Latest reviews

Kirsty reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"An amazing day, Lucy has lots of patience and helped me create a perfect sea glass ring. Loved her garden studio, the perfect setting ?"

Deborah Mason reviewed: Learn to sew - Lined Tote Bags

"Excellent Morning spent in a small friendly group, Judi helped me through the process and I came away with a lovely Tote bag and pattern. I have made another on my own at home and have fabric on order to make even more. I hope to attend further sessions in the future."

Sew Make it responded:

"Thank you Deborah, so pleased that you are making use of the pattern and making more! hope to see you again soon."

Marky Nightingale reviewed: Metalwork Craft weekend with The Iron Lady - Bradwell Blacksmiths

"I had a great time from the start. Natalie’s energy and enthusiasm was truly inspirational. We all went a way with a finished product that we made from scratch. I can’t thank Natalie and Andrew enough for the help and support they gave us to complete our projects."

Heather Walker reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"Attended beginners course with a friend, was just right length. Learnt about types of wax, different types of candles and the correct way to burn candles. Made some scented tea lights and votive candles, then traditional parrafin wax candles l coloured mine as a rainbow. Also had a lovely refreshment break - tea and cake. A great craft course with lots to take away. Thanks Anita."

Liane Smith reviewed: Furniture painting workshops / Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

"Such a wonderful day with Nyree! Loved the workshop, the people I met and the stuff I learned. Nyree provides a welcoming environment is such a lovely setting. It was an amazing day that gave me confidence to experiment. Nyree is an amazing teacher with a passion for what she does and common sense instruction to encourage you to have a go! Highly recommend!"

Mark Dobson reviewed: Beginners 10 week woodworking course NO LONGER RUNNING

"If you are thinking of taking up woodworking then look no further than this beginners course run by Ciarán. A thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding experience, in a relaxed and friendly environment. Definitely recommended."

Barry Millman reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"Fantastic experience. Andy is knowledgeable, affable and patient. This was from start to finish a great day and Andy was a fantastic instructor explaining, demonstrating and then let me get stuck in. I will not only be recommending this to others but looking to go back again myself. Cheers Andy."

Virginia reviewed: Try Enamel workshop - suitable for all abilities

"I attended a workshop with Teresa today with my daughters (9 and 11). We had an amazing time. Everything was explained really well and we came away with a fabulous piece of enamel work each. Thankyou for a super time"

Steph Smith reviewed: Stone carving 1 day introduction course in East Yorkshire at Micklethwaite Studios

"Had an excellent day with Alan and Tracey creating a carved Celtic knot in stone. As I was travelling quite a distance to the course ( and this was a 60th birthday present!), I needed to be sure that I was going to receive the best tuition possible. If you need to see the quality of Alan's work, read his book (Restoration Stone work by Alan Micklethwaite) it is AMAZING!!! However, just because a Crafts-person can create such wonderful work, doesn't always mean that they can teach the craft too........ thankfully, in this case, the tuition from Alan and Tracey was excellent. The choice of a Celtic Knot was a fantastic introduction to the craft, as it enabled me to practise a number of skills progressively and I was delighted with my first attempts at a new craft. If you are thinking about having a go at stonework, I urge you to try this workshop. It must be good......I'm already thinking about dates for going back......to try sculpture........or perhaps lettering..........!!!!"

Micklethwaite Studios responded:

"Hello Stephanie, Thank you for your lovely review, it was a pleasure to meet and teach you - and you did a great job with your first stone carving!! We will look forward to seeing you again at our Studios when you have another project in mind too..... Best wishes, Alan and Tracey"

Sarah Martyn reviewed: Fisherton Mill in Salisbury - Silver Clay Jewellery Workshop - An Introduction to Silver Clay

"I really enjoyed my time on this course. I didn't realise in advance that the jewellery I would be making with the silver clay would actually be, once fired, pure silver! And it seemed like magic watching it happen. Fiona was very clear and organised and the session was really enjoyable. I went home with a necklace and a pair of earrings and I now proudly wear them when I go out! I was really pleased with what I managed to achieve as a total beginner."

Julie Kelly reviewed: Creating shadows and light in your collagraph prints, course in artists studio near York

"Really well structured and fun course . I learned the basics ( and more!) about collagragh printing over these two days and really want to do more .Emily is welcoming , extremely knowledgeable and demonstrates everything so you can feel confident to get on and have a go . In short ... I loved it , and would recommend it to anyone !"

Gary Taraldsen reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"I attended bobs 1 day hammer skills course as a birthday present from my fiancee. I had an absolutely awesome day thank you so much bob. I learnt so much from bob who is a natural teacher and very patient, he taylors the course around you. I came away with a new passion absolutely loved my whole day drove home grinning like the Cheshire cat, my fiancee loved her new candle holders. I would highly recommend this course to everyone I will certainly be back bob very soon got loads of ideas."

David Jackson reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"A magical day of forging with the charming Nigel; with Robin, Julian and me. Knowledge, expertise, amazing stories and kindness - and catch phrases for life! 'The hammer will find you!' 'It's a design change!' 'The blacksmith's vice has no teeth and this one's actually made from an old canon'. Surrounded by scary heavy hammers and monster machines; with welding, twisting, cutting and honing. And a new knife made from hardened steel saved from an ancient wrecked farm machine. There's even a giant whistle in the woods - and Nigel's a surprising whistle player too with hundreds of beguiling tunes! Two peacocks in the tree, the wonderful wood and a cosy Shepherd's Hut. What more could you ask for? What a total inspiration!"

Ruth reviewed: Learn to sew - Lined Tote Bags

"Great workshop, really enjoyed making the tote bag. Judi explains everything step by step making it very easy for a newbie sewer. We got the template and instructions to take home, so I will be making a lot more. Fabric is great quality, and the bags are very useful. Don't hesitate If you are considering doing this, its great fun!"

Sheila Ridgeon reviewed: Creating shadows and light in your collagraph prints, course in artists studio near York

"I had so much fun and learned so much I'd recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn the basics of collograph printing Emily was very organised and her spacious studio well set out to provide an excellent working space She was generous with her time and information and not at all precious about her materials or tools and very informative about her methods and techniques It was exciting to see the results that could be achieved with simple materials I came away with a stack of plates, prints, ideas and information as well as a desire to do more"

Elaine reviewed: Mosaic day workshop on Orkney

"Excellent tuition and support given by Catherine, who was obviously experienced and enthusiastic in mosaics. All resources were provided and once we had chosen our designs and been shown what to do , we were able to continue independently asking for help if needed. It was a busy but very enjoyable day in a lovely interesting venue."

Charlene Lundgren Frischer reviewed: Felting and natural dyeing craft holiday in the Highlands of Scotland

"Words really are insufficient to describe how grateful I am for such a lovely, funny, charming, warm, hilarious, silly, breathtaking, beautiful, meaning, creative, week. From the minute we were picked up at the station we knew we were in good hands. The house we stayed in was so comfortable, and Rosie's meals were exception - she never stops working! We met all the animals, sheared Lavender the sheep who thinks she is a dog - the beautiful goats - and Otto the dog who thinks he is a sheep. Rosie is brimming with knowledge about plants and herbs and flowers and the dyeing process. Gathering local flora, dyeing wool over open fires in their woods and then finally using all the wool in a needle felted project run by Fi Oberon was so exciting and interesting. We had a lot of good laughs too. Rosie also took us on hikes to visit the River Affriq, Plodda Falls, and admire the beautiful scenery. I highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to get away for a week into an uncluttered and more simple world, and also for those who love nature and love to create.... Rosie and Alex and their two adorable children - could not do enough for us. Rosie and Alex are an amazing couple - and so inspirational."

Molly reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration - Cambridgeshire

"A brilliant course, Bill the tutor is highly skilled and is a fantastic tutor. He is very knowledgeable and guided me through all elements of upholstery from Making reusable templates, woodwork and construction of frames to buttoning and the final upholstery. I really enjoyed myself and feel ready to make more! A great course and great value for money."

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Thank you Molly for your kind comments, much appreciated. I enjoyed the 3 creative days and you produced work to be proud of. Good luck and hope to speak soon."

Mel Cairns reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"Andy clearly has a wealth of experience and knowledge and is a genuinely good teacher who can encourage and enthuse as well communicate technique. As a complete beginner I approached the day with some apprehension but I needn't have worried - Andy was patient and helpful but never patronising. The workshop was very well equipped and though initially daunted by all the machinery and kit around us, by the day's end I felt comfortable using the lathes, chisels and finishing materials. My son and I both came away feeling not only that we had learned a lot in short time but ,importantly, we had enjoyed the experience, had felt totally engaged and left feeling that woodturning was something we could take on."

Debbie Rossall reviewed: Felting and natural dyeing craft holiday in the Highlands of Scotland

"Excellent course informative with good instructions clear and concise handouts. Accommodation and food five stars. Excellent tutors"

Gerry Gedge reviewed: Handspinning workshop

"After finding out, while on a trip to Norway, about one needle knitting called naalbinding I decided to give it a go and once started I began to imagine what it would be like to make a scarf or hat right from the sheep. With this in mind I was talked into joining one of Diane's spinning courses by my partner Carol. Some weeks later we found ourselves at Blaze farm wondering what we had let ourselves into. Diane immediately introduced herself and her Dad George who helps her with the course. His knowledge ranges from the sheep in the fields to the gansy on the back and this includes practical and theoretical knowledge of the gear needed with all its many technicalities. Anyway without ado Diane immediately ordered coffee for everyone, took orders for lunch and made everybody feel at home and welcome and then we were set to work. As a retired seaman who spent much time working with ropes, cordage and canvas I knew that there were strong links to working with and producing wool and other yarns. I always loved the practical side of work and still engage with rope work by making mats and other decorative things from natural fibres to keep my hand in. I have worked in some historic sailing ship refits and once sailed in a replica viking ship which was traditionally rigged. What followed over the next five hours of the course was like being back on board ship doing what I really enjoyed alongside enthusiastic people who felt the same. The talk used to be of finer points and attention to detail and was always with an attitude of helping each other. In exactly the same way Diane and her Dad George are dedicated to spinning and it's preservation and both of them revel in their craft. It is their attitude and enthusiasm which is so impressive and that's what is so valuable and important to those just starting out in learning such a wonderful process. This course has something for everyone and is highly recommended. Thank you both"

Dianr Johnson reviewed: Make, paint & upholster your own footstool

"An excellent course- I received fantastic tuition that has provided me with many skills for future use. Alan is a great teacher and,believe me, he can help the most ‘cack-handed’ of us produce a useable, aesthetically pleasing footstool. The course is great fun and I met a great group of people. I would highly recommend this course, it really is fantastic value for money- and Wendy, the soups for lunch were fab. Thank you"

Richard Carter reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Brilliant, fantastic teacher and an excellant course, I learnt so much in such a short time, Bill was such a good teacher, nothing was too much trouble, he did every thing he could to help, direct and encourage you, fantastic course would recommend it to any one. And thank you Bill for all your help."

Michael Moore reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"I had a very interesting and really informative afternoon thanks to Claire. I was very lucky to have a one to one lesson (not including Daisy!) and learned a lot from an excellent teacher, and it was amazing to see the transformation from a little piece of clay to heart pendant and letter pendant. I will certainly be making use of the information sheets provided by Claire to try using silver clay at home. I would highly recommend this course, and Claire to anyone interested in silver jewellery making."

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"Many thanks for your comments Michael it was lovely to meet you. You made some great pieces of jewellery!"

Stained glass class reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"Great fun informative day As a complete beginning I came away with a beautiful leaded glass window hanging, enough info to feel I could make another and now can’t wait to join the next class to learn more ?"