Latest reviews

Pauline reviewed: Discover Batik and simple dye making

"Thoroughly enjoyed Lisa’s Batik course today, Good value for money, making 4 items, using varying techniques in a lovely relaxing environment. We went away knowing we could have a go on our own."

Coneyhurst Studios responded:

"I am so glad you all enjoyed yourselves. You made beautiful pieces."

Cris Jones reviewed: Watercolour on canvas

"Another fantastic course, which teaches so much in just one day. Class sizes are small and Liz makes everyond feel welcome and valued. She is generous with her knowledge and is able to bring out the best in each of us. The focus is on learning to use the materials in fascinating ways which opens up a whole new playground in creativity."

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"Hi Cris, what a lovely review. Thank you so much! I am touched that you think I bring out the best in people. I do hope so. And I also hope that you have lots of fun using the new techniques and tools."

Jane reviewed: Discover Batik and simple dye making

"3 friends took this batik course today, and we had an excellent day - in just one day Lisa took us through basic dying, using the wax - no mean feat! - onto producing several pieces of work that we were all mightily pleased with by the end of the session. Lisa was so patient & helpful whilst keeping us supplied with refreshments. An idyllic spot with excellent facilities to learn another 'new to us' craft - highly recommend."

Coneyhurst Studios responded:

"It was lovely meeting you. You all made such fantastic pieces."

Helen Isbell reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"Totally brilliant, fantastic teacher he got the balance just right enough help to make it do able but not to much help so you felt like you really did make the piece"

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you Helen for taking the time to leave a review. So glad you enjoyed your time at our studio. Regards Chris at chew valley handmade glass "

Maria reviewed: Damascus knife making in Grassington

"Really great day! We've come home with two superb knives that I would never have believed we could make. Richard is a great teacher, allowing us to make our own mistakes but still get us a good knife at the end. Brilliant to use all the traditional techniques as well. Thanks!"

Jason J reviewed: Pole lathe turning taster day: bowl turning

"Maurice and Chris were both informative and skilful. I thoroughly enjoyed the day crafting my own wooden bowl on a ancient (replica) pole lathe. The environment was perfect, even down to the coffee making!, and a very friendly group. I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in this fascinating old craft. Thank you Maurice & Chris, Jason."

Cynthia reviewed: Mosaics for Beginners - West Sussex

"I attended this course with a friend yesterday, and we both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Wendy talked us through the very beginnings of mosaic art so we could get started at ease. We both had fun choosing and making our mosaic designs with lots to choose and a vast range of materials to use. Wendy made us great cups of tea and supplied lovely biscuits too. Wendy has a beautiful workshop and made us feel very much at ease. Would recommend this course."

Marie reviewed: Corset making with Lisa Keating-Best

"I had a really great time learning new skills with Lisa. It was a friendly and relaxed environment over the 2 days and I’ve officially got the corset making bug! I’m looking forward to hopefully more classes Lisa will run in the future and I might even book onto this one again to create an under bust corset! I’m dyslexic as well and Lisa was really helpful with giving me instructions and I felt comfortable asking questions throughout the class. 100% would recommend"

Ion reviewed: Box making workshop

"Highly recommend this course. Great hands-on experience with all the tools and machines, and the tutors are very friendly and knowledgeable."

Frank Livesey reviewed: Wood Carving Course

"I had an excellent day. Having done some wood carving before I still needed to learn further techniques which I managed to pick up thanks to Pete the course tutor. I would thoroughly recommend doing this course run by a knowledgeable and excellent tutor. Thank you Pete."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you so much for your review. We're so glad you enjoyed your day and were able to learn some more techniques."

Mrs Wendy Nelson reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Malcolm had a wonderful day using his birthday gift. The course was very friendly, a well organised and knowledgeable day. Had lovely lunch and enjoyed the experience and knowledge he had from a very welcoming Simon and learnt lots to look forward to on his retirement days ahead to make some more goods. The bowl and honey stick were great."

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

"Hi Wendy, So glad Malcolm enjoyed the day and we wish him all the best in his retirement hobby. Any questions or advice, please don't hesitate to get in touch. -- Simon & Louise"

Jan Moore reviewed: Stained glass day course (Rhondda Cynon Taff)

"Brilliant day, really enjoyed! Well organised and everything explained simply. Would definitely recommend.I enjoyed so much I will do another soon!"

Richard Gibbs reviewed: Crafty Basketry's basket weaving for beginners - Day course, Groombridge

"I had a brilliant day taking part in a basket weaving course with Marianne at the location on Ashdown Forest . It was an activity I had always been interested in trying and was bought as a present by my son. She was an informative and extremely patient teacher explaining thoroughly the techniques used in the creation of basket weaving. It enabled me to fulfill my ambition of creating a willow structure that will be truly unique in my home."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your review! Hope to see you again with your friends, as discussed. All the best, Marianne Crafty Basketry"

Mary reviewed: 3 hour Silver jewellery course

"My friend had a really great day on this course making a silver bangle and a ring. Richard is an excellent teacher and the day was perfectly measured to a couple of beginners. We got to choose what we made with guidance from Richard and learnt the basics of many techniques in a calm and relaxed environment. And we ended up with pieces of silver jewellery that we are both really happy with. As a lovely extra, we were well looked after with lots of tea and cake. So thanks for giving us the perfect introduction to silver jewellery making."

Richard Whitelegg Jewellery responded:

"Many thanks. It was a pleasure kindest regards Richard"

Nichola reviewed: Make 3 Rings in a Day

"A wonderful workshop! A great teacher in a lovely studio and such fun to make the three different rings. Very highly recommended!"

Rachel Hearne Jewellery School responded:

"Thank you Nichola it was a pleasure meeting you and watching your creativity unfold. I hope to see you again soon! "

Freddie reviewed: Willow obelisk workshop

"We had a fantastic day, learning how to make willow obelisks. Lovely and relaxing setting in a marquee inside a large garden. Kate and Dave were really nice people. Interesting to chat to and easy to learn from. Despite ourselves, with good tuition, we came away with good looking obelisks now sitting in our garden. We had a nice break in the middle of the session for lunch around the garden table. All in all, we were really glad to have gone along. Strongly recommended."

Linda Ross reviewed: Needle felted Dogs & Cats in (Halifax)

"What a wonderful way to spend a Friday. In the company of my oldest friend, three other lovely entertaining ladies, producing felted versions of our beloved pets. Josephine is a lovely, calm and very patient teacher, who guided us easily through the very therapeutic art of felting. If you have ever wondered about giving felting a go, just do it, you will love it. Thanks Josephine for a great day."

Deirdre Conniss reviewed: Learn the Potters' Wheel in a Weekend

"I started the course as a total novice. It was an absolutely practical course. It was only a small group and we were encouraged to start using the wheel from the off. We had unlimited access to clay for second goes where we made mistakes and useful advice on how to avoid them on the next pot. Tuition was clear and easy to follow. At the end of the weekend, I felt confident using a potter's wheel to make useful stuff. The scenery, of course, is a bonus."

Powdermills Pottery responded:

"Thank you for such a lovely review Deidre!"

Sam Bowen reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"From start to finish the day was incredible. I'm not sure what i was expecting, but splitting a log with an axe and then crafting an actual workable spoon from it was quite magical! The setting is calm and nurturing and i felt rested and fulfilled at the end of the day. Mark was an excellent tutor, patient and kind and when i explained i'm dyslexic, he drew arrows on the wood to show me which way to cut. Truly a gifted teacher to adapt to my learning style so easily. The other partipants were lovely too and it was a pleasure to get to know them. Plus the fabulous lunch... all in all a good day for the soul and much needed."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Sam Thank you for your lovely comments. Glad you enjoyed the day so much. All the best Mark and Cristina"

Rachael reviewed: One day mosaic workshop - Lincolnshire

"I did this course with a friend, and we thoroughly enjoyed our day. Caron was very knowledgeable and helpful, and had lots of ideas of things we could do. The environment was good, and Caron had lots of supplies and ideas that we could use to produce our mosaics, so we were not short of options. Would definitely do another course with Caron."

Fiona Toms reviewed: Personalised Bottle Light/Lantern and Hanging Plaque Workshop - One Day

"Thanks Jo for another wonderful day on the 4th, I loved learning about decoupage, raised stencilling, blending, foiling and more. I having been practising decoupage at the weekend. Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden is such a lovely venue too. Looking forward to coming to your Upholstery Workshop next time. Thanks again. xx"

The Boho Shed responded:

"Fantastic Fiona. Thanks so much for your lovely review. I look forward to seeing you again soon for upholstery. X"

Carolyn reviewed: Woodcarving with Jason Thomson sculptural woodcarving with hand tools, eccentric whittling courses, Sheffield.

"Hi Jason. What a fabulous day we had! Wood carving is something I've wanted to have a go at for many years and you were the perfect choice with the right mix between standing back and letting us get on with it while keeping an eye out for when we needed more guidance without being pushy or making us feel as if we were getting it wrong. Your love of your craft shines through in the many mediums you work with. We totally enjoyed l every minute of it. I love my oak leaf, as a first go I'm quite proud of the result. Life is short, follow your dreams, go miniature! Putting my request in now for vintage Bowie to work to next time :-} Carolyn and Ian"

Jason Thomson - Sculptor responded:

"Thank you Carolyn for trying something new out with such energy, gaining great results. It was a lovely day and a bit more vintage Bowie next time! I’m in the middle of working out future dates for a three day carving course."

Liz Lewitt reviewed: Corset making with Lisa Keating-Best

"Fabulous weekend. Friendly, fun and informative."

La muse corsetry responded:

"Good to hear ! Thankyou "

Alex reviewed: A relaxing day of clay making

"I really enjoyed the workshop with Trisha, who was extremely welcoming and friendly. Lunch was delicious and I found the day very calming."

Hazel Clarke reviewed: 1hr Potter's Wheel Heskin, Chorley

"Really enjoyed it! The whole lesson was very informative and I knew exactly what to do."