Latest reviews

Barbara Norton reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"I have signed up for my third course with Martin starting in September. He has created a lovely relaxed place in which to study this craft. Always welcoming, friendly and patient, Martin encourages you, supports you and nothing is too much trouble for him. “Don’t worry, it’ll be alright, I can sort that for you” are words that spring readily from his lips, if things aren’t going as they should. I thoroughly enjoy the sessions."

Kamran Farooq reviewed: Two Day Stone carving course, Gloucestershire (Cotswolds)

"This course was excellent. The class sizes are small (3 people when I did it) and so we all got lots of time with Dave. The introduction to the tools and techniques was very thorough and we were then left to let our imaginations run wild. Dave was on hand to continually monitor progress and offer advice. Kaye, Dave’s wife was also on hand to provide fantastic coffee and cake breaks as well as massive lunches. Overall, I was very satisfied and pleased with my stone carving. I’ve still no idea what it is but it takes pride of place in my conservatory. Highly recommended."

Irit reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"In one word - Great. I already make Candles, and sell them, but I wasn't sure if I am doing the right things. Came from Tel Aviv Israel (was already in Scotland), and thought it might help me to improve. Well ....... say no more. Kerry was amazing. Knows how to teach, knew what I exactly needed to be a better Candle Maker. All I can say is a BIG thank You."

Elizabeth MacKenzie reviewed: Make a Swallowtail Hay Rake - one day green woodworking course

"An excellent day run by a knowledgeable and patient team. Lots of different tools to use and skills to learn but Pete explained each step and method clearly and was always on hand to assist without taking over. Cups of tea from the kettle over the fire kept everything running smoothly and the participants were delighted with their completed rakes at the end of the day. Thank you!"

John Kirby reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I arrived with some trepidation - I did a little woodwork in school in the '70s but since then only Ikea. But I was very quickly put at my ease and started to enjoy myself hugely. I learned a lot and am now ridiculously proud of the wooden box I made during the course - I have shown it to everyone! Thank you Mark."

Kathryn Shayler reviewed: Make a leather bag in a day workshop

"Enjoyed the excellent 'Make a leather bag in a day' workshop. I learned many new skills and now feel confident working in leather at home. Plus, I made myself a beautiful bag! Thank you Esther :)"

Leather Needle Thread responded:

"Hi Kath, thanks so much for this lovely review! Cheers! Esther"

SUSAN JERMY reviewed: Create Amazing Spaces, ReVamp & ReUse with ReVamp Boutique

"Sarah is a great teacher, very friendly and easy to understand with a well planned out day. This is an interesting course that helps give you focus and to learn more even if you are not doing this for a career but want to put into practice for your own home. As this was an introduction to Interior design it will be great if Sarah does any more follow on courses as there is some much more to the elements that we touched on. Very enjoyable day, highly recommend."

Helen Robertson reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2 day Course

"My weekend at Pretty Rubbish Mosaics was wonderful. Maggie and her work and environment are so inspiring. Everywhere you look in the garden and the house there is something magical to find. Thank you Maggie for all the guidance and helpful tips. I can't wait to get "cracking" with my next project. I will definitely be back again for another course soon."

Angela J Smith reviewed: Glass Bead Making Workshop - For Two People

"Amazing course, thank you so much Julia for all your help and support, this has given me a new skill to further develop Kindest regards Angela"

Lynette reviewed: Silver clay workshop

"Joy is a fantastic teacher. Highly recomended"

Steve Lucas reviewed: Beginners Weaving with the Rigid Heddle Loom - at All in a Spin

"For a long time I have wanted to explore what was involved with weaving and to see if I might take weaving up as a new interest. The introduction to weaving course was just great and gave me exactly what I needed. Dunja's patience was helpful and her teaching skills spot on which made the learning experience enjoyable. Nothing was too much trouble. Loom about to be ordered and I shall be booking on the next level after I have had the chance to practice. A really great day."

Corrie Wood reviewed: Glass Bead Making Workshop - For Two People

"I really enjoyed the course. Julia was very informative and helpful and it was great learning something new."

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."