Latest reviews

Grace Harris-Bridge reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course

"Absolutely fascinating course delivered by a lovely lady who is clearly passionate about what she does. Explained every element of candle making right from starting out as a beginner up to if you are considering developing it into a business. Very well thought out day explaining why the individual elements are so important and recommendations of where to buy materials from. Also included a delicious lunch and afternoon tea and catered for vegans."

Antonella reviewed: Beginner's Weaving Class / Introduction to multi-shaft weaving (Weekend Course)

"I had a fantastic weekend with Oliver and his looms, he is a good teacher, helpful and complete in his explanations. I was able to use four different hoops and explore multiple types of patterns. With this course, you will learn the basics of starting to work on your own and you can actually understand that the possibilities for creating different types of fabrics are endless. Thanks, Oliver."

Alan Oliver Handweaver, Dyer & Print Maker responded:

"Thanks, Antonella I have a great weekend with you and really enjoyed teaching you all about weaving. Stay in touch (Alan) Oliver"

Tracey Bengeyfield reviewed: Watercolour on canvas

"The course was absolutely brilliant. Liz was very welcoming and the venue was well organised and much thought and consideration had been given to making the environment relaxed, friendly and Covid safe. Liz is a brilliant artist and tutor, she was very informative and was so open about her process, techniques and tips - which she generously shared. The day was paced well and gave plenty of time to experiment and learn new techniques before applying them to a finished piece. She gave several group demonstrations throughout the day which showed each step clearly. This made the course really accessible to both beginners and more experienced artists alike. Throughout the day, Liz was on hand to give encouragement, advice and the benefit of her vast watercolour knowledge which was inspirational. I can’t praise the day highly enough and would recommend her courses. She has a great teaching style that encourages you to be free and without the constraints of lots of watercolour ‘rules’ which was so refreshing. Thank you for such a great day!"

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"Thank you so much Tracey, both for taking the time to write a review and for the review itself! I’m so pleased you enjoyed it. You are obviously a very experienced artist so it means a lot to me that you got lots out of the day. I hope you are now a little hooked on painting watercolours on canvas!"

Veronica reviewed: Glass Experience Day: Try fused glass, stained glass and enamelling in 1 course!

"I did this course in October with another lady and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have not tried any of the three different glass courses before. Sarah is a brilliant and talented tutor. There was such a lot of different dimensions and colour choices to make. It is good to have a little idea of what you might want to achieve beforehand-Pinterest is a good ‘go to’ for ideas. Sarah can then put it all into context I.e achievable or not! Lunch was perfect- a good relaxing day! Thank you"

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"I'm so pleased you enjoyed the day so much - we do pack a lot of different techniques into 1 day! Thanks very much for leaving such a lovely review."

Mel M reviewed: Fluid art - acrylic pouring

"What a great, informative course and it was so much fun. Thank you Eunice for the introduction to Acrylic Pouring. I can’t wait to dabble at home now and see what I can create. Highly recommend this course for anyone from newbies to those wanting to advanced their skills. Eunice was very knowledgeable and is clearly a very successful artist. Looking for dates to join you at one of your resin classes now. Thanks again."

Jane peach reviewed: Fused glass Christmas decorations (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"I attended this course after receiving it as a present. The Christmas crafts were really fun to make and Martin explained how to make each item in stages so that you could have a go in your own time. It was something I’d really wanted to have a go at and I would book another course in the future. The day went so quickly and Martin gave assistance at any point, with lots of encouragement"

Yvonne Gillespie reviewed: Painting animals in watercolour

"Another thoroughly enjoyable day with Liz Chaderton painting animals. Liz is an extremely talented artist, an excellent tutor, both patient and constantly encouraging and giving individual attention wherever needed. Her enthusiasm is so stimulating and motivating. I have struggled to paint for years and yet she has the ability to inspire me to get painting again. She demonstrates with easy to understand tips and practical guidance. The atmosphere is relaxed and enjoyable and I would recommend her classes to anyone wanting to paint in watercolour at any level. The day just flew by."

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"Thank you so much Yvonne! That’s a lovely review and I am so pleased you enjoyed it. The day does fly, doesn’t it? But that’s the joy of getting lost in watercolour. Please keep painting!"

Jane reviewed: How to use essential oils with your dog - with Living Naturally Loving Life

"I love Niki's courses, so much knowledge, shared so willingly and encouraging us all to be our best. I've had the pleasure of meeting Niki and know all she does is for the well-being of animals, who could want more from a tutor, mentor, wise one."

The English Herbalist responded:

"Hello Jane, Oh my, I'm absolutely humbled by your review and cannot express my gratitude enough. Thank you so very much, kindred soul. Niki."

sylvia french reviewed: Watercolour on canvas

"I really enjoyed the day yesterday and it was great to try something new with using watercolours on canvas. Liz's instructions were all very clear and delivered with great enthusiasm and knowledge. We produced two pieces of work and came home with a prepared canvas for our own project. It was interesting to see how watercolours reacted to the canvas and to work on the technique of layering. I would thoroughly recommend Liz's courses."

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely review, and I’m pleased you enjoyed it. I hope you use your canvas to paint something at a more leisurely pace! Hope to see you again soon."

David Connelly reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"It was a beautifully sunny but cold day as I meandered through the beautiful English countryside to arrive at the working farm which housed the course. A very warm and friendly welcome with hot coffee available was a great way to start the day. Adrian, Andy and Debbie welcomed the course and made sure that we were comfortable and suitably clad. Time was taken to explain what was going to happen on the course and what we were expected to achieve. We were then shown a beautiful rams head poker, a copy of which was our goal for the day. There followed a practical demonstration of the first part. In my view, a great way to go. Small chunks at a time. Easier to follow and remember. We all worked at the same pace, each new part demonstrated prior to us having a go. After the first demo, it was straight in and literally poker in the fire time. They say that patience is a virtue. Adrian had this in spades.  Clearly a very experienced Smith. He talked and demonstrated throughout the day, gentle hints here and there when we weren't quite getting it quite right. Practical positive encouragement was the order of the day. The break for lunch was welcomed, it's hot at the forge. The food was outstanding, and lots of it, including local bread and cheeses which were wolfed by all. The afternoon flew past, clearly everyone was enjoying themselves and at last we were done. A sense of achievement, a feeling of happiness and altogether a great course. I would highly recommend trying the course. I will be going back for another."

Graham Tunstall reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"The ram's head poker course is an excellent course. Ade and Andy are excellent and very patient tutors. The poker I made will very useful for BBQs! The catering was also excellent; with veggie chilli, jacket potatoes and local cheese and bread. A thoroughly enjoyable day that I would definitely recommend. Thank you"

Helen Abbott reviewed: Felt Making Pictures (Halifax)

"Jo was really welcoming and patient with 2 complete novices. We both left with pieces we were very happy with and a desire to learn more."

Jane Chadwick reviewed: Furniture upcycling workshop - 1 day

"Thoroughly enjoyed this course. Hannah was very attentive and explained everything clearly. Had a lovely day, painted my piece of furniture, which turned out great. My family were very impressed. Met some lovely people. Can’t wait to book another course soon."

Tread Softly responded:

"Hi Jane! So pleased that you enjoyed the day. It really was a fantastic group. I loved your commode - so unusual!! Your design was excellent and lovely choice of colours. Glad your family approved. I think we must have similar tastes. Thanks so much for coming along :)"

Sue Chambers reviewed: Tree of Life Pendant and Earrings Workshop

"Great workshop and Pat is a brilliant and patient teacher, she makes good coffee, cookies and brownies too. Highly recommended."

Pat Miller Jewellery responded:

"Thanks Sue! Looking forward to seeing you in January. Pat"

Susan Burton reviewed: Get started with Dot Painting - relaxed, friendly sessions

"I enjoyed a fabulous day learning how to do Mandala Dot painting. Sally is a great teacher and I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants to learn a new skill. It was a very relaxing day with superb teaching and coaching. I came home with lovely piece dot work. I didn't get to finish within the session, but Sally gave me paints so that I could continue at home. I am really happy with what I achieved. It was quite a meditative experience. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would highly recommend not only this course but the tutor as well, she is outstanding!"

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank you for coming to the workshop again Susan - we had a lovely chilled day dotting and I look forward to seeing you again soon :)"

N.Torres reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"OMG, I can’t recommend this course enough. Whether you are interested in just trying soap making or if you are serious about it this course is perfect. Paula brings a great combination of theory and practice in this 5hr programme. The price is amazing and I couldn’t find anything like it online. I now feel super confident I can try it by myself. Also, you get to spend a great and relaxing day. I’m so happy I found this course. I’m definitely coming back for others. Thanks, Paula."

Cath reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Fantastic course and teacher! Ended up with a wonderful bangle. Would highly recommend."

Katherine reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Fabulous day making some lovely jewellery under the excellent tuition of Jonathan."

Nell reviewed: Throwing for beginners

"A really brilliant day. Charlie was so very patient as he explained everything (quite a few times!) and really encouraging and positive about the end results. Really great to spend a day with new people, all learning a new skill together. Looking forward to returning for the glazing. Thank you."

Charlie's Pots responded:

"Hello Nell & Kristina Many thanks for your lovely comments. Look forward to seeing you for the glazing. Best wishes Charlie"

Liz reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop Part Two - Resin Finishing

"My husband and I had already done the first ‘resin river place mat’ workshop and enjoyed it so much we were really looking forward to the second part. We had a really good day and learned so much. I was apprehensive before I started about using the larger machinery but after Richard’s expert demonstration, advice and encouragement I was able to complete my work and even enjoyed myself. I now have new skills! I was delighted by my finished pieces of art. I was really quite pleased with myself. We would highly recommend these courses to anyone interested in art and crafts wanting to try something different. Thanks so much, Richard. Liz"

Denise reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"Spent a truly delightful morning with Anita making containers and tapered candles. The workshop is so informative and fun, and the candles I came home with are so beautiful and smell utterly divine! Anita talks you through everything you’d need to know during the workshop and to carry on at home on your own. The candle alchemist studio is a wonderfully comfortable space and Anita makes such a welcoming atmosphere, you can’t help but fall in love with candle making!"

Jane Gilbey reviewed: How to use essential oils with your dog - with Living Naturally Loving Life

"Really loving this course. Very well written, packed with information and lovely imagery making it very visual and easy to follow. Love the aromatherapy recipes too. I’m looking forward to exploring the accompanying videos. I think this course is a good value and the author has taken a lot of care and thought to produce it."

The English Herbalist responded:

"Hello Jane, Thank you so very much for your lovely review of my workshop. I'm really thrilled to hear you love the recipes, along with the imagery. Enjoy the videos too, you'll be creating effective canine aromatherapy products safely in no time. Thank you once again. Niki."

Judith reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"What a great afternoon going home with Candles of wonderful colours. Anita is a good teacher and the workshop is a delightful building - tbh I did not think this was going to be my thing. I SO enjoyed it, so if you are in doubt Go and have a fun afternoon."

Jackie Britton reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Fantastic course, really enjoyed it and it was clear that with Bill we were learning from someone with incredible knowledge and experience. I was delighted with what we were able to both learn and make over the course of a weekend. Highly recommended!"

Bespoke Leather responded:

"Thanks Jackie, glad you enjoyed yourself. I will keep you informed about future courses. All the best Bill"

Anna Filactou reviewed: Full Day Mosaic For Outdoors on slate with Laura Barnes.

"Myself, mum and my daughter did the full day mosaic with Laura for mums birthday. We had the best day! Laura was fab and we made some masterpieces for our gardens too! I can’t recommend this day course highly enough. We’ve never tried mosaic before, we all had such an amazing time learning, singing and chatting. Fantastic day!"

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"I'm so glad you loved my course! Your work was fabulous and so much learned in a day. I'd love a picture or 3 of your pieces in their final places. Keep them indoors for a few days and let them set fully. Thank you for a lovely review, Laura"