Latest reviews

Christine Henderson reviewed: Rag Rug Workshop - Full Day - York

"Having absolutely no experience of rag rugging, I absolutely loved this course. It was easy to grasp and I really enjoyed picking out the coloured bags in all the different textures. You had a choice of making a small rug, tote bag, flowers, a garland or cushion cover. I am completely "hooked"."

Ragged Life Ltd responded:

"Thank you Christine, we're so glad it 'hooked' you :-) You were a pleasure to teach."

Jane Green reviewed: Experimental Weaving

"The Craft Course in Experimental Weaving was a lovely memorable experience. Under Sarah's gentle guidance the class straight away became absorbed in building up, row by row, their own piece of weaving from an enormous array of different yarns, many of them made from natural fibres and dyes. I really enjoyed learning a new skill and also experiencing the colours and textures I chose for my piece - which is now hanging prominently on the kitchen wall! "

Starflower Arts responded:

"I'm so glad you enjoyed the Experimental Weaving day Jane. It was great to have you there. Thank you for your lovely review and its wonderful that your weaving is now hanging up in your kitchen!"

Michelle reviewed: Pottery Workshop: Make a Japanese Kurinuki Cup

"We thoroughly enjoyed this course making kurinuki yunomi cups. Lucy was an excellent teacher and very patient. Great cakes too! We are feeling very inspired by this course."

Gayle reviewed: Beginners Woodturning

"Never previously tried woodturning but this Christmas present was an excellent excuse to try something new. Roger is a super teacher and in five hours I’d carved, sanded and polished myself a lovely wooden bowl out of a square block of ash. Great fun learning a new craft with expert guidance all the way. "

Abi reviewed: Mosaic/chat/create! with award winning mosaicist Emma Abel

"I had such a wonderful day of mosaic making with Emma. She gave clear instructions and was happy to answer my (many!) questions. She had every colour tile imaginable and I can't wait to do more mosaic making in the future!"

abelmosaics responded:

"Thank you Abi, your name sign was very neat with great colours!"

Kirsty reviewed: Willow Weaving for beginners

"Throughly enjoyed thus course. It was a little cold as it was outside and I did not realise so wear layers just in case for the weather. I was surprised to make a dragon fly in the morning and a sweet pea obelisk in the afternoon. I would recommend the teacher we had. Thanks Gina "

Kim reviewed: Needle felt workshop

"Really enjoyed learning the art of needle felting. Yvonne was so helpful and motivating. Very talented lady to help me felt a piglet - he is so cute. Lovely cakes too."

Needle Felt Art responded:

"It was a pleasure Kim, you did an amazing job as a complete beginner, such a cute felt piggy. I hope you are inspired to keep felting. Yvonne. "

Tanya reviewed: Whittling Workshop

"An extremely well taught course, totally immersive in an idyllic setting a perfect way of getting away from stresses of work. Never thought I would be able to create a wooden spoon in 1/2 a day."

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Tanya, thanks for the lovely review! Hope to see you at Manor Wood again. Matt"

Menna Angharad reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"Three of us came on the day course, it was amazing! Becky and Johnny are brilliant, friendly and inspiring teachers; it was a really enjoyable day and we were all thrilled to take home our beautiful foraging baskets. The optional lunch was super and catered for vegans and vegetarians. I definitely recommend this course for anyone keen to learn about basketry. "

Annie de Lacy reviewed: Greenwood carving at Sallerton Wood

"Thank you so much Andy for your patience and excellent guidance making this course so enjoyable .. to both you and Jane for the filling and tasty lunches . A magical setting and a super group of people. A wonderful experience. "

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks for your enthusiastic review, Annie. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the course iself, it's setting, and the company of the other participants on the course. Thanks also for your kind words about the lunches provided. We hope to see you back at Sallerton Wood for another course one day. "

Katharine Butterworth reviewed: Greenwood carving at Sallerton Wood

"Learning under a master craftsman in an idyllic setting - what's not to love. "

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks, Katherine, for your kind review, and we're pleased to hear that you enjoyed the course and the setting in which it took place. Thanks also for booking on our Shave-horse making course in June, and we look forward to seeing you again then. "

Jael reviewed: Embroidery for beginners

"A timeless craft guided by a passionate tutor. A skill I will happily hone for years to come. "

Heritage Embroidery responded:

"Thank you for your review Jael, I’m so happy I have inspired you to carry on with this lovely craft."

Jo reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Had a fantastic weekend doing this course. Mark is so knowledgeable and really patient. All of us left with boxes that we were so chuffed with. I would highly recommend it. A great course in a beautiful place. "

Alex reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"Excellent course, Gavin and Tom were fantastic instructors, patient, knowledgeable and friendly, they made the course not just about walking away with a bow, but a genuinely wonderful and enjoyable experience. I’m obsessed with the stunning bow I produced under their watchful eye, and can’t wait to try it out. Would recommend this course to anyone wanting to try their hand at making a bow, from complete novice woodworker to seasoned archer and bowyer alike. The town it’s in is also a lovely place to watch the world go by over lunch. Brilliant, thanks again! "

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"Amazing thank you so much and glad you enjoyed the weekend. Let us know if you ever need any follow up Pam"

Toby reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"We had an excellent day in a gorgeous setting and left feeling confident enough to carve at home. Mark’s teaching style is excellent and gave everyone the confidence, techniques and knowledge needed to produce lovely spoons. The woodland setting and delicious lunch all make this a great experience. Good for beginners or those with a little more experience. "

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Toby Thank you for joining us and for taking time to share your experience here. Glad you enjoyed the day. Keep making! All the best Mark and Cristina"

Susan Martin reviewed: Sustainable Botanical Dyeing - A talk with Siân Lester

"Sian gave a very inspiring talk. It was good to hear about all the different aspects of her work and the philosophy, experiences, and collaborations with others which all contribute to her thinking. She brought a lovely selection of natural dyed samples for us to look at too. Many thanks to her for sharing."

Helen reviewed: Silver Metal Clay Beginners Class

"I did the beginners course on the 4th May. What a fantastic half-day. Ana is a brilliant teacher and so enthusiastic about her art and sharing her experiences. I had not worked with silver clay before, but came away with two beautiful pendants and a wealth of knowledge. The workshop area is purpose-built for teaching and is comfortable. It was incredible to see how clay turns into silver, using relatively simple techniques you can then do at home. I will definitely be going back for more sessions, I would highly recommend you give it a go too. "

A CAT Jewellery responded:

"Hello Helen, thank you so much for your wonderful comments. We had a productive and enjoyable session. It was so nice for me to be able to share my knowledge with such enthusiastic and talented student. Already looking forward for the next opportunity."

Andy reviewed: Willow Highland Cow Head

"Course leader was very friendly and course was excellently run being great fun to do. All 3 of our party came away with excellent cows to remember the day. We will be returning soon."

Julia Norris reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Had a fantastic two days. Sebastian seemed to appear with a helpful suggestion, tool or technique to help my project forward just as it was needed. Lovely setting and interesting chats with a small group of interesting people. We all went away with a successful sculpture, all very different."

Sandra reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"This course is one of the best I have been on. It is indeed for everyone, no matter of gender, age or build. Carl imparts his wealth of knowledge with enthusiasm and humour. He teaches how to identify different types of building stone and how to lift them safely. Sharon kept us fed and watered throughout the weekend with wonderful efficiency. Fortunately the weather was perfect and the scenery is just stunning. Our group was great fun and we worked together well. But most importantly was the satisfaction and sense of achievement I felt in completing our section of the farmer's wall. A thoroughly worthwhile course."

Janna Bond reviewed: Saturday glass fusing workshop at Ransom's Pavilion, Hitchin

"A lovely morning creating fused glass. Looking forward to seeing the final pieces of art."

Tuuli Parker responded:

"Hi Janna, thank you for your review! It was lovely to meet you yesterday. Looking forward to seeing how your pieces come out! Kind regards, Tuuli"

J Rawlinson (booked as surprise by S Wetton) reviewed: Fused glass introduction 1/2 day at Kingcot, Worcestershire

"What a wonderful birthday present from my girlfriends, we had a great time. Vicky's knowledge sharing her tips and tricks, her encouragement made you believe you could produce a quality product and with her support you can. Her patience (as there were varying degrees of ability), support and humour made it a brilliant experience. The possibilities are endless with all the ideas and equipment you need available. I would suggest you look at some ideas before you attend the workshop. I will definitely be going again."

Kingcot Gallery responded:

"Thank you for having your birthday party with me, it was good to see everyone getting on with things even tho' it did start a little chaotically......... It was good that everyone could make something for the space that they had in mind, even the garden, so hopefully all with be displayed with pride! It'll be good to see you again with printouts this time I guess :-) All the best Vicky"

Phyllida Richards reviewed: Stained glass mosaic sun catchers in the Cotswolds

"Excellent day, great location… really good resources and guidance. Thanks very much! "

Baobab Tree Mosaics responded:

"You are very welcome. Glad you had a good day. Your fern turned out beautifully."

Caty B reviewed: Stained glass mosaic sun catchers in the Cotswolds

"Had a really lovely day and so pleased with my suncatcher. I was a bit nervous, but didn't need to be as Yvette guided us through the day and encouraged us to do our own creations. Directions were great and a lovely quiet spot. Refreshments aplenty. I would certainly book again 👌"

Baobab Tree Mosaics responded:

"So glad to hear you enjoyed your day. Your suncatcher turned out beautifully and your colour choices were inspired. "

Venkatesh H reviewed: Spoon Carving - Slojd Workshop

"Max is an enthusiastic teacher who is passionate about his craft. During our 1:1 spoon carving session, Max taught me all the fundamental techniques I would need as a beginner and stressed on adopting a non-prescriptive approach, asking me to listen to the tools and my body above all. Knowledge is knowing how to use a tool, wisdom is understanding that the tool doesn’t want to be used a certain way. Spend a few hours in Max’s serene, sun-lit workshop and you’ll be coming up with wise one-liners just like me! 😆 "