Latest reviews

Andrew reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"This was my second course at Sallerton and Cathy's first. I completed a chair course a couple of years ago and have wanted to come back since then. This time I came with my partner for the 3-day stool making course. We both had a lovely time in the woods and are very pleased with the stools that we produced. For me it was an ideal opportunity to refresh my knowledge and for Cathy a wonderful introduction to green woodworking. Andy created a supportive atmosphere on the course and gently guided the two of us over the three days. The woods were beautiful with a variety of spring flowers including bluebells, wild garlic and marsh marigolds. The lunches were hearty and delicious."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed, Andrew and Cathy, for your kind review of your recent Stool-making course. It’s great that you both enjoyed the course, and its woodland setting, and thanks for your kind words about the lunches too. Enjoy the lovely stools that you made, and we hope to see you back at Sallerton Wood again sometime in the future. We'd also like to thank you for the voluntary help that you gave us with woodland management work over the Easter period too - very much appreciated."

Louise and Di reviewed: Pottery / ceramics / wheel throwing full day

"Such a great day! Great teacher and amazed at how much we learnt and achieved in one day. Thoroughly recommend. "

Jane reviewed: Crafty Basketry's basket making for beginners with Rattan or Stripped Willow - 2-day Course at King John's Nursery, Etchingham, East Sussex

"I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend course learning how to make a basket with Marianne. She is an excellent teacher, full of passion for her craft and making you feel at ease from the start. A lovely countryside location to spend a relaxing, creative weekend. I can not believe how beautiful my very own basket is and it has been much admired! Marianne has also provided useful follow up information if we want to pursue this mindful hobby at home. However I think I will book another course and bring my husband along next time!"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"What a wonderful review, Jane! Thank you very much! Two-day courses are always such fun for me too, as I can share all the ins and outs of the craft with eager learners like yourself, who then end up with the most impressive baskets. I'm so proud of what you achieved, as you combined and made good use of some lovely coloured willow. So nice to hear that you've now enthused your husband to come along with you next time. Perhaps you could weave a lampshade, while he creates two plant supports. A win-win, ha, ha! I'll look forward to working with you both towards another amazing result. Thanks again, Jane."

Lisa reid reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"What a thoroughly enjoyable weekend in the beautiful valley of Dingle. Great fun, great instructions and wonderful sense of achievement. Thanks to Carl, Ray and Sharon. "

Pip Roddis reviewed: Introduction to Epoxy Resin Block Casting

"It was a great course, Dave was really knowledgeable and enthusiastic and you learn a lot about the process as well as producing your own piece. Would recommend! "

Anne Halton reviewed: Mosaic Garden Sun Catcher or Mandala (am/pm)

"A great morning crafting. Chrissy a lovely person, very helpful. Will be doing more courses "

Chrissy Webster Mosaic & Craft responded:

"Thank you for coming and I'm so glad you enjoyed it. "

Sharon & Odeya reviewed: Half Day Taster Stained Glass Workshop - for 121, 2 or 3 (friends)

"It was a fantastic experience. Ruth was very quick to help and respond even before we booked. She is very patient and put us at ease through the process once we were there. She has great knowledge and skill so solved any issues quickly. We thoroughly enjoyed it and already thinking of when can we come back. Was lovely to meet you! "

Blue Skies Glass Studio responded:

"Ah thank you so much for your lovely review, it was a real pleasure to meet you both! "

Jacky King reviewed: Willow Chicken , Heron or Flying Owl Sculpture The David Hall

"Another brilliant day with Jo. She's a really good tutor. She gives clear instructions all the way along and will offer help if needed. She's also there quickly if you lose confidence. Jo is also just a really nice, warm person. Never worked with willow before then. Try a class with Jo... but be careful you are very likely to get the bug and be making many, many more things. Thank you JO for another really exciting day."

Jo Sadler at Forged n Willow responded:

"Thank you Jacky, you are very kind and always a joy to work with. We've made a few pieces between us over the years and your crane was beautiful. The willow works well in your hands and I do enjoy our banter. I'm smiling now! Kind regards Jo ✨️ "

C Wright reviewed: An Introduction to Pyrography Wood Art with Ruth Wheeler

"Good day out - My only moan is that there is nothing road side to let you know that you have to drive into the entrance of a Care home with electric gates. I had an interesting drive up a road that went a long way up (next door) and met some nice cows and lambs that turned out to be nothing to do with the course! "

Sculpt IT - Ruth Wheeler Art responded:

"I am sorry that it wasn't clear to you . I will make sure that I let people know about the electric gates. I hope that you had a good day out and was happy with what you made. It was lovely to meet you.."

Veronica Gilbert reviewed: Handmade books - make a coptic binding lay-flat book

"Excellent course in a relaxed environment. Suzy provided all the materials and tools we needed, including a choice of materials, patterns and colours. Suzy is a great teacher, giving clear explanations, hints and tips. She is very patient and very generous with her time and knowledge. Everyone completed their books and the results were lovely. Suzy gave us enough information and confidence to make more books at home. Highly recommended."

The Leaf Press responded:

"Thank you for attending another workshop Veronica and thank you so much for this review too! I'm glad you enjoyed the workshop and your book was lovely. "

Helen McQueen reviewed: Create your own Flower Crown

"We had a really wonderful time making the flower crowns - Susan is a brilliant teacher and a lovely person. We were so pleased with what we made, and had a lovely, relaxing, creative time doing it."

Mill House Millinery responded:

"Thank you so much for coming - really enjoyed the chatter and creativity, and I learned all about potatoes and lemons! You even gave me inspiration for another vegetable themed crown. Thank you for both being so much fun"

Helen reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"Jo expertly guides you through the whole process of creating your own unique hare sculpture. It was really good fun, in lovely surroundings and with lovely guests. Recommended..... as a complete novice- you will come away feeling like a pro with work to be proud of!!!"

Alwyn Williams reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"Brilliant! Not just what you produce but the whole package! Great instructors, friendly environment, sound knowledge and top support from the team! Will be back with friends soon to do it all again as it was such fun and lovely to make something that has been taught in these lands for centuries! Kind regards Will. "

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to write us this review We are so glad you had a good weekend and look forward to seeing you and your friends as soon as you are all ready. All the best Pam"

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

"I had a lush day at the frame loom weaving workshop, Ellie is a patient and clear teacher - she made an effort to spend time with everyone on whatever it was they wanted to focus on. Ellie has a vast knowledge on all things weaving and was really happy to share and answer any questions that came up. I came away with a completed piece that I was pleased with, some new techniques to play with at home, and happy to have met some lovely people too! I'd definitely recommend the workshop and hope to return one day to continue learning! "

Elka responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a detailed review Maya, it is greatly appreciated. I'm delighted that you enjoyed the workshop, your weaving is really fantastic and it was lovely to spend the day with you :)"

Rachelle reviewed: Acrylic painting workshop at Back Room Art Stourbridge

"Heather was so welcoming, insightful and really put the group at ease. The materials were plentiful, as was the offer of drinks! I really enjoyed exploring acrylics, and wasn't confident at all going into the class. However, Heather's knowledge and expertise was really great, and I loved that she encouraged us to choose our own paintings and then guided us gently to instil confidence. I would definitely recommend Back Room Art, and I am sure I'll be back again. Thanks Heather!"

Back Room Art responded:

"Thank you for this lovely thoughtful review. Your painting is just stunning and I really enjoyed seeing it develop throughout the session. Please continue to paint and I hope to see you again soon."

Jeff reviewed: Wood Carving Workshop - One Day

"Excellent day and good tutoring dispelled many old fears as to wood carving. In addition I had a session on sharpening tools which was very helpful indeed. Left with a satisfied grin on my face. Many thanks"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review. We are very happy that you enjoyed the workshop and shall let the course tutor know too. We do hope to see you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Peter Ward reviewed: Handmade books - make a coptic binding lay-flat book

"Excellent course, Suzy. Very welcoming and engaging. New skills learnt and plans made for the future. Five stars."

The Leaf Press responded:

"Thank you very much for your review Peter and for attending the workshop. Your book was great. I'll send you details of the album we discussed as soon as I have them."

Pauline Hathaway reviewed: Handmade books - make a coptic binding lay-flat book

"Thankyou Susy for another enjoyable course, hope to see you for the next one "

The Leaf Press responded:

"Thanks for attending another workshop Pauline. I hope you were happy with your lovely book and are going to make more!"

Laura B reviewed: Beach Art Workshop Wales

"We booked this for a private session on Barry Island for a hen party. Everyone had a fantastic time even though it wasn’t the typical hen activity and was still talking about it the following day. Such a fun and different experience whilst also very relaxing. Highly recommend! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟"

Beach Art responded:

"Thanks so much for your very kind review! It was lovely to be part of your hen party creative celebrations! I’ll post all the drone photos to my Facebook @beachartists when I get back to Cornwall. Your group were a lot of fun. I wish Em and you all well at the wedding! "

Marie Whitaker reviewed: Natural (cold process) soap making workshop with afternoon tea

"This was a super course. Julie was informative, knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. We came away with some beautiful soap and more importantly thorough explanations and instructions for further soap making at home. Thank you. "

Sally & Chris Tanner reviewed: Two day (consecutive) stained glass starter course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"We really enjoyed the challenge of this course. Small friendly class and Paul was so helpful and gave lots of information. We enjoyed it so much we will definitely continue with this craft. Thoroughly recommend."

Clare Hiscock reviewed: Botanical Mono Printing Class

"The whole morning felt magical, from the trip through the back gate up through the woodland path and its mythical sculptures to the wooden studio and log burner and Evelyn. Producing botanical prints was cathartic . It was easier than I thought to produce beautiful detailed pictures and now I’m hooked. A real escape from day to day life "

Printmaking with Evelyn Polk responded:

"Thank you Clare for such a wonderful review. It was a pleasure to welcome you to my workshop. All the best Evelyn "

Timothy Evans reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course at Rhyd y Creuau Field Studies Centre, near Betws y Coed in North Wales.

"Fantastic. Very informative but yet a relaxed atmosphere"

Dry Stone Walling Association North Wales Branch responded:

"Thanks Timothy. I’m glad you met up with them eventually. Colin is a nice fella and good with trainees. I was not able to make it - I was on holiday. Regards Paul "

Alistair Scott reviewed: Hardwood table furniture making course with Finbarr Lucas

"This was an excellent 3 day course. Finbarr was a brilliant teacher who was very informative and happy to explain the reasons behind all the new techniques that were demonstrated and practised. From the very first pencil mark to the tightening of the last screw, he was engaged, supportive and encouraging. You were able to work at your own pace and it was a very pleasant environment to learn and develop new skills. The table is really nice and I was proud to take it home."

Finbarr Lucas responded:

"Thanks Alistair. You were keen and focused at all stages, and I know you took particular care to chop the through-tenons as well as possible, knowing that this detail would draw the eye when the table was complete. Your attention to this stage paid off as you knocked the little wedges home and cleaned up the exposed joints, and you’re right to be proud of the final work. It was great to meet you and be able to help at every turn, and I hope to see you at another course in the future!"

Patrick Crowley reviewed: Tiffany stained glass wild flowers workshop

"I always wanted to try this technique out and I'm glad that I had a chance to do a one day course in it. A very interesting and busy day, Kate is a great and patient teacher. We covered a wide range of topics from glass-cutting from a flower design, foiling, soldering, to fixing stems to flower heads and adding embellishments in wire. I'm happy to be able to add this knowledge to my existing stained glass experience. I would really recommend this course to anyone as a taster of all the main tiffany glass processes and anyone wishing to make beautiful original gifts for friends and family. "

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the great review, we're really glad you enjoyed your day."