Latest reviews

Julia Yarrow reviewed: Needle felt your dog with Crafty Gal

"I enjoyed the course immensely. Denise took us step by step and giving plenty of help when needed. I was very pleased with my hare. Although it was quite a chilly and rainy day outside it was very cosy in her workshop, and lovely tea and cake. Would love to come again."

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely review Julia, it was nice and cosy in my workshop that day! Your hare was so sweet, I hope you do more needle felting and so glad you enjoyed your introduction to this magical craft."

Josephine Chandler reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"Fantastic setting and studio space and an experienced, enthusiastic tutor. Lucy was the perfect host and divided her time and attention equally amongst the four of us whilst managing to serve a delicious lunch and delivering drinks and cakes. Came away with my chair seat reupholstered and the knowledge and skills to complete another one at home. Chair was sanded, primed and ready to paint and colour scheme discussed within the day."

Julia Fisher reviewed: Make an arts and crafts copper clock with Bryony Knox

"I first came across Bryony and her work on the 'Arts and Crafts House' - I hankered after the clock when I saw it on TV. An internet search brought me to her website, and the fact that she was running a course to make a clock from copper. I was a bit worried about booking the course, as I had not done any metalwork before, except bending wire with pliers. It was also a long way to travel, as I live in London. I was so pleased I did it - the studio location was a feast for the eyes, and Bryony was both knowledgeable and patient. She has an intuitive knack of knowing when to offer to step in, and offer assistance (like when I got frustrated cutting curves in copper sheet). I would highly recommend Bryony's teaching to others. I came away from the course with a fully complete, and working clock."

Elaine Davis reviewed: Shibori & indigo dye at Cowshed Creative, the Lake District National Park, near Windermere

"Such a fabulous day Gorgeous surroundings, wonderful homemade food, friendly group of people and an amazing tutor with endless patience. We all made a spinner ring to be proud of and went away with new skills, new friends and happy hearts. Thank you so much - can’t wait to come back again"

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thank you for such lovely comments. It was great to meet you and we look forward to seeing you again."

Bethan from Bristol reviewed: Embroidered landscape with words, with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Brilliant course with clear simple instructions and amazing pieces of work for inspiration. We had a great day!"

Elaine from Suffolk reviewed: Embroidered landscape with words, with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Fabulous, relaxed day. A chance to try new skills with design and technical advice. Thank you."

Barbara from Suffolk reviewed: Embroidered landscape with words, with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"A truly inspirational class. Julie staged the process of creating very individual works of art perfectly. Six hours of enjoyment, and at times silence, as the class focussed on the stitching, layering and creating. Spread the word!"

Diana from Canada reviewed: Embroidered landscape with words, with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Fantastic! I learnt a lot, had fun, really enjoyed the workshop and am thrilled with the results- in fact, better than I imagined!"

Sue from Bristol reviewed: Embroidered landscape with words, with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Welcoming atmosphere. Generous tuition, loads of examples to give inspiration with a relaxed unhurried tone to the class. Looking forward to doing the lampshade class."

Jean Evans reviewed: Embroidered landscape with words, with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Have been on other workshops but this is the best. Cannot wait for new ideas!"

Cathy from Kidderminster reviewed: Embroidered landscape with words, with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"I have had the most wonderful day and so enjoyed learning how to do the hare and dragonfly embroidery. Julie is a true inspiration and such a patient and wonderfully creative lady. I shall be back to do the lampshade embroidery course, thank you!"

Denise reviewed: Leather Crossbody/Messenger or Tote bag

"What a fantastic workshop day! I am completely thrilled with my cross body bag. It is even better than I had hoped and I seem to have achieved something of a professional finish. Richard is incredibly knowlegeable, helpful and generous with his guidance - especially as I wanted to make a very specific shape of bag. Richard talked through different types of leather and the processes and was very encouraging as I used all the different tools required. I've come away feeling equipped with skills to make my own leather items in future. It was wonderful to 'make' in Richard's workshop, such a fascinating and inspiring space. Highly recommend this course."

Edna reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"After having stones ping all over my floor with a hunt with a broom to find them. I decided to do the sensible thing and use a session with Lucy to learn how to do it. For a start we worked in the bench with the skirt which ensured that they only pinged as far as my knees so were easily found. Although I have had several sessions I am not always confident to work at home. Lucy taught me in her usual methodical way and now I’m sure with practice and getting my equipment right I can do it at home."

ENAMELLING WORKSHOP reviewed: Explore your Creativity in Enamels - an introductory morning of enamelling for 2 people

"The workshop with Christine was excellent. We all thoroughly enjoyed it and will be going back. Christine was very knowledgeable and helpful."

Harry Eastwood reviewed: Intro to Green Woodwork

"Mike is a very passionate and knowledgeable man with a wealth of experience. I had a great time learning loads of new skills in the outdoors and would recommend to anyone who wants to learn a new craft and have a break from everyday life."

Rachel reviewed: Needle felt your dog with Crafty Gal

"A thoroughly enjoyable day spent with Denise at Bonds. As a complete novice, I was sceptical about what I would eventually produce - instead, I was delighted that under Denise’s patient and fun tuition I produced a delightful miniature cockapoo! My family ( knowing my artistic limitations) were amazed! Super lunch and cakes, would heartily recommend day."

Crafty Gal responded:

"It WAS a fun day wasn't it? So pleased you're happy with your little dog and hope it's the start of more fantastic needle felting. Lovely to meet you, and hope to see you again. Dx"

Beverley reviewed: Make a silver ring: one-to-one workshop

"What and incredibly fascinating afternoon! I love buying jewellery and had never thought about making it myself until I was given this workshop as a birthday gift by my partner. I had no idea what to expect or if I could even make a ring! Ange gave great explanation and guidance about the making process, hammering, sizing, soldering, sanding and tips how to clean the ring. Time just flew by. I am still amazed I made my personalised 3 stack ring, my partner even more amazed, said it looked so professional and unique. Ange you are a great teacher, thank you so much for an enjoyable and memorable day. Highly recommended."

Ash reviewed: Shibori & indigo dye at Cowshed Creative, the Lake District National Park, near Windermere

"A fantastic day in a wonderful venue. The workshop was really engaging and I absolutely love the ring I made. A lovely atmosphere helped by the venue host and the workshop leader. Would highly recommend and plan to go again!"

Cowshed Creative responded:

"So glad you had a good day and created something so special. Look forward to you coming again. Thank you!"

Thérèse Robinson reviewed: Intro to Green Woodwork

"A wonderful and productive day out. Starting the day rather nervous about using the sharp tools, Mike’s warm welcome and reassuring guidance soon improved my confidence. I finished the day with my own hand-crafted spoon, new skills, and a joyful sense of achievement. Mike’s knowledge and tuition are excellent, his patience admirable and his skills enviable. I would happily do the whole day again and highly recommend Mike’s courses to all interested parties. Thank you Mike, and good luck carvers."

Judy Ryder reviewed: Needle felt your dog with Crafty Gal

"My fifth course with Denise - this time “needle felting your dog”. This was the most challenging yet but as always with Denise’s instruction, help and encouragement I managed to make a really wonderful Rottie! Denise is warm, welcoming, patient and always ready to lend a hand. The environment at Bonds was amazing with a fabulous lunch. Roll on the next course!"

Crafty Gal responded:

"Your FIFTH workshop with me! Delighted you love it enough to keep coming back Judy, and so thrilled to see how your needle felting is developing, your Rottie was fantastic. Thank you for the lovely review, take care, Dx"

Hatty reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Some friends arranged for my husband and I to participate on this course as a wedding present. We went as a four, without much expectation nor any experience in carving wood..and we had the most amazing day! It was a brilliant gift idea, extremely therapeutic, satisfying and fun to do with good friends in an incredible setting. Mark is a fantastic teacher. He is calm, patient, very knowledgable yet relatable. He really encouraged us to become confident with our equipment, and each one of us made a beautiful hand carved wooden spoon as a result! Cristina was also warm and welcoming, and made us a delicious lunch during our midday break. Walderchain Wood is a beautiful, natural environment where the birds sing and the leaves are green. I couldn't recommend more. 5 stars!"

James Peverell reviewed: A Dry Stone Walling Workshop Bedfordshire

"A very good day despite the weather. Excellent insight from John and good company. I am inspired to attend a practice weekend to go one stage further."

Rosie Anstice reviewed: Beginners DIY day course archive

"I was delighted to attend the Home DIY course as it threw light on so many different areas that I need help in! We covered so much in one day. There were lots of ‘oh.. that’s how you do it’ and ‘I’ve always wondered how you do that’ and ‘I had no idea you could do that (electric drill) as well as lots of asides about pipe isolators and lots on which screw to use for what, how to put up heavy mirrors on plasterboard walls, how to fix endless things and a fair bit on not drilling through cables and other lifesaving info like checking the RCD (residual current device?). Such a very useful day. I’d highly recommend it."

Anna reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"Paula has created an excellent workshop: informative, well taught, practical and great fun. I enjoyed it hugely and headed home feeling thoroughly inspired; I would highly recommended the experience. Thank you Paula."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you for your review Anna. It was lovely to meet you!. Paula"

Joanne reviewed: Learn to make Roman Blinds - Worcestershire

"Another fabulous workshop with Judi making roman blinds, learnt a lot and really enjoyed it!"