Latest reviews

Mike Hill reviewed: Spoon carving course - from log to spoon with Jeffrey Hart

"Jeffrey made sure that everyone knew the safest and most effective types of cut for each section of the spoon, making an otherwise potentially dangerous pursuit (the knives are really really sharp!) very safe and very satisfying. His approach is warm and encouraging, and the atmosphere he created was relaxed, fun and attentive. The whole process feels beautifully cathartic and calming, the more you work with the wood the more you understand it and how it will react to various types of cuts and techniques, and with so much depth to the craft I found it fascinating, and pretty addictive! At the end of the session, I ended up with a spoon of my own that I was proud of, and a new hobby/slight obsession."

Trish Rucklidge reviewed: Friday Morning Upholstery Course (six Weekly Classes)

"Thoroughly enjoyed the class. Learned a great deal. Met some lovely people. Class size was just right, especially for beginners. Thank you so much for all the time and patience. Trish Rucklidge"

Sal Basford reviewed: Furniture Painting Workshop (levels 1&2 techniques covered) in Warrington, Cheshire

"I have just spent a wonderful day learning loads of excellent furniture painting techniques. There were only a few in the class so Jo was able to support us all really well. Jo is obviously a very knowledgeable & experienced teacher. I arrived with a very boring and highly polished dark wood nest of tables & left with a beautiful & classy navy & grey table, looking forward to painting the other 2. Already planning my next day with Jo, but what to choose - upholstered footstool or intermediate painting techniques ? . Great day, thanks Jo xxx"

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you so much Sal. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the workshop, you did a really great job on your tables. I look forward to seeing you soon on the next one. :-)"

Rosalind Thurlow reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - 2 Day Beginners/Intermediate Workshop

"I have just completed a second course with Ollie and looking forward to a third! His experience is generously shared with his students to help keep alive ‘French polishing’. He is a patient and attentive tutor and the two small pieces I took for attention, now look unbelievably beautiful thanks to his instruction and guidance. The extensive notes sent out following the course are invaluable. If you have any interest at all in woodwork, restoration and learning a new skill then don’t hesitate to sign up with Ollie you won’t regret it. Ollie, thank you very much and hope to see you again soon ?"

Charlotte reviewed: Green Man! 1 Day Sculpture Workshop Using Pal Tiya Premium

"Fantastic course today with Bob and Joe. Great instruction with lots of tips (and tea!) as we went along. Really pleased with what I managed to create by the end of the class."

Angie Smith reviewed: Friday Morning Upholstery Course (six Weekly Classes)

"The 5 week course was really good fun. I made some new friends, which was important having only recently moved to Cheddar. Jillian and Lucy are extremely good tutors, generous with their time and able to explain the intricacies of traditional upholstery techniques, including all health and safety issues. The workshop is well-equipped. On-street parking is just around the corner. As a total novice, I'd learned a lot by the end of the course and was delighted to have completely revamped a battered and bruised old Lloyd Loom stool into a beautiful and useful piece of furniture."

Simon George reviewed: An introduction to wood turning with Gregory Moreton (2 Days)

"Greg is knowledgable, friendly, welcoming (his workshop is in his home) and made the 2 day turning course fun, as well as transforming in terms of new skills learned. I left the course with three pieces I am proud of and went back to my own workshop to create some more spiral shavings (and *not* any more "designer kindling"). Oh - and coffee, home-made bread and ploughman's lunch was very nice, too! Highly recommended."

Christof Taylor-Smith reviewed: An introduction to wood turning with Gregory Moreton (2 Days)

"Greg was superb. It was a fantastic refresher and I walked away with many more techniques and tips that I couldn't wait to apply at home, not to mention some finished products which I'm really proud of. I would highly recommend this."

Eva reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"Very informative and practical. We learned about the history and background as well as how to do it. A lot of encouragement and support. I was a complete novice with very if any art skills and was able to make a small stained window. We have since applied these skills and have made some further stained glass art."

Stained Glassic responded:

"Dear Eva, Thanks very much for your lovely review! And Thank you for booking a course with me. I am so happy that you enjoyed your course!!!"

Ance reviewed: Beginner's leather accessory class

"Great course for beginners, Sonja was an amazing ‘teacher’, I’m now able to make my own leather accessories, as Sonja taught all the basics. Thanks, Sonja!"

June Helps reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"What a joy to have a day’s tuition with Ollie! He is such a good tutor, very knowledgeable and patient and made all the processes straightforward and easy to understand, my lovely sheet music box was transformed back to its original state in a few hours. I thoroughly recommend French polishing for beginners at Ardington School of Craft, such an enjoyable and productive day. Many thanks June"

Sam reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"At 15, Sam's ambition is to be a blacksmith and despite a small burn, this experience has made him even more determined. The results that he managed to produce were stunning for someone with no previous experience and he can't wait to join another course in the future. The organisation and tuition was excellent and there was a fantastic friendly atmosphere. Very dirty, very tired, very happy!"

Denise Roberts reviewed: Machine made lined curtains

"I have just attended the machine made curtain and blind one day course held at Janet's home. I have sewn for a number of years but have never really learnt how the ' professionals' do it. It was great to run through the basic curtain and blind making technique and I have already booked a further day for the 'bespoke hand made' one day course. Janet makes you feel very welcome and relaxed in her home and answered my endless questions! Having worked in the industry for many years she is a valuable contact for knowledge and advice as I intend to move forward building my own business. Thanks Janet you're a star."

Linda Elliott reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"I was gifted a day at the workshop for my 65th birthday. I attended as a complete novice. Olivia was very welcoming, attentive to everyone’s needs and an excellent tutor. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and I was able to stay on after the workshop ended to complete and print my project. I would not hesitate to recommend this to my friends and family."

Linda reviewed: Intermediary Glass fusing workshop with Laura Hart of Hart Glass

"I have just completed a three day course at Laura's wonderful studio. I learnt how to give glassware a truly professional finish, make freeform moulds and how to manage the different firings to give different results. She encouraged me to be as imaginative as I wanted to be and after explaining what to do she left me to it. That is exactly the way I prefer to learn and Laura understood that without being told. It is that level of intuition that makes for a really good teacher. And she is. I came away with a lot of technical knowledge about the way glass behaves in different hot and cold forms, which I can now take forward into something of my own."

Hart Glass responded:

"Hi Linda, Thank you kindly for such a lovely review. I'm so glad you enjoyed your time with me and I look forward to seeing future results as your work progresses. Well done!"

Jane McVey reviewed: Candlemaking workshops for beginners in Hastoe, nr Tring

"A friendly personalised workshop just right for beginners. It was really enjoyable and we came away with some lovely candles as well as having learnt a lot about candle making and how to go about it at home. Delighted with the candles I made, learnt about dyes, scents as well as different styles of candles. Thanks very much!"

Heidi da Costa reviewed: Architectural homage freehand machine embroidery or drawing with thread workshop

"I’ve attended Stacey’s workshops and found her patience and encouragement second to none. She shares her knowledge in such a warm and friendly manner, you feel thoroughly supported through out. The view from the venue, Sands, is beautiful; the beach, sea and sky. It’s a perfect backdrop to help the creativity flow."

Jim wynn reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"I can’t imagine how a course could be any better. All aspects were perfect. When I show people what I achieved, frankly, people can’t believe it. Peat and Eamonn were simply top drawer and the most amazing hosts."

Mamie reviewed: Feltmaking - OOH the choices!

"I spent a wonderful day today playing with colours and textures to make my nuno felted scarf. Barbara was a really positive and informed tutor who helped me to experiment and not make too many mistakes along the way! She has a lovely selection of colours to choose from and gives lots of encouragement. What a lovely way to spend a day."

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you, your scarf looks fabulous. Best regards Barbara"

Ann Burrows reviewed: Introduction to Blacksmithing in North York Moors National Park

"My son (16) has just spent the most amazing day with David. David is a fantastic teacher, patient and extremely talented. He has worked with my son (who has aspergers) to produce the most amazing pieces. He has had the best day ever! We feel very lucky and privileged to have found him and can't recommend him enough. Thank you! The first day of many!..."

Hilary Leeves reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"I bought this course for my husband as a special birthday gift so although I did not participate (he will do his own review) I can say how much he enjoyed the whole experience. “Fantastic tuition in a beautiful setting with a great group.” He found it interesting, fun, rewarding and satisfying. From my point of view the booking experience was efficient, friendly and helpful. If you are looking for an unusual and very special gift for someone I can heartily recommend this course."

Joy Book reviewed: Wedding/Civil Partnership Ring making workshop - Sterling Silver

"What a fantastic day! Sarah was suberb with her instruction. Just the right amount of 'there to help' if needed without dominating in any way. We had a lovely day chatting away as we crafted our rings. Lunch was lovely too. And the end result . . . we are absolutely thrilled with our rings!!!"

Helen Elderfield reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"I was a complete novice with no real idea of what to expect when I arrived on Friday afternoon. A fantastic experience and a real sense of achievement was gained on this course. I had a very enjoyable, and somewhat challenging weekend but left with three finished pieces of which I am very proud. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere created by Richard and Pauline Quinnell, who were charming hosts and a joy to spend time chatting with at the lunch breaks, together with Pete's expertise and Eammon's patience and skill combined to enhance the experience no end. Excellent clear instruction and demonstration and a really inclusive approach meant that we all received the level of assistance and encouragement that we needed, when we needed it. A special setting and to top it off a tour of the gallery from Adam at lunchtime on Saturday was an unexpected pleasure. I have already recommended the course to friends and family. Fabulous!"

Sharne Everett reviewed: Print and play evening workshops in Bristol

"2 hours flew by! Clear instructions given by Sophie and plenty of time to experiment and play with this process. It is great fun to do as a group or on one's own."

Sophie Rae responded:

"Thank you Sharne for your lovely review."

Rebecca reviewed: Sunday afternoon watercolour painting florals - with Artist Laura Andrew

"A wonderful afternoon spent with wonderful people. Laura is a fantastic teacher with so much knowledge of all things artistic! You will look at painting in a completely different way once finished- and it just might become your favorite hobby! If you are a beginner like me, this is a great course choice for you, as Laura is very patient in explaining everything you need to know. Definitely will be coming back again soon, thanks Laura!"