Latest reviews

Ray reviewed: Box making for beginners

"The course is very "hands on" and thoroughly enjoyable, and he does not rush through the process so you can go at your own pace. Andy is clearly an excellent cabinetmaker as well as an excellent instructor. He explains every step of the way on how the box is constructed and put together; so even if you have no experience with using tools etc. Andy will ensure you go home with a great looking box made by your own hands. "

Lee Furniture responded:

"Thxs Ray for you great review, enjoy your new box, glad you enjoyed the day. Andrew "

Christine Hammonds reviewed: Wirework Rings Workshop with Hand Crafted Jewellery by Jo

"A very enjoyable class. Jo was very friendly and welcoming. She took us, step by step, through the stages of how to make a wire ring. We all left delighted with the rings we had made. "

Handcrafted Jewellery by Jo responded:

"Thank you Christine for your review. Im pleased you had a lovely time and a positive learning expereience. Thanks Jo "

Charlotte Wilson-Foster reviewed: Beginners Silver Jewellery Course

"I attended this course with my Mum as a Mothers Day gift. We were both quite apprehensive having never done anything like this before. It was such a fantastic day! Mark is incredibly knowledgeable, interesting and so patient. We both made 3 pieces of jewellery each which is simply amazing. The session was relaxed, comfortable and Mark provided plenty of reassurance to us as we figured things out. Both Terri & Mark are so warm and welcoming. It’s sparked an interest and I will certainly be back for another session. I cannot recommend this course highly enough! "

Dandelion Silver responded:

"Hello Charlotte. Thank you so much for your kind review. So pleased you both enjoyed your day with us and made some beautiful ‘bling’ to show off with. Hopefully see you both again sometime soon. "

Karina reviewed: Ceramic tile making day

"Wonderful workshop! As my first time working with clay, I had big expectations and Fiona met them all. Fiona's studio is absolutely inspiring, with a warm and friendly atmosphere. A creative space to have fun while you learn how to work with clay and all the different decoration techniques. Fiona is very knowledgeable, patient and gave personal attention to each student. I'm looking forward to come back and keep exploring my creative skills. I enjoyed this course very much and I can't recommend it enough! "

Miriam Caldwell reviewed: Wirework Rings Workshop with Hand Crafted Jewellery by Jo

"Really enjoyed this morning, find it really relaxing, with great tuition. 2 beautiful rings for myself and my daughter. Lovely to be round crafty people. Looking forward to the next time. Mimxx"

Handcrafted Jewellery by Jo responded:

"Thank you im so pleased you enjoyed it x "

Gill G reviewed: The Art of Kantha Hand Stitching - COURSE FULL

"Paula is a very knowledgeable tutor and the course gives you all the basics that you need to start a Kantha journey"

Dillington House. Somerset County Council responded:

"Dear Gill Thank you for your lovely comments which we have passed on to Paula. We're glad you had an enjoyable day. Many thanks Dillington Team"

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

"Fully enjoyable and educational. Would recommend to anyone."

Pren responded:

"Thank you Julie...it was a good and very busy day. Les"

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

"Lino printing with Liz was a wonderful experience in a beautiful location. Teaching was great, with clear instructions delivered in a friendly and relaxing way. Lots of tea and biscuits too! Thanks Liz! "

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Victoria, Thanks for taking the time to let me know about your workshop at The Slipper Studio. It’s a great process and should give you lots of opportunities to explore new ideas and ways of working. It was lovely to work with you all and share belated birthday celebrations. Best wishes Liz Wellby "

Sally Whitrow reviewed: Stained Glass Taster Day

"This course was everything I wanted it to be. I left feeling proud of what I had achieved and confident that I could have another go myself. Very clear instructions made everything achievable. Support there when needed. A comfortable, informal venue in lovely surroundings with lots of Derek's inspiring work on show. Thanks again Derek (and thanks to your wife too for the warm welcome and tea!)"

Derek Hunt Artist responded:

"Hi Sally, thank you so much for your lovely review of our course on Saturday. So pleased you enjoyed it 🙏🙂"

Cath reviewed: Ceramic tile making day

"What a fabulous day I had in Fiona's Ceramics Studio at her Workshop. As a total beginner I was a little nervous about what to expect, however I shouldn't have worried as Fiona was a perfect and fun tutor. Fiona firstly explained all the basics about Ceramics, then we learnt about the different techniques for tile making and decorating. Fiona was thorough, clear and explained at just at the right level. We then got to practice before making our own tiles. She talked us through when we ran into a problem very patiently . It was such fun, and I'm so pleased with the tiles I made. Fiona was so inspiring that I'm planning to try and make tiles at home. I shall definitely be on her next workshop and can definitely recommend her ceramics workshop very highly."

Denise Shippam reviewed: Bookbinding - Sketchbooks, Journals, Books - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"Perfect Sunday afternoon of crafting. Rachel couldn't have been more welcoming and her cosy studio was a treasure trove of art materials. There really is no limit to her skills, knowledge and cups of tea. Rachel is a great teacher and I love my new book binding skills. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Rachel."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review. So so kind and an absolute pleasure to meet you both and a huge well done to you both too! Take care. Rach"

Cheryl reviewed: Textile landscape workshop in Dorset

"I had a wonderful day with Imogen. Her studio is a relaxing space and she is so friendly and welcoming. I was the only student so we had time to chat and she was attentive and helpful with the piece I worked on. Fantastic array of fabrics to choose from and good advice from Imogen on colour and form particularly. Highly recommend. "

Imogen Bittner Studio responded:

"I really enjoyed the day too ,watching how your landscape developed and how your own embroidery skills combined so well with my techniques and enhanced the fabrics that you used. I feel sure you will go on to make some really accomplished and exciting work- thank you again for coming and making it such a relaxed and enjoyable day!"

Amber reviewed: Ceramic tile making day

"I had a great time attending this workshop, and with guidance I was able to make some beautiful tiles that I am proud of. I consider myself a beginner, and Fiona took time to clearly explain how to roll out and work with the clay, before going through different techniques for decorating, and supporting us with our own unique ideas. She had a great range of examples to draw inspiration from, and was on hand to answer all questions. Fiona is very friendly and knowledgeable about her craft, and I would highly recommend her workshops. "

Vikki reviewed: Jesmonite Terrazzo Coasters Workshop at the Craft Barn

"Had a fab morning learning how to use Jesmonite. Thank you for the brilliant session."

Darn It! Workshops responded:

"Hi Vikki, Thank you so much! I really appreciate it."

Gillian Vashak reviewed: Lampshade Making Workshop at Hawthorn Shades

"Great morning. Quality product produced under Pennys instruction. Lovely informal setting. Definately recommend. "

Hawthorn Shades responded:

"Thank you Gillian, I am so pleased you enjoyed my lampshade workshop."

Candice Milun reviewed: 4h mosaic workshop for beginners

"Had a lovely afternoon and really got a lot of useful information. Such a friendly and relaxed environment. Really enjoyed "

mppmosaic responded:

"Thank you very much Candice, much appreciated. I also had a lovely time teaching you and I hope you carry on with your mosaic projects with great success. All the best, Marie-Paule"

Janet Martin reviewed: Japanese Stitching

"Hello, really enjoyed the Japanese stitching on Saturday. Very informative and generous with the samples to practice with. Great location - so nice to have parking. Lovely refreshments too. It was a really good balance of allowing us to get on with things and being available for guidance and help to go our own way with the skill we were learning."

Handmade Workshops Ltd responded:

"Hi Janet It was lovely to see you again and we're so glad you enjoyed the workshop. Thank you for taking the time to write the review, we really appreciate it. Look forward to seeing you at another workshop in the future. Ann & Catherine"

Liz S reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"A really great day. Neil was an excellent teacher, full of help, usefuladvice and interesting information. First time blacksmithing and I couldn't recommend this more highly!"

John S reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"My brother and I had a fantastic day on the blacksmiths course. Lots of room and equipment for everyone to be working at the same time. Adrian and Andy were superb, great host and tutors and real nice people to chat with throughout the day. The two pieces we made gave a really good range of blacksmith techniques. Debbie provided lovely drinks and delicious treats and the lunch was superb. In all a really great day out with lovely people. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone. "

Charlotte reviewed: Fused glass relief plaques and pendants class (pm)

"We did the fused glass workshop over the weekend and it was a present for my mother so I didn't really have any expectations for myself, but it was fantastic, we both really enjoyed it and made pieces we were proud of. Chrissy was there to advise when asked, and had lots of inspiration about to help fuel the imagination."

Chrissy Webster Mosaic & Craft responded:

"Thanks for the lovely feedback, great to see you, and very happy to help 😊"

Imogen reviewed: Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop.

"I enjoyed this course very much. Lyn was very friendly and knowledgeable, guiding me through the process with ease. My picture came to life within a matter of hours and using a plethora of techniques I didn't expect to use. I did worry that I would end up with something that looked like a sampling board rather than a real picture, but the finished result was actually pretty good, and I'm proud of it. I had some idea regarding what I wanted to do, and Lyn didn't try to stop me. We went beyond just using wax to make the image, as we enhanced it with alcohol ink, stencil work, mica powders, foils and pan pastels. Had I tried to do it alone, or used Youtube to guide me, it would have looked terrible. This was definitely the best way to get involved with encaustic wax. So, Lyn, thank you."

Contemporary Encaustic Wax Workshop with Lyn Kirkland responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind review Imogen. I try very hard to ensure that as far as practicable my students ideas are incorporated in this workshop, and I am pleased that you felt I achieved this for you. A lovely evocative painting was achieved and you should feel very chuffed! Take care Lyn "

John Hawkins reviewed: Stained Glass Taster Day

"I very much thought the course was well-structured, well-paced, very welcoming and most enjoyable. It took us carefully through the various steps of the creating of a leaded glass window with many tips along the way, and the results from everyone were jolly good. I have certainly had good feedback from friends and family."

Derek Hunt Artist responded:

"Thank you very much John for your kind review, much appreciated!"

Imogen reviewed: Beginners Ring Wax Carving Workshop

"I attended this course in February and very much enjoyed it. I went in expecting my idea for a ring to be shot down, but Emily was as enthused as I was to make it. Even though it took a little longer than the three hours to get right, Emily was patient with me and made no attempt to turf me out of the studio. I am more than happy with the result."

The Metalsmith responded:

"Thank you so much, Imogen! It was a joy to help you craft your ring; I’m so pleased that you had such a lovely time and you’re so happy with the result! It came out beautifully!"

Paul Swaby reviewed: Beginner OR Intermediate Woodworking Full Day Course - Saturdays

"Loved every moment of the course. Ray is a brilliant teacher, Its amazing how much one can learn in a day. Highly recommended "

Linda Ebmeier reviewed: Dala horse carving

"I had a lovely afternoon learning about carving with Alan. Although a complete novice I left with enough confidence to have a go at home using the techniques Alan taught me. I plan on taking a spoon carving session with him as well. A very patient and encouraging teacher. And I had tea and scones as well!"