Latest reviews

Gray reviewed: Introduction to green wood furniture making - two days

"Brilliant weekend learning craftsmanship skills, building green wood furniture with hand tools. A holiday for busy minds to drop all distractions and focus on a physical and creative activity. Excellent, clear tuition, accessible to all. Highly recommend."

Steven Terenzio reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I purchased this as a Yule present for my partner. The two day course was in a lovely setting and the studio was a good size with lots of room to work in. Sebastian was friendly and has a relaxed and informal approach to teaching but always on hand should you need him. It's amazing what you can achieve working with this soft bath stone even if, like me, you're not artistic! We were in a group of eight people who all seemed to enjoy their weekend and produced a little work of art! Just a great weekend"

Darren reviewed: Small leather goods workshop

"Arrived and was immediately offered a cup of tea with a selection of biscuits. Enjoyed the tea while having an in-depth discussion about the different types of leather and dyeing techniques. Then it was belt making time; learning how to cut and stitch leather, practising on small scraps before committing to the actual belt, all under the careful supervision of Richard. Every question was answered, every detail explained and at every step I was given the time to get it right and walk away with my own handcrafted belt. If you want to try leathercraft for the first time, I can highly recommend Richards' class. It's friendly, relaxed, informative and well structured."

Susan Verwey reviewed: Embroidery kits with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Hereford

"Very enjoyable and relaxing day. Julie was welcoming, very organised and patient. She gave me great confidence and the kits provided were lovely, with everything necessary included.5"

Philip Champion reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"It was a great course in a lovely location. I have always wanted to learn about stone carving and this course gave me the knowledge to start a new craft. Many thanks for a wonderful weekend"

Ange Martin reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"What a great way to spend a morning time went so quickly , now i must buy my nippers and get started thanks Adela.5"

Steve Davis reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I decided to take up a new hobby and found Ciaran's website offering woodworking courses. I booked the 4 day beginners course and it was the best introduction to woodworking I could have hoped for. Ciaran takes you through some basics, such as tool sharpening and the correct and safe way to use the tools and marking out the cuts to start with. The class size is a maximum of 6 which guarantees plenty of personal tuition time and there are as many tea breaks with biscuits as you want. The course is fairly intense and physical but the rewards are worth it. In 4 days I made a small side table using American Black Walnut and Ash and I was very proud of the result."

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

"Husband and I had a truly enjoyable day at Soapology. Emma is a fantastic host and is obviously passionate about her soap making. The morning was spent learning about soap which Emma kept very interesting and answered any questions (regular refreshments offered). A delicious lunch was then provided before heading into the workshop for the fun part :) there were five of us on the course and Emma was very patient in taking us through each step of the soap making process advising on which essential oils work well together and the correct way to blend all ingredients. We made three batches each that we got take home. We also took a starter pack each. Thank you Emma for a fantastic day we thoroughly enjoyed the whole day and learnt so much!"

John lowdell reviewed: Stained glass sun-catcher workshop: Hampshire

"We booked the stained glass workshop as Christmas gifts , very impressed with the organisation , we were provided with beautiful gift vouchers to give on Christmas Day , Rachel who runs the course kept in touch with informative e mail too beforehand The actual day was great ,we all thoroughly enjoyed it , so much so that I am sure we will be back Rachel is an excellent teacher and communicator , providing enough instruction but also giving a good deal of freedom on individual approach We all agreed it was the most excellent Christmas present"

Swanwick Studio responded:

"Wow, thank you so much, that review is very much appreciated this end, all the detail really tells others about the whole experience & is very thoughtful of you J :-) So glad we 'all' had a great day. See you in Port Solent :-)"

Kyla reviewed: Macrame - Beaded Bracelet

"Great fun, small group and friendly. Looking forward to booking another workshop."

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

"Brilliant- would highly recommend!"

Sarah jones reviewed: Weekly pottery/ceramics classes

"Alison is a fantastic teacher, she imparts her considerable knowledge of ceramics in a way that makes you feel as if it is the most natural thing! Her teaching style is so encouraging, warm and gentle so even the most green novice takes their pottery home with pride. It is a joy to attend these classes every week."

Kate reviewed: Weekly pottery/ceramics classes

"I love coming to pottery class every week! Alison is a great teacher and is always encouraging. The atmosphere is very friendly and relaxed. If you fancy giving pottery a go this is definitely the class for you!"

Lou & Rob reviewed: One Day Bladesmithing Course - London Border

"Excellent day. Owen was a great tutor and kept a sharp eye on progress, helping out where needed. Everyone completed their knife and took it home. All tools and safety equipment was provided, small group size (7 on our day) meant we could all see the demo and get the required amount of attention. Owen is a master craftsman, he showed us some stunning examples of his work. The detail he can get on a blade is amazing. I would recommend this class to anyone."

Sarah Ashworth reviewed: Needle felted Seascapes with 2 Inspire You

"Fabulous day on the welt felting course! Rachel was really friendly and i learnt so much on this one day course! Lots of tea , biscuits and fun! Looking forward to needle felting in the near future x"

2 Inspire You responded:

"It was great fun and lots of laughter involved!"

Melanie Kanz reviewed: Needle felted Seascapes with 2 Inspire You

"Loved every minute of the course — really enjoyed it. Rachel is a great teacher. I will be coming back for more... I think I am ‚hooked‘ to the art of felting."

2 Inspire You responded:

"Thank you, it was a great day!"

Nikki Alexander reviewed: Basket weaving for beginners - make a round basket

"Lovely days spent rekindling basket making skills last done over 45 years ago as a child. Emma has only small groups and gives excellent tuition. I went with my husband and he had never done it before. We both came away with baskets we were proud of and use at home. We have done 2 courses and recommend Emma highly. Whatever your ability, you will really enjoy the courses. The location is lovely and peaceful and it's a great way to get away from the day to day. You just relax into basket making for a day."

Bird Farm Alpacas responded:

"Thanks Nikki glad both you and Tony enjoyed basket making again! =)"

Mike twigg reviewed: Weekly pottery/ceramics classes

"I've been going to Alison's studio for just over a year now and love it more and more. Fantastic atmosphere and really friendly people too. Whether your a beginner or a veteran there's always something new to learn and Alison guides you and helps you to enjoy your experience to the full. Highly recommended. Excellent class."

Sam Wickstead reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"I attended the introductory to blacksmithing course on the 2.2.18. Had a brilliant time and definitely thought the course was value for money. Bob was really helpful and thorough which helped me achieve a greater understanding into the basics of blacksmithing. I would definitely recommend this course."

Claire reviewed: Weekly pottery/ceramics classes

"Alison is an amazing tutor and teaches this class in a Relaxed, fun, friendly way and always full of encouragement. No matter what level of skill you have Alison helps you make beautiful professional pots every time . Love this clsss so much !"

Pam reviewed: Silver clay taster class - Surrey

"Loved this course! I was a complete beginner and it was such a delightful way to spend an evening and to make some satisfying pieces of jewellery, even though I was a newbie. I'd love to do more and wouldn't hesitate to go to other courses Sian runs. She's a great teacher with loads of helpful knowledge and the atmosphere is gentle, comfortable and relaxing. Thank you Sian - I'd love to come back for another course!"

Zoe and Paul reviewed: Small leather goods workshop

"A really fun day. Richard is lovely and knowledgable. Did this course to celebrate mine and my husband’s 3rd (leather) wedding anniversary. I made a leather bracelet and my husband a belt. His workshop is at the back of his house and he’ll offer you drinks and biscuits. Item made look really professional"

Love heart workshop reviewed: Weekly pottery/ceramics classes

"I love going to these workshops. Really friendly atmosphere and a great welcome for all abilities. Alison is a great teacher. She knows just how much to instruct and how much to let you develop your own ideas. I would highly recommend this for all abilities."

Angharad Higgins reviewed: Needle felted Seascapes with 2 Inspire You

"What a brilliant course. We were complete novices but left with pictures to be proud of. Rachel is an excellent teacher and really encouraging. I would definitely recommend Heartfelt."

2 Inspire You responded:

"Thank you so much Angharad, it was our pleasure to have you with us today. Both you and your mum were easy to guide and your willingness to explore options helped you to create stunning pictures today. We look forward to seeing you again soon and I am pleased it was such a good present for your mum! Happy felting Rach"

amy billings reviewed: Half day leather clutch bag / ipad case

"Really relaxed half day course, feel like it wasn't rushed, learnt heaps, great group size."