Latest reviews

andrew reviewed: Introduction to welded metal sculpture

"I have just finished a two day metal sculpture course with Alan. I had never welded before and am no artist. Alan was very patient in teaching me not only basic welding but also the use of the awesome plasma cutter (think bank robbery films where the robbers cut through the bank vault doors with a "torch"). Sounds much more scary than it is in reality but with Alans guidance I soon felt at home using it. By focusing on a garden sculpture I had decided to make and which Alan helped in refining the design of and then by learning to use each tool / technique when needed for the next section which needed to be fabricated Alan made learning both easy and rewarding. I now have a steel garden sculpture of which i am very proud together with new skills. Alan has a relaxed way of teaching and also importantly was good company for the two days. I would recommend this course to anyone and whilst i did it on a one to one basis i am sure that for 2 or 3 people the learning experience would be equally good. Final thought for anyone contemplating the course but concerned about needing serious physical strength to work with metal - dont be put off - as surprisingly this is not the case at all."

Paul & Sheila Wright reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"What a great way to spend the weekend. Mark and Richard were excellent instructors. After initial instructions we were encouraged to do everything for ourselves. They were always on hand if we got into difficulties. Their knowledge and skills are unbelievable and their levels of patience endless. Their workshop is well stocked with plenty of different high quality work working tools, that we were guided into using in order to make our boxes. Our boxes are for our twin grandchildren and the knowledge that dad-cu and mam-gu made them make us very proud grandparents. Thanks guys, you are an awesome duo."

Leah Borg reviewed: Hand sewn mohair teddy bear making course in Cumbria

"A fabulous workshop! Such a friendly, relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. There is nothing Lyn doesn't know about bear-making! I fell in love with my very first bear, and kept going back to make more! They are a joy to make and a joy to treasure. Everything is provided, and support is given every step of the way. Every home should have one! A truly lovely workshop x"

Boo Bears Cumbria responded:

"Hello Leah, Thank you for the fab review, you have made so many lovely bears. Lyn"

Jayne Towndrow reviewed: Lampwork Bead Making in the flame. VERY Special LIMITED Offer for 2 people

"I did this class with Kim last Saturday and what a fabulous class. I absolutely loved the lampworking. I definitely want to do this again. Recommend Kim to anyone."

Suzy reviewed: Hand sewn mohair teddy bear making course in Cumbria

"Brilliant course and great teacher, met lots of lovely friends along the way - bonus was a little family of bears, a moomin and a Fox, all unique! Lyn provides everything and is really helpful when you need to get the hang of something (or when you get your ladder stitch wrong... again!) Highly recommended ?"

Boo Bears Cumbria responded:

"Hello Suzy, Thank you for the lovely review. Moomin was so cute! Lyn"

Carol reviewed: Lino cutting course - Laura Andrew Art Studio, Lincoln - Linocut lino printing

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day with Laura. She is a very clear and patient teacher, and was extremely encouraging, working with all three of us to make sure we managed to achieve what we wanted. Laura's studio is a lovely space to work in - there is lots of inspiring artwork to look at and the atmosphere is so calm and purposeful that hours go by without you noticing. Lino cutting is definitely absorbing! I hadn't done any lino cutting since I was at school, but Laura's guidance was superb, and I was really pleased with the prints I made. All in all, a fantastic course which I'd definitely recommend."

Christine Mullen reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"Relaxed, friendly sessions, where the time flies! Great teaching by Louise. With support and guidance, she encourages you with your own projects and ideas. I’ve enjoyed the classes very much and am so happy with the pieces I’ve made. Hoping to be back again soon!"

PoppyRose responded:

"Thank you for your review Christine! It was lovely to have you in the class, you've created fabulous pots! Look forward to seeing you again. Best wishes, Louise"

Amanda Forkin reviewed: Hand sewn mohair teddy bear making course in Cumbria

"What a great course, fun and so pleased with my little bear. Lyn is a patient teacher and guided us all through making our bears from start to finish. Practice your back stitch before you go! There was such a lovely choice of colours, everyones bear was different and unique. I would highly recommend this course."

Boo Bears Cumbria responded:

"Thank you Amanda for your kind review, yes Practicing your back stitch is a very good idea before hand. Love your little bears See you soon Lyn"

Christine reviewed: Hand sewn mohair teddy bear making course in Cumbria

"What a pleasure it is to make your very own hand sewn glass eyed completely unique mini bear. Lyn will be there to help you every step of the way. From selected your mohair to the final stitch, you will create the perfect little friend for either yourself or a loved one that they will treasure forever. Bear Club is so much fun and totally addictive as none of your bears will be the same!"

Boo Bears Cumbria responded:

"Hello Christine, thank you for your lovely review. Lyn"

Sarah Stevenson reviewed: Hand sewn mohair teddy bear making course in Cumbria

"Lyn Roberts is such a fabulous teacher and SO patient and knowledgable. She never bats an eye when I need showing something yet again. I have learnt so much about hand sewing skills, which has given me the confidence to try other patterns and designs. Can definitely recommend Lyn as a teacher, you won’t regret it. Sarah Stevenson"

Boo Bears Cumbria responded:

"Hi Sarah, Thank you for the review, you make wonderful creations. Lyn"

Christine Creek reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"A lovely relaxed but informative course. Jo was very welcoming, patient and knowledgeable. I came away with a lovely goodie bag full with all the candles I made during the day. Lunch was delicious too."

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thank you Christine. Was lovely to meet you and I'm glad you had fun! xx"

Hannah Wrigley reviewed: Turn a wooden bowl on a traditional pole lathe

"It was an absolutely wonderful and engaging course where I was able to produce work I was proud of. Everything was well explained, step-by-step and I've taken away a lot of new skills. I can't wait to continue making these lovely Fan Birds at home."

Michelle Jarman reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"From the moment we arrived Lucy instantly made us feel welcome, which was lovely and then she carefully guided us through the three days sharing her experience & skills with us, whilst allowing us to find our way. I walked away with a little piece of happiness (albeit heavy...) and a huge smile from ear to ear! I am now thinking about my next project...!!"

Siobhan Gascoigne reviewed: Hand sewn mohair teddy bear making course in Cumbria

"As long as you have some basic sewing skills you will manage to make your very own bear. Lyn guides you along the way with excellent tuition and gently helps you to make your own stunning bear. You are sure to be really happy with your creation. I was so pleased with mine I went back to make more!"

Boo Bears Cumbria responded:

"Hello Siobhan, Thank you for your review, you made a beautiful little bear family. Lyn"

Pam White reviewed: Collagraph Printmaking with Megan Evans + self catered accommodation

"Megan is very helpful, instructive in a nice informal setting. Well worth a visit."

kate reviewed: Glass Fusing with Float Glass - Oxford

"I did this course with my two teenagers after checking it was suitable. I've done lots of craft courses before, but this was the first time they had accompanied me. They had a great day, and came away excited about their creations and what they had learned - in fact my 14 year old son, who is hard to get through to at times, told me spontaneously in the car on the way home that this course had been 'one of the best things I've done in my life'! The craft was well explained and there were plenty of supplies for us to dabble with when trying the new techniques. The only possible negative is that the space is really very small, and although there were only 5 participants (and we were told this was a 'small group') we were quite crowded and often on top of each other. A plentiful supply of drinks and biscuits sealed the deal as far as the kids were concerned! You come away with a small glass square that has been fired during the day, which is an excellent idea - the rest needs to be collected after a few weeks, or can be sent on. We would definitely recommend this course."

Shelley reviewed: Make a footstool workshop

"I really enjoyed this workshop. Not having any previous experience in anything remotely crafty i did wonder what i was going to go home with, but i can honestly say that due to great teaching and easy to follow steps i was really pleased with the result. Thank you!!"

La Di Da Interiors & Gifts responded:

"Thank you for your feedback"

Richard Piercy reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"I have read and wholeheartedly agree with all the reviews above! I too am preparing for my own forge!! My signed copy of Peat's excellent book is already well thumbed and plans afoot for some projects."

Ceara Mongan reviewed: Skincare Workshops using Herbal Infusions

"Dianne was very welcoming into her beautiful home, and I very much enjoyed a lovely day of soapy talk and making. I booked straight away for her cosmetic course and really icouldn't recommend enough."

Aroma Natural responded:

"Hi Ceara. Many thanks for the lovely review, it's so kind of you to take the time to write this. I thoughly enjoyed the day with you and look forward to your next workshop later. xx"

Claire reviewed: Making a mosaic with slate

"Thoroughly enjoyed this course - Rachel is an excellent teacher! I did a full day course and brought my 14 year old niece along - as a measure of how good the course was, this is the longest I've seen my niece without a phone in her hand in ages! She loved it! Great to have a course that is suitable for a mix of ages and abilities. The full day offered great flexibility to be able to experiment with different materials, colours and techniques, and to make multiple pieces. Excellent value for money (and lovely lunch too!). This was my first experience of mosaic work, and I'd thoroughly recommend this course."

Nicci reviewed: Hand sewn mohair teddy bear making course in Cumbria

"You couldn't ask for a better teacher in the craft of hand-sewn bears than Lyn. She has years of experience making miniature jointed hand sewn mohair bears; Knowing the best way to work with the materials, the right stich size and the best strength of thread etc. Loads of mohair colours and hair lengths to choose from. Lyn's relaxed teaching style makes the atmosphere wonderful, we laughed our way through the bear making, when not concentrating on our stiches. Whether you want to make a smiling bear or the grumpy traditional bear face, Lyn has done them all and guides us well. At the end a beautiful mohair bear that will bring back lovely memories. It's definitely worth checking out the photos of Boo Bears. And it's in Cumbria, one of the best places in the world."

Boo Bears Cumbria responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Nicci."

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

"I had an absolutely lovely day yesterday on the Textile Design Workshop. I was fully immersed in colour, shapes, patterns and being introduced to techniques of applying my interpretation of what I saw to paper and fabrics. Penny gives demonstrations and provides guidance whilst at the same time encouraging you along to do your own thing. It was hard to peel myself away but then Penny had the most amazing home made soup and breads, cakes and coffee, so I had to! I would have liked to have just stayed there and continued into the night but I will just have to return again instead!"

Glenn reviewed: Woodturning workshops - one day

"I spent two days with Steve, and enjoyed every second. He carefully assessed what I already knew, and took my learning on from there. He was very responsive when I asked for specific skills and knowledge. I learnt a huge amount, and it has given me great confidence and inspiration to return to my workshop. I've completed an apple and a pear just like Steve showed me! The workshop is extremely well laid out for teaching, and there seem to be no skills or tools that Steve doesn't know about or have the ability to demonstrate. His immense experience in both commercial and decorative turning give such great depth to his teaching. Lunch is delicious, and he will ensure you leave with one or two finished pieces to enjoy. Highly recommended."

Heather Coulson reviewed: Spoon Carving Workshop - One Day

"Thoroughly enjoyable course. Very relaxing (apart from when you're using the drawknife...but even that is very satisfying!) Mark is very helpful. Definitely recommend this course!"

Christine reuter reviewed: Lampwork Bead Making in the flame. VERY Special LIMITED Offer for 2 people

"My daughter and I had a fabulous class with Kim she was very patient and was extremely knowledgeable . Would recommend her to all my friends. Thankyou chris and nicky"