Latest reviews

Lisa robinson reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"A fantastic day! Great fun, company, tuition and food. Thank you so much for a taste of the blacksmith’s life."

Maggie King reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"Having carved a number of wooden spoons over the last year I opted for one day of private tuition which Martin tailored to my knowledge and experience with great tact. The pleasure of learning from such a professional craftsman and teacher was wonderful, taking me through safety, choosing and using wood, to different and new techniques of tool use, and sharpening, throughout sharing his wisdom patiently for a whole day. This was everything I had hoped for and more, expanding my knowledge and leaving me as excited as ever over creating something both beautiful, traditional and useful."

yvonne reith reviewed: 2-Day Traditional Stained Glass Painting Course for Beginners

"I enjoyed the two day course with Nathalie.It wasn't quite what I was thought it was.I thought it was working with different coloured glass,and lead work.However I did learn alot, and worked with a lovely small group of people.Nathalie was helpful,l friendly, and very knowledgable in her subject.i would recommend this course"

Irene Barnett reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Just spent the most wonderful day with Jo making a variety of the best candles ever. They are more than on par with the very expensive best known candles! Jo is not only a really warm, lovely, delightful person but her knowledge and willingness to share is truly amazing. I was so looking forward to the day and it excelled in every way. I knew nothing about candlemaking at all but having met Jo and buying her candles at Clare craft show l was so impressed with the high quality and standard that l just had to have a try myself. I can honestly say its THE best workshop I've ever been on. I wish you continuing success Jo in your amazing business and happy house hunting."

Katie Marks reviewed: Lino cutting course - Laura Andrew Art Studio, Lincoln - Linocut lino printing

"Had a fantastic day tutorial with Laura. The whole process was so much fun. I loved the results of the reveal, but I think the favourite part for me was carving my design on to the block. I have since been gathering ideas for future lino designs x"

Graham snuggs reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"My wife bought me a 1 day one to one course at the forge and I was very excited to get started, the experience did not disappoint I had an unbelievable day. I have to admit I’d built the whole thing up in my mind (as I’ve wanted to do a forging course for years) it far exceeded my expectations and Alex was an enthusiastic and helpful tutor! We made a pair of forging tongs, a letter knife, bottle opener, coat hook and tried some forge welding I also got a “get it got an hit it” t’shirt!! Wish I could do another (hint, hint mrs Snuggs)"

Peter reviewed: Beginning Your Beekeeping - Two Day Beginners Course

"Very good course for people who are beginners or thinking about beekeeping. A knowledgeable and patient instructor, good team at Mantel Farm, excellent food and the inspection of the bees and the hives was very good in helping you decide if this was for you or not. I highly commend the course."

Sandra reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"Lynne and I came for a bangle and ring workshop. We had a fabulous day learning some of the techniques of silver and copper wear. Endless drinks, lots of gossip and tale telling. We managed not to burn the place down with the blowtorch and left with some individual, unique, beautiful pieces. Thank you so much for a great day. We are looking forward to our next adventure."

maxine reviewed: One day silver jewellery designing and making workshop

"I found Bridget to be a brilliant teacher. She was so supportive and inspiring in such a friendly and welcoming way. Her workroom is well stocked with equipment, and everything I wanted to make Bridget had the gadget for me to be able to achieve it. I really enjoyed my day with Bridget, and felt she had helped me to achieve a lot in only one day. I would thoroughly recommend Bridget's course."

Chrissie Dell reviewed: Mono printing using the magic colourful Viscosity Technique

"Really enjoyed the course. It was a small group so plenty of time to try different things, to discuss and review. Excellent clear teaching. This course really inspired me and I know include viscosity in my practice Would thoroughly recommend any of Emily’s courses"

Andy Dickson reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"A splendid course, with a real and lasting outcome. We transformed a higgledy-piggledy broken down wall into a magnificent adornment to the landscape. A highly recommended way to expend a weekend!"

Amberlea McNaught reviewed: Introduction to Greenwood Spoon Carving

"Exceptional tutoring, fun engaging and really relaxing. A wonderful day learning new skills safely with experienced and knowledgeable craftsman. I was so pleased with my first attempts. Great advice on materials and tools. I would thoroughly recommend any greenwood workshop here. This is the place to grow your imagination!!"

Elaine Owen reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"I was given this course as a Christmas present and I didn’t know what to expect - would I be the only woman on the course, would I be strong enough, confidence to go on the course on my own etc but rest assured everyone was extremely welcoming and friendly, there were three other women learning how to create a dry stone wall and two women experienced dry stone walkers to help you in anyway. The course it self was really informative, very safe, relaxed (go at your own speed) and we had great banter with the instructors and new friends. I am very proud of myself and the sense of achievement of being able to pull down a sad broken dry stone wall a rebuild to to its former glory. I would definitely recommend this course to everyone."

Sarah LOHMANN reviewed: The Whole Table Loom Set Up - Dobby & Rose

"Two days of complete absorption which gave me the confidence to take weaving further. I've now bought my own loom and found the course notes invaluable in setting it up; it's very exciting to begin weaving fabric that I could use around my home. Rebecca is a great tutor; she didn't overwhelm me with information but started each step and let me complete it. I highly recommend this course."

Jane Scuffell reviewed: Beginning Your Beekeeping - Two Day Beginners Course

"I was a complete beginner when I attended this course, but I learnt so much from the master beekeeper, who provided an excellent study pack to refer to. The food was delicious and I would highly recommend this course to anybody who either keeps or is thinking of keeping those fascinating insects."

Kate Mitchell reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"I was given a voucher for a jewellery day with Jonathan for Christmas and finally got around to using it last month. Having never made my own jewellery before I was convinced I'd not be able to make anything much, but Jonathan was brilliant at teaching me the tricks of the trade and I came away with a set of beautiful silver stacking rings and all my trial designs in copper! The day was so much fun, and I can't wait to go back for more! Thanks so much for your help and expertise Jonathan!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you for your very kind words Kate. It was a good day and great to see your confidence develop. Good luck with your future jewellery making skills Jonathan"

Janice reviewed: Embossed Pewter Notebook and Pen

"Really enjoyable evening session. Melanie went out of her way to welcome, providing guidance and everything required to produce our notebooks. It was incredibly well organised, with everything needed ready to go.She had even anticipated we may be hungry or thirsty and provided lovely nibbles. She was very encouraging and supportive, and generously shared her knowledge and equipment. We all left pleased with our notebooks, having had a really enjoyable evening. We are all signing up to do more of her courses. Couldnt have been better. Thanks Mel"

Jayne reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"Thank you Denise for a wonderful day! I loved it, can't believe I made my Hare, he's amazing! My husband loved him too! Xx"

Crafty Gal responded:

"How could anyone NOT love your hare Jayne?! Before he even got his head on we all adored him! You were such a hoot to spend the day with, I really hope you go on to do more needle felting - would love to see what you do next. Dx"

Helen reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"We thoroughly enjoyed spending the day at Bonds with Denise and the rest of the group of crafters! Everyone was so lovely and Denise was a fantastic teacher. The lunch was great and the afternoon cake and coffee was a treat. Thank you so much Denise for such a fab day! We are both absolutely thrilled with our hares, can't believe we've made them, feel super-proud! It was great seeing all of the needlefelt animals lined up at the end of the day; they all looked amazing but so different with their own personalities. I'd really recommend this course, Denise was lovely and really helpful and I'm really looking forward to starting needlfelt projects at home! Xx"

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you for such a brilliant review Helen - so pleased you enjoyed your day and are ready to go on to your next needle felt project. Don't forget to send me some pics, I'd love to see where you take what you learnt with me. Dx"

Marjolein Wolverson reviewed: Pottery / ceramics / wheel throwing full day

"A fabulous one day workshop experience! Lorraine is a wonderful teacher and the class size was perfect too. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is new to the craft or has experience. My husband treated me to this workshop by buying a voucher and that as a great idea. Are you thinking about a creative friend or family member who has a birthday coming up? A perfect present for sure! And the cakes were wonderful too!"

Woodsetton Art Pottery responded:

"Thanks for your kind words and see you in a few weeks when your pots are all finished. Lorraine at Woodsetton"

Marika reviewed: Felting and natural dyeing craft holiday in the Highlands of Scotland

"It really was everything I hoped, and much more. My room was really nice and slept very well. Rosie is excellent cook, got new ideas also on that area. Course itself is well planned, each day has something unique to offer. You really see and learn about the whole process of felting and dyeing. Recommend highly and the area has amazing nature and views."

Anne reviewed: Make and decorate a ceramic bowl in one session

"Great course. Josie is an attentive, patient, and encouraging instructor. Great to make a bowl in just one session!"

Josie Warshaw Ceramics responded:

"Thank you for your positive review Anne. Im so glad that you enjoyed the bowl making and its been a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to seeing you again soon for clay making on Thursday evenings. Regards for now Josie"

Johnnie Diallo reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"I found the course AMAZING! I had so much fun and created something I never thought I could before. It was so exciting seeing how it gradually transformed into something quite spectacular. It really felt like i was going on an adventure with my own little friend. Thank you so much for guiding me every step of the way and I had a great time from Johnnie Age 10"

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you Johnnie! You added even more fun to the day by keeping everyone on track, you were incredibly fast - I'm so happy you enjoyed it and got so much out of it. Looking forward to seeing what you go on to next! Dx"

Pat Mallett reviewed: Polymer Clay Sparkle: jewellery making at West Country Creative in Lifton, Devon

"I had a lovely day with Jo yesterday making a sparkle necklace and a LOT(!) of buttons. Jo was very flexible and adapted her workshop content because I wanted to make sparkle buttons as well. They will become haloes for musical angels at a couple of WI workshops later this year. I was so grateful to Jo for being so flexible and I loved the results. I also had time to make, with Jo's assistance with the fiddly bits, a bead necklace for myself. Thanks, Jo for a lovely day."

Shelley Phelan reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"I recently attended a silver jewellery workshop day that my husband bought for my birthday with my friend Betty. What a brilliant day we had. We were both complete beginners and were slightly nervous but with Jonathons' skilful tutoring we were confidently filing, using the blow torch and polishing our jewellery. I made the stacking rings and Betty made earrings. I can not recommend the workshop enough. The setting is beautiful and the calm and relaxing environment was just perfect for learning new skills and being creative. Thank you Jonathan for such a great day."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Shelley - Lovely to meet you and Betty. Well done with your jewellery making. Look forward to hearing how you get on with your own jewellery tools. Jonathan"