Latest reviews

Cathy Purves reviewed: Felt Pictures-Painting with fibres - intro to 2D wet felting/felt making

"What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning. The ambience was lovely and support / teaching inspiring. Would like to go again!"

Lena Thomas reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - Bristol

"Attended the day course on 26th Feb 2022. Whilst i had been looking forward to the day i found that it actually exceeded my expectations.Elspeths teaching was both informative and accessible to i think.like myself new to crafting and those with good experience. The class was non threatening and the day proved both relaxing and interesting with both practical and creative base and a very concrete base in recycling and even a.nod to history and the ccreation of both practical and visually interesting pieces and being able as in the tradition of quilt making use materials that no longer serve the original purpose but also extending life memories THANKS Elspeth"

Ragged Life responded:

"Thank you so much Lena for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. We're so pleased you enjoyed the class. Make sure you send us a picture of any creations :-) Elspeth x"

Hilary McMaster reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"Had a great day with Matt, who is a wonderful teacher. He gave us a brief history of the techniques and then encouraged us to have a go for ourselves. He has an intuitive feel for just how much support someone needs, and when to sort out problems which you have created for yourself! All 6 of us in the class left with a piece of work which we were pleased with. The class was conducted with plenty of space to maintain social distancing, and felt very safe and well organised. I would certainly encourage anyone to give it a try; you never know what you might achieve, and with Matt's support and encouragement you might surprise yourself"

Tom E reviewed: Kitchen Knife Course

"I did the course with my partner recently and it was absolutely fantastic. Dave is a great teacher, very knowledgeable (and patient) and a really nice guy. You can tell a lot of thought has gone into the entire day so it has a perfect balance of coming away with a really high quality knife, but also feeling like you've done the entire process yourself. It is really hands-on, which is great, and you get a lot of choice as to how your knife comes out. I should also mention that Dave was very keen to ensure the resulting knives were of a really high-quality. I couldn't recommend this course enough - great fun and the knives are fantastic quality. Would also recommend checking out Dave's instagram if you're in the market for some super cool knives."

Hand forged Yorkshire responded:

"Thank you very much indeed for the awesome review and recommendation Tom, massively appreciated. It was fantastic to meet you both and have you in the forge, you both did a great job with your knives. Kindest regards Dave"

Polly reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"I had a lovely time on the day weaving workshop. It was relaxed and friendly, in a really nice environment, and Alice was an excellent teacher. I purchased a loom at the end and the workshop gave me everything I needed to get started on weaving at home and I have not stopped since!"

Anne reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"We so enjoyed our silver clay course with Claire. Everything was demonstrated and explained clearly in a friendly informative way.The workshop was well equipped and we both completed pieces of silver jewellery to take home along with a confident introduction to a hobby we could pursue as Claire provided us with information to assist us."

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"Lovely to meet yourself and Emily. I look forward to seeing what you continue to make! Thank you. Claire"

Beckie Harrold reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"I had a fantastic afternoon with Louise. She explained the processes and techniques so well and was very patient. She gave me loads of helpful tips and encouragement. Also she was so friendly and chatty. It was alovely relaxed atmosphere to learn in and so enjoyable. I would thoroughly recommend this experience. I'm really looking forward to seeing my finished pieces. Thank you!"

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

"It was a real delight having you in the studio Beckie, and I'm pleased that you enjoyed it so much you're looking to get some kit and do some yourself at home. Fabulous! You made some lovely pieces and I'm just as excited as you are to see how they look after they've been glazed and fired :-)."

Larisa Lavita reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"I really enjoyed it! Paula is amazing and a wonderful trainer. She covered everything and guided us through the whole process."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you Larisa, so pleased to hear you enjoyed the course. xx Paula"

Andy reviewed: Glass Fusing and enamel painting on glass

"Jane was very knowledgeable and an excellent teacher. She talked me through each stage and made this a very enjoyable day. I'm looking forward to seeing the end results of my work after the items have been fired in the kiln. I would recommend this course and hope to return in the near future to develop more skills. Many thanks."

Nicky reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"A really brilliant experience - Chris was very patient and I'm proud of the unique pieces I've produced! A hugely skilled area but I was so well supported to give it a go and thoroughly enjoyed it. If you're considering it, I'd highly recommend!"

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you Nicky for your kind review, we are delighted to hear you enjoyed your experience with us. Kind regards Angie Steve and Chris"

Ian & Allan reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"We had an enjoyable and informative day with Stuart, learning the basics of woodturning. Absolute beginners but we left more informed and better equipped with a knowledge of where we wanted to go with our very basic wood-turning skills. Fantastic work-shop - a cornucopia of tools, lathes, wood and a wood stove. Stuart has the gift to teach and make it an enjoyable experience. Stories, and things that might help, signposting but in a way that gives you some confidence. We were both chuffed that we were able to produce something at the end of the day (with much help from Stuart) - we can definitely recommend Stuart’s courses."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Hi guys, Thanks for your review and so glad you enjoyed your day. Let me know if you need any advice on getting to the next stage. Stuart."

Fiona reviewed: Jewellery making with silver clay - one day beginners workshop

"Really enjoyed the silver clay workshop and was delighted with how professional my jewellery pieces look. Charlotte was really attentive but not at all controlling so you really did get to design & make your very own piece(s). Highly recommend and am trying to figure out what ‘occasion’ I can celebrate in order to treat myself to a second workshop!"

Felix & Reuben Jewellery School responded:

"Hi Fiona, I'm really glad you enjoyed the workshop! The jewellery you made was gorgeous! It was an absolute pleasure teach you all about silver clay :) Thank you for attending our workshop. Regards Charlotte"

Mac reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"I greatly enjoyed attending this course today. It is a first-class introduction to the skills of producing hand-made glassware and a good way of discovering that it's not as easy as you might hope! Good instruction and excellent fun. Thoroughly recommended."

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"So glad you enjoyed your time with us Mac. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Regards Angie Steve and Chris"

Megan Riddy reviewed: Introduction to wet-felting: handbag, iPad case or something else!

"I made a nuno scarf with Cathy. The day was wonderful! I learned so much and had a lot of fun. I thought that it would be more serious but it was totally fab and really relaxed. Lunch and cake were also great. Thank you! Megan (aged 13)"

Alexis Warhurst reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"I had a very intense day of stain glassing on Matt’s stain glass course. Matt is an excellent and considerate teacher and introduced us to the equipment and techniques of stain glassing. We all produced an amazing variety of pieces by the end of the day and I would certainly recommend this starter day for anybody wanting to have a try. Thanks Matt for the experience."

Chloe reviewed: Natural Cold-Process Soap Making

"I booked this course for a friend's birthday and we had a great time. Wendy's teaching is relaxed and informative and we both felt we learned a lot and made some beautiful soaps. A great choice of recipes and a lovely informative booklet to take home too. I look forward to enjoying and gifting the soap. Thank you Wendy!"

S Brown reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop Part Two - Resin Finishing

"Having poured my resin in Part 1, I looked forward to attending Part 2 to complete the process. I am very happy with my finished coasters. As in the previous class, Richard took the time to to answer the questions I brought from Part 1 and refreshed the points I hadn't quite grasped first time around. The use of the machinery was not a new experience for me personally being familiar with all that we used, however for a novice user it is an ideal opportunity to get some hands on experience in a controlled environment. I am looking forward to being able to use the knowledge I have acquired in these 2 courses to add decorative dimensions to my future woodworking projects. I would recommend these courses to anyone considering working with resin for the first time. Looking forward to undertaking future courses."

Richard Evans reviewed: Guitar Strumstick Dulcimer 3 strings instrument

"My day with Ted was brilliant. He is great company and an excellent and super patient teacher. I learnt much and achieved something far beyond what i thought i would produce. I will book another day."

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thanks Richard you made your instrument in good time my friend. Looking forward to seeing you on another course in summer perhaps? Kind regards Ted"

Cat reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"This is a fantastic experience for any (adult) age and gender (I'm a 60yo female), this is a rare craft and was glad to support it and try it out. Neil is a patient and great teacher and craftsman and I'm chuffed to have my unique hand made set."

Holly reviewed: Beginners DIY and Home Maintenance day course

"The course covered a lot of different topics and definitely increased my confidence with DIY. David was very knowledgable and friendly and is a very good teacher. The course wasn't practical though. I was under the impression when I booked it that we would be practicing putting up shelves/tiling/caulking etc but this was more of a classroom style course where we sat for the entire day whilst listening and watching demonstrations."

Great British Woodshop responded:

"Hi Holly Thank you for your feedback and we are sorry that you felt you didn’t get our usual 5 star experience. Your question is tough to answer as the class you attended was large and David had a large amount of questions from the group. This class is more of a how-to class, to enable you to learn how to do elements of DIY properly before going home to practice.   There is normally more of a practical element, but due to the amount of questions on the day, we were unable to do so much practical or get through the full list. David wanted students to leave happy and had to weigh up getting through the full class description or answering all their questions.   We do have other short in depth classes in plumbing, electrical, plasterboarding and tiling if you wanted to go into more detail in these areas. We have decided to reduce the amount of participants on this class going forward in light of your feedback."

Louise W reviewed: Introduction to Argentium silver

"I spent an amazing day with Sally, she was patient & knowledgeable. We made beautiful stacking rings. I learnt so much and really enjoyed Sally’s company too. Can’t recommend highly enough."

SallyC Jewellery responded:

"Thank you Louise for your positive comments and spending an enjoyable day learning about Argentium silver. Kind regards SallyC"

Patricia Latham reviewed: Watercolour painting with Erica Just

"Great day learning a new medium of painting. Small, intimate group in a nice quiet, well lit room. I took away a lot from this course including the different types of paint brushes and their best uses and the different types of paper before experimenting with tints and washes and how to build up colour. Lots to take it. Erica was patient with all my questions - which were never ending!! The current clear screens between each table didn't detract from the enjoyment. Lunch was an option we all took rather than bringing our own. It was in a reserved area in the cafe next door and we enjoyed getting to know each other over lunch. Lovely venue to spend the day in. Cups of tea/coffee and bottled water supplied as part of the course fee. Would recommend and I would definitely be interested in attending an acrylic painting course when one becomes available."

Created By Hand responded:

"Thanks for the wonderful feedback Patricia We are lucky to have a bank of dedicated artists and tutors who thrive on passing on their knowledge and skills and I will certainly pass your comments on to Erica Dave"

RTA reviewed: Beginners DIY and Home Maintenance day course

"David was very friendly and knowledgeable but there was little to know practical element. one person was able to drill a screw into a piece of wood whilst the others watched, but other than that, nobody picked up anything. David passed on lots of information but in this respect we could have watched a youtube video/ read a book. I expected we would all get to try various challenges/ tasks, but it was just a long talk, to be honest. We also didnt cover all the topics listed on the website. So, in terms of value for money, I don't feel it was worth it and I have no more confidence now then I did going in."

Great British Woodshop responded:

"Thank you for your feedback and we are sorry that you felt you didn’t get our usual 5-star experience. Our DIY classes are interactive and at the start of each class, David asks the group what they would like covered.   In your class, there were a lot of questions. There is normally more of a practical element, but due to the amount of questions on the day, we were unable to do so much practical or get through the full list. David wanted students to leave happy and had to weigh up getting through the full class description or answering all their questions. We have decided to reduce the amount of participants on this class going forward in light of your feedback. "

Kate Lewis reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"This is a fantastic weekend in blissful and creative natural surroundings totally off grid, in grounds strewn with Sebastian's sculptures in progress and for sale. In the workshop built from reclaimed materials and warmed by a beautiful wood burning stove there is space, light and all the interesting tools that you will work with to accomplish your sculpture. Sebastian is a warm, kind and intuitive teacher with a gentle approach to giving you the skills and advice needed, along with the fun and pleasure from trying something new. From picking out the stone to working it into shape the weekend was absorbing and meditative and it was very inspiring to learn about materials and tools Sebastian has picked up on his extensive global travels from Mongolia to India and Africa. I'm looking forward to another weekend and I am so grateful for the encouragement and training and bringing home something to feel proud of."

Leigh reviewed: Macrame workshop and food

"Did this for my hen do! Was so much fun, session was great - techniques were well explained and great for a range of abilities (I’ve never done anything like this before and still finished with a cracking piece that now lives on my wall!). Would highly recommend."