Latest reviews

Nicky Whittle reviewed: 2 Day Silver Jewellery Making Course - Ely

"I booked this course for myself and two friends some time ago. Finally the weekend arrived and we rocked up in Ely for our course. We could not have had more fun. What an EXCELLENT weekend. Not only were we all really pleased with what we made, but the quality of teaching was superb, the laughs had us doubled up and the constant supply of tea/coffee, biscuits and cake, not to forget the lovely lunches was amazing. We could not have wanted for more and were really thrilled with the whole weekend. Highly recommended. Thanks to Jonathan and Helen. xx"

Phoebe Arnold reviewed: Joinery for Furniture Making Evening Class in London

"Tom is a fantastic teacher and he has an amazing gift of being able to make you feel comfortable and like you're making progress even when you're finding something really difficult. I loved the woodwork for beginners course and got so much out of it - knowledge about what different types of wood, how to use machines, and most importantly how to saw in a straight line. I highly recommend this course!"

Jo Lodge reviewed: Two day (consecutive) stained glass starter course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"A fantastic course, I had a thoroughly enjoyable time. Paul & Natalie are great tutors and make you feel at ease and encourage you throughout the whole process, even the scary soldering bit! It was lovely to have a relaxed atmosphere and a small group (there were two of us) so there was plenty of help available. Plenty of tea and a lovely lunch and an amazing setting ( we did manage to see a couple of hares too). Thoroughly recommended!"

North Norfolk Stained Glass responded:

"Hi Jo, It was a lovely two days - we enjoyed it just as much as Andrea and yourself did! You created some fantastic pieces and we’d love to share them on our Craft Courses page, if that’s okay with you? :) We look forward to hearing from you in the future and hope to see you soon! :) Best wishes, Paul & Natalie"

Vanessa Bashford reviewed: Green wood chair making - 6 day woodworking course in Devon

"What a week. It has been a privilege to have spent time being so expertly taught by Peter, and in the company of a lovely group of people. The Workshop is a world away from the more usual stresses of life, it is a great working space and has everything you need (…somewhere). I went along to make a chair. I came home full of smiles about the laughter and stories that were told as we worked away, an amazing sense of achievement, and a fantastic chair. Thank you, Peter, and thanks to everyone for all the encouragement and camaraderie."

Ron Humphrey reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Passing through the Smithy door, leave the world behind you. Concentrate on Colin’s words, demonstrations and guidance as he takes you from the first strike of the hammer and way beyond until the day is done and your work complete You’ll be amazed and inspired by the process, by what you’ve achieved and how the hours have flown Colin’s teaching style can’t be adequately described, he’s just a Wizard with fire & iron A totally uplifting experience; thank you Colin"

Clive Roe reviewed: Bees for Development Sustainable Beekeeping Weekend Courses 2024

"A well-run, highly informative weekend course, set in a very pleasant location. The enthusiastic tutors managed to put over a wealth of information in a highly digestible way...and the food was great!"

susan garrett reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"Buyer beware. If, like me, you become ill and want to re-schedule she throws the cancellation policy at you and you forfeit the whole lot. So don't get ill!!!!!"

Paddock Studio Pottery responded:

"To all customers, In response to the review by Sue Garrett: it was a very late cancellation on the night before, which meant it was not possible to offer the date to any other customer. Therefore, it was decided to not refund the cost of the day's course. I am a tiny business which cannot afford to lose a day's pay. I try to accommodate for very serious events such as hospital appointments, deaths, or births, but I'm afraid I can't account for every situation. I hope that most people will understand that it is generally accepted that a late cancellation will result in forfeiting the course fee. Rowena Williams The cancellation policy can be seen on both websites: Www. Thepaddockstudiopottery.com Www. Craftcourses. Com"

Caroline reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"What a great way to spend a weekend! Sebastian was a great tutor, balancing giving each person the autonomy to experiment with giving the required support / suggestions as and when required! The group had people of varied levels of prior experience of stone carving (some on their second or third workshop with Sebastian - which is quite a testimonial in itself!). I can see why people come back. Thoroughly enjoyed it and more than happy with my ‘creation’. Many thanks."

Dorothy Givan reviewed: Encaustic one-to-one Little Waltham, Chelmsford, Essex

"This was the third time I had visited for an Encaustic workshop. On the last two occasions I came with a group of friends. We all enjoyed the experience and learnt lots of new techniques in a very relaxed atmosphere. Catherine makes it so enjoyable that you always want to return for more. I and more friends are looking forward to another encaustic workshop next month."

Catherine Price Encaustic Art responded:

"Thank you Dorothy. The wonderful thing about Encaustic is that you never stop learning, there is always a new technique to learn or discover! So glad your group enjoyed the workshop x"

Laura Billingham reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"My mum and I had so much fun doing our one off pottery session with Chris. I felt very comfortable and completely at ease. I had no experience with pottery at all before we went, but finished the session with two little bowls and an interest in pursuing pottery as a hobby. Chris was very patient and an excellent teacher. I really enjoyed myself!"

Daniel O'Brien reviewed: POLISHING - French polishing & modern hand finishes in East Sussex

"The relaxed setting, makes the whole course more enjoyable. John always has time for questions no matter what."

J Jones reviewed: POLISHING - French polishing & modern hand finishes in East Sussex

"Worked systematically through the topics with ample time to develop practical skills"

Karen Prentice reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"My husband and I both attended Alan’s spoon carving course this weekend and had a really great day. We both found Alan to be extremely enthusiastic and knowledgable about the whole process. He had a wide variety of tools for us to try and we have managed to source some on Allan’s recommendations. The course took place in Alan’s home and was a lovely welcoming environment. We were treated to a lovely lunch and tea and coffee during the breaks. I had bought my husband the course as a birthday gift and decided to go along too. Would thoroughly recommend this course and thank you Alan for being so inspirational."

David Duke reviewed: Furniture Making - Cabinetmaking Fundamentals in East Sussex

"New skills, comprehensive instructions, absolutely would recommend."

Karen Prentice reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"My husband and I both attended Alan’s spoon carving course this weekend and had a really great day. We both found Alan to be extremely enthusiastic and knowledgable about the whole process. He had a wide variety of tools for us to try and we have managed to source some on Allan’s recommendations. The course took place in Alan’s home and was a lovely welcoming environment. We were treated to a lovely lunch and tea and coffee during the breaks. I had bought my husband the course as a birthday gift and decided to go along too. Would thoroughly recommend this course and thank you Alan for being so inspirational."

Giacomo Maltman reviewed: Furniture making SKILLS WEEK - Essential cabinetmaking hand skills - 5 days in East Sussex

"Having not done anything like this before, I feel I learnt a great deal. From the first morning until the final hour new skills and techniques were being shown and valuable knowledge passed on. I enjoyed John's thorough teaching approach and feel he probably covered more detail than anyone else could possibly fit into one week - things like; steel types, different kinds of oil, sharpening angles, blade steepness etc. All valuable info that I'd not really given much thought to previously. The workshop itself was a great place to be for the necessarily long days we spent there. Light and airy with plenty of good quality tools (and cake) to try. I also enjoyed looking around the other workshops a great deal. Seeing what everyone was up to was quite inspiring."

John Gove reviewed: Furniture making SKILLS WEEK - Essential cabinetmaking hand skills - 5 days in East Sussex

"The course is well designed with the beginner in mind. I thought I knew how to use a plane and chisel, How wrong can you be? .John was very clear with his teaching and instructions and always ready to answer questions and help with both minor or major problems. Would highly recommend this course."

Dominic Rudd reviewed: Furniture making SKILLS WEEK - Essential cabinetmaking hand skills - 5 days in East Sussex

"Well paced instruction, clear and understandable demonstrations and bags of time to practice. I never felt rushed. I liked John’s instructional style and gained a great deal of confidence from accomplishing to tasks and projects. The workshop and equipment were well thought out. I’m often a bit overwhelmed by the amount of stuff in some people’s workshops but John seemed to have just the right amount of kit which was in excellent condition. And I am left with a clear idea of the minimum amount of stuff I need. I really appreciated the ability to use the workshop in my own time before and after the instruction. I felt trusted and that I was treated as an adult. I liked the way we focussed on the important skills and didn’t spend unnecessary time on less productive things. I was really chuffed with the results...the box and board. And i feel really pleased with the skills involved in producing them. John gave us five full days! No skimping! I will and have recommended the course."

Flora reviewed: 2 day - Chicken wire sculpture - make a 3D hare at Swallows & Artisans, Lake District

"Fabulous course, wonderful hosting and delightful accommodation. Can not praise highly enough! Possibly the most attractive studio space ever. I look forward to going back."

Catherine Moore reviewed: Machine made lined curtains

"I was a complete beginner when I had my first lesson. Janet has taught me not to be scared of my sewing machine and I have gone on to make Roman blinds and am now making these for friends and charging them. I have learnt so much and would recommend these classes."

Torie reviewed: Macrame Pot Hanger Workshop

"Once again I cannot praise Alice enough, having attended her Introduction to Loom Weaving a few weeks ago I was itching to get stuck into the macrame course! Beautiful calm environment, fabulous coffee and highly influential teaching. I was so sad to leave as I’d gotten used to coming each week to learn something new! I’ve learnt so much valuable information from Alice herself, let alone her workshops. I could go on for hours, I cannot recommend her enough. She’s fantastic."

Sam Davies reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Can I give 6*? ?? A fabulous day which sadly is going to cost a lot of money because I'm now infected with the "bug"! and now need to buy a lathe!! Mark was patience personified. He wasn't pushy and is most definitely his own man; owing allegiance to no brand or school of thought. As a result he is pragmatic and phlegmatic. I am saving up for another day's training - so roll on my birthday :-) This man is a natural teacher and I whole heartedly encourage anyone to attend a taster day."

Ally Matheson reviewed: Highland stool making course - Scottish Highlands

"This is a cracking course. If you're not sure just go for it!"

Sarah Brown reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Possibly one of the best 'Me days' I have had... Adrian and Andy are there to support and guide you through the briefs. I came away very much inspired by the work they do and certainly with more practical knowledge than I turned up with. I am delighted with my creations and am now the envy of friends and family who have seen them. I did spend most of the trip home to Leeds working out my own home forge! Debbie's delicious veggie cuisine, cakes and bakes at lunchtime and afternoon tea are definitely something to look forward to along with the sense of achievement you'll get after an industrious few hours in the forge. I would have no hesitation recommending the taster course, I hope to be back to visit very soon!"

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

"An excellent course well structured and well lead. The setting is delightful, the team is amazing and their passion for the art is completely contagious. You may burn yourself or get a blister, you certainly will get tired and dirty. I did. Didn't stop me loving every minute. Objects can hold our memories, I now have three that will outlast my lifetime, each time I look at them I'll remember and smile."