Latest reviews

Julie Shaw reviewed: Marvellous Mosaic one day workshop

"Really enjoyed my day with Lindsey on the mosaic course. She went to great care to make it all feel safe and gave very clear instructions on the processes involved. I think we all came away with something we were pleased with. Would definitely recommend to others and would love to do another one. Thankyou Lindsey."

Lindsey Kennedy Portfolio responded:

"Thank you for taking time to write such a lovely review. I’m so pleased that you enjoyed your workshop experience and felt safe at the same time. Don’t forget to send me photos of any further mosaics you create as I love to see where it takes everyone! Many thanks Julie, your feedback is much appreciated (and you are always very welcome to come back on another workshop)."

LEIGH HUNT reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Good day, good food, good company and good metal working. Thanks"

Paul Frost reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"WOW what an excellent day, from the gate opening to the gate closing when we arrived and finished the welcome we recieved from Simon and Louise was second to none. Simon is an excellent tutor who works at your pace, his knowledge no only for the skills of wood turning but also about the types of wood, and what the tools are used for. This being my first experience of this skill has given me an appetite for more. Louise was lovely keeping the tea and coffee coming and the wonderful lunch. I thoroughly recommend this work shop for anyone wanting to learn this skill."

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

"Hi Paul, We're super pleased that you and Simon enjoyed the workshop. It was a pleasure teaching you, and you both turned some really lovely pieces :-). Feel free to contact us if you'd like to attend a more intermediary session. We're not currently advertising this, but it's something we can offer to those who might need the next level. Again, fab meeting you both!"

Jess D reviewed: Drapes to Dungarees at Cowshed Creative, the Lake District near Windermere

"I honestly can not speak highly enough about this course! I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it! Meg was fantastic and helped me every step of the way. I hadn’t used a sewing machine since I was at school but Meg gave me the confidence to just have a go - and it paid off! Meg was so welcoming, calm and enthusiastic and left me wanting to go home and make dungarees for everyone in my family! George was a fantastic host. She made everyone feel welcome, kept us warm, topped us up with water, coffee and tea, and made the most amazing lunch - I asked for the recipe it was so delicious! I really would recommend this course to anybody! Still buzzing about it a week later! ?"

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks Jess for such amazing feedback. Lovely to meet you and hope to see you again."

Richard reviewed: Bountiful baskets at Cowshed Creative in the Lake District

"Delighted with baskets and course."

Jacinta Walton reviewed: Marvellous Mosaic one day workshop

"We had such a wonderful time today with Lindsey on her mosaic course. Both my mum and I were complete novices to the art of mosaic, but with Lindsey’s guidance we came away with our very own mosaics! Thank you to Lindsey for your warm welcome and for making sure that we had all we needed to make some beautiful mosaic art; I’m feeling very inspired! I must also say that Lindsey prepared the course and studio space to make sure that we all felt safe during these strange Covid-19 times."

Lindsey Kennedy Portfolio responded:

"Thank you for the fantastic review and that you finally got to enjoy your creative day together! I’m so pleased you enjoyed the workshop and felt safe in the studio. Your positive feedback makes all the extra preparations worthwhile. Many thanks, your lovely comments are much appreciated!"

Lucy burton reviewed: Linocut printing workshop in Warwickshire at Bonds Lifestyle

"I had such a fun day doing a linocut workshop with the fabulous @alixalmond. Great to get out, learn new skills, meet new people, and have the freedom to relax and be creative at the same time. I was not the only one to tackle a dog…another lady carved her dog called ‘Little Mouse’…it was so charming! We did a print swap and they look fabulous sitting side by side. I would highly recommend her classes - thank you Alix."

Alix Almond Art responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind words Lucy. Your dog was an excellent first print, and yes, Otis and Little Mouse do look fabulous together! Thank you for the recommendation, I am so pleased you enjoyed it, and I agree, it was lovely to have such a creative day and to be back in the workshop space! alix x"

Emma reviewed: Driftwood Harbour workshops with Harbour Wood Design at Walford Mill in Dorset

"What a great way to spend a day out! We got to play with driftwood, paint, nails and string and, thanks to Michelle's guidance, all came away with charming, unique harbour scenes at the end of it. The workshop space is nice and bright, and well organised so you can work alone and also get inspiration from those around you. And the on-site café has delicious lunches, which they very kindly brought over to us. Highly recommended!"

Harbour Wood Design responded:

"Hello Emma , thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, it was such a pleasure to meet you ."

Emma Holland reviewed: Giacometti style bronzed animal sculpture one day workshop Suffolk one-to-one or max 4 students

"This was a birthday gift and a wonderful day not only of making an Otter but also learning techniques so that we could develop our ideas further at home. A very inspiring setting and teacher who made such helpful suggestions on what to try to help us achieve what we had in mind."

Tony Grylls reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a brilliant day. We started with a very welcoming greeting and hot drinks and Debbie’s home made biscuits and flapjacks. At the forge Adrian’s tuition was delivered at an instructive pace and Adrian and Andy were then constantly available to reinforce the skills at your personal anvil. Extra opportunities were introduced for anyone who found themselves ahead of the group. A hearty home made lunch and afternoon drinks and cakes kept your energy levels up. A must do experience that’s worth every penny. Well done guys."

Sarah Volans-Seymour reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"A fantastic day with Kate! With Kate’s guidance and help, we both came away with our wonderful master pieces! We were made to feel very welcome by Kate and Dave, and lunch was superb. Highly recommend this workshop."

Kate Morrell willow sculpture responded:

"Many thanks was lovely to meet you both"

Les & Jill reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"We had a thoroughly enjoyable weekend making leather handbags. After a short introduction to leatherwork, we were guided by Jason at every stage and produced top quality products to take home. Definitely thinking about taking another course at the same venue in the future."

Paul Cotton reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I did the course with Chris today (03-10-20) and cannot rate this highly enough. The day started by covering off safety both in terms of Covid measures and basic safety working in the forge which was all very clearly explained. Then Chris went on to explain how the forge works and about all of the tools giving a great base knowledge of how to get the best out of it all. From there making each item is broken down in to easy manageable steps with models at hand for you to reference and know what you are working towards. The whole day went by so quickly because it was so much fun to complete the work which truly felt like I achieved this myself. Chris' balance of being hands off enough to let you complete the work yourself which giving the right amount of tuition and guidance is absolutely perfect. Anyone with even a slight interest in smithing would get huge benefit from this course again and am definitely considering more project work with Chris in the future as a result of today"

Jennie Gregory reviewed: Needle felt a robin - live online workshop

"This course was really enjoyable and I would highly recommend. I had never tried needle felting before but Gwen was an excellent teacher who explained everything clearly, it was a lovely craft to learn and I loved the end result. I would definitely be interested in doing another workshop in the future."

Gwen’s Felted Paintings responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Jennie. It was lovely meeting you and I’m so glad you enjoyed the workshop :) x"

Rob and Rachel reviewed: Jewellery making with Precious Metal Silver Clay - Full Day Workshop

"Hi Charlotte neither of us had done this sort of thing before so we were not sure what to expect, but you made the day fun, informative and creative and gave us the confidence to produce 7 lovely items that are personal to us both. This proved to be a perfect gift to each other for our 25th Wedding anniversary! We have already recommended the course to friends and colleagues. Thanks Again Charlotte!"

Felix & Reuben Jewellery School responded:

"Thank Rob and Rachel. :) What a fantastic idea to create these beautiful pieces in celebration of your 25th wedding anniversary! It was an absolute pleasure to teach you both about silver clay!"

Justine reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"This was a great course for anyone like me who hadn’t done any woodwork since school and would recommend it to anyone. The whole week was really enjoyable, the location beautiful and the workshop something to aspire to. I made a spinning stool which allowed me to try many types of tools, hand held and power, for the first time. Richard and Mark gave us all as much time and support as needed and the lunch time sessions were really helpful. Masks, visors, hand gel and ear defenders all provided Looking forward to the next course!"

Emma reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"My mum and I attended a full day pottery workshop. We wouldn't describe ourselves as artistic types and other than 'do pottery' we weren't sure what to expect. We had a fantastic time though, Louise was really clear showing us different techniques and had lots of inspiration for how we could use those techniques to make different items. We made some pinch and coil pots, slab vases and thrown pots on the wheel. We were really pleased with what we'd managed to acheive and can't wait to see our items when they're fired and glazed :)"

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

"Hi Emma, So pleased you and your mum had an enjoyable day. It was really lovely to meet you both, and at the time of me writing this response your pieces have been biscuit fired and are now ready to be glazed so they won't be much longer now! Thanks again for the lovely review :-)."

Joanne reviewed: Needle felt a robin - live online workshop

"I was a complete beginner to needle felting before the workshop but Gwen's excellent, patient teaching made it very enjoyable. I learned so much and am grateful to Gwen for sharing her enviable skills. The kit supplied is gorgeous and very good quality. I would highly recommend this course to anyone, either absolute beginners like me, or people with some experience of the craft."

Gwen’s Felted Paintings responded:

"Thank you so much for such a lovely review Joanne! I’m so glad you enjoyed it and am delighted that you are continuing with felting. I’m looking forward to seeing more of your makes :)!"

Sam reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Fantastic course - would definitely recommend to anyone with an interest in starting woodwork projects. I'd not done any woodwork since school, but I successfully made a lovely looking small table, and was very happy with the end result and the skills I learned over the week. The workshop is well equipped with all the necessary woodworking tools such as lathes, band saws and routers, as well as hand tools such as chisels. All protective equipment was provided (dust mask, face visor, ear defenders). The instructors, Richard and Mark, were great and with only 4 people in the group, they could give each of us a lot of instruction and support. Each lunchtime there was a 30-45 minute lecture on an aspect of how to choose, use and maintain woodworking tools and set up your own workshop. They actively welcomed any questions and were always keen to help. The setting is also beautiful, and looks out across the Cumbrian hills."

Gill reviewed: Woodworking - Beginner/Intermediate - four days

"Another great woodworking experience at Dovetail and a lovely finished table to show for my efforts. Steve's skill as a teacher and his endless patience and ability to encourage make the time fly and the whole process a real pleasure for those who love wood and enjoy getting hands on with a project. I am delighted with my table and my new knowledge of creating mortice and tenon joints. I have attended several of Steve's courses and they are always enjoyable and informative and you always get to take away your finished piece to impress friends and family. I highly recommend this course for anyone who wants to learn woodworking and enjoys working with wood."

Dovetail Woodworking responded:

"Hi Gill, good to see you again over the last couple of weeks on the table making course. Glad you enjoyed it and feel that you've taken away a little more knowledge and another project made with your own fair hand. I hope you get lots of enjoyment out of the table. Steve"

COSTAS PERATOPOULLOS reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"I highly recommend the four day course. Jamal is a great teacher and an amazing craftsman who shares his experience and knowledge. the course is perfectly structured so that every one of us had completed a challenging but successful project. the knowledge which I gained enables me to continue the painting at home. ten out of ten"

Hayley reviewed: Fun with Felt Flowers

"A very enjoyable and informative introduction to felting. I really enjoyed the time is spent with Nancy, not only because I learnt a new skill but she is a brilliant teacher. I took this class to then teach my students in secondary school and Nancy was great a giving me insights to teaching this to others. She clearly has experience of sharing her knowledge of felting to a variety of age groups and abilities. I will be doing more felting in the future and if I've any more questions I know Nancy will be the lady to ask."

flights-of-fantasy responded:

"I'm looking forward to seeing what your students produce!"

Georgina reviewed: Knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"I spent a very lovely morning in the company of Ann a couple of months ago. I had never done any crocheting before and I am left handed, but after a couple of hours I felt like I was getting there! Ann is very patient and helpful, so if you want one to one tuition from an experienced teacher, in a nice cafe that serves tea and cakes, then Ann is definitely the person to go to!"

Leeds Central Faith and Light responded:

"Thank you, Georgina, for taking the time to write your review about your crochet workshop in August. I'm pleased you found the workshop helpful - it can be challenging when you're left handed. I hope you've found a new skill and have managed to keep up with your crocheting. Kind regards, Ann"

Karina reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"Fabulous day - I learnt so many new skills in just one day and really enjoyed the relaxed and welcoming environment. Great cakes too!"

Melanie Neill reviewed: Make a chef's knife

"Three of us spent 2 days making a chef's knife at the Anvil Forge. Two of us have never thought about iron work previously, far less experienced anything like it. On day 1 Aiden took us through the forging process. He was really approachable, very informative and made sure we were all comfortable handling the red hot steel safely etc. On day 2 John oversaw the woodwork (to make the knife handles) and completion of the knives. He was very supportive, even allowing one of our party do try something John had never done before (it turned out very well and was fun to do something different). We all went home having thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and with three super knives that we are really very proud of. We highly recommend the experience. Good luck."