Latest reviews

Mario Prost reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"Absolutely brilliant woodturning beginners course. Jake is a skilled (and entertaining!) teacher. Everything is clearly explained but the course is very much centred on hands-on training, with Jake doing an excellent job at making you feel confident to take on increasingly complex tasks. The day went by in a flash. Highly recommended."

Jacqueline Perrett reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"I have never done pottery before. I bought the 1-2-1 wood turning for my husband, so thought I’d try the 1-2-1 pottery. I always find personal courses better so you can move at your own pace. Louise made me feel at ease, and had a great teaching style as she never touched my work. Just coached. I loved that. There were lots of choices for me and my creativity. I can’t believe I came out with so many useful things. The wheel was a real challenge but such fun. And we stayed at their crafters retreat which is like a little oasis. The whole day with my husband woodturning with Simon, staying at the lodge and the pottery, made it such a special anniversary. And my husband's bowl and honey drizzled were perfect. Everything was perfect."

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

"Thank you for the fab review Jacqueline. It was a pleasure to have you in the ceramics studio ... you're very creative and you made some lovely pieces! Also pleased that Mark enjoyed his woodturning workshop with Simon. Again, some beautiful pieces made - bet you needed that hot tub in our Crafter's Retreat in the evening though! So glad you had a fabulous anniversary too! "

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

"I cannot recommend this course highly enough. Paul is a very skilled, knowledgable and thorough tutor. We learned how to create a stained glass panel from beginning to end in a pleasant, relaxed and friendly environment. Paul’s patient guidance resulted in very impressive results, and the practical skills we learned, together with the tips, techniques and information Paul taught us, have given us the confidence to perhaps try this at home. It really was an enjoyable couple of days spent in good company, and we are very pleased with our panels. Thank you Paul. "

North Norfolk Stained Glass responded:

"Thank you Chris, that is most kind, please don’t forget to get in touch if you’d like more information on anything. Best wishes Paul :•) "

Helen Copus reviewed: Peg Loom for the Impatient

"What an enjoyable day! Excellent tutoring, lovely atmosphere and a new skill learned. Great to come home with a wee rug that I'm proud of and a real desire to make more. Highly recommend this course."

Connor reviewed: Mastering Pen Making.

"We had a fantastic day overall! Derek was friendly, welcoming, and enthusiastic, and with his help we were able to create some lovely pens, even though we had no experience woodturning. Would happily recommend and book again!"

Assynt Pens responded:

"Thank you Connor. Very kind word, and I’m glad you/David enjoyed the course 👍"

Mark Sadler reviewed: One Day Stained Glass Foiling Method Course

"My sister and I went on the course Sunday and both had the best of days. Cheryl is amazing, her studio is amazing and we made some glass that amazed us. Will remember for a long time. Thanks Cheryl "

Cheryl Powling Glass responded:

"Awww Mark thank you for your kind words , this is why I love my job , meeting people like you .. thank you again hope you come back xx "

Julian Cowan reviewed: Spoon Carving Taster Session

"Really enjoyed the spoon carving taster course ,Mike was very informative, professional ,and we enjoyed the whole experience from start to finish "

Judith reviewed: Wildlife Themed Lino Printing Workshop in the Lake District

"A very enjoyable day learning a new craft"

Hare Hill Barn responded:

"Thank you Judith. I am so glad you enjoyed the day and I hope we shall see you again at Hare Hill Barn. Everyone made very impressive linocut prints! Best wishes, Vanda "

Maxine & Graham Morris reviewed: Kitchen Knife Course

"My husband and I signed up for Dave's course to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. What a great day we had! Dave is a natural communicator. He is easy to get along with and passionate about his knife making craft. His clear and patient instruction, encouragement and help enabled us both to make absolutely beautiful functional (very sharp) knives. I would highly recommend this course! 10 out of 10!"

Hand forged Yorkshire responded:

"Many thanks indeed for your kind review Maxine, it is very much appreciated. So glad you enjoyed the day, it was absolutely fantastic meeting you both and having you in the forge. You both did an absolutely top notch job with your knives, really well done. Kindest regards Dave"

Lorraine reviewed: Kiln Fired Enamelling with Katie Sanderson. Half day workshop

"Thoroughly enjoyed my first course with Katie. The last time I did any enamelling was way back when I was at school (a few years ago now 😂). I had always wanted to pick it up again and this course with Katie was a reminder of why I wanted to try it again. I went away with two pendants and am now buzing with ideas that I can't wait to try out. I have booked another date with Katie and am planning to do more. Thank you Katie."

Katie Sanderson, enamel artist responded:

"Hi Lorraine, Thank you for your kind review. Look forward to doing more enamelling with you soon. Many thanks Katie"

Annabel Green reviewed: Pottery throwing in Huddersfield

"Excellent hour session with Geoff. We learned the basics of throwing on the wheel and each made a small pot. Geoff is very experienced and a great teacher. Would recommend a session for pottery beginners. We will be booking again to improve on our skills. Thank you Annabel & Andy "

Earth Pig Pottery responded:

"So glad you enjoyed your session. Thanks for your kind review. Hope to see you both again soon. "

Jemma reviewed: 'Art your way' with Jill Jones FRSA, 3 hours

"I got this full day experience for myself and my partner, as a surprise Birthday present. Jill was so friendly and helpful and put me at ease when booking. The day itself was amazing and we both enjoyed ourselves so much. We both came away with completed acrylic pictures, that we can't wait to put up in our home. Jill was so patient, friendly and knowledgeable, she gave us the confidence to be able to paint and have fun. Lunch was beautiful and Jill catered to us being vegetarian, with a lovely salad and spinach bites. I would highly recommend this course and we would love to come back again in the future. "

Jill Jones Fine Art responded:

"Thank you so much, Jemma, you were amazing! xx"

Sheila reviewed: SAORI Weaving Discovery Session

"Wonderful experience of weaving - I learned so much in two hours and Nicola gave me just the right amount of help. The range of yarns to choose is fantastic and very inspiring. I will definitely go again. "

Wayward Weaves responded:

"Many thanks Sheila :) It was really great to meet you too - hope to see you in the studio again for more explorations!"

Isabelle reviewed: Stained glass garden panel workshop - Hampshire

"I had a wonderful day making a stained glass garden panel. So great to be able to achieve something to take home. Rachel was v welcoming and informative. "

Lesley reviewed: Gel plate printing starter kit with handmade A5 gel plate, instructions and videos

"I bought this kit for my arty teenage granddaughter. Something new for her to try at a very affordable price. She hasn’t found time to try it out yet. She may find that I have had a go at it before her - nothing like this was around in my teenage years! It looked really good and relatively easy. Can’t wait to see the results!"

Bev Evans Art and Print responded:

"Hi Lesley, thank you for the review. I hope your granddaughter enjoys learning to gel plate print. I hope she lets you have a go too - you will love it! Best wishes, Bev "

Liz Richardson reviewed: Beginners fused glass with Esmary Fused Glass

"I was delighted to find a glass fusing course close to home and went with my daughter on my birthday. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Mary is an excellent teacher and guided us through the process, giving hints and tips throughout. I knew I wanted to make a wave but because I can’t draw I had difficulty translating my ideas onto the glass. Anyway after learning the effects of the different elements I came up with my item. I absolutely love it. Unfortunately I have been unable to upload a photo. Thank you Mary, and for the extra kind touches which made the session so special. Hope to come again in the near future. "

Sand and Waune reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"We really enjoyed the leather workshop, very informative, friendly and enjoyable. We are inspired to go on to make more 🤩🤩"

Kirsten Christensen reviewed: Creative Mosaic Making in-a-Day!

"My friend and I had a lovely/interesting workshop with Lisa-Marie on Sunday. Her studio was like an Aladdin's cave and with her help/guidance we all came away with some super mosaics and a better understanding of the technique. "

Creative Avenue York responded:

"It's lovely to hear that other people enjoy my studio space and my hoard of arty bits 'n' pieces! It was lovely to meet you both. I'm so pleased you could put your pottery finds to good use and create a mosaic with them. I look forward to creating with you both again sometime. Regards, Lisa-marie"

Rosie reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"Really good days work! Judith took us through the basic techniques and had plenty of examples to get ideas. Also very encouraging with choosing from some photos I had taken with me. We worked round the heat of the weather and all produced prints to take away. Plenty of equipment and paper etc. "

Craig F reviewed: Bowl Woodturning Tuition Half Day with Registered Professional Turner

"Spent a half day turning a sycamore bowl with Joe and it was such a great experience! Joe is very passionate and it definitely comes through while he teaches. Ideal for somebody like me, who is pursuing a new hobby! Couldn’t have had a better day learning from Joe who is a true craftsman. "

Joe Creed-Kaile responded:

"Hi Craig, Thanks for the nice review, I wish you the very best in your new hobby. Joe."

Angie Coxon reviewed: Soy Wax Candle Making in Durham

"We had an amazing time at the candle making workshop. I learned a lot and feel confident to make my own candles at home. Claire is very friendly and helpful and made the whole experience very enjoyable. The afternoon tea was delicious too. I'll definitely be doing more workshops with Claire X"

Andrew and Liz reviewed: Glassblowing Full Day Masterclass

"Beth and Katie were great instructors. Patient, helpful, knowledgeable, interesting, relaxed. It was a really great day. We have not yet seen the results of our endeavours - I think that my wife's will be much better than mine :-) - but we both had a great day. Highly recommended"

Alice reviewed: Handmade cards in Hampshire

"What a beautiful afternoon, brilliant company and came away with 3 stunning cards and lots of ideas for next time! June is so helpful and has got the patience of a saint! "

Cardinal Cards responded:

"Hi Alice. Thank you for your lovely review. I'm glad you are enjoying the workshops and the different techniques to keep making new cards. I always look forward to your visits. June x"

Catherine overton reviewed: Round Shopper Willow Basket

"Absolutely amazing day, a gift to my friend Ann for her 60th birthday and we thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, from learning about the community and all they do to making the most wonderful basket that I will treasure. Suz was an amazing tutor with the patients of a saint on an extremely hot day! A lovely calm lady who took the time to explain everything so well. Well worth travelling down from Lincolnshire for many happy memories made, thank you Suz"

The Coppice Co. responded:

"Hi Catherine! Thank you for your review. I'm glad that it was a successful birthday treat!"

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

"We attended The First Cut Lino Cutting for beginners and rusty printers. We had a thoroughly enjoyable day. Liz was very informative, generous with her sharing and interesting. Her studio is full of her wonderful creations and the day felt very inspiring. We thoroughly recommend this course."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Elaine & Jane, Lovely to hear from you and thank you for taking the time to let me know about your day. It was great to meet and work with you both. You both had different creative experiences, but made great progress with this addictive process. Hope you’ve had time to buy some new kit and start planning your next pieces. Happy cutting and printing. Best wishes Liz Wellby"