Latest reviews

Kaye reviewed: Stained glass one day course for beginners: for two people

"I've always loved stained glass so my partner and I decided to do this workshop for my 30th birthday. We had the BEST day. So much fun. Emma is a brilliant instructor - friendly, relaxed and very easy to get on with. It was very satisfying to take my glass creation home with me at the end of the day. Really looking forward to taking this workshop again and improving on what I've learned."

Tim Hieghton-Jackson reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"I was thoroughly impressed with the venue, the instructors and the equipment. The venue is charming, likewise the instructors and the tools were of a high quality. I am very pleased with the bow I came away with and the patient manner in which Gavin and Tom imparted their knowledge made the course a real treat. The materials to make a bow are not cheap and the course represents very good value for money. Top marks indeed."

Maureen B reviewed: Metal embossed house number workshop

"Excellent course and great value for money. Carrie is friendly, knowledgeable, and skilled. All equipment and materials are excellent quality, and processes were demonstrated clearly. I was able to tailor my design and product to my preferences, with Carrie’s full support. I would recommend this workshop without hesitation."

Crafts for Wellbeing responded:

"It was a pleasure to meet you, Maureen, and I'm so pleased you enjoyed the workshop and creating the house number. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, I really appreciate it. I hope to see you again soon."

Eleanor Connolly reviewed: Parent and child blacksmithing

"My 8 year old son and husband had a Parent & Child course. My son absolutely loved it and was able to get hands on across all the activities to build his sword. My husband enjoyed it too and both learned lots from the close coaching. Thanks for a great experience. "

Andrea Hainsworth reviewed: Fused Glass Lanterns with Crafts in the Valley

"A magical morning! Melanie explained everything very clearly before we began and was on hand throughout to help and advise. I hadn't realised how much could be achieved, and although concentration levels were high, the pleasure and sense of achievement was well worth it. I found it a lot of fun and so interesting to learn a new craft. It was good to meet like-minded people and enjoy all sorts of sweet treats, with Melanie offering tea, coffee etc regularly along with delicious cake served with fresh strawberries and raspberries. The whole morning was a delight and I would like to go again and try my hand at something different. Melanie makes everyone feel very welcome and obviously works hard to make it a very enjoyable experience! I can't wait to collect my lantern next week."

Rob & Jo Harrison reviewed: 2 hr Potters Wheel Experience, Heskin Chorley

"We had an excellent 2 hour potters wheel experience. All the team are so friendly. The guidance is informative and easy to understand. We had a good laugh at our efforts. I would recommend everyone have a go at this. Thanks, see you soon."

The Crafty potter responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review, it was fab having you both join us in the studio :) sharon x"

Sarah reviewed: Experience the Japanese art of raku using fire and flame

"What a lovely day in Suzanne’s beautiful garden. Suzanne, her friend Janet & husband Alan, pulled together as a real experienced team, explaining every step. Provided a selection of beautiful shaped pots to be painted, samples of coloured pots previously fired to give ideas, ample equipment, and safety throughout. Raku history & process was discussed, safety issues addressed, as students we were encouraged to participate at every step. Would recommend. "

Gone To Pot Ceramics responded:

"Hi Sarah, thank you so much for your kind review. So glad you enjoyed it. We all had a lovely time creating Raku pots. Your pieces were great. Kind regards Janet, Suzanne and Alan"

Lucy reviewed: Introduction to woodturning: for two people

"Had a great time making out salt and pepper mills with Bill. He was really informative and patient with us, explaining everything as we went. Great experience! "

Suzanne reviewed: Feltmaking - OOH the choices!

"I had a wonderful day. Barbara is a fantastic teacher- so knowledgeable and kind. I have learnt a new skill that I will be putting to good use. I plan to incorporate what I've learnt with my passion for embroidery and textiles. Tea and cake in the garden too- lovely touch. "

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you Suzanne, your picture and cute bowl looked fabulous. Great to hear that you are going to embellish them with embroidery 😁. "

David reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"Thoroughly recommend this experience. A great way to spend a saturday! "

Bob derham reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Very well taught by experienced craftsmen whose passion for getting it right far outweighed my ok is good enough approach. Ended up with a lovely strong and very sharp utility knife. Thanks"

Clarke Knives responded:

"‘Twas a good day Bob. We’re glad you enjoyed yourself and hope to see you again soon."

Angela reviewed: Lace pattern porcelain ceramics in Kendal, South Lakes

"Lovely day with Nik based in her fabulous workroom looking out over stunning Lakeland views. Her instruction was very clear and she was on hand to give help with ‘hiccups’ and suggest tweaks to improve the finished product. By the end we all had several pieces ready to be fired and enough information to be able to continue with lace patterning using air dry clay at home. Highly recommended. "

A Tilley reviewed: A one day introduction to good beekeeping practice

"The course was extremely insightful and interesting throughout the day. We had a great time and would recommend to anyone considering bee keeping. "

The Barnyard Apiaries responded:

"Dear Alex, thank you for your review. I am very pleased you enjoyed the day. Best wishes Jonathan"

Anoush and Martin reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A Great day with Andy, Adrian and Debbie. Fab day learning, Fab work ... Fab people with great knowledge, skills and positive attitude, teaching the work step by step in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Food and snacks also excellent! Going back for more, no doubt!"

Mark Bendrien reviewed: Sword Making Class 3 Day

"This was an amazing experience. William and Hugh were great, patient and clear direction and friendly the we're structured enough for us to learn but gave us the freedom to create something that was unique to us. Highly recommend phoenix forge!"

Louise reviewed: Print Spa: 4 people - adventures in printmaking

"A great creative experience and informal introduction to printmaking. Thank you Aprille for helping me start my creative journey in printmaking - I had a lovely and inspiring day!"

Chris Gameson reviewed: Explore your Creativity in Enamels - an introductory morning of enamelling for 2 people

"We took the 2 hr introduction to enamelling today. Christine was very welcoming, put us at our ease and guided us through the process. It was great fun learning a new craft with such a knowledgeable teacher. Thoroughly recommend!"

Original Kiln-fired Enamelled Jewellery responded:

"Thank you for taking the the time to review the workshop, Chris. I’m really glad the two of you got so much from the session. It’s wonderful to see students lose themselves in the craft in the way you and Tessa did, as you began to understand the materials and techniques."

Neil - Bromley reviewed: 2 Day forged chef's knife course.

"What a completely unique experience. 2 days forging, smithing, shaping, honing, refining the blade and creating the handle for a one of a kind Japanese chef's knife to my own design. A gift from my wife that I'll never forget (and I'll definitely be back for another one). Thank you Steve for your patience, expert tuition and for 2 comical days of banter and setting the world to rights."

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Evening Neil It was a pleasure to host yourself and Imran in the shop for the two day course. I'm really glad that you enjoyed yourself so much and the two Kiritsuke style knives that you both made were rather special. If you can muster enough strength to subject yourself to another session in the shop with me I'd be more than happy to see you again. Kind regards Steve"

C Brightwell reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"Was a very enjoyable experience, friendly teacher great at explaining everything."

Paul Nutt reviewed: Spoon carving course (1 day)

"Spoon carving was something I had never thought of doing! My wife had booked me onto the course as a surprise gift, and I approached it with a little apprehension. I need not have worried. The course was meticulously planned in small manageable steps. David’s attention to safety was constant throughout, and his explanations, demonstrations and continual support ensured both enjoyment and progress….. and a successful outcome. I fully intend to carry on. Many thanks."

The Coppice Plot responded:

"Hi Paul. Thank you very much for your review. I'm really pleased you enjoyed the course and delighted that you plan to carry on carving!"

JohnThrelfall reviewed: Landscape Photography Lessons for Beginners

"This review is on behalf of my wife who joined Frank for a ' Training /Mentoring' session. The minute you meet Frank he filled my wife with a quiet confidence and one felt there would be no silly questions she could ask. She wanted to learn at least one thing from the session but came away with an increased confidence and having learned so many facets of photography. Frank immediately put her at ease and encouraged and supported as she began to take photographs in a variety of settings. Starting with scenic shots and then on to wildlife photography, the opportunity to ask questions and refresh her knowledge was excellent. Back to the Bridge Inn for some light refreshment and a look back on the shots taken was an excellent evaluation of the day's events. Frank continued to introduce new ideas and web sites to search where photographs taken can be analysed and changed to enhance the picture quality and if appropriate from colour to black and white. Frank reiterated her learning had only just begun and to go forth and practice while wishing her to keep in touch and share her experiences . 5 * from Mags and sincere thanks from me. One could not wish for a better tutor whom I would highly recommend to anyone wanting to learn from scratch to those with limited knowledge of photography . This tutor is first class."

Frank Clarke responded:

"thanks John! Was a great day teaching Mags and meeting you both."

Dawn Peet reviewed: Mosaic day workshop with Professional Artist Coralie Turpin- Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

"I had a wonderful day completing my mosaic. all the tools and tiles provided and I came home with a finished piece, feeling very proud. Lovely relaxed atmosphere, totally absorbing, Coralie so very knowledgeable and helpful, making suggestions and so very encouraging."

Coralie Turpin Artist responded:

"Thank you so much Dawn, it was lovely to see your mosaic evolve. Thank you for being so encouraging to fellow attendees. Hope you make more mosaics with your new found skills. Best wishes Coralie"

Caroline reviewed: Art clay silver

"I loved this course Jade and Ian were so friendly and welcoming with their time, home and enthusiasm, they also provided lots of delicious cake and endless tea and good coffee. I had a wonderful morning and will use all that I learnt about silver clay and it’s used in my future jewellery making. Thank you so much. "

Goldwrightsjewelleryschool responded:

"So glad you had a lovely day Caroline, all the jewellery was so beautiful. :) thank you "

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

"Fiona was welcoming, friendly, patient and encouraging. She thoroughly and clearly provided instruction then provided us with the space to experiment with the mosaic materials. She was immediately available to provide gentle advice/help if needed. Lots of laughter and delight. The environment was comfortable and spacious and tea and cake was provided. 100% recommend."

Z Morgan reviewed: Glass Suncatcher Copper Foiling Workshop

"Jo is very patient and the day was so relaxing. It was a lovely group of 6 ladies I’d never met before and it was really enjoyable to learn the basics of copper foiling, and you get to take whatever you create home too. Only thing I will say regarding the lunch break - the kitchen should pre order the food, by the time the jacket potatoes and paninis had come out it was actually time to go back in for the afternoon session. Not a reflection on the actual course though which is great. "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a lovely review. We shall pass your feedback onto the course Tutor and we are glad you enjoyed the workshop. Our apologies for the oversight of not providing the menu choices before lunch. This will be happening going forward to ensure people don't spend the lunch break waiting for their food. Thank you again for your review. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."