Latest reviews

Abi reviewed: Stylish personalised keyring

"My experience with Charlie was wonderful! Before we even got to the little studio in the garden, I was offered refreshment, and as it was my birthday she asked if I would like a glass of bubbly! The studio was in a lovely private setting in the back garden. It was small and comfortable with a friendly atmosphere, and glass doors letting the natural light stream in. Mounted on the walls were a few of the things she had made and the different art and craft sessions she held in there which included things like candle making. She provided everything we needed, and as there were only two of us attending it was a nice, small group and her attention to detail, and to us was impressive. I made a couple of things, a pendant with a musical band logo on, and a key ring with some musical notes on, and left very happy with my personally made products. Charlie has hundreds of books that you can use to get your image, from maps to musical scores to children's books. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my couple of hours in Charlie's company and would recommend going to one of her art & craft sessions."

Stephen Trant reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"A very enjoyable course led by a friendly instructor who showed a real interest in the knives produced and had a genuine desire for everyone to make a good knife. The level of instruction was tailored to each person on the course and never felt overbearing which allowed everyone to create their own designs and resulted in individual unique knives. I came away from the course with a real sense of achievement which is repeated each time I look at the knife I made."

Debbie Ottway reviewed: Discover your jewellery palette: polymer clay workshop

"My sister and I attended Elizabeth's course yesterday and had a really enjoyable day. Liz is a warm, knowledgeable and inspirational teacher, the course is held in the workshop looking out onto the garden of her beautiful home and there were plenty of refreshments provided (courtesy of Liz’s husband, Robin) - we couldn’t have asked for a better day. Most importantly, we both came away, having started the day as complete beginners, with necklaces and pendants that we have been proud to show off. Highly recommended!"

Elizabeth Sadler Jewellery responded:

"Thank you so much, Debbie, for your kind words. It was great fun to meet you and show you the wonders of polymer clay. I loved the beautiful necklace you made."

Carol Shorrock reviewed: Discover your jewellery palette: polymer clay workshop

"I had a really enjoyable day, learning a new skill in beautiful surroundings with a very creative and interesting teacher. Highly recommended, thank you Elizabeth and thank you to you and your husband for the hospitality in your gorgeous home."

Elizabeth Sadler Jewellery responded:

"Carol, thank you very much for your nice review. I really enjoyed meeting you and introducing you to the fun of polymer clay. The necklace you made is lovely and really suits you."

Sheila Firth reviewed: Natural dye and ecoprint course - a magical introduction to using plant dyes and leaf contact print

"An excellent workshop. The tutor had clearly spent a lot of time researching and experimenting with Eco printing and had considered how best to impart her knowledge to the course participants in a way that encouraged and enabled us to learn for ourselves and from each other. The two day workshop format with a break in between and a chance to read her pdf information works very well. I was grateful for the opportunity to reflect on the process and think about what I wanted to do in the second session. I also really appreciated being taught how to tie a non slip knot!"

Amanda Duke Artist responded:

"Thank you so much Sheila. I am so glad you enjoyed day 1 and are looking forward to day 2. Your flexibility, enthusiasm and sense of fun are just what any course leader wishes for to make a course run so well. I look forward to revealing your Ecoprint results on Wednesday and hope to see you again sometime. Best wishes, Amanda"

Angela Whitehead reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"Wonderful weekend when I can relax and craft with likeminded ladies. Lovely setting, fantastic food and short classes if you want to attend but no pressure. Been going for years and am already booking next year"

Simon reviewed: Fused Glass Coaster

"Spent a wonderful afternoon with the very special caring and sharing Alison. She really went "the extra mile" to ensure I achieved what I had hoped for and gently guided me to make my ideas a reality. A lovely workshop in a beautiful setting."

Hannah T reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"Excellent workshop in a beautiful location. Denise was so welcoming of three generations of women for a birthday treat. The Crafty Gal HQ is wonderfully kitted out and comfortable for this full day course. Plenty of breaks and breathers as we needed, with drinks and cake to boot. Still cannot believe that all three of us managed to make our amazing hares with just wool and needles (and some therapeutic stabbing)! Denise is a truly wonderful teacher and lovely to spend the day with. I would highly recommend this course to craft lovers or any age or skill set and will definitely be looking at returning to add to our collection. Thank you so much Denise x"

Crafty Gal responded:

"Hannah thank you so much for such a wonderful review! It was a fantastic to spend the day with the three of you, and to help celebrate your mums Birthday. I'm delighted that you're keen to do more needle felting, looking forward to seeing what you all do next. Dx"

Heather Croft reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"I have never worked with wood before but really enjoyed the day as Dave was an excellent tutor and the volunteers were very helpful. Came away with my own personal walking stick that I made. I also used power and traditional tools that I’d never touched before and that was a great learning experience in itself. The event location was brilliant and I am wanting to book on some other courses now that I’ve had that introduction. I enjoyed meeting the other course students and had a pleasant day. You can’t get the experience that we received on the day from reading books and watching YouTube."

Angela Brander reviewed: Stained glass beginners workshop, Cardiff, Wales

"Hello, I really enjoyed the glass cutting course. We learnt lots of good techniques and I feel confident to try them out at home. The time went so quickly. I will look out for the Stained Glass course, as I want to try that as well. I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to work with glass. The work on display was an inspiration and very beautiful. Angela"

Glass By Design responded:

"So glad you had a good time and now have confidence with your cutting. Looking forward to seeing you again soon."

MAUREEN BROWN reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"I did this course 25th July it was great, I have never done anything like this before . I was a bit daunted when I started and worried I would mess it up. But there was so much help available from the staff . Also it was so hot, but we were constantly reminded to drink plenty. Even if you have never picked up a carving knife, or made a stick give it a go, it is well worth it. You will come away with a stick you can be proud of. I just hope my son will like it too."

Buster Crabb reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"Excellent day. Helpful, informative and friendly tutor and volunteers and some lovely, like-minded fellow students. Overall, relaxing, creative and therapeutic. Many thanks."

Nicola Garvey reviewed: Leaded stained glass course

"Really enjoyed the four week course. The small numbers meant that I was able to get responsive help where and when needed."

Lally reviewed: Two day stained glass workshop - lead panels or garden sculpture

"Thia was my second workshop with Ghia. I leaned so much. If you have been thinking of having a go, just do it! I highly recommend her courses."

Ella reviewed: Lino Printing on Fabric Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops - Fabric Printing

"Claire's lino cutting course was brilliant: educational, fun, creative, and supportive. The session was very well planned and organised. All the materials were laid out in the studio, with a full set of cutting implements for each of us, a range of printing presses and inks, and a generous supply of materials to print on. Claire also had files of materials to inspire us, which was really helpful, not to mention a lovely garden to stroll in. It was amazing how much Claire fitted into the time: we went from total basics through to printing our own beautiful artworks in just a few hours, and yet nothing felt at all rushed. Claire created a friendly, welcoming atmosphere in the room, and made time to answer our questions and give us individual support and attention. By the end of the session, all of us had printed a stack of cards to take home, and we were all extremely pleased with what we'd produced. We also left with all the skills, confidence and information we'd need to continue linocutting at home. This is one of the best craft courses I've taken, and excellent value for money too. I wholeheartedly recommend it!"

The Burton Family reviewed: One-to-One Private workshop

"What a fabulous day we had. I booked a private family day for us to learn how to make stain glass sun catchers. Even though we were all beginners, we learned surprisingly quickly under Gigha's tuition and we all were very impressed at what we managed to produce. The day began with a safety talk and then a glass cutting demonstration. Lunch and endless tea and biscuits were provided and also cakes. The whole day was relaxed and so much fun we want to book for fusing very soon. We'll be back. Thank you so much."

Sarah McDean reviewed: Upcycling Paint & Paper Decoupage Furniture Workshop Experience: Spend Two Days with ReVamp Boutique

"I attended the 2 days upcycling course with Sarah this week. I’m so pleased I took the plunge. I not a typically crafty person. I’ve always loved the idea of being creative but have lacked the confidence to give it a go. This course is for everyone. Sarah sets you at ease and explains everything in a calm and clear way. Sarah creates a relaxed atmosphere that takes any stresses or nervousness away. I’ve come away with a wonderful bedside table and the confidence to upcycle the other one at home on my own. It was especially enjoyable to see some of Sarah’s previous projects and having the chance to chat with her and the other ladies on the course. A fun and enjoyable couple of days!"

ReVamp Boutique responded:

"Thank you Sarah! So glad that you did take the plunge; taking a couple of days out of our busy lives is sometimes difficult but so rewarding! We offer this workshop to all levels of creativity and confidence and make it as flexible as we can so are chuffed to bits that you enjoyed and that you have a piece of furniture to show that you are more creative than you initially first thought!!"

Susan Ballantine reviewed: Willow weaving courses in the beautiful setting of Nantgarw China Works Museum

"This course was excellent in all respects . The arrangements and directions and the venue were perfect. Sarah’s tuition was clear and her practical help and patience were exemplary. It was a long day, and fairly physical, but the group was small and good company. We all made fabulous baskets to take home at the end of the day. Perfect!"

Pam Young reviewed: Fused glass workshops for all

"My daughter and I went on the fused glass course in July 2019 and thoroughly enjoyed it. I made 2 coasters and a larger square piece too. Karen gave excellent instruction on how to cut glass and other techniques when we first arrived and then we started making our unique works of art! Karen was very friendly and patient and gave advice when needed. There was a great afternoon tea for lunch and plenty of coffees and teas. I am now really looking forward to seeing what my work looks like once it has been fired and sent out to me."

Julia reviewed: Embroidery for beginners

"Thank you for all your patience today, you taught me a lot. I enjoyed seeing your work too, which inspired me to get working :-) I shall get stuck in to practicing all the stitches tomorrow, before I forget anything! A pleasure to have met you"

Barbara Anglezarke reviewed: Beginners 1 Day Traditional Stained Glass Course

"Lovely day, Gill is such a great teacher! Learnt loads and had excellent fun!! Thank You!!!"

Hilary Roscoe reviewed: Beginners 1 Day Traditional Stained Glass Course

"Brilliant day!! Enjoyed every minute and hoping to return for the Xmas decorations course in the autumn!!! Many thanks Gill Hilary"

Donna Pack reviewed: Upcycling Paint & Paper Decoupage Furniture Workshop Experience: Spend Two Days with ReVamp Boutique

"I have just finished the two day upcycling decoupage course and it was brilliant. The tutor, Sarah, was absolutely fantastic, she answered all my silly questions and didn't make me feel stupid for not knowing the answers. It was a 2 fabulous days that were great fun, very enjoyable and inspiring. I was on the course with 3 other lovely ladies, Sarah made us all very welcome and provided us with 2 lovely lunches. I upcycled a small table and I am so pleased with how it has turned out, it now looks stunning. Sarah has given me the confidence to go on to do lots more :) I'm very happy. I would definitely attend another course with Sarah and I highly recommend this course to everyone. Give it a go, I'm sure you'll love it as I did :)"

ReVamp Boutique responded:

"Thank you so much Donna! We enjoyed having you on the workshop too and are so glad that your are now inspired to work on your next piece! You now have the skills so just go ahead and play!! We will keep in touch and let you know of future approaching workshops! Looking forward to seeing you back with us soon! Best wishes Sarah"

Bruce Jubb reviewed: Creative metalwork and welding, scrap metal sculpture.

"Superb course run in a relaxed yet very informative way. The instructors had a great way of letting the participants learn by offering an environment where they provided a healthy level of guidance prior to letting us use the various equipment within the workshop. I have always wanted to get to use and understand the principles of MIG welding and this course not only met my personal requirements but I left feeling confident to go and set up my own workshop at home. The icing on the cake was the items I created whilst on the course - I was there for 2 days but could easily have filled another day in just doing stuff. Loads of metal and bits to weld and create and all part of the great experience. As a parent, (kids now considerably older than being at school), but if you have a child interested in doing creative welding, or just building the confidence and you are interested in learning together I reckon this would be a fantastic time spent - and you can take home not only something you have made together but learnt towards a new skill. Great value for the money in my opinion. Loved it! Thank you for your time and support.... B"

WTF Workshops responded:

"Thank you so much! :)"

Sally Bowen reviewed: Two day Monoprint and Collagraph Print workshop

"If it was possible to leave Ruth 6 stars I would! A fabulous two days spent printing and laughing. A joyous experience in lovely surroundings with delicious food from an attentive host. I look forward to going back for more, (artwork and food!) I would highly recommend Ruth as a teacher - wonderful."