Latest reviews

stephen featherstone reviewed: Laser Craft - Beginner - 1 Day - One to One

"A fairly intensive day Yes can look at laser cutting videos but nothing replaces the face to face contact , questions /answers and handling the materials to set you on the right track. A very good day ."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thanks Stephen. And well done!"

Adam reviewed: Two-day woodcarving for beginners

"Having no previous woodcarving experience, i didn't know what to expect and was a little nervous about the course. I shouldn't have been though. Will is an excellent teacher and very patient. We started by learning the basics such as the tools and how to sharpen the chisels (I'd never even sharpened a knife before!) before trying out some woodcarving techniques. Before long, I'd gained enough confidence to start on my own piece and am delighted with the final result. Considering I had zero experience, it's not that bad at all ? Thank you Will for a great, fun experience."

Steve Lucas reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Long awaited Covid delayed birthday present. A great day. Greeted on arrival with a cup of tea followed by a short health and safety overview. Then straight in to making a snail key ring. Great step by step instruction before being released with fire and hammer. Ongoing support and guidance throughout. Then on to the Dragon coat rack with stage by stage instruction and guidance. All this interspersed with fabulous food, we did discuss whether we had time for a brief snooze after lunch but the dragons were calling. This was an excellent hands on day with expert guidance. The guys were there when you needed them but let you work at your own pace in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Would thoroughly recommend."

David Rowlands reviewed: An introduction to wood turning with Gregory Moreton (2 Days)

"This was a thoroughly enjoyable course. We got started at the lathe quickly and learned new techniques progressively. Greg was clear in explaining what we needed to do and why we were doing it, such as how it affected the wood and why the order was important. He was patient and also let us learn from our own mistakes, but stepping in where needed. We also ended up with some pieces of work to be proud of at the end! Meanwhile, Greg kept the mood light and the coffee and soup were good too. I have been on quite a few short practical courses and this was one of the best all round! I would highly recommend him."

Derek Lewis reviewed: Summer natural dyeing in Pembrokeshire

"Excellent workshop. Susan is very knowledgeable on her subject but makes the workshop suitable for all levels. Would thoroughly recommend."

joe parsons reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"My wife bought me this as a birthday gift and I have to say it was fantastic from the moment I got there to when the day was done. It was hands on and I was made to feel welcome and the coffee started to flow. This taster day gives you a small insight into the skilks that are involved with this craft. Bob is a fantastic teacher and gives you the confidence to have a real go at it but will help you when you get into trouble. I can't say how much I enjoyed the day, it was so much fun and doesn't feel like a full day. Would recommend this to everyone if they were interested in having a go. Was really pleased with my toasting fork and viking knife that I took home. 10 out of 10"

Ed SM reviewed: Silver Jewellery Making 1 to 1 Private Class

"I had such a great time on this course and can't recommend it enough. It's a very rewarding experience seeing the crafting process through from start to end, the tutoring was clear and helped get the most out of the day. I'd love to return to experiment with more ambitious designs now that I feel more confident thanks to this course! :)"

Karene reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"Just completed the two day course and came home buzzing with enthusiasm for leather work. Jason is so helpful and knowledgeable his studio is set in a beautiful location. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Came away with a lovely new handbag that no one believes I hand made!!! Hoping to make a trip back down and attempt the three day course sometime."

Alex Gadsby reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"An absolutely excellent course with a brilliant teacher! I had so much fun over the course with Jo, reupholstering a lovely 1940s chair I inherited from my grandma. Jo is an excellent, calm, quiet, patient, funny and attentive teacher. She was always ready with top tips, advice and encouragement. I really appreciated her letting us figure some things out for ourselves (which built confidence) and never being on top of us. The class size was small - just 4 of us - so we all had plenty of help as we tackled each stage. It was great watching others upholstering different styles of chair. The materials provided were high quality and I even got to take away the wool scraps for composting. It’s definitely not gentle work - I was knackered at the end of each day, but buzzing with the progress I’d made. The venue is really central in York and you work in a cool artists’ studio surrounded by Jo’s own amazing artwork. I came up from the Midlands and made a weekend of it, staying nearby and enjoying the lovely shops and places to eat on the doorstep. I’d never tried upholstery before, though I definitely had an advantage having used a sewing machine before. I finished the course with a newly padded and covered seat and back, with clear instructions for final finishing flourishes back at home. I’m absolutely delighted with what I managed to achieve in the time. It’s like a brand new chair and I expect it’ll get another 70+ years of wear. Thank you Jo for all your help and support. I’m already scouring Facebook marketplace for my next doer upper and may well be back for more!"

Sheree reviewed: Beginners Course in Stained Glass

"Chris was a great tutor - patient and informative with his instruction - had a lovely two days with him and came away with a wonderful piece of glasswork which I was very proud of (amazing what you can achieve in two days!). It has been admired by family and friends. Thoroughly recommend both Chris and Pauline from - Wold Stained Glass."

Wold Stained Glass responded:

"Many thanks Sheree, It was a lovely couple of days. Chris :)"

Karen Moynihan reviewed: Large outdoor plaster hare sculpture kit

"I have absolutely loved making the hare. There was no shortage of supplies, and the instructions were very straightforward. It is excellent value, and the finishe piece looks amazing"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to place a review Karen. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the experience and ended up with a fabulous hare sculpture you can pop in your garden. Jo x"

Kerry Lees reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"We had a wonderful mum and daughter morning with Anita. Anita was so knowledgeable and fun. It was a really relaxed experience and there was no pressure to be outstanding candle makers. We had a giggle and learnt some interesting techniques. Anita was wonderfully patient and talented. We loved creating our own fragrances and making candles which match our home Interior. We would love to come back and would highly recommend"

Su Parker reviewed: Creative Drawing Workshop for beginners in lovely Lawrenny

"This was one cf the first classes I did with Louise and I'm so pleased it was because it gave the confidence to try others, safe in the knowledge that Louise's teaching style would get the best out of me, whatever the medium being used. In this case it was charcoal. Louise leads by example and breaks things down into manageable chunks so I didn't feel overwhelmed and was able to relax into the session and really enjoy seeing what could be achieved with the medium. Such a liberating experience and I ended up with a finished landscape which far exceeded my expectations to such a degree that I still can't believe I did it! But that's all down to Louise's skill as a teacher and the way she makes you feel with her encouraging and knowledgable approach. Spending time in Louise's lovely studio is a real treat!"

Louise Burdett Artist responded:

"Thank you so much for the fab review Su. A pleasure as always. x"

Annie Wilkins reviewed: 2 day traditional stained glass course

"I had a lovely two days. Bonnie could not have been more patient and I came away with a wonderful glass panel that I feel very proud of. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to have a go at a new craft."

Allanah reviewed: 10 Week, 30 hour Silver Jewellery Day School, Thursday

"I love Teresa's jewellery classes! As a newbie I wasn't sure what to expect but Teresa's calm, knowledgable and unflappable approach had me working with silver in no time. I wear the rings I made everyday and get tons of compliments on them. I enjoyed the classes so much that I'm enrolled for another five weeks and am looking forward to working on some more advanced creations with Teresa's help and guidance. The best thing I've done for a very long time ?"

Creative Therapy Space responded:

"Thank you so much Allanah! I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a review ? I love teaching and what makes it even better is working with amazing people like you. I'm looking forward to bashing more metal into treasure with you. Teresa X"

Carol P reviewed: Felted abstract paintings using pre-felt with Purr & Wag It, Tabletop Workshops

"The lesson was great and Heather was a patient and inspirational tutor. Highly recommended- thank you Heather"

Karen Levell reviewed: Mosaics for Beginners - West Sussex

"We really enjoyed our mosaics class. Wendy was super helpful and explained everything really well - she guided you, without being overbearing. She was also extremely patient even though we overran our time by quite a margin. The workspace itself was a lovely oasis of calm and the whole thing was a really chilled experience. I would definitely recommend taking this class. Tip! If you're a beginner, designs with flat sides are easier than curves! :-)"

Karen reviewed: Amazing encaustic art day course

"Bought the introdution to encaustic wax art for my friend for her birthday, great morning out - both complete beginners Phil was very patient and knowledgeable and above all else made us laugh and had a great sense of humour (considering we turned up an hour early!!) All in all a really fun class, learnt loads and have already siged up for the starter pack which means I'll be back!! Thanks Phil"

Phil Madley responded:

"Thanks Karen for your kind review. So glad you both enjoyed yourselves and learnt so much in a short space of time. Looking forward to seeing you again, will be in touch. Hadn't noticed you were an hour early...wondered who on earth was knocking on my door, certainly woke me up ; ) Cheers Phil"

Chris reviewed: Damascus knife making in Grassington

"I took the Damascus knife making class with Richard and can highly recommend this class, it was a fantastic day and the knife I made is beautiful. Richard is clearly an experienced teacher, very knowledgeable and a very talented blacksmith. Having had no previous experience in a forge, Richard explained the basics and then it was hands on experience and learning for the rest of the day which was just what I was looking for. Richard was on hand at all times and kept me on track as needed, and the result was a great knife with a beautiful Damascus pattern, far better than I thought I would be able to create."

Katy Morris reviewed: Outside Workshop: Get started with DSLR creative photography(Beginners level)

"Thank you so much Sally, the course was excellent. We learnt such a lot from you and technical stuff was explained in an easy to understand way and no question was too daft to ask! I am looking forward to building on the skills you have given me and gaining in confidence with using my camera more creatively. It was great to spend the day with such a lovely group of ladies too. Thank you once again."

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank you Katy - looking forward to seeing your creative photography develop in the coming weeks and months!"

Posy reviewed: Lino Printing Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"What a lovely day spent at Claires workshop! She is a very patient and effective teacher, makes everything very clear and encourages experimenting with techniques and creativity. I'm hooked! Getting all the tools and equipment to keep on lino printing. Thank you Claire."

Corran Burton reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"I had a great day and learned a lot. I even made some tools to use at my small home forge. Thanks for the experience"

Richard Beane reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I am a self confessed wood butcher having always enjoyed making practical objects. This course was a birthday present to allow me to experience a long term desire to try wood turning. From the off Simon, Louise and their pets made me very welcome. The facilities are wonderful and Simon’s knowledge is extensive and he imparts it enthusiastically. I would thoroughly recommend any course offered here due to the professionalism of Simon and Louise. Following my rewarding day, I am designing additional storage space so I can empty my shed to create a workshop! Then I'll need another lesson (plus a lathe...) to further my knowledge. Best wishes, Richard"

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Richard, We're so pleased you enjoyed your day and that you are pursuing the craft further - fantastic! If you need any help with anything, please drop us a line. And thank you so much for your advice on our electrical setup - invaluable. We do hope to see you again soon. -- Simon & Louise"

Carole Marsh reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a fabulous day! We had plenty of space to work and the pace of the day and support from the teachers was just right so that you were kept busy and moved on when ready. The food was delicious and plentiful. I'm really proud of my dragon coat hooks and keyring and would love to go again. Would definitely recommend."

George Haywood reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"A brilliant day."

Stained Glassic responded:

"Thank you very much George!"