Latest reviews

Nancy Archer reviewed: Painting with beeswax & dyes - Batik Pictures

"Enjoyed my first Batik course so much...I came back for a 2nd...enjoyed so much..I’m thinking of doing a 3rd ?"

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you. It was lovely to teach you again Nancy. You have a natural talent and colour sense, I will look forward to teaching you in the future :-). Maybe try the crackle glaze!"

Melanie Louise reviewed: 2 day Asymmetrical basket making courses - two days with Joe Gregory at Creative with Nature Todmorden Yorkshire

"Great course! So pleased with my asymmetrical basket. Joe is an excellent teacher, very knowledgeable, calm and she has such a passion for her craft. Her love of weaving is really inspiring and she explains the complexities of willow weaving and basketry in a really accessible way. Highly recommended."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"Really glad you enjoyed the weekend Melanie and a great basket you wove! Thanks so much for sharing the pictures with me: ) Joe. xxx"

Janis Tait reviewed: Table making course - Scottish Highlands

"I can’t recommend this course highly enough. From start to finish it is well run and Aaron is calm and patient and demonstrates his enthusiasm for all things wood in his work and in his words. Working with green wood is one of the most satisfying things I have done. It’s relaxing almost meditative work and to end the course with a beautiful table is more than I could have hoped for. I think Aaron’s courses should be considered as an essential antidote to all the negativity pervading life today. I have enrolled on another already."

Linda Hardingham reviewed: Introduction to screen printing

"I thoroughly enjoyed the screen printing day, it was definitely worth the hour and a half journey both ways. Ria is a very patient teacher and I learnt a lot, and I have a lovely cushion cover sitting on my sofa now! I now have lots of ideas for future printing projects thanks to Ria."

Claire Goldby reviewed: Pottery for beginners in Norfolk

"What a great day,the venue was just perfect, plenty of space to do the class, and the content was easy to follow and take part in. Facilities were great, tea and coffee on tap and a super home made lunch, the host made everyone feel very welcome. A great way to de-stress and learn something new, a real treat. CJ"

Mark Barnes reviewed: 2 day Asymmetrical basket making courses - two days with Joe Gregory at Creative with Nature Todmorden Yorkshire

"I should have completed this course in the winter but was unable to due to a minor virus. I was therefore very pleased that Jo allowed me to re- book on this spring one day course making a bread basket. It was my first attempt at willow weaving, after many years ago making cane baskets with wooden bases, with children. I wanted to experience the process of making a willow basket from scratch, with just the willow. I found the whole process very varied, interesting and mind consuming. Once can see why it was used as an early form of therapy and why Jo emphasised that it was a piece of technology. I found it a difficult process but Jo was always there to calmly guide me through my problems. My basket isn't perfect but it sits proudly on my kitchen table full of fruit. I now look at all the many and varied baskets in my house with an increased respect for their makers."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"thanks for the review mark glad you enjoyed the day. joe. xx"

Bex Silvester reviewed: Burnt Fen Alpacas - Amazing Alpacas Spinning and Weaving Workshop

"I cannot recommend this course highly enough! My friend and I attended, completely new to both spinning and weaving. We had the best time. The location on the first day is just lovely...relaxed, beautiful and really up close and personal with the stunning alpacas. The second day is spent in central Norwich in a wonderfully calming and very happy studio. Annie and Julia are kind, patient, and fun hosts with excellent knowledge and really good teaching skills. The course takes you from spinning your own alpaca wool (you will know exactly which darling one loaned you the fleece ;)) to making your very own woven book cover. The meals provided were delicious too. Go...don't hesitate. ;)"

Elaine Hayes reviewed: Crochet for Beginners and Improvers

"Kathy was incredibly patient with me and helped me develop my technique at my own pace. At the end of the session I was able to read a basic pattern and crochet blanket squares so really pleased - thanks Kathy!"

Kath's Crafts responded:

"Thanks Elaine. You were a great pupil! Thanks for your hospitality."

angus reviewed: Pole Lathe Bowl Turning - Your First Bowl

"I arrived with a fair amount of pole-lathe turning experience but new to bowls. The intention was to learn enough to be able to build a new lathe or adapt my lathe and turn bowls myself. Ade was brilliant at getting concepts and processes across, demonstrating at logical stages, and then monitoring our efforts and providing guidance where necessary. The day which ran from 09.30 to 17.00 was hard work but great fun. Ade is very relaxed and sympathetic, generous with advice, sharing information and ready to answer questions however biff they might be.... I was able to use one of Ade's lathes a couple of days later to turn another bowl which provided timely and most valuable reinforcement of the key elements taught on the course - elements that might have disappeared with time. All round a cracking day."

Lizzie Dyer reviewed: Grow climate change savvy, low-cost edibles

"I went to this course with my mum last year and we had an absolutely fantastic day. I cannot recommend it highly enough! Kim treated us to a lovely lunch and refreshments throughout the day and I came away from the course with practical skills and knowledge that I could use at home. Everything Kim showed us could be used in any size garden regardless of your knowledge/skill."

Casey Mills reviewed: Half day kiln glass workshop

"What a fantastic course. I have been wanting to start making my own glass pieces at home in my ceramic kiln for a long time but never had the know how to start. Having been on a full day course with Alex I now feel confident and ready to start out on my own. I made a great selection of pieces and tested a huge variety of techniques throughout the day. Alex was able to advise me on materials suppliers, kiln schedules, set up and how to make the most out of what I already have. She even offered me advice over the phone once I was home when I got stuck. It was great to have one to one support and the space was perfect for what I needed, however anyone in a wheelchair may struggle with access due to the steps between the house and workshop. Alex was very knowledgeable and helpful throughout and I would recommend the course to anyone wanting to learn fused glass."

Kirsty Allan reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Thoroughly enjoyed candle making, Kerry was lovely and made us feel relaxed and welcome. The crumble was amazing too. Would definitely recommend this workshop."

Teresa reviewed: ‘Winter dream ' wool painting face-to-face textile art course in Worcestershire

"Loved the course. Thank you very much Raya. I never knew I could use wool fibres is such an amazing way! I am a complete beginner in art but following Raya's clear step-by-step instructions I managed to produce a lovely wool fibre picture. I am so proud of it ! I really enjoyed the workshop, found it very therapeutic and relaxing. Would recommend it to anyone. What a great way to spend a weekend!"

Peter Welch reviewed: Table making course - Scottish Highlands

"This was an excellent course and I was really pleased with Aaron's tuition and the finished table. The workshop is run in a superb woodland setting as well as indoor workshops for some of the technical aspects. It was a sociable and productive course and a very good introduction to green wood working."

Raymond McGovern reviewed: Beginners’ Stained Glass, One Day Course, Llandeilo, Wales - archive

"Outstanding value for money. Simon was knowledgeable, supportive and very generous with his time, going well beyond the finish time to allow our very adventurous first projects to be finished. Simon has a good manner about him. The location is good with sufficient workshop space for the four people on the course to work easily. Great experience, and I would go again and recommend it to anyone wanting to give lead glass work a go. Simon will be positive and encouraging even with the most reserved learner."

Anita Kiss reviewed: Turn a wooden bowl on a traditional pole lathe

"Just done this course yesterday and with Steve’s excellent guidance managed to make two birds during the afternoon! It was great fun and felt wonderful to be working with wood, so I’ll be back for the spoon-making course. Highly recommended."

Sarah Rogers reviewed: Introductory pottery wheel throwing taster sessions

"Lorraine is a great teacher and the pottery is set up well to accommodate a group. It doesn't matter if there are mixed abilities as Lorraine caters for each person, supporting them as needed. Her demonstrations are clear and helpful - you learn what to do but also why each step is needed and where common problems arise. I have been twice and found each workshop to be great fun, relaxing and very satisfying, starting from little experience and building up to a point where I have a collection of pots including a mug and jug that can be used daily. I would highly recommend the course. I also took my children to a free short workshop on the Hey Clay day - they were delighted to learn how to throw a pot and had two each by the end."

Woodsetton Art Pottery responded:

"Many thanks for the review a pleasure to see you as always. Lorraine"

Rick Lund reviewed: Pole Lathe Bowl Turning - Your First Bowl

"I really enjoyed making my first turned bowl with the excellent tuition provided by Ade. Every aspect of the course is well organised with good equipment, well paced tuition and interesting semi-prepared materials to work with. Ade is clearly experienced at working with diverse groups of people and was always available to assist when help was needed. Thanks for providing a great experience Ade!"

Sheila McIntosh reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"A brilliant way to spend a Sunday morning. Interesting and informative session in a relaxed friendly environment. Kerry is the perfect person to learn from - friendly, warm, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about her work. I gained knowledge on different aspects of candles (never realised there was so much to know) and left with the lovely candle I made. I also mixed another fragrance which I brought home too. All this with tea, coffee and a lovely fruit crumble (completely free from nuts, dairy, gluten etc. ), so safe for everyone. Terrific gift to receive and would recommend it to everyone. Even those who think they cannot make anything!"

Frank Newell reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"My wife and I spent a very enjoyable day learning about the art of blacksmithing. Mort was so patient with us, explaining exactly what we should be doing. We made between us, and with Mort’s help, a wonderful bird feeder which now has pride of place in our garden! Our grown up children are waiting in the wings to do the same! We thoroughly recommend the course. Thank you Mort."

Joanne Moss reviewed: Watercolour painting day - Floral & botanical - with artist Laura Andrew

"I went to Laura’s watercolour class (Florals and Botanicals) as a complete beginner hoping to come away from the class with some good advice and tips. I can honestly say that Laura has now given me the confidence to go away and put into practice what I learnt on the 5 hour course. The time simply flew and I loved every minute and the afternoon tea provided was absolutely gorgeous."

Beccy Hayward reviewed: Kayak making - build your own skin-on-frame kayak

"Amazing once in a lifetime experience of building my own custom Kayak at Shipshape Woodwork and Boatbuilding, at the beautiful Underfall Yard in Bristol Docks. Ant is an expert teacher who led us through each step of the woodworking, steam bending, lashing, stitching the skin on the frame and sealing with our own custom colours patiently. I can't recommend this experience enough and now I have a high performance Kayak of my own."

Lisa reviewed: Flower crown workshop & bubbly in Brighton

"I really enjoyed the workshop. It was relaxing and fun. I made a beautiful floral flower crown for my daughter as it was her birthday. Would recommend this workshop and Charlie is lovely."

Gill reviewed: Wet felting workshop: introduction to 3D construction for Bowls, Pods and Bags in Henstridge near Stalbridge, Somerset and Dorset

"This course is fantastic in all respects. Sally provided all materials necessary (and more) for you to be able to produce a really substantial piece of art. She is a talented tutor who guided me expertly through each stage, and insisted on supplying me with tea and coffee all day and wouldn’t even let me clear up. The premises were ideal and we had a lovely self contained room for us to work. All in all, an fabulous day, excellent value and I came away with a new skill I am thrilled about. Will be booking on another course soon! Thank you Sally x"

Alan Smith reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"First rate course. Had a fantastic day with Jake at his new location within the rolling hills of south Shropshire. I had the pleasure of one on one tuition with Jake who outlined the content of the day and the necessary safety measures needed to have a safe time whilst enjoying the full experience. The absolute best part of the day, not surprisingly, was just working with the metal. You have full instructions and demonstrations of the skills and techniques needed and then encouraged to just have a go. Jake was at hand to correct any errors but basically just get stuck in and have fun. There was the opportunity to have a go with the power hammer but in all honesty my preference was just the hammer against the hot metal and feeling the metal develop as you worked it. This is something I would certainly do again and in all likelihood will. Thank you Jake for a cracking day."