Latest reviews

Katy Brockbank reviewed: Fused Glass Lantern Workshop - New Design

"This workshop was brilliant and very enjoyable. Teacher was very knowledgeable and patient and was attentive . Cant wait to see my fused glass lantern when the panels have been fired in the kiln and it's all put together . Will definitely be booking more workshops. Thank you."

Sharon Jones reviewed: One-day woodcarving for beginners

"An excellent course, Will is really helpful & let’s you go at your own pace. I learnt what tools to use for what & came away with a carving I never thought I could do and I was very impressed with. Thank you, definitely recommend "

William Barsley responded:

"Thank you Sharon. It was a fun days carving and a pleasure to meet you. "

Catherine Muirhead reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"A wonderful course that was good for the soul. The experts were helpful, informative and fun, and all but left us to it, which made it feel all the more like ‘our wall’. My co-attendees were a great bunch, with no antagonism despite there being 20 of us. Everyone just got on, which I think might be a first in a group of that size. Everyone did their bit and contributed to what we all thought was an awesome piece of wall. This is a stand out experience in my life. Also special mention to Sharon and the lovely homemade soup each lunchtime. "

Rachel reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Best anniversary present ever! Simon is a fabulous teacher, explaining the tools and techniques and my husband Chris and I enjoyed every minute of the day. We each made a honey dipper and bowl and these now take pride of place at home, despite intending to gift one. "

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

"Hi Rachel (and Chris), Thanks for leaving a review - really appreciated! And so glad you enjoyed the day so much. Do get in touch if you intend to pursue the craft and I'll help in any way I can. -- Simon "

Jackie reviewed: Needle Felting course with FURZIE at The Barn Emporium, Petersfield, Hampshire

"Thank you Michelle for an enjoyable day. As a complete beginner you made it easy to understand and I am thrilled with the Hare I made. "

Marilyn reviewed: Residential Gyotaku Japanese NATURE printing in Pembrokeshire Wales

"An enjoyable course. Deborah made it interesting and fun. Learnt a lot. Took home some lovely prints."

Cheese + Pickles Design Studio / Henry Hedgepodge Academy responded:

"Thank you so and your monoprints are beautiful! Debs"

Susan Glendenning reviewed: Daytime glass fusing workshop with Paula Andrews

"Absolutely superb enjoyable morning thanks"

Alasdair R reviewed: Wild flower and copper foiling workshop

"Really enjoyed the course - Ffion was excellent and talked me through every step. I am very pleased (and so is my daughter) with what I made. Would recommend this course."

Jonathan Downs reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"I had a fantastic day with Jake learning to turn a beautiful oak bowl. Jake is clearly a very skilled woodworker, who imparts his knowledge in a clear and constructive way. As I already had some experience using the lathe, Jake was happy to let me experiment with some different finishes, meaning I came away with a fantastic bowl that also glows in the dark! A really fantastic experience. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend and will be going back for further instruction. "

Peter Samuel reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Great day as ever. My third time. Adrian and team all very friendly and helpful and very tolerant of our errors. Great lunch also and tasty cakes to finish the day."

dee reviewed: Ecodyeing with Natural Dyes and Indigo. An Intermediate Course.

"yes totally agree"

Michelle and Sienna Worn reviewed: A night (or morning/afternoon!) on the tiles: a 2.5 hour taster mosaic course

"A treat for my daughter and I - wonderful to be crafting alongside my daughter who was in the kind and attentive hands of Fiona. A wonderful studio full of inspiration, goodies and patience. Thank you for helping us make very happy memories. "

Jill Manning reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"Just had a fabulous day making a willow sculpture Stags Head on my second course with Kate. My stags head looks as impressive as the heron I made on my first course. Thank you Kate for your patience, help and sense of humour. Am planning what to make next time Kate. My siblings were so proud of the herons they made with your help too. Thank you"

Stephanie reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"just spent a great few days doing Jo's upholstery course, learning traditional upholstery techniques, and I am really delighted with my finished dining chair. People had brough a variety of projects, and Jo spent time with each individual throughout the course teaching and guiding them through the techniques required for each item. She is extremely knowledgeable, and patient and there was a lovely friendly atmosphere in the workshop."

What Jo did next responded:

"Hi Stephanie - you did well to complete your chair, considering it had to be dismantled first! Your work was impeccable and you fully understood my instructions. You have great focus! What a joy! x "

dee reviewed: Ecodyeing with Natural Dyes and Indigo. An Intermediate Course.

"I had absolutely enjoyed leaned about the Eco dying technique from a great tutor, Judy. I had also attended her course on Eco dyeing - a full day introduction to leaves, rust, heat and fabric alchemy! which was very informative and had given me a very good insight on the principles of Eco dyeing and the different types of leaves and dyes use and what effect could be achieved with various combinations. There was no limit to the use of various dyes and types of leaves she had provided. we had used the fabric and various leaves and dyes very generously. She is very passionate about her work as well as teaching us both basic theory and practical side of it. It was really useful to learn from her experience, where we could go wrong and how to mend or correct various techniques. She was very up to date with various techniques that others practice in various part of the world and even shared that and allowed us to experiment them in her studio. We had the opportunity to practice on various medium including various fabrics and even papers. I would love to learn some more on various dye methods and looking forward to attending few more classes with her. End of the day I did come out with beautiful scrves and may sample pieces which I could frame Also, the freshly made home made soups and deserts very absolutely amazing with unlimited access to teas and coffees. I have even suggested her to start some cookery/baking classes I absolutely enjoyed both the classes with her and would strongly recommend to attend her classes"

Judy P. dye - print - weave responded:

"Dee, Thankyou so much for your review. We all worked very hard didn’t we? So much to learn and such good results. Judy x "

Jennie reviewed: Tree kits - textile landscapes in a box

"I have only just started work on my tree kit. Having decided to sew it by hand, I find it very relaxing as I can sit in my armchair in the same room as my bedbound husband. I love the tree and look forward to more days when I can enjoy this activity. It will inspire me to do more collage work on my favourite subject... trees."

Alison Morris reviewed: Silver jewellery taster

"I absolutely loved this course and am trying to find a way to go back with my daughter-in-law. Louise was so helpful and informative, explaining everything and it resulted in a love necklace I am so proud of. I would not hesitate in recommending anyone to do this course."

Louise Anne Designs responded:

"Thank you - so glad you enjoyed the course ! "

Karen reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"We 3 friends came with more than a little trepidation and left with a beautiful masterpiece! In the comfort of a cosy studio whilst the rain pelted down, we drank tea and created our hares under the gentle supervision of Jo. Each step of the way was clearly explained with individual guidance and help for the more tentative of us. We were all thrilled with the results which are proudly displayed at home. A great feeling of achievement and satisfaction. Thank you so much!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Karen - I so enjoyed the company of all of you 🤗. After such a long dry year, it was strange to be in the studio with rain coming down! So pleased you all loved the day. Jo xx"

Tom McMillan reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"I really enjoyed the course. Jake’s a great teacher and his passion for wood working is infectious. I learnt a lot and had a lot of fun. I’ve definitely caught the bug and I can’t wait to get stuck into my next project. "

Mel Ratcliffe reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"I thoroughly enjoyed my one to one session with Can to Candle. It was really interesting and very informative. The location was lovely too. Set in a beautiful country kitchen in a stunning location. Kerry had a lovely relaxed approach and the course went so quickly! Lots to take in but the course notes are so useful with lots of trouble shooting tips. If you're looking at setting up your own candle making business then I can't recommend this course highly enough. Thank you Kerry! I can't wait to get started! "

Ingrid reviewed: Beginners Pencil Drawing Taster Session at Hanwell Wine Estate

"Thoroughly enjoyed the experience, learnt so much so quickly and am astonished at the drawing I produced. Met some lovely people too and it was amazing to see everyone's different take on the subject matter we were drawing. 6 very different drawings on the same subject. Brilliant day beautiful location. Thank you. "

Rural Antics, Hanwell Wine Estate responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review. We are so pleased you enjoyed your workshop. Warm regards Amanda - Events Host"

Louise Molloy reviewed: October half term willow lantern making workshop (afternoon sessions)

"Really impressed with this craft activity at Stanwick Lakes. The staff running the workshop were very helpful and my 13 year daughter loved using her imagination to decorate the lanterns, with help and guidance given. I would definitely be interested in your future workshops. "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for such a lovely review. We are pleased that your daughter enjoyed it. We look forward to welcoming you to Stanwick Lakes again soon. "

Caroline Barratt reviewed: October half term willow lantern making workshop (afternoon sessions)

"My grandsons loved making these lanterns and so did we"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"We are very happy that you all enjoyed it!"

Susie Waugh reviewed: October half term willow lantern making workshop (morning sessions)

"We had a great time on this course. The lady guiding us was knowledgeable and friendly. Even my teenage son got involved with his little sister and unearthed his creative side! We will be back for more and looking forward to Christmas activities!"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for your feedback. We are very pleased that you all had a great time and we look forward to seeing you back here at Stanwick Lakes again soon."

Paul Bradley reviewed: Woodturning taster

"This course was purchased as a gift for my 12 year old son, who is keen on woodworking. Chris, the host, was very patient and explained everything really well. He kept my son fully engaged throughout the session. After a few test runs, they then worked on a small project and produced a very nice bowl from wood. I would certainly recommend this course to anyone interested in wood turning."

Chris Parker Woodturner responded:

"Hi Paul Thanks for the recommendation Paul it was great to see a young lad with so much enthusiasm & appreciation of our craft. I'm sure Joseph is very proud of the bowl he made & rightly so well done Joseph. "