Latest reviews

Keira Perkins reviewed: Pottery/ceramics wheel throwing (full day)

"Lorraine's the best teacher you could ever hope for she's patient,talented and all around lovely. The classes are less of classes more of a friendly get together where everyone supports one another and you have a proper laugh, that's why I've done 3 lots of classes now, I don't ever want to leave!"

Stephen Hall reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I have just spent the day blacksmithing with David Mortimer as a 70 th birthday present from my children . It was truly educational and a joy on many different levels. Steel doesn't yield its beauty lightly and will only flower with a craftsman's encouragement through the extremes of heat and physical force. Neither of which in David's hands seem disrespectful. Along the way I discovered that knowing what to do and doing it are not first cousins. Despite which and with David's unflustered input I took home what I came to make. In today's virtual world a day spent working with your hands is a day very well spent."

Mike Spencer reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"Had a fantastic day in the art and craft workshop at this beautiful camp site. It is well worth a visit here again."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you. And well done."

Kate Wood reviewed: Beginning spinning

"This class was absolutely brilliant. It was a small class, and Cath adapted what we did to cover our individual needs. Lots of personal attention and friendly instruction, plenty of help sorting out my wheel (greatly appreciated, thank you!) and a friendly atmosphere made the day fly by. It's really been helpful in working out some of my problems as a beginning spinner, but the adaptive style means more advanced spinners could find it helpful too. Thanks so much!"

Beechwood Crafts responded:

"Thanks Kate It was lovely to have you on the course and see you fly once your wheel was adjusted. Best wishes Cath"

Helen reviewed: Create a mosaic in a day in Yorkshire with professional mosaic artist Sue Kershaw

"An amazing day! Sue is a fabulous teacher. She is both friendly and knowledgeable with plenty of suggestions on patterns, materials and colours so that you can relax and have fun. My friend and I had a wonderful experience because of this and we both finished the day with a mosaic to be proud of. I highly recommend this class whether you are a beginner or an experienced crafter. Five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"

Cath Allwood reviewed: Abstract Architecture: mixed media: Peak District, Derbyshire

"A small group so lots of individual advice and help. An excellent introduction to painting in acrylics with information on materials: papers, paints & brushes. We began with setting up a palette and which brush to use, colour mixing and hints on how to make new colours. Pam gave a very clear step by step demo and we created an attractive small flower painting. After a delicious lunch, we spent the afternoon on a larger tonal painting which encouraged us to use all the brushes Pam had provided and to achieve interesting light and shade effects. Pam is a kind and thorough tutor and everyone achieved excellent results. All techniques were very well-explained with lots of additional useful information. Highly recommended for complete beginners and also for people who have done some painting already but want to learn proper techniques."

Pam Smart Studio responded:

"Hi Cath Thank you for taking the time to write such a comprehensive review and I greatly appreciate your positive comments. I’m really pleased that you enjoyed the day and gained a lot from it. I hope to see you again on a future course. Best wishes Pam Smart"

Adrienn Solt reviewed: 3 Day beginners Fused Glass crash course - Silver Zebra studio Cheshire - Est 2004 by one of the UKs leading glass artists

"I had a great time with Deborah this weekend. Despite this being the first time for me to work with glass, the result was amazing! I had the luxury to be alone on the course and Deborah allowed me to work on projects I was interested in. I am so grateful that I could manage my dream glass designs! I should mention that Deborah is a proper chef and pampered me with excellent lunch as a bonus! Go and try the course, you won’t be disappointed at all!"

Louise Brooks reviewed: Abstract Architecture: mixed media: Peak District, Derbyshire

"Having never gone through the stages of acrylic painting before, the steps that Pam demonstrated to us were clear and very helpful. The activities helped me to gain an insight into different brushes and techniques and colour. This enabled me to produce a painting which showed the skills I had learnt. The group was small enough so that Pam could spend time one-to-one with us all. The materials provided were well organised and the space itself was perfect for a creative day of painting. Plus her lunch was absolutely delicious. The best thing to do on a cold, wet and windy day."

Pam Smart Studio responded:

"Hi Louise Thank you for such lovely comments - I’m really pleased you enjoyed the day. I hope you will have more confidence now to develop your acrylic painting skills - good luck! Best wishes Pam Smart"

Joan and Elsdon Franks reviewed: Create a wet felted landscape using wet felting, needle felting and embroidery

"We thoroughly enjoyed the day. We were very pleased with the outcome of our work, having had no idea what to expect ( or much talent) Claire was so helpful and patient and has such an amazing supply of equipment which helps each person to create a beautiful image. It was a relaxed day in the company of other participants. We also enjoyed seeing their work develop. The bonus was a lovely lunch. Thanks again , Claire"

Teesdale Felt responded:

"Hi Joan and Elsdon, Thank you for your super review! I am so pleased you enjoyed your first experience of wet felting. I loved your landscapes which were both completely different and both fabulous! I hope that you will have another go at home and I am at the end of the phone if you need any advice. Very best wishes, Claire x"

Elizabeth reviewed: Wire wrapped jewellery taster class

"Another great course yet again. Really enjoyed it. Lots of selection of materials. Better this time as labelled more."

Andrew reviewed: Wire wrapped jewellery taster class

"Another really enjoyable afternoon :) Always feel comfortable to ask questions."

Carole waite reviewed: Intro into Quilting Weekend

"What a lovely weekend ! Claire was a wonderful teacher - informative and encouraging helping us make decisions as we went along . I came away with the confidence and enthusiasm to start a new quilt straight away for a new baby in the family, due at Easter. I would recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in making something creative ."

Sew Me Something responded:

"Amazing that you've now got the bug for Quilting Carole! We are actually in discussion about further Quilting Courses so do keep an eye on our Workshop Calendar. Let us know how you get on making another quilt!"

Sarah Gravell reviewed: Traditional lead stained glass courses for beginners

"Did the 2 day Beginners course in November 2019 in Tamasine’s workshop. 2 of us there. Went through the whole process from designing the cartoon to the finished result. Pleased with the finished result and Tamasine keen to make sure we were both happy. Very relaxed and pleasant environment. Would recommend."

sharon cooksey reviewed: Create a wet felted landscape using wet felting, needle felting and embroidery

"So good I have now attended a full-day course run by Claire twice - I even took my Mum and Dad the second time as a birthday present for them both. The day is always great fun, the time flies incredibly quickly and at the end of the day you have had a good work out (great for 'bingo wings' Claire tells me!) ... and you get to go home with a lovely and totally unique piece of art. Claire is a really great teacher - she understands and adapts to every person's needs. She is incredibly patient and an all-round lovely person to spend a day with. Wool is such a gorgeous medium and with Claire's help everyone goes away with something stunning - I honestly have not seen anything which hasn't made me say wow! I want to go again now I'm thinking about the day! As everyone else has mentioned lunch I will too - it was lovely and even my Dad couldn't eat any more :) I would highly recommend to everyone ."

Teesdale Felt responded:

"HI Sharon. Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review. I have enjoyed working with you and we have had so much fun on both occasions. Your lampshades are absolutely beautiful and contain lots of colour and movement. There was such a lot of discussion when you created your first one as the felt would have made a fabulous picture in it's own right. I hope to work with you again in the future and thank you for bringing your mum and dad along too! Very best wishes, Claire"

Paula Evans reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I arrived at Lucys workshop with no previous jewellery experience. At the end of the day I had practiced so many different techniques. Lucy explains everything so precisely and lets you work at your own pace and puts you so much at ease, so that you feel you can ask any question. My boat pendant was ambitious and I am absolutely delighted with it. I am looking forward to returning soon. Thank you."

Sharon reviewed: The Kate Dress Workshop

"Fantastic course! I went on this course with no knowledge of dressmaking. I knew my way around the sewing machine, thanks to Intro into sewing course. Left with a new dress and the bug for making my own clothes. Perfect small class in a bright, spacious studio."

Sew Me Something responded:

"Glad you are enjoying our workshops Sharon and pleased to hear you have the dressing making bug!"

Sharon Coleman reviewed: Intro into sewing (4 week course)

"I did this course a while ago now. I had always wanted to learn to sew, but I didn't know where to start, as I couldn't even thread a sewing machine. So this seemed the perfect course for me. After my first evening, I went home with a cushion, not only had a sewn it, I had learnt how to appliqué on to it and made my own button ( I was so proud). Couldn't wait for the following week! Since finishing this course, I have attended others and learnt so much. Have made lots new friends whilst attending workshops here."

Sew Me Something responded:

"Thats really good to hear! These Introduction courses are designed to work just like this; teaching the basics and giving people the confidence they need to begin sewing on their own. Thanks Sharon!"

Cass reviewed: 1 day Leather craft course beg/int

"Don't hesitate to book one of Slim's courses, you will not be disappointed!!"

Suzanne, reviewed: Candle making for business with legislation and branding 1:1

"I've recently attended a day with Jane, I decided to take the course having looked around for a long time at alternatives as I wanted to learn as much as I could in one course. The information that Jane supplies is second to non and because it's a one to one it was tailored to my business needs. I now feel so much more confident to start up my own business knowing that Jane will give me continued support. I highly recommend this course."

The Candle Coach responded:

"Thank you for your great review Suzanne, it was my pleasure to help you along on your journey and I’m sure you will be very successful."

Sharon Coleman reviewed: Love Your Overlocker

"What a wonderful way to spend a morning. I learnt so much about my overlocker and what it can do. Such a lovely studio, excellent tutor and a friendly, supportive atmosphere. I now know so much about my overlocker and what it can do. The course ran at a pace I could keep up with. I am now able to use my overlocker, I can thread it, remove & replace needles and so much more. I am no longer scared of using my overlocker, using it so much more now, referring back to my samples. I am hoping you will run an advanced class..."

Sew Me Something responded:

"Sounds like the Overlocker Course was worth while for you then Sharon. We will be organising more advance classes very soon, so please do keep an eye on our workshop calendar!"

James Wood reviewed: Advanced throwing masterclass with David Frith

"David Frith is an inspiration with a wealth of practical experience developed over years as a top potter. His teaching is clear and supportive whilst encouraging participants to stretch themselves."

Diane Jacques reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Warrington, Cheshire

"I attended the Footstool Upholstery Workshop at Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden on 21st February (2020) along with five other ladies who were totally unknown to me. Joanne was the tutor and took us through the process of creating a footstool from scratch. Helped and guided by Joanne's clear and simple step by step instructions, we all managed to make wonderful little footstools to take home with us at the end of the day. We got on very well and had lots of fun in the process. It was lovely to see how the fabric we had chosen gave a personality to each of the footstools. They looked amazing and we all felt very proud of ourselves when we viewed the finished items. The workshop took place in a heated potting shed and was very pleasant, despite the inclement weather that day. I would thoroughly recommend this workshop and, of course, Joanne, our excellent teacher."

The Boho Shed responded:

"What very kind words Diane. Thank you so much. I am so pleased you enjoyed the workshop. The footstools were all really gorgeous. Thank you for contributing to such a great day."

Steve Ford reviewed: Guitar Strumstick Dulcimer 3 strings instrument

"Teds day course was fantastic ! He is a very helpful man with a sense of humour too! My wife paid for a Gift voucher which was valid for 1 year, so in Feb 2020 I decided to use it. The Strumstick 3 stringed instrument was built in just 7 hours and sounded great at the end of the day. I learned about Acoustic instruments building including :- Fret boards, Fret levelling, Tonewoods, neck shaping, band saw use, sanding, finishing, and wood selection. I would recommend this craft course for anyone with or without experience in woodwork. I had 30 mins for lunch and tea breaks at any time we wanted. I chose a weekend day but I could of easily had any evening or daytime. I now have my instrument to play at home for many years to come."

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thank you Steve, it was a pleasure my friend. Tell your wife Wendy, thank you for the purchase of the Gift voucher and good luck and happy strumming for 2020. Kind regards Ted Ps We have a Bandsaw box and jewellery box day if you are interested ? Later this year we hope to do a Marquetry day too."

Sharon Coleman reviewed: Intro into Quilting Weekend

"I had no previous experience of quilting beforehand. Claire was very patient and was able to answer, any questions I had. I learnt how to use a quilting ruler, a rotary cutter and now know what some of the feet on my sewing machine are used for. I brought with me, my 6 fat quarters, that I wanted to use and was able to purchase the backing and binding in the shop, the batting was provided. Lovely small, friendly class. Tea and homemade cake. Went home with a beautiful quilt, that I'm very proud of, which I made for my granddaughters first birthday."

Sew Me Something responded:

"Those 'other' feet with your sewing machine have finally come in handy eh! So pleased you enjoyed the Quilting Course, hopefully you will continue to use the skills you learnt and make another. Thanks Sharon."

Ann Coleman reviewed: Mosaic taster session @ White Stones Studios

"Very enjoyable day and really pleased with the finished mosaic. No pressure but help there when needed. Highly commended."