Latest reviews

Dave PICKERING reviewed: Resin Art Workshop

"What a very relaxing and informative way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Sophie was very happy to share her wealth of knowledge and help us experiment with guidance. I thoroughly recommend this course."

Unusual Girl Art responded:

"Thank you for coming along and sharing such an enjoyable session, it was so nice to meet you and I'm glad to hear you found it valuable. Your work has cured nicely and is a great partnership between creative vision and the mysterious magic of resin - I'm sure it will be the first of many fabulous creations!"

Ruth Crawford reviewed: Woodcarving with sculptor Jason -handtools -gouging and whittling

"Myself and my husband joined Jason for a days wood carving course yesterday. His studio is in a great location and we had a fabulous day. It was very calm and relaxed day. Jason is extremely talented at his craft. He looked after us well. We learnt a lot. I'd highly recommend this course to anyone. I'd never done anything like this before but managed to produce a lovely carving."

Jason Thomson - Sculptor responded:

"Thank you Ruth for your lovely review and the company of yourself and husband. Along with your fellow couple I enjoyed the day and seeing your great results - your owl is delightful!"

Dave Wise reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"What an amazing day! The woodland is beautiful and Andy is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. The course level was pitched just right, challenging, but achievable and great fun. Would thoroughly recommend this to anyone."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much, Dave, for your kind review and recommendation. We're very pleased that you enjoyed the course, and our beautiful woodland. We'd be very pleased to welcome you back there in the future if you choose to visit us again."

Tina Jennings reviewed: Needle felt your Dog or Cat

"I attended the animal felting course with my friend who very kindly bought it for me as a birthday present. I was a little nervous as I had never done felting before and wondered how on earth I would get a pile of wool to resemble my dog ! I didn't need to worry as Josephine was so lovely and demonstrated everything very clearly and helped us all along the way. The other ladies on the course were lovely too and we had such a laugh. I was absolutely thrilled with the end result and would definitely recommend Josephine's courses and am hoping to attend another in the future."

Sue Wigmore-Smith reviewed: Willow Curlew

"What a fabulous day. This is the second willow workshop I have attended with Rachel as the instructor and she is very good at demonstrating what to do in short manageable chunks and also putting people at ease. We had plenty of refreshments and homemade cakes delicious. The structure of the day worked well for me we were busy but you could do as much or as little as you wanted and we achieved so much it was amazing."

Laura reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"We had a fantastic day on this course. The location and setting is beautiful and you feel instantly relaxed as soon as you enter the wood. As a grandmother with zero experience of woodworking or using any tools atall, I was worried I may not be up to it but Andy is an excellent tutor and encourager. I came away feeling very proud of what I’d made and look forward to returning for another course. Highly recommended."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed, Laura, for your positive review. We're delighted that you and Kevin enjoyed the course and its location. We're very pleased to hear that you are thinking of joining us for another course, and we look forward to seeing you back at Sallerton Wood when you visit again."

Chris Speller reviewed: Creative metalwork and welding, scrap metal sculpture.

"A fun, productive and creative day. I felt very well looked after and came away with a useful bit of kit for the garden."

Jennie Richardson reviewed: How to create herbal tea blends - with Living Naturally Loving Life

"Bought for my neice who was so excited and is already planning a tea herb garden."

Louise reviewed: Creative Silver Jewellery Course, Autumn Term 2023 - Wednesday 7pm - 9pm

"Relaxed & friendly classes, with a very knowledgeable teacher. Would definitely recommend."

Creative Therapy Space responded:

"Thank you so much Louise, it's always a pleasure to have you in the class with your infectious laugh! Have a great summer and I look forward to playing in the workshop with you in September. ?"

Claire capon reviewed: Build your own bird box or bug house from recycled materials for beginners

"I had a brilliant day making a bird box from recycled pallets. Sue taught me to use a drill, hand saw, sanding machines and a chop saw. She was informative, patient, welcoming and great fun ."

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Claire Thanks for a great review and keep it up. you made an amazing bird box on the day and now can make more at home sue"

Lys Wild reviewed: Millinery Classes - Learn Hat Making like a Professional

"Silvia is a fabulous teacher, so full of warmth, enthusiasm and incredibly knowledgeable. I had an amazing experience making my hat. She supports every part of the process in a way that garners confidence. Delightful to share the making with a small group of other women. Totally recommended!"

Mandy reviewed: Willow Weaving Workshop at Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens

"Castle Bromwich Gardens was a perfect setting for the willow weaving. Faye was an excellent teacher, taking us through all the processes, and making us all feel very relaxed. I was thrilled with the finished product, a fat-ball holder! Highly recommended!!"

Faye of the Forest responded:

"So pleased that you enjoyed the workshop, it's a beautiful location too, and I hope the birds love your bird feeder ?"

Anne Willis reviewed: Watercolour on canvas

"Liz is most welcoming, very experienced, an excellent tutor and very generous in sharing her knowledge. I had already been painting watercolours on canvas but I learned so much on the day - it was invaluable to have her guidance, input and encouragement. All materials were provided and they were excellent quality which was very much appreciated. She demonstrated, guided and encouraged step by step - it would also have been suitable for inexperienced artists as Liz tailored her approach according to the student The venue was charming and very suitable for purpose (although not suitable due to its age for anyone with severe mobility issues) in a most beautiful countryside setting. A good selection of hot drinks etc were available at all times. I travelled a long way to attend the course staying overnight nearby and I am so glad i did. Really pleased with the course and would highly recommend it and Liz and I would love to attend more of her courses in the future."

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"Thank you so much Anne for such a lovely and thoughtful review. I am so pleased you found lots of new information in the day. It is always a challenge to start from scratch but not bore the more experienced! You are right too that the venue is not wheelchair accessible or ideal for those with a lot of mobility issues and I always check with people just in case. I look forward to seeing your work and hope you can come back in the future too. Lizx"

Vicky P reviewed: Willow Curlew

"I had a lovely day! Rachel was extremely knowledgeable and very supportive of our efforts. Lots of encouragement and praise! I think we were all very pleased with our end products ? The pace of the day was just right, and we had plenty of hot drinks and homemade treats to fortify us throughout. Would thoroughly recommend."

Mary Walker reviewed: Natural dyeing, felting and stitch

"Wet felting Day at Toolerstone, Cheshire Thank you for such a lovely, ‘relaxing’ and therapeutic day. Myself and my friend Renate enjoyed it so much and are looking forward to completing our ‘masterpieces’ in the garden with some wine! We came as novices and learned a new skill (well lets hope I can do it a little better next time now I sort of know what I’m doing)! It was a full packed day of learning, eating and enjoying the company of others, some of whom were a little more experienced! Melanie(Craft in the Valley) was very patient with each and everyone of us. I never felt foolish or disappointed with my efforts even when being the first to break a felting needle! Melanie’s approach to teaching is both calming and informative. She is very clearly exceptionally skilled at all she does. The venue was a perfect setting, the food was delicious and we enjoyed a lovely walk in the sunshine through the owners beautiful gardens."

Chris Matchett reviewed: Line and wash

"Liz is a very knowledgeable, kind and generous teacher. The facilities were perfect light and spacious and in a beautiful setting. Everything had been organised to provide a perfect day in an excellent learning environment. Liz is very generous in terms of her knowledge which she has built over many years. She is also a skilled teacher who can bring out the best in all individuals. The day was a joy in its entirety I have come away filled with enthusiasm for more line and wash experimentation and have some projects already planned. Thank you Liz."

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"Hi Chris - thank you for such a thoughtful and kind review. I am delighted you enjoyed the day and even happier to hear you’ve got projects planned. I look forward to seeing them! Hope to see you back at Micklems in the future, Lizx"

Dr. Steve Taylor reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"Myself, my wife and our friend (all of us in our sixties) attended the class and had a fantastic day. I made a nail, a knife and a key fob, and the ladies each made a nail, a hook and a pendant/key fob. Rudi is very personable, experienced and knowledgeable and we had a great time. Rico, the friendly and well behaved dog was an added bonus. Rudi provides refreshments throughout the day. Amenities are basic but sufficient for soon-to-be mucky students. The course is held in an old farm building tucked away at the back of Aaron's Campsite. When you arrive in the morning, you park up at the campsite and then call Rudi who will come and find you."

Nick Harper reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Wow, where do I start? I did the two day course, with the first day being mostly led by David and Deklan and the second by Graham. The atmosphere was relaxed with good banter and the instruction clear and obviously given from huge experience. They were always giving praise and encouragement as we progressed through their well thought out and practiced program. Everyone on the course, men, women young and old produced a knife of which they and the instructors were rightly proud. I'm already working on my wife to let me do the axe course next year! I can't recommend these guys enough. Thank you, also, to the other students as we all had an amazing time."

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks Nick, we all look forward to seeing you again."

Sharon Kesterton reviewed: Jewellery making with Precious Metal Silver Clay - Full Day Workshop

"Charlotte was very patient and helpful, she is very knowledgeable, really pleased with my finished piece of jewellery. Thank you Charlotte!"

Felix & Reuben Jewellery School responded:

"Hi Sharon, Thank you for leaving a review. I'm glad you enjoyed the workshop and are pleased with the jewellery you made! Well done on making such lovely pieces! Regards Charlotte "

Nolwenn reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"Robert is a great teacher, passing on his knowledge and expertise while making sure that you are the one deciding what your spoon will be. He provides a nice space with a good selection of tools to use in a super friendly atmosphere."

David reviewed: Axe Making Class

"11/6/22 Couldnt have asked for a better experience. Will is a great instructor that allows you to work freely when you want and is always at hand when you need him. From a professional safety demo, clear and simple instructions, stages of progress and free hot drinks, what is not to like. Would 100% go back for another session and have already recommened it to others. Eye protection is provided, id recommend long sleeves and hearing protection, some gloves available but best to bring your own to ensure they fit. Tescos is 5 mins down the road, so get a packed lunch. Beautiful area, great parking and plenty of space. Have fun, and pay attention to the instructions."

Judith reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"I had the best of times. Made to feel very welcome and Kate was so patient and supportive. I would recommend the course to both crafters and those that don’t feel they are crafters, like me. Kate ensures you leave with a sculpture. Great day!"

Jan Jolley reviewed: Wild flower and copper foiling workshop

"I attended the class in May, it was great, Ffion is a lovely tutor very friendly and helpful . would go again."

Helen reviewed: Corset making with Lisa Keating-Best

"FANTASTIC course. Many years since I used a sewing machine but Lisa looked after me so well. Lots of fun and inspiration making a beautiful aubergine silk dupion corset. Would recommend this course highly. We travelled from Manchester and combined the course with a mini-break. Give it a go, you will enjoy it."

La muse corsetry responded:

"Thankyou so much for coming. I was thrilled to resume classes post pandemic.A pleasure to spend the weekend with you ?"

Sue M reviewed: Create with a gel printing plate in Derbyshire

"A very enjoyable course, excellent instruction by Liz would recommend anyone to do this course, think I have come away addicted to gelli plate printing and have been thinking of different things to use. Will definitely be looking at doing other courses."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Sue, Thank you for letting me know about your day at The Slipper Studio. It was lovely working with you seeing your delight at what you were creating. It’s a great process, with so many options to pursue, so you won’t be bored with gel plate printing. Just think about all the types of flowers that you’ll be able to use for masking, as the summer progresses. Which workshops will lure you back? Best wishes and happy printing Liz Wellby"