Latest reviews

Claire Adams reviewed: Learn to make either silver earrings or a pendant

"On a bleak March evening, in the midst of planning my wedding, having never attempted jewellery design before I decided I wanted to make my own bespoke piece of jewellery to wear on my wedding day - impossible I thought, but following encouraging emails from Rose, one week later I was in her pendant workshop. Terrified at first, Rose soon put me at ease and with her gentle encouragement and patience I got to grips with the tools. Rose was faultless as a tutor and a true joy to learn from, encouraging us to play with the different tools and techniques before commencing work on our final pendant design. Speaking of which, my final piece was just how I imagined - elegant and simple. I couldn't believe what I had achieved in just one day! Roll on five months and I got to wear my pendant necklace on my big day and received many positive comments on it, so thank you Rose! And to echo Catherine's comment below: do not hesitate to book on this course, you won't be disappointed!"

Form & Adorn responded:

"Claire, thanks for such a lovely review. I'm really pleased you not only enjoyed the course, but also managed to make something to wear on your wedding day, which by the sounds of it you were very proud of. Hope your wedding day was great! Rose :)"

Bill Quinn reviewed: Wheel thrown mug workshop

"We had a really great session with Jack. He was a excellent teacher, patient and very helpful. Great venue, had all the necessary tools etc. Our first time at throwing a pot and we ended up with 3 pots each. And they actually looked like proper pots!!."

Alison Gilbert reviewed: Handmade canes, beads and jewellery from Polymer clay in Bedfordshire.

"Thank you, Bernadette. I thoroughly enjoyed my creative day with you! I was chuffed with the first set of beads I made. But couldn't believe how professionally complex the beads had become by the end of the day! I can't wait to try out these new skills - I just hope I can remember all the steps! I would thoroughly recommend Bernadette and this course to anyone who is even vaguely interested - I guarantee you'll be hooked by the end! p.s. Thanks also for the yummy soup and bread."

Treasunique responded:

"Thanks so much Alison, I so enjoyed our day of creativity!! Also how enthusiastic your were in all aspects of the process, all the best as you move along in your new skill of designing jewellery!! You already have a customer wanting to buy your blue set!!"

Kristin Copeland Ramold reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"We had a wonderful, relaxing day on the boat. We learned a lot too. I would highly recommend the class!"

Jackie reviewed: Tapestry Weaving for Beginners with Fiona Nisbet

"I really enjoyed the 1 day introduction course, my piece of work I created from this event is on my wall! I have now booked for the 2nd day. The course teaches you the basics for weaving and provides you with the confidence to try new methods and materials. Fiona is a very knowledgeable tapestry weaver. I can recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn tapestry weaving. Great lunch too."

Shropshire Weavers responded:

"Thanks Jackie. So glad you enjoyed it. It was lovely to meet you and Barbara. Look forward to seeing you both again in October."

Vivien Newiss reviewed: Natural soap & cosmetic products workshop

"Well done crafters cottage team, what a excellent day, from the greeting at 10.30 to the farewells at 16.00, the day whizzed past. We made so many products, all carefully explained and individual help and assistance where needed, we all came away with professional looking bathing products. Julie followed up the day with the relevant paperwork and recipes, a better idea than handing them out on the day. I will certainly book some of the other courses on offer, at this amazing, quintessentially English venue, with its lovely afternoon tea."

sheridan haynes reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"Done a 2 day and a 3 day course recently with Jason. It was really inspiring and informative. Loved the knowledge and tips given throughout the course and the attention to detail. I thoroughly recommend it to all who want to improve their craftsmanship and learn hand methods."

Joanne Hunt reviewed: Silver clay boxes and beads workshop

"Fantastic course with Anna! I thoroughly enjoyed this class, my favourite part was learning to construct a more 3D pendant. Anna is a great teacher and demonstrates and explains the techniques in detail and has great tips on working with metal clay. The setting for the courses is great, just a short walk from Edinburgh Waverley if you are travelling, lots of space to work and a great lunch as well! It was nice to learn more about Arienas collective too and the other courses that they offer, I would definitely recommend taking a class with Anna and at this venue."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Thank you so much for this lovely review Joanne! It was a pleasure to have you join us for our first-ever silver clay boxes and beads class with Anna and we're glad you enjoyed it so much. The pieces you created were lovely, and we are delighted you were pleased with them. I hope to see you at The Arienas Collective again sometime soon. Keep creating! Best wishes, Lynn"

Trisha Raye reviewed: 1-to-1 tailored course with one of the UK's leading glass artists Jennifer Barker, at the Cheshire School of Glass

"I was recommended this course by a well known UK Glass Suppliers . It was the best creative thing I have ever done, Jenny is an authority in the fusing area and her ability to teach specific kiln worked glass skills is incredible. It was such good value for money considering the materials and information I have come away with. She is a star."

Jenny Bishop reviewed: Introduction to glass fusing at the Cheshire School of Glass

"I have done many creative courses over the last 10 years. Jenny is the most generous teacher I have ever been to. She is one of the UK's leading authorities in glass fusing and makes it hugely easy and enjoyable, effortlessly passing on huge amounts of knowledge and oodles of inspiration. The glass workshop is warm and instantly you feel at home. Jen let us all use our creative freedom but cleverly guided us without us even knowing. A wonderful experience. No wonder so many people rave about her."

Lami Buckley reviewed: Beginner's Weaving Class / Introduction to multi-shaft weaving (Weekend Course)

"I thought this was a really brilliant course. After having just bought a 4 shaft table loom on eBay, it was just what I was looking for. We learned how to use table looms, warp the loom, follow draft patterns and lots more. Alan was a great teacher. He is very relaxed and approachable. He provided the perfect balance of technical information and fun, freestyle weaving. The atmosphere in the class was a lovely laidback but focused vibe. The class size was small allowing for lots of individual attention if needed. Everyone was encouraged to experiment and explore in their own way. After the course I was able to warp my loom and start weaving at home!"

Anne reviewed: Jewellery School North, Ring Making With Luxury Afternoon Tea & Fizz-

"We attended the Ring In A Day with Rachel Elizabeth Wood to make our own wedding bands. My partner and I have no experience of design or making and Rachel made us feel so comfortable. She is a very talented professional jeweller in her own right and helped us to design what we really wanted. We went for the upgrade option and paid the extra metal costs to have them cast in white gold. On the day she showed me how I could adapt the contour of the wedding band to my engagement ring so it would sit nicely on my hand, something I hadn't even thought of. The day was excellent value for money and we couldn't of asked for any more. We now have something to keep for a life time. A must do!! Thank you Rachel & Team"

Rachel Elizabeth Wood responded:

"I am so glad you enjoyed the day. It was so rewarding to see you both make something so unique. Thank you so much for coming! Rachel x"

Liz reviewed: Jewellery School North, Ring Making With Luxury Afternoon Tea & Fizz-

"I had the most amazing day with Rachel at the stunning lake house at Wyresdale Park. I was blown away with the professional standard and level of hospitality we received. The afternoon tea was lovely and we had it served to us over looking the lake. I felt at home from the very beginning. Rachel loves her job and she was a fantastic tutor. She is funny and very friendly so the atmosphere was great.. I was a little nervous at the beginning of the day as I hadn't done jewellery making before and had booked to attend the day on my own (Which as it had turned out a few of us had). The class was mixed abilities and Rachel adapted the lesson to each persons level. I felt very supported by Rachel and made the most amazing item of jewellery that I will treasure forever. Highly recommended...will be going back!"

Rachel Elizabeth Wood responded:

"Liz- Your ring was stunning! We look forward to seeing you again for another great day. Best wishes, Rachel :) x"

Helen Burns reviewed: Glass fusing with artist Patricia Lee - as seen on BBC1 Home Is Where The Art Is

"Had a thoroughly enjoyable time at this workshop. Having not been sure of my 'artistic' skills, I came away feeling very happy and confident with my piece. Patricia completely put me at ease. She is extremely knowledgeable and above all patient!! Would definitely recommend this course and hope to have another go myself."

Gillian Rainer reviewed: Handmade canes, beads and jewellery from Polymer clay in Bedfordshire.

"I had a very enjoyable and relaxed day and Bernadette was a very patient teacher, as I was a beginner using polymer clay. I anticipated the process to be very complicated and was amazed to find how easy it was to produce a variety of canes and turn these into my beads. I soon realised that the only limit was my imagination.I am now looking forward to practicing cane and bead making and would certainly attend an another day with Bernadette to improve and expand my skill base. I can highly recommend Bernadette's home made soup and fresh bread."

Treasunique responded:

"Oh Gillian you are so kind!! Thank you for sharing such an enjoyable day with me, so happy you found it easier than expected. It was great to see how confident you were when the canes were ready to turn into beads and of your own compilation. I would be very happy to see you on a return visit (ChuffChuff) LOL :)"

Philip Rivett reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"I attended the full day workshop where at the end of the day I made 4 items learning new skills with every item. Rosanna was very informative and was happy to share her skills and knowledge. The day has encouraged me to continue to do leather work at home. Thank you, Rosanna"

Lin reviewed: Jane's Nice & Easy Crochet Workshops

"Jane is a very patient and enthusiastic teacher. Her groups are kept small to enable everyone to have individual attention. I would highly recommend Janes workshops whether you are are a complete novice or just want a refresher. I have met lots of lovely like minded people at the workshops. Its a lovely relaxing way to spend 3 hours. I was a complete novice when I started and with Janes excellent teaching I am now officially a crochet addict."

Deborah Reid reviewed: Stained glass for beginners | Lead lights

"A really wonderful course. David was such a patient and encouraging teacher and very generously shared with us his lovely studio space, plus his expertise and experience of making stained glass. It was a real sense of achievement to create our own lead light panels to take home and fun to meet new people and try something new. I would definitely recommend this course."

Ben Horridge reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"I highly recommend the course. Arian is a very inspiring teacher. You gain experience working with metal, wood and leather. I got the bug and taken up knife making as a hobby as a result of the course."

Felting Workshop reviewed: Needlefelting workshop at Dalkeith Country Park

"Jo is so good at helping bring the group together. She helped everyone get through their nearvousness at trying something new. It was amazing what everyone managed to create. The way she made sure everyones work was framed up made it even more precious because it could go on the wall. Its a really great group experience. Highly recommend it, even to people who don't feel 'arty'. Its like going to an art class too. Jo gave so many clever colour tips that made it all look so professional."

Tess reviewed: Taster pottery throwing lesson (various dates)

"My husband and I had a wonderful lesson with Jack. The setting is spectacular and all the equipment is provided. Jack is an excellent teacher and explained everything as we went along. Even after I had managed to stick my thumb into my spinning pot he just lent over and magiced it back together for me! We would highly recommend this course to anyone. Thank you Jack!"

GEORGE PATERSON reviewed: Make a spindle-back chair

"What a wonderful week I had taking my woodworking to another dimension by turning a "bit of a tree" into a fantastic chair using traditional hand skills. Thanks Peter for sharing your skills and expertise with me in a way that encouraged a better understanding of what can be done with green wood and opening up a whole new interest for me. As well making the chair the social aspects of the course were great, allowing collaborative working and a good ethos. The set up Peter has is well organised and resourced to allow the chair to be completed in the one week timescale. The food provided was also excellent. One week on and at home I have built a shave horse and am gathering tools from ebay and looking to source green ash. I'm hooked! George"

Beth Threlfall reviewed: Making a mosaic with slate

"This was my first time working with mosaics, and I loved it - the slate is so beautiful and I had no idea there were so many varieties of it. The conservatory was a great place to be working in, with so much natural light, and Rachel is an excellent teacher and very informative and encouraging. I enjoyed the session a great deal and am sure I'll do more of this."

Judy reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"I thoroughly enjoyed my first two hour session making a pendant, a Christmas decoration and a sun catcher and was delighted with the result. I was more confident with a second session and had more of a plan of what I wanted to do. Sarah was so helpful and accommodating without "taking over". I made a larger sun catcher which sits beautifully in a small round window and some more Christmas decorations which are so simple to do and very effective. I would heartily recommend this course to anyone - it is great fun!"

Lisa reviewed: Needlefelting workshop at Dalkeith Country Park

"The needle felting workshop with Jo was great. Really nice, relaxing and great fun. Brilliant to learn something new and Jo was a great teacher and friendly host. Would definitely recommend giving the workshop a try."