Latest reviews

Ann Spencer reviewed: Create with a gel printing plate in Derbyshire

"I really enjoyed this workshop with Liz. There were just 3 of us learning so we had plenty of space to work in a beautiful environment. Liz was a really good teacher, breaking up the day with demonstrations so that we progressed easily from one stage to another. Liz was very friendly and welcoming, providing many cups of coffee and chocolate biscuits! I am now keen to do more gel printing to improve my skills."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Ann, Thank you for telling me about your day at The Slipper Studio - it’s much appreciated. It was lovely meeting and working with you, seeing your skills and knowledge develop throughout the day. Gel plate printing is an interesting and exciting print process, not without its challenges, but allows you to create many beautiful outcomes. I think combining this technique with lino cutting and printing will provide a new creative avenue for you. Happy printing. Best wishes Liz Wellby "

Janet reviewed: Intro to 3D wet felting; make a small vessel using a resist with Purr & Wag It, Tabletop Workshops

"I took the class with Heather last Saturday and found it to be very enjoyable and useful. She is an excellent teacher, keeping very much to the subject and patiently helping us with the details. Our equipment was laid out in a way that made it easy to use. Alongside this Heather had made delicious cakes, and provided music that gave the session a relaxing ambience. Directions to the workshop were clear so it was easy for me to find. I would recommend a workshop with Heather, and am inspired to continue with wet felting."

Janet Cheung reviewed: Damascus knife making in Grassington

"Bought the Damascus knife making course for two for my sons 21st. He thoroughly enjoyed the day. Came home with a beautifully crafted piece under Darren's excellent tuition . He said he would highly recommend this course. "

Carol reviewed: Christmas Willow Crafts - Reindeer & Christmas tree (Sutton Coldfield)

"A lovely session, Faye was really great, friendly helpful hands on. Came away with a lovely reindeer and Christmas tree. Tea's and biscuits 😋"

Faye of the Forest responded:

"Glad you had such a great time Carol 😃"

Diana Harvey reviewed: One day fused glass course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"My friend and I attended the Glass Fusion course on Sunday 13th November. From the minute my friend and I arrived to the minute we left we were made to feel very welcomed. We had a great day learning how to create a bespoke piece of glass art under the careful and very knowledgeable eyes of Paul. He was a very patient and supportive teacher who helped me get the best out of the day and helped me create something I can be proud of. . Both my friend and I came away wanting to do more and hope in the future to do the stain glass course. I would hundred percent recommend this course and the bonus was being given copious amount of drinks all day as well as warming soup for lunch. Thanks Paul for a great day set in beautiful surroundings. "

North Norfolk Stained Glass responded:

"Thank you Diana, and my apologies for the delayed reply to you! Where does the time go?. Have a lovely Christmas and new year :•) Best wishes Paul "

Maggie Hawker reviewed: Natural dyeing - a taster day

"I’ve already tinkered with natural dyeing but wanted to learn how to do it properly. I wasn’t disappointed! What a lovely, friendly and homely day we had. All my questions were answered, all the things I’d done wrong previously were highlighted and a way forward and enthusiasm for getting on with it achieved! It was more like spending a day with friends than a course and we were very well looked after in terms of food and drinks - and lovely cake! A thoroughly enjoyable day and a huge collection of sample fabrics now at home for reference. Thank you Judy. I can’t wait to do your other courses! X"

Judy P. dye - print - weave responded:

"Hi Maggie, it was a pleasure to work with you. I look forward to seeing how you develop your skills and your dye garden. The dye samples looked great didnt they? I will post the photos in the course description. "

Pauline Smith reviewed: Fused Glass Wave and Dichroic Glass Jewellery Workshop with Crafts in the Valley

"Fabulous workshop! I thoroughly enjoyed making a fused glass wave. Melanie is such a warm, friendly person who guides you easily and skilfully through your imagined designs. I felt quite competent after a while … and so proud of what I created. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly … with the added bonus of tea and cakes … Perfect! I have recommended to family and friends and would certainly attend another of Melanie’s workshops. "

Sarah Hawker reviewed: Christmas Marbled Papers

"My daughter and I spent a very enjoyable day learning the basics of marbling on paper. Margaret had provided all the materials, and even included some Christmas decorations for us to decorate. A sandwich and salad was also available, along with cake & hot drinks - much appreciated on a miserable day."

Stephanie Scharer reviewed: Weekend Beginners In-depth Workshops- Bobbin Lacemaking Workshops (Effingham, Surrey).

"Two of the most amazing people I have ever met, Tina is kind,patience amazing at her skill. I really enjoyed my time learning how to bobbin lace and appreciate all the help she gave me to start with this new skill. Thank you Tina "

Tina's Bobbin Lacemaking responded:

"Hi Stephanie It was a real pleasure to meet and teach you the basic stitches in lace. I wish you all the best in I studies. Hope to see you in the New year funds permitting. Regards Tina"

Olga, Dave and Chris reviewed: Stone setting in silver clay - Lori Ridgway Featherstone

"Hi Lori, just wanted to say ’thank you’ for giving us such an enjoyable learning experience! Although we have all done silver work before, we’ve still learned masses of stuff we didn’t know! You have managed to re-fire our enthusiasm so that Dave and I are already plotting our next pieces 🤣😂🤣."

LR Silver Jewellery responded:

"Thank you for your review, I’m glad I could enhance your knowledge, and it’s great that your enthusiasm is growing! It’s a great medium and very addictive lol "

Suzzette Naylor reviewed: Making Wax Wraps

"Finally! I know how to make wax wraps. Have tried with you tube and other 'learning' places and they all made a right mess of my kitchen and everything around me. However Wendy has this really simple way of making exactly the same (but somewhat better) thing with very little mess. Be careful is all she says. So I was careful and made three great wax wraps and now my sister is coming to visit me, I am making some more the Wendy way. My sister does lots of packed lunches and I have been promising to make her some for ages. It seemed so easy in a book or on line, forget it!! The Wendy way is so much easier. "

Suzzette Naylor reviewed: Introduction to Beaded Jewellery - West Sussex

"Although I had dabbled in making jewellery, Wendy showed me where I was going wrong and how easy everything should be. It was a small class and it felt like I was in friends workroom 'playing'. I made three pairs of earrings and a necklace in just a couple of hours. Not bad for an OAP, with arthritic fingers (and everything else)"

Sarah Bradnam reviewed: 2 day stained glass course

"Thoroughly enjoyed the 2 days. Gillian was lovely and a brilliant tutor"

Josie Thompson reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"My husband and I really enjoyed our wood turning and pottery sessions. Simon and Louise have a lovely relaxed approach to their sessions, allowing you to learn at your own pace and enjoyment. We are both delighted with our achievements and would highly recommend attending either course. "

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

"Thank you for your lovely review Josie! It was a delight having you in the pottery studio, and Simon enjoyed having Jeff return for his intermediate woodturning workshop too. You made some beautiful pieces that you should be very proud of :-). I'll let you know as soon as your creations appear from the kiln!"

Sarah reviewed: Fused glass 'create' workshop

"We Thoroughly enjoyed our morning. We had a warm welcome and had a very informal but informative explanation about Glass fusion which set the expectation for the morning. The team very helpful and patient providing help and guidance. Would definitely recommend the class to others. We will be back :) "

Pauline reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"We had a private glass fusion class for a five of us for a hen party. Sarah was wonderfully patient and allowed us all to progress at our own pace. Best of all, we all had three lovely keepsakes. Thank you Sarah!"

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"It was lovely to meet you all and round off your hen weekend with some creativity! So pleased you like your finished pieces too - great mementos of a special weekend. Thanks, Sarah"

Robert Berry reviewed: Guitar Strumstick Dulcimer 3 strings instrument

"I went on the Strumstick Dulcimer course and ended with a lovely instrument which plays a great sounding tune! Ted was very informative about all the techniques required and encouraged me to take these on so that I was able to work the wood to a level I did not believe possible. Ted was great company with many tales of music and musicians from the 60s 70s and 80s especially, and the day sped along happily. It was a fantastic experience, a lovely gift idea, and a refreshing break from my regular responsibilities. Many thanks Ted!"

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thanks Robert for those extremely kind words. I hope you have many happy hours with your new handmade strumstick. We did cover many things during the day and it was obvious that you have a lot of skills at your fingertips too. Look forward to seeing you soon in the near future my friend. Thank you again Ted 😉"

Susan Higson reviewed: Willow Highland Cow

"Excellent day and company. Victoria was warm and welcoming, gave concise and clear instructions. All five people sculpting the highland cow came away with a cow to be proud of. An excellent day "

The Willow Barn responded:

"Thank you Susan. It was a lovely day and I hope you had lots of compliments."

Julie reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"I had a great day! Feeling keen to have a go at lino cutting I found this day to be just right to get me started. Judith's skills and teaching are brilliant. A very thorough, friendly explanation and introduction led to a finished piece that I feel delighted to have produced! More than that, I feel inspired and have gained sufficient understanding to continue at home. The surroundings are lovely, great refreshments too. I enjoyed the company and chat - sharing ideas and learning along the way. A very pleasurable and informative day. Thank you so much."

print paper stitch experiences responded:

"Thank you Julie, it was lovely to spend the day with you, and your bird prints were gorgeous. I look forward to seeing what you produce next!"

Ros & Alison reviewed: Needle Felting Workshop - landscape pictures

"We had a lovely time, as 2 novices, learning to needle felt with Pip. A very warm welcome made for a relaxed time. Pip is an excellent teacher, very patient, and put no pressure on us, but guided us gently. We are both delighted with the two pictures we made, and would happily return. Cups of tea and chocolate croissants were enjoyed too. "

Linda Peifer reviewed: Willow Angels Workshop - COURSE FULL

"I did Jo Sadler's willow angel making course on 16 Nov and loved every minute of it. I have COPD; everyone I came across went out of their way to be kind and helpful as I have a struggle with breathing. Found Dillington House for the first time - what a wonderful estate and buildings! The workshop was fantastic, Jo very good, enthusiastic, and helpful. She actually did a couple of bits for me to keep me up with the class, and suggested I break early for lunch. So thoughtful. Refreshments and lunch were all high quality and staff were extra special. All the people on the course were nice- Dillington obviously attracts all the right people! Thrilled with my creation - I left 10 minutes before the end, exhausted, not having expected to last that long, with a angel that just needed her head securing and her wings! Devastated to find the place only to learn it's closing. I will be back before then"

Dillington House. Somerset County Council responded:

"Dear Linda Thank you for sending your lovely review of the Willow Angels workshop you attended this week at Dillington House, we are so happy you enjoyed your day. I have passed on your kind words to the tutor Jo and the staff at Dillington House. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. Kind regards Karen"

Keith reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"Excellent course for anyone who has tried to teach themselves welding and now wants to learn how to do it properly. Good mix of sensible advise, theory as well as time to practice at your own pace."

Carl and Sarah reviewed: Photography Days

"We're both quite experienced amateur photographers so we asked Sue to arrange us something that met our particular needs. For Sarah that was a session taking and processing flowers photographs in the style of old botanical prints. Though quite a specialised subject, Sue was as much a master of it as of so much else. Amongst other things, she demonstrated how to use a lightbox and studio lights, and then how to get the best out of those images in post-processing. And for me, she and Malcolm drew on other strengths and set up and talked me through the use of studio lighting for portraits. They even arranged for a model on whom to practice, and I came away with over 200 RAW images taken in various lighting setups. Well pleased. This was very educative time, and very enjoyable, too. It allowed us to get experience with professional studio kit, and to practice under the guidance of a couple who clearly know their stuff! A big thank you to Sue, Malcolm and Brian, the Terry Pratchett lookalike; and a strong recommendation to others to explore their photography training needs with Art by Camera."

Art by Camera responded:

"Thank you. I absolutely love floral photography and it was a joy to share it. It was good that we were also able to do some portraiture at the same time to keep both of you happy. Laughter of clients enjoying photography is always good. Thanks for coming."

Christina Davidge reviewed: Willow Flying Owl or Chicken

"Yet another wonderful day with Jo making an owl. Thank you Jo and I'll be back for another course. Christina"

Jo Sadler Willow responded:

"Thank you Christina, I look forward to seeing you again. Love owl too. "

Emma Reynolds reviewed: Beginners Ring Wax Carving Workshop

"It was absolutely brilliant. Emily is great fun and very knowledgeable. Really enjoyed it and very relaxing."

The Metalsmith responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely review! I’m so pleased you had a good time! The ring looked fabulous - can’t wait to see it in silver!"