Latest reviews

Irene reviewed: Gel plate printing workshop - introduction to monotype gel press

"I really enjoyed the gel printing course for beginners, Vicky was so knowledgeable and helpful, she encouraged us all to explore this medium and paced each section so well. I’d recommend it to anyone who’s interested in print making. You produce so many prints it’s satisfying .I will be booking on the next one as I’m hooked now ! "

Vicki Jordan Art responded:

"Thanks so much for your lovely review Irene. I’m really glad you enjoyed the session, you certainly produced lots of great prints! "

Jude Lenehan reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"We have just done a one day course with Nigel and it was everything we hoped for. Nigel was very welcoming and a hugely knowledgeable and helpful teacher. We stayed in the snug shepherds huts and it was great. I would love to go back and get more and more creative. I would recommend the course to anyone."

Fransham Forge responded:

"Thank you for your kind words. We are glad you felt inspired!"

Bob Wadey reviewed: Wooden Pendant Carving with Giles Newman

"As a carving newbie I cannot think of a better way to start my carving journey. Giles and Maddie were excellent instructors with techniques and advice that I really feel has jump started my ability. The class was relaxed and friendly and we had a good laugh while learning. Very happy with my oak leaf and have already started carving at home. Highly recommended and if in doubt - look at what Giles has created, its mind blowing."

Giles Newman responded:

"This is such a lovely review to receive. Thank you so much Bob. It was a joy to spend the day with you and your fellow carvers and I’m so happy to hear that you have already jumped into your next project. Happy carving Bob!"

Sally reviewed: Ecoprinting with Bookbinding with Earthwise Ecoprints

"My friend and I did this course yesterday. It was a wonderful introduction to ecoprinting. We came away feeling that tiredness that comes with lots of learning. Fiona is a great teacher with huge enthusiasm for this new craft. So many new skills were covered and we came away with plenty of prints to make into more books, greetings cards etc. Very pleased "

Debbie and Claire reviewed: Fused glass landscape workshop

"We thoroughly enjoyed our course, the workspace was ready for our arrival and felt very welcoming. We received instruction and support at the start of the session and as we required during the class. Everyone was friendly and we were kept supplied with hot drinks. The activity was enjoyable and relaxing and relatively easy to achieve a pleasing result, we are awaiting to see the end products which we left for firing Would recommend Crafty Diane and are likely to return"

Crafty Diane Gift Shop, Art Gallery and Craft workshops responded:

"Thanks Debbie and Claire for your review. I am really glad you enjoyed the workshop and your work is now ready for collection :) x"

Judith reviewed: 'Water and Waves in Pastels' with Roy Simmons - A 'Quirky Workshop' in Greystoke, Nr Lake District, Cumbria

"A very enjoyable day with Roy Learned a lot about oil pastels and tips on how to get the best results I had never used this medium before but as promised I came away with at least one picture that I was very pleased with. Lovely venue with good food, good company and good teaching What more could you ask for?"

Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns responded:

"Thank you Judith, that's very kind. We're so pleased you enjoyed your day so much and came away with something you're proud of; we couldn't ask for better feedback! "

Rachel S reviewed: Beginners Knife Forging Day

"Absolutely outstanding experience! We did the beginner bladesmithing day for my partner's birthday. Alex runs Hammer and Hound Forge, and is an excellent teacher, knowledgeable, friendly, and approachable. After explaining each step, he lets you get on with it without making you feel like he's hovering over your shoulder. He helps where required but encourages you to make the item your own and supports you in doing so. Loved being able to create something awesome to take home! Thank you so much, Alex!"

roy waddington reviewed: 1 Person Pen Making Experience. Make & take home the pen of your choice.

"Made a pen on 6/10/24 really enjoyable course and very happy with the pen I made as a gift for someone. Duncan was very easy to get on with and I would highly recommend this course. "

Duncs Wood Turning responded:

"Roy, I hope you grand daughter loves it & the photo story. Thanks for taking time to review then course and I'm glad you enjoyed it. Rgds, Duncs."

Hannah Lees reviewed: Bowl Carving (Round Bowl) in Walderchain Wood

"Mark is a patient, methodical teacher. This was my third class with him and each time I am left dreaming of when I can do another class! Highly recommend (especially for Christine's dreamy cake) :-)"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Hannah Thank you for your review. Great to see you here again. Glad you enjoyed it. All the best Mark and Cristina "

Josh reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"I completed a weekend beginners dry stone walling course with Carl, Sharon and a lovely group in October 2024. Everything about the weekend went above and beyond my expectations. It was clearly very throughly well thought out, Carl and Sharon had such a friendly and also professional approach. Plenty of cups of tea and snacks as well as a hearty lunch kept us going all day! I highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn the craft! "

Kate L reviewed: Introduction to glass painting (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"This was a very absorbing and enjoyable day. My creative brain was buzzing by the end. We got stuck in straight away. Martin explained everything clearly and was on hand to advise as things came up. It was great to see what others on the course produced. I left feeling inspired to do more. I would heartily recommend it. "

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you Kate for the lovely review, I'm really glad you enjoyed your day."

Mike Harrison reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"If you enjoy the outdoors, getting your hands dirty and feeling the warm glow of satisfaction at the end of the day you get from having built something beautiful, do this course. Carl's instruction is first-rate - calm, patient, with plenty of good humour, he leads you through the process, engages everyone and builds a good team spirit where everyone feels they are contributing. You'll come away from the weekend thinking "I could fix that (almost)" every time you see a broken-down wall. Great experience, great mix of people from rank first-timers (me) to professional builders learning new skills - all ages, all levels of ability. I'm trying really hard to think of some recommendations to improve this course, but I can't think of any. "

Christine Kearns reviewed: Fused Glass Workshop - Tea Light / Votive Candle Holder

"I am not in the least bit artistic, so I was a little nervous when a friend suggested going on this course. I need not have worried. Beckie explained everything so clearly and had so many examples to look at that by the time it came to choosing what to make, I was really excited. There was a fantastic choice of materials and colours and we each had our own set of tools so there was no time wasted in getting down to work. Beckie was on hand at all times to offer advice and refreshments when needed. I was thrilled with the outcome of my labours as were the rest of the group. After the session we all signed straight up for a Christmas course!"

Kate Halfpenny reviewed: 2 Day beginner stone carving course with Ben Russell

"I can highly recommend Ben's course to anyone who wants to loose themselves in a wonderful creative and inspiring weekend. I had never done anything like Stone Carving before, but It was such a freeing and enjoyable process and I came away from the weekend with a beautiful abstract sculpture that has pride of place at home. Ben was a patient and great teacher, he lets you navigate your own ideas and gently nurtures you in a positive way showing you the skills to create fantastic details and stone work. I would love to do the course again, It was so very enjoyable, not to mention the great company and delicious lunch Ben made for us all. "

Gill reviewed: Kintsugi Course

"Have been wanting to do a Kintsugi course for some time, but they aren't very common so was excited to be able to book this one with Richard. I wasn't disappointed, gave me all the information I needed to now be able to do this on my own, and I got to smash my teapot with a hammer so I could then mend it. What more could you want!"

Watergild Studios responded:

"Thanks Gill, it was lovely having you as part of the group, bringing such enthusiasm and fun to the class. Love your creations too!"

Andy Hooper reviewed: Mig Welding For Beginners Introductory Day Course.

"Had a great day, Tony greeted us in a cheerful friendly manner which set the tone for the day. After a clear explanation of the safety and welding equipment we quickly progressed with trying to tackle our first welds. Tony's encouragement and guidance was brilliant, we tried a fair number of different welds progressing in difficulty. But it wasn't until the end of the day when we went back to the first type of weld that we realised the progress made. A thoroughly enjoyable and informative day! "

Newport Wrought Ironwork responded:

"Hi Andy & Josh. Thank you for your kind review. It was a pleasure meeting you both and I am glad that you enjoyed the welding and I hope you will continue developing your skills in the future when you purchase your own equipment. If I can help you with anything in the future please feel free to contact me. Kind regards Tony."

Alison Cooper reviewed: Sculpture workshop two days with Jo Garden Art in beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"Wow! This is an exceptional 2 day course! As a seasoned crafter I have done a wide variety of workshops and this one has been superb. Jo is a fantastic, kind and patient tutor who guides you through the process with gentle encouragement. Both Jo & her husband Andy were constantly offering tea (much appreciated) whilst quietly tidying up and seamlessly preparing the next stage for us to do. I am totally in love with my cat sculpture and it will look amazing in my garden as a treasured centrepiece. Thank you to both Jo & Andy."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Your cat is fabulous Alison - including the long copper whiskers! We are so happy you enjoyed the two days. Enjoy seeing her in your garden. The copper finish will change with the weather which is fascinating to observe. See you again, Jo & Andy xxx "

Mary Nourish reviewed: Traditional Jewellery Making Workshop

"An excellent course making a beautiful silver ring taught by a true craftsman. Starting with unpolished silver, Ian guided and assisted through the whole process with thoughtful explanations and gentle interventions to the end product. Jade and Ian were warm and welcoming and made the whole day a truly joyful experience."

Goldwrightsjewelleryschool responded:

"Thank you Mary, it was lovely to meet you and see what you created in the day such a beautiful ring :) "

Valerie Henderson reviewed: One-to-One Fused Glass Course

"I had a fantastic day. Although I have never tried glass fusing before, I found Amanda’s explanation of the day was very clear over our starting coffee/ drink and biscuits. After health and safety, and discussion of different techniques were covered, we had an overview of facilities. We then progressed on to what we wanted to create. Amanda was very good at guiding my ideas to what was actually achievable within the time frame. I managed to create 3 different projects. Cutting the glass was not my forte, but Amanda was very supportive and assisted with this. I think more practice on the trainees part, not that it is a difficult technique to master. First project under the belt before lunch. And lunch was amazing. Two course, menu I guess varies upon season. I had created for me, homemade chicken, sweetcorn and potato soup / stew (keep in mind this is British October) and chocolate brownie and fudge sauce, just to die for! The afternoon was spent creating my two other designs. Again, Amanda was very helpful with direction and suggestion on how to achieve my design ideas. Overall a very enjoyable experience, a day of learning and fun. A very good tutor having patience with a newbie, and a five star xxxxx chef as well. Thank you Amanda for a very informative and practical educational day."

Stella reviewed: Introduction to glass painting (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"It was a great day and I learnt loads . Martin showed us several different skills and paced the demos well giving us a chance to try things out in between. Then we could go free form with support in the form of ideas and designs if we wanted them. Brilliant. Loved it. Time flies!! "

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review, I hope to see you again in the future."

Diane reviewed: Creative Textiles York

"This is a really enjoyable course. There were loads of templets and ideas to choice from to help make your project. Really clear guidance and friendly atmosphere. I would definitely do the course again. "

Thread and Press responded:

"That’s lovely to hear thank you "

Lynda Watsham reviewed: Fused glass day workshop

"Helen was a great teacher very professional and enjoyable. I learnt new techniques and was thrilled with what I was able to achieve, "

Helen Rose Glass responded:

"Thanks Lynda. I can't wait to see your sloth all fired and slumped."

Linda Eggins reviewed: Sashiko Decorative Embroidery

"A lovely day with excellent tuition, cups of tea/coffee and cake. Everything I had hoped for."

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Hi Linda, thank you so much. It was a lovely day with you all, I'm so glad you had a good time. Best wishes and enjoy your Sashiko! Jennifer "

Maria Rossetter reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel, Copper Matte & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshops 2025

"I had the best time. Abi and Alison are the best!. We did lots of different firings. It was absolutely amazing and seeing the different results we all achieved. Abi and Alison made the course so much fun and very informative. I learnt a lot and would definitely go back again. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves pottery or who has never done any ceramics before. The location was beautiful and the homemade lunch and cakes provided were so yummy! I am so pleased with my pots and I will show them of! Thank you Abi and Alison xx🙂 "

Dawn Chapman reviewed: Full day private jewellery tuition for 1-4 people

"This was such a fabulous day. I learnt so much and as someone who identifies as ‘uncreative’ I am so proud of the ring I made - which I love! Sam was fun, great at teaching and patient! I would recommend this to anyone regardless of skill level. "