Latest reviews

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

"Really enjoyed making my natural wreath. Tanya gave clear easy to follow instructions and both facilitators were on hand to assist if needed. Will definitely do more courses from Craft Circle"

Nicky reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Beginners glass fusing workshops in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"I organised this private workshop for my sisters and a few friends, in lieu of Christmas gifts..we all enjoyed the day. Melanie's instructions are very clear, she's always on hand to help, we all could let our creative juices flow and complete more than we expected. Really looking forward to collecting the fired pieces."

Diana Barker reviewed: Wire bird kit

"I have booked this kit twice and it has not arrived. I'm currently trying to find out if the kits were sent to the wrong address. Am extremely disappointed. "

Lynne Littler Sculpture responded:

"Oh no - I have just answered your earlier message - I completely understand your disappointment - but it is on the way Thanks Lynne"

Kate reviewed: Christmas fused glass workshop - Forest Row

"We had a great time on this course with Jayne and created some lovely Christmas themed glass decorations. Jayne explained everything really clearly and provided lots of different options and materials for us to work with. I would definitely recommend going along to this course for some festive creative fun"

Helen reviewed: Sunday (monthly) Bobbin Lace Making - Daytime Mixed Lace Classes (Effingham, Surrey).

"Tina is a wonderful teacher and a kind and generous host, ably assisted by her lovely husband Stephen. My friend and I spent a fun Sunday learning the basics of bobbin lace making and came away not only with two small items that we’d made but also with a detailed instructional booklet. I’d highly recommend Tina’s classes and hope to return."

Tina's Bobbin Lacemaking responded:

"Hi Helen It was great to spend Sunday showing you and Emma the stitches of Bobbin lace making. It always a pleasure to share the knowledge. Especially when students are younger than me, there is hope that the craft might carry on. Looking forward to seeing you in 2026. Thank you for taking the time to leave a great review. Merry Christmas Tina"

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! "

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"

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: "Playing with fire" 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: "Playing with fire" 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: "Playing with fire" 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."

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! "