Latest reviews

Huw reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Great day at the forge. Really knowledgeable team there, Dave and Declan were very patient and always happy to help and offer advice and guidance. Their interaction with Graham was ‘interesting’ and clear who’s the boss 😀 As a complete novice I was amazed how good my knife turned out. The small bits of help from Dave & Declan clearly corrected my errors and ended up with a great looking knife. Whole day was good, with lunch and refreshments provided. A good group of people there on Saturday making knives, plus some others on the axe course. Would definitely recommend to anyone as a good experience. Might even return at some point for a slightly bigger knife over a couple of days. Just something relaxing about starting with a lump of metal and heating it up then bashing it with a hammer. Enjoyed the grinding too."

Clarke Knives responded:

"Hi Huw, It was a good group on Saturday, it's a pity I wasn't well enough to join with you more. I hope we will see you again soon."

Jo reviewed: Christmas pinned hearts

"Great pinned hearts workshop. A real treasure box of fabrics and beads, ribbons and lace to choose from! I'm not particularly arty, but I was able to create a lovely decoration that will be used for years to come. Thank you Lisa! "

Alison Leicester reviewed: Intensive 1 Day Beginner's Jewellery Making Class with Helen London Silversmithing

"I was a total beginner and wanted to gain a basic knowledge of how to make jewellery and what tools I might need. Helen was so lovely, very patient, funny, welcoming, extremely knowledgeable and skilful. Her family were all lovely too. I chose to make a spinner ring, which had multiple rings. I managed to produce, with a lot of help from Helen, a beautiful ring, which I will wear every day. I was so pleased. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole day and look forward to having more bespoke lessons, to set stones, etc., with Helen very soon. I would totally recommend Helen’s course"

Anna reviewed: Christmas pinned hearts

"Pinned hearts workshop was absolutely brilliant! I didn't expect that it would be so much fun, but Lisa made our Saturday morning full of fun, creativity and inspiration. It's very easy and doesn't require any skills or knowledge. Highly recommend"

Sara from Liverpool reviewed: Resin art course for beginners

"Spent a brilliant few hours in the workshop making my first attempt with resin art. Tutor is very encouraging & supportive. Thoroughly recommend this activity, good fun and relaxing. "

Reson-8 responded:

"Many Thanks for your review Sara, and so glad that you enjoyed the course, I hope you do continue as your work is very good. Best Regards Norman"

Monica Anicai reviewed: Learn to Sew Like a Pro with 'Sew Simply' in our one day course

""This was a great experience with Caroline.She was amazing tutoring, The day I was having the training was really incredible like girls day out,She was cooking for us an amazing lunch, guiding us from the start to finish. It was my first time doing this advance course and was a great success.I will totally recommend to start this training,It will help you a lot to figure out how to sew correct and professional. Caroline she was creating for us an amazing patterns for our course,we choose the patent of the blouse,the material and prepared everything for us until we arrive.I always wanted to learn from someone who is professional,and Caroline she did this amazing course with lot of dedication. I would recommend this course and I think I will try this again.Thank you Caroline!"

Sew Simply responded:

"It was lovely so to have you on my course Monica and glad you enjoyed it. Making the course fun and relaxed is always a great way to learn. Thank you for your very kind review, enjoy wearing your blouse and keep up the great work. "

Patrick Crowley reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"Additional review of the One day Scrap Glass course : I also did the one day scrap glass course with Kate Billington this Autumn which I would also highly recommend. Kate is a great teacher, all materials are supplied and we managed to cram in all the techniques and steps leading to a completed scrap glass mosaic piece by the end of the day. It was a great way to utilise spare small stained glass pieces to make another beautiful object! "

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you."

Pauline Colburn reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"Just completed day 2 of my wood turning course .As there had been a large time gap between days ,Stuart refreshed advice & technique & was very patient. I was given the course as a gift as I wanted to experience woodturning & never intended to take it further (ie. I will not be buying a lathe ). The experience was very interesting, Stuart is a very knowledgable teacher , the workshop is set in beautiful surroundings & I came away with a wonderful turned wooden object. I thourghly enjoyed my 2day course & would recommend it ."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks Pauline, Hope the lamp base is now fully functional. Stuart"

Julia Ford reviewed: Beginners Mosaics Workshops near Exeter, Devon

"Denny is an excellent tutor and a very welcoming host. Lots of coffee, homemade cake and patience all day long. The course was informative and instructive with an extensive (amazing) supply of materials available enabling us to create an art piece to be proud of. We were given thorough notes to take away with our creations. I highly recommend this course but be careful Denny will definitely pass on the mosaic bug so you won’t want to stop!! "

MosaicXandMe responded:

"Fab review, Julia, thank you 🤗. So glad you enjoyed your day - and the cake! You certainly can be proud of your piece - it was lovely. I look forward to seeing you again in the new year for the intermediate course. Thanks again. Denny x "

Judith reviewed: Christmas pinned hearts

"Yesterday morning i spent an enjoyable time creating a pinned heart. Not having much creative imagination i was guided by Lisa's expertise and thoroughly enjoyed the experience and am pleased with the final Heart."

La muse corsetry responded:

"Thankyou, creativity is a wonderful’ in the moment’ experience and so good for our well-being . Thankyou for joining in . "

Marie Cowen reviewed: Upcycling furniture & sustainability workshops

"I had a lovely day with Kirsty. She guided me through the upcycling process step by step and nothing was too much trouble. By the end of the day I had transformed an old piece of furniture into something special. I would highly recommend her workshops."

Jenna reviewed: Christmas pinned hearts

"I heart, heart pins! A magical meditative experience of endless colour, texture and style combinations. A variety of sizes to pin until your heart desires. Guided by Lisa a local and highly acclaimed fashion designer and maker. "

La muse corsetry responded:

"That’s such a lovely response to the event 🥰Thankyou x "

Ingrid reviewed: Christmas Willow Crafts - Reindeer & Christmas tree Evening (Grendon)

"This was a brilliant introduction to willow weaving. Left with 2 pieces and loads of inspiration, Faye was very professional, knowledgeable and handled the group very well. You could tell she loved doing what she does. Thoroughly recommend her classes. "

Faye of the Forest responded:

"Thank you Ingrid I really do. So glad you enjoyed yourself 😃"

Nick Barton reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"Andy made me feel very welcome straight away - we went through the tools to use, the techniques for sharpening, the methods to use and to develop the skills to start wood turning. As a novice we progressed from basics to more advanced techniques and he went at my pace explaining fully at each stage and allowing time to practice the newly taught skills. A thoroughly enjoyable day - he is a relaxed and experienced instructor - I left feeling I had learnt a great deal and an enthusiasm to continue with the hobby."

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thanks for your comments nick I had a great day too and enjoyed your company, as I said keep in touch and keep me in the loop as to tool and lathe purchase Andy mary angus "

NB reviewed: Mosaic Christmas decorations

"We thoroughly enjoyed the course and each made four tree decorations that we were very satisfied with. Yvette was attentive and demonstrated clearly what needed to be done, she gave us good advice and we particularly appreciated being shown how best to finish our masterpieces to a high standard."

Baobab Tree Mosaics responded:

"I'm glad you had a good day. Your stars turned out beautifully. "

Paul Howells reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day

"I had a brilliant day in Bala on a woodturning course with Les! He is extremely knowledgeable, enthusiastic, patient and is a great teacher. I had an excellent introduction to many wood turning skills/techniques and the two items that I produced during the day were both very satisfying and professional looking pieces. The course was good value for one-to-one tuition from such a professional and I would highly recommend Les to anyone."

Rebecca Stephenson reviewed: Willow Mini Reindeer & Christmas Tree

"I had an absolutely lovely day and came home having made so much more than I thought I would be able to make. I love my angel and the random star. Rachel is so enthusiastic about weaving, natural crafts and woodland, it really was an encouraging day. The cafe and the shop are really good too. (Sorry if that’s too gushing). "

Workshops in the Woods responded:

"Not to gushing at all Rebecca! Glad my enthusiasm is infectious and would be great to see you back for a basket course in the New Year thanks so much for a lovely review kind regards Rachel"

Xenia reviewed: Beginners Mosaics Workshops near Exeter, Devon

"As my email/message was not read properly, I wasnt prepared, and had difficulty finding the place. Once contacted, Denny came out to meet me, and was welcoming and helpful. I enjoyed assembling pieces and learning mo re about the wonders of mosiacs. Friendly, group with nice treats, lovely works displayed and a valuable reintroduction to creative possibilities."

MosaicXandMe responded:

"Thanks for your kind review, Xenia. Glad the day managed to reignite your creativity and enabled you to see opportunities to use all your found materials in future mosaics. I look forward to seeing some! Best wishes Denny"

Monica reviewed: Adjustable sterling silver bee wrap around ring

"I bought this as a Christmas gift for a friend. It's beautiful, I was so pleased with it. The photo doesn't do it justice. Thank you"

Silver Designed Personally responded:

"Thank you Monica … so glad you like it. Sara "

Greta reviewed: Create wire Wrapped seaglass jewellery

"The wrapped seaglass workshop was so enjoyable. I learnt many techniques and came away with lots of pendants. We were well looked after with a beautiful lunch and treats and the log fire was extremely welcoming on such a cold day. Thank you."

Tiny Homes Holidays responded:

"Thank you so much Greta it was lovely to meet you!"

Jenny Lumsden reviewed: Felt picture making workshop in Rugby!

"I had a fabulous afternoon! As a total beginner, didn't really know what to expect. Karen was really approachable and encouraging throughout (she also made us the most amazing cake!). She explained every stage of the process, provided some lovely photos for inspiration, and a lovely range of wool colours. I am delighted with what I have made, and look forward to embellishing it at home. I would thoroughly recommend this course."

Karen Wyeth Contemporary Felt Artist responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a lovely review Jenny! I look forward to hearing how the embellishing goes!"

Patrick Crowley reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"This was my first ever stained glass course, having been inspired to try this field from a previous mosaic glass course. I found this course to be excellent in building my skills from novice to having produced three pieces of work by the end of the course using the various techniques listed. It has been a great outlet for my creativity and I have found the lessons very enjoyable, a place where I can just switch off from the outside world and be in the creative zone for a few hours each week. All tools are supplied on the course and a thorough instruction is given in how to use them and any safety procedures to follow. The workshop is modern, purpose-built, well located with parking and accessible by public transport. Martin is a great instructor, offering good quality teaching, advice on all aspects including on my own end project and gave me good encouragement throughout the course which built my confidence further. I would not hesitate to recommend this course and I have already booked for my second course in 2023. "

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for such a lovely review, I'm really pleased you enjoyed the course & we look forward to seeing you in the studio next year."

Sue reviewed: Christmas Wreath Making Kit on Eco-friendly Willow Bases

"Fabulous evening.... fun and relaxed tutorial making a wreath from scratch! Learning how to make a willow base, then step by step instructions with lots of different foliage and embellishments provided. Highly recommend Jenni's course... She was friendly, patient and great fun! "

Jenni Wren Creative responded:

"It was such a rewarding online session to see the progress from weaving the willow base to the finished wreaths especially as you mentioned you weren't crafty. The end results were fabulous, with rich, lush foliage and personalised detail. You even nailed the ribbon too, with the first go, which most people battle with. I think you have successfully moved from a non crafter to a crafter and hopefully this has inspired you to do more and challenge yourself to create more wreaths for the future. As I always say Wreaths are not just for Christmas 😅. Next year I will be offering even more designs including the Skandi Christmas Wreath which leaves some of the beautiful willow wreath you wove exposed, so do look out for that. Have a blessed Christmas, it was a real privilege to have met you both, and of course Mark, your 'Techie' in the background. Jenni"

Nathan reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"An amazing birthday present! Thanks a lot Arian for a great weekend. I never expected that I'd be able to produce a completely unique knife, produced to my own specifications in about two days. I decided to make a fairly unusual kitchen knife, which I half expected to be prompted to move away from. However Arian was more than able to help me turn a square piece of steel into my design (after gently correcting a few minor flaws). If you're looking to do the course, I'd suggest that you have a think about your design or desired use before turning up. While you could do this in the first evening, I'd suggest that you'll get the most from the experience if you take a bit more time working out what you'd like. "

Rachel Walker reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"I had such a lovely couple of days with Jo learning how to put springs into a chair and upholster it traditionally. All we needed to take was the item of furniture and the top fabric and everything else was provided including materials and tools. There was plenty of help ahead of the course for how to strip the old coverings, and the studio is in the beautiful location of Fossgate in the centre of York. Jo’s teaching style is to demonstrate the next steps, make sure you understand and then allow you go at your own pace (with guidance on where we needed to get to at key milestones in order to finish the project) and to help as and when necessary. So as a beginner I got a lot out of the course and definitely want to carry on learning! "

What Jo did next responded:

"Hi Rachel! Thanks for a great review, really pleased you enjoyed the course, seems everyone got a lot out of it! Hope to see you again sometime :) Jo x "