Latest reviews

Ann reviewed: Embroidery for beginners

"Thanks again for your patience last week. I think it’s safe to say, it’s paid off. I’ve been rather busy! Never thought that even as an adult you can surprise yourself."

Kate Dewmartin reviewed: Lino and stamp printing workshop

"Diana's course was really good fun and I was delighted with the Christmas cards I made (we also got to bring our individually designed lino print home so we can make many more in different colours!). It was a lot of fun and I would definitely recommend... thank you Diana."

Hayden Roper reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"Great fun and learned a lot about candles. Would recommend."

Alison Walton reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"We absolutely love candles my husband and I, and when we found a leaflet about The Candle Alchemist workshop we thought wowww! So we phoned up and spoke to a lovely lady called Anita who was so helpful. We arrived and was warmly welcomed. As soon as you walked in the sights and smells of the candles were lovely. Anita was lovely and her knowledge was amazing. We absolutely loved it, choosing our colours and fragrances and making candles from scratch. We were so proud of ourselves. It's something for adults and children. A very enjoyable couple of hrs. Definitely recommend it. Thank you Anita and Poppy for a lovely birthday xx"

Kirsty Higgs reviewed: Painting with beeswax & dyes - Batik Pictures

"Calm confident instruction on techniques to use as was my first time. Everything was to hand when I needed it without asking making it so easy. I came away with a lovely piece of ‘experimental ‘ batik fabric and am so pleased. Can’t recommend her more highly. Fabulous day and so motivational."

Mary Chatburn reviewed: Introduction to Natural Dyeing, Mere, Wiltshire

"I had a wonderful, relaxing day. Claudia is an excellent teacher, and so organised with all the material's, equipment and information sheets. It was fascinating to learn the basics of using natural dyes, and lovely to come away with our sample sheets, and even a shibori dyed handkerchief! Also great to meet the other 'students', and hear what their creative interests were. Lovely to see Ellie again - earlier in the year I attended one of her classes for Beginners Tapestry, which was also excellent! And finally, thank you so much to Margaret for making such a delicious soup, taking my food intolerances into consideration. Lovely refreshments too. I think your jewellery is gorgeous and will be visiting again at some stage to treat myself to one of your pieces."

Elka responded:

"Hi Mary, thank you so much for the lovely reviews on all fronts! It was a pleasure to meet you/ see you again and we're so glad you enjoyed the workshop. Very best wishes, Claudia & Ellie."

silver clay jewellery reviewed: Saturday Silver Clay Jewellery Workshop at Ransom's Pavilion, Hitchin 9.30am - 12.30pm

"A very enjoyable morning spent creating silver clay jewellery at Ransom's Pavillion. Tuuli is a very good teacher, the morning was well organised and the lesson was well planned. All equipment was ready at each work station when we arrived and Tuuli had lots of examples to show us along with a wide range of moulds and stamps. We started off by practising with playdoh before proceeding with making our pieces. I came away with a lovely pendant and matching earrings. I would certainly recommend the workshop to anyone interested in learning a new skill."

Tuuli Parker responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review. I really appreciate you taking the time to leave your feedback."

Alison Hudson reviewed: Make a needle-felt Herdwick doorstop - a Quirky Workshop nr Ullswater & The Lake District

"Fabulous course. Very patient and clear instructions. All easy steps leading to a beautiful doorstop to take home. Delicious home cooking in a beautiful relaxed setting. Couldn’t be better"

Hannah Hennessy reviewed: Lampshade Making - Gathered & Pleated shades - Small Group - 2 day Workshop - York

"I really enjoyed this course and I am thrilled with my lamp! I learned how to make a lamp with pleats at the top and gathers at the bottom. It has given my bedroom a lovely pop of colour and looks so unique. Jacqueline is a great teacher, and she brings out the creative side in everyone! She is patient, personable, and fun to work with. I shall definitely sign up for more classes as I want to add some cushions to match. Don't worry if you are a beginner (like I was) this course is for everyone!"

JSInteriorsUK responded:

"Thanks so much Hannah for you lovely review. It was a pleasure to teach you and I am so glad you'll be joining us again for a Scatter Cushions workshop. You'll leave the Scatter Cushion workshop with at least 2 different cushion styles to compliment your lampshade and I have in stock several trims that would work really well with your fabric scraps."

caroline reviewed: Make a needle-felt Herdwick doorstop - a Quirky Workshop nr Ullswater & The Lake District

"Annie's courses are always brilliant in this wonderful venue, and this is no exception. Annis is patient and helpful, providing all the materials for a very reasonable price, and her precise instructions and use of 'stage' examples in the process of building the sheep are excellent for novices and more experienced needle-felters alike. I would recommend this course and venue without hesitation, and plan to be doing more to build up my menagerie of needlefelt animals!"

Caroline Verden reviewed: Make a needle-felt Herdwick doorstop - a Quirky Workshop nr Ullswater & The Lake District

"Thoroughly enjoyable day in a lovely venue with great company, and food. Annis was an excellent tutor, and we all went home happy with our herdy doorstop under our arm, I look forward to returning!"

Susannah Yorke reviewed: DELETE-Business Course in Traditional & Modern Upholstery (Taster Day)

"A day spent in Sarah’s tranquil upholstery studio, is just the tonic to escape the pressures of todays fast living. To stop and learn a new skill, while having a bit of ‘me time’ is what I craved and this course delivers in spades. Sarah shares her extensive knowledge in a friendly, relaxed manner and imparts best practises and trade secrets that you won’t glean from a book. Her enthusiasm is contagious and you’ll soon find yourself browsing fabric sites and collecting chairs to practise your new skills. I highly recommend the diploma, along with the delicious lunches and encouraging cups of tea."

Pete Brown reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This course was the most fantastic birthday present – not too daunting for beginners but challenging enough to give you a real sense of achievement. Ade and Andy have a supportive step-by-step approach that builds your confidence as the day progresses. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, and the home catering is a perfect fit for the 'crafty' ethos at the Forge. Definitely recommended!"

Alexandra Bradley reviewed: Lino and stamp printing workshop

"Four of us did this workshop for a team building session and it was fantastic. It was great fun, interesting and relaxing at the same time. I loved developing ideas and feel way more prepared for the festive season than ever before! Diana was a great teacher and had lots of kit for us to work with. Inspired to do more lino cut printing. Thanks."

Heddfan From Narberth responded:

"Thank you Alex. It was great working with you and your team. I hope you come back."

Ben Routledge reviewed: 2 Day forged chef's knife course.

"Myself and a friend completed this course just over a month ago and it was truly excellent! Steve is a great bloke and an extremely knowledgable teacher. The knives we made were of top quality and are (still!) incredibly sharp! I would highly recommend this course to anyone with even the slightest interest in forging or chef's knives! Thanks for the course, Ben and James :)"

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Ben, James It was a total pleasure to have you both on the two day course. The knives you created were beautiful and you both should be very proud of how they turned out. Kind regards Steve"

Claire pike reviewed: Weekend Traditional Lampshade Making Workshop

"I had a fabulous weekend with Sarah learning to make a lampshade. Sarah was very informative and knowledgeable and nothing was too much trouble. She took us through step by step and everything was very well explained. No question was a silly question and Sarah made everyone feel so welcome. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Sarah and I can’t wait to return to continue with my learning."

Daniel Pulley reviewed: Timber framing courses

"Awesome week in the woods with Alan, Mary, Connor & Sid. Very knowledgeable on the art of green oak timber framing, learnt a lot during the week. Great for lads in the trade looking to advance their skills, or for people looking to learn something new. The food was superb. Will definitely be booking up on next years course!"

Mollie reviewed: Felt Pod Vessels

"Dear Emma I had a wonderful morning with you, thank you, and look forward to more workshops in your excellent work space. I've just returned from a wet and windy week in Wales and am preparing my work room for a go at making another felted pod, while your instructions are in my head! Thanks for sending me the images - I downloaded them just in time! I took my creation with me and gave it some attention - hopefully I'll manage to send some pictures! The silk looked good, but I think I needed to add more! I learned so much from your knowledge and generous teaching style and very much look forward to joining you again. Many thanks, Mol"

Mel reviewed: One day introduction to glass fusing in Medway, Kent

"Had an excellent day learning and creating some glass fusing pieces. Was a really fun day! Beverley was an awesome teacher, really knows her stuff. Would highly recommend!"

Beverley Bunn Glass Art responded:

"Thanks Mel :0) I enjoyed having you and Steph in the class - your pieces turned out great! Glad you had fun x"

Jane Wach reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"My friend and I had the most amazing day today ! Jo is very knowledgable and teaches to a very high standard Would highly recommend this course"

Yuen Lau reviewed: Make your very own crossbody/messenger bag

"Richard was an excellent teacher. He was super patient and guided me step by step on how to make my bag. He also gave a lot of advice and was experienced to answer all the questions I had. He was also very accommodating so I was able to customise my bag to suit me. I would highly recommend his workshops. I will definitely continue with leathercraft, and he was so lovely about contacting him with any further questions be it in the near future or a few years down the line. Very genuine and very passionate about leathercraft. I am so happy with my crossbody bag I made by hand."

Neil Kingsnorth reviewed: Green wood chair making - 6 day woodworking course in Devon

"Excellent, inspiring and thoroughly enjoyable. I learned an enormous number of new skills and techniques and built my confidence in working with green wood. Peter is a brilliant, highly knowledgable and patient tutor who guides you through calmly and with clarity. It's also a beautiful venue, and the tools provided were excellent, which all helps. I ended up with a beautiful chair but also much greater knowledge and skills, which I was looking for. Highly recommended."

Jan Burnham reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"This friendly educational course is the perfect introduction into candle making. Jo has so much experience and advice to offer. You walk away from this course with the confidence to make more of the items you create on the course. The items I made and the experience and knowledge I gained made this course worth every penny. Stunning venue, totally found Jo inspirational."

Chris & Evie reviewed: One day stained glass course

"We had a great day at Cheryl's. We learnt how to use all the tools needed to cut and shape stained glass and shape and fit the leading. We were really happy with our pieces we took home. We had a lot of fun too and a nice cake and a cuppa. We highly recommend this experience and thanks again Cheryl.. xx"

Fran Brockbank reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"The Curlew Willow workshop was an absolute joy. The setting at Broadrakes is very comfortable and the lunch provided was excellent. Phil Bradley is a great tutor and my curlew, which has been in the garden, has impressed visitors all summer."