Latest reviews

Helen Pryer reviewed: Introduction to English Willow Basket Making- Weekend Course

"Always wanted to have a go at weaving and what a perfect way to do it. Had a great day, learnt a lot and came home with a lovely basket. Now I just have to convince friends and family that I did actually make it! ( With the help and patience of Johnathan!)"

Lynn Jennings reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Warrington, Cheshire

"I’ve just completed the upholstery workshop, it was lovely to meet likeminded people and do something you all enjoy, the tutor Joanne was so lovely and very patient allowing you to work at your own pace, she also makes delicious cakes to share with the group, it has given me the skills and confidence to take on a small project myself. I would highly recommend it and will definitely book another workshop soon ?"

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind words Lynn! It was lovely to meet you. I am really pleased you feel you can now take on your own upholstery projects at home and I look forward to seeing you again soon on one of my furniture painting workshops."

Liz McConnell reviewed: Natural Skincare Workshop: Moisturisers and Creams

"My sister, niece and I joined three others yesterday for a fabulous morning on this course. An excellent short introduction to our skins and how they work and then we were on to mixing our ingredients for the body creams. Great fun smelling all the essential oils to see which ones we liked best. Everything was clearly explained, all the equipment was ready for us to use and Nic and Ben were there throughout to help us and explain things. After the body cream we all had a go at some face cream which was a slightly different recipe. I can't recommend this course enough, it was informative, fun and we all came home with beautiful and aromatic creams. And there was plenty of coffee and biscuits throughout the morning. Thanks Nic and Ben, a truly fun morning."

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Thanks Liz for such a lovely and comprehensive review! We really enjoyed having the three of you back and hope you are enjoying using your creams. Hope to see you again on another workshop, Nic"

Peter and John reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

"What a great day! I booked this as a Christmas present for my Dad and I as a father / son day out. Gary was helpful with all booking details and great with advice on ideas for items to forge. We really enjoyed what came across as an authentic experience with Gary and Jos. These are 2 guys who have an obvious passion for sharing their expertise whilst letting you get really hands on in learning new skills. Dad and I both have amazing blacksmiths knives and the satisfaction of the work that went into making them. Whether you are a fan of the tv 'forged' shows or just fancy learning new skills, we would highly recommend Friargate Forge for a great experience."

Friargate Forge Ltd responded:

"Thank you, so happy you both enjoyed your time at the forge Thanks Gary"

Laura Marett reviewed: The Garden Plant Support

"Can recommend tipi making with Nicki- had a really enjoyable morning and came away with a beautiful plant support for the garden. Fun atmosphere, great teaching from Nicki and her husband. Delicious coffee and nibbles, so happy to have learned a new skill."

Willowandyoga responded:

"Thanks Laura, it was lovely to meet you and we are so pleased you enjoyed the course. Warm wishes Nicki and Brian."

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

"Really lovely day, with a fabulous willow deer to take home at the end of it. Really welcoming atmosphere and a lovely group of people. Julie gave great information and guidance on the whole process and on tools needed and where to source willow for future projects. And she has great taste in biscuits. Hoping to do a basket course with her in the near future."

Pip Cottage responded:

"Glad you enjoyed the day Alison, some great company and lovely sculptures made on the day. Look forward to meeting you again in the future. Thanks, Julie"

Caron Cocks reviewed: Solid silver precious metal clay jewellery making courses

"I've been on a few jewellery courses so I knew what to expect but Hannah’s course surpassed all expectation. It was relaxed, fun and I went away with a jewellery ‘Course in a Box’ so I can carry on making at home. I’ll be back!"

Wild Heart Collectif responded:

"Thanks Caron, was an absolute pleasure making your seashell necklace together. Hope to see you again soon x"

Anna Bell reviewed: Introduction To Screen Printing: A One Day Workshop

"Simon was an excellent tutor, patient, knowledgeable, generous and I came away with some prints I love. Fabulous day, I highly recommend this screen printing workshop."

Simon Tozer responded:

"Many thanks Anna, and thanks for my copy of your print - it will be going on my wall! Best wishes, Simon"

Lisa C reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"I had a fantastic day, thank you Lynne for being so welcoming and kind. Your such a lovely teacher with lots of colour choices of leather, thread and elastic. It was such a calm and informative learning experience. I had so much fun. I can’t wait to make more books. Thank you. Lisa"

Helen Evans reviewed: Wet-felting workshop with Fabulous Feltings

"My sister & I thoroughly enjoyed the wet felting course with Jane- instructions were clearly delivered and we each ended up with 3 pieces of work using slightly differing techniques- there were lots of laughs and we were captivated by the beautiful works created by Jane herself. I’m hoping to do a follow-up course later in the summer and would recommend the day to anyone regardless of whether or not you consider yourself to be particularly creative-"

Fabulous Feltings responded:

"Dear Helen Thank you! It was such a fun day with you and your sister and you were both so creative, producing some beautiful pieces of work. I just love the way that there are never any ‘mistakes’ with wet felting - you can always add a little bit here and a little bit there - and although your finished piece may not be as apparent as a painting before the massaging begins, it will always be fabulous! I’ll look forward to seeing you both again for further adventures! Jane"

Theresa reviewed: Handmade cards in Hampshire

"This was my first go at creating cards and it was really enjoyable. There were 3 of us in the session so we had lots of individual help. I learned a variety of techniques and created 3 cards I would be happy to give to others. Enables you to be artistic and creative straightaway with no particular talent required. Hope to do it again soon."

Cardinal Cards responded:

"Hi Theresa and thank you so much for your lovely review. I'm so glad you enjoyed it and you did indeed make 3 cards to proud of. Hope to see you again soon x"

Nikki Bruce reviewed: Making a stained glass leaded panel

"My first experience of stained glasswork today and I loved it. Caryl is a great teacher with boundless patience and positivity. I was relieved to have a range of templates to choose from but others, more experienced, came with their own design ideas. Caryl was happy to accommodate everyone’s needs. Nice small group of four hence lots of one to one support. The day flew by and I am delighted with my panel (despite the dodgy soldering- possibly the hardest part!). Lunch was delicious too, and tea and coffee on tap. Would love to return and I recommend wholeheartedly."

Justine reviewed: Learn how to make a stained glass panel

"A fabulous course. I bought a weekend course for my mum as a birthday/christmas present and had to go with her of course! Brian is an excellent teacher and without really knowing it he helped us convert our ideas into a great bespoke piece over the course of the weekend. We had a great time enjoying the creative process, loved the lead work enjoying our first real attempt at soldering which was lots of fun! Be bold, be creative whatever the end result is it will be unique and you’ll be proud of your achievements."

Sheeba reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"Excellent session in relaxed, friendly and warm environment. Put my friend and I immediately at ease and showed patience and kindness throughout as she guided us expertly through the process. A fun and unique experience!"

Aisha reviewed: Solid silver precious metal clay jewellery making courses

"Such a unique experience! I am over the moon with how my horseshoe necklace turned out, I have received many compliments and even more so when I can say I made it myself! Hannah made the experience, very friendly and relaxed with so much talent that doesn’t stop at jewellery making. Looking forward to returning as part of a hen do which we have already booked! Thanks again Hannah, a highlight to our trip to Pembroke. See you soon!"

Wild Heart Collectif responded:

"A horseshoe necklace for a horse mad lady! Thanks for coming on the course Aisha, it was a pleasure to meet you and hear all about your family x"

Jenny Cottingham reviewed: Boat making day using the technique of sgraffito on coloured glass

"A fabulous day with a skilled and welcoming instructor. The studio is lovely and plenty of creative space. Brian shares his knowledge and opens a wealth of possibilities beyond the project, which was fun, comprehensive, and satisfying but also absolutely suitable for all levels of experience."

Margaret Pricd reviewed: Wet-felting workshop with Fabulous Feltings

"Jane’s course was a delight to attend and gave you an appetite to attend more classes. A lovely day out and a reward to bring home and enjoy."

Fabulous Feltings responded:

"Dear Margaret It was wonderful to host you and your friends - you were all so enthusiastic and bounced ideas from one another. I do hope you’ll return one day for further ‘felting adventures’, Jane"

Rosie reviewed: Paper Marbling Class Full Day at Portsmouth Museum

"After a warm welcome from James Mouland, my nine year old grandson and I settled down to our marbling session feeling relaxed and keen. He got us participating in a short time without the kind of ponderous lecture that gets one impatient to start. Thereafter he led us through the basic steps with great patience and a professional lightness of touch which engendered confidence. Our two-hour session (sharing a tray) flew by and we both loved it and the results we got. James is personable, engaging and considerate and one senses his vast experience in this exquisite art of Turkish marbling. Really a 5 star experience in every respect and great value for money. Many thanks."

James Mouland Ebru Studio responded:

"Thanks Rosie, it was lovely meeting you and your grandson, you both made really good progress in a short time. Hope to see you again soon, James."

Neil Fletcher reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners with Green Fox Wild Crafts

"Thank you Nadine for a fantastic course. Exactly what I was looking for. I had been keen to have a go at spoon carving for a while and this course has given me the skills and knowledge to begin. Covering all sorts from axe and knife carving to choosing tools for a beginner and then how to care for them to get the most out of them. Venue was ideal, especially in the middle of storm Dennis. Plenty breaks and a friendly atmosphere. A great day and well worth it"

Judith Shaw reviewed: Wet-felting workshop with Fabulous Feltings

"This was a brilliant day’s workshop! I can’t recommend it highly enough! I don’t consider myself to be very artistic but Jane was so encouraging and such an enthusiastic teacher that she gave me the confidence to experiment and I was genuinely thrilled with what I was able to produce and take home with me! All this and a truly lovely lunch and the most beautiful setting in the Welsh countryside!"

Fabulous Feltings responded:

"Dear Judith Thank you so much for you kind words! I know how ‘nervous’ you were on arrival - the thought of working on a ‘blank canvas’ almost made you shake! But working with wool is magical and you soon learnt how to blend the meringue fibres to produce some beautiful pieces and release your hidden talents! I hope to see you again, Jane"

Hayley MATTHEWS reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing Workshop by Clare Cosens

"I attended the gelli print course this morning, loved every minute of it. Clare certainly knows her stuff and explains each part of the process. Amazing value for money and I will certainly book another course with Clare.."

Steven James reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"This was my first experience of forging and I had a great day. Chris gives a detailed explanation of each stage, shows how it’s done and is continually on hand to guide you when it’s your turn. Brilliant."

Yvonne Robbins reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"I was so excited to receive the gift of a day learning a new craft. The day without exception was brilliant from start to finish. Denise gudies you through expertly. The atmosphere is relaxing and the workshop's displays inspire you to create. I couldn't believe how professional my hare looked at the end. Her homemade treats were delicious . Will be saving my pennies for a return visit. A huge thankyou Denise , If you have have ever been interested in needle felting, book this day course now."

LOUISA reviewed: Introduction to traditional Calligraphy - foundational hand

"Sunita’s course was excellent, the pace was just right and she was a great teacher, very patient and most importantly knows her subject inside out and back to front but she able to share this well with us rather than leave us behind. I’ve now hopefully found a new hobby, thank you."

Loreta reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"I had a great day with Kingsley making my very own belt. He listened to my ideas and we were able to incorporate most of them in the design. I enjoyed being creative and learning a new skill. Would definitely recommend!"