Latest reviews

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!"

Anon reviewed: Crochet Beginners - Tues Eve Bicton Inn

"Great teacher, very supportive!"

BeachBry Creations responded:

"Awe - thank you for the kind review. I am very glad that you enjoyed the session. Bryony"

Stuart Hawes reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"The course far exceeded all my expectations both in terms of how involved it would be and just how much I enjoyed it. Adrian and the team were brilliant from start to finish. If you're thinking of doing this course, do it! I couldn't recommend it highly enough."

Peter reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I've just completed the weekend stone carving course with Sebastian. It was bought for me as a gift and has proved to be one of the best presents I have ever received! Although slightly apprehensive about my ability to be creative, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and found it absorbing and extremely satisfying. The setting is beautiful and peaceful and we were blessed with great weather all weekend. Sebastian's guidance on developing skills and techniques was excellent and his encouragement and suggestions for my project enabled me to produce a finished piece that I am delighted with. I hope to enrol for another course soon and would thoroughly recommend this course. "

Jette Parr reviewed: Enamelling and Jewellery weekend

"Lovely course, very enjoyable couple of days. Beautiful location, excellent teacher and wonderful cake!"

Moor and Sea Holidays responded:

"I am so pleased you enjoyed the weekend . we hope to see you again"

Alice reviewed: Scarf - Nuno Felted Technique

"A lovely way to spend a day and learn new crafting skills in a comfortable no-pressure environment with gentle tuition and guidance from the Tutor. Bonus, all materials and equipment provided (plenty of refreshments and a delicious cake too)"

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you Alice. Your unique scarf /wall art looked fabulous, I am glad you enjoyed the day, helped along with the yummy cake :-). "

Sue reviewed: An Introduction to Weaving with a Table Loom, Oxford

"What an absolutely wonderful course, and such a lovely day. Jeremy is a very knowledgeable and helpful tutor, and I came away wanting to weave 24/7!!"

Jeremy Uden Designer/Handweaver responded:

"Thanks Sue. I'm really glad you both enjoyed the day. Jem"

Kaye reviewed: Stained glass one day course for beginners: for two people

"I've always loved stained glass so my partner and I decided to do this workshop for my 30th birthday. We had the BEST day. So much fun. Emma is a brilliant instructor - friendly, relaxed and very easy to get on with. It was very satisfying to take my glass creation home with me at the end of the day. Really looking forward to taking this workshop again and improving on what I've learned."

Tim Hieghton-Jackson reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"I was thoroughly impressed with the venue, the instructors and the equipment. The venue is charming, likewise the instructors and the tools were of a high quality. I am very pleased with the bow I came away with and the patient manner in which Gavin and Tom imparted their knowledge made the course a real treat. The materials to make a bow are not cheap and the course represents very good value for money. Top marks indeed."

Maureen B reviewed: Metal embossed house number workshop

"Excellent course and great value for money. Carrie is friendly, knowledgeable, and skilled. All equipment and materials are excellent quality, and processes were demonstrated clearly. I was able to tailor my design and product to my preferences, with Carrie’s full support. I would recommend this workshop without hesitation."

Crafts for Wellbeing responded:

"It was a pleasure to meet you, Maureen, and I'm so pleased you enjoyed the workshop and creating the house number. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, I really appreciate it. I hope to see you again soon."

Eleanor Connolly reviewed: Parent and child blacksmithing

"My 8 year old son and husband had a Parent & Child course. My son absolutely loved it and was able to get hands on across all the activities to build his sword. My husband enjoyed it too and both learned lots from the close coaching. Thanks for a great experience. "

Andrea Hainsworth reviewed: Fused Glass Lanterns with Crafts in the Valley

"A magical morning! Melanie explained everything very clearly before we began and was on hand throughout to help and advise. I hadn't realised how much could be achieved, and although concentration levels were high, the pleasure and sense of achievement was well worth it. I found it a lot of fun and so interesting to learn a new craft. It was good to meet like-minded people and enjoy all sorts of sweet treats, with Melanie offering tea, coffee etc regularly along with delicious cake served with fresh strawberries and raspberries. The whole morning was a delight and I would like to go again and try my hand at something different. Melanie makes everyone feel very welcome and obviously works hard to make it a very enjoyable experience! I can't wait to collect my lantern next week."

Rob & Jo Harrison reviewed: 2 hr Potters Wheel Experience, Heskin Chorley

"We had an excellent 2 hour potters wheel experience. All the team are so friendly. The guidance is informative and easy to understand. We had a good laugh at our efforts. I would recommend everyone have a go at this. Thanks, see you soon."

The Crafty potter responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review, it was fab having you both join us in the studio :) sharon x"

Sarah reviewed: Experience the Japanese art of raku using fire and flame

"What a lovely day in Suzanne’s beautiful garden. Suzanne, her friend Janet & husband Alan, pulled together as a real experienced team, explaining every step. Provided a selection of beautiful shaped pots to be painted, samples of coloured pots previously fired to give ideas, ample equipment, and safety throughout. Raku history & process was discussed, safety issues addressed, as students we were encouraged to participate at every step. Would recommend. "

Gone To Pot Ceramics responded:

"Hi Sarah, thank you so much for your kind review. So glad you enjoyed it. We all had a lovely time creating Raku pots. Your pieces were great. Kind regards Janet, Suzanne and Alan"

Lucy reviewed: Introduction to woodturning: for two people

"Had a great time making out salt and pepper mills with Bill. He was really informative and patient with us, explaining everything as we went. Great experience! "

Suzanne reviewed: Feltmaking - OOH the choices!

"I had a wonderful day. Barbara is a fantastic teacher- so knowledgeable and kind. I have learnt a new skill that I will be putting to good use. I plan to incorporate what I've learnt with my passion for embroidery and textiles. Tea and cake in the garden too- lovely touch. "

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you Suzanne, your picture and cute bowl looked fabulous. Great to hear that you are going to embellish them with embroidery 😁. "

David reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"Thoroughly recommend this experience. A great way to spend a saturday! "

Bob derham reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Very well taught by experienced craftsmen whose passion for getting it right far outweighed my ok is good enough approach. Ended up with a lovely strong and very sharp utility knife. Thanks"

Clarke Knives responded:

"‘Twas a good day Bob. We’re glad you enjoyed yourself and hope to see you again soon."