Latest reviews

Jo McCann reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"What a lovely day and what a lovely lady Jo is. I had a great time and will be enjoying the items I made for a long time. Such great value for money. Would highly recommend ."

Adrian reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Excellent course. Extremely knowledgeable instructors who made the course interesting and enjoyable too. Ample drinks throughout the day and lunch was thoughtful too. Highly recommended."

Adrian reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"Excellent course. Extremely knowledgeable instructors who made the course interesting and enjoyable too. Ample drinks throughout the day and lunch was thoughtful too. Highly recommended."

Charlotte & Chris reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"My husband and myself had ourselves a fantastic day with Nigel in his workshop. Being a complete novice to woodcarving, I was delighted to take home a lovely relief carving of a leaf that now has pride of place in my living room. Nigel was an excellent and attentive teacher and we would happily recommend his sessions to anyone looking into trying out this fascinating craft. The lunch provided was excellent and we were able to sit out in the sunshine to eat, along with plenty of tea and cake to keep us fueled throughout the day. We even got to have a look at the sea of bluebells currently growing in the wooded area behind the workshop too. All in all, a cracking day and would happily attend again."

Amy Adams reviewed: Sewing retreat: patchwork magic with Charlotte Newland at Muncaster Castle

"What a wonderful retreat in a beautiful location!"

Carl reviewed: Mixed Media Painting Workshop in Brighton Seaside Home

"This was a great day of experimentation and play. It was great to use some mediums I had not used. The relaxed atmosphere meant that ideas and experience was shared well."

Graham Deakin reviewed: Rustic oak garden bench - one day course

"My wife gave me the bench making experience as a gift. In fact we worked together on it. Ian has everything ready and supplied some lovely oak pieces for the seat and back. We used ash for the legs and chestnut for the back supports. We used traditional hand tools to do the shaping and smoothing. The result was super and now sits proudly in our garden. Ian was helpful and patient. Our arms and shoulders were aching, but we had a rewarding day and a bench that should outlive us. Thanks Ian."

Jennifer Silver reviewed: Saturday Silver Clay Jewellery Workshop at Ransom's Pavilion, Hitchin 9.30am - 12.30pm

"I attended a beginner's silver clay course and I thoroughly enjoyed it, all the required materials were supplied and the advice given was great. I was very pleased with the results and have worn the pendants I made, I even got compliments from people who didn't realise I had made them."

Tuuli Parker responded:

"Lovely to hear that people were impressed with what you made! I'm so pleased to hear you enjoyed the workshop and really appreciate you taking the time to leave a review."

Jodie King reviewed: Saturday Silver Clay Jewellery Workshop at Ransom's Pavilion, Hitchin 9.30am - 12.30pm

"Absolutely loved this class thank you so much! Got so much out of it and so pleased with all the jewellery I got from it!"

Tuuli Parker responded:

"That's so great to hear! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, it's greatly appreciated :-)"

Joe Weston reviewed: English Longbow making in Cumbria

"I had a great weekend with Tony making a longbow at Ynot Coppice. It's a great experience camping out in the woodland and using traditional tools to make your longbow. Tony is a very encouraging and knowledgeable teacher and is always on hand to help keep your project on track. He also has an excellent knowledge of the manufacture of bows and their importance as weapons in years gone by. I had no previous woodwork or archery experience but still managed to make a bow I was very happy with and to shoot a few arrows at the end of the course. I'd highly recommend this experience for anyone who enjoys being outdoors and would like to learn a new skill."

Carol Ward reviewed: 'Applique & stitch' discovering Machine embroidery: a 'Quirky Workshop' nr Ullswater & the Lake District

"A thoroughly enjoyable day working with the very talented Sarah Ames. I loved seeing her beautiful workmanship and she was encouraging and patient in ensuring we all produced some amazing work. It was great to meet so many interesting people and we were made to feel very welcome in Annie’s home. Thank you ?"

Carol Ward reviewed: Felt art -(wet felting )with Debra Esterhuizen, Appleby , Cumbria

"Debra’s enthusiasm is contagious; I thoroughly enjoyed this workshop! Seeing all the lovely completed works and array of yarns and threads in the studio is exciting and informative. Debra is encouraging and helpful, generously giving lots of ideas and materials in order to produce work to be proud of. Well worth a visit, this perfect venue has a wonderful cafe and handy car park(have £3.30 with you) ?"

Carly Atwill reviewed: Lampworking Workshop: Full Day Beginners Workshop

"Suzanne is extremely knowledgeable and takes the time to explain the finer details of the craft, in a way that was easily understood. She was extremely patient and guided us through the course with the upmost care, which was illustrated by the fabulous beads we produced. I couldn’t believe just how many we managed to make. I would thoroughly recommend this course."

Suzanne Jewellery responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to review your workshop. So pleased you enjoyed your day. Suzanne"

Steve reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Bristol with Joanna Williams, Fire Iron Art

"I had an amazing time on a Blacksmith Experience Day at Underfall Yard with Joanna - she’s a fantastic teacher with a good balance of direction and freedom to make mistakes and learn from them, and I left with a surprising number of useful creations! Great birthday present :)"

Guy Tasker reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"If you are thinking about attending a day or two with Nigel, stop thinking and book it! Just got back from a fabulous day at Fransham. Nigel is such a character; full of stories and experiences, along with an incredible talent for blacksmithing which he appears delighted to pass on in the most informative and entertaining way. Having never tried this before I went with some trepidation but this was quickly dispelled with Nigel's friendly and informal approach and I can't believe how much we made in the day, 5 beautiful forged articles from ornate pokers to lovely key rings.. Beautiful mementos of a wonderful day. I will be returning for another day when I have worked out what I want to make next. Thanks Nigel!"

lesley wills reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"I attended the beginners course over a year ago and was hooked!!! Mathew's endless patience, skill and enthusiasm is infectious and I now have a class every month; what an amazing gift from my brother in 2018. Thank you Mathew, for so generously sharing your passion for pottery. Give it a go!!!"

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Lesley, It is an absolute pleasure seeing your creativity grow each month and understanding of each technique. The big kiln reveal after decorating and glazing all of your work was really exciting, with outstanding results. I look forward to seeing you again in May. Best wishes Mathew"

Deb reviewed: Bespoke Interlined Curtains

"Another great day with Janet. I learnt the tricks of the trade about hand stitched roman blinds earlier this year and returned yesterday for a lesson in hand stitched, interlined curtains. Again, Janet was able to share top tips to make a fantastic product as well as sharing ways in which she dealt with the large pieces of fabric which curtains inevitably are. I would recommend her courses to anyone who wants to make professional looking window dressings. You won’t be disappointed."

Liz Robinson reviewed: Introduction to summer millinery - 1 day - Newcastle NE1

"I have just attended this course with Margaret and loved it. Margaret taught in a small group and adapted the session to meet the needs of students. I was really proud of the hat I made. A great workshop thoroughly recommended."

Margaret Woodliff Wright Millinery responded:

"Liz - thank you very much for your lovely review. I too, am delighted with the beautiful poppy red boater that you made in our class. I know you will wear it with great pride and pleasure when you are at the wedding. Well done & Happy Hatting!"

Linda Saunders reviewed: Silver Clay Beginners Workshop

"I have attended this workshop today and I have arrived home buzzing from the all round experience ...I’m totally hooked. Marianne’s class was so relaxing and informative. She has a wealth of experience in the craft to share and nothing was too much trouble. She showed how to rectify small hitches in our work as we experimented with different techniques. It was a completely lovely day and we all took away some silver pieces to be proud of. I have now arranged a one to one workshop to polish my skills and knowledge. I would highly recommend this beginners workshop."

Grey Clouds & Silver Linings responded:

"Thank you Linda, I'm glad you enjoyed your day and are now a Silver Clay convert. I look forward to seeing where your silver clay journey takes you and working with you in the future."

Paul Wood reviewed: Wood turning courses

"The day I had with George was very informative . George is a good teacher and made the day very enjoyable. I was very pleased with bowl I made and well looked after with lunch tea and coffee. Thanks again Paul Wood."

Cathryn Parton reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"My third visit and my daughter’s second. Thoroughly enjoyed our time and can’t wait to collect our finished pieces. Lovely relaxing afternoon. Thank you Sarah x"

pam budd reviewed: Seedheads, grasses & flowers, 1 day free motion machine embroidery workshop

"I really enjoyed this informative day course run by the inspirational Alison Whateley. She was very generous in her encouragement and where to source the necessary materials, all given in a very relaxed atmosphere."

Roslyn Whiting reviewed: A General Leatherwork Skill Day

"I recently had a course with Nigel. It is my second course with him and it was as good as the first, if not better. He perfectly pitched the course to the stage I am at now. He was able to build on the skills I already have, taught me new ones and shared his knowledge, so I can become a better leatherworker. He is so encouraging and has a great sense of humour. I can see a big difference in my leatherwork since coming back from the course. You also get to work with some amazing tools! I will definitely be booking another course with Nigel, he has made such a difference. I would highly recommend his course."

Jason Crawford reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A great introductory day to blacksmithing. Easy going, knowledgeable guys in a working blacksmiths shop with good food thrown in. Highly recommended."

Alan Buckle reviewed: Taster pottery throwing lesson (various dates)

"Had a really enjoyable morning. I was a total beginner. Jack was patient and his instructions and advice were very calm and clear. He was always close by to help when things went wrong, which was not too often! Watching a pot rise before my eyes was a very satisfying experience. I am looking forward to seeing my pots glazed and finished. Will certainly do more as I enjoyed it so much. Thank you Jack and thank you Laura who gave me the course as a present."