Latest reviews

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

"My father and I attended the one day Hare sculpture workshop and Wow - what a fabulous course! Jo was engaging, enthusiastic and open - a true joyous soul. We had no previous experience but by the end of the day we both had created sculptures that we were very proud of. Jo provided loads of advice and suggestions. The workshop is calm and in a beautiful serene garden. Thank you so much for a very special day, and I very much hope to be back."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Karen - I really like having families together at the workshops and am delighted you both enjoyed yourselves and went home with lovely sculptures. Hope to see you again, Jo x"

Gwen reviewed: Denim jeans - be the designer!

"I really enjoyed this workshop- I learned so much! It takes place in Angela's quirky shop, which is part of the 'Olde Watermill Shopping Centre'. Their cafe is a good place to get lunch, if you don't bring your own. The workshop starts with copying your trousers or jeans to make your pattern. That in itself is a really useful mini-workshop on jeans pattern copying from a garment you like. Then it is on to cutting and sewing your jeans from the pattern. Angela is really knowledgeable about the industry and the process and I enjoyed learning about both! As others mentioned I learned quite a few neat little tricks that I will be using in my sewing. What I particular liked is that due to the 1on 1 teaching Angela can adapt this course from the complete novice to advanced sewers and all of them will learn from it. There is a lot to learn, so I definitely recommend bringing your phone and a notebook and pen to make some notes in addition to your pair of well fitting jeans or trousers."

Paul reviewed: A one day introduction to good beekeeping practice

"Just back from the 2 of us enjoying this fascinating course. All questions answered at a pace to suit us, plus loads of interesting stuff we never knew about bees, and visits to the beautiful gardens to handle the hives, remove and examine the combs, and discover how perfectly safe one feels in a bee suit ! And the National Trust could learn something about serving lunches and tea from Chris ! An excellent day's value for money. Thank you both - highly recommended."

The Barnyard Apiaries responded:

"We are delighted that you enjoyed the day."

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

"Had a lovely, inspiring morning making a candle curve with Wendy, would thoroughly recommend. A beautiful, tranquil setting (though make sure you read the instructions carefully as to how to find it, allow yourself plenty of time to get there & don’t rely on your Sat nav!). Wendy is keen to make sure everyone has a great experience & we finished the morning feeling really inspired & pleased with our creations."

Caroline Robertson reviewed: Fused Glass workshops at Bere Alston, near Tavistock, Devon

"I had a lovely morning with Wendy and two other lovely Ladies. Had a great time and look forward to seeing my finished work when it’s been in the kiln. Hopefully before the summers finished I will be doing a full day's workshop. Though the venue is not the easiest place to find, it is well worth it when you arrive: wonderful views and peaceful location. Thank you Wendy for your inspiration, help, knowledge and hospitality. See you again before too long. Caroline"

Carl Canham reviewed: Acrylic Pour Canvas Workshop with Harriet

"I really enjoyed the day and learnt a lot and my daughter loved it, I would definitely recommend it to others and Harriet was a great teacher"

Harriet’ Sewing responded:

"Thank you for your review! We love hearing back from our students and I am glad you enjoyed your session!"

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

"Had an amazing time at Jo’s hare workshop. We had great fun and made some fantastic sculptures For our gardens. There were six of us on the course and all our hares looked so different. I would like to thank Jo for being a fabulous host and teacher. Would love to go again, perhaps for the two-day course next time."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Lyn! We managed the 33 degree heat well - thank goodness for air conditioning! So glad you enjoyed yourselves and hope to see you again, Jo x"

Lianne B reviewed: Paint a Zentangle Platter

"Just finished our day Zentangle painting with Saz, and it's been such a good day! Great music, great conversation and great fun. Saz is super encouraging too, so even if things don't go entirely to plan you know it's still ok! This is a very therapeutic activity too. A day will spent. Highly recommend! Thanks Saz!"

Saz's Ceramics & Crafts responded:

"Thank you so much, Lianne! Great feedback ;-) I'm super excited about firing your platters now and can't wait to take photos to show everyone the fruits of your labours. So glad you enjoyed yourselves. See you soon!"

Rachel reviewed: Painting with beeswax & dyes - Batik Pictures

"Barbara was an excellent tutor. We were able to make our own designs with loads of support and ideas. I would recommend this Batik workshop."

Lindsey reviewed: Make a leather belt in a day - Craft it Yourself Practical Leather Course

"The belt-making workshop was great fun and a good, accessible introduction to leatherwork. Georgie was a friendly teacher and divided time well between everyone on the course so that we could learn all of the steps in the time. Was also interesting to hear about Georgie's work as we made our belts."

Hands of Tym responded:

"Thanks Lindsey it was great to meet you and your belt was brilliant !"

Claire Ruiz reviewed: An Introduction to Pyrography Wood Art with Ruth Wheeler

"We attended Ruth’s pyrography workshop yesterday and cannot recommend her enough! A beautiful setting,, tranquil and peaceful with Ruth’s relaxed approach all made for the most amazing day. Her personal art is so inspiring, we had the most amazing relaxed day and came away with some great pyrography of our own! Can’t wait to book again!"

Sculpt IT - Ruth Wheeler Art responded:

"Thank you Claire, it was so much fun and I enjoyed the day with you and your friend. Can't wait for see you again x"

Sandra reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"What a great day! Jonathan was really welcoming, explained everything well and was very patient ? We practised different techniques with shaping and decorating copper then produced a lovely silver bangle which I wear with pride - I made that!! Thoroughly recommended."

Beverley Winn reviewed: Willow 'sculpture of your choice' - one day workshops with Willowtwisters

"Absolutely brilliant day. Sara is a patient and helpful teacher. So happy with the hare I created for my garden. Lunch was yummy too. Will be back!"

Willowtwisters responded:

"Thats very kind of you, thank you Beverley. You did an amazing job, your hare is really beautiful. We look forward to seeing you again."

Jenny G reviewed: Weave an alpaca scarf in a day

"It was a wonderful day of weaving and yarn and alpacas and quiche. I go on many craft courses and this is by far the best I have been on for years. I look forward to going back in a few months and being more adventurous in my choice of pattern. There is something special using the product of the animals you are watching through the window. Becky was a calming, knowledgeable tutor."

Thomas Best reviewed: Damascus knife making in Grassington

"An excellent, knowledgeable teacher and a great experience!"

Beth reviewed: Beginners Silver Jewellery Course

"I really enjoyed the one-day beginners course with Mark, which I did as part of week's break in the Peak District. He was very patient and good at explaining the different techniques while letting me try them out and helped me find a way of translating my rough ideas for a piece of jewellery into something achievable on the day. I made a ring in the morning and then used a casting technique to make a pendant in the afternoon, which I was very pleased with. I was a complete beginner, but this was a good taster and has definitely piqued my interest in doing some more work with silver. Mark is very friendly and a great teacher - I would recommend the course."

Liz reviewed: Stained Glass with Jen McEwan

"We had a brilliant day. I am really pleased with my stained glass things. It was a small group so plenty of individual advice and guidance and support to help you when needed. Fabulous lunch in the cafe too. An all round excellent day. Great teaching, great venue, and something to feel proud of to take home. Thank you"

Created By Hand responded:

"Thanks ever so much for the great feedback Liz. Jen's class is one of our most popular and I am always impressed with what people come away with when they have started with zero experience. A testament to the students as well as the tutor! We hope to see you again on another of our classes soon Dave"

Eric reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I really enjoyed the course and surprised myself with the sculpture I made. The setting is just right for this type of course as it’s set in the countryside with very little distraction. The course was well taught but with plenty of opportunity to use your own creativity."

Rachel reviewed: Greenwood carving at Sallerton Wood

"I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend at Sallerton Wood on the Kuksa course - a great introduction to green woodworking and satisfying to make the kuksa (looking forward to using it for my morning cuppa!) The woods are lovely and Andy and Jane are friendly, welcoming and relaxed. All tools and materials (plus a delicious lunch) were provided and Andy took us through the process, including tool sharpening, and was always on hand to answer questions or advise on next steps. It was also really interesting to hear how the wood is being managed and spaces created both for green woodworking and for wildlife."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much for your very positive review, Rachel. It is very good of you to put your thought and time to this, and also to comment on the wider aspects of the environment at Sallerton Wood. We're delighted that you enjoyed your experience at Sallerton Wood so much, and we'd love to see you back there one day if you'd like to participate in another course, or just drop in for a visit. "

John Stewart reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"An excellent course, having no knowledge of woodturning. Stuart has a fantastic knowledge of the craft and a talent to impart that knowledge and some confidence. I cannot recommend this course highly enough, you will definitely not be disappointed"

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks for that John. Look forward to seeing you for your second day soon. All the best. Stuart. "

Milly and Rosie reviewed: Pottery throwing in Huddersfield

"Geoff was a very friendly and helpful teacher. Even though we only had an hour long session and were complete beginners we were able to have a full demonstration and make a pot each. We would certainly recommend this course to anyone looking to try pottery throwing and would love to go again! Thank you Geoff :)"

Sally Hansen reviewed: Stained glass one day course for beginners: for two people

"Great Day . Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves with Emma who was fun and made us relax right from the start of the session. Would recommend to anyone 5* +"

Craig reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"A fantastic day, wood carving with Robert (and Craig) from Touchwood. I had never done any wood carving before and was a little apprehensive on arrival - however Robert was friendly and approachable and put me at ease very quickly. He patiently took me through each step, supporting me whenever needed. The course was a great introduction to wood carving and I would recommend to anyone interested, sign up and give it ago (I am also very proud of the spoon I created)"

Laura W reviewed: Throwing for beginners

"I've wanted to try pottery throwing for years, and after being given a gift voucher towards a class for my birthday, I finally got round to it. Although not cheap, you really get what you pay for with this class and it's well worth the money. The class sizes are small so you get 1-1 help when you need it, and Charlie was really patient in explaining things. He really gave us confidence to just go for it and use mistakes as learning opportunities rather than something to worry about. I absolutely loved the experience and am looking forward to going back to do some glazing in a couple of weeks! On a side note, Queens Park Arts Centre is a real hidden gem and I'll definitely be on the look out for what is going on there in future."

Charlie's Pots responded:

"Hello Laura Many thanks for your review. It was lovely to meet you and I am glad you enjoyed the day. Look forward to seeing you at the art centre soon for some glazing. We will be closing for a few weeks over the summer for repairs and cleaning. Best wishes Charlie"

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

"Two of us attended Fiona was very welcoming with offers of tea or coffee on arrival The explanation of what we would be doing and how to achieve was very clear and The choice of tiles was very good. Fiona was very supportive throughout with advice and encouragement and we would recommend this to anyone who wants to find out about making their own mosaics. Thank you Fiona and also for the recommendation of Oranges and Lemons for lunch which was very good."