Latest reviews

Clare Harris reviewed: Needle felted hares at the Birchcliffe Centre, Hebden Bridge

"We had a fabulous time on the course. Jo was an excellent tutor and offered support and guidance when needed but allowed us to work independently enabling us to feel a real sense of achievement at the end of the day. We were really pleased with our finished products. I would thoroughly recommend the needle felt hare course."

Kathy reviewed: Silver Jewellery with Sea Glass SOLD OUT

"The course was excellent I learnt new skills from scratch and the tutor was patient and calm with a about 8 people learning. I would definitely do another course the venue was excellent. The sea glass course pm session takes longer and I think may have been helpful to have an assistant for the tutor with 8 people as there is a lot to do after lunch fixing the back plate and ring however she did this with us all and it was brilliant Thank you "

Carl Furgusson reviewed: 3 Day Resin Worktop Course (Custom Worktops)

"Had a really wonderful experience on this three day course. Highly recommend to anyone considering any projects using resin. Norman's instruction and explanations are clear as were the demonstrations. Norman has a wealth of experience and money saving tips which he generously shares and there was never a dull moment. Staying in Chester was very convenient and only 15mins away. "

Sophie reviewed: Traditional stained glass weekend

"I'm so chuffed with what I was able to achieve over a weekend, with plenty of Gill's help (and her aircon unit keeping us cool!). As a complete novice to working with glass, the chance to bring my own design to life and come home with a completed project was brilliant. I can't wait to install my new panel in my house and enjoy it now. The rural setting of Gill's studio is beautiful and the farmshop cafe below provided us with delicious lunches and cakes for the weekend. The weekend felt like a real treat - thank you Gill!"

Gill Rogers responded:

" Thank you so much Sophie for your lovely comments, it was such a pleasure to meet you and I had such a fun weekend too! We’ll done you for creating such a stunning window and can’t wait to see a photo of it installed above your door👍😁 Many thanks and hope to see you again sometime in the near future when you get chance to visit us. All my very best wishes Gill x"

Barbara reviewed: Linocut one-day workshop 3 students

"All three of us enjoyed the lino cutting course very much. Annette was very kind and encouraging especially to my grandchildren who suffer with anxiety. We learnt a lot, and hope to go back for more tuition in the future.. Many, many thanks Annette, for going out and buying me reading glasses, when I found I'd forgotten mine, that was very thoughtful of you, and much appreciated."

Annette Rolston responded:

" Thankyou Barbara, it was a good workshop with you all. Look forward to teaching you again in the future. All the best Annette "

Shelley B reviewed: Raku - learn the exciting art of rapid Japanese glaze firing

"I recently attended the one day Raku Workshop. It was a thoroughly enjoyable, informative course and I came away with an appreciation of different raku techniques. Richard was very mindful of health & safety, especially considering the recent heatwave and working with a raku kiln. He gave very clear instructions and the course was adapted for potters and non-potters alike. A very good day and the group produced some excellent examples of raku pieces. I can highly recommend it!"

Potterydayz responded:

" Thanks for the review Shelly, glad you enjoyed the occasion. It certainly was a warm one. Hope to see you again sometime."

Diana Woods-Humphery reviewed: Lino printing landscapes

"I very much enjoyed the lino printing course at Cwmdu Studios. Lee is very helpful and encouraging, and I was very impressed with how everything was organised to maximise success for the rookie lino printer! Not to mention the Studios which is such an inspiring environment. A very good day, and I only wish I lived closer."

Sandra Looker reviewed: Seaglass jewellery workshop at Sea & Solder

"Such a fantastic day - Jules was excellent giving us all enough freedom to learn how to create the jewellery ourselves whilst still overseeing carefully to ensure what we made was of the best quality. Really excellent day and we’re looking forward to follow up photos and notes."

Rob Howell reviewed: Hand bound leather journal workshop

"I had a fantastic workshop with Wendy and Clive. I was chuffed with what I learned on the day. Thorough teaching of techniques that I can't wait to use again. Excellent flexibility, lots of choices, and freedom on what materials to use from their stock. The day's pace was perfect - I would wholeheartedly recommend it."

Clive Grimshaw reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner) - 2 day course in Surrey

"Absolutely loved the course. Enrolled to improve my basic woodwork skills and gain confidence in how to tackle different carpentry projects I'd been thinking about. The fundamentals part one did exactly what I needed. The course tutors, Aidan (and Jake, I think, sorry!), were full of knowledge and great at explaining what we were learning, and why. I'm already doing follow up reading thanks to the course recommendations and have started my first domestic project. "

Eric Garwood reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"Brilliant course enjoyed both days, learnt a lot about building dry stone walls including the history. All the team and other participants worked well together particularly as due to a back injury some years ago I was limited to the amount I was able to contribute which was disappointing from a personal point of view. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in the countryside and keeping old skills alive."

Angela Clark reviewed: Introductory soap making workshop

"This course gets a resounding 10 out of 5 stars. I had the MOST fun and this is truly something I will carry on doing at home (it wasn't just a once off, I loved it THAT much) Janet and Pauline were the warmest, kindest tutors. They are well experienced, and had the most gorgeous examples of work to show us. They were gentle in explaining what to do, giving clear instructions and heaps of support. If fact, I felt like a real silversmith artist under their guidance! We were all nervous to start "we're not creative" we thought. But we were wrong. They were so willing to share their knowledge, advice on suppliers to get bits and pieces needed, they showed us clever ways of doing things (that only comes with yers of experience) I left the course feeling like I'd made new friends, and for that reason I'm pretty confident I'll be back learning another skill from these two :) Thank you so much!"

Angela Clark reviewed: Introductory soap making workshop

"Nichola is a wonderful teacher, she is truly truly passionate about what she does, and that interest runs deep as she has searched out all the how's and why's and shares her knowledge freely. She wants us to love the soap making process as much as she does (and we did!) Thank you for taking the time to really explain each step, not just telling us what to do, but why, and why not. It truly is a beautiful craft and you are VERY good at it! "

Mike Kelly reviewed: Two-day woodcarving for beginners

"Very good course, straight into it. Lots of good advice and information. (Get those chisels sharp!!)"

Alena reviewed: Seaglass jewellery workshop at Sea & Solder

"What an amazing one day workshop! I have learned so much from Jules who knows her craft very well, and is a such good teacher. Her little studio is well equiped and organized. There were 3 of us, and each of us managed to create a beatiful seaglass silver ring under her expert guidance. Very enjoyable day indeed! "

Isobel reviewed: Silver Clay Enamel Workshop - 1 Day

"This was the best course I’ve ever done! I learnt so much on the day and now I want to keep trying other things. The instructor, Rach, was brilliantly patient, fun and full of helpful tips. The studio was also really cool and full of all kinds weird and wonderful things to use and inspire. The setting was gorgeous too! 10/10 would recommend and go back again!"

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

" Thank you so much Izzy. Such lovely comments and so kind to take the time to review. I really appreciate it. It was an absolute pleasure to meet you and your Mum. And you did so so well. It would be wonderful to see you back again! Rach "

James and Addalyn reviewed: Two Day Beginners & Beyond - Bobbin Lace Making Workshops (Surrey).

"Tina and her husband are the kindest and most generous people we have met lately. Tina adjusted her instruction to match varying levels of aptitude in the class masterfully. The garden was magnificent and an idyllic setting for crafting. I would highly recommend this course for men and women."

Tina Pedrick - Bobbin Lace Teacher & Maker. responded:

" Hello James We hope you have recovered, and you both had a safe journey home. It was a pleasure to meet you both. I hope the lace gift went down well. Please get in touch if you have any problems with the lace making including pictures e I will try and help. We have had yet another very hot few days, although had a spot of rain last night. So you can imagine the gardens are beginning to suffer. Enjoy your retirement! Take care Regards Tina and Stephen"

Amanda reviewed: Introduction to Macrame Wall Hangings

"Really enjoying this course. Clear instructions with great photographs. "

Emily reviewed: Willow Weaving Workshop at Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens

"We had a lovely day with Faye learning Willow Weaving, will definitely be keeping an eye out for a basket course! Incredibly mindful and a wonderful learning environment created "

Faye of the Forest responded:

" Thank you so much for your review Emily, glad you found the workshop so mindful and enjoyable 😊"

Valerie reviewed: Needle felting with Carol Coyne

"Carol was very pleasant and we were made to feel welcome. Lots of info and advice, enjoyed the day immensely."

Paul Critchley reviewed: Stonecarving in Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Didn't think stone carving would be my cup of tea but had an amazing time and can't wait for my next visit. The atmosphere, the enjoyment, the training and the sense of achievement is just fabulous and would recommend Sebastian's Cotswold haven to anyone."

Sara reviewed: Bring Your Own Upholstery Project - 1 day workshop 9.30am-4.30pm

"I thoroughly enjoyed my one-day course with Sarah and have already returned to learn more. Sarah is a brilliant teacher - very skilled and knowledgeable, friendly and encouraging. I can highly recommend this course."

Magda & Paola reviewed: Pottery and decorating day for two

"It was a lovely full-day course on a very hot day, and my girlfriend and I were pleased to notice the temperature in the pottery workspace was nice and chilled ;) Marina was very warm and welcoming and lead us through the whole process with clear instructions and help when needed in a chilled atmosphere. Hours passed very quickly and that's always a good indication of having a great time. We can't wait to see how our work will turn out! Thank you, Marina!"

Marina Randall Ceramics responded:

" Thanks Magda for your kind words. It was a lovely hot day and yes - I am particularly grateful for the cool studio at this time. Winter is another story ( but the kiln keeps it warm) You were both brilliant students and fun to teach!😊 will keep you posted when your pots are ready "

Philipp reviewed: Basic automata and mechanical toy making

"Building a wooden automata (I chose Colin the caterpillar) was one of the best and most fun things I can imagine! I had such a fantastic day with Stef and it was incredibly rewarding to be able to create the toy from scratch with no prior experience. From cutting, drilling and sanding the wood, glueing the pieces together and painting the toy - we did everything. Stef explained the mechanics behind the automata and demonstrated all the tools. He was incredibly patient and was always there to help, show a technique again or suggest a different technique, but it always felt like I was building the toy myself. It was a truly enjoyable day. Stef is really easy to get along with and I enjoyed our conversations very much. I cannot recommend this course any higher. Thank you so much again!"

Penlan Crafts responded:

" Dear Philipp, thank you very much for your fantastic review. It was a pleasure meeting you (and working hard!) and I'm glad you had a lovely experience. All the best, Stef"

Jill reviewed: Paul Siggins mosaic masterclass Leigh-on-Sea

"Fabulous course with Paul and Emma what a treat! Really great crash course in mosaic work and everyone will catch the bug if they do a couple of days ….a perfect way to get creative and relax…. Learnt so much and thanks to Paul and Emma who were both helpful and encouraging…made you feel you could do it and we did! The work the group did was impressive and we were all left wanting more!! Many many thanks it was great few days by the sea!! Oh and Erik was the icing on the cake! Woof woof! "