Latest reviews

Rachel Bell reviewed: Mixed Media – seed heads (Morning)

"I spent the morning at the beautiful stanwick lakes and while I was there I attended an art class. I enjoyed so much! It was so nice to spend some time being creative without any distractions! Catherine is a great tutor and made me feel very welcome and relaxed! It was a great class!!"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for such a lovely review. We are pleased that you enjoyed the course and shall pass your comments on to Catherine. Best wishes, Nicky"

Marc Orlando reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"A brilliant experience that far exceeded my expectations to say the least. Jon is a great teacher who achieves the perfect balance between stepping in, and letting you get on with exploring your creativity and developing your skills. As as result, I am genuinely proud of the knife I was able to make under his guidance, and in his perfectly appointed forge. Thank you Jon for a great day. "

Jilly Colman reviewed: Mixed Media – seed heads (Afternoon)

"Stanwick Lakes is a super place with great facilities. I enjoyed Cathy’s workshop immensely, as I always do. She’s such an inspiring and delightful teacher. I would recommend her varied and fun classes as well as the visitor centre and its lovely cafe and helpful staff to everyone. "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely comments. We shall let Cathy know that you enjoyed the course. Best wishes, Nicky"

Matthew Birchall reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Had a great day with Bob and learnt some interesting things about forming steel. Bob is a very clear instructor and also allows just the right amount of freedom to try on your own. In the afternoon we made a toasting fork and an enormous poker! Highly recommended course!!"

Gillian reviewed: Mixed Media – seed heads (Morning)

"A relaxing morning with a great tutor. Always pleased with the results of classes and courses with Catherine."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you so much for your review - it is so rewarding for our tutors to receive a lovely review like this."

Jenny J reviewed: Bookbinding - Sketchbooks, Journals, Books - Beginner - 1 Day - One to One

"I have just had the most wonderful day crafting and creating my own notebooks. Rachel was so welcoming and a really great teacher. The studio was just full of creative inspiration and such a lovely place to work. I will definitely be back to try something else."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you Jenny. So kind. It was an absolute pleasure to meet you and your books were such a great quality. Huge well done. Look forward to seeing you again! All the very best. Rach "

Gustav Maskowitz reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"This was a gift and easily the best thing I’ve done in years. Thoroughly recommend it. Our teacher was super attentive and we felt very looked after, safe and helped. At some point I was scared I was messing up my knife, but received all the help I could have asked for. Very thankful for the true actual freedom to learn, but also the help when I hit the edge of my capability. I have a memory that will last forever. Oh, and a kick@ss knife!!!"

Shirley & Cheryl reviewed: Glass fusing for card makers

"We spent a really enjoyable day learning about this craft with Ali. The day was well-paced with full instructions and guidance balanced with the opportunity to try out our own creative ideas. We would definitely recommend anyone to give it a go!"

Stamps Away responded:

"Thank you! It was lovely to have you glass fusing with us and sharing the creativity. Hope to see you again soon."

Adam Side reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"If you have any interest in Blacksmithing, bladesmithing or just want a fun day out doing something practical, do this course. It’s a brilliant way to spend a day and I enjoyed my day from start to finish. Jon’s teaching style is fun and informative, he tells you clearly and concisely what you should be doing and if required gives a short practical demonstration, then it’s over to you. Thankfully Jon remains close at hand ready to step in if needed. It is a full on day and you spend your whole time working on your knife, heating, hammering, quenching, drilling, grinding and sanding, but there is also time to chat. I particularly enjoyed learning a little about how the physical state of the metal I was working on was changing during the course various processes we subjected it to and also hearing some of Jon’s blacksmiths anecdotes. I was impressed with the knife I produced, it’s fair to say that when I got home my wife was astounded with it. Top tip, select the option for Jon’s home made packed lunch, his wife’s sausage rolls are outstanding."

Stuart Davies reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"What a wonderful way to spend a couple of days away from the ping of emails and messages! Absorbing yourself in a traditional craft that has to be worked at and to then produce something to be really proud of. I have just returned from a two day course with Alex, and produced a Lily bird bath and feeder, swiftly followed by a log turner and fire rake with twists. This was something I really wanted to have a go at and I am so pleased to have found Alex and the Chalk Pit Forge. Alex is a very patient and welcoming teacher - especially when explaining a technique for the thousandth time to me. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the forge and I am thinking about my next project already!"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Stuart, Thanks so much for your review, it's much appreciated. Glad to hear you found me to be a welcoming and patient teacher! I look forward to your next project. All the best Alex "

Tamara reviewed: Raku - learn the exciting art of rapid Japanese glaze firing

"This was a brilliant birthday present for my partner. We had a really fun day out, learning something completely new and coming home with beautiful creations (wasn’t expecting to feel as happy with them for a first attempt). Richard was a very engaging teacher. We were total beginners but he made the course accessible as well as catering for those in the class who came with experience. We met some lovely people on the course - a really memorable day and introduction to a craft we would 100% like to continue with. Thank you Richard!"

Potterydayz responded:

"It was a pleasure to see you both on Sunday for the course. Thank you for making the trip from London and for taking the time to put up such a nice review. I hope to see you again before to long."

Val Russell reviewed: 2 day intensive making and carving leather workshop

"This course was fantastic. Loved every minute of it. Very therapeutic, inspiring and motivating. I am looking forward to working with leather in the near future. If I lived in the UK I would book another course with Slim. He is a very good and patient teacher giving just the right amount of instruction, guidance and support. My husband and I recommend this course to anyone who loves working with their hands in a delightful rural setting."

Ross Leather and Wood responded:

"Hi guys thanks so much for your wonderful review. You both were a total pleasure to work with. You guys were also the first people to do a leather craft course holiday in my new workshop. Have a great rest of your holiday. Stay safe, and good luck with everything in the future. Hope to see you again sometime. All the best Slim Nicky Molly and Georgie ? "

Alison reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Had a wonderful day. Jonathan was welcoming and very patient with us as novices. We thoroughly enjoyed the day and made some beautiful jewellery. "

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Wonderful news! Having a good time on my jewellery making classes is the main aim. Some lovely jewellery made too! Well done and thank you for your very kind words. Jonathan"

Shelly reviewed: Beginner's Cupcake Decorating

"I really enjoyed my morning on the beginner’s cupcake decorating course, really clear instruction delivered in a friendly way and I left with 6 gorgeous looking cakes that were almost too good to eat! "

Tara House Bakery responded:

"Thank you very much for your very positive comments. It was good to meet you and I look forward to seeing you again at one of my future courses. "

Jude reviewed: Circular sock knitting machine 'Sock School'

"What a fabulous course. I learnt so much and Anne's teaching is really excellent. The food was superb. I had such a lovely day - thoroughly recommended. "

Cymbal Knits responded:

"Thank you Jude! It was a great day I really enjoye it too. "

Paul and carole cox reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Well what can I say a fantastic day of instruction and Iinformation . We were late, my mistake, but never felt pressured or pushed to go faster. Wife loved what she made and is now working on more practise pieces in copper, me I'm working on my soldering skills. If you have been thinking about this course go for it this is better than all of the videos you can watch. All so Great coffee and cake "

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Paul and Carole. I'm glad that you both enjoyed the course. Keep practising those skill and you will soon have it mastered! Well done with your jewellery making and thank you for choosing Salt Way Silver. Jonathan"

Kirstie reviewed: Kristie Lee - Stacking Jewellery Hen Party BALANCE Link

"We all had a great time and ended up with a lovely piece of jewellery which we can all proudly say we made ourselves. Thank you to Jena who ran the course, you are amazing. "

Unravel & Unwind C.I.C. responded:

"I’m glad you all had a lovely time. Your rings and bangles looked wonderful, I will pass your review on to Jana. We send our best wishes to the bride and groom and hope that they have a blessed day and life together."

Alison Harper reviewed: Painting with beeswax & dyes - Batik Pictures

"Tutor Barbara was welcoming and gave me some useful tips to help me make progress with this technique. I will hopefully go on to practise what she taught me in this short course."

Liz Venn reviewed: New - Create with a Gel Plate - Advanced Gel Plate in Hampshire.

"Enjoyed the course very much and have come away with lots of creative ideas. Lovely setting and everyone was very friendly and supportive."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Liz, It was lovely working with you again . So pleased that you enjoyed the day and came away with lots of ideas . Happy printing ! Best wishes Alison and Liz"

Eilleen Grieve reviewed: One day mosaic workshop - Lincolnshire

"I had another great day with Caron. She is so talented and skilled teaching her craft. She is a wonderful teacher demonstrating and showing techniques. She has a lot of patience which makes the day so enjoyable and relaxing. I did mosaics this time and I hope to go again in the spring."

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

"Simon, Many thanks for your patience last week teaching me to improve my woodturning skills. I found the whole day most enjoyable Your measured and informative approach to providing knowledge and demonstrating practical skills were impressive. Thank you, too, for modifying your approach and course content to include chisel sharpening. My wife was most impressed with my sycamore bowl! I wish you every success in your ongoing work."

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

"Hi tsw, You're welcome! So glad you enjoyed the day and hope you're now equipped to start making some lovely turned items. As ever, please get in touch if any assistance is required. -- Simon"

Amanda Berry reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"I had a wonderful time learning to spin as well as the whole journey of the fleece - from its time on the sheep until it becomes a skein. Elaine has so much knowledge and experience it was a delight to have her as a teacher. There were three of us on the course and it was lovely to be with them too. Thank you everyone for making my weekend such a beautiful one!"

Cartmel Handspun Spinning School responded:

"Thank you Amanda for your contribution to making this past weekend such an enjoyable experience. I am so pleased you found the course useful and informative and hope you continue to explore and enjoy hand spinning. "

Kate And Georgina reviewed: Glass fusing workshop - 1 day

"An absolutely brilliant day so calm and informative. If you want to let your creative side create, Jill is there to support you and give you more advice on how to create. I highly recommend John to make you the most amazing coffee too. What a day spending it not only with my daughter on her birthday but to have such a relaxed and chilled day. Thank you to both Jill and John."

Fired Glass responded:

"Thank you Kate and Georgina, we are pleased your long trip to get to us was worth it and you both enjoyed your time with us. Your pieces look wonderful and we can't wait for you to see them. Kind regards John and Jill."

Judith reviewed: Lunch/Shoulder bags, 2 days with Anna Turnbull in the Yorkshire Dales

"Wonderful two days weaving with Anna Turnbull, in lovely surroundings! The hospitality, and food provided by Rachel was excellent! "

Broadrake responded:

"It was a lovely 2 days; I loved that all the end baskets were so varied with the different weaves, colours, shaping and handle positioning. Hope to see you again next year for another basketry challenge! Rachel"

Tom reviewed: Make a Windsor-style stool

"I had the best time on Ben's stool making course. Ben's very friendly and knowledgeable allowing any novices to learn the skills to leave with a stool to be proud of! The workshop is very well equipped and plenty of time is spent explaining the skills needed both as a group and 1 to 1. Would highly recommend to anyone"