Latest reviews

Marie reviewed: Branch Weaving

"Fantastic course if you're a bubbly personality of similar age with family stories to share. Terrible if you're over 60 with a disability, hearing problems and a little bit word shy. If that is the case, be prepared to sit waiting for nothing to happen and wasting your money."

Elka responded:

"I am sorry that you felt you couldn’t complete the workshop. It would have been useful to know in advance of your disability and hearing problem, then I might have suggested private tutoring as a better option for you. I have taken this on board however and will now ensure people fill out a form before attending the workshop. I tried to explain that people work at very different speeds and later on in the workshop you might find something far easier than others. If you hadn’t walked out when you did and your aggressive, rude behaviour had continued I would have asked you to leave as it was disrupting the group and making everyone feel very uncomfortable. I make no apologies for my bubbly personality, or for mentioning my daughter. The focus of the day was weaving. Everyone has to wait for a few minutes as I can’t do two things at once, but as the group is only three people it’s never for more than a few minutes. I hope you will take my comments on board as I have yours."

Frankie reviewed: Textile landscape workshop in Dorset

"Nothing was too much trouble, Imogen had put a lot of effort into the day not only with the course teaching but she had also made a delicious lunch; two homemade soups and a special vegan one for my daughter. She had even made a cake. The fabrics were plentiful and we were spoilt for choice. It was an interesting day and we all came away with something completely unique and memorable. I also had the pleasure of using an old hand machine, much nicer than my electric. I would definitely recommend this course"

Imogen Bittner Studio responded:

"You carefully worked through all the stages, even those that you were not expecting, to produce a lovely piece of work with an interesting perspective. Incorporating a building into the landscape really added to your design and has given me an idea for a future course! I am so glad you enjoyed the lunch - it gives a welcome break for such hard working students and a time to socialise. Thank you for coming so far- it was a pleasure to work with you and your daughter."

jane e chandler reviewed: Two day Free Machine Embroidery workshop

"The 2 days I spent with Ruth on this course were excellent and, though initially a little apprehensive at doing a 1:1 course, I immediately felt relaxed and at ease with Ruth and found we had a lot in common to chat about. I learned a huge amount about free machine embroidery and came away with many new skills and greater confidence. She is a very patient and kind teacher who gave lots of encouragement; I found seeing her beautiful work very inspiring. I must also comment on the excellent gluten free lunch and snacks that were provided- thank you Ruth! Delicious homemade soup! I would thoroughly recommend this course! and give it 5 stars."

Spoon Carving reviewed: Beginners spoon carving course

"A very enjoyable day learning new skills and how to correct some errors that I had. A very well run course, Steve demonstrated each step as we went along and made sure everyone had followed his direction with great feedback on a one to one basis at every stage. To walk out of the room at the end of the day with a spoon made by ourselves was very rewarding."

Anne Wirt-Weightman reviewed: Lace pattern porcelain ceramics in Kendal, South Lakes

"Lovely relaxing day with good tuition and plenty of time and help to create interesting things. We made lots during the day and can't wait to see how they look when fired. Would absolutely recommend this course."

Erika Jones reviewed: Interior design and decor onsite 5 week course

"I absolutely loved Nikki's 5 week interior décor course and I would highly recommend anyone looking to combine learning the rudiments of the profession with working on their own live project to enrol! Nikki is highly creative and an exceptional teacher with years of experience behind her, she makes designing a space that fits you easy and fun. I was initially nervous about working with a designer because I didn’t have a huge budget and I had my own ideas and opinions about what I wanted. Nikki showed me so many ways of achieving great design on what she calls “a shoestring budget”. Her course is a fab and an extremely cost effective way of getting a professional scheme put together for far less a cost than if I were to have commissioned an interior designer to do the whole job. I had a deadline to complete the project which I must admit I was panicking about but with Nikki's weekly to do list and homework the time frames were achieved easily. Nikki is someone that goes over and above, and often keeps in touch during the week through emails and with inspiring information on her social media pages. I can't wait to enrol on another one of her creative courses again!"

Hugh Antram reviewed: The complete basics of woodturning (2 days)

"Just finished an intense three day course with Mark in his workshop. Although I have done a bit of turning in the past, I needed to build my confidence and learn about all aspects of woodturning as part of my job is to train others on the lathe. Mark's course was well structured with plenty of handouts and covered Health & Safety, selection and conversion of timber, tool sharpening and different techniques on the lathe amongst other things. Mark taught me new, safer, more effective ways of turning, getting away from the generic old school methods I had used in the past. He is very clear and patient in his instruction and allows you to go at your own pace. His wealth of knowledge encourages you to ask plenty of questions and gain many new tips, and I certainly did that (sorry Mark!). On top of this, after the course he sent a very handy shopping list of tools and accessories that will improve things at work. I highly recommend Mark's courses whether you are a complete novice or have some experience, you won't be disappointed!"

Martha Werthern reviewed: Experience the Japanese art of raku using fire and flame

"Outstanding course. We enjoyed every minute of it! Janet, Suzanne and Alan were excellent teachers and lovely people, having built their kiln and mixed their glazes themselves. We left with a bunch of beautiful pots. We couldnt recommend it enough!"

Martha Werthern reviewed: Cyanotype Printing Workshop

"Excellent class. Emma was both really helpful in guiding us and encouraging us to try our own thing. Would recommend this class!"

Charlotte Prince reviewed: Beginners sewing classes on one to one basis

"Had a lesson today making a holder for my patterns. It was really good and fun to make, and would recommend the class to anyone who wants to learn to use their machine."

Lynn James reviewed: Candle making workshops for beginners - St Albans, Hertfordshire

"A very relaxed enjoyable morning, very informative Great value for money."

Geoffrey Sambrook reviewed: Abstract Architecture: mixed media: Peak District, Derbyshire

"I thoroughly enjoyed this workshop. Pam's teaching approach was well structured and she gave me the confidence to move through the various stages using different brushes, colour blending etc to the final monochrome painting of still life. I liked the airy studio, an ideal location to paint. Even though the journey from Sale took over an hour I would seriously consider returning for another workshop."

Pam Smart Studio responded:

"Hi Geoff Thank you so much for taking the time to write a detailed review. I’m delighted you enjoyed the workshop and I hope to see you again in the future. Happy painting! All the best Pam Smart"

Emma Watt reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"From start to finish Kerry gives you in depth instructions and information all about candles. And you leave smelling beautiful! Highly recommend!"

Barbara Bramley reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Beginners glass fusing workshops in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"Attended the beginners course on Sunday 8 March 2020 and thoroughly enjoyed the day. It was so interesting and therapeutic. Melanie is an excellent teacher and we were made to feel very welcome. Lunch and refreshments were most enjoyable. Overall this was a fabulous day out participating in a craft that was completely new to me. Thanks very much Melanie and may your business go from strength to strength!"

Naomi reviewed: Beginning spinning

"A very enjoyable day with a great teacher. Cath was patient and quickly showed me how to set up the wheel properly. It was great to actually start spinning and trying out the different fibres and wheels. The class was very small and she tailored the day to what would help us the most. Looking forward to using my wheel more and booking onto another course with Cath."

Beechwood Crafts responded:

"Thank you Naomi, It was a pleasure to have you on the course. Lovely to see your spinning develop so quickly. I look forward to seeing you again best wishes Cath"

Margaret Ker reviewed: Making a mosaic with slate

"A very inspiring workshop. A well organised and informative introduction to slate mosaics in a relaxed, creative space. A wonderful variety of materials to hand. Thank you, Rachel. See you soon!"

Martin/ Julie reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"My wife and I recently did a one day lesson with Colin for wood turning in his workshop. Neither of us had any experience and didn’t really know if at the end of the day what we might end up taking home. Colin was great, his experience and knowledge was amazing, his instructions and understanding of our abilities put us both at ease, we learnt (and did) the whole process from a slice of tree trunk, to attach to a lathe, woodturning/cutting, sanding and types of finishes. At the end of the day we had made two fantastic bowls. We are both so proud and amazed what we had achieved in one day. Thank you for a great day’s experience Colin and thanks to his wife who made a very tasty lunch."

Gary Hardman reviewed: Weekend landscape painting in watercolours

"Just returned from 2 wonderful days with Georgina Rambton on her Landscape Watercolour Course. An exceptionally gifted Artist whose approach to painting and teaching was full of energy and as vibrant as her own watercolours depict. She opened up her inspirational studio to myself and three others, sharing techniques and gentle encouragement throughout the weekend. Opportunities to explore the local landscape and see how to interpret what we saw and felt into our paintings. Highly recommended and testimony itself that the three others on the course were all returning after being there last year. It was so good I bought one of Georgina's original paintings too."

Bridget wallbank reviewed: Drawing classes. Bringing drama and life with charcoal- all levels welcome!

"Sarah is a fabulous teacher. The course has been very well thought out, and you can go at your own pace. It is suitable for beginners as well as more experienced painters, and Sarah is really good at making changes when the pace is wrong for the group. Anyone can draw, and with the guidance of Sarah, you will thrive ! Give it a go, you will love it."

Sarah Stokes responded:

"Ah thanks Bridget, that’s a fantastic review. I’m so happy that you’re enjoying the sessions. Your work has been fabulous and I particularly loved your Panda. Thank you again! All the best Sarah ?"

Simon Jones reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Thank you very much for hosting me yesterday - I had a great day both learning and making yesterday, and very much enjoyed the hospitality and welcoming atmosphere you set. I would definitely recommend to a friend, and will be displaying my bowl proudly in our home!"

Pauline Muir reviewed: Making a mosaic with slate

"Rachel delivered a fabulous workshop. Very clear and comprehensive instructions. Loads of materials to choose from. Really enjoyed it and will definitely be back for more!"

michelle reviewed: Private or private group silver jewellery making/silversmithing workshop day at Silver Designed Personally

"What a lovely way to spend a day. Sara was the perfect teacher and host for a productive day of silver jewellery making. Nothing is too much trouble and Sara welcomes your ideas and helps you every step of the way to ensure you are more than happy with your finished product! Can’t wait to sign up for another day. Thanks Sara."

Silver Designed Personally responded:

"Thank you so much for your wonderful review Michelle ..... It was a really fun day for me too working on both your idea and seeing them come to life. You really made a very nice bangle, and I can't wait to see you again to maybe make a matching ring and earrings !! Sara x"

Katie Low reviewed: Making a mosaic with slate

"Great workshop with Rachel, who was very welcoming and generous with her teaching and sharing of ideas. Great choice of materials and support when needed. Rachel was very attentive to everyone and I will certainly go back for another workshop. Definitely five stars"

Tracy reviewed: Pottery/ceramics wheel throwing (full day)

"Lorraine was very informative. Thoroughly enjoyed this course. She was very patient as it was something I'd never done before and found it a little tricky at times. It was bought for me as a way to relax and it certainly did the job. Would highly recommend"

Linda James reviewed: Fused Glass workshops at Bere Alston, near Tavistock, Devon

"A most comprehensive day of tuition, help and encouragement. Relaxed, genuine enthusiasm and interest enabled a positive experience. A lovely day. Even if you think you know how to do some aspects and are aware of things - skills take time, allow even more - especially if like me you talk a lot. Most enjoyable, thank you."