Latest reviews

Janet Pugh reviewed: Take raw fleece to finished fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"This was a fact-filled course with lots of hands-on time. Starting with learning a bit about different sheep breeds in relation to the type of yarn they produce through to skeining and washing the finished two-plied yarn we went through cleaning the raw fleece to carding, spinning on a drop spindle and on a wheel. There is so much to learn with lots of unfamiliar and seemingly humorously-named tools and processes. Lunch was wholesome and very tasty. Constructive feedback: I would have liked to have been able to take some written material away. Maybe a summary of what was covered, or even just a glossary of common the terms used. Thanks, Elaine."

Stafford Jordaan reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"Gavin and Tom at Nailsworth Community Workshop with their skill, enthusiasm, patience, humour and knowledge, passed on the practice of the bowyer skills in making the English Longbow to the group who had joined the course, and showed how the making of the English Long Bow should be done. The workshop facilities and tools and equipment are excellent, all you need is there. Gavin and Tom were calm under pressure with varying stages of making the Longbow. They found the time to help all those who needed it most to finish the English Longbow, thank you Gavin and Tom. The music from Gavin's old gramophone is a treat so go along and listen. I highly recommend doing an English Long Bow course at Nailsworth Community Workshops. When you walk out of the Nailsworth Community Workshops with your English Longbow you are guaranteed to have a smile on your face. Thank you to all at Nailsworth Community Workshops, what a rewarding experience it was doing the English Longbow Course. Stafford Jordaan"

Caralyn Moore reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"Steve is so helpful and exceptionally patient. It was a fabulous day and Steve encouraged us to make as many things in the time that we had. I had a very special project which Steve helped me to create and I am absolutely thrilled with the result. I would recommend this course for anybody who is interested in doing something a little bit different from the usual craft courses. I did the evening taster class before Christmas which left me wanting to do more. Thank you Steve, my Mum was thrilled with her ‘special’ panel."

Calligraphy Beginners reviewed: Introduction to traditional Calligraphy - foundational hand

"It was a most enjoyable day and I was delighted with the knowledge I came away with. Passionate, patient and encouraging teaching. Thank you."

Barbara Douglas reviewed: A Practical Introduction to Woodland Restoration and Management

"We spent a great day with Phil on Saturday 8th February. If you want to really get away from everything and think only about what is going on around you in the woods, then try this. We were lucky with the weather which meant we could cook our sausages and burgers on the open fire which could have been the highlight of the day, until we realised at the end that for the entire day we thought about nothing except the coppicing and getting it right for Phil. All other daily problems just faded away. Phil is so knowledgeable and his passion for woodland is very infectious. Try it, you won’t regret it."

Greenwood Music CIC responded:

"Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for the nice review"

savva christofides reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"This weekend I went on a 3 day course with Lucy Churchill, a stone carver in York . It’s all down to the quality of the instruction.. Lucy is the best!! A superb sculptor, a superb host, and a total joy to know. This course is fun from the start to the finish and as a total beginner I was amazed at what I could produce. Lucy deserves more than 5 stars and a higher rating than excellent. 10 gold stars and outstanding would be nearer to the mark . I would highly recommend this course to anyone .. just do it .. you won’t ever regret it ?. Simply the best!!!!"

Clare reviewed: Mini Willow Weaving Lesson

"Lovely venue, personalised approach to work. Would have liked some advice as I was going along, - I should have asked more questions!"

Lesley reviewed: Mini Willow Weaving Lesson

"Lots of materials available & session explained clearly & simply"

Caitlin Harnett reviewed: Using a Sewing Machine for Beginners

"Before this class I was quite apprehensive as it’d been a while since I’d last used a sewing machine, but Donna was very patient, encouraging and made me feel at ease. By the end of the class I was feeling much more confident and came away with lots of lovely items. I would definitely recommend this class as Donna is a great teacher and you’re sure to enjoy yourself."

Kit Day reviewed: Saturday silver clay wrapped ring workshop at Ransom's Pavilion, Hitchin 1.30pm - 5pm

"I highly recommend attending one of Tuuli’s silver clay workshops. It was amazing to make a ring, fire it, burnish and polish, then take it home finished and ready to wear all in a couple of hours. Tuuli is hands-on and encouraging throughout the whole of the workshop. Practising with play doh was a great idea before being let loose on the silver clay. All tools, moulds and texture mats + clay are provided. My finished ring is exquisite, I chose the seaside mould with tiny shells and sandy texture. As soon as the ring was completed, it was on my finger and hasn’t been removed. One of my colleagues has already commented on how beautiful it is. I’m already checking dates for another workshop with Tuuli!"

Tuuli Parker responded:

"I'm so pleased to hear this Kat! Your ring came out beautifully so it's no wonder you have recieved compliments already. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such lovely feedback, it means a lot to me. Tuuli"

Paula reviewed: Introduction to English Willow Basket Making- Weekend Course

"This course was bought for me as a present and it was such a brilliant idea. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole day (and Jonathan's home made cake). Jonathan was an excellent tutor explaining things step by stop and being very patient when I forgot what I was supposed to be doing :). I can really recommend this course and will very probably book another one."

Jas Sharma reviewed: How to make chocolate & candy bar bouquets online master class

"I run a cake shop and sweet shop and I was looking to offer new products to my customers. I came across Neelam's chocolate & candy bouquet workshops and called her. She gave me all the information I needed and I knew this course was perfect for me. I enjoyed the course so much, she is a very willing and caring teacher. I loved the fact that she is always happy to share all her secrets and tips with her clients. She has a very good eye for design and I am very grateful for her business tips as well as her excellent designs for chocolate bouquets. I would recommend this course for anyone who is looking to have a wonderful creative day or if you want to learn and sell your chocolate bouquets in your business or from home. I will be attending more courses for sure. Thank you Neelam Jas xxxx"

Neelam Meetcha Gift Wrapping Course & Paper Flower Training Academy responded:

"Hi Jas Thank you so much for your review, I appreciate your kind words. Always a pleasure to work with you and I am looking forward to seeing you in our next master class. Thank you again and have a great day Warmest regards Neelam"

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

"Really enjoyable and valuable introduction to blacksmithing, with the opportunity to have lots of practice throughout the day. The attitude is very much "get stuck in" and ask if you need help, which I very much appreciated. Lunch provided is delicious (and huge!) which is a real bonus. Highly recommended."

Babs reviewed: Brush lettering workshop with Becki Clark

"Absolutely loved this workshop! Becki is incredibly talented and was such a fab teacher. She’s taught me something I never thought I’d be able to do and I use this skill all the time now in cards, on gift tags or wherever my heart desires. Would highly recommend this workshop if you’d like to add another string to your creative bow :)"

Tilly reviewed: Introduction to screen printing

"A super day with Ria, who is friendly, patient and knowledgeable . Only 6 class members who were all very supportive. Lovely location. We all came home with a completed project which is great, rather than have a number of 'practice pieces' which just get stuffed in a drawer. The only thing I would advise future course members is 'wrap up warm' . Ria had heaters going and the sun shone but it is an old building so difficult to heat."

Sue reviewed: Beginner's Crochet (in person)

"A lovely workshop, really enjoyed it. Emma was an excellent teacher as I thought I’d struggle, I’m now aiming to be a crochet queen!!! Already booked to go the next workshop."

Brush lettering reviewed: Brush lettering workshop with Becki Clark

"I did the Christmas bauble brush lettering workshop and I cannot say enough good things about it! Becki made it so enjoyable and so easy to learn. The learning material breaks it down so that you don’t just forget when you leave, you have that booklet to take home and follow to practise. Becki was so helpful and hands on helping everyone along the way, sharing her tips and tricks. Love brush lettering after this and use it all the time! Xx"

Sarah Donovan reviewed: Beginner's Crochet (in person)

"Fantastic course, Emma was lovely and I had a great time. I’ll be back :)"

Steve Savage reviewed: One day Bag making traditional leather workshop (tote bag / side bag)

"What a fantastic day! Kingsley was an excellent, patient, knowledgeable tutor, who felt more like a friend. He was eager to share his passion and tips. I learnt so much and came away buzzing with ideas for my next project. If you are looking for a really enjoyable course where you will learn so much, look no further. Thank you so much Kingsley. I'll be back!!! Steve Savage"

Josy reviewed: Embossed letter and bookmark

"I had a very good day making a decorative letter and bookmark, Mel was very patient and encouraging. She shared her knowledge and passion with us and provided all materials. It was great learning a new skill. Thank you Mel."

david birchall reviewed: Watercolour on canvas

"Great teacher. Positive comments but constructive criticism and good suggestions. A great experience with someone who knows her stuff."

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"Thank you David for the great review! And, it has earned me my gold award, so double thanks. I am glad you enjoyed the weekend."

Jonathan reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"A friendly, at-your-own-pace workshop that provides both the detail to have given me the itch to try out leather crafting on my own, and a few quality items to takeaway as proof that I can actually do it. Highly recommended if you're looking for a new thing to try out, it's a day well spent."

Sophie reviewed: Kookie Cats Needle Felting workshop

"We booked this for my Mum's birthday and we all really enjoyed it. The course length was good (though I think we could have carried on all night!) and Heidi was a great instructor and very patient with our varying levels of experience and engagement. We ranged in age from 13 - 63 and all managed to come home with wonderful felted toadstools and an urge to get crafting the next item! Thanks Heidi :-)"

Heartfelt by Heidi responded:

"Sophie, Thank you so much for your review, I am so pleased you all enjoyed it! You were great fun to be with and it was a pleasure to meet you all. It's lovely to find a craft that spans the ages and you can all do together equally as well. Wishing you future crafting happiness! Heidi x"

Ros and Gemma Townsend reviewed: Three-Day (Week-days) Bobbin Lace Making - Daytime Mixed Lace Workshops (Stoke d'Abernon, Surrey).

"We had a great weekend with Tina who is an excellent teacher. As complete beginners we were given a thorough over view of lace making from beginning bobbing winding through to a variety of stiches to enable us to practice at home. The course was relaxed and we were able to work at our own pace. Looking forward to returning in the future to enhance our skills."

Tina's Bobbin Lacemaking responded:

"Good Morning to you both. I am very happy that you felt you have plenty of stitches and techniques to practise. Looking forward to seeing your bookmarks when we next meet. Hope you enjoy your new hobby. Regards Tina"

Rich reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I can’t thank Ciaran enough. I’ve taken so much away from this course and picked up a lot of new skills for life. The workshop is such a great place in which to learn, with plenty of space and lots of tools to practice with. His course is really relaxed and very informative and you never feel stressed or worried you will mess up as he’s always on hand to help. Anyone who has ever thought of learning to work with wood should look no further than this course as you will learn a lot in a short period from a brilliant instructor."