Latest reviews

Mike Swaddling reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - 2 Day Beginners/Intermediate Workshop

"Ollie's course merits a rating above Excellent. He gave clear instructions just the once and then left me to have a go myself, before coming back and gently correcting or improving my efforts. He also adapted the course structure to suit my own requirements. I went there looking for a better way of presenting my finished restorations and I came away with that in spades, plus two restored items I am immensely proud of."

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

"A wonderful day hosted by Mike and Rachel in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Tea coffee and homemade biscuits served throughout the day and a superb lunch provided, looking across towards Ingleborough. Philip Bradley is an excellent teacher taking us through various stages to create a willow Curlew. I really enjoyed the day. Thank you all."

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

"I had a fantastic time on this course and I really learned a lot. Sandra is lovely and I loved the flexibility to make whatever I wanted. I'd really recommend this course to anyone!"

Sandra Kerns Jewellery responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Lucy, it was great to teach you."

Amanda Miles reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"A fantastic day. Setting beautiful and tutor brilliant."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Thanks so much for your review, Amanda. I do hope you’ll continue to take up a sharp knife and continue carving!"

Wendy reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"Another wonderful course at Diamond Awl. This time I did the two-day bag making course and came away with a fabulous bag which has already drawn complements. The atmosphere in the workshop is so calm and the music carries you along. Jason and Louise are so helpful, patient and knowledgeable. I was able to build on the skills that I’d learned on the one-day course. The time flew by and I enjoyed every single minute. Next…. The three-course!!"

Michael reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"This is the second course that I have attended with Mark and just like the first course really enjoyed it but more importantly I was able to learn so much from Mark. I made a oak and mahogany box from start to finish over the weekend and it was the little things that Mark suggested I do that took this box to a different level. Great weekend, great company, excellent tuition - would I do another course ? the simple and honest answer is absolutely yes."

Sandy Greville-Smith reviewed: Introduction to herbal medicine - weekend courses

"Although primarily I went with my daughter on this course, I found it absolutely fascinating. Rowan's immensely knowledgeable and informal approach was ideal. Walking around the wonderful garden being shown how to identify different plants and plant families and then how to use them was an eye opener. I shall definitely be making fresh herbal teas more. I have already used one of the products we made on my aching back with great results."

Mrs Debra A Skittrall reviewed: Mosaic kit Make your own hedgehog - pre cut tiles

"Purchased 2 hedgehog mosaics very clear instructions. Arrived very promptly very well packaged definitely recommendations this kit from Adela."

Matthew reviewed: Product Safety for Potters

"I found the course very interesting and useful. Each lesson is well-presented with clear explanations and a good balance of theory and practical information."

Tim Thornton Ceramics responded:

"Hi Matthew, Glad you found the course useful. Thanks for participating. Tim"

Rozhin Rezavandi reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"This workshop was great and I learned many thing from Claire,she was so lovely and patient and teached me everything that I needed by details, It was really good experience for me."

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"Aw thank you Rozhin. It was lovely to meet you!"

Emma reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"Thank you Kingsley for hosting such a brilliant workshop last Saturday. For anyone wanting to learn the essential skills for leatherwork, you could not find a better tutor!"

Sue Tinkler reviewed: Melt and pour soap

"This was so much fun. Caroline had a really wide range of moulds, colours and essential oils to mix and match. Came away with lots of soaps that I gave to friends at Christmas. ( kept some for my self too)"

Caroline’s Courses responded:

"Thank you! You were very creative!"

Sue reviewed: Outdoor Garden Mosaic Bunting kit: Rainbow Garden Bunting

"It's a great project which looks impressive when completed with the black grout and hung in the garden. It comes with everything you need and there's enough to easily complete the bunting. What really makes this product stand out though is the service. My kit arrived and the grout bag had burst. It had covered everything in the fine black powder and frankly looked a mess. But I thought I could probably wash it all and use it anyway. I contacted Primrose Mosaics as I didn't want the same thing to happen to others. Jaquie sent me a completely new kit, plus a small gift as recompense for any trouble. Now that's service!"

Carrie reviewed: Saturday silver ring making workshop - Ransom's Pavilion, Hitchin

"I absolutely loved it! As a complete beginner I found Tuuli an excellent teacher, she is very patient and helpful. It was a small friendly class so I felt I had plenty of help when needed. I am delighted and very proud of the ring and pendant I made and very much looking forward to doing another course soon! Thank you Tuuli."

Tuuli Parker responded:

"Thank you so much for your feedback Carrie! I'm so glad you enjoyed the workshop and really appreciate you taking the time to leave a review. I look forward to sharing more jewellery making techniques with you in the future. Best wishes, Tuuli"

Viv reviewed: Spoon Carving Taster Session

"A great 3 hour course with everything you need to carve your first spoon. Mike is a very calm instructor and took time to make sure we knew what we were doing."

Caroline reviewed: Brush lettering kit

"Lovely set. An excellent starter kit which comes with a full instruction booklet, practice sheets and pens and also a couple of blank cards and tags for you to add your own beautiful lettering to. Nicely packaged with the personal touch. I bought this for myself but it's a lovely gift idea also. So pleased with my purchase."

Jen Roffe responded:

"Thank you Caroline, I'm delighted that you loved you brush lettering kit! And yes - it does make a great gift too :) Best wishes! Jen"

Paul reviewed: Swanage old pier in Dorset Blue watercolour kit with TV artist Marilyn Allis

"Thank you Marilyn yet again an amazing surprise the effect you can get with one colour Just love the Dorset. Blue. Thank you, you’ve got me hooked."

Leigh Funnelle reviewed: Melt and pour soap

"I did this course recently with 5 friends and we all had a great time. The instructions were clear and the process was fun and allowed you to be as creative as you wanted. Some made simple colourful soaps and some experimented a little more embedding objects. The essential oils were pure and the soaps go on smelling lovely for ages. My bathroom now smells divine. I would highly recommend this course for family or a group of friends and you come away with so many soaps!"

Caroline’s Courses responded:

"Thank you for your kind words Leigh! You and your group were a pleasure!"

MATTHEW POTTER reviewed: Spoon Carving Taster Session

"Really enjoyed the spoon making session with Mike. I found the 3hr sesion he delivered was packed with really great advice and tips to get me carving with confidence. Thank You!"

Denise reviewed: Spoon Carving Taster Session

"This was a brilliant course. I've never even wielded this sort of knife, let alone produced a working spoon. Mike is calm, kind and knowledgeable. I have already ordered two knives and I'm looking for a nice piece of wood....."

Catherine reviewed: Spoon Carving Taster Session

"A superb session with excellent teaching. I hadn’t expected to learn so much in such a calm and gentle way, but Mike’s teaching style was so encouraging that we all achieved a great deal. When he said he want teaching us to make our first spin, but our 3rd 4th and 5th one, that was so true, as he equipped us with a range of skills to take away. Is always wanted to carve, and now feel I have the beginnings of the skill to do so and grow in the craft. I became genuinely emotional about my end product but, most importantly, about the seeds planted by Mike to keep pursuing learning and craft."

Denise Davies reviewed: Sculpture workshop two days with Jo Garden Art in beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"Such a brilliant weekend! Jo is such a good teacher that she settles all the nerves instantly. An amazing time learning new techniques in the beautiful Suffolk countryside with lovely fellow students - the time passed too quickly. Definitely going to book again."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much Denise! A follower on Facebook commented via a separate email how beautifully proportioned your hare was ;-) Perhaps you need a large leaping hare to join her!!! Your daughters amazing Eagle Owl has caused a Facebook sensation as well. Well done both of you, Jo x"

Jan Cain reviewed: Weymouth beach in watercolour with TV artist Marilyn Allis, Hard back Book

"This is a delightful course and I was thrilled with the result. Marilyn demonstrates how to build up the scene in easy to follow steps. It is such a good idea to have everything thing supplied in a clever kit. I was able to relax and enjoy the painting experience. Thank you Marilyn."

Jan Cain reviewed: Two busy mini bees in acrylic TV artist Marilyn Allis Unlimited Tuition Link

"This is a fun online course which I would recommend to both beginners and more advanced painters. Marilyn demonstrates step by step and a lovely busy bee emerges. The box canvas means it does not need framing, can be hung directly on your wall or given as a gift. Thank you Marilyn."

Lewis Campbell reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"The "Have a Bash" lesson was phenomenal. Jake is a charismatic and welcoming teacher as well as skilled and experienced blacksmith. The lesson itself was fantastic as it goes at your own pace and is tailored to you as you go. Jake lets you do all the fun work but is available to step in and help at any time. Tea, water and coffee are provided as well as plasters for any blisters. Jake is encouraging throughout and you feel genuinely proud of your work. When finished I imminently wanted to do more. It's challenging yet fun and I can only give it my highest praise. I would recommend this to anyone interested in meatal work and could not have had a better introduction."