Latest reviews

Claire reviewed: Jewellery design workshop - silver pendant or silver earrings

"I was gifted a voucher to make a ring with Sheila. She was very welcoming and her studio had a lovely atmosphere. As I have issues with my hands swelling she gave me the option to make something else so I went for a pair of earrings instead. She is very patient and guided me through the process. Would highly recommend Sheila to others. "

Andrea Hainsworth reviewed: Winter Birds - Fused Glass with Crafts in the Valley

"How I love Melanie's classes. This time I attended the Three Little Birds workshop and, as ever, it was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon, with lots of goodies to eat too. Melanie is so knowledgeable and patient and is more than happy to pass on her expertise, helping in any way she can. The choice of materials is excellent, you are spoilt for choice. You don't have to be artistic, just enthusiastic, and Melanie is there to help you with the rest. Can't get enough!"

Gill Grant reviewed: Upholstery classes in Norwich

"Loved it. Brilliant day. Lee is very knowledgeable ,helpful and complimentary when you feel you're floundering. I plan to bring a larger project next time.........am also interested in the lampshade making workshop."

Finch and Toad responded:

"Gill Thank you for your lovely review. You did a brilliant job in finishing your project in a day . I very much look forward to seeing the ottaman fully assembled! Please do come back when you have another project or would like to come lampshade making. Kind Regards Lee"

Jessica Amy reviewed: Pembrokeshire slate mosaics with Wild Slate Workshops - Inspired by coast, land and legend

"Brilliant - I had the best time learning how to create beautiful mosaics with my mam. The venue and facilities were excellent. Niki was amazing! Her knowledge, thorough demonstrations and relaxed learning environment make this class enjoyable for all abilities. Such a unique day out. Thanks for having us! 🙂"

Wild Slate Workshops responded:

"So wonderful to have you in the group Jess. Your focus and total immersion in the whole day was great to see along with your smiles. You clearly enjoyed the day so thank you for being there. Your owl mosaic blew us all away!"

Judy reviewed: Mixed Media workshop with Clare Cosens

"Interesting and informative afternoon. Masses of choice of material to select for our collages. Helpful tuition through the by Clare and as a beginner came away with a better than expected result! "

Clare Cosens Designs responded:

"Thank you Judy for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. I am really pleased that you enjoyed the workshop. Your mixed media artwork looked fantastic!"

Michele Charles-Davies reviewed: Pembrokeshire slate mosaics with Wild Slate Workshops - Inspired by coast, land and legend

"Great workshop, really enjoyed the whole day. Lovely venue and atmosphere, Niki was very friendly and explained everything clearly. As a beginner I was very relaxed and I was very pleased with the two mosaic pieces I created. What a great way to explore your creativity. I would highly recommend this workshop to anyone who wants to try something new, learn a new skill or just enjoy meeting new people in a friendly welcoming environment. Thanks Niki! "

Wild Slate Workshops responded:

"Thank you Michele, so lovely to meet you and have you in the workshop. Your mosaics were beautiful and well thought out. They definitely gained the admiration of the group."

Graeme reviewed: Make your own Coffee Table

"I recently had the pleasure of spending a day with Jake in his workshop building a coffee table together. I am an absolute novice when it comes to working with wood. From the very beginning it was clear that this was not one of those ‘show up and build to a template’ experiences. Jake was interested in the type of material I wanted to use, the size, style and any other thoughts I had on the project and how they could be interpreted - a truly collaborative process. As the day progressed we would discuss, adapt the plan, include new ideas and materials, and by the end of the day had a table we were both really excited about. Jake’s enthusiasm is infectious, he clearly loves what he does, and his skill is on display at every stage of the process. He loves to talk, wants to get to know you, and we got lost down lanes of conversation more than once. If you want to take on a project with Jake - and I recommend you do - be prepared to work! As I said earlier, this is not a ‘show up and build to a template’ experience. Everything is made from blocks of timber in his workshop, bansawing blocks into boards, planing, thicknessing, jointing, mortising, glueing, sanding (so much sanding!) Jake shows you what he needs, how to do it safely, then it is in your hands (under his ever watchful eye). By the end of the day I was pretty tired. If that is your sort of experience, then Jake is the person for you. Thank you so much Jake, it was a day I will never forget, and a table I am proud to have built with you that has pride of place in our lounge."

Thompsons Wood responded:

"Wow. That's made my year, what an unbelievably gorgeous review, it was a pleasure to have you in the shop, thank you 🥲"

jeremy hall reviewed: Introduction to Sourdough Bread Making class

"Yes, wonderful; 2 brilliant hosts, lovely students, lunch sensational, value for money unbelievable. Only problem (sorry) was going through the process in crib sheet doesn’t quite explain when to fold head and arms, but look at tartine book??? Cost doesn’t reflect the day, it should be more. Thank you both, know you love company but togetherness is best (so Pearl says) xxx"

StagHill Bakes responded:

"Thanks for your review Jerry, and good comment re the instructions on how to shape the bread. I'll update theses. All the best, Ian "

Sarah reviewed: Lino Christmas card making

"It was brilliant morning! Very relaxed and friendly and just the right amount of support and encouragement. Thanks very much "

Natasha Nobes reviewed: Stained Glass using the Copper Foil Technique

"If you are looking for an exclusive, step by step guided workshop, that results in something beautifully handmade by you, Elaine's sessions are what you need. Myself, along with a friend spent the whole day under Elaine's guidance. She is patient, caring and helps you every step of the way to give you success in your creation. Can't wait to book another session next year - thank you! "

Beth H reviewed: Seasonal themes - stained glass

"A wonderful afternoon with Caryl! We had no prior experience with stained glass before attending the course yet Caryl was so patient with us and really guided us through the different parts of the process. We learned about the techniques and were encouraged to practice and try throughout the afternoon and managed to create beautiful festive pieces to take home. The coffee and biscuits were a lovely touch too! Caryl is so knowledgable, and the studio was the perfect setting for an inspirational creative afternoon! Thankyou again Caryl, we would highly recommend this course and will be booking again for the new year! Beth & Tom "

Caryl Hallett Stained Glass responded:

"Hello Beth and Tom. Thank you so much for taking the time to review the workshop session we shared recently. It was lovely to meet you both and to hear that you had a great time. Looking forward to maybe seeing you again at some point in 2026! Caryl x"

Fiona Mcnamee reviewed: Fused glass introduction 1/2 day at Kingcot, Worcestershire

"Wonderful day . Relaxed and informative. We all came away very happy. Highly recommended"

Kingcot Gallery responded:

"Dear Fiona, many thanks for your kind words, they are appreciated - especially after the slightly chaotic start........ Everything is in the kiln for the first firing, I'll be in touch soon. All the best Vivky"

Charles reviewed: " Making shapes " An Introduction to Artist Blacksmithing with Conan

"What a wicked experience - would totally recommend to anyone. Conan is a great tutor - easy going, and supportive. I'd never tried forging and blacksmithing before and could see myself exploring this area again., Conan also rents out workshop space so once you've done the basics you can hire the space by the day. I did a day course and made a knife from an old file and thinking about going back for the day to make a garden sculpture "

Conan Sturdy, Blacksmith responded:

"Thanks Charles- the knife came out quite nice 👍"

Nina reviewed: " Making shapes " An Introduction to Artist Blacksmithing with Conan

"What a fun day... blacksmithing is fun creative and got ideas whirring round for things to make next time. For the first half if the day I learned about the basics, forging a taper and had a go on the power hammer- which is a mechanical hammer. In the second half I made a knife from a file, forging the shape and grinding an edge.... there was just enough time to out a handle on it and ill finish the sharpening off at home in the kitchen. Something very nice about making your first knife "

Conan Sturdy, Blacksmith responded:

"Hi Nina, thanks for coming down to the workshop and giving blacksmithing a try.... I hope your first knife gets some good use in the kitchen. All the best "

Fiona reviewed: " Making shapes " An Introduction to Artist Blacksmithing with Conan

"Came and did the blacksmithing day with Conan at his workshop in Streatham. I was surprised how easy forging hot metal was. I made some plant supports for the garden and might come back for another lesson next year with my grandson "

Conan Sturdy, Blacksmith responded:

"Hi Fiona, thanks for coming down to the workshop and making your plant supports- please send some pictures of them 😊"

Sarah Horan reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"An excellent 2 day stained glass course. Laura was so helpful and knowledgeable she made the whole process seem very doable for a complete beginner. I’ve got a fantastic end result and the whole experience was so much better than I expected! Thank you"

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"My pleasure, Sarah! You took to this craft quickly and I loved the colour choices. Really well done. I enjoyed our chats, and wish you a very happy Christmas. Laura "

Elliot reviewed: Pembrokeshire slate mosaics with Wild Slate Workshops - Inspired by coast, land and legend

"Considering I'm new to arts and crafts, this course was great fun and I found it to be very therapeutic. The course was well presented and was suitable for people of all levels. Niki was very friendly and welcoming and gave good instruction whenever it was needed. I would highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to try something new l, or perhaps to provide personalised Christmas/birthday gifts to family and friends. Support local artists! :) "

Wild Slate Workshops responded:

"Thank you Elliot for such a nice review. You definitely seemed very engaged with the process and relaxed throughout. I heartily endorse supporting local artists and craftspeople of course! Thanks for getting stuck in and making two fantastic mosaics."

Karen B reviewed: Resin crushed glass and crystal canvas course

"I loved this course. Just the right amount of guidance. Nice small group. I will definitely attend other courses with Anne."

Interior Boost responded:

"Hello Karen, Many thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I cannot wait to welcome you in the new year for more resin fun. Kind Regards, Anne"

Anne reviewed: Make Bow Cottage & Christmas Pudding Cottage - Solihull

"This was an excellent morning. My friend and I really enjoyed ourselves and made a high quality Christmas themed cottage. I have had a lot of complimentary comments subsequently and we are planning to attend another course next year."

Tilly's Cottages responded:

"Ah - thanks so much Anne and thank you for coming - so pleased you love your cottages!"

Deborah D'Agostino reviewed: Create Your Own Christmas Wreath - Making Workshop

"Lovely morning creating a Christmas wreath, Sarah and her friend (sorry forgot her name) were so welcoming, and so helpful. All the material was provided and lots of suggestions and tips on how to create the wreath. All surrounded with Christmas music, mince pies and a warm drink. Highly recommend it and I look forward to going back next year! "

Beki and Rob reviewed: Make a colour paper weight

"Steve and Angie were absolutely wonderful! It was so much fun! Friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable. They guide your hand gently, so you feel safe and reassured when making your piece. Also - when booking, only your party will have that time slot, so it's private for your group. Definitely will come back with friends and family and highly recommend! "

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Beki and Rob. You were an absolute pleasure to work with creating your paperweight. You guys were so much fun. Regards Steve and Angie "

Alison Crowson reviewed: Glass Bauble blowing experience with Chris

"What a fantastic experience. Chris is lovely and explains everything really well. Would recommend to anyone looking for something festive to do. Love my bauble. "

Alastair reviewed: Woodwork 4 days foundation course

"Had a very satisfying, fun and valuable 4 days on this course with Ted, learning some basic techniques, machining, jointing, hand-tooling and so on. Came away feeling confident that I had gained some useful experience and skills to take my learning forward. Highly recommended course. Many thanks!"

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thanks for the kind words Alastair, I'm sure you have what it takes to be a good craftsman and hope your future plans are fruitful. Thank you for the Space / Universe talks too it has wet my appetite for star gazing in the new year. I hope to see you again soon on another course ! You can see all of my courses on the website and happy Strumming with your new dulcimer. kind regards Ted"

Christine reviewed: Learn how to make a natural wreath for Christmas season

"Had a most wonderful morning making a Christmas wreath. Relaxing, fun and thoroughly enjoyable. Definitely would recommend anyone to give this a go!"

Sam reviewed: Tiffany stained glass Christmas decorations

"Had such a lovely day making my glass Christmas decorations last weekend, Kate was a great teacher, clear and concise in showing us and then letting us crack on but around and keeping an eye on us. The studio was well equipped with everything we needed. The pace of the day was perfect too. I came away with 3 decorations which I'm really happy with, Thankyou much! "

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the five star review, we hope to see you again."