Latest reviews

jayne wood reviewed: 'Field with Red Poppies' wool fibre painting art kit

"The service was excellent, my order came within two days. I brought the wool painting art kit for a family member as a gift, I'm sure they will love it when they open it. The website is really good there are so many courses I would love to try, when things get back to normal."

Magic Wool Art and Craft Studio responded:

"Dear Jane, Thank you very much for your review. I am so glad that the kit arrived safely. Here at Magic Wool Art and Craft studio we do our best to keep our customers happy and help them learn new skills. I hope that your family member will enjoy using the kit. Craft courses offer a great range of courses and I am sure you will like them. Kind regards Raya Brown"

Mick Hand reviewed: 3 Day Damascus Knife or Axe Making Class

"Excellent 3 day course for my birthday, Gary and Joss really informative and helpful in all aspects of the forging process and the making of my knife and handle and the final assembly. There was a great atmosphere in the forge, lots of laughs, but all the health and safety requirements were explained before the course started and re-highlighted if they needed to be. Nothing was too much trouble for the guys who were on hand to help if you needed it and the 3 days just flew by ending with 2 beautiful Damascus knives made by me and my partner We will be back to make another knife/ axe and can thoroughly recommend Friargate Forge if you want to try the forging experience."

Biola reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"I enjoyed myself so much, I’ve already recommended the course to friends & family. It's a lovely way to spend a day out with friends. The Workshop content was packed with easily digestible information and Paula provided a truly pleasant, relaxed atmosphere. Looking forward to trying the soap I made out once it’s cured. Top marks too on the protective measures taken to ensure everyone felt safe on the day. Thank you, Paula - wishing you all the best! xx"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thanks Biola, I am very pleased to hear you enjoyed the day so much and also that you felt safe on the day. xx Paula"

Adele & Mick reviewed: 3 Day Damascus Knife or Axe Making Class

"I bought this for my partners 60th birthday and when I spoke to Gary I decided to give it a go myself. What a great course. Huge thanks to Gary & Joss who made us feel so welcome and relaxed. Mick did 3 days and made his own Damascus billet. I bought my billet and just did 2 days. Well worth the extra for the patterned blades which look more like a piece of art. We had much fun and the guys were there to give us as much or as little help as was needed. Very knowledgable and informative. Can’t give enough praise. We have come away with 2 very beautiful knives and will definitely be back to do another course."

Friargate Forge Ltd responded:

"Thank you so much was a pleasure especially the cake ?!"

Serena reviewed: Needle felted framed picture

"I thoroughly enjoyed my needle felting session with Lorraine, who was very warm and friendly. With her guidance and help, I managed to create my first ever needle felted image. Thank you, Lorraine."

Jacqui reviewed: Flower making kits for all the family. The Beginner's Translucent Kit. (247)

"Ordered Wednesday and the kit arrived Friday morning. Really good value for money with excellent instructions and links to videos. Looking forward to making some beautiful flowers! Thoroughly recommended. ****"

Inion responded:

"Thank you so much Jacqui for your kind review. Please send us photos of your creations as we love to show off all your good work. Best wishes Abigail and Melody"

Shani Plackett reviewed: Needle Felting Workshop - landscape pictures

"My Sister and I had a lovely morning with Pip and Lola, neither of us had done this before and we both came away with 2 pictures that we were both very pleased with. Pip is a very patient tutor who puts you completely at ease. Would definitely recommend"

Pippaluk Crafts responded:

"Thank you Shani, it was a pleasure"

Dom and Sue Rice reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing and hand building full day

"Brilliant day. Neither of us had thrown pots before. Richard explained everything simply and clearly. We were totally engrossed in the process and the morning flew by. Playing with the clay in the afteronn was also great. Making coil pots took me back to my school days. Cant wait to return to glaze our creations."

Potterydayz responded:

"Thanks guys- see you soon for glazing Richard"

Margaret reviewed: Amazing Mosaics Workshop

"This was my first Workshop and I thought it was a good introduction to mosaics."

Marie M reviewed: Amazing Mosaics Workshop

"The workshop met all my expectations and it was my first one. I had a lovely time. Can recommend it."

Celia Thornley reviewed: Amazing Mosaics Workshop

"The workshop was interesting and fun. It is really good value for money. I would have liked more time as I enjoyed it so much."

Rena reviewed: Amazing Mosaics Workshop

"The course was well organised with easy instruction. I really enjoyed the class and the group was also a lot of fun."

Carolyn Crossley reviewed: Make your very own Tote bag

"Really enjoyed this intensive detailed class. Despite snapping threads and nearly ruining the bag by cutting the leather incorrectly; the super patient Richard managed to rescue me from my incompetence. This resulted in the creation of a beautiful colourful tote bag which I will treasure forever. He even let me make a leather key fob to match the travel card holder I made earlier. Great stuff! Thank you so much Richard for your expertise and patience! Carolyn"

Keith Richardson reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"I spent a thoroughly enjoyable and productive day with Jake yesterday. I was amazed and delighted with what I managed to produce under Jake's tutelage, who may be young but is clearly extremely knowledgeable and very personable. I have a bad case of workshop envy which probably extends to job envy too. The course is a very good introduction to blacksmithing, very well structured, demonstrated and taught with gentle correction when required, encouragement and praise when deserved, and the freedom to experience the strange joy of beating a bit of yellow hot metal. I have no hesitation in recommending this course to anyone wanting to try. Jake makes a good cup of tea too! Thanks for a fabulous day Jake, I suspect I will be back."

Katherine Philipot reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"I booked the 1/2 day pottery workshop as a birthday present for my 19 year old, recently disabled daughter. From the very first email, Louise has been attentive, generous and caring trying to ensure Chloe's needs were catered for. The morning was a huge success playing with and then working on pinch and slab pots and then finally throwing on the wheel. Everything was so relaxed with continual refreshments provided by Simon. As soon as we left Chloe stated that she wanted to come back and learn more from Louise...no greater compliment I would say!"

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"So very pleased Chloe enjoyed her pottery experience! It was a pleasure to teach her and she's evidently an incredibly creative young woman. Look forward to meeting you both again!"

Julia Fitzpatrick reviewed: Marvellous Mosaic one day workshop

"A relaxing wonderful day, Lindsey was well organised for the Corvid situation. Plenty of sanitiser and work places well spaced. The group had never done a mosaic before and we all went home with a finished work of art. Everything was fully explained with Lindsey giving plenty of individual help and guidance. I have already decided my next project and looking for a small table to refurbish. The whole day was amazing the amount of materials to try made you feel like a child in a sweet shop. A day to remember, thanks"

Lindsey Kennedy Portfolio responded:

"Thank you, Julia for the lovely review! I am so glad that you found the day relaxing and creative and pleased with your mosaic piece, and that you are inspired to go explore the craft further. Fantastic!"

Jinny and John Casey reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"We had a great day on Mike’s spoon making course and really enjoyed the process of turning a birch log into spoons within one day. The axe and knife skills we learned to achieve this were expertly taught by Mike who was very patient and clear in his instructions. It was such a joy to get out into the wonderful location of the Chevin forest after months of lockdown."

Bill Wallace reviewed: Sculpture in stone for beginners - 3 day course

"I cannot believe what I was able to achieve over 3 days. Kate was brilliant, very patient and encouraging. I just wish I lived close enough to do a weekly course with her. Many many thanks Kate."

Jackie reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Kate provided a super safe environment during this Covid time while sharing and teaching us her stained glass passion skills. Class was well paced, organised, fun and skilfully instructed. Lovely glass to choose from, interesting patterns and amazing craft developed in such a short space of time. We all went home proudly with our glass art. Well done Kate for guiding us so proficiently."

jacqui reviewed: Enchanted Forest Journal - Online Fabric Sculpting Workshop by Curiously Contrary

"Loved the course, always been interested in textile work, this has sparked my enthusiasm and re-ignited my creativity. Thank you."

sue rouse reviewed: ‘Seaside Cottage Sculpture’ workshop, using driftwood and recycled materials, North Yorkshire.

"I didn't know quite what to expect, it's a long time since I played with beads, buttons and sticky backed plastic. But I had a wonderful time, led all the way with good humour and friendly advice, spoilt for choice and amazed at what was achievable, I would return in a heartbeat. You don't need to be clever or creative but the results nevertheless are remarkable. Don't think you're too old to get covered in paint and glue it was the most relaxing day I have spent in a long while. Such fun."

The Seals Whiskers responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to review our workshop. We are so pleased you had a wonderful day and created such a lovely sculpture.You are welcome anytime!"

Gill Waite reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Thank you Elaine for a great course. I really enjoyed the day and found your wealth of knowledge and patience a great comfort. During these difficult times I felt very secure in the precautions and way you structured the course. The friendly attitude of the small group in the the gorgeous setting of your workshop made it very special. The pace of the course was good and I look forward to practicing."

Cartmel Handspun Spinning School responded:

"Thank you Gill. I was a pleasure to meet you and I am so happy you enjoyed your course. Happy spinning."

Hannah reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"This was an excellent course. I am a complete beginner but feel like I have come away with some really useful knowledge of how to start refinishing some bits of furniture! I was able to complete a small coffee table during the one day course and am so pleased with the result! Ollie was very patient and so knowledgeable. I really recommend this course!"

Lianne Butterworth reviewed: Drum Lampshade making at ShedLight

"Attended a course back in March, and it was such a good day. I really enjoyed the approach to teaching and we were both so proud to leave with our finished lampshades, which now both have pride of place in our home. I fully intend to make another at some point :) Thank you for such a good day."

ShedLight responded:

"Hi Lianne, thank you for your lovely review and yes you both made a fantastic job of your soft lampshades and mastered the sewing machines ! I would love to see a photo of them in situ as your decorating ideas and ethos sounded really interesting . Vanessa x"

Hannah Richardson reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"I absolutely loved my day learning all the processes required to make traditional stained glass. I felt it was very good value for money as it is a full day and you learn what you need to if it's something you want to start doing yourself at home. I left with new found knowledge, a real appreciation of this skillful craft and a beautiful piece of stained glass which not only gives me so much pleasure to look at everyday but also to know that I created it means so much more. Kate's method of teaching worked very well. She is patient, calm, passionate of her craft and very encouraging. I highly recommend!"