Latest reviews

Elaine reviewed: Spoon carving course (1 day)

"What a wonderful course. David is an excellent tutor, explaining things well and guiding us all through the stages of spoon whittling. He has a great depth of knowledge and showed great patience as he taught us all the skills required to carve out own spoons. The atmosphere at the studio in the woods was peaceful and relaxed, surrounded by birdsong, as we all focused on our wood, axes and knives. He also provided a delicious meal, which was much appreciated. A truly enriching experience. Thank you"

Matt GB reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"What a brilliant day! Cannot fault it, Nigel is very skilled, he does make everything look so easy, and very amusing he kept us on point throughout the day. We made four items to take away and got to practice the basic techniques, Nigel was always on hand to help out or to advise. Superb experience and definitely recommend."

Jane Galvin reviewed: 2-Day Leather Bag Making Course

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course. I had high expectations and they were exceeded. Rebecca is an inspirational teacher. I enjoyed learning all the techniques to make my bag, and also watching the techniques others used to make their bags. I keep looking at my bag and I can't believe I made it! Rebecca took us through each process step by step, so we could work at our own pace. I am planning to buy a handbag kit to try at home. I am also considering going back to learn pattern cutting. I can't recommend this course highly enough."

RJ Leather Sewing School responded:

"Thanks for your kind words Jane. You did such a brilliant job with your bag. You are a complete natural. Really hope to see you again. Feel free to get in touch anytime if you've got any further questions. Thanks. Bex x"

Jenna reviewed: Human Face Explored - one-day creative drawing Workshop in lovely Lawrenny

"This workshop was excellent, Louise is a brilliant teacher and gave so many useful pearls of wisdom when it came to drawing faces. It's made me look at portraits in a completely different way, and I cannot wait to start putting into practice what I have learnt. I would definitely recommend this to anyone as it was great fun. Looking forward to doing more future workshops with Louise."

Louise Burdett Artist responded:

"It was great to have you on the workshop Jenna and I look forward to seeing you in the new studio sometime later in the year."

Gaynor Doyle reviewed: Mosaic day workshop with Professional Artist Coralie Turpin- Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

"I really enjoyed the workshop (19th March 2022) and was amazed that I could produce a little mosaic piece with expert guidance from Coralie. The art space, the people and the inspiration made for a fabulous experience and an enthusiasm to develop my mosaic making skills at home. I would highly recommend the workshop and hope to do another one at some point. Many thanks to Coralie and Jason."

Coralie Turpin Artist responded:

"Thanks Gaynor, it was really lovely to meet you. Your mosaic was so cute ? "

Maria reviewed: 'Sunset' wool fibre painting kit

"I really enjoyed using this wool painting kit. The technique of painting with wool fibres is totally absorbing and relaxing. Raya's clear instructions helped me to recreate a beautiful sunset in colourful fibres. I also attended the online wool painting course which was a great experience. Thank you Raya for introducing me to this amazing wool fibre painting art."

Lynn Bickle reviewed: 4 day course in upholstery, soft furnishings or loose covers

"A fun and extremely useful 4 days. I learnt new skills every day and my confidence to do upholstery grew with every cut of a piece of fabric. Angie has a wealth of experience which she is able to teach in simple steps easily followed. She quickly gauged each attendees skill levels and adapted her teaching to suit. My piece was an Edwardian chair where I learnt both traditional skills with horsehair and also how to effectively use more modern materials to speed up a restoration and to ensure I learnt all the steps I needed to know to complete this project, something I knew was not possible in the 4 days. Progress was much better than I could have envisaged and I left feeling I could complete a chair fully in traditional materials in the future should time and energy allow. Angie also took time to ensure you observed processes others were undertaking that would be useful in the future. For me making feather pads was a total mystery and something I will need for another restoration project. I saw all the stages and feel well equipped to tackle this in future. The location is beautiful, Angie's hubby is a marvelous cook so lunches were delicious. I travelled 170 miles to attend and was pleased I had."

Peak Upholstery and Furnishings responded:

"Thanks Lynn for the lovely review. Do keep in touch and contact me directly if you need additional help. I strongly recommend that you buy yourself a cheap compressor and a series 71 staple gun - this is a commercial staple gun and though they are pricey the staples are very cheap! It will save your arms - carpel tunnel - from permanent damage. Keep in touch and thanks for your lovely company. Angie"

Jasmine reviewed: Make a canvas deckchair to take home.

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course! It was a great blend of both understanding some basic woodworking, and then being allowed to independently move onto the actual cutting and construction of the chair. The group size was also perfect, was lovely to have people to work alongside, but also not too many people that you couldn’t get help if you needed. David was a fantastic tutor, and really helped everyone feel equipped to take on the project, no matter their level of previous experience. His encyclopaedic knowledge of woodworking was evident, and he was a very patient and encouraging teacher. I would highly recommend."

Great British Woodshop responded:

"Hi Jasmine David asked me to thank you for the kind review. We hope to see you again. Best wishes Kirsty"

Lucy reviewed: Beach Art North Cornwall

"We had a wonderful time making sand art with Bill. We had a large group and spent some time playing with different mark-making tools and techniques before working together on a big pattern. Bill was very easy to communicate with and had great suggestions for the group. Would thoroughly recommend for a peaceful few hours absorbed in nature!"

Jamie reviewed: Beach Art North Cornwall

"A wonderful experience! Bill was a fantastic teacher and even managed to get our 2 year old enthused about making patterns in the sand! We would highly recommend this to anyone - interesting, fun and very satisfying."

Keen crafter reviewed: Natural Cold-Process Soap Making

"We enjoyed our morning of making soap. Wendy was very organized, the atmosphere was lovely and the information was very clear. We look forward to attending more of Wendy’s workshops."

Max reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"Fantastic and fun session, booked it for my girlfriend's birthday. Absolutely loved it, Chris was very helpful, explained a lot of the processes easily and made us feel very welcome to the craft. Would definitely go again, and highly recommend to others Thanks!"

Chris Greening Pottery responded:

"Hi Max, Many thanks for your kind words; some great pots made which are drying nicely and waiting for their first of their two firings. I shall be in touch soon to reunite them with you. Best wishes, Chris."

George Robertson reviewed: Beginners Woodworking: Make a Bread Board

"Great course! We were skilfully guided through the day by Richard. As well as being a great teacher he is a top guy and this was a big factor in the day being a success. All aspects of the course were thorough especially health and safety. Using the various power tools was my particular favourite activity. The end product was beyond my expectations. I am already looking to see which course I can do next."

Aurora reviewed: Introduction to Natural Dyeing, Mere, Wiltshire

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course and it was fascinating to learn the process of natural dyeing. Claudia is a great instructor, knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions. The hands-on experience was invaluable and helps students feel confident enough to try dyeing at home. Lovely studio, location and great to meet other like-minded people!"

Elka responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely review Aurora. It was great to meet you and to have you on the workshop. Best wishes, Claudia."

Chris reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"Having tried (and failed miserably) to French Polish, this course was a god send. Ollie is fantastic, friendly, professional and tailored the course to my needs. Communication before, during and after the course was fantastic. Every step in the preparation and polishing was walked through and clearly explained along with a ton more unrelated but valuable tips on woodworking techniques to produce overall better quality pieces. If you want to learn how to French Polish, don't hesitate but book your course in this fully equipped workshop today!"

Anon reviewed: Introduction to stone carving at Little Moreton Hall

"Excellent standard over 2 days- highly recommended"

Paul reviewed: Wood carving course at Little Moreton Hall

"I’ve just come back from the woodworking course. It was a great experience and I was very happy with what I produced. The tutor was very knowledgeable and helpful and I look forward to attempting a few of my own pieces. The location was also great, thanks very much."

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

"There is only one way to describe the workshop day with Jo - FANTASTIC. Beautiful location, modern workshop, superbly organised and prepped. My ‘Hare’ sculpture which now resides in our garden will always remind me of this special day. Highly recommended. Jason Middleton."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much Jason! Really enjoyed your company at the workshop and I hope your hare is 'rusting' well. Jo x"

Alison Wright reviewed: Lamp glass bead making

"I was taken on this course as a birthday present. It was a fantastic experience. Looking at the many examples of beautiful beads whilst munching on a delicious lunch, it seemed daunting that we might be able to produce anything so beautiful in just 3 hours. But Jade is a really good teacher, demonstrating a variety of techniques and keeping a close eye on you as you grow your own unique masterpieces. Jade gave us real confidence and we had a magical experience. Highly recommended!"

Goldwrightsjewelleryschool responded:

"Thank you Ali, your starry night bead was a hit :)"

Doris Johnston reviewed: Glass Fusing: Garden Sculptures

"Had a fun day making 2 glass stars"

Micklems Farm Creative Workshops responded:

"We're so glad you enjoyed your day Doris. Thank you for choosing a workshop at Micklems Farm, we hope to see you again soon!"

Ryan reviewed: Introductory pottery wheel throwing taster sessions

"Fantastic course, could not recommend highly enough! Lorraine was so patient and helpful, she is an excellent tutor."

Ian D reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"Picked up my finished items today, thank you Chris for an excellent experience. The course was booked by my wife as part of my birthday gift having been an avid watcher of the great pottery throw down, I was a little nervous to say the least as watching and doing are polls apart but Chris settled me on arrival. Once Chris had gone through the usual health and safety as required, he started with a run through work piece as an example then my turn. I am reasonably practical and with Chris’s guidance and encouragement I worked through 4 various pot forms, including the final glazing. They look fantastic and my wife now has them on show. Thanks for the experience, an extremely skilled and knowledgeable tutor."

Chris Greening Pottery responded:

"Hi Ian, Many thanks for your kind words; really pleased that you enjoyed the experience and weren't daunted by the various processes - and it shows in the lovely pots you made! I'm particularly pleased that you are using the pots! It's sad to hear when pots get shoved into a cupboard never to be seen again, particularly when they are good pots with a purpose and a life to lead. Best wishes, Chris."

Mark Johnstone reviewed: Stone Carving for beginners - 3 day course with sculptor Kate Semple

"Wonderful first stone carving. Kate is great; patient, calm, knowing exactly when to leave you, when to help. True to her word, I left with a very acceptable result, not the woolly sheep my wife had thought after day 1. Nice venue, with plenty of time for tea, chat and socialising. 6 carvers, so no pressures. You do what you want athough it is important to have some clear plans as to what you want to carve before you arrive. I was surprised at my achievement, largely due to Kate's considerable skills at mentoring. Wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone and everyone; just don't stay in Sheet Mallet!! Just come and enjoy, Kate provides everything."

Carrie Wright reviewed: Lamp glass bead making

"I throughly enjoyed every moment of this course. Jade is an excellent and inspirational tutor, explaining everything in detail and allowing you to believe you can achieve the magical transformation of glass rods into beautiful glass beads in a couple of hours - and you can!!! The refreshments were delicious and home made....the studio was well equipped...and the experience as a whole was excellent value for money. I will book another session and recommend to all my friends. Thank you"

Goldwrightsjewelleryschool responded:

"Thank you Carrie you made some beautiful beads :)"

Gill reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"I attended the beginners silver clay workshop last week and I loved it! Claire is lovely, makes you feel at ease and explains everything so well. I have already been recommending the course and hoping I might get back to attend another one of Claire's workshops in the future."

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"I’m so glad you enjoyed the workshop Gill! Thank you! Claire "