Latest reviews

John Adlam reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"It was a very satisfying weekend on many levels. The setting and weather was perfect. The freedom to explore stone carving was a new experience for eight of the nine of us attending. Sebastian got the balance just right with his help, encouragement and suggestions. The range of sculptures produced were very varied and we all seemed very pleased with our efforts. The group were all very friendly and were all happy to spend time keeping an eye on each others work and discussing as the pieces evolved. Thank you Sebastian, I had a great time and would be happy to recommend this course to everyone. John Adlam, Stroud, Gloucestershire."

Sarah Smith reviewed: Willow pea climbers and cloche course with Joe Gregory

"My friends and I really enjoyed our day. Joe is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about all things willow and we loved her enthusiasm. We came away at the end of the day feeling very proud of our pea climbers and dragonflies."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"Thank you Sarah!! Really glad you all had a good day: ) Joe. xxx"

Sophie Fishel reviewed: Bronze casting course

"I attended the 6 day Bronze Casting Course and thought it was magical! The tutor is extremely knowledgeable and its great to learn in a supportive environment. I would recommend this course to beginners and anyone who wants to make their own sculpture to take home. Would love to do this again."

Trevor Hayes reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"What a brilliant day from start to finish. We were welcomed with hot drinks and biscuits followed by an introduction to the day and from then on it just got better. I was expecting to make one item with a bit of help but actually we ended up by making three utilising various woodland tools that I had never used before. Andy was excellent throughout giving his time, knowledge and attention to everyone. We had a great lunch and time to take in the beautiful woodland setting, the sun was shining and the bluebells in bloom plus a stream running alongside the workshop area what more could you ask for? I would highly recommend this one-day workshop, it made us aware of safety aspects when using cutting tools and gave us the opportunity of working with a cross-cut saw, carving axe, draw-knife, froes, the shave horse and even the pole lathe all in the course of a day! Plus you get to take home everything that you have made, fantastic."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks for your review, Trevor, and we're pleased that you enjoyed the course, and the environment in which the courses take place."

Sue reviewed: Wet felt flowers

"Great step by step intro to wet felting flowers, lots of lovely fibres, silks and embellishment along with lots of clear, helpful guidance. Really made me want to do more felting!"

Beechwood Crafts responded:

"thanks Sue, I love wet felting"

Caroline Prosser-Lodge reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"My second weekend course with Sebastian. Once again great, patient tuition, in a most peaceful and beautiful setting. The 9 students all went away with pieces they were pleased with, so varied in concept and execution. Many thanks Sebastian for helping get the bird into the van... Hoping to be back for a further workshop!!"

Sarah Griffin reviewed: Paint your own piece - furniture workshop - North Wales

"I had a wonderful day with Charlotte. She is truly an expert in this field of chalk painting. I had absolutely no idea what would be involved but at every step of the way Charlotte was there with the perfect amount of advice, she has a beautiful way of helping complete novices and more experienced people alike. I learned so much and was so thrilled that everything we needed was supplied but most importantly I appreciated the time that Charlotte spent with me. My upcycled table looks almost professional. I would highly recommend taking up the opportunity to learn or improve this skill and the day definitely made me want to do more. Thank you Charlotte for a very special day. Hope to see you again soon. Sarah"

Charlotte's Country Commissions responded:

"Thank you Sarah, you did a great job on the small coffee table, glad you enjoyed the day as much as me! :) Charlotte"

Naomi Baker reviewed: Paint your own piece - furniture workshop - North Wales

"We really enjoyed our day painting with Charlotte, she really knows her stuff. The day was fun, relaxing, calm and we made some great friends. Charlotte is a great teacher, host and advisor with lots of encouraging tips. I feel confident to give other pieces a go now. The completed piece was beyond my expectation. What a brilliant way to spend the day, with a bonus of great food in the restaurant too. Well done Charlotte and we'll definitely be back soon."

Charlotte's Country Commissions responded:

"Thanks Naomi, you are a real natural at painting I feel you might get addicted to this.... :) Thank you for your amazing workshop review. Charlotte"

Lizzy Tyler reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"Very informative and thoroughly enjoyable. I’m so pleased with the mosaic I made"

Lorna Stroup Nilsson reviewed: Shimmer & Sparkle: polymer clay jewellery making

"This is an excellent one day course. Jo is a very good and patient teacher. I made several items of jewellery (I surprised myself by actually finishing them all before the end of the day!) and they are extremely pretty. There was one other person present in this particular class and we were both surprised at just how different our jewellery turned out. I would recommend this course to anyone, you do not need any previous experience in polymer clay or jewellery making to create lovely items."

imra reviewed: Fused glass workshop at Twice Fired Studio, Leeds 2hr

"I recently attended a short glass fusing course using glass frit which I really enjoyed. Kate is an excellent teacher explaining everything in a simple straightforward manner and with the practical demonstration it made it easy to complete my own project. Kate was very helpful in answering any queries and giving advice and guidance when requested."

Christine Rundle reviewed: Felt picture making workshop in Rugby!

"If you want a relaxing, rewarding, fulfilling few hours, you can't do better that join Karen on one of her felting courses. I have learnt so much even though I knew nothing about felting beforehand. Karen guides you along without intrusion, towards your final piece of work, which you can hold up and say with pride, "I made that". Oh, and she makes seriously good cakes to have in the break!"

Karen Wyeth Contemporary Felt Artist responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review Christine! Let me know how you get on with embellishing your lovely Van Gogh inspired picture! x"

Emma reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course

"I had a fantastic time at this workshop, it was fun and dynamic. Paula’s detailed explanations and clarity made candle making so easy to understand. She even gave us a list of the best UK suppliers for candle making so when I arrived home I bought all the ingredients she suggested. I can’t wait to make my own soy candles. Thank you Paula! I recommend this workshop 100%."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Hi Emma, thank you very much for the review. Good luck in your Soap venture, you will do great!"

Vicky reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"Great day. Adela introduced the whole topic and basic principles behind mosaic in a clear and calm manner. She guided us through the day in a reassuring way, giving top tips and guiding as appropriate, but equally letting us be creative in our own unique ways. We were surrounded by Adele’s own work which was beautiful to look at and very inspirational. The whole creative day was just fab and very therapeutic, the rest of your busy life is just forgotten about as you are too busy deciding which beautiful tile to “keystone” or “opus tessellatum”! Really would recommend Adele’s courses to all. Thank you Adela :)"

Yumi Coyte reviewed: Learn to Make Glass Beads - Lampwork Taster Sessions in Kings Langley

"I had been wanting to try lampwork for a very long time when my husband gave me a voucher to Kristy's Lampwork Taster course for Christmas. I spent two days with Kristy and I cannot praise her enough for the way she taught me. Her explanations are thorough and safety orientated. Even she said it's the boring stuff, but safety is paramount when the flame can be 1000ºC! She was easy to understand, very articulate and extremely patient! (especially for a complete novice like myself!) I was able to make beads with the skills she taught me. She has fueled my desire to try more of this amazing art. I highly recommend Kristy's Lampwork Course. If I could give it 10+ stars, I would! Thank you, Kristy!"

DragonBright Ltd responded:

"Thank you for the lovely words Yumi, it was a pleasure to work with you. I do hope you continue making beads at home, your beads were very good for a beginner and I think you have potential to be a good lampworker."

Jo Hutchings reviewed: Creative writing classes, live online.

"Having thoroughly enjoyed the beginner's course, I wanted to step even further outside my writing comfort zone and so embarked on the follow-on course which is both thought provoking and tremendous fun. I completely recommend it."

Tina Price-Johnson reviewed: Ceramic sculpture for all abilities in Kent

"I attended the Green Man day at Walmer Castle on 2nd May, and found it inspirational! I have no talent with anything visual (or so I thought) but under Brenda's patient, warm and witty tutelage I came away with a Green Man portrait sculpture I am proud of, and the desire to make many more sculptures of all types. I will now be looking out for future courses run by Brenda and will be signing up whenever possible. I feel enthusiastic about getting the dirt under my fingernails and the creativity into the clay."

Brenda Burgess Arts responded:

"Thanks so much for your lovely review. It was lovely to see you and Simon at Walmer and I look forward to seeing you both again soon"

Nicola reviewed: Glass fusion workshop, Cardiff, Wales

"Thoroughly enjoyed a half day fused glass course. Went with a friend and there were only the two of us on the course and we got very friendly, helpful tuition from Cathy. We learnt about fused glass and each made a lovely suncatcher and picture. We are not very "arty" but are really pleased with our results. Will definitely be coming back. Would highly recommend this course....and there are some great things to buy in the shop too!"

Glass By Design responded:

"Very well done, your pieces looked great. Hope we see you again soon."

Cliff Dixon reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"An excellent day, both enjoyable and informative. Graham gives instruction and guidance at every stage, I was delighted with the final product and am looking forward to a second visit."

Elizabeth Stewart reviewed: Making a mosaic with slate

"An excellent workshop. Rachel was a great teacher - very patient and gave us great encouragement in what we were doing. A wonderful selection of slate to work from."

Sally Boyton reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"Had a fabulous day at Crafters Cottage with Julie and Judith learning to make candles with my best friend. The venue in Honley is beautiful and quirky and we were warmly welcomed on arrival. Julie is a friendly, patient and informative teacher - she shares lots of tips about the production process and details on how to purchase your own materials plus things to consider if you plan to create a small business. Afternoon tea was delicious and a lovely touch to break up the learning process - we even had time to pop next door to a little clothes shop in the break. Overall, an enjoyable and good value for money course. Thanks Julie and Judith for a wonderful, care-free day."

Emma reviewed: Candlemaking workshops for beginners in Hastoe, nr Tring

"Excellent course - small group which worked perfectly. We got to make far more candles than I thought we would in one session. Would definitely recommend."

James Roper reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"I attended the course having had very limited experience of working with green wood. This was a fantastic course set in a picture perfect setting. Andy is an excellent and knowledgeable teacher with a lot of patience. I had a great day learning about the different types of trees and using the tools to shape the wood. I was very pleased that even for a novice like myself I came away with a decent mallet and spatula as well as having a go on a pole lathe! I would highly recommend this course and I’m now planning to attend another."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks for your kind words about the course, James, and we very much look forward to welcoming you back for another course in the future. Don't forget to request the Return Booking discount when you book!"

John reviewed: Small Leather Goods Workshop

"I was delighted to receive this course as a birthday gift. On arrival I was greeted by Richard who was to tutor us for the day, and was offered a drink. We was taken through to his work shop which is clean and well set out. Richard then gave us an introduction to the different kinds of leather and tanning methods. As the day was to be about making a leather belt we were offered to choose our leather and buckle which we then got to work on. As with all the tools used, Richard clearly explained and demonstrated their worth. We then proceeded to cut our own length from the hide of choice with the strap cutting tool. From that moment the time just seemed to fly by and before I knew it I had completed my first belt which I am wearing today. Richard was a first class tutor, very patient and passionate about his craft. Apart from learning something new you get to keep a quality item you have hand made. I am now buying tools to try and create some more items and who knows might even earn at it. Richard not only made the day pleasurable but was very keen to promote the craft by sharing his contacts, suppliers and the offer to contact him for any help or advice . I would very highly recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in working with leather. Thanks again Richard for a great day."

Eva Sanchez reviewed: Virtual Jewellery Making Workshops

"I’ve always wanted to create something with my hands and this workshop was perfect. Made a ring for my little daughter! Jade was great and intuitive to what I wanted to design. Loved the ambience and the lovely afternoon tea!"