Latest reviews

Jeannie reviewed: 'Winged things'. Make a mosaic Bird, Dragonfly or Bumble bee in Ampthill, Beds.

"I had a lovely day crafting a dragonfly. Emily was very welcoming and explained everything clearly. It was easy to ask questions as the group is small. Delicious lunch and homemade cake was an extra bonus! Thank you Emily."

Stories In Glass responded:

"Hi Jeannie. Thank you so much for your kind review. I am so glad that you felt welcome and relaxed in the small workshop group. You made a beautiful dragonfly. I hope you enjoy finding a good spot for it in your garden. Very best wishes Emily"

Garry and Debbie Alexander reviewed: Creative metalwork and welding, scrap metal sculpture.

"Thoroughly enjoyed the day, Felix was our tutor the day. Felix walked us through how the day and how the use of the tools work. We had a walk through all the tools prior to staring highlighting the use and safety expectations on each item, as you came to use the different tools, Felix was there to give a more in depth example of how it worked, whilst also setting you small tasks to see how the item works and how to use it to its best capabilities. The hard part for myself was coming up with an idea to create. But once you got on the ‘creation process’ Felix skill-fully directed you how to start manufacturing your idea, with labour saving tips and creative support. Then throughout the day Felix was there when ever required, with support both creatively and technically, Felix was forever safety conscious and watched you from a distance only intervening if you were going to do something stupid to hurt yourself. Both of us found Felix was very supportive throughout even though she only had a minimal idea what we were aiming to create, but somehow seemed to know what you needed to know prior to coming to that step in out creative process. Absolutely brilliant way to spend a day at the WTF workshops, cant recommend the course enough. We both came away with items we were happy with. The say it is enjoyable and you will get dirty from the ‘neck up’, the time absolutely flew. Thoroughly Recommended."

Garry and Debbie Alexander reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"We did the introduction to Blacksmithing day course with Jake. The whole experience was excellent. Jake is a great tutor, making the items you chose to do at the start of the day, then coaching you through the process giving timely pointers to stop you from wearing your self out for your second item. He tailors his tuition on individually once you are in the creating process, he is very safety conscious, spotting when you may cause your self an injury and deflects the situation skillfully blocking you from the chance of burning or injuring yourself, in a friendly but firm manner. I would thoroughly recommend the full day course if you have time, as it was great value, as well as coming away with probably over £100 worth of items you have “ Blacksmithed “. Jake was brilliant throughout, super friendly can’t recommend the course enough."

Catherine reviewed: Japanese Cherry Blossom Acrylic Canvas Painting Experience nr Lichfield

"I enjoyed the painting. Everyone on the course was lovely & welcoming. Sadly the teacher only gave specific feedback to aid progress to 6/7 people only once or twice. Most people had to keep asking her to go back over steps as she was painting at her speed not the classes speed. Used the term autistic as an insult against a group of chess players who she was speaking about. She had no idea if they were autistic, it was used to describe them as they were rude. I do not expect ableist language from an instructor. "

For all the small things responded:

"Catherine. I’m sorry you felt that way, the points I gave to everyone to aid and support their work are usually repeated several times as we go through the event - I’m always happy to repeat steps and go back over them for anyone who hasn’t completed them. It is not something which is wrong, or because they need extra explaining, everyone works at different paces, and many people ask for steps to be repeated. I am also careful not to intervene too much so that your work is truly your own, I’m an experienced teacher who helps everyone if they ask for help and supports everyone in my groups, should I see and feel that they need it- I suggested you needed an extra branch or two and that several other ladies needed more blossom. If it’s not needed or asked for, I respect that you don’t need any intervention. Speed is difficult in a lesson where acrylic paint dries differently depending on the temperature. My speed is measured to ensure that you get the results you desire, rather than the speed at which I choose to pace my lesson. There was plenty of times where I left time for catching up, eating the food I had provided, serving drinks and general chatting, it wasn’t like I was forcing a speedy lesson where there were no opportunities to do the steps at your own pace and that you didn’t or weren’t given time to finish. My remarks about the chess group perhaps were not well chosen, however, as a teacher who encounters autistic children every week many of whom are helped by my art lessons and are significantly better engaged than they would be at school, it wasn’t an insult, merely an observation of their single mindedness, said in a “tongue-in-cheek” way, in this instance. Perhaps your judgement of what was truly meant has clouded your opinion. It was not an “ableist” remark, I have a huge amount of respect and knowledge of autism, and am aware that all of us, probably even myself, are “on the spectrum”. The whole class on Sunday afternoon comprised just 7 people, everyone apart from yourself was either a frequent customer or a returning customer bringing new friends. I have a firm customer base and feel that your comments are not a true reflection of the afternoon. If you had felt this way and spoken to me in person during the afternoon, it would have been better than writing your response from behind the security of a keyboard. Thank you for your feedback, I hope you enjoyed the strawberry meringue and that your picture is hanging for all to see. I’m glad you enjoyed the painting, I welcomed you, heartily, as a complete stranger, into my family home, shared details about myself and my family, and got your response above as a result. You have made wrongful assumptions and tarnished my reputation by making these comments. Thank you. "

Roger reviewed: Leaded Stained Glass Workshop, Bedford

"A fantastic session run by Will. Great instructions and techniques given throughout the day in easy managable steps. A good location with tea & coffee (plus biscuits) provided, easy parking and toilet facilities. Even as a novice I managed to produce an decent A4 sized stained glass panel. Give it a go you will not be disappointed."

Kathryn reviewed: Weave a patterned scarf in a day - Rochdale

"The workshop was so enjoyable. It was amazing to learn from such a knowledgeable tutor. I’m inspired to continue on my weaving journey now. Thank you! The location at the Yarn Barn was very convenient and we were made very welcome there. "

Lindsay Stark reviewed: Willow Weaving: Sculptural Hare Workshop

"Very enjoyable course, great group of people attended and the tuition was very good. We all produced very individual birds, mine resembling a turkey crossed with a pheasant but it is out in the garden and it makes me smile every time I look at it! Would definitely recommend the course to others."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review. We are so happy that you enjoyed the course and shall let Jane know too! We hope to see you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Sara Lark reviewed: Mosaic Art Workshop in Swindon

"We had a really enjoyable time on this course, plenty of time to finish our lamps. Supported if needed, Turkish tea and sweets were a lovely touch. Would definitely do it again. Thank you. "

Mosaic Art Studio ML responded:

"Dear Sara, Thank you so much for your lovely review! I remember your lamp very well — the warm tones, the peach-coloured beads, and your creative pattern made it truly beautiful. I hope the grouting process went smoothly and that your lamp is now lighting up your home with a cozy glow. If you’d like to share a photo of your lamp on Facebook or Instagram and tag us, we’d be absolutely delighted — seeing our students' creations in their homes really puts us on cloud nine! Looking forward to welcoming you again for another creative experience. Warm wishes, Ethem"

Richard & Dawn Walker reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"Julie was very welcoming and soon put us at ease in her home. We were given lots of choices and guidance throughout our unrushed experience. Her vast knowledge of how the different glass types worked was very informative and enabled us both to make fabulous pictures. It was quite exciting to see how our creations had turned out, after firing, two days later. We were both novices and so we're happily surprised with our creations. Great experience throughout, thank you Julie "

Julies Handcrafted Glass responded:

"Thank you . It was my pleasure to help you both . "

Kirsta Thumm reviewed: Learn to make a Byzantine bracelet

"I thoroughly enjoyed making my Byzantine bracelet and it looks so great that I’ve already had a request to make one for someone else. This was one of the more challenging courses I have done, but we had lots of help and I came away knowing everything I need to continue this craft skill on my own, while also having a fun morning of ‘me’ time."

Craft Circle responded:

"It was lovely to have you at the workshop. It's always nice to learn something new ... stretches your brain in different directions and helps build your creative muscle. Hope to see you again soon, all the best, Tanya"

Suzi Leaver reviewed: Learn to make a Byzantine bracelet

"Brilliant two hours spent making bracelets. The trainers were excellent and were there for you to check progress. What I loved was that even with their help you produced the bracelet yourself. They let you do it. Will be back for more courses with Tanya and the gang. "

Craft Circle responded:

"Thanks Suzi, it was lovely to have you with us, and it was great to see your bracelet come together. Hope to see you on another workshop soon. All the best, Tanya"

Sarah Fitzpatrick reviewed: Natural (cold process) soap making workshop with afternoon tea

"Really enjoyed the course, very informative and came away with loads of wonderful soaps & was emailed very detailed information to be able to continue to make soap alone at home. Would definitely recommend! "

Guy Teasdale reviewed: Beginners spoon carving

"Fantastic course from Nick. Really helpful and encouraging. Debbie kept us refreshed with tea and coffee as well as showing us various finished items to aspire to. Came away with a spoon and a hunger to learn more."

Gosman Spoon Co. responded:

"Thank you Guy! Please stay in touch if you’d like any more information."

Lisa reviewed: Bowl Carving (Round Bowl) in Walderchain Wood

"The bowl carving day was a fantastic relaxing experience. As a follow up to a previous spoon carving day, my partner and I learnt a lot from Mark's expert knowledge and were able to recap prior skills taught. We took home a great little bowl each and were left wanting to make more!! The workshop is set in a wonderful relaxing woodland and we were treated to a lovely lunch made by Christina. Thank you both for another great day out!"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Lisa, Good to see you here again. Glad you enjoyed the day and grateful for sharing your experience. All the best Mark and Cristina"

Clare reviewed: Fabric Collage and Free-motion Machine Embroidery - FLORALS - York

"Excellent day spent learning a new skill. Holly was a fabulous course leader, taking time to make sure that everyone felt comfortable selecting materials and threading up the machines. It was a completely new workshop for me and I would definitely be encouraged to try more."

Ann reviewed: 2 Day Woodturning Course for Beginners

"What a great way to spend 2 days. Mick patience’s combined with a vast wealth of knowledge is a winning format. My conference grew holding and using the different chisels vastly from 9am on Monday to 4.30pm Tuesday. Thank you Mick and for all the cups of tea. Looking forward to any follow up course."

Cheshire Woodturning and Workshop Training Limited responded:

"Hi Ann Thanks for taking the time to leave such a positive review. You were great to work with. It is certainly true that you grew in confidence as the course progressed and you really started to develop as a turner. Your beautiful finished products are a testimony to this. Yes, I will be developing a follow on course for you with a plentiful supply of tea and biscuits. Looking forward to seeing you again!! Regards Mick"

Zoltan reviewed: Basic woodturning half day

"This was brilliant day, really informative and hands on as well as being fun. Chris was really friendly and a great tutor, very easy to spend a day with. I am very tall and Chris was accommodating in moving bits around to make sure I was comfortable and safe. I would highly recommend and I hope to return in the future. "

Chris Parker Woodturner responded:

"Zoltan, Thanks for your review, you was an absolute pleasure to have in the workshop. A future visit would be great . Who knows you might have a lathe in your future.take it Easy my friend. Chris Parker "

Helen Armshaw-Bowen reviewed: Willow Obelisk Plant Support - Woodland Course!

"Spent a lovely morning in this beautiful peaceful woodland creating a willow obelisk. Suz provided excellent supportive tuition. Our tea was made from water boiled in a kettle on a camp fire in the woods. A wholesome and rewarding experience. Thank you Suz."

Jo reviewed: Willow sculpture at The Garlic Farm,IOW

"The willow sculpture course at the Garlic Farm was a good day out. I learnt some new skills and came home with a lovely hen for my garden. Amanda is very skillful and helpful and despite the rather miserable weather it was a good day."

Wyldwood Willow | 🧺 Learn Basketry, Coffin Making, Sculptures & More! responded:

"Jo, Thankyou so much for your review, that means a lot to me. I hope you got back to Malvern safe and sound. I got back to discover that they have postponed the Usk River Festival until the 15th of September at Usk Island due to it raining on Saturday... Never mind!! Look forward to seeing you again at some point. All the best Amanda Wyldwoodwillow"

Ian Creek reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Gwrhyd, Pontardawe

"Completely agree with Penny, a great weekend despite Saturday's weather. Jamie and David clearly explained the basics of DSW making an extraordinary skill in reach of a group of novices. I have recommended the course to friends and I will continue smaller scale projects of my own. Many thanks to all involved for a well planned excellent weekend "

Simon reviewed: Introduction to Bowl Carving

"Beautiful surroundings and a great day learning the basics with Mike who was a patient and enthusiastic host and teacher. Definitely ignited the flames for a new passtime with the knowledge and skills I acquired. Highly recommend!"

MC Woodcrafts responded:

"Really glad you enjoyed the day Simon :)"

Frances reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"I thoroughly enjoyed this workshop! It was in a lovely setting and there was a huge range of different yarns and materials to play with. Alice is a very calm, patient teacher and I learnt lots of techniques which has left me feeling inspired! Thank you!"

Phelim O'Hagan reviewed: The First Cut - lino cutting for beginners & rusty printmakers in Derbyshire

"I attended one if Liz’s Lino cut courses on Saturday, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. From the very beginning Liz created a creative and inspiring atmosphere that made the whole experience both relaxing and creatively invigorating. Liz is not only incredibly skilled but she is also a great teacher - patient, encouraging and always ready with helpful tips. Whether you were a complete beginner or had some experience, she made sure everyone felt supported and confident to experiment. Liz’s passion for printmaking was infectious. I found the whole experience very therapeutic and came away with confidence and a desire to do more. "

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Morning Phelim, Oh! Feeling slightly overwhelmed by your thoughtful comments - thank you so much! It was great to meet and work with you, seeing your ideas and understanding develop. Your positivity and openness to the process was infectious. I hope that this is just the beginning of your journey with lino cutting and printing. VBW Liz Wellby "

Marc Rodrigues-Bernet reviewed: Upcycled Furniture | Tray Painting with Anna Campbell at Cambridge Makers

"A joyous afternoon. Anna was a wonderful teacher, showing a wide variety of techniques and supporting individuals with their choices, creating a great atmosphere. The facilities and staff were excellent - we will be looking forward to further sessions with Anna and Craft courses."

Cambridge Art Makers responded:

"We're so glad you enjoyed the day. I've just seen some pics of your trays in progress they look great! "

Penny Gregory reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Gwrhyd, Pontardawe

"I can thoroughly recommend the 2 day taster course in dry stone walling! Our trainers Dave and Jamie were very supportive and knowledgeable and helped everyone in the group to undertake all activities safely whilst learning new skills and having fun. "