Latest reviews

John Gibson reviewed: Creative Machine Stitching

""Helen is clearly a very talented sewing tutor who knows her stuff and is able to impart her knowledge in an interesting and lively manner. I have thoroughly enjoyed her class this morning as Helen demonstrated every aspect of the making of bunting from start to finish - that was so useful for me, as each stage was explained and shown. As a complete novice to this sort of thing, I felt quite nervous about doing it but Helen was brilliant at building my confidence and allaying my fears. Helen enabled me to believe in my own ability and I was able to see clearly what I was expected to produce. All aspects of Health and Safety were covered to ensure that I was safe during this project. Above all, Helen was comprehensive in her delivery and was able to field questions on any aspect of sewing, from equipment, tools and materials even down to the best thread to buy. It would be great to see her offering other courses and I, for one, would enjoy doing another one. I have been totally inspired by Helen's approach to the point that I am now hooked on watching 'The Great British Sewing Bee" - a programme that held no interest for me until I met Helen. Now I absolutely love the true art of sewing. Thank you so much Helen for sharing your enthusiasm, enjoyment and passion!"

Helen Moyes Designs responded:

"Thank you for your review John. I am glad you both enjoyed our workshop and that you increased in both confidence and skill. I'm so pleased to hear of your new found love of creative sewing and am working at developing more courses."

Malcolm Clark reviewed: Woodturning 2 day workshop

"I had an amazing couple of days at Andy's Woodworking. Covered loads of topics including choice of tools, sharpening methods, workpiece design and production approach. Really good hands-on learning and the opportunity to make something unique."

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thanks Malcolm for your company over those two days You have an aptitude for Woodturning so don’t let it go !!buy yourself a lathe Ps went for one of Mary’s flapjacks today and the tim was empty !where did they all go ? Sincere best wishes Andy mary and angus"

Lois Johnston reviewed: Rainbow mosaic wall plaque (interior) - a mosaic kit in a box

"Came beautifully packaged with everything I needed to begin straight away. Spent a very happy few hours playing around with the tiles, gluing them down and grouting on the following day. Very happy with my finished item! May buy the other one to do next……"

Lucia Arrospide reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"What an organisation!!the course was absolutely worth it. Paula and Rosa were amazing. Very well explained and the result stunning. Im going to do another course with them. Super helpful. Many thanks you are a great team ????"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you very much Lucia, I hope to see you in our other courses soon. Take care and enjoy your soaps!. Paula"

becky gulvin reviewed: 'Make a silver ring' jewellery taster workshop - Somerset

"What a fantastic course, Roderick is friendly and fantastic at teaching and encouraging complete beginners like me! Everything was fully explained and and I had such an enjoyable time in a fab venue. I have come away with a ring I love and will be sure to return in the future. Thank you :)"

Roderick Vere responded:

"So pleased you had a great time Becky. Was great to meet you and see the wonderful ring you rustled up too! Take care and stay in touch."

Colin Hiscock reviewed: Woodcarving for beginners - two day course in Suffolk

"Wonderful two days letting Gerry teach me what I do wrong showing me new techniques I-had never thought of filling me with enthusiasm and knowledge so I can advance further than I thought possible. He is an excellent teacher and mentor with a truly brilliant workshop set up and safe practice in these times. Thanks Gerry"

Cath reviewed: Lampworking Workshop: Half Day Beginners Workshop

"I did this with a friend and although we were somewhat nervous about working with a flame and molten glass before hand, we had a really enjoyable morning and gained a lot of confidence. The techniques that Suzanne teaches are fun and achievable, and we can’t wait to get our beads in the post to see how they turned out."

Eileen reviewed: Cleft ash gate making with Gedwood

"I’m amazed as a complete novice with Ged’s guidance and patience I managed to produce a sturdy functional gate. It was a fun weekend, the open air workshop plenty big enough for four participants."

Gedwood responded:

"It was a good workshop Eileen. A gate to turn your neighbors heads!"

Liz Roberts reviewed: Resin Art Experience

"*Sticky but Fabulous* Not cakes but a Resin Painting day with Eunice! I had no idea what to expect as I was a complete novice. Before anything listen to the advice to ‘ double glove’. When you get sticky you can remove the top pair and on you go. A little tricky initially but Eunice is the most helpful, able and patient tutor. Explaining every step of the way and ready to jump in and help as soon as needed. I am very pleased with what I achieved and you can can apply the techniques to other areas of your art or just make it a really rewarding one off present and experience for yourself and a friend. When you have finished your artwork, it is left in the studio and posted out to you, ‘when cured’ in just under a week. It’s a shame that I am unable to add pictures but be assured that you will create something unique and stunning. Liz"

Eunice J. Friend responded:

"thank you Liz, I am delighted you enjoyed your day of sticky creating. Both your artworks were fabulous. I hope you have them up on your wall. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Eunice"

JOHN HUME reviewed: Epoxy resin river coffee table workshop

"I have previously attended a course run by Richard Wagner which was excellent in all respects. Richard was extremely well prepared with good facilities and material for the project. He is very skilled on the techniques and also has a generous and informative style of teaching that encourages all skill levels to take part. I would thoroughly recommend Richard and the course."

Rachel Farran reviewed: Make A Silver Bangle

"We had a fantastic day! Rachel’s teaching was fab and has encouraged us to try more jewellery making."

Rachel Hearne Jewellery School responded:

"Aw Rachel I really enjoyed meeting you both. What a fantastic duo you were it was obvious you had a great time. The bangles you both made turned out beauttiful I was so pleased to see your results. Hope to see you again. -Rachel"

Vanessa reviewed: Needle Felt a Bumblebee

"I didn't think there was any chance I could complete my first needle felting project during an online class but with Gwen's help, I am now the proud maker of a charming felted bumble bee. Gwen's screen set-up and instruction were excellent, as was the kit she mailed out. She is a welcoming, organized and very talented teacher and I look forward to my next chance to take a class with her."

LESLEY NUNN reviewed: Zarzo Baskets

"We enjoyed our day making SARZO baskets. The venue, set in a wooded, area was perfect. Nikki and Brian are great tutors and at the same time make the day relaxed and fun."

Linda Hosken reviewed: Fused Glass workshops at Bere Alston, near Tavistock, Devon

"OMG, I did not know what to expect, and was a bit apprehensive, as I have never worked in this medium. I should not have worried, Wendy talked me through the safety procedures, and then demonstrated how to cut straight edges, and then onto onto curves, I also had a 'go' at grinding edges of glass. Looking through her extensive collections of photos, gave me the idea for my piece of wall handing, drawing it first, and then onto cutting the many colours of glass that i chose to use. Wendy was attentive, but let me work at my own pace. I was absolutely thrilled with the piece I carefully placed in the kiln, I cannot wait for the finished piece to arrive. Thank you Wendy for such an enjoyable day, I feel i learnt a lot in a relaxing, and beautiful studio with a first class tutor."

Edward Garrett-Jones reviewed: Beginners spoon carving

"Hi Nick, Thanks for the tuition and also thanks for your enthusiasm in running the spoon-carving course. It will be something I will remember in years to come. 40 years ago I spent some time in South Yemen where there was nothing even remotely resembling a spoon. Wonder if they use spoons nowadays? I sorted the balance on Monday. I am looking forward to starting your book. Would you be interested if I sent you some extracts from my father's wartime diaries? I sent you ad odd sum to cover the book balance and the gloves so please let me know if I need to adjust. Hope we can meet again soon."

Gosman Spoon Co. responded:

"Hello Edward Thank you for your kind words. Spoon-making HQ at the moment seems to be Romania and Portugal where I believe they have people selling them in markets. Your Father’s wartime experience sounds like an amazing story. I would be interested in finding out more. If you could share some extracts, that would be fantastic. Perhaps we can work together on it? I’m between books at the moment, so the timing is good :-) Best wishes Nick Nick@gosmanspoonco.com"

wilma reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"A very enjoyable course. Well organised and a nice product to take home at the end. Paula is very knowledgeable and happy to share this. She made sure everyone was involved and I could thoroughly recommend the day."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you for the lovely feedback. I hope you enjoy soap making in the future. Paula"

Susan Cranmer reviewed: Fused Glass for Beginners - One day workshop

"I had a great day with Jan. She is passionate about her craft and passes on great advice to a beginner. We were shown all the basic techniques to get us started on our own projects with help and suggestions to fire (no pun intended :-)) our imaginations. Jan allow us the use all her materials (which are considerable) so that we could experiment as well as making something beautiful. I would thoroughly recommend this course."

Jan Simpson Studio Glass t/a Koru Arts responded:

"Thank youfor your lovely review Sue. Your piece is cooking in the kilns today and should be ready tomorrow."

Pam reviewed: Weaving kit - a workshop at home

"The Spiral Weaving kit from Daisy Florence Design was great fun. The easy-to-follow instructions and excellent choice of materials make for a very relaxing way to spend a quiet afternoon."

Sharon reviewed: Live Online Macrame Pot Hanger Workshop with Posted Materials

"I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop, fabulous way to spend a couple of hours on a Sunday afternoon. Alice was excellent, so patient, online workshops must be quite a challenge especially for something so complicated. I cannot recommend it enough, will definitely do another."

Andrea Stark reviewed: 1 Day bag making course - 10 design options

"I signed up for the 1 day Back Pack making course and thoroughly enjoyed it. The tuition and knowledge Rebecca provides is first class. I have since signed up for 2 more courses and I am sure there will be more. The studio is nice and easy to find, all the materials you need are to hand and plenty of parking available. I can highly recommend Rebecca's courses, if you are thinking about signing up and are a little unsure I would definitely say, Go For It!"

Paul Williams reviewed: Blacksmithing course with Longdog Smithy

"Very enjoyable few hours"

Sue reviewed: Making Wax Wraps

"Really relaxed course and as usual Wendy was fun and informative in her instruction (and she makes a decent cup of tea). This course was fun to do and I am really pleased with my wax wraps which have already been put to good use. Will definately being buying some supplies from Wendy to make some more."

Lindy reviewed: Beginner's Candle Making Private Workshop - Marlow, Buckinghamshire

"I attended candle-making course with Sarah on 13 June. I very much enjoyed the session, which was well presented. than you Sarah"

Candle by Events responded:

"Hi Lindy, I am really pleased you enjoyed the workshop. Happy candle making!"

Amy reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"From start to finish this was the best experience day we have ever had, and worth every penny. You cram in so many techniques and tools whilst forging and get to understand what really goes into this craft. My Forged in Fire mad Dad has not stopped telling everyone about it. You are in charge of every step of the process, Jon expertly guides you from the side lines and steps in if you need anything. Jon is crazy knowledgeable and so wonderfully kind, the day with him flew by. I highly recommend this experience, you will have so much fun and get chance to unleash your inner blacksmith."

Katharine & Mark reviewed: Introduction to woodturning: for two people

"Thank you for a lovely day. We really enjoyed ourselves & went away with 2 beautiful bowls. Bill is a skilled craftsman and a very patient teacher, explaining everything carefully & happy to answer lots of questions. We would thoroughly recommend this course."