Latest reviews

Ian Clay reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"I did the beginners course at Ridge Farm Diggle on 17th / 18th August. It was a fantastic two days and a very thorough introduction to the craft of drystone walling. The whole team of instructors (and members who called in during the two days) were the most enthusiastic, informative and friendly bunch, you could wish for and they brought out the best in we beginners! I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend the course. A big thanks to Paul, Chris, Gill and the rest of the team."

Kathy Taylor reviewed: Have a go at weaving, St. Agnes, Isles of Scilly

"I thoroughly enjoyed my two-hour session with Trish on St Agnes and made a stunning piece of fabric which I’ll be using to make two small cushions once I’ve moved house. Trish gave excellent tuition and I had free reign of her huge selection of yarns, making a much bigger piece of woven fabric than I’d thought possible."

Twisted Bobbins responded:

"Thanks Kathy for taking the time to review. Your weaving was so inspiring - I can still picture those lovely colours in my mind - perfect match for how St. Agnes was when you were weaving! Hopefully see you again next year!"

Karen Ray reviewed: Antiquarian book repair day

"This is an excellent way to restore a favourite book as Stephen explains the process and works alongside you. It was really interesting learning about and trying out the techniques. Stephen was a very interested, friendly and patient tutor. I had looked throughout the UK for a course on one to one tuition and can highly recommend this one. I had never been to Frome before and at lunchtime having a walk into town beside the river was a lovely break. Overall, I really liked the bespoke flexibility which is excellent value for the money, having a professional bookbinder tutoring and working alongside you makes the day a special experience and you end up with your book bought back to life - very happy"

Kerstin reviewed: Stylish personalised keyring

"A great experience. Had a fun afternoon making a beautiful pendant. Charlie is a great host, we sat in her garden studio enjoyed the atmosphere and were creative. A good alternative to sightseeing in Brighton. Would do it again any time."

James reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"Charlie is a fantastic host and my girlfriend and I had a great time constructing some great candles. Highly recommended!"

Jane Mackridge reviewed: Beginners Traditional Stained Glass 2 Day Course

"Excellent course - I would recommend to anyone who wants to try something new. Lovely workshop in a great location. Gill is an excellent teacher with a huge amount of experience that she loves to share. I made a lovely stained glass window panel that is now proudly hanging up at home and is admired by many. Thank you Gill - I'll be back for more."

Vivienne Withers reviewed: 6 Week Beginners Evening Stained Glass Course

"Fantastic course, time out to create something really special. Thank you Gill, you were amazing, great teacher! Thank you xx"

Tracey Price reviewed: 6 Week Beginners Evening Stained Glass Course

"Fantastic, had the best time ever and came away with a unique piece of art! Thanks Gill, it was such a pleasure!!! Tracey x"

Steve Cochran reviewed: Beginners 1 Day Traditional Stained Glass Course

"Fabulous day and learnt lots from this lovely lady! Thank you so much!! Steve"

Sonali Adnaik reviewed: Natural (cold process) soap making workshop with afternoon tea

"I really enjoyed this soap making course. Looking forward to doing some more courses with Julie. Thanks to Julie and Janet for yummy lunch. Julie you’re really good host and tutor gave lots of information during course. Explained all the steps so clearly and lots of options for ingredients. Thank you"

Danny and Tenesia reviewed: Beginner's DIY Hand Sanitiser Natural Soap Course

"Honestly fantastic class. Roxana was so welcoming and really knows what she's talking about. Really appreciated her patience with us too as we had to reschedule on a few occasions to do the class but it was worth it in the end. Very straight forward, so easy to learn at least the basics to soap making, and the rest is experimenting really. We highly recommend this class."

Aziza Ali reviewed: Beginner's DIY Hand Sanitiser Natural Soap Course

"I have enjoyed the evening learning the technique and theory about the soap making process. Roxana was very experienced and knowledgeable and I would recommend she is right tutor to learn from. The best part of the course was how important the health and safety was as I have young children and to keep the ingredients far from their reach. It's been an experience journey."

Kelly reviewed: Make your very own crossbody/messenger bag

"I cannot recommend this course more highly. I received this as a gift and it was brilliant. Richard is an excellent and patient teacher and I loved that he gave instruction but let us do all the making on our own bags. I am so proud of the product I left with and I absolutely cannot wait to start my next project. I would call myself a complete novice too so no experience necessary but Richard gave such great advice about buying leathers and tools also so everything I need to keep making at home. Thank you for a such a great experience."

Rachel and Jamie reviewed: Beginner's DIY Hand Sanitiser Natural Soap Course

"We had a great afternoon learning how to make soap. Roxana definitely showed us how easy the process is, and shared all her knowledge based upon her own experiences with making her own soap. The take home notes were a great addition, and it was great to be able to make the soap on the day to take home. We can’t wait to make our own!!"

Steve Fox reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"What a hoot we had - Jo really knows her stuff and it wasn't too long before we were confidently making candles and melts. I really enjoyed tailoring my creations with all sorts of fragrances and I particularly loved making the wardrobe fresheners too - there were jars brimming with dried flowers and spicy fruit which meant I was making something truly unique to me. I'm looking forward to giving the things I've made as personal gifts to my family and friends at Christmas (although I may keep the rhubarb candle as it smells amazing.). I can't recommend this experience enough, what a brilliant day out!"

Sue Lambert reviewed: Decorated Gin Glass using Powertex and fabric sculpting at White Sunflower Creations in Birtley

"New to Powertex, great introduction to the product."

Matt reviewed: Leather working craft course in France in a beautiful workshop

"Wonderful course, set in the beautiful surroundings of the French countryside. I've been for the last couple of years, both beginner and advanced courses, I highly recommend. Jonatan is a great teacher, I worked mainly in veg tanned leather, learning to hand 'saddle' stitch; wallets, sunglasses cases and an amazing tool case. Accommodation in the beautiful manor house is included as well as spending time dining with fellow craftspeople, the photos don't do justice to how great the ancient workshop is. I will be returning!"

Steven Kwong reviewed: Carving & sculpture workshops

"An excellent day of thinking outside the box to have the creative mindset before delving into the wood carving lessons. We talked nearly non-stop and pondered over the many philosophical topics all of which helped towards the journey of a creative thinking process. My grateful thanks to Gareth who gave such a warm wonderful welcome and enlightening moments and for his teaching guidance. I learnt a great deal and will be carrying on to start on my own journey to wood carving, life drawing and become a better observer. Gareth’s house in the rural settings is a wonderful place . For me, It’s a step back in time before all computers have intrude into every aspect of modern lives. His art sculptures and art works are just simply delightful and uplifting and vibrant but sends a serious message us all to look after and treasure our planet and nature herself. Mr Jones is simply an amazing teacher and an extraordinary craftsman."

Claire reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"I really enjoyed this workshop that I received as a birthday gift. The studio space is great and the numbers on the workshop worked well. Alice is lovely and very talented, good at passing on her skills and gave us all the time and support we needed. I was so pleased to be able to walk away with a weave that I'd made on the day, on my first attempt at weaving too. Really would recommend this workshop."

Sarah Wilkinson-Wright reviewed: Upholstery skills - from basic to advanced, traditional and modern styles

"Attending Manor House School of Upholstery is a weekly highlight. Jan and Angela pitch their teaching at your level and are very patient. It’s a great opportunity to learn new skills and make friends in a welcoming and supportive environment."

Geraldine Harpur reviewed: Glass painting with Sarah Lewis, Wolverhampton

"Really enjoyable course ( I felt terrible as I got lost and arrived late), however Sarah, her husband and other ladies on the course made me feel very welcome. Lovely welcoming atmosphere and Sarah had thoughtfully provided some soya milk for me. Although I have not painted on glass before she helped me to learn the basics. Very friendly atmosphere, we all enjoyed a laugh and learned some skills in a pleasant, relaxed fashion. Good communication and teaching skills. very positive approach, which I appreciated. The dogs were very friendly yet unobtrusive. I have become keen on glass painting and plan to try more of it...I SO need more practice ! ...Spent a fun few hours , definitely recommend...Thanks Sarah, Geraldine."

Sarah Lewis Designs responded:

"Thanks so much for the lovely review. So glad you enjoyed it. It was really nice to meet you. You did a great job! You don't need THAT much practice! Lol! Hope to see you again! Sarah."

Susan Callcutt reviewed: Sea glass pendant making workshop at Crook Hall

"Another enjoyable course with lovely wearable jewellery to come away with. I felt honoured that you offered such large pieces of sea glass from your own collection. Thank you for sharing your lovely sea glass finds and your skills and experience."

Bench Box responded:

"You're welcome Sue, thanks for coming along, some more lovely jewellery you've created!"

Fiona Rust reviewed: Wet felting / needle felting workshop: Private session with Zenia from The Lady Moth

"I organised a private workshop for our team as part of a team building day. Zenia was really accomodating from the start and really knowledgeable so helped us to come to a decision on what workshop would be best for us. We ended up doing mushrooms. What a fab afternoon we had. Zenia was an excellent teacher and took us through step by step with really clear instructions. We were all complete beginners but all came away with a great mushroom. Would thoroughly recommend - am trying to find an excuse to book another one! Thank you Zenia!"

Malcolm Blackie reviewed: 'Make and Mend' Woodworking Course in North Norfolk

"Well equipped, fun and enjoyable. I am doing and making things I would never have thought possible. Good company and skilful patient tuition."

Katherine D reviewed: Two day leather bag making workshop

"Just spent a lovely couple of days at Rosanna's studio in Cranleigh. With Rosanna's help I made a bespoke outdoors backpack for my Husband's birthday, which he absolutely loved! I learnt a lot over the two days - enough to have a go at a few small projects at home now. My 10 year old daughter came with me on the second day and she absolutely loved it. Rosanna taught her how to make a few items which she was over the moon with and great activity for her during the school holidays. She has already said she would love to go back again another time. Thank you Rosanna, we both really enjoyed it!"