Latest reviews

Mkala reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"What a wonderful lady I had so much fun it was a very relaxed atmosphere and definitely worth every penny to be fair it was very cheap for the information and the products we made and to include afternoon tea.... I'm shocked at how anyone can make a profit on this. The afternoon tea was beautiful and looks amazing Unfortunately my candles I made didn't get home as family took them lol they looked professional Thanks so much for the day I really had a blastxxx"

Marie Church reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"What an amazing day for myself and my daughter something i've always wanted to do and so glad we did it with Julie she was so helpful with loads of knowledge and not forgetting the lovely cakes, a day we will both remember for ever"

Elizabeth Fry reviewed: Upholstery and soft furnishings 2 day course

"I've been coming to Angie's evening classes for almost 7 years now, completed many projects - big and small - had many cuppas and many of Angie's delicious homemade cakes and biscuits! What more can I say...? Well, if you're looking for a friendly, sociable atmosphere in a warm, homely, creative environment (with amazing views) then don't hesitate to sign up for a course, you'll be really chuffed you did!"

Maddy reviewed: 1-to-1 Organic Skincare Workshop at Maid in the Meadow

"Me and my mum had been looking forward to this day for months so we could spend time together and it was completely worth the wait . We had such an amazing experience that I will remember for a very long time, it was wonderful. We had a long talk before making the products where we learnt about what goes into the products and how it all works , Alison was so kind , funny and helpful and we appreciate her efforts to make our time with her so enjoyable. Every single product I made and went home with I adore , the smells are beautiful and they work so well I am overjoyed with them. Alisons Workshop was so great to work in, everything was easy to find and there was lots space to make everything in. I would 10/10 recommend this course because I have learnt so much about organic skincare and made lovely memories with my mum , thankyou for a brilliant day Alison x"

Maid in the Meadow responded:

"Maddy, I'm so glad you enjoyed the workshop and you and your Mum and you had such an enjoyable day together. Thank you so much for your feedback and your kind words. Best wishes to you both."

Victoria reviewed: Silver Jewellery - Ring Making

"I am a complete beginner, so I was worried that I wouldn't be able to actually make a ring that I could wear. But there was no need to worry, I am incredibly proud of the beautiful ring I made, which fits perfectly! The class was relaxed & comfortable, & Jenny was helpful & informative. I would definitely do another jewellery course with Jenny, & I would highly recommend this course! Thank you!"

Margaret Ward reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2 day Course

"Maggie Patience is an inspiration!!! I have been a friend of hers for some years, and although I have never attended a workshop, I have been with her during one and seen how much enjoyment her pupils get, and what lovely work they produce. her own work on display is brilliant. I don't know where she gets her ideas from. What an imagination ! I have no artistic flair, but with her guidance and help have produced some very pretty work. Her garden is a wonderland."

Robert Carr reviewed: Small leather goods workshop

"I actually did the Small Leather Item course where you make a card wallet (there isn't a place to review that one yet so I am reviewing it here). Richard was great, a really down to earth guy who starts the experience with a lesson on the variety of tanning methods and cuts of leather over a cup of tea. After that we moved onto making the item. Throughout he would explain how the tools work, what they are for and he gets you to be very hands on. It was excellent. I was able to select my prefered leather, thread, debosing stamps (initials & logo) and he then guided me through the processes of making the item. I made a card holder that is now my daily travel card wallet. I'm very pleased with the results. I did all the cutting, punchering, burnishing, stitching, debosing, etc myself under his experienced eye. He gets you to experience everything and is extremely patient. I would recommend this to anyone, specially those with an interest in working with leather or just learning about the craft."

Shirley Edwards reviewed: Ceramic Studio Experience - Sunday Clay Day - Full Day Tutor Interactive Workshop

"Such a lovely way to spend a Sunday. Thoroughly enjoyed our day. Very informative and pleased with the results too! Thank you."

Lee Bryant reviewed: 1-to-1 Organic Skincare Workshop at Maid in the Meadow

"Allison’s Organic Facial Skincare 1 Day course was so much fun! I learnt so much about oils and essential oils, and I just loved making the four amazing high-quality products; especially the moisturiser- which is gorgeous! Also, I’ve come away with such special memories of a whole day spent with my 15year old daughter, who kept saying how ‘cool’ it was and how much she was enjoying it. Allison is so kind, cheerful and helpful, and is happy for you to email her questions after the course has finished! I will be recommending her to all my friends. Thank you so much! Good luck with your goats!?"

Maid in the Meadow responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely feedback Lee. I'm glad you both enjoyed your day and that it provided you with the opportunity to have a special "Mum and Daughter" day to remember and lots of lovely organic skincare products to take home."

Elisabeth reviewed: Make and decorate a ceramic bowl in one session

"Its' a great experience: Josie is very knowledgeable, and makes it a pleasurable and rewarding experience. It was laid back but at the end of the afternoon all of us had produced a wonderful decorated bowl, in the interesting environment of her studio."

Karen reviewed: Willow skep hive (Alveari) making - with Bees for Development

"I attended the skep making course with my daughter and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Chris skilfully took us through the steps to the end, helping us produce 2 beautiful skeps. It was a lovely workshop with delicious food in a lovely place and good company."

Janine reviewed: Taster sessions – throwing on the potter’s wheel

"We enjoyed the pottery very much and my daughter gained many skills from you. We had lots to talk about over tea after our busy day."

Pam Lloyd reviewed: Learn how to read crochet charts

"Really enjoyed the course! Having taught myself to crochet, many years earlier, I was very rusty . Gaelle made it fun and made it seem very easy. She was an excellent teacher and was very patient. I finished my shawl in record time. The handouts she gave are extremely helpful. I would recommend anyone to attend one of her courses."

Maria Farino reviewed: Learn to papercut at Wattle and Daub, Godalming in Surrey

"Thoroughly enjoyed my morning, excellent tuition, Aimee is patient and helpful."

Jen reviewed: Make your very own clutch bag/small tablet device case/sleeve

"This was a brilliant class. Richard explained everything really well and there were a lot of options (type of bag/type and colour of leather/fittings, etc) so that I could make precisely what I wanted. I'd definitely recommend!"

Carol Davies reviewed: Learn how to read crochet charts

"I did a course with Gaelle on reading crochet charts. It was a very informative and useful day. I have since made things using the charts and it's so much easier than ploughing through text. She is a clear teacher as well as a friendly person. We had a lovely session"

Claire Laverack reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"We bought the experience for our son’s Christmas gift. The booking process was so easy from start to finish. Debbie was a great help with choosing the right course, and gave advice on the local area for Mum & Dad. The food was fantastic and there was plenty of it. Ben had a fantastic time and was made to feel very welcome. Andy and Adrian were brilliant. They gave clear instruction and encouragement but didn’t micromanage. Ben would love to go back so we are looking at a course to do as a family. A highly recommended experience."

Ross Beasley reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Brilliant day. I’ve been interested in blacksmithing since seeing a display in a historical museum in the US. There was only me and my other half there so the blacksmith talked us through everything he was doing in meticulous detail, and then gave us the hook he made to show us. I thought ‘I want to do that’ Then my other half bought me this course for Christmas. And it was excellent. Very good instruction, you realise quickly you have zero muscle memory for this sort of activity, but as you get through your first project and start getting the hang of things, you find enormous enjoyment from it. And you leave the course with a few bits of metal work that YOU produced. Top tip: wear a hat. Bits of dust from the fires gets everywhere and lands all over your hair, drink, clothes etc. Not an issue but I didn’t think about that at all. You will be breathing it in all day as well, so consider that. Great food is served home made by Debbie. More cakes than you’ll know what to do with too! Great day. Already booked on my next one."

Audrey Caine reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"I had yet another lovely day in the company of Julie and co. Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge yet again candle making. Thoroughly recommend a fun Saturday learning fun things with Julie and co. in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone wanting to start a business or new hobby. Thank you Julie and co."

Jean Hunter reviewed: stained glass 'your own project' workshop

"Knowledgeable and enthusiastic tuition throughout the day teaching cutting, grozing, and grinding techniques plus advice on designs, progressing to working with lead, copper foil and soldering. All in a cheerful atmosphere of camaraderie and fun whilst giving particular attention to precision and the importance of careful measurements as well as advising on a realistic timescale for creating a complex panel which you can be proud of."

Swanwick Studio responded:

"Thank you so much, that's a lovely review & I appreciate your thoughts and time taken :-) Looking forward to our next workshop where we'll work on the next stage of your project"

Jan Carter reviewed: Stained glass sun-catcher workshop: Hampshire

"I booked a one day open workshop at Swanwick Studio to learn how to copper foil, having only a small amount of previous experience at glass cutting. Rachel is an enthusiastic teacher with so much experience that you can’t fail to learn from her. The studio atmosphere is relaxed and friendly and learning is at your own pace. Thank you Rachel for a great day, I’m truly inspired!"

Swanwick Studio responded:

"Thank you so much, that's a lovely review & I appreciate your thoughts and time taken :-) I'm so please the passion has been passed on - it's such a fantastic medium to work with, with so many possibilities - onwards & upwards :-)"

Carly Grandini-Williams reviewed: Paint a Zentangle Platter

"I attended this course recently and it was amazing! Saz explained everything in easy to follow steps, and I felt completely at ease. I had an idea of what sort of patterns I wanted to try, but if you weren’t sure what to do straight away, Saz has plenty of ideas and suggestions to make your piece look fabulous! Saz is so patient and encouraging - I would recommend this to anyone! My finished plate is just beautiful!"

Alison Snook reviewed: 'Sandrine' shawl CAL (crochet along)

"Excellent course"

Mark Shackleton reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Had a great day yesterday - thank you. George took an excellent approach to help me learn the basics. He also assessed my self-critical approach very quickly and helped me relax with his calm reassuring guidance as I gradually improved my use of his high quality tools. Attention to H&S was also a real feature - I will keep my thumb down eventually and try to stop blowing into my face visor! Thank you Susan for the tasty lunch, hot drinks and company while we took breaks in your conservatory. I am very happy with my first bowl"

Paul reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"I just want to start by saying sorry for taking so long to leave a review, I attended the hammer skills course on the 10th of jan and was absolutely blown away. I had the absolute pleasure of working with Bob that day and all I can say is what a guy. He is he had moving metal straight away, I was expecting it to be so much harder than it was with Bobs years of experence guiding me I had made some shelf brackets for my sons bed room and a fire poker for my log burner by the end of the day. All in all what a fab day, I am looking forward to going back for my birthday around May so to wrap up, if you are interested in the course then don’t even hesitate best day ever."