Latest reviews

Pauline Colburn reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"Just used day one of my woodturning course voucher & have had such an interesting day, Stuart made me feel relaxed from the start , explaining about the woods preparation and showing examples of various techniques & finishes , which I found inspiring .I am a complete beginner but Stuart is a very relaxed & patient tutor who gives you confidence .His workshop is well equipped & has a a good ventilation system. I had a go at spindle making in the morning . had lunch & with Stuarts guidance ( & lots of help ) I managed to produce a lovely oak dish to take home in the afternoon . This was a wonderful birthday gift & I'm really looking forward to day 2. I think the success of the day was summed up by my familys reaction of "wow . did you make that?""

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks for your review Pauline and glad you got so much out of your day. Look forward to the second act. Stuart."

Fiona reviewed: Make a 'Concertina' purse in a day - Craft it yourself Practical Leather Course

"Had a great time last week at a the purse making course. On entering the workshop you a hit by a lovely smell of leather. Georgie is a friendly and skilled teacher to guide you through the stages but allowing you the freedom of individual design. And you leave with an item you can use every day. Thank you Georgie."

Hands of Tym responded:

"Thank you Fi! I am so happy to hear you enjoyed the course, it was a pleasure to have you all here. So great to see you all and the purses looked amazing :)"

Neil Murdoch reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"I had the course "Creative Vibe - glassblowing private sessions 9th June. Ricky was an excellent coach, his instructions were clear and concise. Taking you though each part of the process. I would highly recommend anyone who feels the urge to try Glassblowing to go to see Ricky Keech. The three hours just flew by, can't wait to see the fished glass next week. Course “Just Brilliant” well worth the 2 hour drive! Neil Murdoch ( Sheffield)"

Fiona Rogers reviewed: Experimental Printmaking inspired by Mid Century Design in Derbyshire

"I had a lovely day on Liz Wellby's Experimental Printmaking course. She covered so much ground in such a short time so I came away feel inspired and with a lot of new ideas. I would love it if the course was two days so that I could have really plumbed the depths of Liz's knowledge. Loved my generous little goody bag with lolly, too. Thank you, Liz - a great day in your beautiful studio and garden."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Fiona, Thanks you for reviewing your workshop and so pleased that you enjoyed your day here. You have planted a seed re extending this workshop to two days. A great idea. Hope to see you again at The Slipper Studio. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Jane McGregor reviewed: Watercolour painting with Erica Just

"A really enjoyable day with Erica. Its a shame we have to endure the partitioning and masks which do detract from full engagement, but perfectly accept that they are necessary to keep us safe in the pandemic. I learned a lot about watercolour, which was my aim for attending. Peaceful location and lovely lunch. A very worthwhile experience,"

Created By Hand responded:

"Hi Jane Thanks for the review Yes it is a shame that we need to screen off each student in these strange times but it's good to know that they didn't affect your experience too greatly. Hopefully in the near future this will be something that we can stop doing and return to the full tutor / student experience Dave"

Heather reviewed: Creative metalwork and welding, scrap metal sculpture.

"My day at the scrap metal workshop was simply brilliant. I was made to feel comfortable and encouraged to be a creative as I pleased. The level of tuition was remarkable baring in mind the short time span and the potential new equipment being used. It felt safe and informative without retracting from a sense of creativity. Everyone there appeared to be happy with each different project. I would highly recommend this course and will try and return for more as soon as I can. Thank you!"

WTF Workshops responded:

"Heather, such kind words, thank you! I have to say, you fully embraced the spirit of WTF Workshops and tore into your project with gleeful abandon, which is as inspiring for us as it is for the other people on the course that day. Thank YOU!"

Laura McBride reviewed: 2 day knife/axe making courses

"I booked the axe/knife making course for my partner Owen's birthday. He loves Damascus so I contacted Gary to ask to pay to upgrade it and he had no problems. Gary and Joss were absolutely brilliant. To say that Owen had absolutely no experience in a forge they gave clear and accurate instructions. I would recommend this course to any of my friends or family. And to have come away with such a stunning axe is amazing. Thank you Gary and Joss for such an awesome course. Owen and Laura xx"

shane reviewed: Creative metalwork and welding, scrap metal sculpture.

"Sign up straight away! My 14 year old son and myself really enjoyed the day. Felix and Izy are welcoming, knowledgeable and patient. There is a great heap of scrap metal and help to think up something to make. The workshop is stocked with vices, hammers, welders, brazing tools, metal cutting saws and plasma cutters and you are issued with all the necessary instructions, support and safety equipment. Lunch outside in the sun with others on the course - great background music selection (Felix) and proud photos of creations by us all at the end of the day. WTF - sign up!"

WTF Workshops responded:

"Haha, I love that you enjoyed my eclectic music mix! Having you and your son with us was a pleasure. It's inspiring seeing teenagers and their parents genuinely enjoying doing things together, and both taking something away from the day. I hope I have such a great relationship with teenager when my boy gets there in a few years!"

Mark Oglesby reviewed: Creative metalwork and welding, scrap metal sculpture.

"V enjoyable course, hands on, good guidance, with course leaders who made me feel at ease from the start. Highly recommended"

WTF Workshops responded:

"Thank you Mark! And thank you for coming :)"

Helen Leigh-Rush reviewed: 6 Mosaic Coasters Party Pack - Craft Kit

"Bought as a gift and recipient was pleased, so happy! Thank you for your help H☺️x"

Patrizia reviewed: Pottery / ceramics wheel throwing, full day

"It’s amazing what can be achieved in the day pottery course! As there are few participants Lorraine can follow the individual progress and give expert advice and guidance. At the same time she allows experimentation and helps to turn ideas into beautiful objects. I will definitely go back to do the glazing course. Lovely relaxed atmosphere in a beautiful setting."

Siân reviewed: Dungaree Making with Twin Made One-to-One

"Charlotte made the workshop feel so easy, and is a really good teacher. My dungarees are awesome! I will be back for another workshop no doubt."

Jane Carmichael reviewed: Introduction to Silkscreen Printing in Cambridgeshire

"We spent a lovely day learning about screenprinting and messing around with inks and prints. Judith was knowledgeable, helpful, patient and had lots of ideas to help us make something we were each pleased with. The whole day was a treat!"

Sylvia Mann reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"A great day. Friendly and relaxed atmosphere and a lot of help and support carving the spoons using an axe - a very different technique for me having only used knives. Thoroughly recommended."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Hi Sylvia Thank you for review. Glad you enjoyed the day. Keep on whittling! All the best Mark and Cristina"

Shelly reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Today I attended Jo's Candle Making as a business workshop and I can honestly say it was the fastest four hours ever. Jo was so welcoming and her enthusiasm is infectious. Jo is happy to share her wealth of knowledge and experience and I have come away with so many ideas that my head is spinning! Also so lovely that we got to make so many lovely things to bring home. I honestly couldn't recommend this course enough....thank you Jo!"

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thank you for such a lovely review. It was so nice to meet you. I wish you lots of luck bringing your ideas to fruition. X"

Fiona reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving, Fisherton Mill, Salisbury, Wiltshire

"What a fantastic day. A chance to learn, a chance to chill, and a much needed chance to forget the stresses of the last 18 months. Ellie is an amazing teacher, so knowledgeable and patient, and supportive of our varying choices, experience and ideas. And yet very laid back and inclusive. I shall be going back soon!"

Elka responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely review Fiona. It was a pleasure to meet you and i'm so glad you enjoyed the day!"

Sue Jeffrey reviewed: Pottery / ceramics wheel throwing, full day

"We loved every minute of our day at Woodsetton. Both my daughter and myself were complete novices but under Lorraine’s expert tutelage we produced pots, plenty of them! Her way of teaching is spot on - plenty of attention but without feeling that you are constantly being observed. Lorraine timed it so that she would come back at the vital moment and either talk us through what needed doing or praise our efforts. Added to that the location is lovely with a sunny garden to take a break and homemade scones with our cup of tea!! I thoroughly recommend Woodsetton for a pottery experience."

Caroline reviewed: Live Online Macrame Pot Hanger Workshop with Posted Materials

"Really enjoyed this online course and thoroughly recommend it as a beginners entrance into Macrame."

Phil Carney reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a great day out! A very enjoyable experience. Hosted really well, spent a good day learning new things at the forge and got fed the best cakes too! I'd recommend it as a day out for anyone."

Sarah reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"What a great day! This is such good fun and we got to make some really amazing pieces. I can't recommend it enough."

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind review Sarah, so glad you enjoyed the experience with us. Regards The team at Chew valley handmade glass"

Judith Wilkin reviewed: Creative Machine Stitching

"Helen is a very talented lady and made some fantastic, inspirational things. However I'm sorry to say that the lack of structure and organisation to the day left us disappointed. We didn't start sewing until 2.15pm. I was unclear until then as to what I was actually going to do, and when Helen showed me a picture I had sent her as the sort of thing I liked, realised that it was impossible to do more than draw it and practice a tiny bit. I felt I should have been guided into spending the morning practicing elements of the sewing techniques on scraps, then making a start on the actual picture in the afternoon. Playing with paints, which were not already set out, was a waste of time. Too much time wasted talking. On previous courses packs have been ready for us and we got straight on, chatting as working. I had admired a pack of Helens on line and said I'd be happy to do that. That would have been more constructive. My aim was to learn some free style embroidery techniques and apply them to a work of art. I never achieved this. Not value for money. Also no facility for hand washing after using the toilet or paints, especially in Covid, is so unhygenic. I know sanitisers were available but government regulations are for washing."

Helen Moyes Designs responded:

"Thanks Judith for feedback which I consider carefully. We discussed your aims before the workshop. I am so sorry we didn't establish the picture was the only thing you wanted to work on. I always seek to be led by participants and hope you use the backgrounds you created – especially with Brusho crystals which was impressive. You're experienced in free machine embroidery and I was pleased to start you quilting with Trapunto. You made a great start on your piece and could have stayed to continue. We are committed to having all resources ready by the agreed start time and offer a wide variety of resources, too extensive to include in a pack. You were given samples of those you’re not familiar with and could make notes on them. This workshop was my first in-person post lockdown. Following your comment on handwashing I’ve reintroduced it. I monitor the balance of fun, learning & experimenting within a safe & inspiring environment and hope to be able to welcome you back to experience this."

Heather Ransom reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing & glass fusing 1-day course

"What a fantastic day with Sarah and Chris learning a mix of glass fusion and pottery. Superb teaching and patience to enable me to create a few pieces in each discipline. Thanks both you are credits to your own professions."

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"It was great to help you create some fabulous pieces and have a relaxing day! Many thanks"

Helen Leigh-Rush reviewed: 'Print & Repeat' Accessible Silk Screen Printing book by Dionne Swift

"Dionne, thank you I’m so pleased with your wonderful book! Best wishes H ☺️"

Helen Leigh-Rush reviewed: Make at home - fused glass wild flower meadow kit

"I bought this for my sister-in-law’s birthday and she was thrilled!! Natalie was so helpful Thank you so much H ☺️"

Natalie Bullock Art responded:

"Hello Helen ? Thank you for your feedback! I’m so pleased your sister-in-law was pleased with her kit! ? Best wishes Natalie x"

Robert Wright reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"A great course, fun to learn and a product at the end. Thoroughly enjoyed it"