Latest reviews

8 May 23'

Tina reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing - Experimenting with Image transfer with Clare Cosens

"Clare has a fun and easy to understand way of sharing her expertise during the workshop. She has got the perfect balance between allowing us to experiment ( and sometimes make 'mistakes' which is the best way to learn! She can then show us how to remedy an error which is really helpful. ) and gently guiding and offering suggestions. Such a lovely way to spend a morning, if I could I'd be at her workshops every week! "

Clare Cosens Designs responded:

"I'm really pleased that you enjoyed the workshop. Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. Let me know how you get on with your prints at home, feel free to drop me a message if you need any help. Hope to see you again soon! "

8 May 23'

Adrian & Sue reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day for 2 students

"What a fabulous day! Les is a very knowledgeable, skilled and patient teacher. His workshop is perfectly setup for teaching two people together – we were both delighted with the bowls and small trees that we made during the day. Les was extremely helpful in helping us to plan what we need to start woodturning at home. Such an enjoyable day that whizzed past – we can’t recommend Les highly enough. , "

Pren responded:

"Thank you A&S...it was a great day, we had a few good laughs and got plenty of work done. Well done to both of you for those bowls and I trust that your future venture in woodturning goes well."

8 May 23'

A Blake reviewed: Epoxy Resin Art Masterclass: Seascapes

"I had a brilliant day, 6 May, producing 4 beautiful individual resin coasters. I did not know what to expect as I had went with a friend who was interested in working with resin. The tutor, Richard, shared his knowledge in a relaxed and informative manner. No question was too trivial. The class size was small so Richard had time for us all. Great class for people interested in resin and a fun craft for others. I would highly recommend."

8 May 23'

Dan reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Chillington Hall

"I’ve just done the two day stone carving course at Chillington Hall. It’s a beautiful location and really well run by Miranda. I’ve never done stone carving before but I really wanted to try it. It’s not easy in the sense that it takes time and patience to get it right and think through the steps but the advice and support is excellent. Once I had a grasp of what I was doing it’s a really satisfying activity where you can lose yourself in the work and take occasional steps back in order to observe your work. I wasn’t quite able to finish my piece completely but I took some paper home to do this in my own time. I’d highly recommend this course and am grateful to Mirander for her patience. It’s something I’d definitely be interested in doing more of! "

Amerton Arts Studio responded:

"Thank you for your review Dan, glad you enjoyed it."

8 May 23'

Tess and Ryan reviewed: Half-day pottery with Marina -for two

"We had a lovely time with Marina - as total beginners she was very patient and thorough in explaining the process. Pottery was a wonderful mindful activity to do and we can’t wait to see the finished product !"

Marina Randall Ceramics responded:

"Many thanks Tess and Ryan for your lovely review! I will be in touch shortly and keep my fingers crossed the kiln gods are kind! Marina x"

8 May 23'

Andy Nelson reviewed: One day blacksmithing course in West Wales

"Aaron's training style, craft skills and approachability combined to make this a very enjoyable and fulfilling experience for my partner and I. I'm glad I went along to her birthday present!"

A and T Petersen Ltd responded:

"Thank you for the great review, we're glad you enjoyed the day. "

8 May 23'

Linda reviewed: Willow Trug Basket Workshop

"It was a fantastic day sitting in the bluebell woods. Suze was thorough with her explanations and happy to support in any way she could "

The Coppice Co. responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Linda. It was great to have you along and your basket was lovely! "

8 May 23'

Eleanor reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"My mum and I went on this course together and it was really enjoyable. Chris is brilliant in his role and he made it an enjoyable and successful experience."

Chris Greening Pottery responded:

"Really lovely session, thanks for taking the time to give such a positive review. Some very nice pots thrown and decorated - very good dexterity being on show! Your pots are drying nicely on the shelves and I expect to be with you in the next 3-4 weeks. Best wishes, Chris."

7 May 23'

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

"My husband and I gave just got home from 2 wonderful days making a stained glass panel. Paul is a lovely warm person, putting everyone at ease but giving generously of his expertise and knowledge. With a small class size of just 4 people, there is plenty of time for support to each person. We were lucky enough to share the two days with 2 delightful young ladies and we all got on brilliantly. Paul is a true craftsman and clearly has a great passion for what he does. And he is also a brilliant teacher, with unending patience. Highly recommended - I will be back!!"

North Norfolk Stained Glass responded:

"Hello Anna, thank you so much! that’s a lovely review and much appreciated…… and you’re coming back! I’m looking forward to seeing you both again +2 in August, meantime have a great summer :•) Best wishes Paul"

7 May 23'

AnnaB reviewed: Crochet - Beginners - Weds Afternoons

"Excellent instruction & all materials provided. Bryony & her colleague taught us 2 new stitches & we had fun. I’m now ready to start some new projects & hope there will be a series of different lessons on different crochet projects."

BeachBry Creations responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review. It was great to meet you, and I'm so happy you enjoyed the session. I've got my next beginner's tomorrow and depending on how that does, I will set up some follow-up sessions. Do let me know if there is anything in particular you'd like to cover or learn how to do. Thanks again Bryony"

7 May 23'

nett reviewed: Introduction to Botanical Relief Workshop

"Janet was a lovely teacher. A very gentle, relaxing, creative afternoon. Thank you"

Step in the Picture responded:

"Thank you Nett for your lovely feedback. So pleased you enjoyed the workshop!"

7 May 23'

Anna Mayhew reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"What a day! Robert gives you just the right amount of information, inspiration, help and guidance yet you always know its your spoon you are creating. I made new friends, learnt skills I never thought I would and took home a functioning spoon to boot. Absorbing and rewarding."

7 May 23'

Jane McNeill reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"Intense but very productive day with lots of hands on help. Came away with a sense of achievement having made a a very sturdy practical basket. Lunch was very tastey and good value. Both Becky and John were delightful , friendly and welcoming and the studio was airy and a good space for learning. Would hope to do another course with them another time."

7 May 23'

Marina Di Marco reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"This was a brilliant day which absolutely flew by. Having never wielded an axe in my life or being a particularly crafty person I could not believe that I left the workshop with a magical little spoon that I am so proud of! Rob is a brilliant teacher with great patience giving us all exactly the right amount of help and guiding us through the process. I definitely recommend this workshop. Not only will you leave with some brand new skills and appreciation of wood carving but you'll meet some lovely folks into the bargain. Thank you."

7 May 23'

Alison and Chris Ball reviewed: Copper Sculpting workshop: Chasing & Repousse

"My husband and I did this course yesterday and absolutely loved it, the tutors were excellent in their instruction and support throughout, encouraging us all to be creative using the skills we had been taught. The space is relaxing and pace good, all in all a thoroughly enjoyable day we highly recommend it."

6 May 23'

Ty Simpson reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"Great to spend a day in a relaxed atmosphere and learn a new skill. I now have the confidence and skills to create my own spoons. Brilliant. Well worth the money which is high praise from someone from rural Aberdeenshire! "

6 May 23'

Debs reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing - Experimenting with Image transfer with Clare Cosens

"Clare is a great tutor! She is full of tips and creative ideas. The workshop was well prepared with a huge range of resources available. Clare encourages individual creativity and is on hand for support and help without trying to control people's own ideas and outcomes. This sin't the first course I have done with Clare and I will definitely be going back for more!!"

Clare Cosens Designs responded:

"Thank you for your kind words. I'm really pleased that you enjoyed the workshop and I hope to see you again soon. Also, many thanks for bringing the delicious cake!"

6 May 23'

Sue Woods reviewed: 4 x 2 Hour Crochet Course - Triangular Shawl – Introduction to Crochet Charts

"Brilliant session. Merrian's instructions and her written, and online video, course material is extensive and easy to understand and follow. She explained about the yarns that would suit the shawl project, and brought in various examples of shawls for us to see. We students all set off on our shawls, and Merrian was quick to help anyone who wasn't sure whether they were reading the instructions properly. Merrian exudes enthusiasm and warmth, making the whole session an enjoyable experience, as well as a very instructive experience. "

Mezzacraft responded:

"Thank you so much Sue - it's always such a pleasure to have you on my courses x"

6 May 23'

Zoe reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"A lovely way to spend a day! Alice is a fantastic teacher - patient and encouraging, and ready to help when needed. The process of weaving is itself really calming, and it felt very satisfying to go home with a finished piece. Would highly recommend!"

6 May 23'

Catherine Hallett reviewed: Garden Obelisk

"A wonderful morning. I was a total beginner but now I'm hooked. the workshop ran at a pace to cater for everyone and now I have a beautify obelisk for my garden. Thank you"

Surrey Wildlife Trust responded:

"Good morning Catherine, thank you for your review. I'm so pleased that you enjoyed the morning and that you created such a great piece of art for your garden. Sue"

6 May 23'

Helen Jones - The Art Doctor UK reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing - Experimenting with Image transfer with Clare Cosens

"This was such a fun, hands-on gelli printing experience. Clare is super knowledgeable and I certainly learnt a lot of techniques. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the fact that the tutor wasn’t too prescriptive giving us free reign to make our own choices. I loved watching the demonstrations- I can certainly say we were all mesmerised!! Thank you Clare, I hope to come to another workshop in the future. The shorter time scale of this workshop was perfect for me as a busy working mum."

Clare Cosens Designs responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. I'm really pleased that you enjoyed the workshop. "

6 May 23'

Steph reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"This is the second time I have done the 2 day course with Jo, and I tackled a more complicated project this time. Despite the 5 of us on the course working on quite different types of chairs, Jo was able to give us all the individual instructions and demonstrations we needed to progress with our projects. She is extremely knowledgeable and very patient, finding the right balance between demonstrating techniques and letting you get on so you do it for yourself. "

What Jo did next responded:

"Hi Steph - great to see you again, and with a slightly more difficult chair! It's very satisfying to see you progress so well in this craft. Jo"

6 May 23'

Jade reviewed: Seaglass jewellery workshop at Sea & Solder, Dorset.

"Previously did pendant workshop and returned for ring workshop as it was so good! Really enjoyable day. Jules is an excellent teacher, and it’s a lovely, relaxed atmosphere. Highly recommend this or any Sea and Solder course to anyone. Came away with a lovely seaglass ring and enough knowledge to set up and try similar at home. So pleased. Thankyou! "

6 May 23'

Heather reviewed: Lino printing landscapes

"An amazing course to do. Had it gifted to me as a birthday present and it was one of the best ! Lee is patient and easy to follow even when I got totally confused at one point. A very talented artist and as such I am going to do another course with him “Colour, composition & the Wow factor” Loved the day, went so quickly, amazing setting and easy to find. Highly recommend Lee and the Lino print course."

6 May 23'

Kate Jauffur reviewed: Experimental Printmaking inspired by Mid Century Design in Derbyshire

"Sadly, I can't comment on the course content, as I had covid and chose to do the responsible thing and stay home. Unfortunately, the tutor would not let me move the dates to another course so I lost £170 (was attending with a friend who could not get there on her own). Be aware so the same thing doesn't happen to you. The lack of flexibility was very disappointing!"

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Kate, I am sad to have received your review and disappointed that you didn’t message me directly ahead of doing this, as your review doesn’t give a full picture of the situation. I understand and appreciate your disappointment in not being able to attend a workshop that you’ve been looking forward to. I was also looking forward to working with you both. The T & C you booked under are the most generous that CraftCourses offer, ie you may cancel and receive a full refund up to 2 weeks prior to the workshop date. There are other options that I may choose which are less generous, but I believe the 2 week cancellation policy is fair to both my customers and myself. I received a message from your friend who was to come with you the evening before you were to attend, saying that you were unwell and could I swap the date of your workshop and that you were willing to pay a fee to achieve this. It’s rare to have similar requests to yours, however, if there’s sufficient time for me to promote and fill the places, allowing me to move customers to a later date, then I am happy to do this. However, in your situation, with the request coming just the night before, this wasn’t possible. I also had 2 other people attending the workshop and I didn’t want to disappoint them, by cancelling the workshop. Your friend was aware that I was happy for her to come along to the workshop, but she chose not to, therefore both booking fees were lost. May I add that the message conversation I had with your friend doesn’t wholly reflect your point of view. I hope you understand that I run workshops as a business and not a hobby. When booking/accepting a workshop there has to be commitment on both sides and I don’t feel that you have fully taken into consideration my situation as the provider. I’m sorry that you aren’t happy with my decision. Yours Liz Wellby"