Latest reviews

Kevin Martin reviewed: Introduction to Leatherwork

"5 star experience. I had a fab day with Catherine. Very relaxing, interesting and memorable. We got to make some really nice and useful items, which will last forever! I will be booking another day in the coming weeks. Thank you Catherine - Happy birthday this weekend! "

Catherine Edwards Leather responded:

"Aaah thankyou so much Kevin, looking forward to the next workshop!"

Gareth Jeremy reviewed: Pen Making Course (1/2 day)

"I booked this course on behalf of my grandmother who is 93 years old. Derek was extremely friendly, welcoming, helpful and knowledgable. The course lasts for three hours in which time we had plenty of time to watch Derek make a beautiful pen and to make one too. We had some difficulties with the pen assembly and Derek jumped in to sort it out and we left very happy. I would advise people to wrap up warm as it is a bit chilly in the workshop, especially when the dust extractor is on, and to take a bottle of water. We had time to stop for a coffee half way through the course but would have been happier if we'd had something to drink throughout the session. I think the course is great. Overall I couldn't have hoped for anything more - thank you Derek - fully recommended for absolutely anybody. May well be back to turn some bowls."

Assynt Pens responded:

"Thank you Gareth. Yea and coffee on tap is a great idea, and I’ll take steps to make sure that’s available. Plus biscuits!! Glad Jenny enjoyed her time with me."

Rita Clarke reviewed: Double-Sided Lampshade Making

"This course was excellent and I was more than pleased to return home with a very professional looking lampshade. Wendy obviously loves her crafts, she is keen to pass on her knowledge and ideas. I agree with other reviews in saying that Wendy is talented, friendly, helpful and patient. The Little Craftery is such a welcoming environment, with samples of her 'makes' to inspire you."

Lucy reviewed: Weaving: the journey begins

"I really enjoyed this one-day course. It’s very much “learning by doing” and Ashleigh is a superb teacher. He gave clear explanations and talked me through a variety of patterns and yarns. I could go at my own pace and had plenty time to practise and consolidate one type of weaving before going on to the next. Ashleigh struck the right balance between showing me what to do and letting me get on with it, and I quickly gained more confidence. As a complete novice, it was a great feeling to come away with a finished piece of work that I’m proud of. The workshop has a cosy friendly atmosphere and is really inspiring. "

Tartan Caledonia responded:

"Thank you for the kind words, glad you enjoyed you day. Ashleigh."

Anna reviewed: One Day Stained Glass Foiling Method Course

"Cheryl is an amazing host and teacher. It was fantastic to spend a day creating a piece to take home using the copper foiling method. Everyone made something different. I am delighted with my cactus. Cheryl is a professional and master. You will be learning from the best!!"

Cheryl Powling Glass responded:

"Thank you Anna so lovely to hear you had a good day .. you were great and your cactus was wonderful.. well done x "

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

"Great way to spend a Sunday, whacking a chisel with a mallet and leaving with a handmade treasure. Very impressed by Jason, really nice person and hugely talented"

Jason Thomson - Sculptor responded:

"Great to meet you Annette and get that chunk of raw timber transformed by your growing hand tool skills. A high energy day alright!"

F Taylor reviewed: Textile still life workshop

"Fabulous and inspiring day . Very relaxing , the tutor was very hands on and happily shared her knowledge, experience and expertise Thank you"

Imogen Bittner Studio responded:

"Thank you very much for your review Fiona and it was a pleasure working with you. You grasped the technique very quickly and I feel sure you will go on to make more exciting work. I really enjoyed working with you and found it also very productive and relaxing."

Rohan reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"A fantastic day with Rudi learning the craft of blacksmithing. Would definitely recommend."

Aardvark Blacksmithing responded:

"Ehh up Rohan enjoyed teaching you and hope you get the forge up and running and hope those hooks work well . If you need any advise on putting together the forge just let me know Thank you for your review Rudi "

Chris Bridgman reviewed: Terracotta clay plant pots at Brockhole on Windermere

"Rosie is an excellent tutor - calm, friendly, but with detailed support, and lots of encouragement."

Brockhole on Windermere responded:

"Thanks so much Chris that was really lovely to read! I'm looking forward to firing your brilliant pottery and getting it back to you! I hope you enjoyed getting reacquainted with clay again. All the best, Rosie"

Jo reviewed: Half day mosaic workshops with Laura Barnes.

"I had a lovely afternoon making a bee mosaic. Laura is a great teacher. She explained how to use the tools clearly and gave tips when I needed help. Looking forward to putting my panel up in the garden and having another go at mosaic soon. "

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"You are welcome, Jo. You are a natural, and you were comfortable enough to make your own tea! Come again and make something bigger or in stained glass. Lovely to meet you, Laura "

Shirley reviewed: Nuno Scarf - An Introduction to Nuno Felting

"It was a small friendly group, we’ve all had fun joking, learning & making the scarf. Emma explained the steps very well. After gaining some direct experience in class, I feel I want to make another one at home, something you couldn’t buy in store makes it quite unique. We didn’t know how the scarf would turn out, it was fun to anticipate the process & final outcome. They all have turned out beautifully & very very arty !! Thank you Emma for sharing the books, tips & knowledge; it was so inspiring !!"

Emma Jackson (Silversoles - Felted Textiles) responded:

"You’re very welcome Shirley, lovely to hear you enjoyed the day and are pleased with the outcome - your scarf looks beautiful."

Mo reviewed: Beginners DIY & Home Maintenance Workshop in Cheadle, Gr Manchester (1 Day)

"Very informative. Gives you an inside look to basic diy that you can use for life and develop. "

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you for your review Mo. You were a pleasure to teach. I'm delighted you got so much from the workshop and glad you are now able to start with your renovations. "

Sophie reviewed: Creative Fused Glass for beginners and improvers

"I have done several classes with Nadine now and each has been such a pleasure! Nadine creates a warm and inviting atmosphere in her studio surrounded by her inspirational artwork and glass pieces. Nadine is a fantastic teacher providing guidance and encouraging experimentation. The class makes a great gift or a lovely bit of 'me' time. Thoroughly recommend."

Nadine Mahoney responded:

"So glad you enjoyed the workshop, hope to see you again soon. "

Olivia reviewed: Fabric and thread CC19

"I haven’t received this parcel yet and yet it’s overdue for delivery and I’ve been asked for a review."

Aztec Kreative Studio responded:

"Hi Olivia Sorry to hear that you have not received your parcel it has definitely been dispatched. Please can we check our records for the date etc and come back to you Many Thanks Karen "

Hannah reviewed: Natural Cold-Process Soap Making

"Absolutely brilliant. Wendy was patient, kind and highly knowledgeable about making soap - and all the science! really enjoyed the session, looking forward to using my soap in a month or so :)"

Helen reviewed: Create a pebble mosaic garden feature with award winning artist David James in Ilkley

"I learnt so much on this course and now have the confidence to make more mosaics of my own. The process is magical. I brought some of my own stones that the kids had collected to add a personal touch. You don’t need to be artistic. The steps are kept simple and help is always to hand. Very relaxing and therapeutic- carefully placing each stone. And the end result brilliant. I would thoroughly recommend anyone giving it a go. "

Lindsay Donoghue reviewed: From the garden- still life with a mixed media approach

"This was a wonderful experience. Alison was welcoming, knowledgeable, interesting and a great teacher. She was also incredibly patient when I had a bit of a wobble. The course is suitable for all levels. I am a complete beginner and not only produced something worthy of hanging on the fridge but also had great fun. The Stables is a beautiful place to make art and the flapjacks were delicious. Thank you! "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Lindsay, Thank you for your feedback, it was lovely to meet and work with you both. I think you both made some great progress throughout the day learning new techniques and hopefully it has given you the confidence to continue creating at home. Wishing you all the best ! Alison"

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

"Great 2 day course where I learned so many different skills & techniques. Paul was very knowledgeable and generously shared his skills with us. I would recommend this course to anyone wishing to start stained glass work, great fun too! Paul creates a very relaxed atmosphere whilst maintaining professionalism. Thanks very much Paul"

North Norfolk Stained Glass responded:

"Hello Catherine, where does the time go? My sincere apologies for this delayed reply and here is a big thank you for coming on the course!. I really enjoyed the weekend and your company and hope you’re enjoying your project piece :•) Best wishes Paul"

Emma Gifford reviewed: Acrylic Pour Canvas Workshop - Highley, Shropshire with Harriet

"Surprise for my 25th birthday. Me and my partner really enjoyed and Harriet is lovely. Technique well explained with demo. Look forward to receiving canvas' in the post. Thank you 😊 "

Jo reviewed: Create with a gel printing plate in Derbyshire

"We had a fantastic day. Learned some great new skills and techniques that I am keen to continue to work with at home. Liz was the perfect tutor and host. She demonstrated the methodology in bite-sized chunks that were easy to assimilate and was always on hand with advice and helpful tips. I would very much like to extend my gelliprinting and also learn other skills with Liz. And, of course, it was lovely to take a whole day to just create! Thanks Liz :-)"

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Jo, Thank you so much for your review. It’s very much appreciated. It was a pleasure working with you. Your engagement and willingness to try new things out was great, as was your humour and the sense of fun you brought to the studio. You are so right about the pleasure experienced when having a day to focus on making. We need to do it more often, so please hurry back! Best wishes Liz Wellby "

Mr & Mrs reviewed: Introductory pottery wheel throwing taster sessions

"Lorraine and Gill were lovely, very welcoming, friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed our morning and would recommend it to anyone wanting an introduction to clay making."

Michelle reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"This is a great workshop for anybody who wants to try out pottery. Louise was very welcoming and after a cup of coffee we felt very relaxed and ready to go. We started getting used to the clay by making pinch pots and then Louise patiently guided us through the process of making vases using the slab method. Louise had a variety of materials and suggestion which we used to create different decorative effects. We had great fun trying these out and adding our own ideas. And then we tried the wheel. We knew that throwing clay is a difficult art to master but wanted to give it a go. Louise gave us very good instructions, so we managed to see a lump of clay taking on some shape. I admit that my daughter was more successful than me, but it was great to try it. It was a great experience and we enjoyed it a lot. Louise is such a great and supportive teacher. I am sure we will be back. "

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Michelle :-). It was a delight having you and your daughter in the pottery studio - I've shown several students the rabbit vase; such a lovely piece! You both managed the wheel really well, despite your trepidation ;-) and it would be a pleasure to have you both back in the studios in the future. "

Tom W reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"A really lovely day with a friendly, helpful teacher. Lovely to meet Jake and his partner, and even though I was mainly there to learn, I’m really pleased with the bowl I made too!"

Vickie Bartlett reviewed: Couple's Clay Date

"Couples Date - valentines clay workshop - this was a wonderful afternoon, such a lovely way to spend some quality for us time. The instruction very helpful and informative which enabled us to create a memory piece we hope will survive firing and make it home. Great value well worth booking!"

EJaRt Creative responded:

"Thank you for your fab review. We are really pleased that you both enjoyed your workshop and can't wait to see the creations once they have been fired! "

Julie H Pearson reviewed: Willow Obelisk Workshop

"The course was really fun to do and I took home a willow obelisk, which I'm really proud of. The instructions were split into stages and Victoria was really good at explaining each part and made sure we understood what we were to do next. Victoria was professional, friendly and approachable. Looking forward to the next one I've booked in for. "