Latest reviews

Charlotte Y reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Batik textile workshop in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"l was lucky enough to do one of Melanie's batik workshops recently in the wonderful Hebden Bridge - so far it is my most favourite creative thing l have done this year! l was hoping to bring a nice creative image with me for inspiration but really didn't have the time - it didn't matter though as Melanie had a really good selection of images available, that l was easily able to find something to inspire me for my batiks. Melanie really lnew her stuff and was not only an excellent teacher but a warm and welcoming host! With it being in such a fantastic part of the country l was able to make a weekend of it and hang around Hebden Bridge the following day, which I would highly recommend tagging onto your time if you are able to. I left with a really beautiful piece of artwork, l never thought it was possible for me to produce something so good. Looking forward to putting it on my wall so thanks Melanie! l would love to come and do another course (or two) with you again."

Judith wride reviewed: Copper Foil Technique Stained Glass

"Lovely day spent with Amanda and made very welcome in her home, she is a brilliant talented teacher explaining every step of the way. As a beginner she was very patient and assisted me whilst being very encouraging. I managed to come away with a beautiful kingfisher and robin that I am so proud of."

Andrew reviewed: Creative writing with Lorraine Ambers at Make it in Wales

"This was an excellent course for those who are thinking about writing a story. Lorraine takes you through the concepts of bringing a character to life and placing them with the plot. The exercises and feedback really brought to life the experience of being a writer and gave me more confidence to write more."

Creative writing workshops at Make it in Wales responded:

"Thank you, Andy. It was a wonderful afternoon, thank you for joining me."

Belinda Worsley reviewed: Raku pottery at Cowshed Creative in the Lake District National Park near Kendal and Windermere

"This is the second course I’ve taken part in at Cowshed Creative & once again it was excellent. The first Saturday was spent making pots after a great introduction to the Raku process & some examples of Raku tea bowls etc. Various techniques for hand building were shown to us & we in turn each made a few different pots to be fired. The second Saturday we were given more of the history of Raku before then glazing & Raku firing our pots made the previous week in an outdoor kiln & dustbin of sawdust & wood chips. It was so exciting to see the results! And the effects were really quite magical. I can’t fault the excellent tuition, and once again the fabulous location, facilities & delicious food. Perfect."

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks again for such lovely feedback. Some amazing pots and an exciting day!"

Gail reviewed: Creative writing with Lorraine Ambers at Make it in Wales

"What a lovely way to spend time! Lorraine is patient, encouraging and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed the course and have been inspired to write a little everyday! If you are looking for inspiration, helpful feedback and advice in a relaxed setting, this is the course for you. Thank you, Lorraine!"

Creative writing workshops at Make it in Wales responded:

"Thank you, Gail. It was a pleasure working with you."

Brigit reviewed: Sculpture at Bull Mill Arts Wiltshire

"Paul talked us through each step individually as each piece had its own peculiarities and managed to divide himself equally between 8 of us. He knew exactly what stage each one of us was at an any one time and guided us through accordingly. It didn’t seem to matter how many times he had to explain. Patience of a saint. Lovely surroundings and coaxing on from our host Olivia. An exceptionally talented artist with a gift for imparting her vast experience and knowledge. Always excited to sign up for any course run by Olivia as it is always high end professionalism in creativity at its best."

Norman reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"We had a delightful two days with Sebastian and were very lucky with the weather which helped! Inspirational!"

Bb Allen reviewed: Pole Lathe Bowl Turning - Your First Bowl

"Simply excellent. Adrian consistently delivers a quality experience. It was a long tiring day for me but the enjoyment of coming home with a completed bowl, mixing with like minded people and the pleasant expert guidance of Adrian made it a very rewarding experience that I shall be repeating."

chris stuart reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"I had a thoroughly unique and enjoyable day in a beautiful setting aboard the narrow boat. Jonathan was an excellent teacher and I will definitely be going back with my daughter. There were 2 other ladies on the course and we were all proud of the lovely bangles we made."

Bob Small reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I had not done any stone carving before and found the guidance given by Seb. to be most helpful. It was good to talk through my project and exchange ideas, not only with Seb. but also with the other students. As there were only 4 of us the attention we received great. It was an great spot and as the weather was good we were able to work out in the open under the trees. What better way to spend 2 days in the sun shine and come away with a completed project."

AL White reviewed: Make a Welsh stick chair

"What a week. Seven days spent with six great people from all walks of life, under the incredible guidance and instruction of Ben. What a Star. What he doesn`t know about woodcraft and special tools is beyond belief, and he shared and explained his skills with us. Had a whale of a time, ate lots of cake, drank lots of tea and now own a wonderful Welsh Stick Chair that i have always wanted, But instead of buying one, i actually made it. Hopefully it can now be an heirloom to pass on to my new grandson. Also, what a magical setting in Redwood Valley. Breathtaking scenery and very friendly hosts. I have to say its been one of the best and most rewarding weeks of my life. Thank you Ben. {your dads sour dough bread was awesome}"

Carole brierley reviewed: Leather apron workshop with Catherine Edwards at Creative with Nature Todmorden West Yorkshire

"Friendly yet professional.So pleased with finished product"

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"thanks carole for the review: ) joe. xx"

Marie Duffield reviewed: Router day, how to safely use and maintain a router

"I bought a router a couple of years ago, had quite a scary incident with it and it has been in my shed in its box ever since. I decided it was time to 'get back on the horse' and did a router course with Mark. It was excellent. He was flexible with dates and I was lucky to have one on one tuition. I came away feeling completely confident to use my router again, and have learned lots more about its capabilities. I would highly recommend this course."

Phil Jensen reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"An excellent course. The small class size means that there is a good student to instructor ratio. Someone is always on hand to supervise and offer help. Mark and J are both exceptional woodworkers but also have the ability to impart their knowledge upon the student. They offered an insight that could only come from those active in the industry and which would take the beginner years to work out by experimentation. As the course has an element of flexibility we were all able to produce boxes of different styles which allows for personal creativity and the feeling that it’s not just another ‘off the shelf’ generic course. I would thoroughly recommend."

Jo Halcrow reviewed: Crochet market bag class - East Grinstead

"I had wanted to learn to crochet for sometime and had failed miserably trying to learn from books and videos. I saw this class and thought I would give it a go. Nicole was really welcoming making me feel relaxed and confident straight away. She was very patient and kind as well as being a great host. I learnt the basics and came away feeling that I can actually crochet. Since attending her class I have not stopped and have just completed my first baby blanket. I have also attended another class with Nicole and will be going to more. I think you could say I'm well and truly hooked! I cannot recommend highly enough."

Steve Rowell reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"A great way to try sculpting for the first time, with light touch tuition and a very relaxed atmosphere in a great setting."

Jacqueline reviewed: Unique hand made Lampshade making workshop

"Let there be light! . My sister and I attended a workshop with Maxine 4 weeks ago and it was a fantastic day. We both came away buzzing with excitement and a beautiful lampshade. Maxine was very generous in her time, sharing her knowledge in a supportive and enabling manner aided by plenty of tea and ?. So many ideas discussed and lots of fabrics and embellishments to choose from in the haven of a dedicated workshop space. Maxine’s passion for her craft shines through and I will be booking another workshop next year......there is always room for another lampshade."

J. Soans reviewed: Linocut printing workshop in Warwickshire at Bonds Lifestyle

"I had traumatic memories of Lino cutting at school but I have been totally converted by this excellent workshop. Alix was very informative and everyone was able to work at their own speed in a very relaxed atmosphere. I have already put my new found skills to use and look forward to doing another course with Alix soon"

Alix Almond Art responded:

"I am so pleased to have helped you get over your trauma Julia! Thank you very much for your kind words - and thank you for sharing your latest print with me too; you should be really proud of your linocuts, they are great! Alix."

Angharad Cousins reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Nigel is a great teacher. Although I won’t be giving up my day job to start an Apprenticeship metal working, he was patient and showed me how to work the metal so I came home with some great pieces and was really pleased with my efforts. It was a lovely sunny day so at lunch we wandered through the amazing sculpture garden adjacent to the forge. So glad we booked this course even though it was mainly for my husband. Recommended!!"

june mortazavi reviewed: 2 day Asymmetrical basket making courses - two days with Joe Gregory at Creative with Nature Todmorden Yorkshire

"I would highly recommend this course. I had never done any basket weaving before and by the end of the second day I had an amazing basket to take home. It was entertaining and fun and Joe teaches in a really relaxed manner, in small class sizes. Everyone works at their own speed and you never feel like you are being left behind. I will definitely do another course with Joe."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"that's a lovely review june! thanks and really happy you enjoyed your weekend. joe. xx"

Val & Colin reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"We attended the Willow Hare Course on Sunday, 14th July @ Barley Village Hall. SallyAnne made us feel welcome as soon as we arrived & we were introduced to the other people on the course. SallyAnne was an excellent tutor who explained each step clearly. She demonstrated each stage and was on hand for advice if needed. We were all delighted with our finished hares and we thoroughly enjoyed the day."

Marie F reviewed: 2 day Asymmetrical basket making courses - two days with Joe Gregory at Creative with Nature Todmorden Yorkshire

"I was amazed at my finished product. Jo was so patient with me as a complete beginner. She was very welcoming and provided beverages throughout both days. I am looking forward to my next course."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"thanks for a lovely review marie! look forward to seeing you on your next Course. joe. xx"

Dawn Noke reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"Absolutely brilliant day! We all need a bit of needle felting in our lives and Denise is just the lady to provide it! She is an excellent teacher - very patient, kind and encouraging - and everyone left with an amazing little woodland creature to treasure. This is my 3rd workshop (so you can tell how good they are!) and now have my own trio - hare, fox and badger. I cannot recommend this course highly enough - give it a go , you will not be disappointed. Thank you Denise you are amazing!"

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you for the fantastic review Dawn! Much appreciated. Your needle felting is incredible, I'm so thrilled you've been inspired enough to take it to the level you have - and can't wait to see what you do next! Dx"

Gail Day reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Brilliant Day! I’ve been here today with a friend. There was one other lady on the course meaning we had lots of personal time with the very capable teacher Jonathan. There’s a maximum of four people anyway We all made a key ring out of copper wire to allow us to practice with the tools, we then made a ring each to practice ‘welding’ (the correct term has escaped me!) We then all made an amazing silver bangle. I will wear mine with pride and will highly recommend any course here. As the name would suggest, this is done on a boat, a narrow boat to be precise. There was a small amount of movement as other boats passed but not enough to make anyone miss their footing or feel ill. There is a walk from the car park to the boat which is well sign posted but is slightly uneven under foot in places which would perhaps rule out the opportunity for people with mobility issues. Whilst we were there, there was also a Lancaster Bomber fly past!"

Rich Smith reviewed: Contemporary Furniture Refinishing & Upcycling with Woodcare - 2 Day Workshop

"Really fantastic couple of days with Ollie. He was super knowledgable and excited to share all he could with me and help me along my way. I brought in a very tired and old looking dressing table that just looks fantastic now, all thanks to Ollie's patience with me and ideas and expertise. The course structure was perfect, allowing me to decide which elements I was more interested in over others. Location and workshop set up were also brilliant. I would highly recommend taking this course, and I'd love to go back and take another course of Ollie's soon."