Latest reviews

Jack reviewed: Log Bottomed Willow Basket

"Turned up late but managed to catch up and didn't get told off too much!! Made a basket i'm well chuffed with and its not too wonky. Thanks Rach for putting up with me you are a star!"

Pete reviewed: Log Bottomed Willow Basket

"Lots to learn, very knowledgeable and patient tutor. Hard work but fun and made a basket even the wife liked!"

Hilary Wrigley reviewed: Log Bottomed Willow Basket

"A unique opportunity in unique surroundings. I thoroughly enjoyed it and felt the tutor was excellent, helpful and knowledgeable. I made a great basket - with help!"

Brian Hill reviewed: 'Fundamental Art Skills for complete beginners ' 10-week interactive online zoom course with live tuition

"I really enjoyed this beginners course on-line zoom course by Raya. I was a little unsure what to expect as I have never been on Zoom before to learn art. Raya reassured me with her skills and techniques which made my confidence grow week by week. I was never even comfortable using a computer never mind trying to learn art online. Raya's teaching techniques via Zoom were brilliant and it helped me gain confidence around using my laptop and learning the basics of drawing. The course was amazing and it helped me to find the inner artist within myself. Using Raya's expertise I gained knowledge of traditional foundation skills in drawing. Thanks Raya...."

Magic Wool Art and Craft Studio responded:

"Dear Brian, Thank you very much for your review. I am glad that you found my Zoom art course helpful and encouraging. I am delighted that it gave you a good start in learning Art and I hope you will continue developing your skills further. You have produced some very good art work. Keep on practicing art! Look forward to seeing you again at our next online zoom art course. Raya"

Helen Hygate reviewed: Cold Process Soap Making- Wild Garden Inspired

"This was such a fantastic workshop, I had a thoroughly enjoyable day! Rachel was an amazing tutor with so much knowledge, such a lovely person. I learned loads of ways to produce beauty products, the handouts were brilliant, the venue was unique, comfortable and welcoming. I would love to return and do another course, thank you!"

Natalie Thomas reviewed: Cold Process Soap Making- Wild Garden Inspired

"This was a great hands-on, full day of making. It was well structured, with Rachel guiding us through soap making in the morning, then giving us freedom to have a go at the other bits like salves and bath bombs later in the day. It was a lovely friendly atmosphere and I went away with an incredible collection of bath time goodies!"

Jane reviewed: Cold Process Soap Making- Wild Garden Inspired

"Amazing course I was kept busy all day. Lots to smell, try and make. Well paced and plenty to do and take home. Rachel treated us all as individuals and tailored the afternoon of the course to our tastes/ desires. Lots of tea, buns and a warm fire too what more can a girl want? Can’t wait for her next course."

Sam Hobday reviewed: Cold Process Soap Making- Wild Garden Inspired

"Fantastic course that I would highly recommend. The venue was wonderful and Rachel the course tutor was absolutely lovely, very knowledgable and happy to guide us through making lots of different products, which we took home at the end of the day. The booklet we received was great too so now I can make the products at home as well. Thoroughly enjoyable and lovely to meet so many nice people on the day, can’t wait to do another course!!"

Beth reviewed: Cold Process Soap Making- Wild Garden Inspired

"What a great day! Brilliant well structured, hands on course. The morning was soap making, starting easy and building up to making soap that feels like you're doing a science experiment. The afternoon involved a variety of products tailored to each of us and what we fancied making. Rachel was a great tutor with lots of knowledge about the materials that we were using and the products we made. We didn't only go away with lots of goodies but also got plenty of very useful hand outs so we can carry on making at home."

Jan Borwn reviewed: Cold Process Soap Making- Wild Garden Inspired

"A fantastic day - well it did start with cakes! We made a range of soaps, some from scratch then were able to create a variety of products of our individual choice (my son loves the blues busting beard wax and the energising beard oil, I’m finding the joint cream very good). Rachel is a great instructor, she gave us lots of information and recipes, guided us when we needed it and let us get on when we felt confident to do so. By the end of the day we all had a huge range of products and felt we’d learned a lot, I’m definitely going to start making my own herb infused oils and trying more of Rachel’s recipes."

stephen featherstone reviewed: Laser Craft - Beginner - 1 Day - One to One

"A fairly intensive day Yes can look at laser cutting videos but nothing replaces the face to face contact , questions /answers and handling the materials to set you on the right track. A very good day ."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thanks Stephen. And well done!"

Adam reviewed: Two-day woodcarving for beginners

"Having no previous woodcarving experience, i didn't know what to expect and was a little nervous about the course. I shouldn't have been though. Will is an excellent teacher and very patient. We started by learning the basics such as the tools and how to sharpen the chisels (I'd never even sharpened a knife before!) before trying out some woodcarving techniques. Before long, I'd gained enough confidence to start on my own piece and am delighted with the final result. Considering I had zero experience, it's not that bad at all ? Thank you Will for a great, fun experience."

Steve Lucas reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Long awaited Covid delayed birthday present. A great day. Greeted on arrival with a cup of tea followed by a short health and safety overview. Then straight in to making a snail key ring. Great step by step instruction before being released with fire and hammer. Ongoing support and guidance throughout. Then on to the Dragon coat rack with stage by stage instruction and guidance. All this interspersed with fabulous food, we did discuss whether we had time for a brief snooze after lunch but the dragons were calling. This was an excellent hands on day with expert guidance. The guys were there when you needed them but let you work at your own pace in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Would thoroughly recommend."

David Rowlands reviewed: An introduction to wood turning with Gregory Moreton (2 Days)

"This was a thoroughly enjoyable course. We got started at the lathe quickly and learned new techniques progressively. Greg was clear in explaining what we needed to do and why we were doing it, such as how it affected the wood and why the order was important. He was patient and also let us learn from our own mistakes, but stepping in where needed. We also ended up with some pieces of work to be proud of at the end! Meanwhile, Greg kept the mood light and the coffee and soup were good too. I have been on quite a few short practical courses and this was one of the best all round! I would highly recommend him."

Derek Lewis reviewed: Summer natural dyeing in Pembrokeshire

"Excellent workshop. Susan is very knowledgeable on her subject but makes the workshop suitable for all levels. Would thoroughly recommend."

joe parsons reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"My wife bought me this as a birthday gift and I have to say it was fantastic from the moment I got there to when the day was done. It was hands on and I was made to feel welcome and the coffee started to flow. This taster day gives you a small insight into the skilks that are involved with this craft. Bob is a fantastic teacher and gives you the confidence to have a real go at it but will help you when you get into trouble. I can't say how much I enjoyed the day, it was so much fun and doesn't feel like a full day. Would recommend this to everyone if they were interested in having a go. Was really pleased with my toasting fork and viking knife that I took home. 10 out of 10"

Ed SM reviewed: Silver Jewellery Making 1 to 1 Private Class

"I had such a great time on this course and can't recommend it enough. It's a very rewarding experience seeing the crafting process through from start to end, the tutoring was clear and helped get the most out of the day. I'd love to return to experiment with more ambitious designs now that I feel more confident thanks to this course! :)"

Karene reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"Just completed the two day course and came home buzzing with enthusiasm for leather work. Jason is so helpful and knowledgeable his studio is set in a beautiful location. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Came away with a lovely new handbag that no one believes I hand made!!! Hoping to make a trip back down and attempt the three day course sometime."

Alex Gadsby reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"An absolutely excellent course with a brilliant teacher! I had so much fun over the course with Jo, reupholstering a lovely 1940s chair I inherited from my grandma. Jo is an excellent, calm, quiet, patient, funny and attentive teacher. She was always ready with top tips, advice and encouragement. I really appreciated her letting us figure some things out for ourselves (which built confidence) and never being on top of us. The class size was small - just 4 of us - so we all had plenty of help as we tackled each stage. It was great watching others upholstering different styles of chair. The materials provided were high quality and I even got to take away the wool scraps for composting. It’s definitely not gentle work - I was knackered at the end of each day, but buzzing with the progress I’d made. The venue is really central in York and you work in a cool artists’ studio surrounded by Jo’s own amazing artwork. I came up from the Midlands and made a weekend of it, staying nearby and enjoying the lovely shops and places to eat on the doorstep. I’d never tried upholstery before, though I definitely had an advantage having used a sewing machine before. I finished the course with a newly padded and covered seat and back, with clear instructions for final finishing flourishes back at home. I’m absolutely delighted with what I managed to achieve in the time. It’s like a brand new chair and I expect it’ll get another 70+ years of wear. Thank you Jo for all your help and support. I’m already scouring Facebook marketplace for my next doer upper and may well be back for more!"

Sheree reviewed: Beginners Course in Stained Glass

"Chris was a great tutor - patient and informative with his instruction - had a lovely two days with him and came away with a wonderful piece of glasswork which I was very proud of (amazing what you can achieve in two days!). It has been admired by family and friends. Thoroughly recommend both Chris and Pauline from - Wold Stained Glass."

Wold Stained Glass responded:

"Many thanks Sheree, It was a lovely couple of days. Chris :)"

Karen Moynihan reviewed: Large outdoor plaster hare sculpture kit

"I have absolutely loved making the hare. There was no shortage of supplies, and the instructions were very straightforward. It is excellent value, and the finishe piece looks amazing"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to place a review Karen. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the experience and ended up with a fabulous hare sculpture you can pop in your garden. Jo x"

Kerry Lees reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"We had a wonderful mum and daughter morning with Anita. Anita was so knowledgeable and fun. It was a really relaxed experience and there was no pressure to be outstanding candle makers. We had a giggle and learnt some interesting techniques. Anita was wonderfully patient and talented. We loved creating our own fragrances and making candles which match our home Interior. We would love to come back and would highly recommend"

Su Parker reviewed: Creative Drawing Workshop for beginners in lovely Lawrenny

"This was one cf the first classes I did with Louise and I'm so pleased it was because it gave the confidence to try others, safe in the knowledge that Louise's teaching style would get the best out of me, whatever the medium being used. In this case it was charcoal. Louise leads by example and breaks things down into manageable chunks so I didn't feel overwhelmed and was able to relax into the session and really enjoy seeing what could be achieved with the medium. Such a liberating experience and I ended up with a finished landscape which far exceeded my expectations to such a degree that I still can't believe I did it! But that's all down to Louise's skill as a teacher and the way she makes you feel with her encouraging and knowledgable approach. Spending time in Louise's lovely studio is a real treat!"

Louise Burdett Artist responded:

"Thank you so much for the fab review Su. A pleasure as always. x"

Annie Wilkins reviewed: 2 day traditional stained glass course

"I had a lovely two days. Bonnie could not have been more patient and I came away with a wonderful glass panel that I feel very proud of. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to have a go at a new craft."

Allanah reviewed: 10 Week, 30 hour Silver Jewellery Day School, Thursday

"I love Teresa's jewellery classes! As a newbie I wasn't sure what to expect but Teresa's calm, knowledgable and unflappable approach had me working with silver in no time. I wear the rings I made everyday and get tons of compliments on them. I enjoyed the classes so much that I'm enrolled for another five weeks and am looking forward to working on some more advanced creations with Teresa's help and guidance. The best thing I've done for a very long time ?"

Creative Therapy Space responded:

"Thank you so much Allanah! I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a review ? I love teaching and what makes it even better is working with amazing people like you. I'm looking forward to bashing more metal into treasure with you. Teresa X"