Latest reviews

Harry Stephenson reviewed: Turn a wooden bowl on a traditional pole lathe

"I couldn't recommend this course enough! Having no experience with a lathe, electric or foot powered, it can feel a little intimidating at first but this feeling quickly dissipates after some instruction and guidance from the tutor Steve. He's a fantastic, patient tutor and an absolute font of knowledge when it comes to the craft of pole turning as well as other traditional crafts. I really learnt so much and I came away with a beautiful Sycamore bowl which I'm very excited to get some walnut oil on and some breakfast in, once it's dried out. All in all its a lovely day out at Steve's allotment (even in the brisk of winter) with good crack, good soup, plenty of sweat and a beautiful bowl you can call your own."

Luke gardner reviewed: Bladesmithing experience day

"Steve is a brilliant host and a serious high end craftsman ...... it's suitable for anyone whether you're a hands on type or not .... you will receive expert guidance in a safe environment with a light hearted atmosphere "

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi Luke Thank you very much for your kind review. I'm always pleased that every student who comes to work with me in the shop has an enjoyable, productive and safe time here. Because of your martial arts experience I'm sure that the style of blade that you made will sit very nicely within your collection. Thank you once again , have a great Christmas. Kind regards Steve"

Gwen Covey-Crump reviewed: Bookbinding using leather and marbled paper, Frome - Somerset. Private Tuition

"I benefited from a fantastic 2 days of one-on-one tuition to restore a very large antique atlas. Stephen patiently coached me through a whole range of techniques and we more-or-less rebuilt the vast tome. I've come away with 'homework' and the skills to repair some more books. Highly recommended."

Nicky Greer reviewed: Sea Glass Pendant making workshop at Yardley Arts in Northamptonshire

"I thoroughly enjoyed the day. Becky is very patient. I am very pleased with the piece of jewellery that I created. "

Andy Myers reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"Great day, friendly bunch of people. I was mostly taught by Paul who was excellent. When I get some more space I now feel I can start blacksmithing solo."

Kelly reviewed: Crochet workshops in Leeds City Centre

"Ann was so calm and supportive throughout the whole session. Especially with being left handed I was worried but I didn’t need to be at all. I can’t wait to book again "

Leeds Central Faith and Light responded:

"Thank you for your review - you were easier to teach than some left-handers, as you picked up what I was trying to get you do very easily, so well done. Keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing you again. Kind regards Ann"

Jan S reviewed: Mosaic Kit - Christmas Triangle Mosaic Home Decor with stand

"Gift looks lovely quality with clear instructions. "

Sue White reviewed: Hand decorated clayboard brooches / fridge magnets / keyrings play session

"I thoroughly enjoyed the Hand decorated clayboard brooches / fridge magnets / keyrings play session. It was a very relaxed & fun afternoon. Just the job to escape pre-Christmas preparations & play. Carrie was, as always, very welcoming, well organised, provided all materials (& an apron), demonstrated the necessary techniques & away we went. I came away with 4 fridge magnets I'm very pleased with. This is the 2nd workshop of Carrie's I've attended. I'll be back."

Crafts for Wellbeing responded:

"It was lovely to see you again, Sue, and I'm so pleased you enjoyed the afternoon. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, I really appreciate it. Look forward to seeing you again soon!"

Nia reviewed: Beginner's Natural Dye Kit

"Really impressed with this lovely little kit. Bought as a gift and I’m sure they’ll love it. Quick dispatch and delivery. Thanks! "

LOCAL COLOUR responded:

"How very kind - thank you! Happy Christmas.. "

Cathy reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Beginners Morning Course - Weaving an Autumn or Christmas Wreath, Tenterden

"I attended the course in Tenderden last weekend. Marianne was so helpful and showed a lot of patience with me! I am so proud of the wreath that I made and cannot believe that, in just three hours, I achieved this. I would highly recommend this course."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for this lovely review, Cathy! It was such a pleasure to have you there, beavering away! You were one of those who this just comes natural to, Cathy. It seems to be in your veins. Wonderful! I hope to see you again sometime and show you some more tricks of the trade. All the best for now. Have a wonderful Christmas and a Healthy, Creative and Exciting 2024. Marianne x"

E Lamb reviewed: Hand decorated clayboard brooches / fridge magnets / keyrings play session

"I have now completed 4 separate craft sessions with Carrie, 2 at breathing space and 2 at the studio. Each session has been a delight to take part in, learning new crafts with Carrie is an enjoyable and relaxed session, I've created some wonderful crafts, linoprint cards, embossing and working with clayboard. Thoroughly recommend."

Crafts for Wellbeing responded:

"It's been a real pleasure to meet you, and I'm so pleased you have enjoyed all the sessions. Everything you have created has been beautiful! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, I really appreciate it. Look forward to seeing you again soon!"

Glitter Girl reviewed: Tara Dragonfly Modern Goldwork Embroidery (Navy Blue) - UK ONLY

"Lovely design for a beginner. Loved the beautiful & thoughtful packaging. Materials all good quality. "

Trish reviewed: Metal embossed house number workshop

"I attended the workshop with my sister and we has such a lovely afternoon. Carrie is a brilliant teacher and so patient. We are so pleased with our door numbers. I would thoroughly recommend the workshop. My decision now is what to do next. "

Crafts for Wellbeing responded:

"It was a real pleasure having you and your sister here, Trish, and I'm so pleased you both enjoyed the afternoon. You made such beautiful door numbers! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review, I really appreciate it. Look forward to seeing you again soon!"

Elena reviewed: One day silver jewellery designing and making workshop

"This was the first time I've tried jewellery making and Bridget made it really fun. I was very impressed with communication ahead of the workshop during and after. Bridget did her best to accommodate my needs and helped to make my design come true. I now have a beautiful ring and a wonderful story to go with it. The studio was comfortable and well equipped. We tried many techniques and I discovered how mesmerized one can be looking at the alchemy happening right in front of one's eyes when silver and a torch are involved. A splendid birthday present it was! Thank you, Bridget."

Bridget Bradshaw Designs responded:

"Thankyou so much for your truly kind words. I thoroughly enjoyed our day too and would welcome you back at any time. Kind regards Bridget "

Hazel reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Really enjoyed the day and very pleased with my ring. Copper work in the morning was great and gave us a chance to get used to the tools. Homemade cake was also much appreciated!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Hazel and well done with your ring making. It was a pleasure to help you with your new silver jewellery making skills and lovely to meet you. Well done! Jonathan"

Miranda Freedman reviewed: Christmas Log Reindeer - great for kids!

"My daughter and I spent a very pleasant afternoon making our reindeer. "

Debbie stott reviewed: Christmas decorations using copper foiling with the Cheshire School of Glass

"Nice size group, easy to follow instructions by a lovely teacher. We could have a real good go ourselves, but she was on hand to help. Came away with beautiful decorations. Great workshop"

Tony reviewed: Relief Wood Carving Art

"Excellent course, with a selection of wood planks to choose from and patterns available. We were only 3, plus 3 pyrographers, so plenty of help. Three hours of carving produced a passable relief image."

Sculpt IT - Ruth Wheeler Art responded:

"Really pleased that you enjoyed it. "

Mel reviewed: Christmas deer bottle

"I went to this craft session with a friend to do something lovely and festive. We both really enjoyed it! Jan was very welcoming and guided us through the craft. I absolutely love the bottle I made, we were able to make them personal to us, and with Jan’s help and so many materials, it looks really professional. Very much enjoyed and love our craft. "

Feline Fixins Powertex Fun responded:

"Hi Mel, It was a pleasure to meet you and Jen, and to help you create your beautiful festive deer bottles. They were both so creative, and as you said could have been bought in a high end garden centre. I wondered what reaction you had from your family when you told them you had bought it before revealing you had made it . Thank you for your company, you know where I am if you fancy having a dabble with Powertex or anything else I have on the website. Happy Christmas"

Richard Tucker reviewed: Introduction To Welding & Basic Fabrication

"Fabulous 1-2-1 training with Joe. We went through the H&S elements, and tried out different types of welding practices (MMA/Stick welding), Mig, Tig and gasless. Lots of questions answered and already lots of chatting and trying out different things to gain more confidence. I'd recommend to anyone."

Laura reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"Such a wonderful course. Lucy allows you to follow your creative ideas whist providing clear expert teaching and guidance. My classmate and my sculptures could not be more different, but we both received exactly what we needed. With such a small group size you really do get bespoke attention. The food catering provided was also good, and perhaps most importantly we had hours of inspiring conversation while we worked. If in doubt just do it!"

Jane R reviewed: Blow a bauble at Chew Valley handmade glass

"This was a fantastic experience. Steve explained the process in an easy to understand way & was there to help. It isn't as easy as he made it look but at the end I was very proud & pleased with my very special Christmas bauble. My friends have commented how nice it is that we have decided to go next year so they can also have this pleasing experience too. "

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you for your kind review Jane, so glad you enjoyed your time with us. We look forward to seeing your friends next time. Regards the team at chew valley handmade glass "

Jane Brown reviewed: An Introduction to Pyrography Wood Art with Ruth Wheeler

"I really enjoyed the day learning pyrography skills. Thank you Ruth for your help & expertise. I am very pleased with the piece of art I created & I am going to purchase a pyrography machine so I can continue to practice at home."

Sculpt IT - Ruth Wheeler Art responded:

"Amazing news that you are going to buy a machine. It was lovely to meet you on Saturday and I am pleased that you enjoyed it. Keep in touch. "

Sue Kerwood reviewed: Peg Loom Weaving with high welfare fleeces

"Very enjoyable, informative and relaxing afternoon. Thank you"

The Woven Briar Ltd responded:

"Thank you so much, let me know when you decide you need a floor loom and a flock of sheep!"

Claire Underwood reviewed: Paint pouring with tea & cake

"What an enjoyable afternoon ! It was a new style of art to me, very exciting because the effects were unpredictable. The three of us made pleasing canvasses I think. Thanks,Claire."