Latest reviews

Jonathan Court reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I have been wood turning for only a few weeks and a day with a professional teacher is well worth it. I would recommend a course with Colin for anyone wishing to improve on whatever skills they have. In my case my skills were pretty basic, but Colin taught me a lot of quite impressive techniques that allowed me, with Colin's help, to turn a very nice bowl which is the first serious thing I have made. I then started on a egg-cup but didn't have enough time to finish it. I think it is worth putting in the effort to make one really satisfying piece and the egg-cup is still nice to look at. In helping me turn the bowl, Colin made it clear that he is a perfectionist and the slightest blemish on the wood has to be corrected. I was amazed when, as I was doing something wrong, with one finger Colin corrected the angle of the gouge without visibly doing anything. I must ask him again how he did this in the hope that I get the angle better next time."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thanks, Jon. Happy and safe turning and if I can help in the future, please get in touch. Colin"

Amy Wardell reviewed: Fused glass Xmas decorations: morning workshop YOU MAKE YOUR OWN GROP UP

"My mum and I came to Julie's house for a christmas decoration workshop. We loved it! Julie was very welcoming, friendly, warm and knowledgeable. Nothing was too much trouble and it all felt very safe covid-wise too. We made 2 pretty decorations and can't wait to put them out this year."

Julies Handcrafted Glass responded:

"Thank you Amy , they are very pretty glad you received them in the post ok ."

Lesley reviewed: Three-Day (Week-days) Bobbin Lace Making - Daytime Mixed Lace Workshops (Stoke d'Abernon, Surrey).

"Had a super time starting with lace making as a complete beginner. Just borrowed teacher’s equipment to start with. A kind patient teacher and a friendly supportive class. Great introduction to lace making."

Tina's Bobbin Lacemaking responded:

"Hi Lesley Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. It's always good to hear that you have enjoyed the experience and that students wish to carry on. Keep the basic stitches going and looking forward to seeing you soon. Regards Tina"

Sarah reviewed: Fresh flower hand tied workshop with Cream & Browns Florist

"I absolutely loved this course. I’d never done anything like it before, so was a complete novice. Karen was so welcoming and gave everyone as much time and support as they needed. She was fab and I was so chuffed with my flowers at the end"

Cream & Browns Florist responded:

"Thanks Sarah see you in december for wreath making"

Carl G reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"This course used my idea of something to make as a basis for learning. Alex is a patient tutor, who helps you fulfil your ideas. It’s obvious he has a wealth of practical blacksmithing knowledge which helps your little creation come alive. Its fully hands on which is great."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks Carl. Glad you're happy with the experience and what you made. Alex"

Julia Shailes reviewed: Glass fusing workshop - 1 day

"I had a fantastic day with Jill. Learnt alot about various different styles and Jill demonstrated quickly and comprehensively so that i could create my own style. Jill and john were very welcoming and provided lunch, cake and drinks througout the day. I went away with a smile on my face, looking foward to seeing the results after my peices of art after being in the kiln."

Fired Glass responded:

"Thank you Julia, we are delighted you enjoyed your day with us and you felt we looked after you."

Amy Smith reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"Kingsley was a pleasure to spend a day with! Not only was he knowledgeable and generous with his craft but he was simply an interesting and wonderful person to spend time with. I thoroughly recommend the workshop to anyone hesitating and look forward to seeing what Kingsley achieves in the future as he deserves plenty of successs! Thank you Kingsley :-)"

Hannah Bailey reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"Lovely workshop and Jason was really knowledgeable and helpful, very enthusiastic about his subject. Will be booking another course as I have now caught the bug."

Louise B reviewed: Christmas Table centerpiece flower workshop

"Karen Many thanks for running the hand-tie flowers' course on Sunday. It was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed it. No only that, I now have learned how to make lovely presents for family and friends. Keep me in touch about your other courses. Louise"

Cream & Browns Florist responded:

"Thank you Louise it was lovely to meet you we have 2 places left on our wreath making class on 5th december or 5 places left on our november 28th if you are interested"

Chrissy reviewed: Jewellery Making & Beading - Treasure Necklace

"We can not recommend Wendy and this course highly enough, with great tuition and a warm and relaxing atmosphere we came away with necklaces which we were very happy with and the knowledge to continue making more jewellery at home using this method. We are looking forward to doing other courses in the future with Wendy. Many thanks."

Mary Finan reviewed: Silk Paper Making

"My two friends and I really enjoyed this Silk Paper making course. Wendy is a very good instructor and very patient. This is our fourth course with her, and we are looking forward to booking more courses. She is such a lovely lady, very informative, very relaxed and it makes for an enjoyable two hours."

Sue Young reviewed: Glass Fusing with Enamels - Two Day Course

"Definitely one of the best courses I’ve done. Steve is very cheerful, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Both days went so quickly (including two very enjoyable pub lunches) and I came away with so many pieces of glass art. Highly recommended!"

Sandra Thomas reviewed: Sketchbooking for artists, journals, keep sake books, coursework - 1 Day - One to One

"After attending the one day course, 'Sketch-booking for New Artists, Journals, Keep Sake Books and Coursework' I have no hesitation in recommending Rachel and any of the courses she offers. Prior to my visit I let her know exactly what I was trying to achieve in my own art book; areas I was finding difficult and techniques I'd like to experiment with. On my arrival everything had been well prepared in advance and things we would need carefully laid out. I found Rachel extremely knowledgable and a great teacher. Nothing was too much trouble, anything I asked for appeared and I felt totally indulged and spoilt. The day was fun, I learned loads and thoroughly enjoyed my day in the studio. Best wishes Sandra"

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Wow. Such kind words. Thank you Sandra. So lovely to work with you. Well done on developing great techniques and styles. Rach"

Ben Wright reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I got this course as a birthday present back in February and it was definitely worth the wait. Delicious flapjacks are provided at breakfast then we went on to make a key ring. With lots of help and guidance from the guys leading the course. After a wonderful large lunch of local produce (included) we went on to make a coat rack for the wall. We both had a great time and enjoyed it so much that we are looking at their other courses. Staff are friendly and know their stuff. The tuition is clear and broken down in to steps so it's easy to follow. Would recommend for anyone to give this a go."

Sarah Blackman reviewed: Macrame - Wall Art

"I went with my sister in law for her birthday. We really enjoyed the class. Wendy is a great teacher. We both loved the Macrame wall hangings we made. I gave mine to my Dad as a birthday present and he also loved it. Thanks Wendy , it was a very enjoyable experience. :-)"

Jack reviewed: Log Bottomed Willow Basket

"Turned up late but managed to catch up and didn't get told off too much!! Made a basket i'm well chuffed with and its not too wonky. Thanks Rach for putting up with me you are a star!"

Pete reviewed: Log Bottomed Willow Basket

"Lots to learn, very knowledgeable and patient tutor. Hard work but fun and made a basket even the wife liked!"

Hilary Wrigley reviewed: Log Bottomed Willow Basket

"A unique opportunity in unique surroundings. I thoroughly enjoyed it and felt the tutor was excellent, helpful and knowledgeable. I made a great basket - with help!"

Brian Hill reviewed: 'Fundamental Art Skills for complete beginners ' 10-week interactive online zoom course with live tuition

"I really enjoyed this beginners course on-line zoom course by Raya. I was a little unsure what to expect as I have never been on Zoom before to learn art. Raya reassured me with her skills and techniques which made my confidence grow week by week. I was never even comfortable using a computer never mind trying to learn art online. Raya's teaching techniques via Zoom were brilliant and it helped me gain confidence around using my laptop and learning the basics of drawing. The course was amazing and it helped me to find the inner artist within myself. Using Raya's expertise I gained knowledge of traditional foundation skills in drawing. Thanks Raya...."

Magic Wool Art and Craft Studio responded:

"Dear Brian, Thank you very much for your review. I am glad that you found my Zoom art course helpful and encouraging. I am delighted that it gave you a good start in learning Art and I hope you will continue developing your skills further. You have produced some very good art work. Keep on practicing art! Look forward to seeing you again at our next online zoom art course. Raya"

Helen Hygate reviewed: Cold Process Soap Making- Wild Garden Inspired

"This was such a fantastic workshop, I had a thoroughly enjoyable day! Rachel was an amazing tutor with so much knowledge, such a lovely person. I learned loads of ways to produce beauty products, the handouts were brilliant, the venue was unique, comfortable and welcoming. I would love to return and do another course, thank you!"

Natalie Thomas reviewed: Cold Process Soap Making- Wild Garden Inspired

"This was a great hands-on, full day of making. It was well structured, with Rachel guiding us through soap making in the morning, then giving us freedom to have a go at the other bits like salves and bath bombs later in the day. It was a lovely friendly atmosphere and I went away with an incredible collection of bath time goodies!"

Jane reviewed: Cold Process Soap Making- Wild Garden Inspired

"Amazing course I was kept busy all day. Lots to smell, try and make. Well paced and plenty to do and take home. Rachel treated us all as individuals and tailored the afternoon of the course to our tastes/ desires. Lots of tea, buns and a warm fire too what more can a girl want? Can’t wait for her next course."

Sam Hobday reviewed: Cold Process Soap Making- Wild Garden Inspired

"Fantastic course that I would highly recommend. The venue was wonderful and Rachel the course tutor was absolutely lovely, very knowledgable and happy to guide us through making lots of different products, which we took home at the end of the day. The booklet we received was great too so now I can make the products at home as well. Thoroughly enjoyable and lovely to meet so many nice people on the day, can’t wait to do another course!!"

Beth reviewed: Cold Process Soap Making- Wild Garden Inspired

"What a great day! Brilliant well structured, hands on course. The morning was soap making, starting easy and building up to making soap that feels like you're doing a science experiment. The afternoon involved a variety of products tailored to each of us and what we fancied making. Rachel was a great tutor with lots of knowledge about the materials that we were using and the products we made. We didn't only go away with lots of goodies but also got plenty of very useful hand outs so we can carry on making at home."

Jan Borwn reviewed: Cold Process Soap Making- Wild Garden Inspired

"A fantastic day - well it did start with cakes! We made a range of soaps, some from scratch then were able to create a variety of products of our individual choice (my son loves the blues busting beard wax and the energising beard oil, I’m finding the joint cream very good). Rachel is a great instructor, she gave us lots of information and recipes, guided us when we needed it and let us get on when we felt confident to do so. By the end of the day we all had a huge range of products and felt we’d learned a lot, I’m definitely going to start making my own herb infused oils and trying more of Rachel’s recipes."