Latest reviews

Allison Taylor reviewed: Needle felt your dog with Crafty Gal

"I'm completely new to any craft let alone needle felting so it's a testament to the tutor, Denise who was also a fabulous host, that I came away with a rather lovely hare if I do say so myself! The welcome, hospitality, location and lunch was just lovely. I can't believe how absorbing it was. I think I'll be back for a more, just which one to make next?! Very highly recommended."

Crafty Gal responded:

"I'm so delighted you surprised yourself so much - and hope it leads to more needle felting, your hare was amazing!"

Heather Sykes reviewed: Stained glass summer workshop in Hampshire by Stardust Stained Glass

"Attended this course with a friend a few weeks ago. Sarah is very well organised and gives you as much help as you need (in my case quite a bit!!). The small class size makes it less daunting to walk into and it was good to meet fellow crafter's - all of whom were new to this particular craft. Was very proud of my bird suncatcher that I came away with at the end of the session. Would be very interested in doing a Christmas decoration course."

Stace Conroy reviewed: Bronze casting weekend

"Our review in a nutshell was fantastic. The communication from start to finish was great. The cost of the course was within budget and although the location was in the back lanes of Carmarthen which is a lovely place, it added to the whole experience. Caroline and Mark were fantastic hosts, they explained everything from start to finish - even the technical side of the process. We had our hands cast in Bronze for our Wedding Anniversary keepsakes which we never got around to doing. A perfect opportunity to spend time with one another, with people who made us feel totally at home and there was nothing we would change if we had to do it all again. We took three days out - we stayed in the most Haunted Castle in Wales - Craig Y Nos for two nights - first day we arrived we had tea in a pub called the Ancient Britton - second day we arrived to start the course for 10am - had our hands casted and learnt all the ropes in making a wax mould from that and it being prepared for the molten bronze to be poured inside - we stayed a further night and had tea at a lovely restaurant near our Hotel called Pen y Cai Inn which was top dollar - stayed a further night packed the car the following day - spent a further day at the Foundry - we learnt more about the smelting process got all geared up like stormtroopers to fight any fire on earth and we both poured the bronze into our cast we made the previous day - the course wrapped up at about 2pm and we left for home. All in all one of the most memorable times we will ever have and we would highly recommend it - perfect as a gift and more importantly a moment in time you and your family can keep forever!! Thanks Caroline and thank You Mark! Look after Hoisin now! (He was a duckling we named after holding him whilst we waited for our casts to dry) Unforgetable moment with unforgettable people - Thank You ?"

Moira reviewed: Taster Pottery Session

"I really enjoyed this beginners pottery course. Joan was a very encouraging teacher who managed to explain everything clearly. We fitted a lot into the afternoon yet I never felt rushed and the afternoon flew by. I would recommend without hesitation."

Jane and Tom reviewed: Rustic oak garden bench - one day course

"A very enjoyable day making our garden bench. We really enjoyed visiting Ian's workshop and learning about how things were done in the past and also having a go at these techniques. Our garden seat was beautiful and we were so pleased to see how a tree trunk could be shaped into a useful item. The course was well prepared and Ian was patient and encouraging at every stage."

Lisa reviewed: Silver Jewellery Day Workshop at Studio Budgie Galore, Sheffield

"Jules was very knowledgeable, friendly and patient. I attended a 1 day course on my own and instantly felt at ease, even though everyone else was there in pairs! Would definitely recommend and am now contemplating attending a weekly course. Big thanks to Jules xxx"

Jane Davis reviewed: Candle making workshops

"Thank you Angharad for such a lovely day. You are a natural teacher and I cannot believe how much I learned. I am thrilled with the candles I produced and my friends and family can't believe I actually made them. I just can't bring myself to light them yet. Thanks also for putting the candlemaking kit together. It has everything I need to have a go on my own. Please don't forget to let me know if you run any other courses."

Claire G reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"Claire was great, really flexible even as i needed to change the date with only a few days notice. The course was really hands on, i came away with three pieces of jewellery and learnt the basics. Claire gave me lots of printed out information to take away so i didn't need to worry if i forgot something. Definitely recommend"

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"Thank you Claire it was a great morning and nice to meet you!"

Vicky McBryde reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"What an amazing day I had with Amanda and a few novices like myself. Within minutes of arriving, I felt like I had known Amanda for years, she explained everything from techniques and ideas to the safety aspect of working with glass. After a full mornings worth of designing and finishing my cheeseboard, I was served the most amazing lunch ever... I still think of that lunch 8 months on! I had my delights posted to me and they have pride and place in my kitchen where I look at them everyday reminding me of the wonderful day that I had with Amanda. Thank you so much Amanda...keep up your amazing talent both in glass and lunches!"

Steve Dolby reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"My wife bought me the course for a retirement gift (probably to get me out from under her feet for a day) ...and what a day it turned out to be! I was made welcome by Adrian, Andy and Debbie and the fun began. Adrian demonstrated the items to be made and then it was in at the deep end with Adrian and Andy on hand to guide us through each part of the processes. Adrian is an excellent and patient instructor and although my makes were obviously not as good as his I was delighted with the items which I took home. Unfortunately I also took home some extra pounds too because although my wife as put me on a diet since I retired, Debbie.....the hostess with the mostest! ....plied us with the most amazing refreshments throughout the day. All in all a most splendid day and highly recommended. A thank you to all concerned."

Art Silver Clay Beginners Workshop reviewed: Silver Clay Beginners Workshop

"Fantastic workshop! Marianne taught us in a very professional and knowledgeable way the magic of turning a piece of clay into gorgeous silver items. Her studio is cleverly designed and has a lovely atmosphere. Marianne gives every student her undivided attention - and lots of useful advice. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble. I would highly recommend this course!"

Philip Turner reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"A truly wonderful course with an exceptional teacher. The setup was perfect and Martin was amazing at sharing his knowledge to the group. I look forward to doing more courses with him in the future."

Nikki Windridge reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"A great creative weekend. The studio is beautiful, well equipped and in a wonderful location. The resident chickens roam around the large wild lawns and we were even lucky enough to have lunch outside in early April! The tuition was brilliant. James and Alison were very thorough and made you feel very comfortable and confident. It was amazing what we were able to create in a matter of hours. James and Alison were always on hand to give instruction, suggestion and encouragement, and always in a relaxed, informal and very friendly way. The weekend was very social with a really supportive atmosphere. I will DEFINITELY be going back."

Catherine reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"A lovely relaxed morning in Temple learning about candles and fragrances, as well as making our own. Kerry was a delightful host, very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The setting was lovely and everything very professional. The homemade cake was delicious too! I would definitely recommend this course - it would make a great gift for friends and family."

Mark Samuels reviewed: Furniture Making - Cabinetmaking Fundamentals in East Sussex

"Great course! Excellent intro to the basics required. Good pace for covering so many skills."

Robert reviewed: One day glassblowing lesson for beginners

"Last Saturday my wife and I did a full day workshop with Jonathan. We’ve done a lot of different experience/ workshop days and this was the best. The workshop was clean, spacious and well equipped. Jonathan is a great guy, a very good tutor and he explained things clearly. He started us off with some small technique pieces before moving on to making a paperweight before lunch. In the afternoon we made vases and baubles. We had lots of choice over our designs with a Jonathan guiding us to ensure it was achievable. Jonathan’s own work is stunning, and to have someone of that standard teaching us was great. The fact that it was just two of us in the class meant the day flowed well. We’re already thinking we might make a return visit. Worth every penny. There’s a very good little cafe on site, so our lunch break was a real treat too."

Linda Richards reviewed: Needle felted puffin

"This was my second skills workshop with Heartfelt 2 Inspire I was made to feel very welcome. I have learnt new skills in felting, along with discovering I also like the look of wet felting. Rachel is a kind and patient tutor, as I am a qualified question asker! I will be pleased to recommend these workshops to anyone who want to try this interesting form of working with wool. I will be returning. Many Thanks to Rachel and her team. Regards Linda"

2 Inspire You responded:

"Thank you Linda, it was good to have you back with us again. Simon the sea gull was a great success and so pleased your husband loved him too! Who knows what we will create next time!"

Mike Beer reviewed: Mosaic making class

"Two things to note about this course: Dawn's enthusiasm and her cakes! Both are fantastic. The course is easy going and relaxed with plenty of time for questions. Inspiration is everywhere from Dawn's own finished mosaics. If you are looking to get into crafting then go for this course first as her enthusiasm is catching and shows you how much fun and joy there is in creating an object with your own hands. Plenty of choices and guidance for your first mosaic plus an incredible array of tessarae to choose from. All in all a very enjoyable day and would recommend this to anyone."

Karen Moore reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Kerry was a lovely host and tutor. I bought myself and a friend this workshop for our Birthday presents and we had an absolute ball. Kerry makes you feel very relaxed; everything is prepared ready for you and it was very professional. Kerry has amazing knowledge and is willing to share. We poured a candle, fragranced it and made our own fragrance. You took away everything you made. The smell of the oils was divine and it was great fun designing your own fragrance. I am not normally at all crafty or arty and I loved my morning with Kerry. The other guests were fun too and everyone got on really well. Not only good fun but I learnt a new skill too."

Alice & Joe reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Thank you for an absolutely wonderful day! We were both completely new to throwing and the session was suitably tailored to our abilities, providing us with an overview and understanding of the basics in a relaxed environment. This resulted in us both gaining confidence throughout the day and producing some really nice varied pieces by the end! Looking forward to receiving them once they have been fired! Highly recommend!"

Cariss reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"We spent a very chilled morning learning to pour soy wax candles and mixing our own scents. Kerry was very welcoming and knowledgable, and made the couple of hours we spent on her kitchen most enjoyable.. a very enjoyable mother & daughter bonding experience!"

Joanna reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"A well organised and informative weekend class led by Philip who is a highly experienced and intuitive teacher. With the different styles of furniture brought over the weekend by students, a richer learning experience is gained. Both modern and traditional techniques are explained and demonstrated. Philips undetstanding and experience of textile materiality is inspiring and incredibly helpful in application. An infectious craft that will see you scouring antique shops forever more!"

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

"This was an amazing experience, much better than I even imagined and I would highly recommend it to anybody interested in the craft. The instruction was excellent and apart from learning a lot there was a lot of enthusiasm and everybody had a lot of fun. The Fire and Iron gallery is an iconic place in Surrey and a very inspiring place to learn some forging skills. I will always treasure the pieces I forged on that day. I feel inspired to continue with the craft and hopefully will shortly do the more advanced course which involves creating pieces of my own design."

John Fearnside reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"This is a very pleasant way to spend a weekend in beautiful surroundings and create a stone carving with the guidance of Sebastian who a great character and hugely knowledgeable. I cannot recommend this enough."

Pippa Lewis reviewed: Beginner's modern calligraphy at Swallows & Artisans, Lake District

"Fantastic course at the beautiful Swallows & Artisans. Caron was a great tutor - helpful, encouraging and informative, and clearly passionate about her craft. We left with some beautiful hand made cards, a box of tools to keep us going, and a real sense of achievement! We were well fed and looked after by our host Karen. Do stay if you can, Lanehead is idyllic and it's the perfect venue to 'get away from it all'. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this course and venue to anyone looking for a crafty getaway."