Latest reviews

Pauline Whitehead reviewed: Quilt in a Day, one-to-one course with Amanda Jane Ogden

"I thoroughly enjoyed the day spent with Amanda learning the skills of traditional quilt making. As it was one to one tuition from a very experienced quilter it was fabulous. I even managed to leave with my own quilt sampler. Couldn’t recommend the day enough."

Amanda Jane Textiles responded:

"Thank you for your review Pauline. It was a pleasure to teach you yesterday in the studio. I hope your sampler quilt will be just the beginning of your quilting experience! Amanda"

Ness McNamara reviewed: Creative metalwork and welding, scrap metal sculpture.

"I had a superb day with Felix and Annie. As soon as I got there I was put at ease. Felix and Annie started the day with the safety talk and a guide to how to use all the tools (MIG Welder, plasma cutter, saw, angle grinders). We then had a look through the scrap treasure trove and chose our items to make our goodies. We were then given one to one tuition on each tool that we needed to use. I used the MIG welder which I loved and the angle grinder was fun too. I came home with a lovely dog sculpture which now sits very happily in my garden. Both ladies are very knowledgeable and very patient (especially when I couldn't find my vision). I would highly recommend this course and I will definitely be doing another one. Thank you ladies for a truly brilliant day!"

WTF Workshops responded:

"Ness, thank you so much for leaving such a lovely review. I hope your fantastic doggo sits and keeps you happy in your garden for many years to come. I hope we see you again!"

Cat reviewed: Creative metalwork and welding, scrap metal sculpture.

"What a great day. Don't waste any time - get yourself on this course! Felix and Izzy were knowledgeable, encouraging, relaxed and approachable, giving suggestions when needed yet keeping a careful eye out for safety. Their overview of materials and cutting, shaping and joining techniques and equipment was pitched just right for this complete beginner. Izzy gave me a patient induction into MIG welding and the opportunity to practise before using it for real. The stock pile of scrap metal is a treasure trove. I was so pleased with the bike chain/car spring/spoon-pawed beast that came home with me - and impressed with what my lovely fellow attendees made too. The six hours flew by. WTF have opened my eyes to the possibilities ..."

WTF Workshops responded:

"Cat, thank you so much! We had a lovely day, and were really happy with what you and the others made. Thank you for coming, and I hope we see you again one day!"

Josh reviewed: Woodworking Workshop: Box Making

"Tom was welcoming and very passionate about carpentry and teaching. The course was engaging, informative and adapted well towards my specific goals and ability level. He helped answer any carpentry questions I asked, teaching useful skills and information much quicker than I would have learned at home or on the job."

Thomas Sherlock responded:

"Thanks Josh! You were a brilliant student and I had a great time with you. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the course. ?"

Carol R reviewed: Cyanotype prints

"Lots of good content on the course and good detailed advice. Ashleigh had ensured all materials were ready for a range of techniques to try. The day ran smoothly and it was really enjoyable to work outdoors. It is very useful to get handouts and info about where to buy materials. Definitely recommend this course and you get value for money."

Mary reviewed: Fluid art - acrylic pouring

"A great class. Eunice is very patient and informative for beginners and those with a bit of knowledge. If you like messy play and want to have fun with the different methods i would definitely recommend the class."

Eunice J. Friend responded:

"Thank you Mary I am so glad you enjoyed the workshop. Keep pouring Warmest regards Eunice"

Kate Clark-Kennedy reviewed: Rucksack in a day workshop

"The whole day was just wonderful. Right from the start, when you arrive at the lovely creative studio in such peaceful surroundings, you then choose the colour of the leather and then the colour of the canvas and then of course the colour of the lining. Choices, choices, choices! I have done a previous course with Rosanna so I knew just how organised and what a great teacher she was. The patterns were all ready for us to cut out and she explained everything we had to do in great detail and helped us when we got to a tricky bit! I wanted to learn how to sew leather and how to construct a bag and that is exactly what happened and I had a great time doing it. I returned home with my lovely rucksack and everyone said how talented I was. Rosanna is the talented one but just a tiny bit of that has rubbed off on me! If you are thinking about doing a course with Rosanna, just sign up, you won't regret it."

Rosanna Clare responded:

"Arh thank you Kate, what a lovely review. So glad you enjoyed the course - and you are very talented! xx"

Hilary reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"Today I’ve had a really lovely day learning to willow weave with Kate. Talented and so patient I couldn’t have asked for a better teacher, she enabled me to come home with a very presentable sculpture that far exceeded my expectations and those of my family. Couple this with a lovely venue and a delicious lunch served by Dave, I cannot recommend this course highly enough. No experience needed and very good value, I shall definitely be going back"

Kinj Amin reviewed: Rucksack in a day workshop

"Fantastic day learning some important skills. Lovely choice of materials and Rosanna is wonderful and very patient. You simply cannot go wrong with this course it is a perfect day out! Book now!"

Helen Russell reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"Just had a wonderful relaxing day today making a willow heron. Kate is a very patient tutor and helped us along with creating a beautiful heron. The project was perfect for me as I am a beginner to willow sculpting. As the weather was so good we were able to sit in the shade in Kate’s beautiful garden to work away building our heron. Thanks must also go to Dave for producing a delicious lunch and keeping us supplied with refreshments."

Julie reviewed: Book binding - Zoom Saturday Morning Workshop

"What a fantastic morning! I thoroughly enjoyed both the course and the social aspect. It was a good two hours of learning, at an pace that was manageable yet in depth enough to learn a little history and techniques. I would highly recommend & look forward to doing another course with Lorna who was an excellent tutor, thank you"

Crumps Barn Studio responded:

"Thank you so much for joining us - very glad you enjoyed it. Thank you ~ Crumps Barn Studio"

Jasmin reviewed: Colour for ultimate well being: Retreat in Nature

"I was unsure whether this day would be a little to “out there” for me, but I need not have worried, it was great! I arrived feeling tired and stressed and I left feeling relaxed and energised. The setting was lovely, and the day was really insightful in terms of how colour can affect our mood, how we all have our own individual preferences, thoughts on home decor, impact of food choices etc. The food and drink provided were delicious too. I loved it. Since the day I’ve been eating more colourful food, I’m wearing more colourful clothes, and I’m re-thinking my colour scheme for my house!"

Lucy Renshaw responded:

"Thank you Jasmin It was so lovely to have you for the day and I’m delighted to hear you are bringing colour into your life in lots of ways! Hope to see you again x"

Alexandra Knight reviewed: Tree of Life Pendant and Earrings Workshop

"Seven ladies for an overdue lockdown gathering of friends party. Pat made our day so special and FUN. We were all novices and found our creative sides. Choosing colour beads, semi precious stones and water pearls. Our Life Trees & Earring were all so different and charming! We were very proud of our quality silver pretty jewellery. Pat is such a patient, friendly, encouraging instructor and we all recommend you try. Have fun!! We really did. ;0)"

Pat Miller Jewellery responded:

"Thanks Alex, I had a great time too! I was very impressed by the designs your group made, they were lovely."

Sue Wesley reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Really enjoyed the 2 day course but felt a little more guidance at the very start would have been useful - how to use the individual tools etc. It was left to the individual to bring ideas, but it was a little difficult to gauge how complex or simple these needed to be, overall a fun day and a very different skill to learn"

Carla Mcconnell reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"As a total beginner this was a fantastic intro to basket making and I'm really impressed with the finished basket. The steps to making it were enjoyable and varied, I learnt so much in just one day. Jonny and Becky were relaxed and supportive throughout, we had all the tools we needed and pre-selected willows to hand, and there was just the right balance of making and enjoying a superb lunch and cake. I thoroughly recommend it!"

Liz Maclaren reviewed: Throwing for beginners

"I spent a really enjoyable day on this course. Charlie was a great teacher and showed us step by step how to throw a cylinder and was so knowledgeable and so patient! We all managed to throw pots and it was wonderful learning about the clay and techniques. I would highly recommend it. Thanks Charlie and I’m looking forward to coming back and doing some glazing."

Charlie's Pots responded:

"Hello Liz. Thank you for your lovely comments. It was a pleasure to meet you and I look forward to seeing you for the glazing. Best wishes Charlie"

Esther reviewed: Silver Jewellery making class at Sandra Kerns Jewellery studio, Little Sampford

"We had a great introduction to working with silver, Sandra is a natural teacher and we came away keen to do more!"

Sandra Kerns Jewellery responded:

"Thank you Esther, it was a real pleasure teaching you both."

Andrew Parr reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Had a wonderful day in the blacksmith workshop.The staff were great and very support to those with leaning disabilities in particular. Especially loved making the dragon coat hanger."

Miriam reviewed: Winter Birds - Fused Glass with Crafts in the Valley

"This class is so much fun! Colourful little glass birds that transform like magic in the kiln…what’s not to like?! Melanie is a lovely, fantastically patient teacher and there is a huge choice of designs to play with. Let your inner child run free?. I’ve done several classes at Crafts in the Valley and enjoyed every single one - so much so I just keep booking! This will be another one I’d definitely do again - what better way to spend a morning or afternoon? The class sizes are small, the venue peaceful with a happy, creative vibe, and Covid safety has been considered so everyone can just relax and enjoy some creative escapism! Highly recommended?"

Crafts in the Valley responded:

"Thank you Miriam! It is always such a pleasure having you in the class. You always create such inspiring work. xx"

Miriam reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Felted Pictures Workshop in Cragg Vale, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"I’d never tried wet felting before and went along with an idea I thought was a bit ambitious but Melanie is such a fantastic, patient, clear teacher that it seems anything is possible! Was over the moon with the end result but equally importantly the whole day was relaxed and learning the technique fascinating. It’s all so colourful and magic as it comes together. The class sizes are small, the venue peaceful with a lovely creative vibe, and Covid safety has been considered so everyone can just relax and enjoy some creative escapism! I’ve been to several classes here and loved every one. Will definitely book again and can’t recommend Crafts in the Valley highly enough ?"

Miriam reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Batik textile workshop in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"I have done this workshop twice now (first time as a complete beginner) and am booking again it’s so good! Melanie is a lovely, relaxed, patient teacher who has a great way of explaining techniques to make it clear and interesting. The class sizes are small and the venue beautifully peaceful with an outlook onto gorgeous countyside and a chilled, creative vibe. All attendees had so much fun on the day and everyone was so happy with their completed art works. I can’t recommend Crafts in the Valley highly enough and have booked on several different courses here - all equally fab. Covid safety has been considered here so everyone can just relax and enjoy a creative escape?"

Violet reviewed: Private or private group silver jewellery making/silversmithing workshop day at Silver Designed Personally

"What a brilliant course! Sara was very friendly, kind and casual and gave us clear and concise instruction, guided us through every step and helped us create some really beautiful pieces of jewellery. Sara was also incredibly helpful with other information about silver working and I feel confident about trying it by myself. The course is set in a lovely area, was very easy to get to and it was wonderful to see so much wildlife too, as well as Misty the gorgeous dog, we felt very welcome and at ease which doesn't happen often. The equipment is great to use, and with guidance it is fun to try a few different methods. Il be happy to rebook and will be recommending to all my friends."

Silver Designed Personally responded:

"Violet - thank you so much for taking the time to write me a wonderful review, it's very much appreciated. You did really well and I wish you good luck with working on things at home .... I look forward to seeing some of your new pieces and to maybe seeing you again some time :-). Sara"

Eloise reviewed: Rings and Things - Soldering for beginners at Simply Amazing Jewellery School

"Really great day - Viv was so informative and we learnt so much. I produced 5 rings and I am really happy with how they turned out, I was a complete novice so definitely recommend to anyone wanting to give it a try"

Simply Amazing Jewellery School responded:

"Hi Eloise - thank you so much for this lovely review, you and your mum were both amazing - it's a huge learning curve - you took it all in your stride and never lost your smile even when you had a few hiccups! Thank you for coming to the workshop and bringing your mum, it was lovely to meet you both :)"

Tina & Ian Grinsell reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"What a fantastic day from start to finish. Louise met us with a warm friendly smile. We then met Harry an adorable big soft as anything Alsatian. Simon was already in the workshop, he also gave us a very warm welcome. Ian my husband has worked with wood for years and loves to make things and has a lot of knowledge. However he was very new to wood turning, I was worried he may not enjoy the day. It turns out he had a fabulous time and learnt lots of new techniques. Simon is an outstanding teacher, he has the ability to explain things in the most simple way, without making you feel silly. He also has the patience of a saint. One last thing Louise presented the most wonderful lunch just perfect for us. Highly recommend to both novice or experienced people, you will not find a better tutor. Thanks once again Simon, Louise and Harry Look forward to seeing you both again soon. X"

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

"Hi Tina & Ian, Thank you for such a lovely review - it was great to meet you both and spend the day getting covered in shavings. We're glad you both enjoyed it and, if you have any questions, please just get in touch. Kind Regards, Simon & Louise"

Caroline reviewed: One-to-one 5 day lampshade making masterclass with Moji Designs

"I thoroughly enjoyed the course – although quite intensive, it's a great ‘escape’ from everyday life. It’s amazing how the hours just fly by when you’re absorbed in something creative! I really appreciated Moji's take on seeing lampshade-making as a craft to do with patience and to take time to enjoy each step and the skills involved – it is definitely not something that can be rushed. I will need to remind myself of this when I do my own projects. The true test of the course success is that I can't wait to start on my own projects. Thank you Moji !"