Latest reviews

Malcolm Graham reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"Very well run and enjoyable instruction / participation course from DSWA Lancashire Branch. Paul and Chris provided excellent information and support before and during the course, with support from a number of volunteers over the two days- thanks to Paul, Gill, Bev, Cathy and Lee. Tearing down the 210 year old millstone grit wall under instruction gave a good view of how the original had been constructed and where failures had occurred. Consideration of how the stones were sorted, laid down and managed was a key area that would not be obvious if you were working alone; that and the careful method of assessing the placement of stones during the build are key areas of the craft. Equipment and safety procedures were well covered and the group was generally very careful throughout the build. There was a great feeling of value when we could look back at the section of wall that we had constructed following the DSWA rules. I have to thank everyone present for the convivial and supportive environment which led to success. I shall be joining DSWA now and looking for practice meets in Wiltshire area."

Dry Stone Walling Association Lancashire Branch responded:

"Malcolm thank you very much for your review, it was a delight to wall along side you both. we tried something different this time, and it worked. if you any further advice on your project, im sure the Local Branch will be will to assist. all the Best Paul n Chris "

Marion and Fabby reviewed: Glass Bead Making Workshop - For Two People

"Julia imparted her expertise in a clear easy to follow way. The studio is set up well so that there is plenty of space to work. We were delighted with what we were able to produce under her tutorage. Her skill is incredible and the beads she produces are gorgeous. We would love to do this course again in the future."

Eileen V reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"Thoroughly recommend. A very enjoyable day in a lovely setting. Alison and Liz are excellent teachers even for complete novices like me!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Eileen, It was lovely to meet and work with you. As a novice, you made great progress throughout the day and produced some lovely work . Happy printing ! Best wishes Alison and Liz "

Liza Malby-Tynan reviewed: Introduction to Leatherwork

"This course was by far the best course I have ever done. Cathy was incredible - a fantastic teacher and so easygoing. She had already worked out how to make the item that I wanted to make, printed pictures and selected the right leather. She showed me all the techniques to make the item and I left with a very very beautiful thing. I can't recommend this course or Cathy enough. "

Pat Orza reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"I really enjoyed the day. Olivia you have such a vast knowledge of the subject and made us all so very welcome. Lovely venue too. Thank you."

John P reviewed: Introduction to Blacksmithing - One Day Experience

"Thoroughly enjoyable, one to one tuition, everything well explained, made some useful things. Thanks, Tom."

Mrs T reviewed: Modern upholstered footstool workshop - no experience required - the perfect gift!

"I'd wanted to do this course for ages, so after finally doing it recently I was delighted it was all I'd hoped it would be and more. My job (life!) is very screen based, so I wanted to do something which was opposite to this, to do be practical and use my hands (not just my fingertips typing!!) and produce an item I would love and use. What I don't think I'd expected was the utter absorption of it - as a complete novice, I had to focus hard and that was so mindful. I felt I could have tacked for hours! Lucy was a superb teacher, explaining the steps and rational for each really clearly. When I got a wobble at the end finishing the felt wool layer, she was very patient and explained techniques in different ways, with suggestions to try, until it "clicked". Then bravo, a beautiful stool! When I got home my boys asked where I'd bought it, and were surprised when I said I'd made it which was gratifying! Highly commend this course - a most satisfying day. "

Roundedby responded:

"Oh and I am so glad that you did too! You worked so hard & got an absolutely brilliant, beautiful result - & I love the Marine/Pimpernel colourway, you thoroughly deserved to put your (muddy! thanks for the photo!) feet up! Thanks so much, Lucy"

Elspeth Dixon reviewed: 'My Kind of Ironing' - Encaustic Art for 2+

"We recently joined Jane for a short encaustic art workshop. The idea of me doing any kind of ironing caused considerable amusement! It was a lovely taster with guidance and encouragement from Jane and some inspiring examples of Jane's own art. We liked that, as a total beginner, it is possible to achieve satisfying results in such a short time. The colours, patterns and textures were mesmerising. Jane also stocks basic kit to get you started including an excellent book to help you develop skills. Thank you, Jane, for a new creative outlet."

Jane Foot Artist responded:

"You're welcome Elspeth, was lovely getting to know you both. Hope to see you again soon x"

elakoncka.art reviewed: 'The Full Kit' Encaustic Painting (2 people)

"I work with oil & cold wax and wanted to try encaustic. Jane's course did not disappoint! She provided all materials and methodically ran through the process in her wonderful rural studio, allowing us adequate time to experiment and, equally importantly, making sure that all health & safety aspects were covered. We also had a little time to explore working with an encaustic iron which was fun. I would thoroughly recommend Jane's course as a way into exploring this medium."

Dawn reviewed: Needle Felting onto Fabric BEVERLEY

"I did this course last Friday. Very well organised, all equipment provided. Really enjoyable and would be interested in more from this tutor."

Christa reviewed: Sterling Silver Sea Glass Ring Workshop

"Myself and a friend had a great day with Sarah. She explained each step very well and was very patient with us both (being the perfectionists we are, everything took quite long before we were happy with it!) and didn't mind that we finished quite a bit later than anticipated. I guess the many cups of tea and biscuits and the fun chat also contributed to that! We both went away with a beautiful seaglass ring and a renewed respect for jewellers! We really enjoyed it and would certainly recommend doing this course with Sarah - we may come back for a different course some time!"

Sarah Bradley Designs responded:

"Hi Christa & Susanne, It was lovely to meet you both, what a fun day! You both made a lovely piece of jewellery with sea glass, it was total perfection, well done. Look forward to welcoming you back soon. Many thanks Sarah"

Vanda Scholey reviewed: Creative metalwork and welding, scrap metal sculpture.

"The course was great and I would recommend it to anyone who would like to learn something new. There were lots of materials to chose from, great tools to use and clear instructions were given. Both instructors were very knowledgeable and helpful while keeping the day really relaxed and fun. And you get to take your creation home with you! I'm thrilled to have learnt new skills while enjoying the process."

WTF Workshops responded:

"Thank you Vanda! Best of luck with all of your creative pursuits. "

Christian reviewed: Private Glassblowing for Two

"Fantastic introductory course for my partner and I who had no prior experience. Sam was warm, patient and enthusiastic making for an overall great experience. We learned a lot and would recommend."

John F reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"We really enjoyed our two days with Laura and the pieces we created are now proudly hanging in our windows at home. Would happily recommend the course, and as an added bonus, Todmorden is a lovely place to spend a weekend."

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Thank you for your review, John! It was a very creative weekend and the finished work is wonderful. Well done both of you. So glad you got to see Todmorden and our local scene. Come again any time. "

Ani reviewed: Weave a Round basket - Intermediate Level

"I cannot recommend this workshop more! Everyone at Nower Wood were so warm and welcoming and the surroundings are beatuiful. Louise is a great teacher, we all had a super pro looking basket by the end and I think that is all down to her amazing guidance and patience. I can't wait to come back and do some more!"

Leah Allen reviewed: Painting with beeswax & dyes - Batik Pictures

"A truly brilliant course, loved it from start to finish. Barbara was an exceptional tutor, her knowledge and talent were second to none."

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you very much, appreciated. You are very creative and picked up the skills and technique very quickly. I'd love to see you keep it up :-). "

Jane reviewed: Glass painting taster day

"Hi Derek, Thank you so much to you and Sue for your warm welcome today. I had a fantastic day, thoroughly enjoyed it ☺ So many possibilities, definitely helped to engage with others who love creativity and found your teaching approach wonderfully helpful. Thank you so much, enjoy the rest of your weekend! "

Derek Hunt Artist responded:

"Hi Jane, So good to hear you enjoyed the Glass Painting Day! Keep in touch and let me know how you progress with your painting work. Best wishes, Derek"

Dicky Woollard reviewed: Training course in upcycling with pallets. An introduction to making furniture with pallets for beginners

"A fab day for my wife, Puffin's, birthday present. Really interesting and very productive. The cake was very welcome too, thanks, Sue. 2 more happy punters. "

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Thank you both for a fun day. You both got stuck in and had fun while learning stuff, my favorite type of of people. So keep up the creative ideas "

Jamie reviewed: Stained Glass Workshop with lunch & wine included at Hanwell Wine Estate

"Had a brilliant day making stained glass, I wasn’t sure if it would be suitable for me as middle aged man but it didn’t disappoint . Even as a total beginner I managed to take home 3 very nice items. The instruction was very professional and supportive and we were made to feel very welcome indeed. It’s the attention to detail that make great courses, and this one didn’t fail! The group size was perfect and we were well looked after by our hosts including great homemade snacks and lunch. I would highly recommend as a fun practical day and will be looking for a repeat visit in the future!"

Rural Antics, Hanwell Wine Estate responded:

"Dear Jamie Thank you so much for taking the time to provide us with such nice feedback. We are thrilled to hear that you had a positive experience at the Stained Glass workshop and that we were able to meet your expectations. We do hope yo welcome you back to the estate in the future. Thank you once again Amanda - Event Host "

Ian reviewed: Glass painting taster day

"Hi Derek, Just a few words of thanks for a very enjoyable and informative Glass Painting Taster Day on Saturday. It was also my pleasure to be alongside 4 others who are clearly very talented artists, as well as being experienced in glass art, so it was even more educational for me. I am not able to justify the purchase of my own kiln but may have access to the units at my local Craft Centre. If so I look forward to furthering my hobby in this most enjoyable and satisfying craft. Thank you for introducing it to me."

Derek Hunt Artist responded:

"Hi Ian, Thanks so much for your kind words. Glad you found the experience useful and great to know you'll be carrying on with your glass painting journey! Best wishes, Derek"

Sarah reviewed: Meadow painting with acrylics for beginners

"Brilliant painting session with Linda. We all really enjoyed our day and have some lovely artwork to show for it. Would highly recommend."

Green Man Ceramics responded:

"Thanks Sarah, it was nice meeting you all 😁"

Margaret reviewed: Intro to Dressmaking - Pyjama Bottoms/ Shorts

"Really enjoyed this class . I forgot my material, Judi was so helpful and she supplied me with material . I made some shorts for my daughter, she is going to wear them on her holiday. "

Gail reviewed: Silver Clay Enamel Workshop - Beginner - 1 Day - One to One

"The silver clay and enamel course was brilliant Rach was very nice and very knowledgeable. Thank you for a brilliant day highly recommend this course"

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much Gail. It was lovely to meet you. Can’t believe how many different things we covered! Well done with all your lovely examples. Can’t wait to see how you get on. All the very best. Rach "

Judith Horsman reviewed: Glass Fusing and enamel painting on glass

"We had a great day's tuition with Jane yesterday. My sister-in-law and I were impressed by our own creations and can't wait until they have been fired. Jane's studio was full of inspiration and materials to use. She also provided a lovely lunch. We will be going again."

Kate reviewed: Natural Cold-Process Soap Making

"What a great workshop! I'd been looking for a cold process soap workshop for some time, rather than the ubiquitous melt and pour workshops, and this was exactly what I was looking for. Wendy made it all easy, and we had so many options it was hard to decide what to make. I can't wait to see how my soap comes out in a few weeks time."