Latest reviews

Maggie A reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Warrington

"Attended a course at Grappenhall Heys on 3.12.22 and it was just as Jo described. A perfect day at a relaxed pace with like-minded people learning really valuable techniques. Perfect for complete beginners and Jo is a very good teacher. I already feel ready to do my own straightforward projects at home. A beautiful setting and the cake, drinks and cafe lunch (reasonable price) definitely helped! Thanks Jo :-)"

The Boho Shed responded:

"I’m so pleased you enjoyed the day Maggie. Thank you so much for your lovely words. 🙏 I’m looking forward to seeing what you produce at home. Give me a shout if you need any guidance. X"

Amanda Stanley reviewed: Mosaic workshop at Jackie Nash Art

"Fantastic course. You will absolutely love it! Have attended twice and will definitely come back!"

Jackie Nash Art responded:

"Thank you for your really lovely review. It was a pleasure to have you on the course. Jackie "

Roger Griffiths reviewed: Fused Glass workshops at Bere Alston, near Tavistock, Devon

"Had a wonderful day with Wendy at her studio; teaching and materials were excellent and I couldn't believe what I was able to accomplish under Wendy's expert help. Would highly recommend this course to anyone."

Maureen Biddle reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Warrington

"Attended this course on the 2nd December 22 and it did not disappoint. Joanne was lovely and very approachable, giving clear instructions and demonstrations. I came home with a lovely footstool, having thoroughly enjoyed the day."

The Boho Shed responded:

"Ahhh Maureen, thank you so much for your lovely review. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the workshop. Hope to see you again soon. x"

Helen Thomson reviewed: Rag Rug Workshop - Full Day - York

"The venue is excellent, airy, well-lit. The shop is full to the brim of all sorts of sewing material. I would recommend a visit to the Viking Loom if you are into crafts. We did learn the three techniques of rag rugging - whilst making a flower on a hessian bag. That took the morning. We were then shown a book by Elspeth which was then taken away again. We were then given the opportunity to start our” project” - rug, cushion, wreath or flowers. You are given the hessian for your project and you can buy more. I had come to the work shop to make a rug based on the pride colours. As instructed I didn’t bring any material with me - as it would all be provided. This is when the negatives start. The choice of scrap material to do your piece was very limited, (ok whilst you learn how to make the flower - but even then mainly neutral colours) certainly no bright colours or material in sufficient quantity to get a start on the work unless you are happy to constantly change colours. . So I decided to leave early and take my work with me - but then the crunch- to complete your work as a minimum you will need the relevant hook (there are three types), very sharp scissors (which you may have) and the little wood block to get your lengths even (you could manage without that - but your life will be much harder). You therefore need to be aware you will need to put your hand back in your pocket - it all adds up. The book that was passed round will set you back some more cash if you want a copy. So either offer a half day of techniques with the choice to buy the relevant equipment or include the equipment in a full day as there is no way you will finish your rug/cushion etc on the day. And you must bring your own material with you to get started. This is very obviously a franchise- possibly with a mind to make money and direct you to the ragged life website. I have done a lot of courses advertised on the craft courses website and have always felt the tutors were knowledgeable and enthusiastic. I didn’t quite get that impression this time. You might be better off watching a YouTube video and buying the hooks and hessian on line rather than doing the course. Certainly not worth the £80"

Ragged Life responded:

"Hi Helen, we're so sorry that you weren't happy with the course. Far from being a large franchise, we are actually only a small business with a team of three (Elspeth, Lizzie and Lorraine). We're very passionate about the about the quality of our workshops (as hopefully you can see from all our previous happy students), which is why only Elspeth and Lorraine run the classes (they have decades of rag rug + teaching experience between them). Nevertheless, we take on board your feedback regarding the fabric selection. We will highlight more prominently in our pre-workshop email the need to bring fabrics along if you have a specific design in mind. As you can hopefully understand, it's very difficult to predict what colours students will choose and in what quantities, but we honestly try our best. Thanks for taking the time to feed back and all the best, Elspeth "

Pamela reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"This experience is absolutely amazing! Alan is a great, patient, fun & knowledgeable tutor that's super attentive and passionate about sharing his skills with others. I have learned so much within one workshop and ended up with a beautiful spoon I have never thought of being able to make myself! Extremely happy with the final result of my project and the new skill I learned. Totally reccommend working with Alan, Thank you once again for this experience, I'll definitely be back!"

Chantal reviewed: Felt picture making workshop in Rugby!

"What a wonderful course to have a go at. I’ve never done wet felting before and didn’t really know what to expect. Had a really enjoyable time with Karen who is a lovely tutor and who makes a terrific orange cake to eat at coffee break. I am thrilled with my picture and will attempt to embellish it further before framing it! This is a course well worth going on and is good value for money. I hope to come again to have another go"

Karen Wyeth Contemporary Felt Artist responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a lovely review Chantal. Look forward to seeing how the embellishing goes!"

Anita reviewed: 1-1 wedding Ring Making course for Anita

"Hi, I truly enjoyed my course I found Carol to be very knowledgable in her work and a lovely person. Thank you Carol. Best regards Anita ."

Mandy reviewed: Christmas Evening Introduction to Fused Glass

"I spent a lovely evening making fused glass decorations with Annette and can highly recommend her sessions. She was welcoming and friendly, explained the choice of decorations well, and demonstrated simply and clearly. The equipment was clearly presented in individual boxes and once we started our projects, Annette was supportive and kind. Refreshments were generous and I came away having made 9 small pieces and feeling very satisfied and well looked after- thank you Annette! "

Annette Daly Glass responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Mandy. I am so glad you enjoyed the evening and look forward to hopefully seeing you at another workshop in the future. All the best Annette"

Liz & Tom reviewed: Creative metalwork and welding, scrap metal sculpture.

"What a creative and inspiring way to spend a day! This was a fantastically run workshop with the right balance of instruction and freedom and I would highly recommend! As a complete novice, I thoroughly enjoyed selecting the components, designing and using the various tools and building my very own robot - I'm so proud of him. The fabulous, good-humoured and friendly Izzy and Felix were on hand to offer advice, guidance and share their expertise where needed, but most importantly the encouragement and freedom to explore, experiment and create. Thank you WTF!"

WTF Workshops responded:

"Thanks so much for your lovely review. We absolutely loved your robot!"

Chris and Bron Alder reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A thoroughly enjoyable and well managed day that was hosted by excellent and very friendly teachers and caterers. Much to our surprise, we both succeeded in producing two metal flowers each that we'll be proud to 'plant' in our garden. We can thoroughly recommend the course to any beginner and would like to thank the whole team for making this possible."

Kate reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners/Improvers - Day Course at King John's Nursery, Etchingham, East Sussex

"Marianne's challenge this time was to accommodate all the ideas that we ambitious students brought with us! One aspired to use the willows brought in her car; the second wanted to make a square tray; and another wanted to make a basket big enough for logs; and one more did follow the given pattern to produce a wonderful wreath and willow angel. In fact, these ARE all things we will now have the courage to take on, having made pretty reasonable (easier) pieces after a day's excellent training from Marianne! Time was 'of the essence', so to make sure our various baskets were complete by the end of the session, Marianne gave them each a few minutes of her expertise - cheating in fact, but we love it! A super day all in all. Thank you! "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you for your recommendation, Kate. Your rustic tray looks beautiful, with the reds and little twig details. Fantastic to hear you had a super day. You were a fab student! Thank you for sharing your experience."

Pat Jarratt reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"A great stained glass course. Many interesting projects to attempt. I have attended several classes now, and Martin is an excellent teacher. He is very helpful, and nothing is too much trouble for him. Thank you Martin."

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thanks, for the review."

Lorraine reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Day Weaving Autumn or Christmas Wreaths and other Decorations in Etchingham

"Marianne the instructor was extremely patient, kind and informative. I left feeling that I had learnt a great deal about the craft of weaving and with my Xmas wreath that will take pride of place on my front door. I will strongly recommend Marianne's course to friends and family."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thanks so much for your recommendation, Lorraine! You were such a fun, cheerful, uplifting and enthusiastic student to have on board. I could see you were in your element, and the wreath with its stylish decoration and angel showed that. Hope to see you again next year, then with daughter. "

Alison reviewed: Upcycling furniture & sustainability workshops

"I had such a lovely day on Kirsty’s upcycling course with my 12 year old daughter. It was a fantastic bonding experience to spend the day with my daughter creating her piece of furniture. We both learnt so much and my daughter is really keen to use her new skills again in the near future. Kirsty was so welcoming and a wealth of knowledge I would 100% recommend this day to others and especially as a fantastic parent/ child bonding day. Thank you so much Kirsty. "

Upcycle Arcade responded:

"I am blown away and really touched by this review. Such lovely words to read. Jess was an angel and grew in confidence as the day progressed which was wonderful to witness. I am so glad you both got so much out of this - the bonding element is so important to my reasons for holding these workshops in the first place. It really was a pleasure. "

Stuart Marston reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Fantastic day, amazing experience. Would highly recommend this for anybody who loves metal work or just looking for something different."

Jess reviewed: Upcycling furniture & sustainability workshops

"The young-upcyclers workshop was really fun and I learnt loads of cool new skills and the furniture I made goes very well in my room :). Kirsty was really kind and gave me lots of good ideas and tips and the cake that she made was also lovely. It was an AMAZING experience and I would love to go again. "

Upcycle Arcade responded:

"Jess, you were an absolute angel. And your pink and purple beachy bedside will go down in Young Upcyclers history! Loved it and I'm sure your sister now wants one too! So glad to have spent the day eating cake with you. Kirsty ☺️ "

R.Howat reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"My daughter and I had a fantastic day learning silversmithing with Jonathan -would highly recommend this course."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Rachel. It was a great day. I'm really pleased that you both enjoyed the day and thank you for the recommendation. Jonathan"

Brydon Williams reviewed: Lino printing landscapes

"Cannot recommend this course enough. Lee gently led us into producing some wonderfully coloured and beautiful prints. It’s a day that would suit varying abilities . As a complete’ art’ beginner Lee had a way of giving me confidence to make decisions without taking over. I felt so at ease and too absorbed in the process to feel Inhibited. It was amazing and exciting watching our prints emerge throughout the day each layer informing the next. Will go back for more soon. "

Vicki Swan reviewed: Glass Fusing and Slumping for Beginners and Improvers

"Fantastic day! Learnt so many techniques. I loved the freedom to make a variety of items. Jean and Janice were great tutors, very helpful and great hosts. Lovely lunch provided too! Cannot wait to pick up the pieces I made and see everyone else’s soon! "

JJ Fused Glass responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind review Vicki. It was so nice to work with you and your family. You were so open to learning new skills and techniques. We’re pleased you’re looking forward to picking up your pieces of glass art. "

Suriya Moghul reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"This is my second session and I am addicted!!! It is so enjoyable and relaxing at the same time. Martin as usual is an excellent tutor, giving advice and suggestions to help with the project. Booked for the next session already!!!"

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you, for the review."

Ruth G reviewed: Christmas Evening Introduction to Fused Glass

"An absolutely brilliant evening, Annette generously gives the class some excellent teaching and sharing of extensive resources. This workshop was a birthday gift; I have definitely created some special memories and a treasure to keep forever. "

Annette Daly Glass responded:

"Thank you so much Ruth for your lovely review! I am so glad you enjoyed your birthday treat. It was lovely having you and hope to see you at another workshop in the future! "

Phoenix Andrews reviewed: One to One Leathercraft Workshop

"Cathy was brilliant and I had the best day, learning all the techniques and improving others that I’d told her I wanted to work on. Would recommend a thousand times over."

Luke reviewed: Welding For Beginners

"I had an amazing time. They were all totally focused on making sure we had a good time. They made sure that we were comfortable and helped us get the most from the experience. Thanks guys!"

Rebecca Fitch reviewed: Platter & Plates Workshop with Bryony Applegate

"Fabulous time. Very relaxing morning. Look forward to receiving our finished pots. "