Latest reviews

Mal Hallard reviewed: Expressive painting in oils or acrylics

"I find Liz a great inspiration. She has a perfect balance of support and direction with helpful demos and constructive advice as your work progresses. She has helped me to loosen up my style and produce more expressive work. The studio and garden are inspirational and relaxing places with the added benefit of a great gallery attached. I thoroughly enjoyed her Expressive Gardens workshop and its such a treat to have all the materials you need provided on the day."

Christina reviewed: Furniture Painting Workshop (levels 1&2 techniques covered) in Warrington, Cheshire

"Attended the furniture painting and upcycling workshop a few days ago and it was excellent! The workshop was a perfect size, really chilled and informal and the location was perfect, surrounded by beautiful gardens and a fab little café. Jo was an excellent trainer and I picked up some great prepping and painting techniques and advice around the best paints and brushes to purchase. Will definitely be attending more of Jo's sessions! X"

The Boho Shed responded:

"So pleased you enjoyed the workshop Christina. It was a pleasure for me and your little chair looked really gorgeous. I look forward to seeing you again soon. X"

Anastasia reviewed: Needle felt a robin - live online workshop

"I have really enjoyed this course - the kit provided was excellent and Gwen was a great teacher in explaining everything! Both my sister and I managed to have a nice finished piece by the end of the workshop and we never done any felting before. We really enjoyed it and I would highly recommend this course to everyone !"

Rachel Beeston reviewed: Enamel Jewellery - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"The enamelling course with Rach was absolutely brilliant. The workshop is in a beautiful setting. She is a great instructor, clearly very knowledgeable but explained the steps simply. She gave us plenty of freedom to choose what we would like to do and was always on hand to answer questions. A really friendly and relaxed approach which made for a wonderful morning. I couldn't recommend enough."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much. It really was a lovely morning. And well done for your beautiful pieces."

Natalie reviewed: Needle felt a robin - live online workshop

"I am not a particularly creative person but was persuaded to have a go at this by a friend. It was actually really good fun and I did much better than i thought i would. I've never really done much craft work before but Gwen was really good at explaining how to make the picture so in the end mine didn't look too bad for a beginner! It was a really relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Would definitely recommend this course. It was a great way to spend an afternoon and I now have a picture I made myself to put on my wall."

Andrew McQuillen reviewed: Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

"I had only made one thing with leather (a wallet) before going on this course I walked out of Clive and Wendy's home on Sunday night with a fantastic handbag my wife loves. Let's backtrack a bit though. The course should have been in July and was cancelled due to covid. But all through I was kept up to date from Clive or Wendy and never thought for one minute the course wasn't going to happen. From the moment you draw up outside their house their attention to covid requirements is fantastic. It also never dropped over both days. Enough on that. Safe to say you are well looked after. The course itself is very well structured and takes you step by step in bite sized chunks through the bag making process. From doing a test stitching piece (a purse for the bag) through cutting out dying leather, cutting straps, attaching straps, decorative sewing. The list goes on. This course is no picnic you work hard for two days, but with the good humour, dedication, great teaching and obvious love of leather making from both Clive and Wendy the weekend flies by, and you leave with a beautiful piece you can truly be proud to have made."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Hi Andrew, Really pleased you enjoyed the workshop. Thanks for commenting on the Covid-19 measures. We have put a lot of thought into how we run the workshops with this issue in mind, including reducing the student numbers, our new demonstration area with screen etc. etc. We're also really pleased that your wife likes the bag. It's a new bag of our own design offered for the first time on last weekend's workshop so you're the first student to complete it. We're hoping to add some of the photos we took of your bag to the Craft Courses listing later today. Great to meet you and enjoy your future leatherwork."

Claire Boyle reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course

"I loved this course and its really inspired me to make an effort to do this as a hobby to learn & perfect this craft. I didn't think I'd absorb as much info as I did and I also had no appreciation for the theory behind making a great candle. Paula was friendly, informative, patient & so willing to share her passion. The day flowed very well, just enough to take in and it was a real treat to take time out for me! I'd highly recommend it :)"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Hi Claire, really pleased to hear you will take candle making as a hobby and I wish you all the best. Paula"

Charlotte reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking with Gedwood

"A great introductory workshop. I had a really enjoyable day learning the basics and trying out various different tools and techniques including using the pole lathe. Ged is a great teacher, very knowledgable and patient and I enjoyed learning from him. Its a beautiful relaxing setting and I'd recommend the course, its definitely inspired me to learn more!"

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks for that Charlotte. I enjoyed the day too! See you on the log to stool course"

Fay Hallard reviewed: Expressive painting in oils or acrylics

"Spent a lovely relaxing day in the Secret Garden last week with Liz. The perfect antidote to these strange and unsettling times. Learning painting techniques and colour mixing tips to create an expressive garden painting in acrylic using the inspiring surroundings in the garden. Liz is very supportive and provides all of the inspiration and resources required to make this a thoroughly enjoyable day."

Cheryl Cox reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"I had a brilliant time on the all day mosaic tiling course, the time flew by. Adela provided a warm welcome so I was immediately at ease. She is an excellent tutor giving lots of encouragement on our projects. She started by talking through a helpful worksheet, demonstrating how to cut tiles, providing helpful tips and then we were let loose on our projects. The main thing I discovered was that the mosaic tiling is very tricky! I will definitely be back to do one of her other courses."

Colin Wicks reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"A birthday gift from my partner. And what a great day it was. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Came away with a knife I can use in a bit of bushcraft. Nothing fancy but function is more important. I've used it and am well happy. Definitely recommend."

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks Colin, I hope we'll see you again soon."

Jane Shaw reviewed: Bead and Wire jewellery: a Cowshed Creative workshop, in the Lake District National Park near Kendal and Windermere

"As an experienced silver smith just taking up making again after a long break I found this course a useful aid to help me re engage with the stages of making. I really enjoyed making the spinner ring and found the tutor Amanda to be very patient and helpful, showing how easy the whole process of making a spinning ring can be, and the endless design possibilities that there are. The Cowshed was was a really nice venue for the course and so tranquil and George was so accommodating with coffee and the food was superb! And the barn was so warm as the day was rather cool. I had a wonderful day and would definitely come on another course."

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks for such lovely comments Jane. Great to meet you and hope to see you again."

Wyndham reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"I had been looking for a course that covered the fundamentals of woodworking for a long time now and so was fortunate to find one both local to me but also as good as this one. For me the course had just the right balance of learning the basic skills, putting into practice what we have learnt and seeing tangible results. My thanks to Aiden and also to Mark for their patience and making the two days an interesting and wholly enjoyable course. I hope to attend future courses but for now intend on practising my new skills. I would highly recommend this course to anyone considering it."

Kate Palmer-Marshallsay reviewed: Needle felting - woodland creature or bird, or other small animal: (beginners+)

"This is one of the best courses I have ever attended! Sally is an inspirational teacher who clearly loves her craft and wants to share this love with others. I started the day with zero experience of needle felting and left with my very own small needle felted cat! Now I have the bug and want to create more and more animals. I will definitely attend another of Sally's courses :)"

Craft Workshops responded:

"Kate, thank you for your review. It was a truly wonderful day and I am really pleased you will be carrying on with needle felting. Look forward to seeing you again before too long :)"

Anne Branch reviewed: The Suffolk Silk Scarf Painting Workshops at The Arty Silkworm - Fabulously Creative

"We were the first post lock down group. Just three of us so plenty of space. Very relaxing day with no need to be 'arty' at all. Took lunch outside so good to be mask free for that time. Came away with 2 samples which will make 2 cushion fronts and a wearable scarf. Very productive day. A scarf is included in the price but it's a little extra for one you can wear multi ways. Thank you Ruth"

The Arty Silkworm responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review and I’m so glad you enjoyed the workshop Anne; it was a super day. Your lovely big scarf was really beautiful and so vibrant, I hope you enjoy wearing it in all its versatility. Best wishes Ruth"

Gail Wallace reviewed: Lakeland Landscape - gouache & mixed media at Cowshed Creative in the Lake District National Park

"Georgie was a wonderful hostess. She made us feel safe, warm and welcome. The food she provided was home made and delicious and the portion sizes were very generous. Karen was a capable tutor and gave plenty words of encouragement."

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks Gail! Great to meet you and Susan and hope to see you again."

Michelle Kent reviewed: Introduction to oil painting at Cowshed Creative, the Lake District near Windermere

"Loved every minute of this course! The place was amazing - a beautifully converted barn in stunning surroundings, providing plenty of space, light, warmth/ventilation for workshops. This was my first proper venture with oils so I wasn't sure what to expect, but Catherine was superb - guiding us through the tools and techniques simply without overwhelming us. Her experience, style and approach created a relaxed, creative atmosphere where you felt able to experiment. Whilst there was a range of styles and experience amongst our workshop attendees, everyone was really supportive and the variety added to the experience and discussions. I learned so much during the day and left genuinely inspired to develop my painting further. Thank you! On a more practical note, the booking process (and re-booking thanks to Covid) was seamless, with everything set up to enable social distancing and the operation of safe procedures. Drinks are available throughout the day, and food is delicious and plentiful - you definitely won't go hungry! The day was a great treat for me and my Dad and I would love to return for another (or more....) Hugely recommended!"

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks so much Michelle. Great to meet you both and hope to see you again."

Fiona Cox reviewed: Candle Making Course with Belisama Candles (A Peta approved brand )

"I have always loved fragranced candles and my house is usually full of them. I went on a candle making course at Belisama Candles and Sharon the owner was fantastic. She explained everything in detail and demonstrated how to make the candles of your choice . She has a wide variety of ideas, oils and many more items to make and also to purchase. These candles have a wonderful everlasting fragrance that burns for a long time. I would definitely recommend any purchase for gifts for your home and have a go at attending the course. It's amazing how they are made. From beginning to end, perfect. Thankyou Sharon. X"

Belisama Candles responded:

"Thankyou for your lovely words Fiona, so glad you enjoyed the course, the pleasure was all mine, Enjoy burning the candles you made ?"

Steve Tonkin reviewed: Dry stone walling at Cowshed Creative on our traditional Lakeland Farm, Lake District near Windermere

"Thank you Cowshed for a great Dry Stone Building course. The location is fantastic in the Kentmere Valley. Loads of walls to look at and discuss. The course itself was fantastically hands on. I learned so much and I have to thank Richard for his ability to allow you to learn whilst not stepping in too often. We worked on a real section of wall and all the tools and necessary safety gear was provided or made clear what we needed to bring and do. I've been inspired that I have already repaired one wall and now lining up a new long section to build. The food and drinks were delicious and right on time when we needed it. Thank you again. I thoroughly recommend this course for any one thinking of doing a course in dry stone walling!"

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks Steve for such a great review. Hope to see you again."

Hilary Rowley reviewed: Oil Painting Portraiture Skills with artist Cat MacDiarmid at Cowshed Creative, Lake District

"We were blessed with a lovely sunny day for the course and the venue looked spectacular in its remote setting. The measures taken for COVID avoidance were very good and I felt that it was a safe setting for the course. Catherine is a very accomplished and knowledgable local artist. She provided some excellent stimulus materials and taught some good sketching techniques in the morning. George provides a great lunch of soup and a variety of breads followed by delicious deserts. Tea and coffee are available throughout the day. In the afternoon Catherine discussed techniques for producing portraits and then we all worked on our own portrait. There were 5 on the course and every one chose a different method and medium to produce their work. A most enjoyable day."

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks so much Hilary for such a lovely review. Good luck with your portrait project and hope to see you again."

Charlotte Rose reviewed: Needle Felting Workshop - landscape pictures

"A fantastic morning. I'd never done needle felting before, but under Pip's expert tutelage we quickly picked it up. Lovely chatter, a delicious pastry, and beautiful finished pieces. It was really good to take two framed pictures home. Highly recommend!"

Pippaluk Crafts responded:

"Thank you really had a good time."

Paula reviewed: Silver Ring Stack - 3 Rings in a Day

"I thoroughly enjoyed the course we did making bracelets, Rachel gave us enough guidance to feel really confident and plenty of time and freedom for creativity. I’m just waiting to be able to do the stacking rings course in the future"

Rachel Hearne Jewellery School responded:

"Thank you Paula it was so nice to meet you and watch your progression over such a short amount of time. You had such enthusiasm and energy its no wonder you made 2 perfectly sparkly bangles! I hope to see you again soon. Best wishes -R"

Maxine Taylor reviewed: Silver Ring Stack - 3 Rings in a Day

"A thoroughly enjoyable day. We covered so much in a short space of time but never overwhelmed. Rachel's knowledge is extensive and her teaching style is so inclusive and very well paced. Her enthusiasm is infectious and at the end of the day I walked away with a beautiful bangle that I have not taken off yet. I would heartily recommend this to anyone who would like to treat themselves and come away with a very clear idea of silver jewellery making without making a commitment to a set time beginners course. I am hoping to sign up to another making day."

Rachel Hearne Jewellery School responded:

"Thank you Maxine for your lovely review. It was clear to me you really enjoyed the day and have a very creative spirit. You made such a gorgeous bangle I loved the texture you added and the long twist you added. I hope to see you again soon. Best wishes -R"

Rhiannon Norfolk reviewed: Have a go at kiln fired enamelling

"I really enjoyed this course! Lesley is a supportive and encouraging tutor, and adapted her teaching to meet the varied levels of experience in the class. This was the second course that I have done with her. It was great to try three different enamelling techniques, all well explained and great fun. Lesley has worked hard to ensure that she can safely offer courses in her studio following social distancing rules and ensured that each participant had their own set of all the required equipment so nothing needed to be shared. The course has left me enthusiastic to do more enamelling! Highly recommended."

jonny bilton reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I had an absolutely fantastic day trying out a totally new skill, it was great I will definitely be back for another course if not more. To be fair, better than the metalwork was the food, mmm delicious I would come back just for the bait. ?"