Latest reviews

Tamsyn reviewed: Hand sewn mohair teddy bear making course in Cumbria

"Brilliant weekend. We made a real bear, jointed, hand sewn and full of character. Lynn welcomed us into her home, plied us with tea and biscuits and a lovely lunch and somehow, managed to coach us all to be our creative best and achieve on day 2, what seemed unlikely at 09.30 on day 1. The format was very easy going, relaxed and supportive, no question was a daft question type vibe and we were helped every step of the way. You need to be able to hold your own with a needle and thread, other than that, you soon pick up what you don’t know. ( Or Lynn does it for you ? ) It was a great feeling to be able to say the ‘F’ word and we were all super proud of our bears. Thanks Lynn, we had a great time and am sure will be back!"

Boo Bears Cumbria responded:

"Tamsyn thank you for the review, I am filled with joy every time someone says the "F word" aka "finished", to wake their bear up, lol. Looking forward to seeing you again in Nov to make a Robin Bauble."

Fiona reviewed: Childrens Doll making course with Dalston Dolls (ONLINE)

"Mopsa was wonderful, so helpful and knowledgeable on the making of the dolls, very patient with all of us ladies asking her questions at the same time. I had a fabulous time, met five other lovely ladies making a doll. All of our dolls are excellent thanks to us and Mopsa. The course, I feel, is very reasonably priced, worth every penny. Here's to my next doll."

Fiona Whitfield reviewed: Leather Crossbody/Messenger or Tote bag

"This was a fantastic day introducing leather work. Richard was patient, informative and happy to answer queries about the task in hand and general questions. I highly recommend this day, you'll end it with a great bag that will last for years to come."

Martin reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I attended this course a few weeks ago after being given a gift voucher for my birthday. I have never done any wood turning before and found the day to be very enjoyable and I learnt a lot throughout. Chris was approachable and very patient, he allowed me to do as much wood turning as possible. He teaches by explaining a concept and how and why it works and gets you straight on to practicing it. Giving tips and pointers throughout, it's evident he enjoys what he does and enjoys teaching. He also takes health and safety very seriously. It was constantly spoke about, and explained why things are done in certain ways to keep you safe. I would strongly recommend this course, after doing this course it is something that I definitely want to do again."

Glyn Barnes reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"The last time I got hands on was back in the seventies, CSE metalwork class at school, thank you for an interesting and excellent day, good company, hospitality , food, oh and the memories of youth!"

Annika reviewed: Experimental Printmaking inspired by Mid Century Design in Derbyshire

"We had a brilliant day at the Experimental Printmaking course. Everything was so well thought out and organised. I really enjoyed getting stuck in trying the various printing methods. I picked up some great tips. Liz’s enthusiasm and knowledge made it even more enjoyable. I would highly recommend this course."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Annika, Thanks for your feedback - it’s really appreciated. It was great fun working with you all and you produced some lovely pieces. Hope you can continue to explore different print techniques. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Mags reviewed: Bring Your Own Upholstery Project - Buy 3 days and save.

"Thank you, Thank you - Sarah you are an amazing teacher!!! As you know I was a little nervous about taking my chair apart, the transformation is brilliant and so professional. My husband loves it and he’s the only one allowed to sit in it. This is the second time I’ve booked a course with Sarah and I can’t recommend her classes enough. She explains the processes to suit your learning style. I’ve been on a number of courses, this is the only one where I’m leaving with the confidence to embark on a upholstery project at home. The training room is a great learning space equipped with everything you need. Sarah provides refreshments throughout the day and a lovely lunch. If you’re looking to learn upholstery, Sarah’s your girl!!!"

Anna reviewed: Enamelling Taster Session

"Amazing session learning enamelling. I’d never done it before , but Melissa was a great teacher and made it very easy to do. It was so much fun and I was so pleased with the result! Thank you!"

Gwen Nicholas reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"I have had a brilliant day today learning the basics of hand spinning. Elaine was very patient and knowledgeable as well as extremely enthusiastic about all aspects of wool. Lunch was very pleasant and relaxed and a time to chat and get to know each other a little better. It was great to be able to take away the wool we had spun and to feel that this would be the start of a new craft journey. I would recommend this course wholeheartedly."

Maggs reviewed: Two day stained glass workshop - lead panels or garden sculpture

"It was such a wonderful way to spend the weekend - I created a colourful, and professional looking panel to hang in my home. I am so pleased with my panel and it has already gained several compliments from friends and family. Gigha is so helpful and patient. She explains each step as you go along until you master the different processes. It was excellent value for money and I would recommend the course."

Roger reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"Brilliant day. Great instruction and instructors. Superb lunch. Thoroughly recommend the day."

Natasha Winter reviewed: Drawing classes. Bringing drama and life with charcoal- all levels welcome!

"Really excellent teacher with a sympathetic, can do, hands on approach. Lovely location, beautiful materials. Generous sharing of knowledge and expertise. Cannot recommend highly enough."

Sarah Stokes responded:

"Aw thanks Natasha. It’s been a joy to see your work develop to a fantastic standard! You’ve created some really beautiful artwork. Thank you for the lovely review and see you very soon! ?"

Justin Smith reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Nigel is a great teacher. Everything is demonstrated in a relaxed manner with hilarious stories from his wide ranging experience. I did two days as a complete novice and ended up being hooked! Worth the travel if you are not local. I would find it hard to believe there is a better atmosphere anywhere else in which to start to learn this craft."

CAIN LEWIS reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I had a great day yesterday with George teaching me the art of Wood Turning. It was a very good day, I learned a lot, he has a lot of knowledge and is happy to share it with you. Went home with a lovely ash bowl. I would just like to thank George and Sue for the hospitality. Hopefully will be going back again in the future."

Helen Weaver reviewed: Weave a Scarf Workshop in Liverpool

"Cathy set a perfect balance between support and letting us get on with it! Her wools are beautiful and I think everyone was really proud of our weaving projects today. Thank you Cathy"

Lazykate Textiles responded:

"Thank you Helen, this is very kind of you. Your enthusiasm was infectious, it was a lovely day"

Lin reviewed: Mohair Robin bauble

"Lyn is an excellent and patient teacher full of encouragement and and advice. Highly recommend any of her classes and I was really pleased with my finished Robin - family and friends were also very impressed"

Boo Bears Cumbria responded:

"Thank you Lin, looking forward to seeing the Mohair Westie dog come together. Lyn"

Mrs Linda Ratcliffe reviewed: Drawing classes. Bringing drama and life with charcoal- all levels welcome!

"Thoroughly enjoying this course, Sarah is inspiring us all ,and encourages us with her great skills and knowledge, with great results."

Sarah Stokes responded:

"Thank you Linda for the lovely feedback. Really glad that you’re enjoying the course. The hares and the bees that you have created are fabulous!! Really well done! ?"

linda reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course

"Paula was amazing! I loved every minute of the course. Paula was very detailed and gave us so much information about how to make a candle and everything behind it! thank you so much Paula! Afternoon was good too, sandwiches were not stale and scones were very tasty!!"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Hi Linda, thank you very much. I am so pleased you enjoyed the course. Good luck in your candle making journey. Paula"

Fran Isaac reviewed: Beginners Glass Fusing 6 Week Course

"Loved it..Sarah has a very relaxed teaching style..nothing in the studio is off limits. Enjoyed learning techniques and met some lovely people. Have booked on to a further course! And she makes cake!"

Sara Mitchell reviewed: Annie Sloan Method with Chalk Paint for Upcycling Furniture at La Di Da Interiors - The Basics

"I thoroughly enjoyed the Annie Sloan courses I did with Steph. We covered loads of different techniques and Steph was very knowledgeable. We had a laugh too. Thank you."

Laura reviewed: Furniture upcycling workshop - 1 day

"I really enjoyed getting creative at this fab upcycling workshop. Hannah is a great guide and provided helpful tips and demos throughout the day. Would definitely recommend. Looking forward to my next project with my newfound skills!"

Tread Softly responded:

"Hi Laura, thank you! I can’t wait to see your future projects as I loved the colours you used and the design ? thanks so much for coming!"

Siobhan Gascoigne reviewed: Mohair Robin bauble

"If you want a unique Christmas bauble to hang on your tree this year then this is definitely the course for you!!! Lyn has a huge range of mohair for you to choose from to make your robin your own and her skill in helping you to achieve your work of art is second to none. She welcomes you into her own home in a very friendly manner and has lovely refreshments to keep you going. You are sure to be really pleased with your creation!"

Boo Bears Cumbria responded:

"Thank you Siobhan, Looking forward to welcoming you back for a 3rd year, Robin, Owl and next a Penguin?"

Kate reviewed: Tree Stump Planter Workshop - Sculpture Workshop Using Pal Tiya Premium

"A fabulous course in all respects! Joe and Bob are knowledgeable, kind, enthusiastic and patient. They made us feel we could have a go, and achieve a quality creation to take home. They demonstrated and stepped in to help when we needed it. We felt they really cared that we were happy with our day and with our creations. Thank you chaps! We loved it (and we all love what we made. Excited to cure and finish our pieces!)"

Robert reviewed: Silver jewellery for beginners - 2 day workshop

"I took part in Alison's Silver jewellery for beginners - 2 day weekend workshop. This was an absolutely fantastic course and I learnt an enormous amount from Alison and her many years of experience in the industry. Upon arrival Alison welcomed me to the centre and her studio then we discussed my aspirations for the two days. I was introduced to tools and techniques as well as the materials we'd be working with. I started on a practice ring to begin with where Alison demonstrated the technique and I copied under her guidance. Completing the practice ring we then went on to develop some more complex pieces with gemstone bezels, one of these I'd go on to present to my partner as a promise ring (which she loved). The whole two days went very quickly as it was busy but extremely enjoyable informative. I think this course would be perfect for anyone who wants a really good through introduction to the world of silversmithing, or alternatively, anyone who is interested in doing some crafting and wants to learn from an experienced tutor in a relaxed and well setup studio."

Alison Flanders Studio responded:

"It was a delight to have you attend the workshop. I'm so happy you enjoyed it. I hope it inspires you to go on to other projects in the future. best Alison"

James Dobie reviewed: One Day Jewellery Course - New Forest

"I had an amazing day with Natalia in her fabulous studio in the New Forest. I made a silver bracelet and a ring (birthday gift for my girlfriend!). As a beginner, I was surprised at how much I achieved and the quality of the finished pieces. It is definitely a bonus having such a small group as everyone had lots of attention and could choose a different project. Natalia is a very knowledgeable, encouraging and patient teacher. Many thanks! I will definitely be back!"

Lightwave Jewellery responded:

"Thank you very much James! It was a pleasure sharing the studio with you and helping you to create your beautifully made pieces. Looking forward to having you back!"