Latest reviews

Julie reviewed: Soy wax container candle making workshop - morning

"A birthday treat for my friend’s 50th. It’s three weeks ago now and the candles still smell very fresh. My friend and I both had some personal worries and after admitted that we had not thought about anything except which fragrance to choose and which dry flowers to decorate the jam jar candle! A good escape for the afternoon. Lindsay is very helpful. The downside was that the premises are a bit grim on arrival."

Mount Cottage Crafts responded:

"Thank you Julie for your review, I am very pleased you enjoyed the afternoon. The venue is currently being repainted so will look less tired in the future. Many thanks Lindsey"

Brigitte reviewed: A complete introduction to wet felting

"I loved the experience of learning how to felt wool, Olga was an amazing teacher. She explains all the processes very well. I highly recommend if you are curious about felting."

Audrey Steele reviewed: Hand embroidery in the Lake District - Make a lavender bag using 3 techniques in 3 days

"Sarah Dennis is a true artist with thread. Be prepared to learn embroidery by a classically trained tutor. The course was fabulous and I feel I learned much more about the classical way to embroider and do goldwork. It was intense and close work, so really make sure you bring close work specs if you need them, or a magnifier. The venue is spectacular! Karen is a wonderful host. The accommodation is very comfortable with en suite facilities in every room. The bed was the most comfortable I've ever slept in. The rooms are very spacious so there is room for your family to come too if you wish. My break was respite so I thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful location, wonderful views and the glorious weather. The food was delicious, varied and thoughtfully presented. I cannot recommend this venue highly enough. There is a lot of thought going into the development of the venue as a "go to" location for recharging your batteries."

Swallows & Artisans responded:

"Thank you for your amazing review Audrey. So pleased you enjoyed it. It was lovely to meet you and I'm looking forward to seeing you again. x"

Sally Sherfield reviewed: Introduction to making mosaics (Beginner level)

"My first attempt at mosaic and I thoroughly enjoyed this class . Sally was an excellent teacher and made the lesson really enjoyable. Plenty of tea and biscuits too , the perfect way to spend a Saturday."

Amy Dinham reviewed: Experimental Monoprinting (includes gelli printing)

"Ruth's garden studio was the perfect backdrop for a super relaxed and creative day. Ruth's expertise in teaching was clear as she was very patient, concise in her instruction and provided us with a hand-out of all the different techniques we were able to develop. I had some prior knowledge of mono printing and with Ruth's expertise, I was able to develop my skills further and realise more potentials of this technique. Thank you Ruth, you were a truly magnificent host- delicious lunch and home made brownies, with free-flowing tea or coffee to boot."

Amy Palmer reviewed: Introduction to making mosaics (Beginner level)

"Sally was wonderful and the whole day was so much fun. Great mother/daughter time had by us. Even if I did have to drag mum there !! I’ll drag her back to another one soon :)"

Ben webb reviewed: Greenwood carving at Sallerton Wood

"Amazing course, with great expertise and teaching skills by Andy, friendly and informative throughout in a beautiful peaceful location. Without a doubt I will be booking again in the future, can’t recommend enough."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks Ben, for your review, and we're glad that you enjoyed the course and the environment in which it took place. We're looking forward to seeing you back at Sallerton Wood again before long."

Bev lewis reviewed: Learn to Felt - An Introduction to Felt Making in Birmingham

"Fantastic course - Emma was friendly, and encouraging . She took her time to explain the processes and as an absolute beginner, I left with the confidence and excitement to continue with this subject. We made two pieces to take home and I am looking forward to signing up for other courses. A really enjoyable lesson, thankyou x"

Clive Dsawson reviewed: Welding course: Mig, Tig, Stick, with the Iron Lady - Bradwell Blacksmiths

"Very good course covering the basics with plenty of hands on work. Natalie is very calm and forgiving and happy to keep on showing how its done."

Chandrika Mukundan reviewed: Skills - Ultimate power tools

"Absolutely delighted that I attended this course with David. He is a very knowledgeable, extremely patient and understanding teacher and methodical in his approach. I came out feeling much more confident that I will be able to use the power tools and use them safely."

Astri Yuliastini reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"What a amazing unforgettable experience, Jason and Louise are good teachers. It's only a 2 day course but it felt like I knew them for a long time. Both are very patient, kind, very professional and inspirational! Amazing couple! They imparted a wealth of information regarding leather work, leather, tools and techniques, combined with the opportunity to put some of it into practice."

Bill Field reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Turned up for the day course and thought there would be a few of us. But it’s was one to one , Alex not only was a great guy , but his teaching excellent as well . Basically he shows you first and then you do it . The whole day was fantastic and I went home with something I made from start to finish . Well worth the money ."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Bill, thanks for the great review. I am glad you enjoyed learning the techniques and are happy with what you made. Alex"

John Wright ( with Brian King) reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"An excellent day course with Andy. My mate Brian invited my along to the course, I didn't know what to expect, but in any case it was a good opportunity to catch up with Brian. I was very impressed with the course, lots of time to try out wood turning and making a bowl to take home. The workshop was well equipped and very clean, at least to start with (lots of wood shavings at the end!). Andy was an excellent teacher demonstrating the use of turning tools and showing other techniques. I was very proud of the finished bowl. Thanks to Andy and of course Brian John 18-5-19"

Rhiannon reviewed: Glass fusion workshop, Cardiff, Wales

"I took my two children to Glass by Design to make a glass coaster. They had a great time constructing the design of the coaster under Kathy’s careful guidance. She was very supportive and patient. Nothing was too much trouble. The session flew by and both children (11 and 10 years old) said that they had both thoroughly enjoyed the class. They were even more pleased to see the finished product a week later, and both coasters look very professional. Would certainly recommend this experience, and only wished I had booked myself on the course at the same time!"

Glass By Design responded:

"So glad that everyone enjoyed themselves. They made such lovely creative projects."

Angela Wadey reviewed: Make a casebound notebook, bookbinding workshop, Shrewsbury, Shropshire

"I had a throughly amazing time. Naomi put us all at ease and guided us through the steps we needed to do, to end up with lovely case bound notebooks. I enjoyed every minute and can't believe I actually made some lovely books. I would highly recommend this for anyone to try."

Helen reviewed: Drawing Tai Chi - 1 day workshop - Worthing West Sussex

"Have been to several of the Life Drawing workshops before and always enjoyed them. This one with musicians was a bit different and quite a challenge as they were clothed and constantly moving! A nice relaxed atmosphere, helpful encouragement and words of advice from Tricia and the music was great. I'd love to have another go at this."

Art with Tricia responded:

"Many thanks for your positive feedback and continued support of the Life Drawing workshops throughout the year."

Sara cook reviewed: ZZZ Personalised Silver Stud Earring making course in South Devon

"Was on this course today with my daughters it was given to me as a Christmas present. Really enjoyed it and meant a lot came away with a lovely pair of silver earrings. Thank you, it was great fun.. I would like to point out though on the course description it says it covers soldering which I was really looking forward to doing, so was disappointed to discover it wasn't included. Hence the good review and not excellent.."

Bigbury Mint responded:

"Hi Sara, Thank You for your feedback. We're glad you had a great time with your daughters. We have amended the course details, thank you for bringing it to our attention. We would like to offer you 20% off the ring making course, which does soldiering as a good will gesture. We hope you can make it! If you would like to please ring our office on 01548 830717 and they will be able to apply the discount. Have a good day :)"

Kate potts reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"Lucy is a great tutor, great tips and so patient. I loved the day and feel so much more confident to have a go in my own. Homemade cakes in abundance served on beautiful plates, tea coffee and the most delicious lunch . Just a fabulous day with wonderful company."

Pat Anderson reviewed: Crochet Party

"Hi, I’m trying to find a crochet class that I can attend. I know the basic stitches but can’t get my head round patterns. When are you doing a workshop?"

Sharon Dobbin reviewed: Introduction to Kintsugi

"I have to say,the course was excellent. Lovely teacher, felt so comfortable being in the class ,and learning the art of Kintsugi . Knowing that no matter what happens in our life, where we may feel broken and hurt that we can learn so much from our trials and can even benefit from them. The gold that we seek in the pottery together is the golden nuggets we gain from our trials. Thank you so much Pippa, you were amazing.!!!"

Pippa Pixley responded:

"Thank you Sharon, That was so kind of you. Pippa xx"

Kathy Lamb reviewed: Textile design one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"What an amazing course. It’s years since I picked up a pencil so felt a bit nervous. Penny was lovely. Encouraging, good advice. Thoroughly enjoyable. Gorgeous studio and great snacks. Thanks Penny"

Sian reviewed: Paper craft and card making workshop

"I really enjoyed my card making workshop which was held on 4th May, although i'm not an experienced crafter, it was easy to follow and I made two beautiful cards (saves my buying two cards for the future now!). I will definitely be booking in again. Thanks Dizzy Doo-Dah Crafts!"

Karen reviewed: Wire wrap ring making workshop at Sheila Kerr Jewellery, Irvine, Ayrshire

"Loved this. Came on a girls weekend with my mum. So nice to have made something together and to have a bespoke ring for mum."

Sheila Kerr Jewellery responded:

"Hi Thank you for posting your review. I’m so glad you enjoyed the workshop. It was lovely to meet you and I hope you have many happy times wearing your pearl rings. Regards Sheila"

Ruth Horry reviewed: Glass fusion workshop, Cardiff, Wales

"My brother and I took our mum on this course for her 60th birthday, hoping to make some memories as well as some keepsakes. The day did not disappoint! The classes are very intimate (max 3-4 people), so you get lots of one-to-one guidance. Cathy helped each of us take an idea and make it happen, and we each came away with something totally different, and that we felt really proud of. The team at Glass By Design are all lovely, too. I can't recommend this course highly enough"

Glass By Design responded:

"Thank you for such a lovely review. So glad it all arrived safely! Hope to see you again soon Cathy"

Liz Jones reviewed: Lace pattern porcelain ceramics in Kendal, South Lakes

"I attended Nik's course with a friend and another lady. We had a truly wonderful day learning new techniques, chatting and producing beautiful porcelain pieces. Nik was a great teacher and host, patient and good at explaining the process and allowing us the freedom to experiment and try our own ideas as well as giving us expert tips. The experience was wonderful, in a beautiful relaxing environment, and I was so pleased with the results of our labours. Highly recommended, and I cant wait to do another course!"