Latest reviews

Susan Jermy reviewed: Calligraphy Afternoon in Barleylands

"This is my second block booking with Julie and I thoroughly enjoy all classes we have. On every class I seem to involve and won't be hesitating to book again on to the next course."

Julie Chaney responded:

"Thank you very much, Sue. It's a pleasure to have you in the class and your Copperplate is coming along very nicely indeed!"

Susan King reviewed: Treatment free beekeeping in horizontal hives - Leo Sharashkin

"The weekend course with Dr Leo was a superb lesson in how to live with bees in a sustainable and mutually beneficial way. I had read 'Keeping bees with a smile' and was very interested in the deep frames in the Lazutin hives, and this workshop showed how deep frames are the most logical and bee friendly way to keep bees and give them the best chance for overwintering in our climate. It was good to spend time with others who want to move away from the industrialised methods of bee keeping with the high number of interventions required, and move towards the bee-centric way. I would reccommend this course to anyone interested in bees as well as beekeeping, and thank Bees for Development for putting on this weekend, and providing a tasty and satisfying lunch each day. And as a bonus, Dr Leo's honey is absolutely delicious!"

David Schutte reviewed: One day, one to one stained glass course

"Thank you for a wonderful two days in your workshop. I learned so much, not least how to cut glass properly, and with your excellent guidance am amazed that my very first-ever stained glass window looks so beautiful. My family and friends are very impressed, and I can heartily recommend your course! David Schutte"

Judy Luthman reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"A very full day of teaching with lots of hands on time covering everything one needs to get started. I came away inspired to get on and do more and can highly recommend Mark as a tutor. The day was followed up by a comprehensive list of where and what to look for to get started. Many thanks."

Jo Lamberth reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"I booked a day course with Rosanna for my husband and I to try out leather working. We had a lovely day. Rosanna is a great teacher and made us very welcome. We made 5 pieces each and are really pleased with them. We learned enough to be able to carry on at home. Highly recommended."

Mark Newbold reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I did this course yesterday - fantastic! Mark is clearly an expert, and a great teacher. He doesn't believe in 'rules' but in guidance, and he provides plenty of that. His artistic flair and his feel for wood comes through, and he is endlessly patient in explaining the basics of woodturning. He provides notes, and follows up with a very comprehensive email to help get started - it was definitely a good idea to hold off from buying kit until after the day with Mark as he offers loads of useful guidance on this. His philosophy of owning a few key tools struck a chord with me, and I'll definitely follow his advice rather than that of the salesman when I get to the buying stage. I can't believe there is a better introduction to woodturning - a really worthwhile and enjoyable day, and astonishing value for what was over 10hrs of his professional time. Highly recommended!"

Claire Maycock reviewed: Introduction to weaving on a frame loom at Bristol Textile Quarter

"Honestly one of the best craft courses I have ever attended! Mary is a lovely teacher (and also an excellent baker). The materials and instructions were first-class, the tuition patient and helpful and I left feeling relaxed, uplifted and inspired - a winning combination. The fact that students are also given a loom and a detailed manual means I have been able to carry on weaving at home and am rapidly falling in love with this soothing and tactile artform. Thank you Mary, a wonderful and highly recommended experience."

Sue reviewed: Basic to advanced knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"What a lovely afternoon I had when I met with Ann for a crochet lesson at the weekend. Cake, cuppas and crocheting in a lovely tea room - what could be better. Ann is absolutely brilliant; she taught me a selection of stitches, how to follow a pattern and also gave me a selection of help sheets. I also learned how to crochet a granny square, which is what I really wanted to do. Ann explained the logic of the pattern which really helped me understand what to do if (when) I go wrong. Thank you so much Ann for your time and your patience and the help sheets you had for me. I am practicing away doing the granny squares and the ones I've done will all go into the blanket I want to make. I highly recommend a crochet lesson with Ann!"

Leeds Central Faith and Light responded:

"Thank you Sue, for your kind words. I am glad you found the session useful and are now able to, hopefully, fulfil your dream of crocheting your own blanket and other items."

Lydia Schofield reviewed: One day silver jewellery designing and making workshop

"Had the most amazing time at Bridget's workshop. I had a brilliant day and came home with two awesome unique rings. Bridget is a wonderful teacher and talked us through every step of the process and made the day a truly enjoyable experience. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a fun day of silversmithing."

Chris reviewed: One to One Silver Jewellery Tuition

"I completed a one day 1:1 jewellery making course with Jonathan and had the most excellent time. If you have any physical limitations, Jonathan will be able to find ways to still make this course fully work for you and was so flexible and helpful. Jonathan is fun, friendly, full of knowledge and has lots of great stories. By the end of the day it felt like we had known each other for ages. I made 2 lovely rings on the day and Jonathan provided me with so much information in a pack and by email to make sure I had all information to hand to take jewellery making forward as a hobby-or much more for those with the talent! I would recommend this course highly to anyone considering learning jewellery making. You will have a wonderful time and come away with some beautiful pieces. P.s the ginger biscuits were amazing too! Thank you again Jonathan!"

Sally Sturt reviewed: 1-to-1 Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"An excellent value course to learn the basics of mount cutting. Lynne clearly has a lot of experience which she is very willing to share. The course was well structured with excellent course notes and preparation yet Lynne was able to be very flexible and accommodating to each student and the individual needs. I would have no hesitation in recommending this course."

Michael and Sandi Street reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"We really enjoyed this course: idyllic location, lovely group of people, and excellent tuition. We came home with pieces we're very proud of, and as complete beginners frankly amazed at what we'd achieved in just two days. Sebastian was a great tutor - gently guiding and suggesting, but never taking over, making us feel the work was truly our own. A really fun, relaxed and inspirational weekend."

Maria Ludwinski reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"I booked onto a day course with my partner as we were both intrigued by woodturning, but complete beginners. Andy is really welcoming and the workshop was a great size and space to learn in. It was amazing how quickly we got to work and Andy did a great job at offering useful guidance and insight into the craft. A really enjoyable day with a lovely lunch. Will definitely be keeping in touch and look forward to future tuition."

Deirdre Geenwood reviewed: Linocut printmaking at Bull Mill Arts Wiltshire

"I attended a lino printmaking course with Olivia a couple of weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have some experience of this kind of print making but came away feeling I had learnt a lot more particularly about inking up. The introduction was good and of interest to all not just beginners - her enthusiasm is infectious and inspiring. I have already recommended the course to a friend."

Fiona Campbell reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"I attended this candle making course recently and I can now say that my eyes have been opened to the complexity of candle making! It was very informative and Kerry made it all seem so easy. She was very friendly and we were made to feel very welcome in her home. There were list of little touches that made the experience special, we got personalised labels for our candle creations and everything was very well organised! The candles we made all smelled amazing and there were lots of goodies to buy at the end. I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting to create their own candles!!"

Catherine Davis reviewed: Needle felt your dog with Crafty Gal

"Had a wonderful day felting. Denise is a very good tutor and patient. She has everything you might need at her fingertips and lots of felting examples to spur one on. Felting is great. It needs a bit of patience while building up the animal but the result can be personalised to get the character you want. Denise is the enabler!! She also understands how necessary beverages and biscuits are to the creative process."

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you Cathy for the lovely review! I'm so pleased you enjoyed yourself, you fox was fab! Denise x"

Norah reviewed: Sun printing workshop in Devon

"I took this course on 23 June 2018 - a hot, sunny day so no need for artificial light! Bridget gave clear demonstrations using different qualities of paper, then fabric. After each, we had a go ourselves, varying exposure times to assess results. Then we were let loose to go our own way, with Bridget’s advice and assistance. An excellent introduction to a process that gives loads of scope for further experimentation! Thank you Bridget."

Gill Horrocks reviewed: Treatment free beekeeping in horizontal hives - Leo Sharashkin

"A comprehensive course expertly presented by a charismatic speaker. It gave me confidence to alter my beekeeping practice, and explain why, to those who prefer the industrial methods of beekeeping."

Peter Mann reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Thanks Adrian and the team for a great two day course. As a beginner in blacksmithing I find it extremely enjoyable to have expert tuition on hand yet the freedom to have a go without being overlooked. Adrian has a very positive style and attitude and gives value to your efforts and results. Anyone reading this and wondering if they could do it, I'd say have a go. You're in great hands. Thanks again."

Lyn Norman reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"A really relaxing weekend with a lovely location. The freedom to do as much or as little as you wanted to join in. This enabled me to go for a couple of really beautiful walks in the grounds. Lovely food and clean, fresh room. The timetable of events was clearly laid out and the optional 'breakout' sessions so that you were not always sitting in the same location were a great idea. Very friendly folk who were happy to share ideas. I'm already booked on the next available one! thanks for a brilliant time , Linda!"

Helen Davidson reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners with Green Fox Wild Crafts

"I did the spoon carving course with Nadine at Longshaw in April 2018 (We had great weather by the way and had to be careful the heat didn't make the wood we were using dry out). It was a really enjoyable day - one of those days where you don't realise the time has passed because you're really absorbed in what you're doing. Nadine is a great teacher; knowledgeable and informative, patient and encouraging and didn't tire of answering any questions we had. She covered a great deal in the day but the pace never seemed hurried. The spoon I made I'm quite proud of - though it still needs a lot more finishing. More than that though - it's inspired me to carry on and I've just ordered my first set of tools!"

John Mackay reviewed: Traditional Saddle Stitching with Armitage Leather

"Having just completed a three day course with Nigel I can not recommend him enough. Nigel is a Master of his craft but puts you at ease straight away. On starting my course I was a complete novice and now feel confident to build on this excellent instruction and go on to improve. Over the three days we explored saddle stitching, pattern making, tool selection, leather and material selection & using the tools correctly. As Nigel explains, these are all essential building blocks to producing your finished article. Using Nigel’s fantastic online videos I feel I now have the ability to progress well. The level of instruction is superb from a gifted instructor. “Not too Shabby” at all ."

Tracey Exton reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Felted Pictures Workshop in Cragg Vale, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"I have just completed a felting and free machine embroidery class with Melanie. What a great day! I would wholeheartedly recommend the class. It was a lovely atmosphere and I have a new hobby I am very keen to pursue."

Mark McArthur-Christie reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Sebastian has found a little bit of paradise in the Gloucestershire orchard where he runs his stonecarving courses. His laid-back, relaxed style is more about letting everyone get involved straight away than stifling them with supervision and over-instruction. It's only when you look back that you realise how much help and quiet guidance he gives you. And it really works; as someone with all the artistic ability of a chairleg, I didn't hold out great hopes of producing anything but a larger pile of stone dust than I started with. But I ended up actually taking away a piece of stonework that's already got compliments from non-guidedog owning friends. Our fellow carvers were thoroughly conducive too; everyone was keen to praise and encourage everyone else's efforts. Coffeetime and lunchtime chats (sitting in the sun with a plentiful supply of gingernuts) ranged across every subject from going self-employed to why the resident geese were so quiet. Even if you've never hefted an adze (Sebastian's on a mission to convert the sculpting world to the adze) or picked up a chisel, you'll be more than fine. A great weekend - just wish we'd been able to stay longer."

Paul Webzell reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"I had booked this course as an anniversary treat for my wife & I as we had enjoyed watching it on TV &i had always had an interest in weapons ect. We had a fantastic day in the forge which far surpased our expectations, you were given clear instructions on what to do & they had planned the activitie in such a way as to allow you to find your sea legs & grow your confidence as the knife forgeing progressed. Although the instructors were on hand to help/advise & would correct any errors quickly as they occurred you really were left to do the majority of the work so at the end you have a massive sens of achievement & pride in what you made. I would happily recommend this course to anyone who is curious about blacksmithing or just looking for something different to try. Dont be put off thinking you might not be physically able to do it as you will suprse yourself my wife is very slightly built & found the hammering hard but managed to turn out a beautiful knife. It is a fun relaxed day with some cool relaxed instructors! Give it a go you will love it."