Latest reviews

Shelby reviewed: Lampworking Workshop: Half Day Beginners Workshop

"This was such a great day. me and my mum did the half day workshop and was really surprised in what we achieved. We have never done lampworking before and it was a complete surprise for my mum. After an impressive demonstration we were left to our lamps to have a go. Like all crafts, it needs practice, and we were left to grasp the feel of working with glass at our own pace. It was very refreshing to not have the tutor quickly take over the minute we go off kilter a little. We received our beads 2 days later and was incredibly proud of our achievements. Be warned it was mesmerising and I can totally see anyone getting hooked."

Suzanne Jewellery responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a lovely review. I am so pleased you and your mum enjoyed your Lampworking experience."

John Pinner reviewed: The complete basics of woodturning (2 days)

"I've been talking of starting woodturning for years. Finally got to start after I was bought a lathe and a set of chisels for my birthday, along with this 2 day course. Because of covid it was 6 months until i could get to Mark's course. So all my turning was done from you tube and trial and error. (Mostly error) After the initial excitement had worn off, I was getting increasingly frustrated, destroying more pieces than I was finishing. Loved my 2 days spent with Mark, a great teacher and very patient. We ran over on day 2, probably down to me asking so many questions, and even though we finished almost an hour and half late, i was never rushed into getting finished. Loved our chats over lunch, which were completely unrelated to woodturning. Spent all of sunday spinning bits of wood in my workshop, can't believe the difference its made. I can now make more than just firewood."

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you John. Hope you've got that bowl gouge ordered. All the best, Mark"

Chris Peters reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I have done some woodturning for several years but am self-taught and never had 1-2-1 instruction, consequently my technique leaves a lot to be desired! I saw this 1-day course, a birthday present from my wife, as an ideal opportunity to do something about this. From the moment I arrived Simon and Louise made me most welcome and the whole day was delightful. Simon is an inspirational teacher and as well as helping me to improve my basic skills he suggested lots of ideas for extending the range of projects I could consider in the future. I also learnt a great deal about the way Simon has organised his workshop and enjoyed chatting about many different aspects of this fascinating craft. Louise provided frequent cups of tea and a lovely lunch which greatly added to the enjoyment of the day. I can thoroughly recommend spending a day with Simon whether you are an absolute beginner or more experienced."

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

"Chris, Thank you so much for your lovely comments. You were a model student - made one of the best beads I've seen! I look forward to seeing more of your work in the future and catching up when you next visit the Ely Crafts market. All the best, Simon"

Emma Beardsley reviewed: Introduction to Table Loom Weaving, Crawley Village Hall, Hampshire - Two Day Workshop

"I've never done a workshop like this before, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Ellie was fantastic.....really friendly and welcoming and explained everything as we went along, making it easy to understand and do the weaving. I was so pleased with my finished piece....the three hours went quickly! If you're thinking about having a go at weaving, and you've never done it before...do this workshop....it's brilliant!"

Elka responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely review Emma! It was an absolute pleasure to meet you :)"

Roz reviewed: Come Frame With Me 2 - Bring a Friend or Relative

"Such a fabulous day learning the fundamentals of picture framing. Ady is an excellent tutor, working at the perfect pace to allow someone new to picture framing to take everything in and make notes, whilst maintaining a good momentum throughout the day. We came away with the confidence to have a go at home and enough enthusiasm to want to book further courses to hone our skills. Absolutely delighted with the frame I created on the day it gave new life to one of my Mother's paintings. I should also mention that the refreshments were top notch as well. So if you are hesitating about booking this course, don't, it's worth every penny. Thank you Ady and Cathy for a wonderful day."

Studio 93 Framing responded:

"That’s very kind, Roz; it was a pleasure to host you and Becky for the day. Thoroughly enjoyed the rapport and your enthusiasm. My best wishes for your future framing and please keep in touch."

Amelia Lambert reviewed: Beginner's Traditional Stained Glass 2 Day Course

"I was given this weekend stained glass course as a Christmas present, and I couldn't have asked for anything more wonderful! I was the only person booked onto this course, so benefitted from 1-1 tuition from the lovely Gill. I was given the option of creating one large A3 piece from leaded stained glass, or try a smaller leaded A4 stained glass piece on the first day and a copper-foil stained glass piece on the second. I chose the two separate pieces and am so glad I did- both techniques are really interesting, and Gill is a brilliant teacher! She made it so easy, from cutting the glass and stretching the lead to using the soldering iron. She explained everything clearly and made it an absolutely pleasure. It was so lovely to have someone so interesting and knowledgeable to chat to throughout the weekend, and the beautiful location also helped! As an added bonus, the lovely Santa and Michael from the farm shop on site made us the most delicious lunch. Worth visiting just for their white chocolate and raspberry brownies! I’ve come home with two beautiful pieces and am very much looking forward to returning in the future."

Gill Rogers responded:

"Many thanks Amelia for your wonderful review and kind comments, it was so lovely to meet you and I had such a fun time too! Hope your enjoy your beautiful stained glass leaded panel and bird suncatcher. Well done you, they looked absolutely stunning! Look forward to seeing you again sometime in the near future. All my very best wishes Gill x"

Michelle Bourne reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"I had this experience as a birthday present which I shared with my sister. We both had a wonderful time learning all about making a selection of pots and painting them. Matthew was a fantastic teacher and we absolutely had the best time. Highly recommended."

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Thank you Michelle, I had a great day teaching you both and the resulting pots produced were fantastic. Best wishes Mathew"

Andrew King reviewed: Log to tumbler with Gedwood

"I have done a couple of other green woodworking courses and enjoyed learning new skills. This course was a great day and a whole new set of skills to learn. Ged was patient and helpful throughout the day with some great tips and fixes for my mistakes. Amazing to get a couple of tumblers made when starting the day with a tree trunk! It's hard work, but very much worth the effort."

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks Andrew. Some fine tumblers made and soon be ready for a dram or two!"

Christine Russell reviewed: 2 day Asymmetrical basket making courses - two days with Joe Gregory at Creative with Nature Todmorden Yorkshire

"Thoroughly enjoyed the workshop, in fabulous new premises. Joe is a great teacher, I'm amazed that I was able to make a basket in two days. I wish I lived closer, would love to do more."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"ah that's lovely christine thanks you! you did a lovely job and a particularly nice class: ) well done a lot of work went into your basket. joe. xx"

Jane Gentry reviewed: Introduction to Natural Dyeing, Mere, Wiltshire

"Thoroughly enjoyed the day! Lovely environment so friendly and welcoming. I learnt so much and it was so great to be introduced to a subject that I had previously very little knowledge about, but going forward will certainly be pursuing. Thank you Claudia for a very memorable day!"

Elka responded:

"Hi Jane, Thank you so much for the lovely review. I'm so glad you enjoyed the day and felt like you learnt a lot! It was great to meet you. Best wishes, Claudia"

Adrian reviewed: Two day (consecutive) stained glass starter course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"I did the 2-day stained glass window course. There was just 2 on the course so got lots of one-on-one tuition. This course is excellent and I really enjoyed it. I was amazed that I was able to make a complete stained glass unit after just 2 days :)"

North Norfolk Stained Glass responded:

"Hi Adrian ? Thank you for your fab review! I hope both yours and Mandy’s panels are hanging pride of place in your window at home! :) Best wishes Natalie, Paul & Gracie xx"

Miranda Newbery reviewed: Woodcarving with Jason Thomson sculptural woodcarving with hand tools, eccentric whittling courses, Sheffield.

"Great course allowing you to do your own design. Thanks"

Jason Thomson - Sculptor responded:

"Thanks Miranda it was a great productive day and your little wren was lovely."

Becky Gulvin reviewed: Needle Felting Workshop - landscape pictures

"What a fantastic course and teacher Pip is, I had a wonderful morning making two beautiful pieces I would have happily bought if I'd seen them in a shop! I was a complete beginner. Pip was friendly and welcoming, ensuring there was tea and tasty pastries to keep me going. I would recommend this course in a heartbeat, excellent :)"

kate Titley reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"Great day out - beautiful setting, patient and thoughtful teaching. Friendly group - wonderful way to share a day, learning a new skill in lovely company."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Kate, Thank you for your feedback, it was lovely to work with you. Happy printing ! Best wishes Alison"

Helen McCormack reviewed: Weekend Beginners In-depth Workshops- Bobbin Lacemaking Workshops (Effingham, Surrey).

"I really enjoyed this course. Tina is an excellent teacher, and I learned so much more than I imagined I would. She has a great teaching style, and I feel confident that i will now be able to make a start independently!"

Tina's Bobbin Lacemaking responded:

"Hello Helen. It was a pleasure to teach you, and see your pleasure in understanding what you where making and the satisfaction that it gave you. I am looking forward to seeing the pieces that you make on your own. I hope to see you again in the near future too. Regards Tina"

Sarah Power reviewed: Make a Tiffany stained glass tea light

"This was a fantastic day! The workshop is very well equipped and Kate the tutor was excellent. I felt I learnt a lot and produced a nice piece of work that I am very pleased with."

Menli reviewed: Copper wire jewellery Workshop

"The course was absolutely superb and I genuinely enjoyed each and every moment of it. Kami was very kind, patient and understanding. She showed the different methods to make wire jewellery. Made myself 3 different style rings. I totally enjoyed and learned a lot in a comfortable environment. Highly recommended!"

Mya Designs responded:

"Menli, You did a fantastic job with the rings you made and picked up new skills very quickly, you're a natural and have some great idea for ring making. I would love for you to continue with this craft at home and hope you will come and join me again soon. It was lovely to meet you and thanks so much for attending the workshop. Take care Kami :)"

Barbara Fishwick reviewed: Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

"Having completed the leather Possibles Pouch last week, I was straight back this weekend for the two day bag-making course. Obviously passionate about their craft, Wendy & Clive are enthusiastic about passing on their leather-making knowledge. Instructions were clearly and patiently explained at every stage and although there is a lot to pack in over the two days, I never felt rushed at any point. Because of their clear teaching methods and the good quality raw materials they use, I left Evancliffe with a bag that I’m truly proud of, customised to fit my iPad. You don’t just “make a bag” on the course. You learn about the tools used, the different types of leather and their uses and gain an understanding of how to get the best result from your materials. It has encouraged me to learn more about working with leather in the future. Book a workshop with Clive & Wendy, you won’t be disappointed!"

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Great to see you again Barbara. We're really pleased you enjoyed the bag workshop and for booking up to come back only a week after making your pouch!"

Helen reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I arrived as a complete beginner, after a day of tuition from Mark I feel confident to purchase some tools and start carving spoons at home. The whole day was fantastic, Mark is an excellent teacher and explained every step of the process very clearly. There was plenty of opportunity to try a variety of different tools and Mark gave good advice on how to use them correctly and safely. I look forward to learning more if the opportunity arises for a follow on course."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Hi Helen Thank you for the feedback. You produced some very neat work, stick at it. New classes are on the cards, and we'd love to see you back. All the best Mark"

Steven keen reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"The course is a wonderful introduction into a new skill. Simon has a very relaxed style of teaching that puts you at ease straight away. His enthusiasm and passion to help you achieve a wonderful bowl is second to none. I must also thank Louise for a wonderful farm house lunch. I am definitely looking forward to another session with Simon"

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

"Hi Steve, Thanks for the review and we look forward to seeing you again soon when you can show off your new skills - because you will have practiced day and night? ?? Seriously, you were a joy to teach and a lovely host and we look forward to your next visit. Kind Regards, Simon & Louise"

Jennifer Faulkner reviewed: Spoon carving workshop with Fazey Woodcraft

"Great day, excellent tutor, beautiful suroundings . Really enjoyed learning how to carve a spoon .☺"

Henry reviewed: Arrow making: Master Fletching

"Really great day learning a whole variety of skills, from smithing to fletching. Fantastic tutor, well planned day, all materials included and full of interesting facts!"

N Sterland reviewed: Double-Sided Lampshade Making

"Fantastic course would highly recommend it. Total zone out for three hours, enjoyed Wendy humour and her patience. The lampshade look fantastic. What I like is Wendy attention to detail, she provides techniques/tips for a professional finish and helped me achieve this. So pleased and very chuffed with my personalised lampshade."

Shaun reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Hi Debbie Just a quick message to reiterate how much I enjoyrd my day yesterday. You were all so welcoming and organised that any nerves I had soon disappeared. The demonstrations were clear and easily followed and Ade and Andy were alwats available to help or to answer any questions. It was without doubt one of the best if not the best present i have ever been given. Thank you all for such a fantastic day. One other thing the food we ate was superb so a special thank you to Debbie . Thank you all so much for such a fantastic day. Shaun Young"

Youngjin Kim reviewed: One day stained glass workshop London for beginners and enthusiasts

"Tejal is a great teacher encouraging me to follow the course step by step. I really enjoyed the class and happy with my work. I am definitely recommending the course for those who wanted to learn new skills / find a new hobby."

GlassSeasons responded:

"Thank You, appreciate it."