Latest reviews

Duncan Davidson reviewed: Make a spindle-back chair

"It was a real privilege to be taught by Peter Young, not only the technical aspects of chair making, but more especially the opportunity to share thoughts on the 'wisdom of this work, respecting both the materials and ourselves'. I had admired Peter's own chairs at a local show and wanted to learn with him how to make these wonderful objects. I'm an experienced woodworker, but had never worked green wood. I'm also interested in the management and conservation of native woodland. So these different interests came together in this course. I had quite particular objectives. I wanted to explore the methods. I particularly wanted to 'listen to the grain' in a way that green woodworking offers much more directly than, say, frame-and-panel cabinetmaking. I also had particular concerns before I began: would I manage to learn quickly enough to actually make a chair? But at the beginning of the course I wasn't wedded to the idea of taking home a chair. An as it turned out (of course) with Peter's guidance and thoughtfulness, the whole process was fun. It was great to work with the other two students. And in the end, I made my chair. Unexpectedly, it stands there as a little achievement and beckons me to more green woodworking. I've started to make some small things from my own ash and to combine green woodworking and 'bench work' in new ways. To make a chair in a week and learn the skills on the way is a tight programme. I would have liked an extra day or even two with Peter to explore a bit more the feel of splitting, shaving, bending green wood, of working closer to the tree, working with, and listening to, the grain. But I guess most people have just a week and within this limitation the course was organised ideally. Perhaps Peter should think of also running short introductory courses that provide plenty of time to play and to make mistakes. Maybe such a course could produce a more modest object that would become a reminder of things learned in the sun and rain in the wood. Thank you Peter for a great course. And the lovely lunches!"

Rachel reviewed: Group Soap-making Workshop - Soapology Studio - Nottinghamshire

"Had an awesome day with Emma yesterday learning all about the science, maths and creative side of soap making! She's a brilliant teacher and I loved the whole day, lunch was lovely and the practical session in the afternoon was flawless. We all left with big smiles, 2 containers of soap which I'm dieing to cut up today, a freebie and a booklet with everything from the day in it so we can repeat the process at home. I purchased a starter kit at the end of the day for a very reasonable price and can't wait to get stuck in! Thanks for a great day Emma!"

Donna Stretton reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed the day, would highly recommend. Jolene is incredibly calm, patient and encouraging, providing support when needed but letting you get on with it when you felt able. Very pleased with end result, didn’t think we would come away with something we were so proud of. Thank you Jolene."

Pat Thornton reviewed: Paper Making with Plants

"Excellent course. One of many I have taken with Jan over the years. Your day starts with a wonderful welcome from Jan in this beautiful, tranquil location. It was so much fun learning how to turn plants into paper then using these pieces for printing. Everything is very relaxed and enjoyable. Jan provides the most wonderful tea, coffee, homemade cakes and lunch......and lots of laughter! I returned home with a beautiful bound book of all my work, and lovely memories. You are in for a treat!"

Priya Shah reviewed: Glass blowing for beginners with Jon Lewis

"Me and my friend had the pleasure of experiencing this course yesterday. Jon is a very good and patient teacher providing a very comfortable setting and atmosphere. So good that we ended up talking quite a bit but he went above and beyond to make up the time, we even got to do more than what was advertised. We are now considering doing the sand casting course and even going back for another session."

stephanie Smith reviewed: Group Soap-making Workshop - Soapology Studio - Nottinghamshire

"Had a great day learning how to make soaps with Emma. Very welcoming group and a nice atmosphere. Emma took us through the theory in the morning and answered all questions we had ...lots of lovely cuppas offered great hospitality. After a delicious lunch we then went to the studio where Emma creates her magic. She spent time in turn taking us through step by step the basics of soap making. Very attentive seeing to all of us In turn also helped us to learn to blend the oils. Came away with two lovely batches of great smelling soap and lots of information. I purchased the follow on kit so I could make a few further batches at home. Good value great knowledge and great time had totally recommended. Loved the day and the soap!!!"

Paula & Freya reviewed: Private One to One Stained glass by Le Breton Traditional (near Exeter/Crediton/Tiverton)

"We had a fabulous workshop day (brought as a present) with Matt at Welsh Mills. Really pleased with our duo effort finished piece. Have already ordered my starter kit for home! Thankyou so much Matt for your tuition, time, patience and understanding, especially with my Autistic daughter who got alot out of the days experience."

Charlotte cline reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"What a lovely day on the jewellery boat. We made some copper rings as chains to practise then moved onto silver. Jonathan was a great host and teacher. With buttery tea cakes and a cosy wood toning stove. The perfect day."

Maria Tudgee reviewed: Private One to One Stained glass by Le Breton Traditional (near Exeter/Crediton/Tiverton)

"Fantastic day at the Welsh Mill workspace in Frome. Matt is a very patient and engaging tutor and we all learnt so much. Everyone took away an amazing piece of stained glass using our own designs and nothing was too much trouble for Matt to help us with. Great fun and very inspiring to do more of this wonderful craft. Thank you Matt."

Lucy indge reviewed: Needle Felting - 3D Cats

"The class was small (5 people) which was great because that enabled Wendy to help and coach each one of us not only as group but individually. She worked at a pace that was easy to follow. I am looking forward to practicing my new learned needle felting skills at home. I will be keen to do more classes in the future."

Rhona reviewed: Lampwork Bead Making in the flame. VERY VERY Special Offer for 2 people

"A wonderful morning with Kim. She was very welcoming and gave really clear instructions. We had great fun and my friend Angelika definitely found her creative side. She made it seem very easy and I love my earrings and key fobs in particular I will definitely be back."

RHIAN WILLIAMS reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"I attended a 3hr workshop today with Anita and one other attendee. Having had an urge to try candle making for a while, I was thrilled to discover this facility almost on my doorstep. I was not disappointed. During a very relaxed 3 hour session we were able to make our own 'rose' candles, a pillar candle, container candle and wax melts, choosing our own colours and fragrances, with the excellent tuition and guidance of Anita. I will return to try her other workshops throughout the year. I would definitely recommend these workshops as well as a visit to see her own produce which are very different and well made."

Melanie Crutchley reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"A fantastic day making your own unique bangles. Jolene is very informative and patient which makes the day so enjoyable. Already thinking about booking another workshop. Thank you Jolene."

Hilary Thwaites reviewed: Natural (cold process) soap making workshop with afternoon tea

"Just spent the day soap making with Julie - and what what a lovely day it was. I wasn't sure what to expect, but was made welcome from the outset and the group was fab. We were all able to take home the soaps that we made. The food was delicious and Julie is very knowledgeable and an excellent teacher. I would highly recommend this course. I'm now off to look at the candle making course :) And many thanks should also go to Julie's helper, Janet."

Katherine Pritchard reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"My mother bought me a Candle Alchemist candle-making workshop gift voucher for Christmas and I went with no knowledge or expectations. This activity is a great addition to Anglesey’s many creative attractions and so close to beautiful Newborough beach and Llandwyn Island. My adult session (a morning) was taught by Anita and was well structured, with time to chat to my fellow attendee over coffee. My workshop was an introduction to 3 different ways of making heated wax candles, and over 3 hours I made a pillar candle to my own choice of colour and fragrance, a scented jar candle, some scented wax melts and two free-standing flower ? candles. Anita offers pottery painting and cold-modelling-wax candle moulding for little ones, also candle dipping, tea-cup and cupcake candle workshops, Christmas candle workshops, and during the season, drop in sessions for passing families, as well as hen/birthday/work/school outing groups and she will include tea and scones by prior arrangement. She also sells candles she designs and makes herself, some inspired by Newborough pebbles, so the studio is also worth a visit to find unique gifts even if you don’t want to try your hand with the wax."

Angela Haines reviewed: Beginner's dressmaking course - make a skirt with Craft My Day

"The dressmaking course is fantastic with Rachel giving such clear and useful advice throughout. I was particularly delighted to learn how to adapt patterns to fit me exactly and came away with my lovely skirt, a pattern fitted to me that I will use many times and skills that I will continue to use. Thank you Craft my Day! Looking forward to seeing you at the dress and trouser sessions."

Karl Dalgleish reviewed: Woodcarving with Jason Thomson sculptural woodcarving with hand tools, eccentric whittling courses, Sheffield.

"My 10 year daughter and her friend went to one of Jason's woodcarving workshops and loved it. They spent 5 hours learning new techniques and creating sculptures they designed themselves. Jason was good at letting the girls just get on with it, offering hints and tips along the way. I would definitely recommend it to other children or even adults. Great workshop, great tutor. Cheers Jason best wishes Karl"

Jason Thomson - Sculptor responded:

"The girls were great to work with- attentive and determined to carve - both getting great results and only ten years old!"

Jo & Esme reviewed: Needle felt your dog with Crafty Gal

"A wonderful tranquil peaceful day with a top class tutor who is also a top class host & cook! Still can’t quite believe I produced my little hare who takes pride of place on the mantle! If you want to escape from it all, learn something new whilst having fun, then this is the place for you."

catherine bailey reviewed: Textile art summer school, Abruzzo, Italy

"I can’t recommend enough attending any of Dionnes classes or summer schools. She devotes so much time and attention on ensuring you get the best out of your experience. Italy was stunningly inspiring because Dionne made it so utterly accessible and with meticulous attention to detail, from the travel arrangements to the hotel the itinerary. It was magical and spellbinding and you come away with a head full of ideas armed with new skills and confidence, and a promise to return. The food, the company, the coursework, the visual delights. Dionne could inspire anyone - even on a wet November day sitting on soggy cardboard. When you add Abruzzo to the mix it’s heady and addictive. Don’t miss it. Just wonderful xxxx"

Shona Rose reviewed: Clay sculpture, painting : Art Spells Magic Kids Classes

"My sons (aged 7 and 8) have been coming to Lucky's classes for a few weeks and really enjoy the relaxed teaching and variety of different activities on offer."

Hayley reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"What a brilliant day! I wanted a day for me, after having my son and this totally beat any kind of pamper day! I had great fun while learning something new! Jo is a great teacher and immediately makes you feel at ease and comfortable. I was really impressed with the amount of stuff we brought away from the course and getting to smell all the fragrances was a real treat!"

Dave reviewed: Encaustic art (wax painting) workshop

"We had great fun and were able to produce some interesting artwork using wax within the two hours."

Zena Green reviewed: Curtain making

"I completed a one day curtain making course and had a really great day. Although I have some previous sewing experience, Denise is extremely knowledgeable and I learnt a huge amount. I came away with a professional looking curtain and full instructions so I can make my own. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in making their own curtains for themselves or others."

Michellle Stewart & Trish Bonham reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"Me and my mum thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and have now found a new hobby that we are definitely going to take up. Very much recommended!!!!! Its fascinating seeing how things come to life. Kate definitely has a eye for detail and imagination and it shows in a lot of work she has done everything seems to have a character no willow sculpture is the same. The course felt so relaxing as it's set in Kate's home with the fire going and lovely greenery outside, not to mention the yummy hand made food. Kate even went to the trouble of making my own lot of sandwiches as have certain intolerances. I would say this course is for anyone who is interested in anything craft related or just wants a day to relax and be creative sign up!!!!!"

Emma McAleese reviewed: One day glassblowing lesson for beginners

"An excellent introduction to glass craft, learnt so much and can’t belive how much we got to create. Jonathan is an excellent teacher and very patient. Fantastic value for money would recommend to everyone, the pieces we made were impressive, I would go again!"