Latest reviews

Maia reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Absolutely the best sewing day I've had ever! Highly recommend Dawn Ireland's courses. Delicious cake included! Great personal attention and tuition. Can't wait to return for another course."

Zoë reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"Where do I start; what a wonderful day. From beginning to end you are made to feel at home by John, Spencer and Aiden, who are continuously a wealth of knowledge and who are on hand throughout the day. Although a group experience, Spencer and Aiden make sure to go around and provide 1-1 attention to everyone and give as much or as little support as needed. This was bought as a gift and it is probably the most appreciated and enjoyed, memorable gift I have ever given; everyone should experience this at least once, but I assure you that you will soon have a new hobby - especially at the hands of the Anvil Forge. We definitely have and will be returning. Thank you John, Spencer and Aiden."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Zoe I am happy that we got you so enthralled in bladesmithing and pleased that you proved once again the ladies can give the guys a run for their money when fire and iron are the tools to work with. Whenever you are both ready to return there will be welcome coffee and biscuits waiting for you. best wishes John"

Eileen Aylott reviewed: Candle making with afternoon tea

"I attended a wonderful workshop with Tracey and 5 other fabulous people. The whole experience was first class with quality materials, tuition and afternoon tea. I have already recommended this workshop to friends who I hope will enjoy the experience as much as I did. Eileen"

Chris Scriven reviewed: Welding course: Mig, Tig, Stick, with the Iron Lady - Bradwell Blacksmiths

"I have just spent a fabulous day with the Iron Lady, it flew past and was really good. We covered loads of ground and Natalie’s enthusiasm is really infectious helping everyone beginners or experienced people alike. I heartily recommend the course..."

Jan Foster reviewed: Easel Weasel Wednesday Art workshops - Derbyshire Peak District

"I had a brilliant day being taught how to use acrylic paints by Denise. Being a novice painter, Denise was very good at getting me started, building my confidence gradually and giving me expert guidance along the way - and we had plenty of laughs too! Her advice on how to use different brushes and techniques was invaluable and she would give me quick demos of what she meant, without actually doing it for me! I have just put the final touches to my painting and very pleased with the finished article. I can highly recommend Easel Weasel workshops."

Emily Whitton reviewed: Rag Rugs and Wallhangings - traditional hand hooking and prodding and related techniques

"This course was absolutely wonderful! I cannot rate it highly enough. I was a complete beginner with Rag Rugging and came away hooked. Throughout the day Lynne took us through a variety of techniques and and inspired us to use materials that we would have never thought of! She was patient and incredibly skilled. Lynne had countless beautiful examples of rag rugs to share with us. All main materials are provided (hessian, rugging frame, prodding and hooking tools) and yours to keep after the class. I especially appreciated this as I couldn't wait to keep working at home! She also provided a superb lunch, tea and coffee - it truly felt like a craft retreat day."

Ed Mew reviewed: Traditional bowl turning in a stunning private woodland in Gloucestershire

"Great setting, content and troubleshooting. Plus the food and company was also top banana! Would definitely recommend."

Mary Seymour reviewed: Georgie's needle felting animals

"I so enjoyed learning to needle felt with Georgie. I was in a full class of six people (of varying crafting skills!) and we had great fun. Georgie was an excellent and patient teacher and, amidst the laughter and chat, we all concentrated and came away with ballerina mice. They were all sweet, very individual and full of character. I think we were all rather proud of what Georgie had helped us to create."

Georgies Felted Friends responded:

"I am so glad you enjoyed the course Mary. You made a beautiful ballerina mouse and it was a lovely group to host. Kind Regards Georgie"

Diane Pendlebury reviewed: Macrame craft day in Dorset

"Such a great way to try out a selection of new crafts and find a new hobby with all the materials provided. The lunch at the Hotel du Vin was lovely too. A great day, that was great value, with patient instructions from Nicki for even the most inexperienced crafters. Loved it! Can't wait for the next one."

Debbie Williams reviewed: Rag Rugs and Wallhangings - traditional hand hooking and prodding and related techniques

"I attended Lynn's rag rug workshop on 2nd August 2019, I had been wanting to attend her workshops for some time, but the dates hadn't worked out - so glad that I went today - I highly recommend this course. Lynn's work is inspirational!, her colours, design and the wide range of projects and commissions she has been involved in are fascinating. She is an excellent facilitator/course leader, making learning fun and at a relaxed pace. The course includes your own good sized frame, hook and prodder (to take away) with lots of opportunities to learn techniques and test out skills and learn about fabric. The very tasty delicious lunch (homemade tomato, orange and basil soup, salads, falafel, hummus, and stuffed vine leaves) added to a wonderful experience - thank you."

Shona reviewed: Footstool making workshop - weekend

"Highly recommend this course. Very comfortable class with an experienced and patient teacher. You leave with a footstool to be proud of and the ability to make more at home. Fab way to spend a weekend in the Lakes."

DINA HOUSEAGO reviewed: Beginners introductory pyrography course in Lincolnshire

"I was given the course as a present but was unable to attend any given dates. Susan arranged a date to suit me, which was appreciated. There were two of us, both beginners. I had not attempted pyrography before and was nervous about making mistakes. Susan gave a short PowerPoint presentation which was informative, interesting and, since we were encouraged to ask questions, it was an excellent ice breaker and introduction. The initial practise lines were wonky and had blobs at both ends! However, with explanation and encouragement we were both able to complete out first sampler square. I was hooked! I had previously created Zentangle patterns using a pencil and found that this really helped, both with skill and confidence. We experimented with two types of wood and two types of leather and I was pleased with the items I took home. Susan is an excellent, patient teacher and is happy to explain several times if the student doesn't grasp something the first (or second!) time. The course was relaxing but the time flew. I have learnt enough to make me confident to buy a machine and use it without further tuition. I would return to Susan for further instruction when I have practised what I have learnt so far. I highly recommend the course."

Julia reviewed: Needle felt your dog with Crafty Gal

"Absolutely wonderful day, I was amazed what I was able to make, great instruction and a wonderful setting. I've already signed up for my next course."

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you for the great review Julia. I'm delighted you've booked another workshop and look forward to meeting you again and doing some great needle felting together! Dx"

Sarah Burnham-Slipper reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"Jake was an excellent teacher and blacksmith. All had a great time (13 year old son, his 14 year old cousin and parent). Would definitely recommend!"

Julie reviewed: Introduction to woodturning: one to one

"Just finished a very therapeutic day at Bill’s making a gorgeous bowl. Never done this before so having a teacher like Bill to explain, demonstrate and encourage you to have a go was the perfect balance. What a fabulous teacher, and great set up. The day flew by, and to my delight I’ve ended up with a fantastic bowl (with a little help from Bill), far beyond my expectations. Thank you so much Bill. 100% recommend this experience."

Clair reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"I got a huge amount from this one day course. As a complete beginner I wanted an introduction and this was an excellent one. Jason’s teaching style is relaxed but the course cleverly structured to lead you through types of leather, tool use, skills and techniques in a progressive way, meaning that you build your knowledge as you go. Jason also took time to help me think through approaches to my work (I’m a basketmaker) and how leather could be used to enhance what I make. A great day, and a pleasure to be with Jason in his fabulous workspace."

Marian Abdilla reviewed: Introduction to copper foiling workshop

"This is second course that I attended with Sharon, and it was also planned out in logical way. It was limited to 4 places (all of Sharon’s course are limited to 4 places) so that the students could progress at their own pace, giving them the confidence to complete their final piece. Sharon was always on hand to offer help, support and advice [as well as tea, coffee and biscuits). The structure of the course was well balanced, with a mixture of different age groups. Sharon promotes a friendly and relaxed environment and I would highly recommended this course and the stained glass course which I also attended."

Manchester Stained Glass responded:

"Hi Marian, it was lovely to have you back on another workshop. Thank you for leaving such good review. I am so glad you have enjoyed both workshops with me and wish you lots of fun creating with glass at home. Sharon :)"

Susan Callcutt reviewed: Wire Ring Making Workshop

"A nice little course to get started with making wire rings. Clear instruction and demonstration throughout. Good support and guidance given. Lovely venue to learn in and four handmade rings to wear as the result."

Bench Box responded:

"Thanks Sue, glad you enjoyed an introduction to making rings. You had great attention to detail, yours looked fab!"

Pearl Beeston reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"My friend and I had a wonderful day on the one day leaded glass workshop, nice relaxed atmosphere. We learnt a lot about stained glass and with Jamel's excellent tuition were able to make surprisingly good pieces to take home. If you are looking for something different, give it a go, can highly recommend this course."

Sarah reviewed: Stained glass introduction at Blue Kite Stained Glass

"I thoroughly enjoyed the lead work course here. Iain was very patient and happy to answer any questions I had. Highly recommended."

Polly reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops

"Great introduction to glass fusing. Elaine was really helpful and you learn a lot in an afternoon, as well as making a decent sized piece of glass. It’s worth going with some idea of the design or style in advance."

Dominic Jeans reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"An amazing time. I felt like I had gone back in time and back to nature whilst picking up some great skills and knowledge. I would definitely recommend."

Shuk reviewed: Leather Belt Bag Workshop

"Fabulous day spent with an amazing craftsperson. Richard was very thorough with all the different aspects of working with leather. He is a very patient and attentive tutor, I was quite nervous about making mistakes but was reassured all along the way. I absolutely love my new belt bag and hope to make some accessories to go with it one day. I intend to enrol on one of the two day courses in the near future to gain even more skills from the master craftsman. Thank you for the wonderful experience, highly recommended!"

Wendy Nicholson reviewed: Mosaics for the home and garden

"An excellent full day course that we organised for a group of six. Instructions were really clear for both our first time mosaic and our second time mosaic group members. The range of materials was really useful as each of our group had very different designs in mind. Frances offered advice and guidance throughout the day, she spotted possible issues and gave alternative solutions. Everyone was really pleased with their final pieces and once grouted they looked really effective. Would recommend Frances and her workshops to all ages and abilities."