Latest reviews

Kayleigh Lindstedt reviewed: Introduction to millinery - making a petal fascinator - NE67

"I took part in the course when Margaret ran it at the Bowes museum. Fabulous course, I loved making my own fascinator! Margaret was very patient, as I’m not a very good sewer! Was really pleased with the end result and enjoyed my cream tea too! Would definitely recommend this course, especially for beginners!"

Margaret Woodliff Wright Millinery responded:

"Thank you Kayleigh, for your review of the petal recreational fascinator course. The great thing about this course is that it is suitable for complete and utter beginners - even those with very limited sewing experience can produce a very pretty headpiece during the afternoon. As such it the workshop would present a great “bonding” opportunity - such as a hen party, pre-prom, works’ do, etc.. Whether or not a cream tea is included depends on the location - this particular course was held at The Bowes Museum, and so was rounded off with a cream tea, and as it said in your review Kayleigh, this makes for a very satisying afternoon, all round. Thank you again for your lovely review of the petal fasciantor class, Kayleigh - Margaret"

Helen Collinson reviewed: Introduction to millinery - making a petal fascinator - NE67

"A fabulous introduction to millinery skills. If you don’t know where to start this course is a good place. Margaret’s courses are very friendly. It is amazing that in an afternoon you can complete a headpiece ready to wear."

Margaret Woodliff Wright Millinery responded:

"Thank you Helen, for your review of the petal fascinator course. You are quite correct - it is a great place to start with millinery as it provides you with an easy yet recreational introductional to millinery resulting in a quick and easy to wear headpiece - ready for your next outing to the races etc!! Thank you again for joining the petal headpiece workshop at The Bowes Museum.."

Deb greensill reviewed: Watercolour painting day - Floral & botanical - with artist Laura Andrew

"A wonderful day spent with Laura in her delightful studio. I learned lots about watercolour techniques, the equipment to use and the confidence to have a go. Thrilled with my finished painting"

Aneta reviewed: Saturday Silver Clay Jewellery Workshop at Ransom's Pavilion, Hitchin 9.30am - 12.30pm

"Together with my daughter we had a wonderful time making silver clay jewellery. It was an amazing experience to design and create our own pieces. The whole process was very relaxing and almost magical. Tuuli was very patient and friendly when sharing her knowledge and giving ideas. She supplied us with all the materials we needed, adding silver jump rings and earrings to finish our project. We fully recommend Tuuli's workshops. Thank you Tuuli Aneta and Anna"

Tuuli Parker responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such lovely feedback. It's greatly appreciated. I'm so glad you both enjoyed the workshop!"

Anne Marie Tinto reviewed: Mosaic class

"A very warm and friendly welcome, with a relaxed atmosphere. The workshop provided a great introduction to this wonderful art with Dawn on hand to share her knowledge and experience , has inspired me to carry on ... even have my first commission! The day was filled with friendly banter too with lots of laughs and we were well catered for with homemade cakes and warming winter soups . Thank you I really enjoyed the day."

Judith Anderson reviewed: Introducing winter millinery - evenings - Newcastle NE1

"Margaret is a most generous tutor: with her time, expertise and materials. She is very patient and excels at explaining all concepts at just the right level (neither condescending nor highfaluting). I have no hesitation in highly recommending this thoroughly enjoyable course which was held in such congenial surroundings. I look forward to wearing my creation at Cheltenham."

Margaret Woodliff Wright Millinery responded:

"Thank you Judith for your review - the class was great fun and I love it that everyone has plans in mind for wearing their headpiece! I can’t wait to see the photos from Cheltenham, and hear that there are plans afoot for your headpiece to have another significant outing too, later in the year. Thank you again for your lovely review of the winter millinery class - Margaret"

Rachel & Lenny reviewed: Small leather goods workshop

"I bought this for two of us to do as a present for my partner’s birthday and he thought it was a great idea! We both really enjoyed the day and feel like we could get into leatherwork from this experience. Really great to have a belt handmade at the end of the workshop. We’ll definitely do another course with Richard, he’s a great teacher and lovely to chat with. Would recommend this course to any one interest in trying out leatherwork! Thanks Richard, look forward to seeing you again. Rachel & Lenny"

Sheeny reviewed: Nordic wood craft

"A wonderful days outdoor woodworking in a gorgeous setting with a really great teacher. Tom talked us through all aspects of the highland cup making. There was a great balance between demonstrating the techniques and space to try them out. It was great to be away from everything in the woods for a day. And to come home with a beautiful functional cup at the end of it. I would highly recommend this course."

Wooden Tom responded:

"Thank you Sheena"

Tracey Barclay reviewed: Two day stained glass workshop - lead panels or garden sculpture

"We attended a fabulous stained glass terrarium workshop with Gigha in her studio in Bideford. Gigha is a great teacher - professional, informative but most of all friendly and fun. Our confidence grew by the hour and we all came away with wonderful terrariums and big smiles on our faces. Thank you so much Gigha - we'll be back! xx"

Sharon Leeson reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"What a thoroughly enjoyable day - Elaine had so much patience and I would really recommend this course to anybody wanting to learn this lovely craft. Very inspiring, educational and fun! Thank you very much Elaine - I ordered my own drop spindle this morning and next stop, a spinning wheel."

Caron Newman reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Thoroughly enjoyed this course. As a complete beginner whose attempts at using a drop spindle had failed miserably in the past I wanted to see if expert tuition could bring out the Spinner in me and I wasn’t disappointed. Elaine was patient and excellent at explaining the basic principles of spinning right from the very beginning. All aspects were covered - the different properties of various fleeces, how fibre reacts as it does to the spinning process, what to look for in a fleece if you want to prepare it for spinning etc. The day flew by, made to feel very welcome by Elaine and her husband and only 3 participants on the course means you get individual attention whatever your skill level. It was a real treat to use the Haldane wheel and Elaine can give plenty of advice on different types of wheel if you are considering buying your own. I left at the end of the day with two more than passable skeins of wool and an urge to dive into the world of spinning equipped with the basics to practice and develop my skills. Would highly recommend this course for anyone who wants to try the craft, whether or not they think they will go on to purchase their own wheel in the future."

Kerry Ballard reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Hi Elaine, thank you soooo much for today, it was absolutely brilliant, I have learnt loads. You are a fantastic teacher and VERY patient with us. Also very generous with both your wool and your knowledge. Wow, what a skill you have to spin such beautifully even and fantastic yarns, I now know how incredibly hard that is, so it was a real treat to see your work. Thank you again, brilliant course, enjoyed every minute. Kerry P.s. I think you should charge more for what you give."

Jayne Purshall reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"A wonderful creative and relaxing day in a beautiful setting. Would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to have a go at making beautiful silver jewellery."

April reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2 day Course

"I am 9 years old and I have been to Maggie’s studio a couple of times. I have already learned a lot of things like cutting and using a grinder. Maggie is a great teacher and she is very funny. Her studio is full of shiny treasures and she makes the most amazing things. I would love to go back again."

Pretty Rubbish Mosaics responded:

"Hi April.Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review. It is always just lovely to work with you, as you have such brilliant ideas and always create great pieces. I love that you are only 9 years old yet you are a mature young lady who I can trust to use my tools . Keep coming back.x"

Elke Hausler reviewed: Jewellery making experience day (weekdays)

"I bought a variety of Karen's jewellery in the past and I always get flattering comments when wearing those pieces. When I heard about the jewellery-making workshops, I couldn't wait to design and then make from scratch (cut, file, texture, solder, polish... from start to finish) my own pendant in less than a day. I love this pendant and still can hardly believe that I did that! Karen was very good at teaching me every step of the way and she was extremely patient too! Our gluten-free lunch was delicious too! I fully enjoyed the day and can recommend this personal workshop to anyone! Why wait any longer - just book a workshop with Karen!"

KFD Jewellery responded:

"I am glad you enjoyed the day. The pendant you made was beautiful :-) Karen"

Dorothy Rutherford reviewed: Introduction to silver clay jewellery making

"I highly recommend this course, a thoroughly enjoyable day. Lynn warmly welcomed everyone into her beautiful home, the venue for the course and provided refreshments for everyone as they arrived. The course was very relaxed, well presented and well organised. Anna demonstrated how to make a variety of pieces and her instructions were clear and explicit. Questions were welcomed and answered clearly and succinctly. Everyone relaxed over an amazing lunch, organised by Lynn's husband, thanks go to him. I learned a great deal about Silver and Silver Clay and I am delighted with the jewellery I made. I have already recommended and given details of the course to a friend. I look forward to another course."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hello Dorothy. Thank you so much for your lovely review. We are delighted to hear you felt you learned a lot, and were pleased with what you made. Glad you enjoyed the lunch too - I will pass on your kind words to John! Thank you also for recommending us to your friends: as a small local business we really appreciate personal recommendations. We look forward to welcoming you back to The Arienas Collective. Best wishes Lynn"

Emma reviewed: Beginner’s Soapmaking Workshop in Salisbury

"What a great day! I took my mum as a birthday treat experience. We learnt a lot about the soap making process and came home with our very own hand made soaps. Catherine is very knowledgeable on the subject, a very patient teacher and a welcoming host. Highly recommend this."

PAULA HARRIS reviewed: Healing with plants - herbal medicine introductory course

"Wow, what a caring, considerate and knowledgeable teacher. Julie, I loved the day from start to finish. Your attention to detail, your handouts, your sharing of knowledge and your passion for this work shines through. Thank you for the day, I can't wait to have more lessons from you."

Healing With Plants responded:

"Paula, thank you for organising the great intro day we had together in Dorchester. And thank you too for the lovely review! It was so lovely to meet all your friends and to be able to share my passion for this wonderful green medicine! Aren't the plants amazing!"

Hattie reviewed: Wheel thrown mug workshop

"I booked the 2.5 hour course as a Christmas present for my mum and it was such lovely afternoon and really surpassed our expectations. The studio is stylish and so peaceful, a really lovely creative space. Jack is so patient and helpful and throwing the pottery was such a therapeutic experience. We can't wait to get our pottery back and on display. Highly recommend to anyone!"

Freda Hood reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Went along to Kerry's class and had a lovely morning learning about and making my own beautifully scented candle. She has lovely personal touches ready, our own personal labels already printed, so a lot of thought and work goes into the preparation. My sisters and my daughter came along too. Great idea for birthday and Christmas gift for them and they were chuffed to come away with their own candles and personal scent to experiment with. Good communication ahead of the visit so I knew where I was going, and I had an idea of what scents I might like before I got there as I had sent for some sample from Kerry beforehand. She provided a delicious fruit crumble too and tea or coffee so we felt very well looked after. Lovely morning out!!"

alison room reviewed: Nordic wood craft

"a most enjoyable informative course in a wonderful location a delightful day was had Tom is a very knowledgable chap and generous to share his skills in a relaxed atmosphere cheers Tom"

Wooden Tom responded:

"Hope you add wood carving to your hobbies"

John Harris reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"I went to a day course with Matt, entertaining serious doubts that I would be able to realise a mock-up I had done previously. But when Matt saw it, he immediately went into overdrive and produced a number of possible ways to achieve it. His set-up at the DAAW near Silverton runs like clockwork and he oversees the projects that people bring, with a calm enthusiasm and care. He made sure that everyone (around 9) had all the attention they needed, whatever their level of experience. I couldn't have been more impressed, and found myself wishing I had had that quality of guidance when I was a student. I have to say, I'm a fan. John Harris, professional artist."

Lynn Gilding reviewed: Macrame Pot Hanger Workshop

"I have completed 2 macrame courses now. Alice is an excellent teacher. Patient, friendly and knowledgeable. I have come away feeling confident and able to progress by myself. I will hopefully be back for more, will be trying weaving next time. Thank You Alice."

Karl Trayler reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"My Wife and I attended a one-day course to make our own wedding rings, it was one of the most interesting and enjoyable experiences we have had. Lucy is so knowledgeable, explains and demonstrates every step we needed to make our rings. Lucy is also very patient and allowed us time to go over certain processes. The workshop is exceptional well laid out and very well stocked with all the equipment you would need. The day is very well managed by Lucy although you are consistently learning but you are also allowed to progress in your own time and made to feel relaxed. The overall cost is again excellent value when you consider the course is all day and 1-1 teaching. We would 100% recommend to anyone and really hope to return one day in the future ourselves Not to mention Lucy's workshop is set in a beautiful part of the Welsh country side, which is just an added extra to a truly wonderful day. Sue & Karl Trayler Feb2019"

Julie reviewed: Healing with plants - herbal medicine introductory course

"Spent a wonderful informative day with Julie wood she made the workshop interesting ,practical and fun,she shares so much information with a passion for her subject I learnt so much ."

Healing With Plants responded:

"Thank you so much Julie, it was a delight teaching you. I had such an enjoyable day with you all yesterday and look forward to meeting up again! Julie"