Latest reviews

Tony brotherton reviewed: Beginners spoon carving taster session

"Enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere and first class instruction. Could perhaps have done with another 30 mins to progress a little further with the spoon. Otherwise a thoroughly enjoyable course and highly recommended"

Helen reviewed: Woodwork taster / pendant making course in Cheshire

"Myself and one other participant made pendants just before Christmas, with which we were delighted. It was great fun using all the equipment and Dave's teaching style is very supportive and patient. His passion shone out when he showed us his hand-made box of different woods over lunch. He is a true artist as well as craftsman, and will inspire you to be the same."

Jennie Bashforth reviewed: Upholstery weekly classes

"Karen is passionate about upholstery and is a great and inspirational teacher. The small group of four mean that you get a lot of attention from Karen in a welcoming, friendly and relaxed environment. Wednesday afternoons are the high light of my week and I would highly recommend Badger Upholstery to anyone who is thinking of taking up upholstery."

Rosie Huckle reviewed: Calligraphy: four-lesson correspondence and/or zoom courses with Gaynor Goffe

"I was really keen to reignite my passion for calligraphy having had a few lessons some years ago but then not been able to find any evening classes etc near me. I’m so pleased I finally found Gaynor - I now attend the day sessions about once a month. The sessions are in small groups and Gaynor tailors her teaching to whatever script or project you want to tackle. I’ve been able to start working towards the CLAS National Diploma. Because the sessions are so bespoke (not to mention friendly and welcoming!) I think they represent excellent value for money, and Gaynor’s skill and expertise are certainly second to none. I have progressed so much over the last year under her tutelage. I would highly recommend!"

Priscilla White reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"Thank you Adela for a lovely introduction to mosiac making - the course was fun, entertaining, well prepared and allowed enough time for me to complete a project (apart from the grouting but that needs to be done 24hrs later and we were given a demo and the materials to finish). The choice of patterns to use were varied and very flexible to each persons preferences and the colour schemes they chose. Location was easy to find - only downside the tea room we had planned to visit afterwards had closed when we emerged clutching our mosaics!"

Alan Lynch reviewed: Beginners spoon carving taster session

"Thoroughly enjoyed the taster session. It was well planned and professional in delivery; explanation was clear and I’m sure everyone enjoyed the experience. It would have been good to finish the spoon but this wasn’t realistic for just over 2 hours of work. I would highly recommend the session to others."

Charlie Clay reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Absolutely loved every minute of the day! Spike was very welcoming, professional and an excellent teacher. Catered for everything throughout the day offered very good teaching tips and cues and allowed me to forge a Viking seax from scratch. Will definitely book to do another days experience loved it that much."

Celia reviewed: Saturday Silver Clay Jewellery Workshop at Ransom's Pavilion, Hitchin 9.30am - 12.30pm

"What a lovely way to spend a gloomy Saturday in January! Tuuli was very welcoming and explained each stage of the jewellery-making process with patience and enthusiasm. Silver clay is such a forgiving material to work with and everyone was really chuffed with their final pieces. Thank you Tuuli for introducing me to such a fun, rewarding new hobby!"

Hannah reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"Such a fabulous unique experience for anyone looking to get creative! Both my mum and I had a really enjoyable afternoon - we’re both thrilled with our spoons! Stephen is fantastic and has an infectious can-do attitude. His selection of tea is a lovely touch too! I would absolutely recommend!!"

MARGARET KELLEY reviewed: Intermediate glass fusing at the Cheshire School of Glass

"Having done a course for beginners, I wanted to learn more. The two day intermediate course was ideal. It provided me with a good mix of technical information and practical work, as well as allowing some time for homework and reflection. I was introduced to a number of techniques including complex glass cutting, casting, sand blasting, metal inclusions, silver stain and enamel work. Jenny is very enthusiastic and she made sure that I was able to carry out my designs. I came away with, what I think, are some fine pieces and desire to continue my glass explorations. The atmosphere in the studio was great and I was sorry to leave. Big thanks to Jenny and Steph for all their support!"

Bhavisha Solanki reviewed: Calligraphy: four-lesson correspondence and/or zoom courses with Gaynor Goffe

"We started this as a wedding project but have carried it on because we enjoy it so much. From day one we learnt the basics of calligraphy and were taught to write uncial script and produce a finished piece. Gaynor is a great teacher and extremely welcoming providing drinks and biscuits. We thoroughly enjoy our sessions and seeing our progress. We can't recommend Gaynor highly enough."

Bhaveek Chohan reviewed: Calligraphy workshop - half day

"Attended several times with my partner. Fantastic sessions. Always great fun. Gaynor is extremely welcoming and a fantastic host and teacher. Half a session usually gives you enough time to learn the basics of a script or go into more detail and advance on them with flourishes or perfecting spacing etc. Every session we've come out with a wealth of new knowledge and worth our 2hr return trips everytime. Fantastic price for stunning results immediately!"

Dee Aebischer reviewed: Needle felt workshop

"Yvonne's needle felting course provided welcome quiet time from the busy life I normally lead. She brought a great selection of wool colours to choose from and made helpful comments and suggestions when needed. I was thrilled with the result of my felting efforts."

Barry reviewed: Full Day Woodturning tuition from Registered Professional Turner in Dorset, South West

"Thoroughly enjoyed my tuition day, I haven't turned for about 5 years and a family gift allowed me to meet up with Joe, a very talented and patient young man who has given me the chance to rekindle my love of the craft. Had a fantastic day with him and would love to return sometime. Many thanks."

Joe Creed-Kaile responded:

"Thanks Barry, so glad you enjoyed your day and it was lovely to meet you."

Suzanne Coleman reviewed: Introduction To Creative Floorloom Weaving 1-5pm

"Freeweaver's Saori Taster Workshop is fabulous. Janine is very knowledgeable about the Saori weaving philosophy and techniques. Janine has a very calm and relaxed manner that puts you at ease right away. She has various Saori loom models set up, and I tried them all to see which one felt just right. She has lots of different fibers and colors for you to experiment with. If you want to buy a Saori loom (as I did), she is there to advise you, but otherwise there is no "sales talk"--it is all about the joy and experience of weaving in the Saori way. I recommend this workshop and Freeweaver very highly. Just do it--you will be so happy that you did!"

Sarah reviewed: Glass Fusing and Slumping for Beginners and Improvers

"Yesterday was my 4th time on Jean and Janice’s course, always a lovely day. There are tons of resources to get your inspiration going, and the ladies have lots of advice and knowledge to help you, when they “say less is more”, they know what there talking about ( but there’s so many wonderful resources that you will want to put everything into your work). This time we looked at some new techniques as they always try to teach you something new but you can always have refreshers on the basics or any techniques anytime. Jean and Janice always try to keep you learning new skills and try to help you create what you have in mind ( where feasible). It’s always a warm friendly atmosphere, many attendees are repeat customers and everyone always make new comers and those attending on there own feel welcome. The lunch is always fantastic home cooking and baking, the part of the day where less is more and everyone gets to have a chat which is great with the small group numbers. I’m already planning my next trip."

JJ Fused Glass responded:

"Thank you Sarah for your glowing review! It was great to see you again. Thank you for being so open to learning new techniques and trying things out. Don’t forget to follow your work on the FaceBook page and/ or instagram. We look forward to seeing you again soon."

Helen Golding reviewed: Throwing taster session

"This was a very enjoyable experience, completely accessible to me as a complete novice. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you very much."

Mark Golding reviewed: Throwing taster session

"Thank you. I had a great time!"

Gemma Widdowfield reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"Cannot stress enough just how fantastic this course is! Jonathan is such an influential tutor, so very passionate about his craft and knowledgeable beyond belief! And a super sensational person too! Thank you so much for your expertise and hospitality and to Helen also! Had a fantastic day and Jonathan really is a great motivator. Absolute master class!"

john Albiston reviewed: 2-day blacksmithing courses

"I did the introduction to blacksmithing 2 day course a few months ago and got the bug. This intermediate two day course was really what i wanted and that was to try and get the skills to start my own forge. It did that and more. As well as improving my skills, it allowed us to make some of the tools needs to get started, but more importantly it was the advice and insights which really helped. So I am ready to have a go at starting my own forge. Many thanks Aaron a great weekend"

Sheila reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"Many thanks for a very enjoyable afternoon candle making. Very relaxing and informative I am very proud of the finished product."

Amanda chuter reviewed: Introductory soap making workshop

"The village hall worked very well as the venue for the soap making workshop in January. Nicolas’s intro talk was pitched well giving a reassuring scientific context to the process, just enough to make you feel they know what they are doing. Ben worked hard to keep the process moving for the 9 of us. It was a busy, enjoyable 3 hours. Went home pleased with my soap. I have now booked on to another of their workshops."

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Hi Amanda, Thank you so much for your lovely review! See you in March for our Natural Skincare workshop. Nic"

Lali Mound reviewed: Glove making workshop

"I took the Glove making course and it was lovely. This is a lost art, and Vajira seems to really love teaching it. Had a nice time overall, pleasant conversations, and managed to make the gloves I wanted. I recommend this workshop to whoever likes craftsmanship:)"

Peiris Designs responded:

"Hi Lali, Thanks for your review. It was lovely to have you in our workshop. You have amazing designs and ideas to make. Looking forward to see some more glove you make in future. Many thanks! Vajira"

Sheena Renner reviewed: Weekend landscape painting in watercolours

"I joined Georgina's classes from a recommendation of a friend and I have enjoyed myself immensely. I had very little experience of water colour painting when I began but with Georgina's guidance and encouragement I am able to have a go at anything! She is always able to point out something she likes in the things that I do and will help me on my way when I need it. Now I recommend others to go to Georgina's classes and workshops:-)"

Ann Alder reviewed: Glass Fusing and Slumping for Beginners and Improvers

"I attended this one day course today and was amazed at how much we achieved and how generous the tutors are with their time, expertise and materials. As a complete beginner I was taught 5 different techniques during the morning and was able to experiment with my own ideas during the afternoon. Jean and Janice were always ready to help and advise but were never intrusive and offered support whenever it was requested. I enjoyed the day so much (including the delicious home-made soda bread at lunchtime!) that I've already booked two more days.... Thanks for a fantastic experience. I'm really looking forward to seeing the finished pieces!"

JJ Fused Glass responded:

"Thank you so much for this lovely review. We really appreciate it. It was a pleasure to meet you. You were so open and receptive to the materials and techniques which were all new to you. We look forward to seeing you when you collect your pieces of fused glass art and when you come back for your next workshop."