Latest reviews

Neil Sabin reviewed: Turn a wooden bowl on a traditional pole lathe

"Superb tuition. Modelled each part of the intricate and challenging process with patience. Plenty of time for coffee/tea. Soup and bread at lunch. A solid day's work. Really enjoyable. I have a lovely beech bowl when dried for another 2 weeks and finished with walnut oil will be ready for some porridge!"

John loosemore reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I had an excellent day with Colin, I learnt so much in a short time thanks to his patience, understanding and formidable depth of knowledge. I thoroughly recommend his course to anyone interested in wood turning."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thank you John. Happy turning!"

Robert Higgo reviewed: Tool sharpening

"Informative, relaxed, friendly, helpful. I really enjoyed it and learned a lot"

Susan Bradbury reviewed: Birds on a wire - creating small sculptures in Derbyshire

"Engaging workshop in the tutor’s own home studio, lovely space and ambience. Liz is very supportive and encouraging and makes the course enjoyable for everyone, whatever their degree of ability. Small group of learners so as much individual support as needed and a very friendly atmosphere. An interesting and enjoyable day."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Sue, Thanks for taking time to review your day and I appreciate your thoughts and feedback. Lovely to work with you. Best wishes Liz"

Michael Tomlinson reviewed: Carving Woodland Beasts

"Excellent course. Plenty of help and advice given. Good venue and ample tools and instruction in their use. Nice atmosphere as it was a small group. Time passed quickly."

Kieron carlisle reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"Myself & my partner did this amazing experience. It was a really fun day, made keys that we will have as a memory forever. Event organisers were very friendly and made us feel very welcome. Would recommend to anyone wanting a great day and something to remember. Would definitely do again. X"

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you Kieron. Your key rings were a brilliant idea."

Lin Freeth reviewed: Animal clay sculpture workshops- one day

"We have had the pleasure of 2 one day workshops with Connie which have both been fantastic! We are a group of 4 friends who had not done clay sculpting before but, with encouragement from Connie, produced some amazing pieces which we are thrilled with. Connie is full of enthusiasm and offers help and assistance with a smile. Thanks for such a great time and for the support, input, patience and fun! Wishing you every success with those who are lucky enough to join you. Looking forward to seeing you again soon xx"

Connie Fielder Ceramics and Crafts responded:

"Hi Lin Thank you for taking time to write a review. Your lovely words are very encouraging and appreciated. I’m glad you enjoyed both workshops, and it was a pleasure teaching all four of you. Will see you soon to glaze your sculptures. Connie"

Lisa Fenton reviewed: Hazel wall basket workshop in Grizedale Forest

"A deeply rewarding course. Lorna is an inspiration, and her knowledge sharing is excellent. I was drawn to learn this skill because I loved the idea that I could learn to craft such a beautiful, functional and long-lasting basket with a small knife and a couple of hazel wands. Not only this, but it can be crafted without long waits to dry materials. It really is the epitome of a hedgerow basket! I was also fascinated by Lorna's wide and deep understanding of forests, craft and materials, as well as basket-making more widely. I loved the woodland atmosphere in which we crafted together as a group too. Thank you Lorna, I have enjoyed continuing to experiment with this technique!"

Emerald Rymer reviewed: Introduction to container candle making half day in Henstridge near Stalbridge Dorset Somerset

"A warm welcome on arrival, with an informative, comforting and fun course! I learnt all that I needed, with beautiful candles to take away with me! Highly recommend, thanks soo much Sally!"

Hazel Backpack reviewed: Woven hazel backpack with handmade rope straps

"It was fascinating to watch Lorna bend a relatively thick hazel rod over her knee to produce lengths of beautiful bark for weaving. Even more fascinating to see what was left after the bark was removed, a flexible inner core that could be split in two very easily by again bending over one's knee. It took a while to master the process myself, but once I did it was extremely rewarding. Thank you Lorna, a great workshop and a good heads up on the knee pads!"

Kathryn reviewed: 3D pyrography with colour workshop in Lincolnshire

"This course was bought for me as a gift as I have enjoyed pyrography in the past . Susan taught many new skills and techniques that I had not used before. I enjoyed learning about using colour and working in 3D . Susan is very generous at sharing her knowledge of the subject and is also a very good host. I would definitely recommend this course to both beginners and those with some knowledge."

Brad Drew reviewed: Machine made lined curtains

"Spent the day with Janet making a blind and a curtain. The day was informative and Janet was able to pass on her knowledge in a friendly and relaxed manner on a 1 to 1 basis. Thanks for the lunch."

Lisa hellewell reviewed: Animal clay sculpture workshops- one day

"A fantastic day, Connie is a fantastic tutor. She is very patient and full of encouragement. We had never done sculpting before but by the end of the day we felt like we were professional sculptors. We had a group of 4 and Connie spent time with us all showing us what to do and we managed to make some wonderful animals and figures which can take pride of place in the home and garden. We had a lot of fun and laughs . Thank you Connie, we will be back . Well worth 5 stars ⭐️"

Connie Fielder Ceramics and Crafts responded:

"Hi Lisa Thank you for your review and kind words. I am glad you enjoyed both workshops. Your first lot of sculptures will be fired soon, followed by the second lot. I enjoyed teaching your group very much. See you soon. Connie"

Hilary Richards reviewed: Woodworking - Workshop/Taster Day - Coat Rack

"I can thoroughly recommend the one day coat rack course. I have very little woodworking experience, but Steve is an excellent teacher and with his guidance and encouragement, I produced a very attractive coat rack. He explains and demonstrates each step of the process, but always lets you do the work on your piece. There is a maximum of 4 participants, so Steve is always at hand, and each participant has their own workbench which is very well equipped with tools, all in excellent condition. Add to that the plentiful tea and biscuit breaks, and you have a very enjoyable and productive day. I am sure I will be back to do a 2 day course in the near future."

Dovetail Woodworking responded:

"I'm really pleased you enjoyed the day and you are welcome to come back again anytime. Steve"

Ann Green reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"The ColourWheel Art classes in Windsor, facilitated by Rene and lead/tutored by Erica, are excellent. I have completed four terms and thoroughly enjoy every week, learning new skills and techniques as the course progresses. Erica is a brilliant artist and a patient, fun teacher, guiding the class through each stage, providing excellent demonstrations and individual helpful advice. She is very encouraging and patient and enables everyone to achieve amazing artwork at their own pace each week. The classes are very well organised, with all the materials provided. Windsor Racecourse is an excellent venue, the rooms are spacious and light and the atmosphere during the classes is friendly and fun. I can't recommend the ColourWheel art class highly enough."

Penny Young reviewed: Introduction to Shibori and Indigo

"This one day introduction to Shibori with Alex is superb - and has left me hooked! Alex is a brilliant teacher able to skilfully tailor the tuition to differing levels of ability so both complete novices like me and more experienced textile artists can come away with beautiful pieces to be proud of. We concentrated on stitching techniques and also had a chance to do some folding and clamping before plunging our pieces into the mysterious indigo vat. Alex offers guidance and support in all the right places whilst encouraging students to try out their own ideas. Her beautiful vaulted studio is a peaceful and inspiring place to work and the day whizzed by. We took our still damp and tightly folded work home to dry overnight so opening them up the next morning felt like Christmas! Highly recommended! I can't wait to go back."

Karen reviewed: Pewter Casting - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"What a fun day. Rachel is really supportive and amazingly creative. I did the course with my mum and my adult children. Something for the whole family regardless of age. Thank you. Can't wait to come back."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much. You did really well."

Sheryl Bevan reviewed: "Sparkle & Shine": beginner mosaic workshops with Joss Hughes, Peacock Mosaics

"A lovely setting despite the weather! A clear guided session with freedom to be creative and lots of colours and bases to choose from. Thank you also for the gorgeous cake and coffee. A thoroughly enjoyable morning. Thank you Joss!"

Peacock Mosaics responded:

"Thanks Sheryl, lovely to meet you and glad you had fun. Joss"

Michelle reviewed: Pewter Casting - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"An amazing course! Rachel is brilliant - encouraging, enthusiastic and successfully positive, whilst clearly explaining and modelling new skills. We got to try lots of different techniques & produced beautiful items. Thank you, can't wait to book the next course!"

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you. I loved the hill / contour designs that you did. They were lovely."

Michelle reviewed: Enamel Jewellery - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"Rachel's enthusiasm and passion shines through when she teaches, making this a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Clear instructions and great materials allow you to make lovely products and Rachel encourages you to try different ideas and use unusual glass beads and fragments in your designs. Great fun and really sociable - thank you."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you Michelle. You made some really lovely pieces of enamel."

Paul Sharpe reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Great day with Mort. Made some great stuff, learned a lot and ate lots of biscuits. Thoroughly recommend."

Jessica Lansdown reviewed: Interior design and decor onsite 5 week course

"This is an absolutely amazing course. I have just finished my 5 weeks with Nikki and I feel so inspired, as I have learnt so much about interior design and have a concept design sorted in such a short space of time. I worked on the design of my holiday cottage which is now looking rather dated. I had to learn the difference between designing for myself and for my guests. Nikki's experience in commercial interior design was significant and I felt in very capable hands. This was an extremely cost effective solution to our projects interior refresh, as we had the benefit of a professional interior designer overseeing our ideas, and more importantly our budget. Nikki was also able to recommend suppliers, contractors and has her own “little Black book” of interior suppliers which students on the course are given access to. The level of tuition was excellent, Nikki is a great teacher and managed to adapt her syllabus to fit our project and learning needs superbly. I could not recommend Nikki and her course more highly."

Yana reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"The last time I did art was about 10 years ago at school so this is my first time getting back into it since school. This class gives a wonderful chance to try out different media every week so you're always trying something new. I recommend this class to anyone who has an interest in drawing, doesn't matter what level of experience you are. These classes have reignited my love of art & drawing!"

Jane Collison reviewed: Mosaic taster session @ White Stones Studios

"I had an amazing day! I thoroughly loved learning how to design and create a unique piece of art to take home and hang on my wall. I took along bits and pieces of costume jewellery and memorabilia from my grandparents. It was totally absorbing and thrilling using them to blend into a mirror frame. David knows everything there is to know about how to mosaic and he's so happy to share his passion. Some of his own work is available to view too and it's incredibly inspirational. I enjoyed it so much I've booked to go back with my Mum in a couple of months."

David Nicholls Art responded:

"Thanks for such a positive review. I’m so glad you gained so much from your workshop and I look forward to when you come again with your mum."

Alison reviewed: Sugar Flower Making Class, Beginners welcome.

"Great class, Clare is a great teacher and showed us how to make several different kinds of flowers. I'm really pleased I came along and have learned so much, thank you"