Latest reviews

Romy Garrett reviewed: Bowl basket- 1 day course

"I thoroughly enjoyed a 2 day course making a garden trug with Jane. She is an excellent, encouraging teacher and spreads her time evenly among the group, she is very informative about all things willow and very welcoming into her home. And it is all washed down with lots of tea and delicious home bakes!"

Mary Flinn reviewed: Textured silver pendants and earrings workshop

"I was given Craft Courses vouchers for my birthday and I picked this as one of the workshops to do. I'm really pleased I did. It was wonderful from beginning to end. Jo is lovely and makes you feel at ease. She is very encouraging and an excellent teacher. The techniques are fun and very effective. I made a pendant and two pairs of earrings and the estimated cost of materials is just right. The venue is great and there is a plentiful supply of hot drinks and biscuits, which is always very important in my opinion! I highly recommend Jo's workshops and hope to do another one before long."

Joanne Tinley Jewellery responded:

"I am so pleased that you enjoyed your birthday present Mary! It was lovely to meet you and to help you make your new jewellery. Hope to see you again!"

Anita Mansbridge reviewed: Introduction to traditional Calligraphy - foundational hand

"The course today was presented professionally, with great technical skills to demonstrate and tutor with lovely warm people skills I thoroughly enjoyed the course and look forward to days ahead of practise and putting skills to use at some point soon Many thanks Anita"

Karen reviewed: Half-day traditional basketry willow workshops with Pip Cottage in Lancashire

"I recently attended a two day basketry course and made a log basket which I am very pleased with. The course was excellent.I learnt about willow, it's preparation and various basketry techniques. Julie is a great teacher and I highly recommend her courses. A few days later I went to the living willow workshop. This was extremely informative and we made a great willow wigwam in the field. I bought some rods and intend to build a living structure myself."

Pip Cottage responded:

"Hello Karen, Glad you enjoyed the workshops, your log basket was very good, a lovely shape and the weaving was great. I would be very interested to see a photo of the living willow structure you build. Thanks, Julie"

Narj Briah reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course

"Had a very informative training session with Paula. The course was structured very well and I really enjoyed myself! The afternoon tea was amazing too. Would highly recommend this course for anyone thinking of doing it, you won’t regret it!"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you for your kind words. Paula"

Rachel reviewed: Botanical painting workshop with Becki Clark

"I stumbled across this course through craftcourses.com and booked it as it looked like it would be fun and was local - but it really exceeded my expectations. Becki provides absolutely everything required - including fabulous chocolate brownies from Rawberry (the cafe it’s held in). Group size was small enough for everyone to get any help needed, but large enough to feel nicely social. Becki provides very clear basic instructions, but encouraged everyone to use their own ideas and style to make unique pieces - so whether you are a complete beginner or a keen crafter you will come out with something to be proud of. I haven’t painted in years, but now I won’t be able to stop! Can’t wait for the next course."

Sharon Dux reviewed: Introduction to traditional Calligraphy - foundational hand

"A fantastic introductory day to Foundational Hand calligraphy Sunita put everyone at ease, providing clear instructions in a calm and fun way that put everyone at ease, everything that was needed was provided including a delicious buffet lunch! I would highly recommend this workshop"

Ann Spencer reviewed: 'Pick & Stick' China Mosaic Workshop

"We enjoy being creative and Mosaicing was new for us. Had a great time and we love our coasters. Pat is very encouraging and a great teacher. Using old pottery also makes this craft very cost effective. Thanks so much for a wonderful 2 hours."

Blue Jelly Moon responded:

"So glad you enjoyed the workshop. There is something very satisfying remodelling something old into something new and giving it a second life. Hope to see you and Jacky again in the future x"

Roslyn Chrichlow reviewed: Introduction to leather craft - leather coin purse and keyring

"I had a great day learning about leathercraft. The purse was simple but excellent for beginners. I learnt to use many new tools and new techniques in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. Deborette is an excellent teacher and very patient. The pace was good and nothing seemed rushed. I went away knowing that I could tackle simple leathercraft projects and from there build up my knowledge of this craft."

Chris Skelson reviewed: Oil painting for the scared - 8 week course

"Anyone wishing to do this course with Mr Walton, take it from me, he will correct any mistakes you make in a nice way, color rendition, color mixing, brush strokes, and your first painting will be outstanding. How do I know this? Well, Ian taught me for around 12 months at Plas Power in Wrexham. After years of watercolour painting and sketching, Ian got me with oils, and my first painting was a copy of Constable's Stonehenge. I have still got it at home and still proud of it. Without Ian's help I think it would have been average instead of the outstanding that it is, and to confirm Ian is a courteous chap with incredible painting ability, call and see him, you will not be disappointed."

Ian Walton Gallery responded:

"Wow Chris ! Thank you, that’s an awesome review."

Sue reviewed: Fused glass workshop with Helen from The Butterfly Effect Studio in Halford.

"I booked this course for myself and a friend and her daughter after meeting Helen and seeing her lovely, creative work at a Christmas fair. We weren't disappointed. It was a lovely and relaxing day. Helen is a great teacher - encouraging and full of tips and ideas, but ultimately letting you create your own pieces in your own style. Creating fused glass jewellery is a completely new craft for me - I loved it - I am very pleased the items I made. Excellent value too."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Sue, thanks for taking the time to review the course and I’m thrilled you all enjoyed the day. Each of you created such beautifully unique pieces , it never ceases to amaze me how many different ways the glass can be used. I hope Emily was able to use some of her skills and creations in her school art work too. Thanks again."

Hannah Osmond reviewed: Beginner Pottery Classes at the Corner Workshop

"I have so enjoyed pottery with Julie. She makes every session fun and informative. I've learnt a lot in a short space of time and had a fantastic time long the way. Julie is patient and encouraging and I have loved every minute."

David Bunn reviewed: Oil painting day - In the artist's studio with Laura Andrew - Lincoln

"Many thanks for a wonderful, instructive day and delicious lunch. I hadn't painted for many years and Laura has inspired me (and hopefully my son George, who also enjoyed the experience) to make up for lost time. I always find that a blank canvas can be daunting but once this obstacle is overcome the result can be very rewarding, as indeed it was with Laura's guidance and encouragement."

Eddie reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"The location is gorgeous, the food was delicious, the staff were welcoming, and the course was brillliant. I couldn't recommend it enough!"

Pam Kallender reviewed: Introduction to creative acrylics with Jan Vallance

"A most enjoyable day and I was very pleased with the results that I managed to produce under Jan's guidance."

Jenna reviewed: Botanical painting workshop with Becki Clark

"A really wonderful workshop run by a very talented young lady. I went with my sister and we really enjoyed our day. I left feeling able to recreate at home what I had learned during the workshop thanks to Becki's step by step guide and expert ability to teach. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a crafty day out."

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

"Sarah is a great teacher! She taught us how to believe in ourselves, we have all produced some great work under her guiding eye.She is very talented and very gracious too. I really look forward to each and every class and am always surprised at what l can achieve!"

Sarah Stokes responded:

"Thank you Jane... the work you’ve produced has been excellent. It’s lovely to see your confidence and talent blossom. Thank you for the lovely review and see you very soon ?"

sue lintern reviewed: Introduction to Silkscreen Printing in Cambridgeshire

"I highly recommend Judith's screen printing course. We learnt how to print onto paper and fabric, tried several different techniques and finally produced a piece of artwork to take home. The class is small so you can have plenty of one-on-one time and Judith is very patient answering endless questions and explaining options for how you might want to do your masterpiece. This was an excellent and fun day."

Fred Blackford reviewed: One-to-One Private workshop

"I would highly recommend this course. Great teacher. Learnt loads. Great fun and educational day out."

Karen Almond reviewed: Weave a scarf in a day - handloom weaving

"Anne is a very good tutor enabling everyone to work at their own pace. It was a very enjoyable day. As advertised, I wove a scarf in a day."

Simone Webb reviewed: A Practical Dry Stone Walling Workshop Central London

"My partner booked me this course as a birthday present. I spent the day with John and others at Stepney City Farm building a wall around a duck pond. It was a really fantastic day: dry-stone walling is such an absorbing activity that the six hours I spent there really flew by. John's got a great style of teaching; we were just thrown in at the beginning and told to give it a go, and then as the day went on we learned more and more - both by what John was saying and from watching him work himself. He's really responsive to any questions, and very supportive as a teacher. It was very satisfying at the end of the day to see how the wall had just sprung up, and to know that I'd contributed to making it happen. I'd really love to do more dry-stone walling, although I don't know where I'd do it! Also worth saying that although I was the only woman on this particular course, I wasn't ever made to feel out of place or patronised (which certainly can happen as a woman doing any sort of manual work). Can't recommend enough if you're interested in dry-stone walling!"

London School of Dry Stone Walling responded:

"Hello Simone - thank you for your review and i am happy you enjoyed the day. A great day, great people and project. You juggled with a variety of stone shapes and sizes to find the face edge, a final chip with the hammer developed the right shape, one over two, two over one. You used the shims on inside, heartings and developed the curve with your natural eye. A good job well done. Good luck with future studies, best wishes John"

Louise reviewed: Knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"I had a great first class with Ann on Saturday. I had never knitted before and she was very patient with me and went through various techniques. Don't be afraid to book on if you have no experience as Ann is a great teacher."

Leeds Central Faith and Light responded:

"Good morning Louise, Thank you for taking the time to write your lovely review. I'm pleased you found your session helpful. As I said on Saturday, you were very quick at picking up the process. I hope you get lots of pleasure from your new hobby. Kind regards Ann"

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

"I attended the six week evening pottery course and have enjoyed it immensely! Over these weeks I have had the opportunity to wedge, throw and decorate/glaze a number of various items. Lorraine has been very patient, extremely informative and knowledgeable about all aspects of the craft and I look forward to the next course so I can do it all over again! Thank you Lorraine for helping me to realise my inner potter!"

Paul Freeman reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"Simply brilliant. An excellent day for me and my 15 year old son Harrison, each of us making two knives. After making one under close supervision, after lunch we each made our second pretty much on our own, which was really satisfying. I wished I could have made a third and a fourth. At home later I used one to prepare our tea, and we used them all for eating! A great experience, thanks Jake!"

Rowena Joseph reviewed: Painting and Drawing one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"I had an amazing day going through the processes of mark making, drawing & painting. Welcomed into their home Penny and Dan made the whole experience a pleasure. The studio is cosy and light, a perfect creative environment. Penny is a wonderful teacher, always encouraging and ready to help at any moment. The groups are small so there is always help when needed. Dan provided us with teas and coffees throughout the day and a delicious lunch. There was homemade cake too!"