Latest reviews

Joe reviewed: Fidget/Spinner Ring: Silver Jewellery Making

"Such a great way to spend an afternoon and so pleased with the fidget ring- as is my wife. Would definitely recommend. Nina is lovely, patient and a good teacher. No question seemed too much and I even left with a sheet of materials and tools I'd need to start this up as a hobby. I'll be seeing you soon Nina- looking forward to the private classes"

Nigel LLoyd reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"A great Day! Had a brilliant day with Andy. After woodturning for 2 years, it was great to spend a day with an expert and sort out all the things I was doing wrong. The day has inspired me to keep practicing and improving and shown me how I can get better. A really worth-while day. Thank you."

Jaimie reviewed: Stylish personalised keyring

"Friendly welcoming atmosphere"

Nicky Lambert reviewed: Hand-Spinning & Natural Dyeing Retreat, Highlands, Scotland

"I loved spending time with Rosie and her team! Everthing was well organised from our pick up, to our departure - I woudnt have changed a thing! The accommodation was spacious and the surroundings lovely. The food was delicious and our activities were varied, interesting and well-chosen. Most of all though, Rosie is calm, patient, endlessly helpful and a joy to be around. I found my time on the course incredibly relaxing and came home rejuvenated. I have since bought a spinning wheel!"

Wild Rose Escapes responded:

"Thank-you for your review Nicky, -that's great you have bought yourself a wheel- just let us know if you need any advice. Happy Spinning- lovely to have met you. Yours Rosie"

Chris Atkey reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Graham and Dave are great couple of guys who know their business, I came out with a knife and the urge to make my own forge. Will effeminately do it again."

Bill Young reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Sent on the course by my wife for some bonding with our teenaged son, I was apprehensive as I'd not been in a workshop since middle school woodwork and avoid DIY, both of which I hated. However I was amazed by the product we were all able to produce after the two days thanks to some brilliant encouragement and step-by-step coaching from Graham and David. The pace was just right and broken down into understandable and achievable steps. We were never hanging around waiting for stuff to happen or tools to become free. From hammering hot steel to angle-grinding to using bandsaws and grinders, we were allowed to get on with it with a light touch but a watchful eye from the instructors. There was plenty of refreshment and chances to chat while building some camaraderie over cups of tea. The atmosphere was fun and friendly with a serious undertone of wanting to do a good job. I've been recommending it to all my friends and showing off the best knife I'll ever own ever since I got back. My son and I can't wait for the axe course."

Sue Kirkham reviewed: Heritage teddy bear making - residential

"I had a brilliant weekend attending Kathy's course with my friend. I have made some teddy bears using a sewing machine before but a LONG time ago. Kathy explained everything very clearly and I was delighted with my new smiley bear! The other ladies on the course were very friendly and there was a really nice atmosphere in which to create. The food Kathy provided was excellent and the accommodation was very comfortable. As a dog lover there was an extra bonus when Kathy's two delightful dogs were around! Thank you for a great crafty weekend!"

Crafty Breaks in the Lakes responded:

"I am delighted you both enjoyed your weekend Sue, and thank you for your lovely review. It was a pleasure to welcome you both. All the bears were very individual and your smiley bear indeed looked a very happy-chappy."

Alison Leith reviewed: Abstract Landscape with Award Winning Artist Catherine MacDiarmid at Cowshed Creative in the Lake District

"Absolutely loved the venue - gorgeous Barn with huge logburner. George made us feel very welcome and provided some excellent lunch and a wide variety of dessert and homemade cakes."

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks for such lovely comments. Hope to see you again."

Clare Crosley reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course with Afternoon Tea

"I had the most brilliant day, Paula was just excellent, such a lovely lady full of knowledge and was so helpful. The soap making was really fun and enjoyable and I learnt a lot. She went out of her way to cater for me as a vegan and made the most yummy vegan sandwiches and scones, I was very spoilt. I would extremely recommend this course ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you Clare. So happy you enjoyed!"

Tim Garwood reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"We thoroughly enjoyed our day with David. Excellent 1-1 teaching, simple to follow instructions and a great experience. We are so pleased with the Hooks and Froe that we brought home! Totally recommend!!!"

Richard Cummins reviewed: Whittling course

"A great beginner course that teaches you the health and safety aspects of handling really sharp knives, this is so important plus sharpening your tools. Also wood types and where to sustainably source the materials, you then finish with a few projects that will impress your friends. Add a great homemade lunch, and an excellent day was had by all."

Gillian reviewed: Heritage teddy bear making - residential

"Thank you for a wonderful weekend creating my heritage jointed bear called Wilbur. I have never attempted to make a bear before and was thrilled to see Wilbur taking shape and actually finished. All the bears created had their own individual personalities and were delightful. There was lots of banter and laughs between all the ladies on the course, creating a lovely atmosphere in which to work. Kathy is a kind, helpful, and generous host / instructor, always ready to give help and encouragement. She provided us with lots of drinks, biscuits, cakes and delicious lunches, a real treat. Thank you for a wonderful memorable weekend. Regards Gillian"

Crafty Breaks in the Lakes responded:

"Thank you Gillian for such a heart-felt review. It was, indeed, a pleasure to teach such a lovely group of ladies, and we certainly had a few laughs! I hope your family welcomed Wilbur into their midst and who knows - you may create some siblings for him at some point in the future."

David Tasker reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"What a great course! The tutor Peter and assistant Eamonn were great at keeping the group working with simple blocks of instructions we could all follow and produce a surprising amount of finished work. I really enjoyed it. If you like hitting things with a hammer - this is the course for you."

clare campbell reviewed: 3D pyrography with colour workshop in Lincolnshire

"I received the course as a birthday gift, I had been practicing pyrography for more than 6 months, so not a beginner but certainly no expert! Susan took this into account and tailored the course to fit my needs. The course was well structured and interesting, building on the skills I had. The course has opened my eyes to the diversity of pyrography, media, 3D and colour. I have more confidence and knowledge to be creative. Would highly recommend the course for those wanting to learn more."

Becky reviewed: Paint night, paint, sip, chat and take home your masterpiece

"A very enjoyable evening with Chrissie - who's great at creating a fun and relaxed environment. Creative and relaxing!"

Kirsty reviewed: Paint night, paint, sip, chat and take home your masterpiece

"Absolutely fantastic, thoroughly enjoyed the evening, like therapy! Calm, relaxing and fun!"

Sarah reviewed: Paint night, paint, sip, chat and take home your masterpiece

"It was a fun workshop and very relaxing, just what i needed for a good night out. I'd definitely come again."

Anne - Sophie reviewed: Paint night, paint, sip, chat and take home your masterpiece

"Great atmosphere, very good explanation with the freedom to decide what to do, i wouldn't change a thing. Thank you very much for the opportunity to try something new."

Attendee reviewed: Paint night, paint, sip, chat and take home your masterpiece

"A therapeutic way to destress and express yourself!"

Attendee reviewed: Paint night, paint, sip, chat and take home your masterpiece

"I am not an arty person but wanted to try something new. It was a fun evening and I managed to produce something that I'm happy to display!"

Attendee reviewed: Paint night, paint, sip, chat and take home your masterpiece

"It is a lovely way to socialise and meet new people and learn new skills! I have been here before and enjoyed it so wanted to come back! 5 stars!"

Attendee reviewed: Paint night, paint, sip, chat and take home your masterpiece

"Fabulous evening! Haven't painted before and I'm actually going to hang this up in my living room!"

David Lilly reviewed: Gem cutting - faceting basics - the step cut square facet

"Another amazing afternoon spent with James. This was a longer workshop (nearly 5 hours) than the previous one I booked but the time flew by. James began by explaining how and why I'd be working on the gemstone (a Citrine), and off we went. We stopped throughout the afternoon to disucsss how things were going and how I had to got to each stage and what was to come, and knocked back mugs of coffee as we went. I left the workshop having facetted an amazing little pale Citrine cut in a square (cant' remember the technical term for it's shape) and a smile across my face. As with the previous workshop I had to leave the gemstone with James so that it could be de-glued from the dop. I returned the next day to collect my gem which was presented a little case and I was absolutley delighted with the result. I would thoroughly recommend this workshop, and whether you do this and the cabochon one or not, they are both superb and worth every penny."

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

"I took my mum to this course as her 60th birthday present and we both absolutely loved it! Sandra is an amazing teacher, before we went I was worried that we wouldn't be able to get the hang of jewellery making but both myself and my mum came away with pieces of jewellery to be proud of. Sandra really went out of her way to help you create and is a very knowledgable and talented craftswoman. We were taught a number of different techniques and ways to create what we had in mind. I cannot stress enough how fun this day was! I would love to do it again. It's a perfect birthday present for anyone considering this as a gift."

Sandra Kerns Jewellery responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review. It was an absolute pleasure teaching you both and I look forward to seeing you again in the future. Sandra"

Jane McGregor reviewed: Macrame Pot Hanger Workshop

"What a Lovely way to spend 2 hours, not only learning a new craft but also enjoying the lovely friendly surroundings. I will definitely be back for more. Thank you Alice ?"