Latest reviews

Andy reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"An excellent course. If you keep yours eyes and ears open you will learn a lot about woodworking as well as leaving with a piece of work to be proud of."

Alice Howlett reviewed: Willow Woven Stars

"Excellent course, well worth the money, got lots of goodies and extras to take home. Great tutor and a relaxing way to spend 2 hours."

Dominic and Ruth reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Really interesting day. Good atmosphere. Challenging but well instructed and lots of support as you went along. Really interesting day and the food / drink was exceptional; would recommend to anyone"

Anthony Loveless reviewed: Silversmithing workshop

"Really great course taught very well for beginners. Kami is very welcoming and helpful. Would highly recommend to anyone looking into this sort of activity."

Mya Designs responded:

"Hi Anthony, Thanks so much for your review. I am impressed with how well you handled each part of the process and once shown you picked up the skills really quickly! I love the texture you used and personalisation with stamping. Hopefully see you in the future for any other crafts you might be interested in :)"

Ginny Pratt reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"I have thoroughly enjoyed this day ( twice now) a great way to become totally engrossed in creativity no matter what level of artisticness you may be at Siobhan will cater to your needs. group size is just right, refreshments are plenty if your looking for a day of escapism fun and creativity then highly recommend having a go."

Roderick Smith reviewed: Introduction to small goods leather crafting

"A great day out learning new skills in a warm and friendly environment, all leather and tools provided, The tuition is first-class from master craftsmen Paul who will give you all the help and guidance you need to complete your project and get started in a marvellous and engaging hobby. I came away with a beautiful notebook cover of my own making with the help and advice from Paul."

Dawn Steel reviewed: Training course in upcycling with pallets. An introduction to making furniture with pallets for beginners

"I had the most amazing day with Scott. It was great fun and I "made a thing"!!! I was ridiculously proud of the garden caddy that I made and am champing at the bit to make more things. Scott was a great teacher - calm, knowledgeable, encouraging and extremely patient (especially when I kept changing my mind on the design). The hospitality was great and his space is brilliant - lots of ideas scattered around the place for future designs. Sue provided great cakes and hit the nail on the head when she said I was channelling the joy of my inner eight-year-old! I highly recommend this course and will be signing up for more (sorry Scott!). A terrific day all around. Dawn"

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Thanks Dawn. You were great fun to have for the day and yes we would love to see you again. Scott"

Beth reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"Did this course with my sister yesterday and still buzzing from it. Chris and Steve were great (and patient) instructors and kept us laughing all morning. Didn’t know what kind of thing to expect going into it but I’m so glad I went. We got to make a whole bunch of things, way more than expected and I actually learned things about the process too. Can’t wait to see my finished pieces, however wonky they may be! Would definitely go back again for more."

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Hi Beth, Thank you so much for your review. We are so glad you both enjoyed your time with us, it was a pleasure to meet you both. Regards Steve & Chris"

Martina reviewed: 'Have a go' Pottery workshop

"Had smashing time and learned a lot. Great teacher!"

Saz's Ceramics & Crafts responded:

"Thanks Martina, it was a pleasure to teach you and Natalie! Can't wait to fire your pots! ;-)"

Julia Randall reviewed: Natural soap and skincare workshop

"Wonderful time spent in lovely Somerset with Nic and Ben learning about and making divine skin care products. Thoroughly recommend this as an absorbing and insightful workshop with the added benefit of all a sorts of goodies to bring home and use. Highly recommended!"

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Thanks so much for your lovely review Julia! We're really glad to hear you enjoyed your workshop with us! Nic x"

MRS PAULINE HARRISON reviewed: Bring Your Own Upholstery Project - 1 day workshop - Week Days

"Excellent! Everything I had hoped for and much more. As advertised, the BYO project course was perfect for me as a beginner – • Plenty of skilled, safety-conscious & supportive - individual attention, • No pressure to keep up with others learning the same new skill and, • An inspiring context in which look & listen to others seeking guidance for much more advanced projects. Thank you Sarah (& three other participants) for all the mugs of tea and buckets of inspiration – altogether a 'Grand Day Out!'"

Nicola Collins reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"We had a fab day on this experience at the firebird forge! Bought this day for my boyfriend but I also thoroughly enjoyed myself! Mort is a great teacher and makes the day fun while you’re learning ? we had a great day and made loads of lovely pieces (I love my cake slice!) and we will be back for more forging in the future at the firebird forge - thanks for a great day! ?"

Firebird Forge responded:

"Cheers for the review Nicola. It was a pleasure having both you and John at the forge for the day and the hand forged cake slice was definitely a first! You’re both most welcome anytime you’d like to return. All the best, Mort."

Janet ledger reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Kench Hill, Tenterden

"What a brilliant day making a basket from willow surrounded by woodland . Thank you."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Good morning Janet, Thank you so much for your fantastic review. Much appreciated. I hope you had a wonderful time away and have been able to fully unwind. Look forward to meeting you again, who knows at another of my courses. Again many thanks. Best wishes, Marianne Crafty Basketry"

Alison Brown reviewed: Candlemaking workshops for beginners in Hastoe, nr Tring

"A superb morning spent with Anne. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole process of candle making. Anne’s manner of teaching was superb-patient and clear. The choice of scents to add to our candles was extensive and it was good to be using eco-friendly ingredients. I couldn’t believe how much Anne fitted into the workshop and we all went home with more candles than I had imagined we would make in the time. I would thoroughly recommend this course and would be keen to do another in the future."

Elena Pujol reviewed: Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop.

"I had a fantastic day with Lyn learning different techniques in Encaustic Wax. A really full-on day, but Lyn kept a relaxing atmosphere, whilst covering so much. I didn't want to create a masterpiece but wanted to learn more of the fundamentals of this medium, having dabbled a bit at home, I needed guidance from an expert. I had seen Lyn's work during Arts week and was sure her course would be what I was looking for. I took photos and kept notes of the processes used throughout the day. Lyn also provided an excellent handout 'suggested starter kit' which I have already bought most of now, and having been inspired by my day with Lyn have started creating and exploring many of the techniques she showed me. Not only was the tutoring excellent, the setting of the workshop and Lyn's hospitality was lovely, her homemade cakes looked beautiful but I was so wrapped up in the art, I forgot to eat any, I don't think I am exaggerating when I say this was the best workshop I've ever been on, I will be back for more. I took my Niece with me as she had been very interested in my home dabbling, and as a complete novice, she had a wonderful time and is now hooked. Thanks, Lyn."

Sue Knight reviewed: Spoon carving workshop with Fazey Woodcraft

"This one day course was given as a birthday gift to my husband and me. Such an interesting and enjoyable day. Jack was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about his craft. I was impressed at how he made sure we all adhered to safe practice without being a killjoy! We were amazed at how a spoon materialized with support, as and when required, by just using an axe and some very sharp knives! We would certainly recommend this course as a gift for someone or a treat for yourself."

Fazey Woodcraft responded:

"Thanks Sue!"

Alison Smail reviewed: Willow sculpture workshop at Tresillian House

"I have wanted to try willow weaving for some time. Having been treated to a voucher by my family, I chose Kate’s workshop and was very glad I did. Kate and her partner provided a warm welcome to their home and workshop. Kate was very supportive and patient with a real novice, offering suggestions and practical feedback as my sculpture took shape. A wonderful homemade lunch gave me a chance to explore the garden and see a small sample of the amazing and different sculptures that Kate has done. Time flew and after a wonderful and rewarding day, I left with a pheasant sculpture that received many compliments from my family. I have recommended this course to friends and family and look forward to going again next year to make a new sculpture!"

Penny reviewed: Free-machine embroidery classes with Dawn Ireland

"I attended one of the Friday morning embroidery classes, having done a couple of full-day courses with Dawn. The studio is such a great place to be - it's light and airy with a lovely calm atmosphere and it's full of fabrics, threads, books and I am always feel inspired just by being there! In the class I went to we did applique and reverse applique but I also took a piece of my own because I wanted a bit of help with it. As always, Dawn was encouraging, helpful and gave me the support I needed. Going on a Friday morning was a marvellous thing to do after 4 busy days at work and I would highly recommend this class."

Dawn Ireland Textile Artist responded:

"Really pleased you enjoyed the morning class Penny. Thank you so much for writing your lovely review."

Jayne Birch-Jones reviewed: Glass fusing workshop - 1 day

"Me and a friend had a fabulous day with Jill, glass fusing. Very good for our mental well-being, we were immersed in our projects under the kind guidance of Jill. We are both thrilled with the results. Thanks to John for refreshments and a lovely lunch. Highly recommend, we will be back for another workshop!"

Fired Glass responded:

"We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your time with us so much. Mental well-being is so important to us all. We look forward to seeing you again in the future. Kind regards John and Jill"

Sharon Newick reviewed: Glass fusing workshop - 2 hours (pm)

"This was a gift to my friend and myself after the trials of the last 2 years and we thoroughly enjoyed our time creating, learning and chatting. Very welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, the 2 hours flew by. Can't wait to try some more. Thank you very much for your time and expertise."

Fired Glass responded:

"Thank you Sharon, we are so pleased to hear you both enjoyed your time with us and found it relaxing and creative. We'd love to see you both again. John and Jilly"

Elissa reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"The course went well beyond my expectations. Bill was patient, informative, supportive and so very knowledgable. I learned so much and came away feeling a whole new appreciation for leather making. Bill shared his immense and widely varied skills in such a way that I tackled projects, a bracelet and bag, I would never imagined possible. Without a doubt one of the best courses I have ever been on."

Bespoke Leather responded:

"Thanks Elissa for the review and a lovely weekend. I enjoyed it as much as you guys."

Sarah reviewed: Fused glass day course - beginners/intermediate

"Great class, I love the result"

Lesley Evans reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"I took a wing-backed chair to revamp it. WOW, JO certainly knows her craft inside and out. Such an experienced tutor, yet friendly, approachable, so professional and s wonderful artist who shone through so much talent. Even when I took the dreaded tartan material which is not recommended at all, so hard to match. But Jo helped me when I was clearly out of my depth, giving me so much confidence to do more at home. Plus the lovely tea as and when required and a lovely group of like-minded people. Just FABULOUS. Can't wait for my next course with Jo. Don't be worried or nervous to try a new skill, Jo is one of the best tutors I've ever had, and I've done lots of courses over the years. ( Just don't take tartan material. Lol)"

Julie reviewed: Flower portraits - weekend art workshops in Anglesey, North Wales

"As a nervous beginner, I was a little apprehensive about attending a painting course, particularly as to how I might compare against my fellow course members, but I needn't have worried. The atmosphere was very relaxed and friendly and I came away feeling much more confident about what I can achieve. I particularly enjoyed the challenge of painting in a bigger, looser style. Thank you, Georgina."

Georgina Rambton responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Julie. I'm glad you enjoyed the weekend."

Ann Henson reviewed: Candlemaking for Beginners

"I attended this course today, went in knowing nothing came out amazed with what l had learnt. Rob is a fantastic tutor, he made everything fun and easy to understand...."