Latest reviews

Christine Tait reviewed: Fused glass Xmas decorations: morning workshop YOU MAKE YOUR OWN GROP UP

"I attended a Christmas Glass Workshop with Julie last year and thought my sister would too so we attended one of Julie's workshops in October. We had a lovely warm welcome from Julie and were put at ease straight away (neither Margaret or I are artistic in anyway). Julie had all the materials set out on the table, as well as biscuits and tartlets. Julie explained about the glass we were using and what everything was for (she didn't have to explain what to do with the biscuits and tartlets), and there were plenty of shapes to choose from and, oh, the beautiful colours. Julie was there all the time offering advice and encouragement. We left our Christmas decorations with Julie for the kiln and Julie gave them to me a few days later. Needless to say both sister and I are extremely happy with the results. I would recommend this course to anyone. It is 2 hours of fun out of a busy life. Thank you, Julie"

Rebecca Maund reviewed: Felting - Christmas Decorations

"A really nice way to spend an afternoon at The Little Craftery. I will be keeping an eye out for more classes in the future!"

John oldham reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"I have really enjoyed my day learning a new skill with Colin, have made some really nice practical pieces that I hope will be in my family for a long time, Colin's clear and no pressure teaching style made me feel at ease and we soon had the first piece finished and polished up. I would definitely recommend doing this course as I have had a great overall experience and have made some unique items for my home."

Carol Sutcliffe reviewed: Fabulous Fruit and Flowers in Autumn - Stamp Making and Paper Sculpture in Derbyshire

"A most enjoyable course. Preparation and presentation excellent. All materials provided. Friendly and lively atmosphere I would certainly go again."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Thank you. Really pleased that you enjoyed your day at The Slipper Studio."

Roland Harrison reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"I attended the one day leading course with absolutely no previous experience. Jamal explained all the processes with authority, incredible knowledge and patience. I found the whole day absolutely compelling and finished with a completed work as a keepsake. The day with Jamal has definitely fired my enthusiasm to continue with this work. Highly recommended to any one with an interest whatever your experience. Many thanks"

Nicole reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"I really enjoyed my knife making day. Spike is very patient and encouraging, a natural teacher. He is also really fun to chat with and has a lot of great knowledge that he is very willing to share which is so valuable. It is obvious that he really loves doing this and wants everyone who visits to love doing it too. The best thing about the course is that it is all your own work, if it goes a bit awry spike just tells you how to fix it, so you can be really proud of your work at the end. Great sandwich too! Would love to go back soon. Thank you very much!"

Siboney Grant reviewed: Christmas Vision Board- Design your life a creative journey of self reflection

"A group of friends from work did this workshop last year as something different to do together in the run up to Christmas. It was such a fun experience, a great atmosphere, and Belinda really made us feel at ease to explore our hopes and dreams. I loved my vision board, it really helped me to focus all year. I would definitely recommend."

Laura reviewed: 1-to-1 Organic Skincare Workshop at Maid in the Meadow

"We had a wonderful day - a really fun learning experience and the products have been lovely to use since. Alison was a great teacher and the studio was a brilliant space to work in."

Maid in the Meadow responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Laura and I'm so glad you enjoyed your day and are enjoying using your lovely organic skincare products. Best wishes, Allison"

Spencer Pullin reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"Myself and a friend attended the course with David and thoroughly enjoyed the day. It was great that he taught us the skills whilst actually making our first piece rather than practicing on bits of scrap first. We both came away buzzing about it and made a J hook plus a unique bottle opener that was immediately put to use as soon as we got home! Would recommend 100%."

Susan Irwin reviewed: Introduction to making your own lingerie at The Arienas Collective in Edinburgh's historic New Town

"Great evening in a fabulous location and I learnt new skills. Didn't seem rushed at all and had plenty of time to chat and compare skills. Thank you"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hi Susan. Thanks for your lovely review, and we're so pleased you enjoyed your evening. We always try to leave time for people to relax and chat since our workshops are also planned to be provide people with some 'time out' from everyday life. It's also why we keep numbers low so our lovely artists and makers like Hazel have plenty time to provide hands-on help and support and share their skills. We hope to welcome you back to The Arienas Collective one day. With best wishes, Lynn"

Emma Yabsley reviewed: Half-Day Jewellery Making Workshop for 2

"What a wonderful Half day workshop. I was amazed that we had the choice of making a bangle, earrings, ring or a pendant as we only had 3 hours. I came away with a beautiful pendant and as a beginner I was thrilled with what I had made. Thanks Linda for a great time. . Maybe the 1 day workshop next time? I highly recommend this workshop."

Linda Sandeman Jewellery responded:

"Thank you so much for your wonderful review. It was really lovely having you there and seeing you achieve such a beautiful pendant!"

Rachel Morley reviewed: Create Christmas Stamps at The Slipper Studio in Derbyshire.

"What a wonderfully relaxing day in Liz’s cosy Slipper Studio! Plenty of attention to detail, all materials and equipment provided and excellent tutoring. Despite already knowing how to make relief prints I did learn some new skills and especially enjoyed learning how to make the paper sculptures. We were also treated to the most excellent biscuits and plenty of hot beverages throughout the day! All in all a workshop very well delivered. I would definitely recommend it. Thank you Liz! Rachel x"

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Really kind of you to say so. Look forward to seeing you back at The Slipper Studio."

Megan Burcham reviewed: Create Christmas Stamps at The Slipper Studio in Derbyshire.

"I attended the Christmas stamp workshop. This was a wonderful welcoming experience from the outset. Liz our tutor provided all the equipment necessary for a successful and informative day. She had amazing attention to detail and provided copious refreshments. I would highly recommend a course with Liz."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Thank you. Lovely to work with you again."

Anne Goldsbury reviewed: Introductory soap making workshop

"This was a well structured and fun course. There were only 4 on the course which allowed for the tutor to give us all plenty of time and attention. The range of options for ingredients was excellent. I am now using my soap and it is a really nice product which smells delightful in the bathroom. I shall certainly go back to make some more when my stock runs low."

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Hi Anne, Many thanks for your lovely review - glad to hear your soap is smelling gorgeous and you are enjoying using it! Nic"

Heather reviewed: Upholstery classes at Sandra Fryer's Workshops

"I don’t usually leave reviews for anything but i just wanted to encourage other people, who may be even a little interested, to try one of Sandra’s courses! I have been to a few of her upholstery classes over the last couple of months and most recently i booked in for one of the lampshade making classes. Going along to these small group sessions is a really enjoyable way to spen a day and Sandra is a such lovely, warm, knowledgeable and patient person to learn new skills from. Can’t recommend it highly enough!"

Phil Sutcliffe reviewed: Copper Christmas decoration making, half-day course

"What a fantastic day. My granddaughter and I had a wonderful day working with Charlotte. Charlotte was patient with us, as we learnt to use the tools to make our Christmas decorations. When ever we needed help and advice she was there and encouraged us throughout the day. The finished decorations look amazing and this is down to Charlotte’s wonderful instructions and encouragement. Tea, coffee and biscuits are readily available throughout the course. My granddaughter has already insisted that this becomes part of our annual Christmas preparations. Having seen the finished pieces and listening to us talk about what a wonderful time we had, my daughter wants to join us. If you only book one craft course a year make it one with Charlotte."

Bea Chrystal reviewed: Introduction to making your own lingerie at The Arienas Collective in Edinburgh's historic New Town

"A very relaxed workshop, expertly organised in a beautiful setting. Hazel is clear and concise, explains and shows every stage of the process, I didn't feel lost or confused. Perfect for beginners and the result is surprising - the end product looks unbelievably professional. I left feeling rested, not something I expected, like an evening spent with good friends. I will definitely book further workshops with Arienas and Hazel."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hi Bea. Thanks for your lovely comments. I'm so glad you were happy with your knickers. We thought they looked incredibly professional too! It's amazing what you can achieve in a few hours with the right help, and we love sending people home with something they're proud of. We're based in a home because we wanted to create a relaxing and welcoming environment, so it's so lovely to hear you went home feeling like you'd spent a relaxing evening with friends. That's what we hope for! Hope to see you back soon. Best wishes, Lynn"

Julie Turner reviewed: Mixed Media Textiles

"I had a wonderful, relaxing day at Dawns tutorial in her lovely studio, which was shared with some very nice like minded people and a very tasty chocolate cake! I felt like a child in a sweet shop with so many wonderful things to explore from fabric paints to huge bungles of fantastic fabrics , pretty and versatile papers, and inspiring mood boards to browse through. I was amazed and very happy at what I could achieve with Dawns guidance having never done free machinery or mixed media techniques before, highly recommended!"

Ester reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"It's been an absolute pleasure to meet Kerry and have the opportunity to do a workshop with her. The beautiful kitchen welcomes you with a fragrant lovely smell of her own candles burning. Wooden logs with essential oils and everything ready on your seat, taking care of the smallest detail with her design labels, care bag, notes of the workshop, pencil, digital scales, etc. She has lots of knowledge from her own experience that she shares in a really easy way to understand and this is done when you enjoy a nice cuppa or coffee. Once you do the candle and is left to set she also offered an amazing homemade apple crumble. After that, it's time for your own blend that she explains with detail. Finally, she let you know about bad candle burning, how to avoid tunnel in your candles at home, the minimum and maximum length of time to burn a candle at home, etc. A highly recommend workshop for anyone that likes this craft and I can guarantee that it's so therapeutic. I definitely can't wait to practice my new skills I have learned today."

David Gill reviewed: Wood carving introduction for adults - one day

"Very satisfying and enjoyable. much to my suprise turned out a half decent carving of a kingfisher. My family were impressed if not a little suprised. Admittedly I received welcome help and encouragement from Jason. I was impressed by the work turned out by my fellow participants. Recommend to anyone even if no previous experience. Thank you Jason. The family now await my next project!"

Simone Anderson reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"What a wonderful way to spend a morning! Kerry was so welcoming & hugely informative, who knew candle making would be so interesting & scientific! Her attention to detail was exemplary, everything looked so beautiful when we arrived & obviously smelled amazing. Learnt loads & am now raring to get going on making candles at home. Would highly recommend this course, looking forward to the next one!"

Emily Underhill reviewed: Basic throwing with Jon French

"I would certainly recommend this course. To have two days to experiment with throwing and turning was a great experience - although challenging at times! Jon was an excellent teacher, who was very patient and helpful."

Potclays Ltd. responded:

"Many thanks for your review Emily! We're glad you enjoyed the course."

JMD reviewed: Belfast beginners crochet courses

"Great idea to combine crochet and afternoon tea. Lovely, relaxing way to spend a Saturday afternoon."

Sally White reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"What a fun informative course. I feel like a knowledgeable candle guru ready to Spread the word- don’t forget to trim your wicks. Would thoroughly recommend this workshop."

A Sutcliffe reviewed: Forged in flames (Forged in fire experience)

"I attended the full day knife making course last weekend and it was a great experience. Something everyone should have a go at and both Andy & Dave are great teachers to go over the process start to finish. Highly recommended"