Latest reviews

Chris reviewed: Bladesmithing experience day

"I couldn't rate my day's blacksmithing with Steve highly enough. The day was incredibly satisfying, and I felt like I really got some 1:1 tuition. The knife I made is awesome and it has really left me keen for more forging. Thanks again to Steve, I would recommend the day to any budding blacksmith/someone who just wants to spend a day getting their hands dirty."

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi Chris I'm really pleased that you enjoyed your day so much, your knife turned out beautifully, especially the colours you chose for the handle. Have a safe trip abroad and maybe we'll catch up in the not to distant future."

Sandra reviewed: Childrens Doll making course with Dalston Dolls (ONLINE)

"I had a fabulous time on this course. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was enjoyable and fun. I am so pleased with my doll. Mospa, who is the tutor is great at what she does. She is funny, and has the patience of a saint. Money well spent."

Stephanie Stump reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"I had a great time on the one day leaded glass course. Jamal is a friendly, patient teacher with a wealth of experience which he shares with generosity. I came away feeling like I can have a go by myself at home and absolutely love the little panel I made during the workshop. Am keen to follow up with the glass painting course too. Highly recommended. Thanks Jamal."

Janet Harfield reviewed: Silver and Polymer Clay combo at West Country Creative in Lifton, Devon

"I had a wonderful day with Jo at West Country Creative, and came away with 2 beautiful silver leaf pendants and a polymer clay pendant, which could be worn on its own or with one of the pendants. Jo is an inspiring teacher, full of creative ideas as to how to get the best piece of jewellery possible to take home. She explains all the processes very clearly, but is also very relaxed. The studio is very light and in a very peaceful setting, but very easy to get to from the nearby A30. I would recommend this course very highly, and it was well worth the 4 hour trip from my home. It was my second course and it won't be the last."

Jo Hunter Wearable Art responded:

"Hi Janet, thank you for the lovely review. I'm sure you'll get lots of compliments when you wear any of them!"

tim reviewed: Cooking spoon workshop

"A very rewarding day out, Ben is a nice lad, very approachable and extremely proficient. I also came home with a functional spoon, despite never having carved anything before. I'd heartily recommend this as a very affordable de-stressing therapy"

Carlos Harrowsmith reviewed: Metal jewellery and silversmithing, beginner to intermediate, 4 weeks.

"Thanks. Made a personalised ring for my wife with kids names stamped inside. Excellent tuition, sorry I couldn't stay the whole day."

Catherine Amor reviewed: Bead and Wire jewellery: a Cowshed Creative workshop, in the Lake District National Park near Kendal and Windermere

"This course was a fantastic experience. My reasons for choosing this course: 1. I already knew Amanda as a tutor and wanted to work with her again. She is patient, talented and very well organised. I like her as a person and really admire her work. I'm not naturally crafty but I knew she would ensure I made a lovely ring. 2. George's barn is such a beautiful place. It has been so well renovated and the scenic surroundings make it a joy to visit. George went to great lengths to cater for my allergies and the food was delicious. She was so attentive, making teas and coffees and ensuring we were all comfortable. 3. It was a great opportunity to make a ring with my son (age 23). The day was his birthday present and he wanted to make a ring for his partner. I knew it would be a friendly environment and a small enough group for us all to chat and enjoy each others company. We had a wonderful day and I would definitely do it again."

Alison Spice reviewed: Weekend upholstery class in Tarland, Aberdeenshire

"Michelle is patient and knowledgeable. As the class only has 4 students she is able to give you a lot of time to help you with your project. I’ve come away completely confident to continue reupholstering the rest of my dining room chairs. Would definitely be interested in going again when I find a different project to reupholster."

Kenyon-Roberts Upholstery responded:

"Thank you so much Alison. I really hope you find another project so that you get to come back for more."

B Stocks reviewed: Leather travel journal workshop

"Had a great few hours with Lynn and learned so much. She was a great tutor and willing to share lots of tips and tricks. Really pleased with the journals I brought home. Inspired to get on and make some more. The cake was yummy too!!"

Jacqui Martin reviewed: Beginners Crochet day Workshop

"I had a lovely afternoon in a super location, which made it feel very special as the course was a present. Sophie helped everyone, from beginners to others who were more experienced. I hope to come back for another course in the future."

Mark Britton reviewed: One day introduction to bladesmithing

"This was a really great day. There were enough students on the day (4) to make it social but not so many that Konstantinos was unable to give each the individual attention we all needed. Konstantinos was knowledgeable and we were mentored throughout the day with questions answered and Konstantinos was able to sort out any issues with, at least in my case, less than competent metal working. Overall money well spent."

Elizabeth Lowe reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"Such a fun day! Leant at a good pace and plenty of freedom to create with wonderful, inspiring pieces by Adela around the workshop. Thoroughly enjoyable day and would like to do more in the future."

Helen reviewed: Beginners spoon carving

"I had a wonderful time on this course. Nick and Sophie were excellent tutors - really knowledgable but patient and relaxed with us beginners. I'm really proud of my spoon and the lunch was delicious! Thank you for a lovely day!"

Gosman Spoon Co. responded:

"Hi Helen. We’re so glad that you enjoyed your day, it was a pleasure to meet you. Use your new spoon with pride, well done! Nick & Sophie"

Carlotta Graham reviewed: Indigo Weekend -Shibori & Batik Workshop at Wild Rose Escapes, Highlands, Scotland

"I thoroughly enjoyed the course I attended 11/12 May. I learnt such a lot. I had never tie dyed before, so that was new to me. My friend and I had a belated birthday treat. The indigo dying process was a lot cleaner than I had expected. Rosie kindly showed me how to Shibori using a piece of piping, as you do. I wish to translate that particular skill into felt making/dying. Great tuition, easy to follow, the pace was perfect, I didn't feel rushed, specially as a novice I was a bit tentative about it. Thankfully it was good weather so we were able to be outside for the duration of the course. A great environment to learn, spectacular views.The other attendees were great too, lovely to learn from each other. I would highly recommend the course. I would certainly hope to be back again. Many thanks Rosie (and your family), for your patience and your excellent hospitality."

Wild Rose Escapes responded:

"Dear Carlotta, thank-you for your review, it was lovely meeting you and i'm so glad you enjoyed the course and I hope you get a chance to experiment with the techniques. Yours Rosie"

jeannette reviewed: Natural Dyeing & Eco-printing, Highlands, Scotland

"Great course run by a fun lady. Educational and enjoyable ..a great break from life. I have learned techniques that I can use and build upon. Cannot fault the course."

Wild Rose Escapes responded:

"Dear Jeanette, I'm glad you enjoyed your weekend with us and also staying in the yurt, it was lovely meeting you. Yours Rosie"

Leila Williams reviewed: Garden mosaic workshop

"I had a simply wonderful day with Lynda "mosaicing" an outdoor plant pot. Lynda showed me lots of examples to inspire me and then I was set free in her Aladdin's cave of materials. Lynda achieved the perfect balance of instruction and letting me get on with it. She is incredibly knowledgeable and creative but also very practical. I had the most enjoyable time sitting in Lynda's garden studio, overlooking her gorgeous garden with the sun beating down. She was generous with her encouragement and gave really helpful advice. I was well looked after with regular refreshments and a relaxed lunch break sitting in the sun. We even had the Red Arrows flying overhead! I am absolutely delighted with my pot. It reminds of my travels but also of a thoroughly enjoyable day. Thank you Lynda."

Creating Mosaics responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Leila. It was a great day. I loved your design and colour choices. You must be very proud of what you achieved, it was beautiful."

Adele, Sharon & Bill reviewed: Raku - learn the exciting art of rapid Japanese glaze firing

"We had a brilliant Sunday with Richard learning the art of Raku. Even with intermittent rain storms, Richard still managed to run the course smoothly. The 3 of us are complete beginners. Richard was really friendly and able to guide us through which glazes and oxides to experiment with. I think it's great we were left to our own artistic freedom to play around rather than the course being more structured. After 3 batches in the kiln we all came out with some completely unique and brilliant pieces to take home. It would have been even better if we'd have made the pottery ourselves previously to have more investment in the pieces - perhaps a 2 day course is a good idea in future? Also worth noting was that we had a lot of refreshments and a fabulous lunch from his wife, she's amazing too. Highly recommended."

Mike Tomson reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"You'll get to use a shave horse lots to make one, and use the pole lathe + other skills too. Andy is a good teacher, not too on top of you but there for help when you need it. All of us left with a finished working shave horse and having had a good time together. Camping was simple but good, (Jane's cake was good too!)."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much for your enthusiastic review, Mike. We're glad hear that you enjoyed the course, and we'd love to see you back at Sallerton Wood again sometime in the future."

Diana reviewed: Stained glass introduction at Blue Kite Stained Glass

"My husband and I spent an enjoyable time on Saturday with Iain learning how to cut glass, shape lead and solder. We came away with two lovely panels which look great. Iain is a relaxed teacher who supports you,whilst letting you learn by doing it yourself. This course is great value for money too. I've recommended it already to several friends."

Tammy Linley reviewed: Introduction to Blacksmithing in North York Moors National Park

"I enquired about this course as a present for my partner and was so happy with the response I got from David, no question I asked was too silly or too much trouble. Before I even met David I felt at ease and very comfortable liaising with him. I booked a day as fast as I could and surprised my partner with it on the day. David allowed me to stay as a spectator and I was treated to a vast well of knowledge from David about the profession. He was very patient with my partner the whole way throughout the day and he provided an amazing tasty fresh lunch. 'I couldn't of asked for any more from a black smithing course', (my partners words), and my partner left feeling challenged, accomplished and as though he had learnt some valuable lessons. I would highly recommend this course with David."

Daniel reviewed: Introduction to Blacksmithing in North York Moors National Park

"I had a really lovely time doing this course. David is such a pleasant person to be around and a very patient teacher. I would highly recommend this course to anyone contemplating it. I had a thoroughly enjoyable day. Don't hesitate, just book. I promise you will not be disappointed."

Helen Lloyd reviewed: A day of drawing with line and wire in Derbyshire

"Beautiful surroundings with a knowlegable and friendly host. Liz explained the process of using line and gave lots of inspiration through quick tutorials. Gave me some ideas to take into school"

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Thank you for taking time to review your day. Really pleased that you enjoyed your workshop and found inspiration for your students; it will be interesting to see what they create. Best wishes Liz"

Sharon reviewed: Fisherton Mill in Salisbury - Silver Clay Jewellery Workshop - An Introduction to Silver Clay

"I attended Fiona’s course on the 16th March and thanks to her grace, patience, excellent advice and generosity in the usage of her tools and kiln I’ve never looked back (accept for the memories when looking at the pieces I made). I highly recommend her course if you’ve never tried making jewellery using metal clay before. This course introduces you to using fine .999 silver clay that, once fired (via kiln or torch which Fiona demonstrated to my class) produces a beautiful hardened piece of jewellery be it a pendant or set of earrings that you created yourself. Fiona gave each of us a small piece of regular polymer clay to practise on in order to give us a good idea of how we could envision our pieces to be shaped. There was no real time constriction, and everyone in my class including me enjoyed ourselves. The amount of silver clay given to each person was also enough to create (at least for me) approx. 4-5 small pieces. She provided an abundance of tools, patterns and textures for us to use at our leisure and for a small fee even gave us an option to have a silver chain if we created pendants. The whole experience was encouraging and very educational for me having been invested in making metal clay jewellery. The price of the course is very reasonable, in fact the best around. The workshop took place in a rather small studio space but still gave us enough ample room for about 8 students, and the venue itself (Fisherton Mill) is a lovely setting with a chance to be inspired by the galleries on display plus a cafe where you can chat to fellow enthusiasts. Long story short; the venue, Fiona’s tutelage and outcome of making your own personalised jewellery without the fuss of soldering and tinkering that you’d normally get via goldsmithing is worth the price of admission."

Stephanie Bridges reviewed: Still life painting course

"I had an amazing time on this course, learning so many different techniques and methods. Lesley's teaching style is really relaxed and I was so happy with the work I created during the two days. Would highly recommend."

Previous Attendee reviewed: Landscape painting courses

"“I find Lesley’s work inspirational and it was great to watch her in action, how she actually approached her work and executed it. Lesley gave really helpful feedback throughout the day that I’m going to put into action and take forward into my future work. It was a great day with really friendly people that I’d love to repeat.”"