Latest reviews

Brent Hoe reviewed: Weekly morning stone carving sessions in Somerset with Sculptor Kate Semple

"Having dabbled with some stone carving previously, I started weekly courses with Kate and found it to be such a rewarding time and so much better than a previous experience I had elsewhere. Kate makes sure you carve something you like rather than a set piece from a book. There is no pressure and everyone works at their own pace, Kate takes her time explaining the process, making sure that everyone progresses to a finished work of art by the end of the course. Its great to create something from nothing! Really recommend it."

Ann Barnes reviewed: Beginner's tapestry weaving workshops

"Matty’s workshop was very informative and ideally suited for a beginner. She gave clear instructions and kept a good pace for all abilities, giving extra support when needed or helping others to progress to the next stage. The course was well structured and highly organised, written handouts supplied to reinforce teaching. Further developments were also discussed using students own visual material. I would be keen to sign up to future workshops, or would be interested in a mini programmed progressive course to develop skills, over several weeks or monthly workshops."

Angela Zhong reviewed: Small Leather Goods Workshop

"The experience was amazing! I cannot describe how happy I was when I finishing making the belt for my boyfriend. Richard was absolutely brilliant and patient. I was the only one that day for the workshop, so I got an absolute 1-to-1 learning experience from him. Next weekend my boyfriend and I will celebrate our one-year anniversary, I can't wait to see his face when he sees the belt. Thank you very much, I will come back for more leather workshops :-)"

Jane Norman reviewed: The Zarzo Flower Basket

"A wonderful afternoon. Nicki and her husband were so friendly and welcoming, as well as being very patient teachers. I went home with a lovely tipi rather than the bunch of sticks I had anticipated! Recommend wholeheartedly."

Linda Collings reviewed: Fused Glass workshops at Bere Alston, near Tavistock, Devon

"Wow! I have had a wonderful day and learnt a lot about Fused Glass. Wendy our tutor was very informative and patient! Loved every moment and would recommend the experience."

Linsey Collings reviewed: Fused Glass workshops at Bere Alston, near Tavistock, Devon

"Thank you so much for your patience and advice. I am really impressed with the course and the end result is something I will treasure. The Studio and facilities are perfect and the whole experience was brilliant, especially for a non-artistic person!"

Cheryll Mills reviewed: Fused Glass workshops at Bere Alston, near Tavistock, Devon

"It was a complete surprise to attend the workshop (birthday treat). Glorious location and great facilities. Wendy is a great and very patient tutor who really supports your ideas and helping you create a personal piece. I would really recommend the day course as you will learn so much and have a piece of work to remember it. Wonderful x"

Anya de Visme reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

"I had two consecutive days under Nigel's watchful eye, and had an utterly fantastic time. Nigel is an excellent teacher; insightful and amusing, he taught me a massive amount in the two days. Before this course, I had never handled leather from a maker's perspective. My experience was so positive that I am inclined to delve much further into the medium, and I feel that Nigel's teaching means I stand a good chance of becoming proficient (with further tuition). The full process of making my chosen item was covered, including measuring, patterning, cutting, riveting, saddle stitching and finishing. Nigel made sure that I did every part of my final piece, while he demonstrated and instructed separately. As a result, I feel much more secure in the skills I learned. I went home with a rather lovely scaled bracer (a fully functional and aesthetically attractive armour piece that I shall treasure for a long time), a confidence boost and potentially a new passion. I cannot recommend this course enough; an absolute treat on every count!"

Annette Jarratt-Knock reviewed: Sculpture in stone for beginners - 3 day course

"This is a really great course; Kate is an excellent tutor, helping you to see your piece in the block, teaching and guiding you in the techniques to make your design come alive in stone. It is also great fun and has a wonderful atmosphere. If you've never done something before it can be daunting, especially being in a mixed ability group, but Kate is inspirational and empowers you, so that it is truly a fun and relaxing experience. I've been on the 3 day course a couple of times now, carved both a large piece and, in soapstone, a small ornamental piece, it is very rewarding and all class members have always been supportive of one another. I have no doubt I'll be coming back again sometime soon."

Elsie Bennett reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"I have just had the loveliest morning at Kerry's candle course. Nice chat with nice company and in beautiful surroundings. And the scents were wonderful. I've always wanted to try candle making but before I went I wondered if I would really be able to do it at home but Kerry was very informative and I can't wait to make another candle in my own kitchen with the kit I bought. Thank you so much Kerry, just what I was needing at the moment."

Sarah Lewis reviewed: 1-to-1 Organic Skincare Workshop at Maid in the Meadow

"I attended a full day workshop with Allison in August. What an incredibly inspiring day it was. I left feeling so excited about the possibilities and this was all down to Allison’s passion and enthusiasm for sharing her knowledge. It was the most beautiful setting, I instantly felt relaxed and Allison put me at ease instantly with her warmth and interest. I felt like I’d had a day with a good friend. I learnt recipes ranging from instant, easily replicable ones to slightly more challenging ones. All the results were exceptional and I got to make products that smell exactly to my taste. Allison even gave me so many more recipes to go and try at home. I’d recommend this course to anyone thinking about trying to reduce and reuse their packaging, wanting cheaper alternatives to products on the market, anyone wanting to make gorgeous, usable gifts for friends and family, or anyone simply wanting to have a lovely, inspiring day with great company."

Esther Winckles reviewed: Millinery Classes - Learn Hat Making like a Professional

"I did this course along with a couple of friends, and we all had a really lovely time, learnt new skills and came away with beautiful hats that we had made ourselves from scratch! Silvia is a brilliant teacher and all round lovely person, sharing her skills and passing on her experience in a relaxed and friendly way. I thoroughly recommend her course!"

Nadine Cole reviewed: Millinery Classes - Learn Hat Making like a Professional

"Silvia is an brilliant teacher, really takes the time to make sure you have understood what she is showing you. Thoroughly enjoyed the course and I have a very stylish prime riding hat to show for it!"

Anna reviewed: 2 Day Leather Practical Skills Course

"What an amazing 2 days! The 2 day workshop is an amazing introduction to leather craft. I would highly recommend this workshop to anyone and everyone! On my 2 days I learned about leather types, how they are tanned (old ways and new), what tools I would use, pattern making and cutting, embossing leather, and the traditional saddle stitch! Richard is a wonderful teacher and very patient, and very knowledgeable. Very hospitable. This 2 day workshop has given me enough practical knowledge and skill to take away and make more; and as I write this, I am multitasking and browsing a website for leather!"

Ailie Smith reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"I loved the workshop. A lovely way to spend a morning learning a new craft. Very informative and very well run by Kerry. Would highly recommend."

David Colton reviewed: maltese limestone carving at mount pleasant gardens

"I did the stone carving course with Andrew this weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it. Laid back, fun and informative. The other students were a great bunch. I'd really recommend giving it a go."

Jane Charlton reviewed: Making a mosaic with slate

"I thoroughly enjoyed the mosaic course. Rachel was a very generous tutor both with her materials and her knowledge. There was an amazing range of materials available to us, I could have spent the whole 3 hours just choosing nice pieces to use! Went home very happy with my mosaic and I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to try it."

Simon reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"A splendid course, and a brilliant day out. Alex is a very patient tutor who will show you what to do, then let you get on with it. It's surprising how quickly you can pick things up too. I made a 7ft tall bird feeder which just about fitted into my car. There's no waiting about and you should expect a very busy day. I would recommend this course to anyone, you learn a lot in a very short time and its great fun too."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks for the great review Simon, It was great to meet you and really glad you enjoyed the experience and came away with something you're proud of. Alex"

Nicky Walters reviewed: Glass blowing - a full day beginners course

"What an amazing 50th Birthday present, paid for with CraftCourses.com vouchers from family members. Paul was an experienced, patient tutor and made everything easy to understand and participate in. We three participants on the day long course made icicle decorations, a paperweight with a coloured swirl in the middle, a small vase with a graduated coloured base and a beautiful coloured Christmas bauble. We learnt several different techniques and everyone was overjoyed with their glass items. Rowena was on hand to assist and took many excellent photos of our experience which she forwarded afterwards."

Rachel Skinner reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Thank-you Dawn it was a fantastic workshop with you; I loved it! I’ve tried using my machine at home before for making appliqué cards , but I’ve not really known what I’ve been doing and just making it up as I went along; often with a lot of mess, rejects, jamming up my machine and frustration in the process. The workshop was fantastic , some of us took our own machines and Dawn was able to help and assist as necessary with all the variants of machines. We had a great instruction and demos and plenty of time to first of all trial techniques and then work on our own creations and ideas. The area was really well set up and Dawn has a fab array of threads and fabric to choose from . I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop, and meeting Dawn who was lovely, and her hospitality was also excellent; we were offered drinks and biscuits throughout the day and Dawn had made a lovely cake for us at the workshop too. It was a relaxed yet inspiring atmosphere, and I believe the workshop would be suitable for absolute beginners to the more able as everyone could progress on their own projects and everyone received help as needed throughout the day. Thank you Dawn, I’m looking forward to dong more at home and will definitely be recommending your workshops."

Dawn Ireland Textile Artist responded:

"Thank you so much Rachael for your review of the workshop. I’m really glad you enjoyed it. It was lovely to meet you."

Mylene reviewed: Learn soft pastels in a relaxed beautiful environment

"Wonderful workshop, Heather makes you feel comfortable and relaxed straight away. If you're a beginner or already an experienced artist you'll come out of this workshop with a great painting that you are proud of. Can't recommend this workshop enough!"

Lora Cannon reviewed: One day slab-building clay workshop

"What a great way to spend a day - Louise ran a surface decoration workshop which was enjoyable and informative. She freely shared tips and methods and I now feel inspired and equipped to take on some creative projects of my own."

Suzanna reviewed: Beginners 2 sterling silver stacking rings Jewellery course

"My mum booked Sarah's stacking ring course for my 21st birthday present and we both loved it! Sarah was so friendly and helped us every step of the way by clearly explaining what we needed to do and helping out when needed, but also very much let us make the rings ourselves. We both love our rings and still can't believe we actually made them ourselves! Would highly recommend this course to anyone."

George Dummer reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"My girlfriend bought me a one to one a day at the forge as a birthday present. I was a complete beginner to this specific work and hadn't done anything so practical in a few years. Alex was very welcoming and an excellent teacher providing step by step demonstrations of techniques and how to recover from any potential mistakes. This was something I had wanted to do for years and this one to one training did not disappoint - Not only did I learn a lot but came away with a (most useful) Rams Head bottle opener. I would more than recommend this to anyone!"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks very much for the great review George, really glad you enjoyed your self and are happy with what you made and learnt. Alex"

Teresa Brown reviewed: Beginner's Weaving Class / Introduction to multi-shaft weaving (Weekend Course)

"I went on the 2 day course with 2 others. There were 2 different sorts of table loom, very different warps and a wide variety of yarns which led to surprisingly different results from our very first attempts onwards. Alan's teaching was clear and engaging, and he provided detailed written information on methods and techniques to back up what we practised. We also were shown how to make a warp on a warping board and had a small go at getting a warp onto a loom. Entertaining and inspiring!"