Latest reviews

Sarah reviewed: Small Leather Goods Workshop

"Richard is a very patient teacher and is flexible about what you want to make, and even though I went over the allotted time, Richard didn't rush me or the other person making the belt. Even though I know a bit about leather craft, I learned lots of things about suppliers and different leathers which was great. I am hoping to go on another course too at some point soon!"

David Lowe reviewed: One day blacksmithing course

"Absolutely incredible and fascinating day with Julian. A thoroughly passionate and friendly guy who couldn't have been more accommodating and welcoming to both my wife and I. We went away with a beautiful piece of functional art. Julian was brilliant and really helped us bring out our best and walk away with something to be proud of. Couldn't recommend this course and Julian enough."

James Waters reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Great course with a very patient and knowledgeable teacher. We were able to create a couple of pieces of ironwork which have been put to good use, but only with a lot of help from Mort. We would highly recommend the course."

Lisa Carlson reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"Fantastic! Really enjoyed this course learning about candle making. Took home lots of beautiful candles made on the day. It was relaxed, friendly and fun. Also, picked up lots of tips and it was great to learn from others in the group as well. Thanks Julie."

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

"A brilliant day and course. Martin is a wonderful teacher , explains everything really well and is on hand to offer advice and help when you need it. I love my traditional stained glass piece that I completed during the day. Highly recommend this course"

Sam F reviewed: Introduction to silver jewellery making workshop with Diane Lee

"Diane's class was so enjoyable and a lot of fun. We learnt so many new skills and was able to produce a variety of lovely silver jewellery. Being in a small group gave us opportunity to learn in our own time. Diane was incredibly patient and helpful. One of the best days I've had in ages. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to go again."

DianeLeeSilver responded:

"Hi Sam, thank you so much for your lovely review , I'm so glad you enjoyed the day & you would be most welcome to join us again. :D Best wishes Diane"

Darren Powell reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Got bought this course as a birthday present and can honestly say best present ever. Coming from the country and having an interest in historical weaponry I have always held an interest in how things are made. I found this highly informative and Chris's knowledge of the historical side of blacksmithing is amazing. He was also a lovely bloke, very good at teaching and very, very patient with someone as slow as myself. Would love to do this again!"

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

"Brilliant! We learnt lots of new things, Martin demonstrated everything really well and was very patient. We all came away with a beautiful piece of stained glass. A great day. Thank you"

Sue Conway reviewed: Willow Obelisk Sculpture

"So now I have a pheasant, made with the direction and help of Kate, and it's sitting in the shade of my red maple. A busy, full-on day, very well catered in the lovely setting of the garden at Tressillian House. I was surprised that we pretty much all managed to complete our various creatures. Great fun, and, it has to be said, quite hard work!"

Tresillian House responded:

"Thank you so much Sue for your kind words. I am always amazed by the wonderful creations on Kates' Willow Days and equally as impressed by how much you get done in a day! I am so glad that you enjoyed your day. The courses have proved so popular that we have added an extra date in September that still has spaces if you feel that your pheasant needs a friend! Kindest Regards Alison."

Mich Thomas reviewed: Introduction to silk painting - workshop at The Mulberry Shed

"A fabulous day in sunny Somerset. My friend and I were slightly scared by the thought of this course, neither of us professing to be at all artistic. Not a problem it turned out, Sheila was only too happy to offer suggestions and inspiration which allowed us both to create something beautiful, personal and completely original. Go to Somerset, admire Sheila’s lovely home and garden, and set your creative self free at The Mulberry Shed, you won’t be disappointed."

Sally reviewed: Candlemaking for Beginners

"Loved the course! Rob was a great teacher and really liked that fact that we got to make lots of different types of candles - my favourite was the beeswax one :) Would recommend to others and come back for any advanced courses!"

The Wax Studio responded:

"Hi Sally, Thank you so much for the kind review, it was a pleasure to have you and Mark on the course and I will keep you informed about future more advanced courses as I develop the content. Best of luck with your candle making endeavours. Rob"

Jen Merryfield reviewed: Needle felt your dog with Crafty Gal

"This was my second course with Denise and loved it just as much as the first! Came home with a wonderful fox brooch which looks lovely! Denise is a fab teacher and very patient! If you've never tried needle felting definitely try one of Denise's courses, but similarly if you are experienced you can improve your skills!"

Crafty Gal responded:

"Ah thank you Jen! It was lovely to see you again, and how you put everything you'd learnt last time into action, your brooch was really beautiful. Denise x"

Martin Wood reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I was bought one of Mark’s day courses for my birthday and what a day! Mark guided me along to produce both a bowl and a honey dibber. I say guided as Mark used his vast experience to allow me to use the lathe whilst he showed me the best way to use the tools. His style is informal but very effective, I learnt a lot about the appreciation required of the wood before you start cutting. I was thoroughly engrossed during the day and along with copious mugs of coffee the time flew by. The lathe work was fun and one day I will get my own. Before that though I will be looking to gain more knowledge from Mark in how to wield the tools properly and better understand the nature of wood. I would highly recommend anyone thinking of wood turning to book onto one of Mark’s courses to sip at his cup of knowledge!"

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

"Such a fantastic afternoon spent with Adela, wonderful ideas given and so supportive of learning a new craft. We will be back!"

Sarah Jones reviewed: Willow Framed Basket Making Day - Complete Beginners

"A fantastic day! Victoria is very entertaining, and also a very good teacher. You always have a substantial piece of work to take home - which actually looks like what it is supposed to!"

Simon Broadbridge reviewed: Photography Days

"What a great day with Sue & Richard,as a novice who has been afraid to move from automatic it was great to start using the functions on the camera it did not matter that some of the pictures were blurred as I learnt from mistakes.The day was very relaxed and informative and suitable for all levels.Highly recommend"

Charlie Hill reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I had loads of fun, there was good guidance on blacksmithing techniques. The lunch was nice because we had burgers made on the forge. Thank you for a fun and creative day."

A W Artist Blacksmiths responded:

"Hi Charlie, Thank you so much for your review. Really do appreciate it. I really enjoyed our 1 to 1 session and really pleased you liked our burgers, its a bit of a Thursday tradition here at the forge. Hope you are inspired enough to further your training in the craft of blacksmithing, you certainly have a natural ability. Good luck."

Samuel Leckie reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"Peat gave us helpful advice and tips throughout. Although the youngest on this course at 14 - I found it challenging and enjoyable. We had goals of new items to make every day, my family were amazed at the quality of what I had achieved. I did the course because it is educational and something that I would like to learn more about. You get to make friends too."

Lucy Cross reviewed: Clay life modelling weekend with Karin Ort

"This was my third trip to the Phoenix Studios, having done a couple of the animal clay courses. I was quite apprehensive about my ability to create a life model but Karin remained calm and positive throughout, guiding us all to produce some amazing pieces. The atmosphere was most supportive , with Karin looking after both students and model with care and consideration. I would highly recommend the weekend to anyone , you will be delighted by what you achieve!"

Isobel Everett reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Once again Lucy steered, encouraged and inspired me on my next project. Gentle coaching and endless knowledge combine to make the day memorable and remarkable."

Jess W reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2-day Course

"Such a fun two days! Maggie was so kind, encouraging, creative and positive to all of us there. It's hard not to be inspired in the studio (and house and garden!) with all of Maggie's creations. I don't see myself as artistic at all but I came out with a mosaic piece that I'm really proud of and absolutely love. Give it a go - you'll love it!"

Janet Terry reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Beginners glass fusing workshops in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"My daughter and I had a brilliant time on the glass fusing workshop in May. Melanie taught us lots of new skills at a steady pace which resulted in several completed items at the end of the day. It was so well organised that there was even time for a lovely ,relaxed lunch. Would highly recommend this day . We enjoyed it so much we’re hoping to book on the follow up workshop in Oct!"

Jules reviewed: Machine made lined curtains

"Great sewing course- highly recommend! Thanks Janet ??"

Autumn Moon reviewed: 1-to-1 Organic Skincare Workshop at Maid in the Meadow

"I had a brilliant time. The tutor was friendly and extremely knowledgeable - I could have spent a couple of days with Alison because she was so interesting and there was so much to learn. The information pack you get to take home with you was really informative and packed with recipes for you to try out later. I was delighted with the products I made and it has given me the confidence to try making skincare products at home. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in making their own beauty products and the great thing is you don't need any prior experience."

Rachel Watson reviewed: Modern calligraphy (full day workshop) - Hampshire

"I would thoroughly recommend this excellent Gloryletteringstudio workshop as an introduction to calligraphy. Sunita guided us with easy-to-follow steps, and by the end of the session we were able to produce some lovely words in black ink, watercolours and even gold and silver, which were particularly effective. I now have the basic skills to continue practicing my calligraphy skills at home, but would love to attend another workshop in the future to learn and develop more"