Latest reviews

Clare reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"Went on the workshop for beginners, as a birthday present with my sister. Had a fantastic day learning a new craft. Sophie made us very welcome and put us at our ease straight away. Considering we had no previous experience of needle felting we both came home with a lovely animal. The workshop is set in a lovely garden and the whole experience was relaxing."

Elliot Manarin reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"I attended the 1-day knife making course as a guest, I bought the experience for my wife for Christmas. As usual, I left things right to the last minute but Spike made sure I received my wife's gift voucher in time. From the moment we got to the forge Spike made us feel completely at home, his relaxed manner coupled with both his extensive historical and scientific knowledge made the day one of the best experiences I've been to, and I was just spectating! Furthermore, there will be only one request for my birthday present, a day at Spike's forge! p.s. he makes an awesome BLT sandwich!"

Lucy Barry reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"What an outstanding weekend. So much more personal than we were expecting. Both supportive and pushing us to be creative, and the results were fantastic. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much whilst also learning. I can’t wait to go back!"

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Lucy, We had a great day teaching all of you to throw on the wheel, seeing your creativity develop throughout the day using hand building techniques. I am sure that the famous Barry honeycomb technique will be used for future decoration.The work created was excellent and we can't for you to receive the finished glazed work. Should you want to return in the future for another workshop it would be a pleasure to have you back to develop your ideas further. Best wishes Mathew & Rachel"

Nicky anderson reviewed: Weekly precious jewellery / Silversmithing classes

"5 years later and still loving the workshops with Al and Jesa. I’ve learnt a huge amount and still learn something new every term. Jesa and Al have huge patience and support. Thank you for helping us all to achieve the pretty sparkly things we want to make ??"

Cirlei Ioris reviewed: Natural soap and skincare workshop

"The workshop was well organised and it was amazing how much we learnt to make lovely soaps, creams, bath bombs, lip balms, bath bombs, bath truffles, body butter and body scrub in a day. Nic and Ben are great facilitators. I enjoyed it very much. Many thanks"

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Hi Chile, Thanks so much for your lovely review! I'm so pleased you had such a great time and hope you are enjoying using your products! Nic"

Julia Salter reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Again a very enjoyable machine embroidery course. I really enjoyed it and especially to having time to be creative. So many new techniques, I just need to practice them now ."

Dawn Ireland Textile Artist responded:

"Thank you Julia for your lovely review."

Liz reviewed: Pottery throwing course, Aylesbury

"Great course with clear instruction from Charlie. Time taken to assist individually was much appreciated. Relaxed atmosphere. A lovely day learning something new."

Vicky reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"A lovely day spent in a cosy studio full of inspiring creations. The small group size, combined with Adela’s clear and patient instruction, made this the perfect introduction to mosaic making. Highly recommended."

Michelle Leahair reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"If want to have a fun day learning to needlefelt then this is the course for you. Sophie is a fabulous teacher. I was a complete beginner when I first went on Sophie’s workshops 5 yeas ago and I keep going back because I learn something new every time. Her masterclasses are great if you want to focus on the detail. She is incredibly knowledgable about her subject and very generous with her time. I cannot recommend this highly enough."

Mandy reviewed: Beginners/improvers glass fusing workshops in Hemingford Grey, Cambridgeshire

"As a complete beginner to working with glass, I thoroughly enjoyed my day with Carole. I laughed a lot, learned a huge amount about the craft and found creativity that I didn’t know existed! Carole managed our different experience levels well and allowed each of us to work at our individual pace offering support when requested. I have come away with some surprisingly beautiful pieces, so huge thanks to Carole and my fellow participants for a truly memorable day. I would heartily recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in the subject."

Chandrika Mukundan reviewed: Contemporary stool making weekend course

"A wonderful way to spend the weekend in a beautiful verdant setting. Ambrose and Aiden were excellent teachers- small group so better attention given; very friendly and guided well in creating our own masterpiece!"

Antonia Fleming reviewed: Copper Foil Technique Stained Glass

"Fantastic class with lots to learn from the very talented teacher Amanda. We had a great day cutting, filing, wrapping and soldering our creations after learning the steps. We’re both really proud of our beautiful creations and would not hesitate to recommend this wonderful class to anyone wanting a good day crafting and learning a new technique."

Derek Brown reviewed: Glass fusing discovery day

"The one day glass fusion course with Katherine was a great experience. Katherine's beautiful studio was the perfect setting for the course. I was made to feel most welcome when I first arrived with a cup of tea and homemade biscuits. In the studio we were given aprons and safety glasses and Katherine explained the safe ways to handle glass. We were then taught to cut glass in straight and curved lines. After practicing basic cutting techniques I constructed a coaster. Following more instruction I made a bowl and a piece of jewelry. I felt very comfortable with Katherine's friendly style of teaching and giving assistance when asked. An excellent lunch and refreshments were provided on the day. I picked up my finished pieces about 2 weeks later and I am very happy with them."

number8glass responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Derek, it means a great deal to me and I'm so pleased you enjoyed your day."

Helena Tuckwell reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"Attended this course as a complete novice. Sophie was able to share her knowledge and is super friendly. We each came home with a wonderful felted animal - much better than anyone new to felting could hope for. I am now able to felt animals & I'm delighted with the results."

Danielle Simpson reviewed: Mosaic experience workshop for two with award winning artist Julie Vernon Nottinghamshire

"My mum booked this for us a a birthday treat, and it was a fantastic day. Julie was brilliant, so helpful and knowledgeable. Her work was phenomenal and I was delighted with the piece I brought home with me. I would definitely recommend Julie."

Julie Vernon Mosaics responded:

"Thanks for the lovely review … enjoy your mosaic makes!"

Jane Ward reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"Just attended my second day course. As before, it was great fun and I came away with something I was really pleased with. Mat and Nicky are enthusiastic and patient teachers. Thanks for a great day."

Vicky Jordan reviewed: One day introduction to glass fusing in Medway, Kent

"I received a voucher to attend this course after a big hint to my other half. I had a fantastic day creating and experimenting with the glass. Bev is warm and welcoming and very generous with her hospitality. I would definitely do this course again"

Beverley Bunn Glass Art responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review Vicky! It was certainly a real laugh in the studio this week and your rainbows brightened it up for sure! You're welcome back any time x"

Jackie Storey reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"Sophie is very generous with her help and materials. The atmosphere in her classes is relaxed and friendly and classes are small. Sophie starts you off on your coach project and then she is on hand all day to help when needed."

Susanne reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"I have been on 3 of Sophie's courses and thoroughly enjoyed them all. It is a great way to spend a day and make a unique needle felted model. Very patient tuition from Sophie was greatly appreciated."

Marion Clark reviewed: Intensive 2 day mosaic course with Claire Cotterill Mosaics @ Martineau Gardens, Birmingham city centre, West Midlands.

"I really enjoyed this two-day course with Claire. The days were well organised, informative and productive, as well as relaxing. Claire generously shared her expertise with the group, and I am happy with the mosaic I produced. The indirect method is quite hard, detailed work but also very rewarding. And the lunches were lovely"

Scott McKenna reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"My friends and family chipped in to send me and a friend on this course after they noticed that I happened to be watching a lot of Forged in Fire lately and it was well worth the money. Working as a machine fitter who earns a living from a workshop, I had a small degree of confidence that I'd be going home with something that resembled a Viking kitchen knife and a functional bottle opener. This definitely would not have happened without Colin's guidance and wealth of experience and thanks to him the items came out better than I expected for a first timer. The experience was both enjoyable and educational which leaves you finishing the day with a sense of accomplishment (I had to get some beer on the way home to test the bottle opener). Colin taught us how to properly heat steel, work it using a wide range of different methods, while also explaining what colours to look out for, how to treat the steel and how to rectify any mistakes using the best possible techniques. Although Colin kept us supervised to make sure we weren't about to ruin our work, once you work yourself into a rhythm you also get a liberating sense of independence while working on your project. Overall, a brilliant day out, taught by a very experienced and down to earth guy. I would love to go back to make something else in the future and would recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in trying their hand at blacksmithing."

Maria reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course with Afternoon Tea

"The course was fantastic! Paula is lovely and made us feel so welcome in her beautiful home! She was also very well prepared for her lesson and safety conscious as we had to work with Lye to make the soap. The session started off with an explanation of the theory of soap making, Paula then explained very clearly how to use the soap calculator and then we started with the practical part of the course, which was to actually make the soap. During the session, Paula was supportive throughout and answered all our questions clearly and accurately. The lesson then ended with afternoon tea. We took our beautiful soaps home and a sample soap from Paula. It was not only a lovely day out but I learnt so much on making authentic soap and it has also boosted my confidence! Highly recommend this course :)"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Hi Maria, thank you for the feedback. it is very appreciated!"

Angela Fuhrmann reviewed: Making a mosaic with slate

"Rachel is a patient and encouraging teacher. She gave comprehensive information regarding material and method and helped when needed. It was a super working atmosphere. I came from Germany to attend this workshop and I'm happy that I did it."

Leon Kramarz reviewed: Woodcarving Tuition in Cornwall

"I attended a one day private workshop with my son and his wife. Zoe was a great teacher, very attentive and knowledgeable, and it was impressive how much we could achieve and learn in just one day. We drove from London and stayed in the farmhouse for a couple of nights and it was a truly lovely stay. The location is beautiful and relaxing: a typical English countryside. Highly recommend it."

Claire hewlett reviewed: Upholstery course - bring your own project

"I had a really good week at Pollys studio! Very excellent teaching, she really knows her business and is also really helpful and supportive. A lovely atmosphere for learning and being able to reupholster beautiful chairs and have a good old chat!"