Latest reviews

Jean Benedict reviewed: Introduction to modern calligraphy for beginners

"Many thanks Jools and Helen for a wonderful introduction to calligraphy, l am hooked!! Thanks for the warm welcome, your excellent organised and great instruction on this delightful skill. The information and materials you gave me are going to be very helpful as l aim to improve and hopefully write the place names for the wedding of my daughter. I look forward to attending the improvers course in September."

Calligraphy Harrogate responded:

"Thank you so much for your very kind review. We are delighted that you had such a lovely morning. You made excellent progress with your new calligraphy skills and we can’t wait to see your progress!"

Vanessa Sparkes reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"In short, I couldn't recommend this course enough for anyone wanting to have an introduction to weaving. Alice was lovely and explained everything in a way that was very easy to understand and follow. It was really nice having a whole day as it meant we could actually make a piece from start to finish, including learning how to set up the loom. And the venue was great; easy parking in Gunwharf Keys, a great working space and a lovely cafe nearby for lunch. I'm not a naturally creative person but I really enjoyed how methodical the process was, and yet it almost brought out some creativity in me as I chose different colours and tried out the different weaving techniques. I can definitely see myself continuing with it, and unlike other courses actually feel like I learnt the craft well enough that I'll remember the basics for next time. I would recommend Alice and the introduction to weaving for anyone interested in the craft or just wanting a relaxing day with friends where you try a new activity."

Helga Lára Haraldsdóttir reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel, Copper Matte & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshops 2025

"Thank you Abi and Alison for the excellent and wonderful weekend doing raku, saggar and barrel firing. The course was certainly worth coming to England to from Iceland. I have taken with me a lot of information on saggar and barrel firing. Everybody on the course produced interesting work and I am certainly happy with my 12 pieces I managed to take back to Iceland in my hand luggage. Well done you two, you have impressed and inspired me with your talent and professionalism. The lunches, the environment in lovely Devon and the group of people were also fantastic. Helga"

Emily Kasher-Kell reviewed: Silverclay ring jewellery making workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"Having already completed the beginners sliver clay course with Claire I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed! She was thorough with her instructions and was happy to recap on using silver clay. I was able to make a lovely thumb ring using all silver clay and another two using fine silver wire and the left over clay. I have had many lovely compliments as I have about all my pieces I have made with Claire on her silver clay courses. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to develop their silver clay products they make."

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"It was good to see you again and I’m so pleased you like the rings that you made and that you have been complimented too! Thanks for booking the second workshop with me. Claire"

Laerke Sutcliffe reviewed: Two Day Stone carving course, Gloucestershire (Cotswolds)

"This was a long term dream come through. Thanks to David and his family, I had a really inspiring weekend, full of making, creating forms and being in the moment. I have been inspired to set up a little workbench at home and will come back for more inspiration, when I have improved some length. Lunch by Kaye was just as amazing. Thanks all round. Laerke"

Leena Harper reviewed: Two Day Traditional Stained Glass Workshop

"My husband bought me a Craft Courses voucher as a Christmas present, and had attached the details for this stained glass workshop, as he thought it was right up my street! And how right he was! I have just completed my 2 day stained glass workshop with Bonnie Brooksbanks at Purple Stained Glass Studio, and I have thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. Being able to try a craft, that I knew nothing about, was a little daunting and a challenge, but Bonnie's expertise and relaxed way of teaching, put me at ease and helped build my confidence. I am over the moon with my finished piece of glass art and feel like I have achieved something amazing! Would highly recommend this course. Thanks Bonnie and Purple stained glass studio! ?? Leena x"

Jess Dickie reviewed: Lampworking Workshop: Full Day Beginners Workshop

"I had a lovely day, Suzanne is an amazing teacher, very patient and explained everything. I didn't feel rushed or stressed at all and I learnt such a lot! Can't believe how much we got through. A very well equipped workshop with lots of different colours of glass to use. At first I was a bit tentative using the torch but by the end I had no fears at all. Really looking forward to seeing my beads now that they are out of the kiln. Suzanne is really helpful, giving me plenty of advice after my course had finished, already trying to work out when I can go again, Thank you Suzanne :-) x"

Suzanne Jewellery responded:

"I m so pleased you enjoyed your workshop. Thank you for taking the time to write a review."

Meriel Norris reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Thanks George and Sue for your hospitality and importantly the skilled teaching on the lathe. I am normally a bit gung ho about learning new things but this needed clear guidance which we got throughout. The result was an amazingly beautiful bowl, which has received many compliments. Everyone has commented on the beauty of the wood- thanks so much for allowing us to use those pieces- made it extra special. Thanks again and a special shout out for the scones Sue - what a gorgeous treat at the end of the day."

Isabel Gill reviewed: Table Loom Weaving Workshop - Dobby & Rose

"I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed my lovely morning with you this morning, probably only scratching the surface of what there is to learn yet, but very definitely, very happy to have done it! Thank you so much, and can’t wait for the next stage!"

Rosemary Price reviewed: Couple Rose making course~Blacksmithing

"Thank you so much for a wonderful day of Blacksmithing for my friends and I, all four of us had a fantastic time..we did not make a rose because we had our own ideas which the blacksmiths were kind enough to let us make. I cannot recommend lessons at the Kingdom Forge highly enough. While Paul and Elliot are both very skilled and knowledgeable Blacksmiths, they are also great teachers giving clear demonstrations & lots of encouragement. It is plain that they enjoy imparting craft skills to their students as they have great reserves of patience and good humour. Selflessly sharing the tricks of the trade they are as happy to explain why a thing is done in a particular way as they are teaching you how to do it. Today Paul was teaching one kind of project to two of our party while Elliot was kind enough to show my friend and I the way to make some special hooks that she needs before teaching us, in his calm, clear style how to make a tricky piece ...step by step..while giving us the confidence to make our own. We learned several techniques including the way metal should look when it is ready for different operations...how to swing the hammer higher than the head to get a good solid blow and ...fire welding! A difficult thing which I was happy to try ....even if it had it not worked out. I enjoyed the whole day immensely and I am ridiculously chuffed with my lovely Ram's head poker..my family are suitably impressed too : ) Thanks again Elliot and Paul for such a very special day. I shall return."

Dawn Wheeler reviewed: Stained Glass Course for Beginners - 2 Days - Sat 7th & Sat 14th February

"I absolutely loved the stained glass for beginners weekend start to finish. Jude is a true professional and gives you a proper foundation in the characteristics of the materials and techniques. She ignited in me a passion for glass and I’m looking forward to my next course with her so I can build my skills and hopefully create some pieces for my house in my spare time."

Anne reviewed: Bespoke Interlined Curtains

"Janet’s one day workshop for interlined, cascading Roman blinds was excellent in every respect. She is so friendly, really knows her stuff and her teaching qualification means she is a good tutor. I am amazed at how professional the resulting sample blind looks. The hints, tips, and low-cost gadgets that Janet shares are so useful. Delicious lunch. Brilliant notes and calculator."

Debbie Stevens reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration - Cambridgeshire

"Bill worked with me to understand my goals and tailored the course to meet them. I am doing upholstery with a local teacher but needed to develop a better understanding of the wood in the furniture and how to conserve it. I did 3 days of training using some of my current projects as examples. Bill's enthusiasm about the topic and his incredible knowledge meant that he delivered a full, well structured and hugely informative course. We covered so many areas with both hands-on work and theoretical knowledge. I came away with a good plan for my projects and the knowledge to work on them. But most importantly I have got some of Bill's excitement for this craft. I will be booking some more days to expand my skills. Thanks Bill."

Janet Watts reviewed: Woodcarving with sculptor Jason -handtools -gouging and whittling

"A friend and I attended Jason's wood carving course on Sunday. We had a brilliant time. He is very knowledgeable and patient! Found out that he is skilled in metalwork, leatherwork and can offer other courses, too. Great!"

JeanSO4 reviewed: Make a 10” x 10” mosaic mirror with tutor Caron King of Mayfly Mosaics

"I've done a mosaic class, and also signed up for a second mosaic class as well as a stained glass workshop. It's great to be able to have a go at something without having to make a huge investment in supplies until you are sure that the craft is for you. So I highly recommend a visit here, you won't be disappointed."

holidaygirl273 reviewed: Fused glass workshop with Matt Sorrell – Pick and Mix

"We decided to try our hand at glass fusion and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We learned a lot and it was great having hands on time making our own suncatchers which we are waiting eagerly for them to be fired to see the results!!!"

Danielle Robinson reviewed: Memo board making workshop near Penrith

"Made a memo board with Jay, turned out great and had a good time too. It now has pride of place in our daughters bedroom"

Raonaid reviewed: Needle felt landscapes workshop on Orkney, including lunch

"I was up in Orkney on a family holiday recently and a few of us decided to try out the Landscape Felting workshop - we had such a lovely day! Well worth the money and Catherine is a fantastic tutor. A very talented artist too! Well recommended!"

Arts a Flutter responded:

"Thankyou for your review, it was great to have a bunch of Lancashire lasses up in Orkney. Hope you return. Regards Catherine"

Mark Foreman reviewed: Introduction to welded metal sculpture

"Fantastic day. Alan is one of those natural teachers that will hold your hand or give you as much freedom as you want, advice, guidance and encouragement he provides freely throughout the course. I spent half my drive home looking at what I could bend, fold, cut or weld and I have no doubt that what I've learnt today will (probably in some surprising ways) help me in the future, I can still smell the MIG welder, very satisfying. Than you Alan"

Raonaid reviewed: Mosaic day workshop on Orkney

"I was up in Orkney on a family holiday recently and a few of us decided to try out the Landscape Felting workshop - we had such a lovely day! Well worth the money and Catherine is a fantastic tutor. A very talented artist too! Well recommended!"

Carolyn Fowler reviewed: Footstool making workshop - weekend

"Jacqueline is highly skilled and talented in her craft and was willing to share her knowledge. This course is well worth every penny - highly recommended. I was making the stool for a gift so a lot was riding on it! Jacqueline helped me all the way with her patience and uncomplicated style of teaching and was very encouraging when things didn't go quite right! The class size was small and personal which added even more value to the course fees. I'm very tempted to come back and make one for myself! This would make a great gift experience too. Big thank you Jacqueline for a brilliant course and experience A*"

The Bespoke Home - Furniture Maker responded:

"Thank you Carolyn :-) Was a pleasure having you on the course and I look forward to welcoming you again. Maybe stay a bit longer this time and tick off a few more fells!"

Peter Latimer reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Great course, great location. Amazing how much can be achieved in 2 days with expert guidance and with a sense that it would be a lifetime to master. Go with a vision and be ambitious."

Amanda Morgan reviewed: Footstool making workshop - weekend

"I was looking for something totally random and new to try. I found this course, it sounded interesting so took the plunge. I'm so glad I did... being a complete novice, Jacqueline made me feel at ease straight away, she showed us the how, where, what and why and was very patient with any questions or help required. I'm so happy with my new upholstered footstall, it looks great in my living room, I'd recommend this course to anyone looking for something different!"

The Bespoke Home - Furniture Maker responded:

"Thank you so much Mandy, I'm thrilled you enjoyed it and are loving your new footstool :-)"

Katharine Francis reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"A lovely day spent learning to spin in beautiful surroundings. Elaine explains everything clearly and helps you understand the what and why rather than just the how. Would thoroughly recommend if you are thinking of giving spinning a go."

Anita Hamilton reviewed: Silversmithing Jewellery One Day Tailored Workshop at Brightsmiths: One to One tuition

"I booked two days with Rosie in March 2019 and it was such an enjoyable experience that I booked another two days in May 2019. Being in Rosemary's workshop is a unique experience to work alongside one of the region's most talented and knowledgeable silversmiths. Over my four days I made two beautiful bowls - one in copper and the other in silver (this one with handles). Rosemary's knowledge about working the "bright metals" is vast and she is very generous in sharing it and her time. Nothing is too much trouble for her and she makes one feel very comfortable in her workshop."

The Brightsmiths Workshops responded:

"Dear Anita Thank you for your kind words, I am still blushing :) It was an honour to teach you Copper and Silver bowl making . You are an excellent student and the beautiful bowls that made are testament to your own tool skills and the work that you put into making them. I am sure they will bring you much pleasure for years to come. Thank you again for Choosing the Brightsmiths Workshops and for permission to put a photo of you at work on my course page. I hope to see you again soon Kind Regards Rosie Price"