Latest reviews

Sue reviewed: Fan bird carving at Greenwood Days

"An excellent day of learning a new skill! Really clearly taught us how to make fan birds. I thought it was going to be really hard to do but careful well paced and fun instructions allowed me to exceed my goals! Great day in a lovely setting."

Greenwood Days responded:

"Thanks Sue, great to have you out on the course. Great fan birds!"

Hilary reviewed: Coptic Bookbinding Kits in Blue 'Flowers' design

"I haven’t yet used the kit as I bought it as an activity to share during school holiday with my granddaughter. The kit was packed well and everything needed is included. I must say I am finding it difficult to resist starting the project. I have wanted to have a go at this for some time but face to face courses are expensive. This kit is very affordable and good value."

Sarah Cooper reviewed: Wet felting (abstract or landscape) - Half Day - Feather Felts

"A very enjoyable experience. As a complete novice I was ably guided and encouraged by Jane. It was a small group and had a very relaxed but intensive atmosphere. Jane is very approachable and gave us all confidence. I enjoyed my session so much that I signed up for a full day workshop to further explore the delights of wet felt craft! Would highly recommend to others."

Andy reviewed: One day Traditional Lead Stained Glass Course

"Cheryl has an incredible studio and is so friendly, welcoming and encouraging. We had a great day learning how to make stained glass artwork from start to finish and came away with some pieces that we are so proud of! Couldn't recommend this highly enough, if you are on the fence then hop off of it and head on over to Cheryl's!"

Cheryl Powling Glass responded:

"Thank you so much ? it was great having you here x "

Eilidh reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience

"Booked for my partner as a birthday gift and he absolutely loved it! He is already talking about rebooking. He said he learned so much and that Sandy was a great teacher and full of knowledge."

AthelstaneForge responded:

"Thanks for the review! It was a great day in the forge! Looking forward to seeing you again soon!"

Barry reviewed: Log to Stool with Gedwood

"Great course. Very friendly atmosphere. Would definitely recommend."

Gedwood responded:

"Glad you enjoyed it Barry!"

Alison reviewed: Learn soft pastels in a relaxed beautiful environment

"My friend and I really enjoyed the day with Heather, learning about using pastels. The materials provided were very good quality. Heather really listened to what our hopes for the day were and managed to teach us quite a lot even though the day was very relaxed."

Beryl reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Snowshill Manor

"A thoroughly enjoyable experience in a lovely setting, at Snowshill. Instruction was clear and supportive throughout. A really great way to spend a weekend learning and appreciating the art of stone carving. Thank you"

Viv and Kim reviewed: Fused Glass Panel

"My husband and I had a very enjoyable and relaxing few hours with Claire. Claire brought all her materials to our home and was very encouraging, friendly and helpful. A great teacher. We are looking forward to seeing our first attempts once they have been in the kiln and we both wish to do more in the future. Thank you Claire."

John Cartwright reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"What a fantastic and enjoyable weekend in the Lakes "Box Building"! Mark Farrelly was an excellent tutor in the art of "Working with Wood" and the facilities at his workshop made my experience all the better. Mark is clearly very experienced and has the ability to pass on his knowledge and experience in a very calm and affective way. The result of the weekends work was a beautiful oak box that I am very proud to say was the results of my labour - Thank you Mark !!"

Peter Bowler reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Excellent course , Sebastian is an excellent tutor , encouraging and he has a relaxed approach , but he gives professional advice / guidance when needed , while at the same time allowing you space to have a go etc . The spirit of there is ‘no right or wrong way ,’just be free to enjoy it is really motivational . You really get into it , and time flies by !"

Caroline Hadtie-Smith reviewed: Monday (Weekly) Bobbin Lace Making - Evening Mixed Lace Classes (Effingham, Surrey).

"Excellent class - really enjoyed it."

Tina's Bobbin Lacemaking responded:

"Hello Caroline Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I hope you enjoy this weekend just as much. I have the bobbins already for the pricking I gave you. Really looking forward to seeing you Saturday. Regards Tina"

Louise reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Thank you for a lovely day. Made some great jewellery lots of skills."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"I'm glad that you enjoyed the day and well done with your sawing skills. Impressive! Jonathan"

Jen reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Fabulous day! Jonathan is an excellent tutor and it's brilliant to go home with jewellery I'll be proud to wear. Definitely recommend Salt Way Silver."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you for your very kind words, and also thank you for travelling so far for your silver jewellery making day. It was a treat to help you celebrate your big birthday too! Jonathan"

Catharine Fleming reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Snowshill Manor

"Will never look at stone carvings in museums and cathedrals the same way again! Spent two lovely days with Miranda teaching in Snowshill Manor's orchard, learning the skills required to pull something interesting out of a block of limestone. Instruction was expert and focused, and it was fun to learn a new way to be creative."

Helen reviewed: Introduction to woodwork & hand tools

"Went on this course as wanting to make some tables from some wood I have, but I had no idea what tools or how to use any , this course was beyond my expectations, the first week was hand tools, and the next was power tools, learnt so much in these 2 days I now feel confident in buying the right tools for my job and understand how to use them. Excellent course!! Jake was so informative, literally didn’t miss a thing, was hands on so you could try everything. Well done guys!! Couldn’t recommend this course enough. Thank you"

Deryck Noakes reviewed: Silver clay workshop: Star/flower ring

"Enjoyed the detailed level of tuition that resulted in a very satisfying silver ring. My grand daughter and l worked closely assisted by some considered teaching. Himley as the venue was superb. Neither Rosie or myself had any previous experience but this did not prevent us from making a success of the day."

Audra Furze reviewed: Crochet workshops in Leeds City Centre

"Lovely couple of hours with Ann. She was so patient with my daughter and I and went at our pace. We’ve learned the basics of crochet and have booked for a second session. Lovey venue too in a vintage tea room. Looking forward to seeing you in a few weeks Ann."

Leeds Central Faith and Light responded:

"Thank you for your kind words. You both did really well as complete beginners and am looking forward to seeing you again. Kind regards Ann"

Bontle Senne reviewed: Experience the Japanese art of raku using fire and flame

"Had an amazing day! Really enjoyable, small group, loads of fun."

Gone To Pot Ceramics responded:

"Thank you for your kind review, much appreciated. Glad you enjoyed the day. Janet on behalf of the Raku Team "

Gill reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"Elaine is an excellent tutor, very knowledgeable, experienced, and endlessly patient! She was happy to answer lots of questions and gave very useful tips to improve each individual's technique. I came away with knowledge about each step of the fibre preparation and spinning process, and finished handspun yarn, of which I am very proud! I would absolutely recommend this course."

Cartmel Handspun Spinning School responded:

"Thank you Gill. I'm so pleased you benefitted from your course. You achieved some lovely spinning. I hope you have many happy years enjoying this absorbing, traditional craft."

Suzi reviewed: Willow Leaping Hare at Haymoor Studio

"Jo was a brilliant instructor, very friendly and supportive through out the day, even though she was dealing with a family incident. Everyone's leaping hares looked amazing, could not believe they turned out so well as we were all novices. Thanks Jo for a great experience, I would definitely go back."

Jo Sadler Willow responded:

"Aw, thank you so much, everyone made fantastic hares, I was really touched by the kindness from the group too. I am relieved the whole situation turned out positively. Thank you Suzi"

Lorraine Marsh reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I stepped in at the last moment when one of the birthday boys felt unable to attend. A little apprehensive about how I would cope but no need. The 'lads' advised on technique, supported when necessary and repaired my mistakes as well. A busy day of eating, heating and hammering. A great feeling of achievement to complete my dragon which now has pride in the garden. I attended with a young man with ASD. Adrian, Andy and Debbie were very knowledgeable about his abilities and very subtle with their inquiries about any needs that he may have. Thank you for making this such a memorable day for both of us."

Christine reviewed: Stained Glass - Copper Foiling / Tiffany for Beginners

"I enjoyed the course. The first time I did stain glass was in high school. It was 40 years ago. But Mike brought a new meaning to stained glass, he provided a little history of the origin of glass and an interest in Tiffany’s glass. The new meaning of stained glass course was very challenging. I chose a pattern that involved 13 pieces. I thought it was quite easy to do with straight lines and triangles and squares. Mike and Jenny were both patient and supportive, they were patient and guided me through it all. I would not of completed in one day but got a lot of help and Mike and Jenny encouraged me to continue and complete the project. I did it and love the piece."

Vitreus Art responded:

"Thanks for your review Christine, we’re glad you like huge finished piece!"

Jan Eggleton reviewed: Full-day traditional basketry willow workshops with Pip Cottage in Lancashire

"Attended one of Julie’s day courses at Be a Garden Maker on Friday and had a brilliant, informative time. Julie is an excellent teacher and we all completed our sculptures in the allotted timescale. My garden now has a lovely woven heron. Julie also provided extra rods to give the kegs extra stability. It was lovely to meet Julie and the other attendees. We all learned new skills and were extremely enthused to carry on. I would totally recommend the experience. Thank you Julie."

Pip Cottage responded:

"Hello Jan, thanks for your lovely review, it was good to meet you and I'm glad you enjoyed the workshop. It would be great to see a picture of your fab heron in the garden! Thanks, Julie"

Margaret reviewed: Blow a bauble at Chew Valley handmade glass

"My friend and I had a great experience and were delighted with our baubles. The teacher demonstrated initially and then talked us through each stage when it was our turn. He was so encouraging, patient and gave clear instructions. My friend wanted to make a smaller one and he suggested a teardrop shape as an alternative. We love the finished results so much that we want to do it again and bring some girl friends."

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Hi Margaret, so pleased to hear you enjoyed your time spent with Chris. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We would love to welcome you and your friends back in the future. Regards The team at chew valley handmade glass "