Latest reviews

Amanda Shakespear reviewed: Introduction to screen printing

"We joined Ria for an introduction to screen printing on Saturday 23 March. Ria was an excellent teacher and showed us new techniques for creating our screen prints. Relaxed, enjoyable day in a lovely colourful workshop. Would definitely recommend giving it a go."

Louise Wright reviewed: Shibori Felting: A Felt Sampling Day - Ripples, Waves & Spikes

"This was a brilliant day!! I had relatively little prior knowledge of felting but Emma helped me through the basics so that I could also enjoy and learn about the shibori felting process. We were busy from 10 til 4 almost nonstop and there were loads of chances to ask as many questions as we needed and seek advice. I loved the variety of techniques which were shown and just being in the workshop, surrounded by Emma's work was inspiring. I am still waiting for my samples to be 110% dry before the big reveal, but can't wait to see how they look when I take the stitching out. Thank you for a wonderful day"

Marion Goodfellow reviewed: Needlefelting workshop at Dalkeith Country Park

"It was a thoroughly enjoyable, relaxing, afternoon. Jo was very good at explaining the craft and also very encouraging about our efforts. There was a warm friendly atmosphere and we all had our own creation to take home with us. The venue was lovely and peaceful. I would like to do more!"

Jennifer Stockbridge reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"I have been 3 times now and thoroughly enjoyed each session. Both Ali and May were lovely, very supportive and knowledgeable. I took my nieces aged 5 and 7 and my sister who us not at all crafty. We all produced something we were really proud of. May helped with cutting difficult shapes and teaching us how to get the best from our work. Cant wait to visit again! P.S. as long as you don't ask me to get the water from the well myself i am happy to make my own tea."

Glennis Dewey reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"Brilliant weekend as always, well organised, good food, lovely place to stay!"

David Goodman reviewed: Sculptural green wood working

"What a great day out! Stephen was a great trainer and facilitator. We started with an outline of the group and how it helps people, a safety briefing and course objectives. Stephen then took us through tools and techniques, demonstrated what he wanted us to achieve and some top tips. We were then left to try out what we learnt. As the day progressed we tried other tools, techniques and projects. Stephen kept and eye and ear on what we were doing and was able to help us correct course in a positive manner. The atmosphere was relaxed, friendly and positive. Plenty of breaks for tea, biscuits and chat. Overall we came away with feeling happily tired out with new skills and the feeling that we had contributed to a community project. Highly recommended. Thank you!"

Jeff Peters and Avril Peters reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Both me and my wife enjoyed the course , Graham and David made it fun and informative would definitely recommend the course great day out .thanks guys."

Jeff Peters and Avril Peters reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"Both me and my wife enjoyed the course , Graham and David made it fun and informative would definitely recommend the course great day out .thanks guys."

Georgina Elliott-Dew reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"Wonderful much needed weekend away from being Mum, Wife, Nana. Much needed Me time. We were well looked after & fed in a relaxing environment overlooking lovely we'll kept gardens. Being able to come & go without clearing away out scrapbooking equipment was great!"

Ian Rushton reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Thanks again Mathew for a fabulous return visit. I really enjoyed the day and very pleased with difficult shapes you helped me to master, especially the tankard. Hope to see you again soon."

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Ian, Thank you for the review, it was a pleasure to have you back on the course and build on the skills you learnt in the previous workshop you attended. Your pots are now ready for collection, and a cup of tea if you have time. Best wishes Mathew"

lili giacobino reviewed: An introduction to wood turning with Gregory Moreton (2 Days)

"I have really enjoyed my 2 days course. Greg is friendly, knowledgeable and very patient. I have learned a lot and created some beautiful pieces to take home. I really recommend his course."

Amy reviewed: Macrame Pot Hanger Workshop

"My Mum and I thoroughly enjoyed this workshop and were really happy with the end product. Although we were initially slow to pick up the techniques, with Alice’s thorough and patient teaching skills we finished our pot hangings!"

Alice Sharp reviewed: Needlefelting workshop at Dalkeith Country Park

"I cant think of a more wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning. Jo was lovely, created a relaxed and informal atmosphere, chatting about life before we started. If I had felt any concern about my ability to participate she would have washed it away with her soft lilting words. The explanation of how to use the tools was clear and helpful and gave me courage to try straight away. The cacophony of felts and spectrum of colours available was spectacular we were encouraged to handle, caress and feel a connection to the materials which inspired my idea of what I wanted to do. During the process of creating my 'merry dancers' I asked for advise which was given quietly and as suggestions and ideas without demonstration which was ideal because my piece remained my piece. I would attend again in a heartbeat! Thank you Jo for your inspiration."

Angela reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"Fantastic weekend, really good to have the time and the space to craft without interruptions. Great company and great food. Lovely location"

barry reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"I went on the one day course with Jamal. I had never done any stained glass/ lead work before and he was an excellent teacher. The day was shared with on other pupil and was very satisfying."

Chris Murray reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"It was very enjoyable because, as a complete beginner, I found cutting glass hard but with help and encouragement I am very pleased with what I achieved. We all produced very different pieces and learnt to use most techniques. I would recommend Matthew Le Bretton."

Judith reviewed: Creative Writing Retreat

"I just wanted to say a BIG thank you to all at Trill Farm for such a wonderful retreat. It surpassed all of my expectations and I left feeling restored, stimulated and very creative! The sense of community was wonderful and thanks to all of the team for making us so welcome, comfortable and well fed! Trill Farm and living close so close to nature was truly special and really supported us to be more creative. We definitely found kinship in the writing group which I am sure will live on. Thanks again to all and I look forward to returning to Trill Farm in the not too distant future."

Karen reviewed: Macrame Pot Hanger Workshop

"The pot hanger workshop with Alice was brilliant fun! It was nice to learn about a new craft, had some great conversation and made a pot hanger – all in 2 hours! I left feeling very creative and very inspired. Thank you!"

Ros reviewed: Table Weaving Taster Day, Julia Davey, Bath

"It was good to be introduced to a new skill in a relaxed, friendly and supportive setting. We were given lots of ideas and materials and encouraged to be creative. Having no experience in any craftwork I could have done with a little more teaching on the very basics. But all in all a very enjoyable day and I would recommend the course. Thank you Ellie"

Elka responded:

"Hi Ros, thank you for the review. It was great to meet you and have you on the workshop. I'm so glad you enjoyed the day overall. I appreciate your feedback, have taken it onboard and will be more aware in future. Very best wishes, Ellie"

Andrew Chard reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Thoroughly enjoyed this workshop. Kate who was leading the workshop was really helpful and patient. Obviously knows her craft very well and made the day a very enjoyable experience which would definately try again. Whilst a long day it flies by but slept well that night"

Shirley Begg reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"I had a great day leaving how to weave and thank you Alice Hume for all your help and expert tuition. Looking forward to trying out the other workshops you have on offer. Would totally recommend this workshop to others"

Janet Shaw reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"I have attended several glass workshops, themed and open sessions, and have thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. The sessions are informal and friendly, help and advice offered when needed but no restrictions which enable you to produce individual pieces of work. Thoroughly recommend, especially when combined with afternoon tea provided by Bakerlu, part of the Smartsy family"

Jenna Dewhurst reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"Great course taught by a brilliant teacher. Clear instructions throughout with a set of own materials and tools supplied for use. Course moved at a good pace to fit everything in without feeling rushed. Good choice of materials so that your individuality could come through and all journals were different at the end of the day. Great handout given to take away and a follow up email with suppliers details etc. A really nice attentive tutor and good cake, what more could you ask for."

Jayne Hall reviewed: Hand sewn mohair teddy bear making course in Cumbria

"Boo Bears are adorable creatures. They are fun to make. Lyn is a talented accomplished teacher, she is patient and kind, She has a very calm, relaxing and confident way of teaching that puts you at easy. I suffer from social anxiety but never felt anxious at all when I attended. You are greeted with a warm welcome and a lovely cuppa. Kits and classes are extremely good value for money. You will love what you can achieve at boo bears. I recommend 100% I have created 4 bears and have 2 more planned for this year. Don't hesitate book today."

Boo Bears Cumbria responded:

"Thank you for your kind review Jayne"

Tracy Smeathers reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"I couldn’t have asked for more from this course. Jonathan is very professional, very funny and a great teacher. You really do leave this course feeling like you have everything you need to know to give it a go yourself - the techniques, the understanding of the what’s, why’s and how’s and lots of follow up information so you can make some sensible first time purchases to get you going. Highly recommended."