Latest reviews

Caroline reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"I thoroughly enjoyed the linocut course. Judith explained everything thoroughly and I’m so pleased with my prints. I’m really looking forward to putting what I learnt into practise. "

print paper stitch experiences responded:

"Thank you Caroline, your landscape prints were beautifully cut and printed, I'd love to see what you create in the future!"

Chris reviewed: Fundamentals of Italian fencing - Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA)

"I attended the knightly art of renaissance fencing 30th September. I had great communication prior and found the instructor to be very knowledgeable and patient. Perfect training ground and even given cuppa and biscuits half way through. Absolute bargain for the price. Would certainly recommend. Keep up the great work⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"

The English Country House responded:

"Hi Chris, I’m really glad to hear that you enjoyed yourself and found the day informative. It was a genuine pleasure to meet you too! 🙏🏻"

Frances Saunders reviewed: Willow Deer at The David Hall with Jo Sadler

"A really enjoyable and creative day that ended up with a sculpture to take home that far exceeded my expectations. Jo is an excellent teacher with an engaging style that kept us all motivated, especially when we were got tired from concentrating. Her knowledge of the craft and choice of materials was inspirational. The time flew by! I would recommend a session with Jo to anyone, regardless of their artistic abilities. You could surprise yourself for what you can achieve in 9 hours!"

Jo Sadler Willow responded:

"That's fantastic. They were lovely. Thank you for your company too!"

Hazel reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"A fantastic experience and a wonderful birthday celebration. Julie was a brilliant teacher and hostess."

Nicky Rogers reviewed: Willow Deer at The David Hall with Jo Sadler

"A lovely day and we learnt so much. We will definitely do another day with Jo, making owls next time, I hope. Well worth every penny too. "

Jo Sadler Willow responded:

"Thank you. I look forward to seeing you again. The Deer were lovely. Jo"

Sheela Vishwanath reviewed: 'Bag in a Day' Practical Leather Course - Mini Bucket bag

"Bag in a day I had a fantastic day in the ‘Bag in a day’ workshop. It was my first time working with leather. Georgie is incredibly welcoming, knowledgeable, experienced, and patient throughout the entire process. The bags we made turned out amazing—i can’t believe that I made mine myself! I highly recommend spending a day at this workshop. As it was my first time working with leather, I was nervous at first, but it ended up being an unforgettable experience with outstanding results that I’ll cherish for a long time. Thanks again!"

Sheela Vishwanath reviewed: Pattern Cutting for Bags and Introduction to Leather craft - Designing Bags in 3D (1 week course)

""The 1-week Pattern Cutting for Bags and Introduction to Leather Craft course was an incredible experience! It gave me an understanding of designing bags, especially working in 3D. The hands-on approach made everything easy to understand, and I left feeling confident in my ability to bring my ideas to life. With the techniques I learned for cutting patterns and working with leather I am looking forward to putting them to use very soon and design my own bag patterns. A special mention to Georgie’s vast knowledge and experience, and her patience as a teacher. She is encouraging and ensuring that we understood the concepts correctly. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to pattern bags. It is definitely a worthwhile investment to time and money. "

Gill reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Warrington, Cheshire

"Had a really good day at the course. Jo was an excellent teacher and explained everything bit by bit and checked our work as we went along. Ended up with a lovely footstool. I can recommend the day "

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Gill. I'm delighted you enjoyed the workshop. You made such a lovely job of your stool. x "

Jade reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"I really enjoyed the Lino day course. Judith was great! She was incredibly helpful and went through everything thoroughly. It has re-inspired me take up Lino printing again. "

print paper stitch experiences responded:

"Thank you, Jade, I really hope you continue with your printing, your design in the workshop was very striking and carefully executed."

Gillian Ripley reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"It was an inspiring and informative lino printing workshop. Olivia's enthusiasm was shared amongst all the students regardless of whether they were beginners or experienced artists. Clear instructions were given with examples of previous students work, illustrating a range of printing techniques. The small group size enabled us all to receive individual attention and encouragement throughout. I came away full of new ideas,and keen to set up my own studio!"

Olivia Clifton-Bligh, Cornwall responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Gillian - I’m so glad you enjoyed the workshop. And congratulations on making such a beautiful print!"

Carole Auden reviewed: West Midlands: Beginner Nib Calligraphy Workshop

"Looking for a ‘new’ craft challenge I was not disappointed with this morning session on Calligraphy. The session was well planned, well resourced, and extremely well delivered, and I would recommend this workshop to anyone interested in diving into calligraphy. My disappointment was of my own doing. I find I do not like ‘modern’ calligraphy, with the varying sizes of letters, swirls, and flourishes, which makes reading simple words quite difficult. I did, however, appreciate the challenges in producing controlled broad and fine lines, as well as the discipline of repetitive practice, and am now determined to continue with my own preference, that of modern Gothic calligraphy. This workshop was money well spent, and I came away from it with much more insight into calligraphic practices than I expected."

The Modern Calligraphy Company responded:

"Hi Carole Thank you for the fantastic review of our West Midlands workshop. I will be sure to pass your comments onto our tutor and the rest of the TMCC team. Best wishes Nadine"

Nick Coles reviewed: Building and weaving a simple stool at The Quiet Workshop

"I really enjoyed the Simple Stool workshop and I’m delighted with the end product. I’ve tried in the past to make things out of wood and often struggled to finish with a piece that I’m proud of. The instruction throughout was clear and the atmosphere was relaxed and informative. StJohn was very attentive and ensure that we were doing things correctly all the way through. The food was exceptional and I felt well looked after and welcome by both Bryony and StJohn. I would highly recommend this course and others and have already being telling friends, family and colleagues about my experience. "

The Quiet Workshop responded:

"Thanks Nick! You did a great job on your stool so I’m sure you’ll have no trouble with future projects. Glad you enjoyed the food. Best wishes, StJohn & Bryony"

Chloe Kennedy reviewed: A night (or morning/afternoon!) on the tiles: a 2.5 hour taster mosaic course

"Highly recommend this course! Fiona was so so lovely and really helpful. I got the night on the tiles workshop for my mum and I and it was a really lovely way to spend our morning. We are already planning on another trip and I have many friends that want to have a go too!! "

Valley Craft Studio responded:

"Thanks for your lovely review Chloe. It was so nice to meet you both and I really look forward to welcoming you back again soon x"

Mandy Schofield reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Warrington, Cheshire

"Fantastic day with Jo at the upholstery workshop. I learned so much and delighted with the lovely upholstered footstool I've cone away with. Can't wait to get stuck into some of my own projects. Jo's teaching style is excellent....very clear and good pace ensuring the whole group understands the different stages before getting the chance to practise. Can't recommend enough - loved it ! Great day with lovely group. Thank you"

The Boho Shed responded:

"Ahhh thank you Mandy. I'm delighted you enjoyed the day and learned so much. What a great bunch you were. I look forward to seeing what you create at home. Give me a shout if you need any further help. x"

Wendy reviewed: The Art of Drawing - full day workshop in Pembrokeshire

"My husband and I did a one day workshop with Kate, arriving at her lovely home for an overnight stay in order to make a decent start the following morning. We were made incredibly welcome during that evening, being shown her extensive collection of beautiful, informative books. Her knowledge is boundless, much like her infectious enthusiasm that grips you and doesn't let go. We enjoyed a full day, exploring various techniques and before we knew it, leaving time had arrived. Taking away with us, a new skill set and unforgettable memories of the day. I can't rate Kate highly enough for anyone wishing to either, gain confidence to begin or extend their existing knowledge in this field. She is an inspiring delight!! We couldn't have been more pleased. Also, big thanks to her husband and gorgeous dog Pip for enhancing our stay - enchanting! Superb!!"

Coach House Studio responded:

"Thank you Wendy! I'm so glad you enjoyed your time here in the studio, and staying with us. It was great to meet you both. It's so rewarding when students are inspired and excited by the processes and techniques I introduce. I hope you carry on making art, and that we see you again sometime. "

Eleanor reviewed: Willow weaving workshops with Pippa Tee - baskets

"An absolutely fantastic 2 day willow weaving course with Pippa in an idyllic location. What a knowledgeable person who oozes tons of enthusiasm and patience and loads of techniques resulting in me creating a very unique basket. A fantastic experience and would certainly go for more "

Pippas plants responded:

"Thanks Eleanor! Doing reviews is very helpful to all tutors ( if tiresome to do sometimes!), and a lovely review is much appreciated,!! I feel sure your crafty creativity will flourish and hope to see photos in due course! Lovely to meet you, all the best, Pippa "

vivien Meadows reviewed: Expressive Flower Painting Workshop - using acrylics

"really expansive course as far as my practice is concerned becoming a 2 way learning pr5ocess. Lynn uses her experience as a garden photographer to inform and enhance painting experience to all 5 of us. lots of individual input and cross relating with other painters"

Paint What You Feel with Lynn Keddie responded:

"Thanks so much for your lovely review, Vivien. I had to do a double take - I thought you said "expensive," not "expansive" at first, lol! It's such a joy working with you, I’m always inspired by how you express your world. Your work is evolving in such an exciting direction - I can’t wait to see where it takes you."

Carl Williams reviewed: Key skills for converting vans into campervans 2 day course

"I booked this course with my wife but unfortunately after we paid there was a mix up with the booking so she couldn't attend. We had the offer to change the dates to November but as we had already booked The Air BnB, my partner came with me but wasn't allowed to attend the course she had paid for as it was full., even though there were 5 spaces left when we booked. This was a problem as it meant that she would have to wait all day on Saturday for me in the Airbnb and in the van on the Sunday whilst I did the course before returning home. However, this turned out to be a godsend as I left the course after the first day. The course is labelled as a hands on course, however it was anything but! We spent the whole of the Saturday sat around a table and we never picked up a single tool There was no clear course outline, we were never shown the tools or how to use them or how to be safe whilst using them. The biggest surprise was that the teacher didn't even have a van! Imagine going on a computer course and the guy doesn't own a computer? I It is not enough to sit around a table for 8 hours just chatting briefly on how to fit out a van without at least showing someone how to do it, either with a video, diagrams or hands on like the course suggests! I joined this course because I wanted some hands on experience and clearly from the start, that was most people's fear on the course! Using power tools on their van and making a mess! . I don't need the teacher to tell me to watch YouTube for how to fit a part! I joined the course to do it myself HANDS ON! Not only did it inconvenience my wife by the booking mistake but it costed me nearly £300 for the course, plus accomodation and fuel. If I knew around 20% of how to do a van conversion before the course, then I still know 20% now! I learned nothing and I felt like I wasted a day of my life! Taking into account how bad the course was on the Saturday, I couldn't ask the wife to sit in the van all day whilst I attended the Sunday as i learned nothing on the Saturday anyway. So I decided not to return for the Sunday and drove home. The only thing I can't fathom is all the glowing reviews on here! Maybe they attended a different course to me?"

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Thank you for sharing your feedback. I’m sorry to hear that your experience with the course did not meet your expectations, and I appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns. Regarding the mix-up with your wife’s booking, as mentioned before the course, this was unfortunately due to a technical glitch on the CraftCourse site. I completely understand how this impacted your plans, and I apologize that you couldn’t adjust your accommodation to one of the alternative dates offered. We made sure to arrange a full refund for your wife’s place as soon as the problem came to light, and both CraftCourse and I extend our deepest apologies for the inconvenience. In terms of the course content, I’m disappointed that you didn’t bring your concerns to me during the weekend. The course is designed to be flexible, and I always aim to meet the needs of everyone attending. As you’ll recall, we began day one by going around the group, and I asked everyone to share what they most wanted to get out of the weekend. I then proposed a course plan that I believed covered everyone’s key interests and confirmed with you and the rest of the group that you were satisfied before we started. It’s true that the first part of the course was spent sitting down as we discussed the planning, design, and build process for van conversions. During this time, I provided both handouts and lots of materials—such as pumps, insulation options, and wiring options—for participants to examine up close. In the afternoon, we worked hands-on with building 12V electrical systems, including lighting, USBs, and pumps, all powered by a 12V battery. Unfortunately, due to space limitations, we conducted this in the workshop rather than inside a van. I’m sorry that you chose not to return for the second day, as it involved very practical activities. The morning focused on assembling, cutting, and mounting 240V electrical hookup units into van panels, using tools like drills, jigsaws, and files. We also spent time exploring real campervan conversions on-site to apply what we’d covered earlier in the course. we also had time to look at 12v diesel heaters and there insulation in a van. Again, I’m sorry the course didn’t meet your expectations, but I hope this provides some context for how it was structured. Best regards, Scott "

Graeme Brown reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"Arian the course tutor has a genuine interest and feel for his craft. He was able to break the course down into three distinct stages and then was able to break each operation and method down, so it was easy to understand and follow. The three stages offered three different materials to be worked and beautifully combined into one unique finished item. As a hand made product you would never find another one like it some what of a change in our mass-producing modern throw away world. The love and skill for each operation that Arian has was infectious and made the learning experience very enjoyable. Even when you made a mistake Arian was able to look at what I had done and was able to show me how to fix it, they always say you learn more from your mistakes and with Arian there to help and correct I certainly did. The surroundings are in the same context as the course. They have an old worn charm that suited the course. There should be more places like this open to encourage more craft learning. A brilliant break from the regimented plastic world we live in today. I was pleased and proud of what I made. I was almost disappointed when the weekend was finished as I would have loved to have carried on and done more. This course given me some now skills and has stimulated my interest to look further into this craft. "

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"Dear Graeme, Thank you very much for this thorough and thoughtful review. I'm delighted that the way I run the courses worked so well for you, I always aim for strong personal experience for participants, coupled with a one-off beautiful and useful knife. Enjoy and Use your knife, and be in touch if you need any help or advice regarding knifemaking. Warmest wishes, Arian "

Sue reviewed: Learn How to Decoupage Workshop

"Maxine was friendly and taught the decoupage technique simply and .Having never done it before she made sure I totally understood the process as we went along. Came away with 3 items I made myself on different surfaces. Also gave ideas of where to buy good value products. Highly recommended course and a great shop for gifts and pebble gifts too. "

I Luv Pebbles responded:

"Thank you Sue Lovely to meet your Have fun with your new technique "

Bernice reviewed: Pottery throwing day course in the South Downs

"Really enjoyed this course, and surprised myself by making three not too bad pots, thanks to Rowena’s step by step guide, and eternal patience. Would thoroughly recommend, even for complete beginners, like me, with very little innate creative talent ! "

Paddock Studio Pottery responded:

"Hello Bernice, thank you for taking the time to write a review. Glad you and Nicky enjoyed your day course with me.Best of all ,I'm pleased you surprised yourselves with what you each achieved. Best wishes Rowena"

Jillian reviewed: Introduction to Table Loom Weaving Workshop (Two-Day), Fisherton Mill, Salisbury

"Thanks to Ellie I had a fabulous 2 days of table loom weaving, learning how to set it up took one day and the next we progressed on to weaving and introducing patterns into our eork.She was so patient when I messed things up a bit! Not only a btillisnt course but Fisherton Mill is a pretty special venue. Would highly recommend. "

Elka responded:

"Thank you so much for coming Jillian, and for the lovely review. It was great to spend two days with you and your weaving was beautiful. Without the odd hiccup we'd never learn anything, and I was so impressed that you worked out how to get back on track so quickly! 😊"

Jenny Weeks reviewed: Key skills for converting vans into campervans 2 day course

"Scott’s 2 day Campervan conversion course was amazing. I came away each day with my head buzzing from all the information and pages of notes and photos. It totally exceeded my expectation of how confident I’d feel afterwards about starting a build. It was great to have hands on practice with all aspects (electrics, cutting into metal, plumbing etc). Scott is very experienced and knowledgable on all aspects of conversions. Thank you also to Scott’s wife for the delicious cakes and their daughter for showing us around and talking us through her own conversion. I was so motivated I went home and drew out our van design until the early hours. Totally recommend this course."

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Jenny, I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed the van conversion course and found it so valuable! I'll definitely let Sue know you loved her cake. As I mentioned at the end of the course, I would absolutely love to see a photo of your finished van once it's done—it makes me proud to have played a small part in helping you get there. Thanks again for your kind words! Best, Scott"

Fiona Kelly reviewed: 'Bring Your Own Project' Day - Upholstery

"As a complete novice, I wasn't sure what to expect, however Katie soon put me at ease and I had a lovely and productive day. I had taken a very simple dining chair and by the end of the day, and with a lot of help and guidance, it was completed. I was absolutely delighted with the result. Katie is very friendly and approachable and an excellent teacher and I look forward to coming back for a second experience. Very enjoyable day out!"

Meticulous Restoration responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind review Fiona, it was lovely to host you in the studio and I look forward to doing so again soon. Your chair looked great and I'm so glad you enjoyed the process! Best wishes, Katie"

Christine reviewed: Monthly Pottery Classes

"Lovely class. Well led and lots of great pottery pieces made. Looking forward to making some more at future dates"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for leaving us a great review. We are really pleased you enjoyed the course and shall let the course tutor know. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."