Latest reviews

Pete reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"I attended the beginners spoon carving course at Days Cottage, and it was an excellent day indeed. Dave covered a lot of useful stuff in the day, not only about the different holds to use for carving, but also things on sharpening tools. After covering safe use of the tools, we made a butter spreader in the morning, followed by a spoon in the afternoon. Dave was really good at checking my body position thoughout and giving advice for positioning it better for using the different holds that he showed us. I would highly recommend this course for people that have done a little carving already, as it really helps to be shown different and better ways of doing things. Plenty of breaks were built in to stop us getting too tired and injuring ourselves. Thouroughly enjoyed the day!"

Angela Oliver reviewed: Make a needle-felt Herdwick doorstop - a Quirky Workshop nr Ullswater & The Lake District

"It was a fantastic day. Annis was a great tutor. Can't wait to go back and do more. The hare is next!!"

Fiona reviewed: Creative Gift Wrapping - Ripon, North Yorkshire

"This course surpassed my expectations and I would readily attend another. The course was held in a lovely, old stone hotel right next to Ripon Cathedral and the service was very good from the start - both the hotel staff and Jo/Julie. Jo & Julie had everything well prepared and, from the start, Jo gave clear explanations as to what we were doing. The pace was good - in some courses, it can be tedious when waiting for the next step but not on this course. At the outset, we were shown how to wrap a box - that might seem obvious but I learned the tricks as to how to do it properly. We learned how to wrap those awkward shaped presents & excellent & easy ways to decorate. It was an excellent way to switch off and tap into your creative side. I would highly recommend it others and look forward to attending another course in 2018."

Joanne Poland reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"As a beginner I found the introduction to needle felting brilliant and to come out with a finished Yorkshire Terrier at the end of the day was great! Denise is very patient and provides a delicious lunch! The day overall is great value and a lot of fun! I would definitely consider doing it again in the future. Thank you so much!"

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you Jo for the lovely review, it was a fun day and I'm so pleased you enjoyed yourself. All the best Denise Crafty Gal"

Gwenda Edge reviewed: Felt slippers - felt-making workshop with Debra Esterhuizen

"What a lovely, calm creative environment and such a supportive teacher. I really enjoyed my time at the Appleby Hub and left with a lovely pair of slippers. Debra is so generous with her attention and information. Looking forward to the next workshop."

Nicola ogden reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"My friend and I spent a wonderful day with Sally Anne weaving our stags heads and were amazed with the results after only a few hours! Now totally addicted to willow weaving we are going to book another course to weave a complete stag!"

Gwenda Edge reviewed: Felt slippers - felt-making workshop with Debra Esterhuizen

"What a lovely, calm creative environment and such a supportive teacher. I really enjoyed my time at the Appleby Hub and left with a lovely pair of slippers. Debra is so generous with her attention and information. Looking forward to the next workshop."

Shay Lindsay reviewed: A Dry Stone Walling Workshop Bedfordshire

"As a Landscape Gardener, I have knowledge of bonding brickwork and the principles behind strength in walls, foundations etc. The knowledge that John has can only be achieved through years of experience and thats what i was after from the day. All the little tips and tricks that real, traditional craftsmen possess are priceless. John is a genuine, friendly gent whose passion for the craft is evident in his teaching. Cracking day with my Dad for a bit of Father/ Son bonding. Thanks John!"

Nikki reviewed: Portmeirion crafts retreats

"I have done a several weekends organised by Creative Stays and they are always well planned and great value for money. The accommodation used is always of a high standard and in some fantastic locations."

Dave Frederick reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"Dave gives clear instructions, followed by appropriate demonstrations, then leaves you to get on with the job. However, you are soon aware that he's keeping an eye on your progress as he will always be ready to correct errors and offer advice. This is the mark of a good teacher: give people enough freedom to work at their own pace, but ensure that they can't make too many mistakes. It needs to be said that you will not get the best out of this course if a) you haven't done the beginners' course and/or b) had some recent experience of spoon-making, as Dave doesn't spend too long on revision. Learning to make eating spoons differs somewhat from making cooking spoons, and it was interesting to see the variety of spoons which can be made. This course is highly recommended."

Barry Kither reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Very well organised.....Chris has thought the course through and the preparation was excellent Good balance of teaching and doing Very good lunch"

Alice reviewed: 2 day traditional upholstery workshop

"Fantastic course! A great way to spend a weekend, Karen was energetic and very knowledgeable, an excellent teacher. The atmosphere in the workshop was lovely and it was great working alongside other people creating something. As Karen keeps the classes small she's able to devote a lot of time to you. Even though I didn't finish my chair I'm amazed at how much I did get done and Karen was very supportive in helping me finish it after the weekend. I'm hooked on upholstery now and if I had the time and funds I''d probably be back every week! The food was great too!"

Mark Cox reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I wasn't sure what to expect as this was a Birthday gift. I'd always wanted to try my hand at Smithing and this turned out to be an excellent way of being introduced to this craft. That we (my mate came along too) managed to produce something that was so special and well finished was really great and largely down to Chris' skill at guiding us through the many processes that were involved. As expected, it's so much more than just bashing a piece of hot metal and I now begin to understand more about this art. A really great day in a brilliant setting. If you're thinking about this, I'd certainly suggest you go for it. A wonderful Birthday present."

Annette Smyth reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"I have previously completed a course with Denise and she is a fantastic tutor, very calm and knowledgable. Her creations are amazing. Highly recommend this"

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you so much for your review, very much appreciated. Take care Denise Crafty Gal x"

Hilary Jappy reviewed: Free Motion Embroidery Landscapes in Buntingford, Hertfordshire

"A great course in a lovely cosy and inspiring environment. Sue is a good teacher, very encouraging and patient. I came away with a super framed embroidery and equiped with lots of knowledge to take this new craft further. I thoroughly recommend this course and Sue's work."

CathyLax reviewed: Willow Christmas Reindeer

"Nice to meet other like minded crafters, the learning experience and workshop environment was the best I've attended. Keep it up Victoria. See you soon. Cathy"

Dave reviewed: Axe making courses learn to Forge weld Bladesmithing

"A good insight into the different techniques and ways of axe making. Taught me a lot about the process and lots of hands on experience. Cheers."

David Power reviewed: An introduction to wood turning with Gregory Moreton (2 Days)

"Gregory’s two day introduction gives an excellent introduction to the basics of wood turning. The course was highly informative and I left with two nice pieces which were much better than I expected from my first taste of wood turning. I certainly intend to return for a follow up course."

Heather Beaton reviewed: 2 Day felting course with naturally dyed fleece, Wild Rose Escapes, Highlands, Scotland

"An excellent course. Rosie is very friendly and is very good at delivering instructions and giving support. It was great to only have small group, as you were able to chat and receive the help. Everything was prepared and all equipment was available. It was good to see the processes involved to prepare the materials, I really appreciated the effort that went into setting up the course for us. Lunch was also particularly good. The B&B was also recommended by Rosie and worth staying at. I would highly recommend it to everyone. A very enjoyable weekend."

Lesa reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"Great course. Caroline is fab, funny and very generous. Her mosaics are awesome, quirky and different. It was a lovely relaxed course. Learnt new techniques which was great. Great lunch too. Her homemade soup was delicious! Would definitely recommend this course, particularly if you want to learn mosaicing with crockery. Lovely day."

Andrew Shipman reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"Just attended the one day woodturning course with Chris. As a complete novice he was the perfect tutor, patient with detailed explanation and support throughout the day resulting in a beautiful bowl. His practical but thorough approach to the safe use of machinery and tools was spot on. His demonstration and explanation of techniques has inspired me to take up woodturning as a hobby."

Dave reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"Just done another great course with Colin learning even more about blacksmithing. Can't wait to do another course, brilliant day from a excellent teacher many thanks for all your help"

Carol reviewed: Willow Christmas Reindeer

"Had a great day , well organised, very relaxed, lots of help and patience . Absolutely loved the craft and would encourage anyone to try ."

Ros Hoyle reviewed: Willow Christmas Reindeer

"My husband and son are amazed that I’ve managed to make such a lovely willow reindeer and it’s all thanks to Victoria’s great teaching! From the welcome to the final group photo we had a great day with plentiful cuppas and friendly banter. I’d thoroughly recommend this course."

John reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Brilliant two days with Nigel. Learnt a lot and was surprised at how much I managed to do. Poker, pooper scooper and acorn on the first day. My partner wanted a bullrush and I made several on the second day. She is over the moon and is planning where to put them in the garden. Hope to return."