Latest reviews

Suzanne reviewed: Create a mosaic in a day in Yorkshire with professional mosaic artist Sue Kershaw

"Thoroughly enjoyed our mosaic making day. Delighted with the results and for the advice given during the day."

Sue Kershaw responded:

"Thank you Suzanne it was a real pleasure to see you again . Your mosaic was lovely."

Chris Burt reviewed: French Polishing workshop full day with Rob Cain

"I spent a fascinating few hours on a crash course in French polishing. It has opened a new world in furniture restoration. "

The Old Polishing Shop responded:

"Thanks Chris , really enjoyed your company , keep in touch , all the best Rob"

Connor reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"Alan is extremely passionate about is craft and very knowledgable. He teaches the techniques in an easy to comprehend manner and was happy to go over anything again that I wasn’t too sure on. There were plenty of rest breaks through the day, and Alan’s partner very kindly provided a range of really delicious homemade food through the day. "

Tom Mott reviewed: Kitchen Knife Course

"Had a great day at Hand Forged Yorkshire on a Kitchen Knife course with Dave, a brilliant knifesmith and teacher. You start with a block of slightly knife-shaped steel and two chunks of wood and, after 5hrs, plenty of instruction and a reassuring amount of sparks, leave with a wonderful one-of-a-kind kitchen knife. Highly, highly recommend."

Hand forged Yorkshire responded:

"Really appreciate your fantastic review Tom. It was great to meet you and have you in the forge. I'm over the moon you enjoyed the day, you did a belting job with your knife very well done"

Christine Groves reviewed: Copper Foil Christmas Decorations

"Jo was great in instructing our Christmas foiling course. She went through the health and safety and that was informative. We had all equipment and materials for the course. I was very pleased with the final product and have it hanging on my window at home. It is a permanent decor for the home."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you so much for leaving us a great review. We are really happy that you enjoyed the course. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Sam reviewed: Make your own leather belt with Cazzy, a qualified saddler.

"Brilliant fun, very well taught and very pleased with my belt I made, So yes I would highly recommend this course"

Strapped Leather responded:

"Thank you Sam, I really enjoyed meeting you xx"

Emma Malkin reviewed: Enamelling on Metal/Silver Clay

"I had a great day with Toni brushing up my silver clay and enamelling skills and learning how to combine the two to add enamel to silver pieces. Just what I needed. Toni is a good teacher and very welcoming."

CG Crafts responded:

"Thanks Emma. It was lovely to help you refresh and build on your existing knowledge. I hope you get plenty of time to develop your skills in your new home soon."

Zoe Wainwright reviewed: Design and make a fused glass festive wavy scene

"I attended this course last week and had a great time. Anne was very helpful and explained the process very clearly. She took the time to ensure that everyone understood what to do and discussed their design ideas so we were all happy with the end product. Glass fusing is a really interesting activity and I’d highly recommend this course to anyone interested in having a go. "

Fired Imagination responded:

"Thankyou Zoe. I'm glad you enjoyed the workshop. Your scene is out of the kiln this morning and looks fantastic! It will be on its way to you soon :)"

Hans & Stijn Marynissen reviewed: Guitar Strumstick Dulcimer 3 strings instrument

"What a brilliant day we had. This course was a birthday gift for my son and me. Neither of us had any fine woodworking experience. But Ted is a great teacher, very safety conscious and we felt at ease immediately. We learned so much about all aspects of fine woodworking and the course lets you glimpse into the fascinating world of the luthier. Such attention to detail, such craftsmanship. You’ll never look at a guitar in the same way. We were amazed on how our own efforts turned out. You start the day with a stick and you have a fine musical instrument at the end of it to take home and play. And what fun we had in the process, hands down the best workshop we’ve ever done. Ted is very knowledgeable about his craft and music but also has a great sense of humour and is full of stories. There was gratuitous banter as well as outright favouritism when it came to tool choice. I still have to file the complaint. Honestly, a fantastic day, thank you."

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thanks so much for your kind response. They worked very well on the strumstick dulcimers and the time flew by quickly. I'm looking forward to seeing them again soon. Hope they don't drive you mad with there version of Dueling Banjos. 😎👍👍"

Alexandra Helm reviewed: Awaken Creativity - discovering or recovering your artist self. Art in Suffolk

"I really loved the time with Jane in her beautiful countryside home. My friend and I enjoyed warmth, encouragement and amazing homemade scones! I became really involved playing with different media and combining the created with the found. There was a clear framework to each task which enabled open thinking and experimentation. The afternoon flew by. "

Jane Beaumont Art responded:

"Ally...I still remember your ability to dive into rich experimenting with such energy. It really inspired me. And it's been so exviting to see your own art practice go from strength to strength. Enjoy the journey !"

Nathan reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Richard was really knowledgeable and helped you to understand the process so you can try again at home. Enjoyed seeing what you can do with wood and resin. "

Yvonne Innes reviewed: Awaken Creativity - discovering or recovering your artist self. Art in Suffolk

"One of Jane’s Collage and Cream Tea sessions was my birthday present to myself. I was already a fan of Jane’s work but I had been personally stuck creatively for a long while, so I walked in under a bit of a cloud. Two and a half hours later I came out totally at ease and happy to have met such an inspiring person whose infectious warmth and enthusiasm plus a huge array of materials to use enabled me to start thinking creatively again. If her aim is to make you feel good about your work and about yourself she succeeds like nothing else could. "

Jane Beaumont Art responded:

"It was a joy to see how you embraced the whole experience Yvonne and let yourself fall in to your natural creativity. "

Deborah Gilbody reviewed: Introduction to crocheting

"Tutor spent far too much time teaching one woman and left the rest of the group, pretty much, to their own devices. Some were really struggling and should have had more one-to-one time. Also, the 'easy methods' she was teaching really weren't the easy methods. I was lucky that I was only taking the course as a refresher, hoping I would learn some tips. I didn't! I spent most of my time trying to help those near me who were being ignored by the tutor. Overall, pretty poor. Won't be booking anything in the future."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Dear Deborah, I'm sorry to read this. We have run a course like this before and it was very successful but, given the feedback from our attendees, we will now be reducing the group size. We appreciate you taking the time to let us know your thoughts as we can't look to improve without this feedback. We have lots of other courses at Stanwick Lakes though so I do hope that we might welcome you to another course on another occasion. "

Fiona reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day for 2 students

"We had an excellent day woodturning. Les is a great, patient teacher and we made a beautiful bowl each and trees. I keep picking up my bowl to look at it. It is so smooth and looks very professional. It was a very enjoyable experience. "

Pren responded:

"Thank you Fiona. I really enjoyed working with you both and I'm delighted that you were happy with the bowls that you each made. "

Gillian Crossley-Holland reviewed: Awaken Creativity - discovering or recovering your artist self. Art in Suffolk

"''If you've always wanted to be an artist but lack the courage to jump in and get started or if you've started and are always overcome by doubts, Jane is the perfect person to set you on your way. Not only can Jane sympathise, she possesses the utmost conviction that takes you beyond your doubts and enables you to create the images you want and, of most importance, to have fun while creating your own work.'' "

Jane Beaumont Art responded:

"Thank you so much Gillian. It was wonderful having an experienced artist like yourself in the workshop. Your collaged sea scape inspired me "

Jenny Garner reviewed: Natural Cold-Process Soap Making

"Wendy is extremely generous with her time, knowledge and resources. I had a fabulous time making soap at The Little Craftery. I had wanted to try soap making for ages but never felt confident enough to start, lye sounded so scary, this course is fantastic to get you started. It's simple and friendly, using equipment from the home and a selection of recipes with great tuition. The resources available are extensive, essential oils, fragrances, additions for texture and colour...choosing is the hardest part of the course, it all looked and smelt so lovely! I have now 8 big bars of cut soap curing in my spare room which is making the room smell heavenly. I have used the online resource shop and got kitted out with all I need for home soap making...I feel confident enough now and I am planning to try all the recipes in the wonderful colour handbook before embarking on trying a "flavour" combination of my own. Thanks Wendy, you're a star!"

BSnell reviewed: Mixed Media – Spooky derelict buildings (Afternoon)

"This is my second class with Cathy. It is a joy. Her knowledge, advice and encouragement has so helped me. A total beginner in with various levels of fellow students but encouragement all the way. Can’t wait for the next classes. I did feel I was out of my depth but I’ve decided I’m going to stick with it and see how it goes. Thank you Stanwick from a recently retired lady for your great selection of some super classes."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Many thanks for such a great review. We are so pleased you are enjoying the course. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Holly reviewed: Book Paper Flowers (scheduled workshop at A Touch of Craft Yorkshire)

"I really enjoyed this course and made some beautiful paper flowers which are still on display on my mantelpiece! Laura is a really clear instructor and everything was very easy to follow. The course is flexible enough that you can work at your own pace and was a lot of fun. "

L & S Crafts responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review. I'm really glad you like the flowers and enjoyed the course."

Helen Stacey reviewed: Awaken Creativity - discovering or recovering your artist self. Art in Suffolk

"What a joy is is to work with Jane - such a talented, warm inspiring artist. Jane's enthusiasm for her craft is infectious. She puts her tutees at ease ever so quickly and comes alongside them to share her expertise and encouragement. This leads to tutees like me creating pieces that have been fun and surprising to produce, and very satisfying. She is an adventurer who leads others into explorations of new worlds, and sees you through moments of risk-taking in your creative life with passion and support. I can't wait to work with her again!"

Jane Beaumont Art responded:

"Hi Helen - Many thanks for your lovely feedback. To be honest, every session challenges me too....to keep taking risks and to trust my own inner creative journey. "

Sara Sarre reviewed: Awaken Creativity - discovering or recovering your artist self. Art in Suffolk

"Jane's courses are a wonderful experience. I did a collage workshop with Jane after not painting for several years and I didn't know where to start. Jane encouraged me to be brave. She taught me to 'see' creatively again. Not only did I walk away with three pieces of work, I felt my confidence was restored. I'm definitely signing up for more next year – Jane is a natural teacher and a great painter. "

Jane Beaumont Art responded:

"Hi Sara - this is such a wonderful heart-warming response... thank you. I hugely enjoyed the workshop too. Looking forward to seeing you again soon. "

Veronica Wilson reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners/Improvers - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden, Kent

"What a brilliant day this was! Marianne is an excellent teacher as well as being a master of her craft. It was a joy to learn from her - she was very supportive, inspiring, and patient. I was thrilled to have made a basket to come home with although the day seemed to fly by! The open barn and surroundings made for a really lovely work space too. I very much look forward to doing more basketry now!"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much, Veronica! Your feedback means so much to me. Thank you also for the photo of your basket with the windfall apples. When a basket is used, it looks even more beautiful, especially with colourful apples. Will be great to see you again in a few weeks' time during the wreath-weaving course. I'll look forward to that! Thanks again! Marianne - Crafty Basketry"

Murillo Matos reviewed: Introduction to Arc or Stick Welding, with award winning metal artist, Roger Russell

"Roger is just the right person his knowledge of material and machinery is amazing he got all of tips of welding machine and equipment most brand new and his way to teach and explain about everything is incredible. I definitely really recommend him to teach any person from a kid to adult."

Anna reviewed: Learn to Crochet Workshop in The Cotswolds - Gloucestershire/Wiltshire/Oxfordshire Border

"Thank you for a very enjoyable day re-learning crochet after a break. Karen was a very good teacher showing patience, knowledge of the subject and kind, genuine and friendly atmosphere in which to learn. Highly recommend Karen's workshops."

Lechlade Craft Barn responded:

"Hi Anna It was lovely to meet you and thank you for the review. I hope you are still enjoying crochet and that you have your first project underway. I always love to see pictures :) I look forward to seeing you at another workshop. Kind regards Karen"

Ann reviewed: Introduction to crocheting

"Tutor was very knowledgeable and friendly but I felt 9 beginners were too many. The instructor did not manage to support the real novices as it took a lot of time to get round. I only learnt to confidently make a chain which was very disappointing as I hoped to have been able to confidently learn some stitches. Left feeling frustrated and with a headache. Beautiful venue and relevant for this activity. "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Dear Ann I'm so sorry to hear this feedback, it's not what we would want from our courses. We will take this feedback and reduce the class size. I would like to invite you to the next (smaller) crochet course free of charge, please contact us directly if you would like to attend. Kind regards Billie "

Mark reviewed: 2 Day forged chef's knife course.

"First things first, huge thank you Steve for an amazing 2 days and an experience that I will remember for a long time. This course is brilliant from start to finish, with the end product something that is equally beautiful and practical. Being able to leave after the second day with this is incredibly rewarding. Steve, delighted it's a knife and not a chisel. To quote a certain TV show, 'it will cut'. Thanks again for your hospitality and sharing your wealth of knowledge, cannot recommend this course enough."

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi Mark Thank you for your kind words, it really is a pleasure to know how much you enjoyed your two days locked in the workshop with me. Your knife did look rather lovely dressed in that Australian Jarra wood handle. It will give you faithful service in the kitchen and yes it certainly did cut. Kind regards Steve"