Latest reviews

Ophelia Sabin reviewed: Rag rug making workshop - Norwich

"I'd never done anything like this before and taking this course was the best thing ever. Victoria was there for every step and I was able to create things that I'd never even thought I could! She's both witty and relaxing at the same time, so it's a fine mix of fun and art! Take the course, you won't regret it!"

sandra Branch-Burbridge reviewed: Rag rug making workshop - Norwich

"I found Victoria's course very interesting and quite therapeutic. A wonderful and creative use of scrap material esp. if you have a favourite garment that you're reluctant to part with, it gives it a whole new life. Victoria is a very patient and intuitive tutor and of course her creations are absolutely amazing. Definitely recommend giving it a go, a craft for all levels of ability."

Alice Power reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"I attended the spoon carving for beginners evening last week and found Stephen to be an excellent teacher. I learnt to use the axe and the knives and by the end of two and a half hours I had a rough spoon shape. I purchased some tools from Stephen so that I could finish the spoon at home. It took me another 4 or 5 hours to finish it. There is a very nice relaxed atmosphere in the workshop and I really enjoyed talking about spoons for a few hours. Highly recommended."

Siobhan Ellis reviewed: Rag rug making workshop - Norwich

"I’ve done several workshops with Victoria, looking forward to the advanced portrait class soon, Victoria’s brilliant with newbies, so patient and understanding."

Carol Burrows reviewed: Copper fold-forming jewellery workshop

"I enjoyed the day and came away with the things I had made. Only downside was that as there were 7 of us in the class I seemed to spend a lot of time waiting to use the equipment."

David J Lilly responded:

"Thanks for your great review. There were in fact only six people on the course and I'd really like to know what you felt you were waiting to use as each participant had their own set of main tools, it was only the specialist tools and single forge that there was limited numbers of. If you can help me improve the experience I'd like to know how."

Catherine reviewed: Willow bird sculpture with Joe Gregory in Todmorden, Yorkshire

"This was the third day I have been on, brilliant as usual. I made a heron and could have sold it a dozen times on the train on the way home. Looking forward to making a basket next."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"thanks so much for the lovely review! really glad you enjoyed another day weaving: ) joe. xxx"

Denise Emery reviewed: Stitchless bags workshop - learn how to craft your own leather bag with no stitching

"This is a very well organised course, that was really enjoyable. Good selection of colours to choose from and Esther was on hand to guide us through all the stages, so that we all finished up with great leather bags. I was surprised and pleased with the finished item, and would recommend this course to anyone wanting to have a go at leatherwork."

Leather Needle Thread responded:

"Thank you Denise for such a lovely review! It was really nice to meet you and I'm glad you are happy with your wonderful new bag! Esther"

Michael Tait reviewed: Timber framing courses

"An interesting, thought provoking course run by enthusiastic experts. There is a great deal to learn about timber framing and I came away having learnt the basics but with much still to learn, I plan to go again. The good company and outstanding food that went with the course made for a very enjoyable week."

Charlotte Clarke reviewed: Introduction to Amigurumi crochet in Henstridge in Stalbridge, Somerset and Dorset (beginner level)

"Had a brilliant day doing this course. Sally tailored her teaching to meet the needs of those completely new to crochet and those with some experience. I went after trying (unsuccessfully) to learn crochet from YouTube so I was a complete beginner and I'm now obsessed! I went straight to the craft shop and got more supplies and my technique has improved dramatically over the last couple of days. Would recommend this to anyone. It was a relaxed atmosphere and everyone else on the course was lovely too."

Andy and Sahdia reviewed: Natural soap making

"Great introductory course. Martin was knowledgable and a great host. Would definitely recommend."

Beatriz reviewed: Leather Crossbody/Messenger or Tote bag

"I definitely recommend it. I knew nothing about leather and in a day I made such a lovely bag that I can’t even believe it. I took the bag to work today and I had so many compliments! All thanks to Richard, to his patience and guidance! Thank you so much for such a lovely day crafting with leather! I really enjoyed it!"

Wayne reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"A great course. I'd made a few spoons and wanted to improve and was given the course as a birthday present. Dave used a system of demonstrating a skill then allowing us to practice, building up our skillsets over the course of the day. I learned loads and really enjoyed the day. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly and the situation of the workshop was rural idyll. Happy to recommend to anyone who has an interest."

Jane Milne reviewed: Willow bird sculpture with Joe Gregory in Todmorden, Yorkshire

"A fabulous day! Joe is enthusiastic about her craft and really knows her stuff. A great teacher who inspires and supports. Thank you Joe for a lovely day."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"thank you jane! a lovely review and a great heron you wove! i can definitely see an improvement on your weaving technique: ) joe. xxx"

Lesa reviewed: Candlemaking workshop

"This course is superb, and you learn loads. Janine is an expert, very knowledgeable and super passionate about candles and room fragrances. As usual I had no idea what to expect and really enjoyed it. I can't wait to get my candle and light it...... Thank you"

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

"What a fantastic batik workshop day we spent with Mel! The planning that had gone into the course for our benefit was second to none and each of us left with pieces of work we were proud of. I was a novice and loved the day and am looking forward to another batik workshop in the near future."

Heather Elliott reviewed: "Power of Place" Mosaic and Tile Making

"I recently took part in a glass appliqué class, making a Mandela Mosaic, glass on glass. I really enjoyed my day and was very happy with it. I have some experience cutting glass, but learnt several new cutting tips that will be very useful. We also experimented with different glues, discussed design and grouting. I found Tracey's experience of mosaic and Caroline's experience of stained glass to be a very good combination of skills. Both were very friendly and knowledgeable, both very approachable. The workshop was well-organised too. No complaints. Very happy."

Liz reviewed: Willow bird sculpture with Joe Gregory in Todmorden, Yorkshire

"We did the birds course at the Clitheroe studio. Joe was a great tutor, friendly and approachable and she explained the process in detail but in an easy to understand way. The hours whizzed by and I was so pleased with my first attempt. I will definitely be rebooking for another course!"

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"Thanks for a lovely review Liz! really appreciate it. joe. xx"

David Lilly reviewed: Gem cutting - cabochon cutting and an introduction to faceting

"What an amazing experience. James is such a laid back and generous teacher. I learnt an incredible amount in the afternoon I spent with him and he then made himself available the following day so that the gem could be soaked off and I could return and collect it at leisure. I would totally recommend this workshop for anyone with zero skills or more as there is just so much to learn and it's a really chilled experience."

Toni Turner reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"Really enjoyable class, with the opportunity to learn something new from scratch, and actually produce some not bad pieces to take home. Excellent teacher, lovely venue - highly recommended."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Toni, Thank you so much for your feedback. Glad you enjoyed the day and came away feeling you had produced with some lovely pieces of work! Best wishes Alison Butler"

Suzanne reviewed: Easel Weasel Wednesday Art workshops - Derbyshire Peak District

"The workshop with Denise was a wonderful surprise birthday gift! The course states it is informative, liberating and therapeutic and I certainly found this to be the case. I thoroughly enjoyed my day with Denise and came away with a real sense of achievement! Starting the day as a novice I took home with me two pieces of art work I can proudly hang on my wall. In a lovely, homely setting I had a wonderful relaxing and creative time! A welcomed distraction and the perfect day! Would highly recommend and I can't wait to return for another class. Thank you so much Denise for such inspiration!"

Anon reviewed: Basic beekeeping

"Brian was extremely knowledgeable and easy to listen too, and clearly enthusiastic about his subject. He made the theory part of the day as (if not more) fascinating as the practical element."

Corinna reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"I was given this workshop as a birthday present by my two thoughtful sisters-in-law. The day was perfect: Olivia is a generous and inspirational artist and tutor, and it was wonderful to be immersed in printmaking, surrounded by like-minded people, in such a beautiful setting. Thank you for a magnificent experience. I would quite happily do this every month - there's an idea, Olivia? (cue: cheesy grin)."

Heather Knowles reviewed: Straw skep hive making course - with Bees for Development

"What a fabulous day making a bee skep with Chris Park. He's enthusiasm for the subject was infectious and made the day so enjoyable. Whilst we worked away on our skeps he was feeding us with knowledge on skep bee keeping and its history. It gave me the confidence to easily finish off the skep at home. The venue was perfect with a break for lunch in the Yew Tree Inn with excellent food."

Marion Eley reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"This was my first introduction to Batik. I found the initial working with the wax quite taxing. I enjoyed planning the initial designs and then applying the wax. Clear guidance was readily given at every stage. My final design did not turn out as I'd hoped but lots of suggestions and encouragement as to how to proceed was given. I loved the use of colour. It was a very attractive environment to work in. The tutors had a very relaxed but efficient and effective approach to their teaching. It is certainly something I would like to pursue further."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Marion, Thank you for taking the time to review the course and thank you for your kind comments and feedback . Best wishes Alison Butler"

Jayne Hughes reviewed: Silver Clay Beginners Workshop

"An excellent day with a great patient instructor. Marianne is well prepared, there are lots of choices of styles and pieces you can make. I managed to make 4 pieces with her guidance. It is a technique you can also do at home, so a really valuable course that is easy for all to do. I really can recommend it and will be back. Thank you for a great day. Jayne Hughes"

Grey Clouds & Silver Linings responded:

"Thank you, Jayne, I’m glad you enjoyed it. You made some lovely silver pendants, well done. Hopefully see you back again for more classes, watch out for a new class going online soon."