Latest reviews

Ian Eyre reviewed: French Polishing workshop full day with Rob Cain

"A really enjoyable experience. All the methods explained clearly with a great element of fun included. Rob was a great teacher and companion for the day. Ian"

The Old Polishing Shop responded:

"Thanks Ian , and thanks for the great conversations we had. Here if you need me for anything at all, so glad you picked it up so well. Your achievements were remarkable for one day., Speak soon and all the very best Rob "

Jane McCall in the green zebra top. reviewed: Two day (consecutive) stained glass starter course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"Paul, thank you for your patience, hospitality and outstanding abilities to teach and mentor absolute beginners. wonderful experience and I look forward to the next course. Bit late in leaving a review better late than never."

North Norfolk Stained Glass responded:

"Hello Jane….. she of the green zebra! Thank you for your kind review, it is much appreciated. Hopefully we’ll meet again before long! Best wishes Paul"

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

"I had a fabulous day with Jules making my Seaglass ring. Jules instruction & attention meant that having never done anything like this before I was really pleased with the quality of ring I managed to produce. I would highly recommend this workshop to everyone :)"

Noemi reviewed: Glitzy glass jewellery

"It was a really fun class. Stevie explained everything great and helped us through the process. We really enjoyed it."

Stevie Davies responded:

"I loved the personal design ideas and creative qualities you both brought with you to my studio. I hope you enjoy your makes and the memories for a long time! "

Julie Taylor reviewed: Beginner's Cupcake Decorating

"Great morning - really enjoyed the course. Jane was a great teacher and we all produced exactly what she said we would, despite thinking there was no way we would, Lovely setting with great hospitality. Have already booked for another course. Would highly recommend."

Tara House Bakery responded:

"Many thanks Julie for your very positive feedback. So glad you enjoyed the course. I will look forward to seeing you on a future course. "

Doreen from Essex reviewed: One Day Sewing Bag workshop

"I booked this course as a day out while my husband was on a five day cooking course elsewhere and as I had not been here, I did not know what to expect. As until now I had only made basic bags, curtains and cushion covers and I was a bit concerned that my skills wouldn't be up to this course. However with both the good instruction and a friendly helpful atmosphere I need not be worried. I came away from the course with the best thing that I have ever sewn and am very pleased with it. It has given me the confidence to dig out my many (unread) sewing books and start on another project. "

Tig's Barn responded:

"Hi Doreen Thank you for you kind words. We’re so pleased that you enjoyed the day and it’s fantastic to hear how much you like the end product! Hope to see you again sometime on another workshop. Katie "

Kim H reviewed: Maille making the traditional way.

"This course was so much fun! I wasn't sure what to expect, but Phil was a fountain of knowledge and experience that he was more than happy to share. He guided us through the process of making maille, from the very first steps of pulling the wire and making the rings to the later steps of weaving a panel of maille. He also taught us about some of the history of maille and how it was made in different periods, and we got to see some historical examples. Phil was really friendly and happy to answer all of our questions, even showing us how to repair our own maille armour for the future. The hours flew by. Highly recommended whether you're a reenactor, LARPer, cosplayer, historian, archaeologist, or somebody just interested in giving a new craft a try. "

Phil Parkes Maille responded:

"Thanks Kim. Hopefully the maille repair will come in handy and glad to hear you enjoyed the day."

Maureen Parris reviewed: Mosaics for Beginners - West Sussex

"What a lovely few hours spent at The Little Craftery on the beginners mosaic course with Wendy. I learnt all I need to know to get started with some of the mosaic ideas I have for home. Wendy Is well organised, patient and knowledgeable, she has a wide range of resources for participants to use and gives clear instructions and sound advice. I highly recommend Wendy and the little craftery to learn and develop your crafting skills or to purchase as a gift. "

Maxine Bromley reviewed: Spoon carving workshop with Fazey Woodcraft

"Had a great day spoon carving. Jack has great knowledge of wood and tools and is keen to pass this on to anyone interested. He was always on hand for anyone wanting a tip, a bit of guidance or help. Very well tailored to the experience (or lack of) of the people in front of him. Came home with a nice spoon which I let dry for a couple of days and have now finished and proud of. Highly recommended if you are interested in transforming a lump of wood into a lovely useable spoon to last. Many thanks Jack for a great day…..I’m off to order my axe!"

Fazey Woodcraft responded:

"Thanks for the kind words Maxine, great to hear you're off to get the axe! Happy Carving!"

Martin reviewed: Group Maille Making Workshop

"Brilliant "

Phil Parkes Maille responded:

"Thanks Martin, glad you enjoyed it. "

John Gutsell reviewed: 4 day course in upholstery, soft furnishings or loose covers

"Angie runs this course brilliantly. She has a vast amount of experience and has boundless energy. I have some experience of upholstery but learnt a huge amount. "

Peak Upholstery and Furnishings responded:

"Many thanks for your kind comment, John. I am not sure I have the boundless energy you describe but flattered you think so. Thanks for your company too. The traditional skills you learnt over the weekend will be very useful for your restoration work, even if it just informs your knowledge and understanding of how it is all constructed. Do get in touch if you need further help and advice. Angie"

Sara reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"I was lucky enough to attend this wonderful course with my friend as her guest. I had never thought to learn how to carve spoons by hand out of a log, but can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. David was a great tutor along with Caroline who was incredibly helpful. I am delighted with my spoon and have learnt a new skill. I would recommend anyone to have a go!"

Keeley Sparrow reviewed: An introduction to flint knapping

"This was an excellent introduction to flint knapping. Jonny is incredibly knowledgeable about knapping but explained the processes in a very understandable way. Flint knapping is quite complex but I had great fun, even if I wasn't particularly good. I am looking forward to lots of practice at home though and have already sourced a good amount of flint to mutilate (sorry knap!!) I highly recommend this as a brilliant day to learn something new, and maybe I'll get good enough to go back for the next level. "

Lynn and Jeff reviewed: Learn to spin at Burnt Fen Alpacas

"I was bought the Alpaca spinning experience as a Birthday gift and had no idea what to expect. On arrival we were greeted by the sight of numerous beautiful Alpacas in the fields. Lots of different colours and sizes. Not only did they look so cute (still had their coats on), but also very inquisitive so they came to welcome us. Annie was such a good host and showed us round telling us their names as we met them. We started off in the most warm and cosy yurt. Not knowing anything about how to spin Annie explained and demonstrated techniques with lots of patience and fun and the morning flew by. Lunch in the garden was delicious surrounded by the alpacas on the upper garden was idyllic. During the afternoon session we carried on practicing with different wools, having the cheeky alpaca coming to the open door to give us the once over. We found the whole day so much fun and relaxing and so I would recommend this to anyone who loves alpacas. "

Burnt Fen Alpacas responded:

"Hi Lynn and Jeff, thank you for your lovely review! It was great to meet you both and I really enjoyed your sense of fun and enthusiasm for whatever came through the door - alpacas included! Hopefully see you both again sometime. Annie"

Laura Kidd reviewed: Introduction to Candlemaking

"Really fun and relaxed afternoon. structured tuition but lots of freedom within that for your own creative expression and design ideas. Lots of tea and coffee set to a background of eighties music. What's not to like. Suitable for all ages and abilities small groups so plenty of space for 1 on 1 advice. Thanks Wendy you are a 5 star gal x"

Kate reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Very enjoyable day learning new skills and making something! Jonathan was very welcoming and a great teacher. Thoroughly recommend this for a days activity, something different to do and come away with a few lovely items!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Hi Kate, Thank you for your very kind words. I hope you are enjoying your silver jewellery and thinking about using more of your new jewellery making skills. Well done! Jonathan"

JANET reviewed: Fused Glass 'Janet's Private Group' Workshop at My Little Studio

"Jo is a great teacher the course was great my husband and i enjoyed it. Her hospitality and her lemon drizzle cake was great.... highly recommended to anyone. Set in a gorgeous location and very relaxing. Thank you Jo from both of us from Rock of Gibraltar xxx"

Jo Turner Stained Glass responded:

"Thank you for your kind review, I hope your pieces made it back okay and that you are enjoying them. Please do keep in touch and let me know how your fused glassing is going. It was a pleasure to meet and teach you both. Jo :)"

James H reviewed: Welding day class

"Really good course to learn the basics of welding. We covered some theory then there was the opportunity for lots of time getting hands-on with the various pieces of equipment. Neil is a great teacher and has a wealth of fascinating stories to share too! Overall a great day, would recommend."

Kaori Tatebayashi reviewed: Make a Welsh stick chair

"It was a wonderful experience spending a week in the woodland filled with bluebells leaning new skills. Making a chair out of green wood using simple hand tools and minimum machineries was a pure pleasure. During the course, I didn't think of anything but forming a chair. I found it meditative and somehow healing. Brilliant teacher and a great group we had. "

Rhonda reviewed: Cleft Oak Stools in the Yorkshire Dales with Phil Bradley

"We had a great time, lovely venue with great food and facilities. Phil is passionate about using traditional methods and a helpful tutor. With his support and guidance we all produced a lovely stool to take home. It was a most enjoyable day "

Elizabeth reviewed: Woodcarving with Jason Thomson sculptural woodcarving with hand tools, eccentric whittling courses, Sheffield.

"Really enjoyed our day with Jason. After a quick tutorial on the different carving techniques we were let loose on the tools! Jason supported us to refine our design ideas to ensure we were able to complete something within the day. We left tired, but happy, proud to show our creations to our families. We'd highly recommend."

Jason Thomson - Sculptor responded:

"So lovely to hear you enjoyed the day - it’s a great challenge for me to help each individual at crucial points of the day. Thank you for coming along, J"

catie watson reviewed: Candlemaking for Beginners

"Well what a great course , lovely setting , and for a complete beginner it was just what you need . Easy to follow , Rob creates a great friendly atmosphere , and you get a whole load of various candles to come home with. Definitely recommend it."

Philip Chapman reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"I had a great day on the course. Lovely setting, I learnt a lot and David & Caroline were really generous with their help and knowledge. It was a really relaxing day, I would certainly recommend it. "

vicky reviewed: Stained glass one day

"infinite number of stars for Nina! the day was magical. Learned so much about the process of stained glass, its history and the many possibilities of creativity within this artistry. So many giggles and smiles! gorgeous setting, impressive small-holding, Nina looked after us fantastic! thank you thank you I will remember this day and cherish my first stained glass :)"

Clearsands Stained Glass responded:

"Ah thanks Vicky, you were such a delight to teach. You brought with you fantastic enery, glad you enjoyed! "

Pam reviewed: Willow sculpture workshop at Usk Castle Chase

"Had a great time on my first experience of willow weaving, was out of my comfort zone but was made to feel very welcome by Amanda and ended up thoroughly enjoying my day. Thankyou "