Latest reviews

Suzy K reviewed: Everlasting, never fading beautiful acrylic resin flowers to make at home.

"I bought an acrylic flower-making kit as a gift. Abigail and team went the extra mile with special wrapping and personalised contents. It was a wonderful gift. Highly recommended."

Inion responded:

"Thank you for such a lovely review Suzy, and I am glad that the flower making kit was so well received. We are making new kits all the time so it was so good to know that they are liked."

Suki Baynton reviewed: Leather earring making kit, jewellery making

"I was so excited to receive my earring kit and I wasn't disappointed. It comes neatly packaged, with clear and simple instructions, templates and a gorgeous selection of coloured leather. I have already made one pair and I will be ordering some more jump hoops as I have plenty of leather left to make more. I thoroughly recommend this kit, it is excellent value and was great fun to complete! Thanks Rosanna! Suki"

Rosanna Clare responded:

"Hi Suki, Thanks for the glowing review! So glad you enjoyed using the kit! Would love to see some pictures of what you have made if possible? Thanks Rosanna"

Layla reviewed: Spoon carving course - from log to spoon with Jeffrey Hart

"I'll never look at a spoon in the same way again. Jeffrey's workshop was my first attempt at making anything out of wood other than a fire. We started with a spoon-blank and were coached through the different types of cut, Jeffrey's steady instruction and individual attention kept us safe, and improved my clumsy technique. In the afternoon we learned how to axe our own blank from the log itself and then had a whole new spoon to create. The instructions were clear, the banter fun and both coffee and biscuits were plentiful. More than that I came away with brand new skill - I love carving spoons! Warning: this activity is addictive."

Deborah Watson reviewed: Silver Fidget Ring Workshop

"Helen made sure we had all the information we needed before getting to the studio so that everything ran super smoothly right from the start. Such a relaxed feel to the class, everyone was able to choose their own style and variations to their rings with expert guidance from Helen with any questions. Helen clearly knows her stuff but teaches in a very natural and calm way. A very enjoyable day and can't wait to come back to make more beautiful jewellery."

Giuseppina Santoro reviewed: Learn to weave on a rigid heddle loom

"Immediate response and help"

niloufar reviewed: Creative writing classes, live online.

"I really enjoy Deana's classes. She manages to distil a lot of really useful information and tips, into clear nuggets of advice, in a short space of time. As well as being fun, I find the classes give me lots of food for thought that I can put into practice in my writing. Thank you Deana!"

Deana Luchia responded:

"Thank you so much. Glad you're enjoying the sessions."

Teresa |Hughes reviewed: Upholstery and soft furnishings 2 day course

"I always love coming to your sessions, they are fun, relaxed, you pick up all those little tips and increase confidence.......it's always great to meet and get to know the others' who are attending too......oh and home baked goodies.....and another thing just having head space for me!"

Audrey Smillie reviewed: 4 day course in upholstery, soft furnishings or loose covers

"I had a wonderful time last weekend, you always have a good crowd and it makes such a nice change for me, I forget how much I enjoy it."

Sarah reviewed: 7 Week Silversmithing Jewellery Making Course Level 1 (Evening Courses - Merseyside)

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course. I have learnt so much thanks to Carol. She is a fantastic teacher who is very generous with her knowledge and skills. I now know what kit I need to take on a small project and have had a good introduction to some of the different techniques. I can’t wait to come back and do another class as I am already missing it!"

La Jade responded:

"Hi Sarah, thank you for your lovely review :) it was an absolute pleasure to meet you on the course and I am happy to hear you thoroughly enjoyed the course and feel that you feel confident to now take on small projects. Hope to see you again soon, Kindest regards always Carol x"

Richard Stradling reviewed: Beginners woodturning course

"I completed the intermediate woodworking course with Ciarán in 2017, where we made the glass-topped coffee table in ash over ten evenings (now changed to 6 days over 2 weekends). This was a great success and the end result has been much admired at home. After using some of the experience gained to make some garden furniture, I then decided to make another table for my brother-in-law's 60th birthday. I did speak to Ciarán about some ideas and decided to go with turned legs for this hall table. Thus I enrolled on the woodturning course in 2019 and was able to find a cancellation at relatively short notice. Following this, I turned a set of four, relatively identical, 60cm long legs, which polished up beautifully. Expectations are now high and my workshop is becoming crammed with the available equipment. I would love to do another course, both for the knowledge gained and the enjoyment. Ciarán has taken me a long way in relatively few hours, and every minute has been enjoyable. During the day, he shares the projects that he himself is working on - some incredible pieces."

Keith Faifbairn reviewed: Pewter Casting - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"Now 75 I had never made jewellery before. I moulded, heated, cut and polished some pewter and then I engraved it with initials and a logo and it now adorns my keyring. Rachel was a brilliant teacher and very enthusiastic and patient. I shall certainly join a group again when I make another visit."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank Keith. And well done. Look forward to seeing you again soon."

bill barton reviewed: Woodworking - Beginner/Basics - two days

"Great fun as well as being informative. In a way the informal part of the course was as important as the fact that we ended up with a lovely,functional object Steve was clear with his instructions and did not overwhelm with unnecessary details. Thank you very much."

Dovetail Woodworking responded:

"Hi Bill, thanks for your comments; so pleased you enjoyed the course. Steve"

Daniel Fox reviewed: Bladesmithing experience day

"Had a really great day with Steve, from start to finish made me feel very welcome, was a great experience learning the basic process of forging a knife, was very clear on each instruction and at the end made a knife to be proud of. Once again thanks for a great day, Steve!!"

Sue Krekorian reviewed: 10 week silver jewellery course

"I am one of Lucy's longer-term students. Learning to work with metals and to create unique, handcrafted jewellery was an ambition I had long held, and Lucy has patiently helped me to realise that dream. I was excited by my first class and I continue to be enthused, inspired and challenged by her classes. She helps students develop our skills and stretch our expectations of our work, whilst keeping us grounded and practicing past learning alongside the new. The studio is a lovely place to be and I have some beautiful pieces of jewellery to show for my work and Lucy's guidance. My interest in buying jewellery is much reduced now I have the capability to make my own, but I appreciate the cost because I have a much clearer idea of the work and time involved in the manufacture."

Jenny Wilson reviewed: Everlasting, never fading beautiful acrylic resin flowers to make at home.

"What a fantastic 4 hours! Everything needed was provided and we made some beautiful flowers with excellent tuition from Abby and Melody. Refreshments were tasty and althogether it was a most enjoyable day. I bought one of the kits and have ordered more resin etc since as I really love making these flowers. Thank you for a great day!"

Inion responded:

"Thank you Jenny, we are so glad you enjoyed it, and we are really pleased to carry on supplying you. Please send us some pictures for us to share on our website."

Helen D reviewed: Powertex fabric sculpture introduction session

"I am so glad I found Annette, having attended a few courses now with her, she has been a pleasure, the day is very relaxed but very informative, Annette is very patient and takes you thru everything step by step, She is very knowledgeable & passionate about all the mediums, I cant wait to see her very soon for another course with lots of idea's"

Annette Smyth responded:

"Hi Helen Thank you for your kind review. Looking forward to our next workshop. Take care. Ax"

Sarah Kehaya reviewed: Making Fragrant Felted Soaps at Home- Free Online Felting Tutorial

"Just spent a couple of lovely afternoons making felted soaps guided by Judi's excellent and clear instructions! Really hepful photos to support the instructions. Despite not having done this before, I was very pleased with what I made and would recommend "having a play"! Helpfully, Judi was able to supply materials which came quickly and helpfully bagged up to keep them safe."

Felting in Devon responded:

"Dear Sarah Thank you for your lovely review and the delightfully felted soaps you produced. You really do have an artistic streak! I'm so disappointed not to have met you in person, but hope that one day, I'll have that pleasure. Until then, stay safe and well, and enjoy your close family. Very best wishes and warmest thanks. Judi x"

Claire reviewed: Beginners guide to container candle making

"I bought Kerry’s online Soy Wax Candle and Wax Melt Course. It’s amazing! So well laid out and easy to follow. Kerry has a very relaxed tone which makes for a very therapeutic course. Perfect for anyone just starting out. I’ve ordered all of my bits and bobs and can’t wait to get started!x"

James Woods reviewed: Beginner's DIY Hand Sanitiser Natural Soap Course

"I was looking for a long time for a fun and affordable natural soap course. I have just finished the online course - DIY Hand Sanitizing Soap and I enjoyed it so much! It's packed with useful information, easy to understand, and has a lot of video presentations and demonstrations. The course is self paced so I didn't feel pressured to finish it. I really recommend this course if you want to make easy natural soap from home from easy to come by ingredients. I can't wait to make the 7 natural soap formulas from the course."

Alana reviewed: Online Class - Beginner Rag Rug Techniques - Including Tools worth £26

"It was amazing to be able to learn a new craft from the comfort of my own home; no need to spend money on travel; no need to leave my small children for longer than necessary. All the tools and materials needed arrived before hand by post and we got rag rugging really quickly during the course. It is very satisfying and I am busy planning my first full rug :-). A tip; I joined by mobile phone which was fine but it was sometimes a wee bit hard to see what was going on. A tablet or laptop would have been a tiny bit easier. X"

Ragged Life Ltd responded:

"Thank you Alana, I'm so glad you enjoyed the course and got cracking straight away :-) Make sure you show us the finish product! Also, thanks for the tip to other online crafters."

Gill Rogers reviewed: Two day leather bag making course

"My daughter and I both had the most amazing time and experience on this 2 day leather workshop and came away with two fantastic leather bags!!! Can't believe how professional and beautifully handcrafted our bags look, so proud and all thanks to Sarah for her amazing talent, expertise and guidance, we learnt far more than expected from this traditional leather craft. The building and beautiful large studio is stunning, delicious lunch and generous servings of coffee, fresh fruit and cake throughout the day was brilliant!!! Thank you so much for everything Sarah, Tara and I absolutely loved every minute and had the best time ever, we will always treasure our handbags and will definitely be back to do it all again!!! All our very best wishes Gill & Tara xx"

Graham Mulholland reviewed: Bladesmithing experience day

"I recently did a one day course with Steve who demonstrated his love, incredible knowledge, craftsmanship, patience and teaching skill on all aspects of knife making. Steve's a great guy with an easy going personality and an inspiring nature. The whole day was brilliant with Steve providing support and advice throughout enabling me to take home the "sharpest knife ever seen in my household". Steve's love for his craft is infectious and has left me itching to see what could be achieved with more of his inspiring tuition - maybe a 2 day course once the world recovers from covid 19. Great day, great bloke - a 5* experience."

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Good morning Graham Thank you for your very gracious review. I've said it before, but it really does mean a great deal to me that whoever attends one of my courses goes away with a positive experience and let's not forget a wickedly sharp knife. It really is a pleasure to open up the world of bladesmithing to a wider audience and to show some of my basic skills because I do not consider myself a master in any aspect of knife making. I have to add that I have learnt quite a few things on the way with my interaction with students on my courses, every day really is a school day. The course days are always great fun, full on and I hope leave you wanting just a little more, thank you once again. ATB Steve"

Susanna Grant-Haysey reviewed: Online Class - Beginner Rag Rug Techniques - Including Tools worth £26

"In 2 hours I learnt a new craft, from start to finish. I feel that I have now got the skills I need to make rugs, cushions and more that will get me recycling my old clothes and creating modern art for my house. Thank you."

Ragged Life Ltd responded:

"Thanks for much for your kind words Susanna. We can't wait to see what you make!"

John Wright reviewed: Beginners woodturning course

"The wood turning course with Cheshire Woodturning was a birthday present from my wife and what a great present. The 2 day course given by Ciaran was quite intensive but there was such a lot to learn and he was a great teacher. There were 4 beginner ‘students’ and we all surprised ourselves with the quality of the items we produced. Ciaran was friendly, helpful, informative, funny and hospitable keeping us well provided with tea/coffee. Lunch at the local pub was perfect. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I hope I can now use the lessons learned at home."

Derek reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I did course 1 and then booked course 2 immediately afterwards, both courses are excellent and really bring your woodworking skills out. The people and the place is better than I could of wished for, I highly recommend this course. I now have a beautiful hand made table in my hallway, thank you very much Richard and Mark."