Pembrokeshire

"Excellent weekend; a lot to take in but it all came together over the course of the two days. I came away with confidence that I could use the techniques and inspired by the great samples we produced and took home. Susan is an excellent teacher and responded really well to all questions and student input. Thank you again."

Susan Martin responded:

"Thank you very much for your feedback and contributions over the weekend. All the best with your projects."

Lydia reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"Had a great time with Sarah at a glass fusing class for 3 of us. A lovely couple of hours and Sarah was incredibly helpful! "

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"Thanks very much for taking the time to leave a review."

Steph Rose reviewed: Linocut Printing Class

"A relaxed afternoon with a small group of five of us. Liz is a great tutor who gave us clear instructions on how to use the cutting tools and other materials. Otherwise, we were given creative freedom to explore our own ideas. In the time available I was able to do two lino printing designs and 16 prints. Tea and coffee was available throughout the afternoon."

The Dart Centre responded:

"Hello Steph Thank you so much for your lovely review! We are so happy to read that you had such a creative afternoon and produced lots of fabulous prints. We hope to see you all again very soon. Best wishes Laura"

Andy Gillow and Dawn Heneghan reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A brilliant day with Adrian and Andy. They were funny, interesting and very helpful in making it a blacksmiths day to remember. Plus a lovely lunch provided by Debbie so overall definitely an experience I would recommend to everyone"

Alice reviewed: Dressmaking for Beginners

"I did this course back in November. It was a lovely, relaxed, informative and social evening. From no sewing experience, the lovely Marion coached me through the motions and I became the proud maker of a pair of culottes. The course is tailor made (no pun intended)... I took my own machine, tape measure & pins...but these could all be provided if needed. Highly recommended 👌 "

Mickleton Community Group responded:

"Thank you Alice, we are so glad you enjoyed. We want to make sewing fun and not stressful! It’s such a great skill to have. We hope to see you again at another course in the future! "

Tara reviewed: Mother and Daughter Special One Day Workshop £75pp

"We had a lovely mother daughter's day making lots of beautiful skincare products. Allison was just wonderful. "

Maid in the Meadow responded:

"Hi Tara Thank you so much for your lovely review. I'm glad you enjoyed your day and the products you made and are enjoying using them. Don't hesitate to contact me if you need any further information. "

Dan reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"Jake is a fantastic tutor and kept the atmosphere casual but informative. It was my first attempt at turning a bowl out of timber and the result was fantastic. If you want to spend your day turning electricity into sawdust and wood chips then this course is for you. You might even want to go a second time for another bowl."

Thompsons Wood responded:

"Thanks Dan for them lovely words, give us a text and I'll send you your pictures! :) "

Marianne reviewed: 2 day felt Fedora hat course

"I had a wonderful time with Elena who is very generous in sharing her knowledge skills and experience. I am now wearing the wonderful hat I was able to make under her guidance. It was an invaluable experience to be part of her workshop for two days and see how satisfied her customers were when picking up hats that she specifically designed for them. Elena is very flexible in the organisation of the workshop and the timing, which makes it even more enjoyable. She has a great personality and I likes very much spending time in her company while learning how to make felt hats. Thank you Elena!"

Kerry reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"What a fantastic day! John was so knowledgeable and helpful and I'm thrilled with the stone carving I created. I highly recommend this course."

Sculptor John Davey responded:

"Many thanks for your kind words Kerry. Both of your sculptures were so intricate and for complete beginners you really achieved some beautiful work. Bravo. Regards John."

Chris and Fran reviewed: Creative metalwork and welding, scrap metal sculpture.

"Fran and I had a great day. Felix and Annie made us feel very welcome, they showed us the variety of tools we could use. They clearly explained the health and safety issues. Then we were let loose!! Sorted through the scrap metal finding interesting pieces to make our projects. Either Felix or Annie were always on hand to help and give encouragement. Fran and I were delighted with the bizarre pieces we made. A really fun,busy,exciting day. Fantastic instructors. Thank you both. Chris &Fran"

WTF Workshops responded:

"Well, thank you both for coming! We were both impressed with what you made and how you went about it. What an awesome pair you are! "

Lisa and Alan reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Middleton Hall

"Both my husband and I enjoyed the 2 days. It was great to spend time on a new activity. The tutor was lovely, very encouraging, helpful and kept going round the whole group to see if anyone wanted help. I was really thrilled with my wood carving at the end of the weekend, I didn’t expect it to turn out so well."

Ann Glover reviewed: Watercolours for beginners online course, by Sarah Colgate

"I really recommend this course if you want to start painting with watercolour. Sarah has constructed a course which is well paced, and has plenty of content. Both the written information and the videos are easy to follow, and the feedback from Sarah is comprehensive and encouraging. I've learned so much and made considerable progress - I'm signing up for the intermediate course. "

Sarah Colgate responded:

"Thank you, Ann, for your review. It is good to know that you found the course materials and feedback effective, helping you to successfully progress in watercolour painting. I look forward to working with you on the next course. Sarah"

c reviewed: Needle felted wool landscapes or animal portraits (am/pm)

"I attended this course with my mum & sister, I had bought the tickets as a present for my mum's birthday. The tutor was really lovely and knowledgeable, she was friendly and was quick to make us feel at ease. The course felt very relaxed and easy and we were able to design and make a design of our own which we got to take home after the session. I was really pleased with how my picture turned out and would definitely attend a session again. The only minor negative point is really minor, which is for the time I wish I could have made a second picture as I had finished my picture with an hour to go until the end of the session rather than adding bits to the first picture to fill the time. "

Chrissy Webster Mosaic & Craft responded:

"Thank you for the lovely feedback and it was great to meet you all. Hope to see you again. "

Jan & Fern reviewed: Copper Foil Technique Stained Glass

"Brilliant ! Thoroughly enjoyable day spent learning the process from a sheet of glass to finished hanging ornaments. Amanda is knowledgeable, friendly, personable and an excellent teacher. The whole day went at a good pace for us, we learnt loads and are delighted with our end products. The atmosphere Amanda has created is relaxed and her set up is lovely. 10/10 recommended. I'm sure we will be returning for more. Thank you 😊 "

Dragonfly Glass Art responded:

"Hi Jan and Fern, Thanks very much for writing such a lovely review! I'm glad you enjoyed your day, and were pleased with your glass pieces! Look forward to seeing you again soon! Best wishes, Amanda x "

Jane brown reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Plant Supports (Obelisk or Cloche) - Afternoon Course at King John's Nursery, Etchingham, East Sussex

"Really enjoyable, relaxing and creative afternoon. Marianne is an excellent tutor "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"That's wonderful to hear, Jane! Your daughter seemed to really have fun as well. Super! Look forward to seeing you at a next workshop, perhaps this time with your son as well. Thank you very much and all the very best. Marianne"

Kate reviewed: Natural dyeing course in Pembrokeshire

"This course was a retirement gift from my colleagues and it was perfect! They also gave me a book on plant dyeing so I had dabbled a bit but with variable success. Susan is an excellent teacher and answered all my questions and more. I attended with my sister and we had a wonderful weekend."

Susan Martin responded:

"That's great. Pleased to get you started with natural dyeing. Enjoy."

Alison Tarry reviewed: Dressmaking for Beginners

"I thoroughly enjoyed making a skirt on this course back in autumn 22. Marion, the class instructor was very patient and went through things step by step, which was great as I was a total beginner. I’m looking forward to doing another course shortly."

Mickleton Community Group responded:

"Thank you Alison. We are glad you found it so enjoyable. We look forward to seeing you again at another of our courses."

Elizabeth Evans reviewed: Dressmaking for Beginners

"I did this course in September 2022. It was brilliant fun. I made one pair of trousers on the course and I have made a further two pairs since. It also gave me the confidence to tackle other projects including shorts. "

Mickleton Community Group responded:

"Thank you. We are glad you found it so useful and you have carried on using the skills. We hope to see you again at another of our courses. "

Donna Day reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"When I got to the location I didn't know what to expect as this was my first time. What an experience!!! Really enjoyed learning a new skill, the staff were patient, friendly and knowledgeable and, best of all, I get to keep the glass object which I made. Would definitely go again."

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave a review Donna, we are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your time with us. Regards The team at chew valley handmade glass "

Kayo reviewed: Saturday (fortnightly) Bobbin Lace Making - Daytime Mixed Lace Classes (Effingham, Surrey).

"I had a really good time at the workshop. The instruction was very clear to understand, and Tina was always there to help me. They provided all the materials and tools to use and borrow so that I can practice the techniques at home. "

Tina's Bobbin Lacemaking responded:

"Hi Kayo Thank you very much for leaving your review. It was a great pleasure to meet and teach you the basic stitches of bobbin lace. I do hope that you find time to practise before I next see you. Please do remember to get in touch if you have any problems. Best Wishes. Tina"

Caroline reviewed: Introduction to Natural Dyeing, Mere, Wiltshire

"What a wonderful day. I really enjoyed all aspects of the day and now feel I understand the processes involved. Claudia explained everything clearly and in detail. Being able to get fully involved in a practical way and follow the whole process through was amazing. I am now looking round my garden & wondering what is out there to have a go with.....I have plenty of fluff to play with! I would highly recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in this fascinating subject."

Elka responded:

"Thank you for coming Carol, and for the lovely review. I'm so glad you enjoyed the day. Very best wishes, Claudia."

Liz Martin reviewed: Glass bottle cutting for beginners - Sittingbourne

"A really great experience. I had tried to cut bottles by myself with no luck. Now I can do it. It was a hands on course and as with any craft practise makes perfect, or at least I'm hoping it will!. Janet is lovely, inspiring and encouraging. If you are tempted it's worth it."

Fancy Tat responded:

" Hello Liz, Thank you so much for your kind review. We very much enjoyed spending the morning with you and we are really pleased that you had a lovely time :) Kind Regards Claire & Janet"

Georgie Winnington reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"Thank you Jo for helping us make a wonderful piece of art. I really didn't think I would be able to make something resembling a hare! Trust the process. You were both so welcoming and to picnic in your peaceful surroundings was just perfect."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Georgie - it was a pleasure having the seven of you here in the studio. Should have taken a photo of your splendid picnic table!!! So glad 'the process' worked - having several stages of making the hares allows their character to develop without having to overthink the craft. Jo x"

Agata reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"I had an amazing time during the pottery workshop! Louise created a wonderful, relaxed atmosphere, and was very supportive as we moved through three different techniques. She explained everything clearly, while leaving me fully in charge of my own creations. We had a nice chat throughout and some lovely teas. I left the session energised and inspired. I would highly recommend this workshop. Thank you, Louise (and Simon)!"

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

"So pleased you enjoyed your ceramics session :-). It's amazing what you can achieve in half a day! You embraced all the different techniques with creativity - I especially like your tall "bobbly" vase. It was a pleasure having you in the studio and thank you very much for your lovely review!"