Latest reviews

Liza reviewed: Asymmetrical Willow Basket Workshop

"Sarah is a warm and enthusiastic teacher with incredible skills and knowledge. She made learning to weave an asymmetrical basket clear and easy with demonstrations for each stage and was on hand to help at any point. It was a fantastic workshop, thoroughly recommended and a wonderful day spent making a beautiful basket."

Lorna Evett reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Really enjoyed my day, informative, Dawn very helpful and approachable. I had little experience of free motion and this course gave me pointers and more confidence to go ahead with projects."

Dawn Ireland Textile Artist responded:

"Hi Lorna, Thank you for coming to the workshop and for the review. I’m pleased it’s given you more confidence with free-machine embroidery."

Mark, Salisbury reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - 2 Day Beginners/Intermediate Workshop

"Ollie certainly knows his stuff and has the workshop and equipment to provide a great training opportunity. I attended for 3 days and focussed on the French polishing of a table and chair, and the preparation and rejuvenation of 2 other items. Ollie explains, demonstrates and monitors to develop the skills you need to achieve great results. Apart from gaining new abilities I really got to know some pieces of furniture that I have owned for some years and taken for granted. My eyes have been opened to look at furniture in a new way with greater appreciation of the craftsmanship of the product, and the joy from the natural material that is "wood"."

Jonathan reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"What to write ? How to express my 2-day experience in a few words ? For interest/inspiration, I cast an eye over the reviews of other participants - and found, that they all say exactly what I felt and experienced - they all reinforce our shared experience. Bill is 'passionate about his craft and teaching others'; he has 'a wealth of history and experience in the trade which he generously shares'; and, 'I left this workshop with too many skills to apply, an appreciation for the craft and an appetite to learn more.' Plus, of course, a need to practice ! His enthusiasm for the work, his patience as a teacher, and his warmth, his sense of humour ("Rocket Man") and his wealth of stories, made for a highly enjoyable couple of days. I really enjoyed learning from Bill - and I did learn and will practice - and with pleasure, highly recommend his courses."

Bespoke Leather responded:

"Thanks Jonathan, glad you enjoyed the course and that you will carry on the good work. Cheers Bill"

Clare reviewed: Make a Tiffany stained glass tea light

"I attended this course on Sat 26/02/22. It was a very intense, satisfying and enjoyable experience. Kate was a wonderful tutor and guided all of us to produce wonderful and very individual tea lights. It was lovely to meet with a great bunch of new people, who also helped me when I struggled a little for which I am very grateful. I would recommend you dive straight in, you will be very happy with the teaching, the atmosphere and your beautiful tea light to take home and cherish. I would do another glass workshop in a heartbeat, I have been well and truly bitten by the glass crafting bug!"

Mandie reviewed: Asymmetrical Willow Basket Workshop

"An excellent class, Sarah was a great teacher, very clear and helpful, a very enjoyable day"

Helen reviewed: Asymmetrical Willow Basket Workshop

"I so enjoyed this workshop. Sarah was so positive and clear about what we needed to do to achieve a basket (which we all did). I highly recommend her workshop, having no prior experience I still managed to produce something I’m quite proud of!"

Julian Clayton reviewed: Raise your own silver whisky tumbler, three day course

"Charlotte gave us just the right balance of demonstrating the techniques of raising and letting us raise our own pieces There was always plenty of help or assistance when needed and overall I came away with much more confidence in knowing the techniques as well as a renewed enthusiasm for silversmithing I would recommend this course for all from beginners to those with some previous experience"

Charlotte Tollyfield Contemporary Bespoke Silverware responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Julian. I'm glad you enjoyed the course and that you found it helpful. I look forward to seeing what you produce with your newly honed skills. Do keep in touch! Best Wishes, Charlotte."

Joanna reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"Great course, really enjoyed myself."

Anne Penny reviewed: Two day painting workshop in West Pembrokeshire with Kate Freeman

"My two day workshop with Kate Freeman was inspiring and informative. Kate is a very patient and knowledgeable tutor, and a generous hostess. The chance to try different materials and techniques with her guidance has given me confidence to pursue my inner creativity. I would highly recommend this workshop."

Coach House Studio responded:

"Thank you Anne - I really enjoyed your company during the workshop here in the studio. It was very rewarding for me that you responded with such enthusiasm to each suggestion, and you produced an amazing amount of strong work! Hope you remember to keep using your sketchbook ? I look forward to seeing you soon - please call by with your next batch of paintings when you're up this way!"

Jackie reviewed: Painting Restoration

"What an amazing day. We worked on one of my paintings. It was SO exciting to watch my painting come to life as we cleaned away years of dirt. Rachael is a great teacher, sharing her knowledge while encouraging you to explore the process. I would completely recommend this course."

Rachael Milligan at Little Leaf Studio responded:

"Thank you Jackie for such a wonderful day! It was lovely to share the experience with you and discover your painting under all the surface layers! I look forward to the next stages!"

Anne reviewed: A private pottery wheel 'Ghost' couple session, or for 2 friends

"We had a wonderful morning with Carole. She is an excellent and patient teacher. We’re excited to collect our pots that we made, can’t wait to see them fired. Highly recommend this course."

Pat W. reviewed: Macrame Pot Hanger Workshop

"I did the macrame course yesterday (February 2020) and I very much enjoyed it. Alice is a patient and supportive teacher. I m enthusiastically practicing my knots today - practice makes perfect, even for me - I am 75 and a bit slower than most of Alice's students, but I have been enthused by what I learned yesterday and I throughly recommend the course."

Marcia reviewed: Online Lino Printing Course with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"Claire’s on line course was excellent! As a complete beginner, it was perfect for my needs. I now feel I have what I need to get started with Lino printing. Claire was very informative, inspiring and supportive and I would love to attend future courses with Claire to develop my skills. I thoroughly recommend Claire and this course."

Louise reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"I throughly enjoyed this course, learnt everything I needed to about epoxy resin pouring and will definitely be looking to book more courses with Richard in the future!!"

Keith reviewed: Improvers Spoon Carving Workshop

"An excellent day course for those wanting to progress their carving skills. Jack is a patient and calm instructor with a wealth of experience and seems to enjoy sharing this information. Courses for intermediates can be challenging due to the varied levels of experience and skill, but Jack managed this really well, ensure everyone on the day gained a lot from it. Excellent, comfortable and homely workshop with plenty of space and light. Overall a great experience and I hope to do another session in the future."

Fazey Woodcraft responded:

"Thanks Keith! I'm glad to hear it met with your expectations!"

Charlie reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Very professional, had a great time and learnt a lot! Left feeling very confident and will definitely be back in the future!"

Milena reviewed: Introduction to Traditional 6 Strand Rattan Cane Weaving - Edinburgh

"Great introduction to cane work. Highly recommended"

Isabelle Moore Design responded:

"An absolute pleasure to have in on the course Milena, thank you for the review. Sending all best wishes for your ongoing studies."

Natasha Eynon reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"**posted on behalf of my partner** My partner bought this course for me for Christmas (however we have been asked to write separate reviews). I felt that it was a good experience to learn the foundations of epoxy, and am pleased with my work. I would like to have heard more about finishing, but that is another course."

The River Shop responded:

"Hi There, I’m so sorry to read you didn’t have a better experience on the course. We try our best to make sure everyone has the time and space to learn all about the process and enjoy themselves at the same time. Please get in touch with anything we could have done differently and we will do our best to incorporate your ideas and make the course run better for future students. Thank you for your feedback. Richard"

Natasha Eynon reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Myself and my partner did this course (although we have been asked to post separate reviews). We were seeking to understand the basics of epoxy pouring, and the class was good for that. We learnt a lot about what not to do. The group was very friendly, which was nice, however, I would say that Richard could be a bit standoffish, particularly when certain people were asking questions."

The River Shop responded:

"Hi Natasha, I’m so sorry to read that the course didn’t meet your expectations, especially if you left feeling you had unanswered questions. The course is designed to facilitate as positive a learning experience as possible and my aim is to ensure everyone leaves feeling prepared and confident to tackle their own projects. Please feel free to get in touch if you want any support on this subject in the future. Sincerely Richard"

Heather and jack reviewed: Throwing & hand-building pottery workshops £64 per person for 2 hour workshop

"We had the best time and learnt so much from our wonderful teacher Cath :) Thank you :)"

Richard Whitelegg Jewellery responded:

"Thank you it was a pleasure to meet you both!"

Glenn reviewed: Creative metalwork and welding, scrap metal sculpture.

"Had a great day with Felix and Izzy. They were informative on the tools and equipment to hand, as well as shop safety. But quickly we were down to work. The scrap available was plentiful and as I wanted to make something with an areoplane theme, was delighted to see the 'waste product' of a fire pit manufacturer in 4 CNC cut Tornados! Soon fettled into a bomb burst arrangement and ready to be fixed to my garage wall. Wedling was less scary than I expected and the Plasma cutter was a brilliant tool to get to grips with - Hot knife through butter anyone! A great day all round, with a group of pleasant folks too boot! Loved it all."

Saskia Rigby reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"If you're considering doing this course I would really encourage you to do it. Ed has so much experience and knowledge to share, we not only covered the making of the mould that I needed, but insights into other processes and tips that will improve my mould making. He is a lovely, enthusiastic teacher, and so easy to talk to. I really enjoyed the day and will be booking myself in again. Thank you Ed!"

Nia reviewed: Jewellery Workshop - Make a Silver Ring

"We had such a lovely time doing this workshop, and with Sheila guiding us through the steps and explaining the process as we went we feel like experts by the end. Would 100% recommend to anyone considering this experience!"

Sheila Roussel Jewellery Design responded:

"Hi Nia, So glad you and Ben enjoyed your workshop. I hope you enjoy wearing your lovely rings. Sheila"

Sue Chapman reviewed: DELETE-6

"What an amazing day. Sarah is so knowledgeable and helpful but also lets you get on with it and learn. I am so looking forward to learning more from her. Such a fabulous setting too."