Latest reviews

Karen Greenhalgh reviewed: Photography Days

"Have had an excellent, informative and varied day with Sue and Richard. They introduced me to the world of DSLR's, the potential of my camera, how to take photos of landscapes, moving objects and still life. And then how to improve and develop my photos using the software that is now available. The whole day was flexible, relaxed and very helpful. It gave me what I was looking for from this course. Thank you for all your helpful tips and patience."

Dina Harewood reviewed: Candle making workshops

"I really enjoyed the Candle Making Course with Angharad, she was really pleasant and made everyone feel comfortable. The course was made really understandable and it was so relaxed. Her workshop is perfect and is in a really relaxed setting within her home grounds which is amazing. Her homemade Quiche and soup were delicious,along with her husband's homemade bread. If you are looking for a nice relaxing day while making beautiful candles then I would definitely recommend that you chose this course, you won't be disappointed."

Janice M Carlyle reviewed: Mosaic pendants for beginners

"Absolutely brilliant mosaic pendant workshop this morning with Rachel. I thoroughly enjoyed making the 2 pendants and I think they look amazing! Rachel was really great at showing us what to do, making suggestions, and keeping us right. She was also really efficient at keeping in touch about all the arrangements for the workshop - always replying to my e-mails really quickly. Rachel is a very talented mosaic-maker herself and it was lovely to see the things she has made. I would 100% recommend this workshop - it is a fantastic way to spend a morning."

Lesley G reviewed: Pyrography Delites

"Just had a wonderful evening with friends working on a craft that is normally out of my comfort zone. However, Jane was a great teacher and I left with a completed project I was delighted with. Would definitely like to go again and learn more about this lovely craft. I highly recommend joining one of Jane's classes ."

D.J. Salmon reviewed: Spoon carving taster session

"An instructive and interesting course. Dave was a patient teacher, and I ended up with something recognisable as a spoon."

Anon reviewed: Make a bent stick chair - a two day course

"Dave was amazingly patient and helpful and did an amazing job"

Anon reviewed: Make a bent stick chair - a two day course

"It was productive - I went home with a serviceable chair"

Sarah Gascoigne reviewed: Batik your initial in Ripley, Derbyshire

"A beautiful studio with so many inspiring ideas displayed. Sue is just wonderful, a great host and teacher. It was such a relaxing day, everything was explained and there was no rush. The materials were all prepared and were of such quality and choice. I thoroughly enjoyed learning the art of batik, so much in fact that it is something I would love to continue to do. Your end result is beautifully framed, and to walk away with such a professional work of art that you have made could not make you feel more proud. I would recommend Sue and her course to anyone. Thank you so much Sue for a wonderful day."

Attic Batik responded:

"It's nice to hear you felt unhurried and relaxed Sarah, and I'm happy to hear that batik is something you'd love to continue with! It was lovely to meet you and to work with you ~ Thank you very much!"

Clare Gibbs reviewed: Outside Workshop: Get started with DSLR creative photography(Beginners level)

"I can't thank Sally for this course enough, it opened my eyes to what I am able to achieve with my camera. A well balanced course, both informal yet professional with easy steps to help you get to grips with the technology you're learning. Beautiful venue and a fantastic price! Ready for the next level! X"

Ann reviewed: Mosaics for Beginners - West Sussex

"Great mosaic workshop, superb, highly recommend!!! Here’s the deets, if you’re into info: Wendy is a great teacher. Very patient, kind and she set up a lovely atmosphere and crafting environment with everything laid out for us. It included all the tools and materials, with a very wide array of colours and different shapes and styles of mosaic tiles and gems. We were given choices for the mount type and shape, including glazed frames. Wendy also offered a great range of images and ideas to help us in our designs. The safety explanations were also very clear and the equipment was provided to ensure we did the cutting and pasting safely. I have never attempted any form of glass or tile work before and am quite limited in ability. With Wendy’s clear explanations, demonstrations and patience with questions, even I managed to produce a reasonable mosaic. What is also very helpful and inspiring is that Wendy created a beautiful mosaic alongside us. Everyone there made a great mosaic - I was really impressed with them! We had the choice of finishing off the grouting ourselves, or have Wendy do them. I think we all opted for the latter. I collected mine a couple of days later and found it beautifully and carefully packed - and the grouting and framing was great. Also, worth noting is that Wendy was very generous with the tea and coffee and chocolate biscuits. I am very lucky to live 10 minutes walk from The Little Craftery. It is a great location, on a lane called Field Row, which opens off Montague Street (pedestrianised), up beside Superdrug and more or less opposite Marks and Spencer. The sea front is also very close as are many coffee and eating places. There are car parks around including a multi-storey one above M&S which is accessed from the sea front. Highly recommend this workshop - and her others! I have also found the same exceptional quality and enjoyment from the felting, macramé bracelets, eco soy candle-making. I also want to do her others. The quality of tuition and excellent written instructions mean I feel confident to have a go at them myself afterwards."

Angela Barnacle reviewed: Indigo & Arashi Shibori workshop

"I loved my day with Lisa trying my hand at indigo dyeing. She’s a highly motivated, hardworking and passionate teacher, knowledgable and also approachable. She ensured we all got to try various methods and to express ourselves. Her enthusiasm for our efforts was empowering! I would highly recommend taking her class. Huge fun."

Attendee reviewed: Thrills and Chills: Writing Crime, Suspense and Horror - Nottingham Trent University

"This course was very disappointing. The description & exercises looked excellent & the bronze award and good review encouraged me to enrol. I now see the previous review was written three years ago & the course has changed since then. This recent course was poorly organised & the instructions were confusing. I believe there are structured & inspirational ways to teach this subject matter, even though it’s not as easily defined."

Nottingham Trent University responded:

"Hi. We're sorry to hear you didn't enjoy the course this summer. It’s one that has run in the past over five Saturdays very successfully (this was the first time we tried it as part of our intensive summer programme). We had good feedback from some students, but because we’re always looking at ways to improve our offer we are considering aiming this existing course at beginners (with some adjustments), and designing something that might appeal to a more experienced audience in the future."

Erica Whalley reviewed: Free Machine Embroidery

"A really excellent course, very enjoyable, Ruth was great to work with and provided a perfectly paced introduction of several techniques, with time to explore them. I was really pleased with what I learnt and the progress I made in the day (although I was an absolute beginner). As there are a maximum of two on the course, loads of personal attention made the course particularly effective. A lovely lunch too! Would highly recommend any courses with Ruth and will certainly be planning to return soon. Thank you Ruth"

Christine Harvey reviewed: Amazing encaustic art day course

"I had a full day with Phil learning techniques and producing artworks I didn't think possible. He is an excellent teacher and the examples of his own work on view are inspiring. I enjoyed every minute of it and have already booked another day. I cannot recommend the course more highly (I'm off to have a play with my starter kit)."

Phil Madley responded:

"Thank you Christine. So glad you enjoyed yourself and you did some great work in a relatively short space of time. I look forward to seeing your creations when we next meet. Hope you enjoy the painting you bought it is nice to know it has gone to a good home. Cheers Phil."

Chloe French reviewed: Chocolate Discovery Day - Workshop 1 - A Beginners Guide

"My friend and I travelled all the way from Scarborough to do this course and we weren't disappointed. We were welcomed with fruit toast and tea and then we were given an explanation of how the day would run. With only a handful of people undertaking the course at any one time, Margaret could keep an eye on all if us to ensure we were doing everything right. Lunch was delicious and then there was more tea and cake! The chocolates we made were delicious and looked very professional. They tasted better than some shop bought chocolates and my friends and family were surprised that I had made them. We learnt some simple techniques that we can do in our own kitchens in the future and brought away recipes and methods. I would highly recommend this course."

Confetti Chocolates responded:

"Thank you Chloe for your review, I am so glad that you enjoyed your day here at Confetti Cakes and Chocolates, your kind comments are very much appreciated."

Val reviewed: Pyrography Delites

"Wow what an experience from start to finish. Jane is friendly and very helpful. She encouraged me to use my imagination to produce some great pieces. I wasn't disappointed. I would definitely recommend. B"

Sheena reviewed: Pyrography Delites

"I had a great time with Jane, she is a superb teacher who puts you at ease from the moment you start. She helps and encourages you to produce your very own master pieces with wonderful results. Thoroughly recommended."

Linda Pullan reviewed: Amazing encaustic art day course

"I enrolled onto the two hour taster course for Encaustic Wax Art with Phil on a one to one basis as I had no previous experience of using hot wax. I was absolutely delighted with the course. Phil is an excellent teacher. He gave clear instructions on how to go through each step and was on hand to give extra help and feedback. He made the course fun and really interesting. During the course I was able to learn all about how to use the wax and 5 different techniques. The examples that I worked on I was able to take away with me which will be very useful for when I practice what I have learned. I found using the hot wax wonderfully relaxing and there is so much more to learn. I will definitely return for further tuition once I have got some practice in and I would not hesitate to recommend this course to others. Thank you Phil for a great course."

Phil Madley responded:

"Thank you Lin. We certainly achieved a lot in only a couple of hours. Time does fly especially when learning is fun. See how you get on with your tools but if there is anything you want don't hesitate to contact me. Next time you come bring your iron etc so I can test it out. Cheers Phil."

Sahar reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"I attended Matt’s stained glass workshop in July. I had a wonderful time learning how to make stained glass work, which was my dream that became a reality. It was also a great experience to learn new skills, whilst meeting awesome people. Matt is an amazing tutor who has a passion for his job. He is very patient and approachable and could easily teach me how to make unique art works out of pieces of glass in just one session. He also supported us throughout the day and taught us all the required and necessary techniques. I would highly recommend this course if you want to become a master in this area."

Sam Bacon reviewed: maltese limestone carving at mount pleasant gardens

"We have been on 2 of Andrew’s stone carving courses and have thoroughly enjoyed both weekends. Andrew is a very laid back teacher and full of encouragement, enthusiasm and humour and knows exactly how to guide you so you feel comfortable with what you are trying to achieve. We are both really proud of our sculptures and amazed that we could create something out of a block of stone. Andrew was excellent at showing us how to use the various tools and the techniques we needed. We would highly recommend the course, we met some really lovely people who all encouraged each other and we are looking forward to going back again! The gardens at Mount Pleasant are also stunning to explore and it’s an added bonus to be able to eat your packed lunch in such a beautiful place."

Sandra Savage-Fisher reviewed: maltese limestone carving at mount pleasant gardens

"Having strolled past the exhibition of carving at Tatton Park Flower Show a couple of years ago, I signed up to go along to one of the workshops. I had a vague idea of what I wanted to create and by the end of the weekend was very pleased with my achievement. The only downside, it left me wanting to do more. Now two years later I'm signed up with a friend to make my next piece. Better prepared this time. So looking forward to the experience again."

Matthew Rogers reviewed: An introduction to wood turning with Gregory Moreton (2 Days)

"Gregory was incredibly patient, explained basic techniques in a way that gradually built into more complex ones and dispensed information above and beyond the techniques of the craft; I highly recommend his course. On top of that he is a excellent teacher, friendly guy and makes a mean cup of coffee - and I'm particular about my coffee. Not a single regret about the course, money well spent! Thanks again for your time Gregory!"

Maria Rossetter reviewed: Mosaics for Beginners - West Sussex

"I have done the mosaic workshop twice now and will definitely do more. I absolutely love it. Wendy is lovely and helpful and makes you feel at home. Mosaic making is very therapeutic and and it's so exciting to see the finishing piece. I would definitely recommend it."

Debbie reviewed: Portmeirion crafts retreats

"I have done a lot of weekends with Creative Stays and they have all been wonderful. The balance of fun and laughter, learning new things and meeting new people makes for such an enjoyable time. The planning and professional approach is obvious and the range of activities means it’s never boring."

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

"I had a great weekend with Alan and the rest of our small group. Alan was welcoming, a great teacher and really helpful. The course gave us all an opportunity to learn different techniques and the fundamentals of 4 and 8 shaft work with a range of materials - it was thoroughly enjoyable and gave me more confidence to move forward with my own weaving."