Latest reviews

Sue Jones reviewed: Indigo Weekend -Shibori & Batik Workshop at Wild Rose Escapes, Highlands, Scotland

"I had a brilliant weekend doing craft just for myself, excellent teaching, lovely fellow crafters, great weather and some very yummy cake!"

David Limmer reviewed: Foraging

"We spent a very interesting and informative time on the foraging course led by Simon Birkbeck. The course was made enjoyable with Simon's knowledge and history of how certain plants were and can be used. Certainly practical with skills that could be used for your future adventures such as how to light a fire and using nettles in the wild. The food was also very good which was supplied by Talton Mill."

Gill reviewed: Beautiful, practical, functional, baskets.

"Thank you Nicki and Brian for such a wonderful day, you made me feel so welcome, and I had such an enjoyable time making the most beautiful willow baskets. I went home feeling so inspired and with such a great sense of achievement :)"

Ailsa from Worcester reviewed: Hand embroidered flowers - mini books- with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcestershire

"A lovely day. Your workshop is beautiful and inspiring. It was wonderful to spend a whole day sewing and go away feeling that I had learned so much and could finish my embroidery. Can't wait to come back and make a lampshade."

Val from Warwickshire reviewed: Hand embroidered flowers - mini books- with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcestershire

"Another relaxing and very enjoyable workshop. Learned new things and feel inspired to do more. Love Tigley workshops!!"

Anne from Milton Keynes reviewed: Hand embroidered flowers - mini books- with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcestershire

"An enjoyable and relaxing course, well thought out and planned. Inspired to take it further."

Rachel from Ross reviewed: Hand embroidered flowers - mini books- with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcestershire

"Most enjoyable and inspiring to do something so small and pretty in such a short time. Useful inspiration for making other small things!"

Rosie Wall reviewed: Weaving peaframes and hurdles at Usk Castle Chase

"This was my third course with Amanda and no doubt I shall be back for more! As I'd had my wrist taken out of plaster only the week before, she kindly let me bring my daughter to do the weaving work whilst I took notes and photos, ate cake and drank tea. We both thoroughly enjoyed the day, the venue and the convivial company, then took home a pea-frame and hurdle we were proud of. Both now have pride of place in the garden - my daughter's!"

Stephen reviewed: Wire wrapped jewellery taster class

"Great class, very knowledgable with glass techniques. I would recommend."

Stephen reviewed: Mini Willow Weaving Lesson

"Very good tuition, loved making glass art. I would recommend."

Christine O’Hara reviewed: Textile design one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"I did a sketching course one evening in Penny’s lovely studio. I was a reluctant participant due to my lack of knowledge and ability!! Much to my surprise I really loved it and my family were impressed on my return home with my sketchings - maybe there is a hidden Picasso in me after all!!! Penny was fab- patient, calm, inspiring - I didn’t feel intimidated at all. think I’ve found a new hobby! Would definitely return to do another course."

Christine reviewed: Wire wrapped jewellery taster class

"I so enjoyed this course . I can't wait for the next one .the instructions were clear and it was a nice laid back atmosphere"

Christine reviewed: Mini Willow Weaving Lesson

"I so enjoyed this course. I can't wait for the next one. The instructions were clear and it was a nice laid back atmosphere."

Alison Carter reviewed: Introduction to making mosaics (Beginner level)

"Such a great day learning to make a mosaic. Sally is very patient and informative and it was a great venue with everything to hand. I will be booking on some more courses and can thoroughly recommend them to anyone who wants to try some crafts!"

Julie reviewed: Soy wax container candle making workshop - morning

"A birthday treat for my friend’s 50th. It’s three weeks ago now and the candles still smell very fresh. My friend and I both had some personal worries and after admitted that we had not thought about anything except which fragrance to choose and which dry flowers to decorate the jam jar candle! A good escape for the afternoon. Lindsay is very helpful. The downside was that the premises are a bit grim on arrival."

Mount Cottage Crafts responded:

"Thank you Julie for your review, I am very pleased you enjoyed the afternoon. The venue is currently being repainted so will look less tired in the future. Many thanks Lindsey"

Brigitte reviewed: A complete introduction to wet felting

"I loved the experience of learning how to felt wool, Olga was an amazing teacher. She explains all the processes very well. I highly recommend if you are curious about felting."

Audrey Steele reviewed: Hand embroidery in the Lake District - Make a lavender bag using 3 techniques in 3 days

"Sarah Dennis is a true artist with thread. Be prepared to learn embroidery by a classically trained tutor. The course was fabulous and I feel I learned much more about the classical way to embroider and do goldwork. It was intense and close work, so really make sure you bring close work specs if you need them, or a magnifier. The venue is spectacular! Karen is a wonderful host. The accommodation is very comfortable with en suite facilities in every room. The bed was the most comfortable I've ever slept in. The rooms are very spacious so there is room for your family to come too if you wish. My break was respite so I thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful location, wonderful views and the glorious weather. The food was delicious, varied and thoughtfully presented. I cannot recommend this venue highly enough. There is a lot of thought going into the development of the venue as a "go to" location for recharging your batteries."

Swallows & Artisans responded:

"Thank you for your amazing review Audrey. So pleased you enjoyed it. It was lovely to meet you and I'm looking forward to seeing you again. x"

Sally Sherfield reviewed: Introduction to making mosaics (Beginner level)

"My first attempt at mosaic and I thoroughly enjoyed this class . Sally was an excellent teacher and made the lesson really enjoyable. Plenty of tea and biscuits too , the perfect way to spend a Saturday."

Amy Dinham reviewed: Experimental Monoprinting (includes gelli printing)

"Ruth's garden studio was the perfect backdrop for a super relaxed and creative day. Ruth's expertise in teaching was clear as she was very patient, concise in her instruction and provided us with a hand-out of all the different techniques we were able to develop. I had some prior knowledge of mono printing and with Ruth's expertise, I was able to develop my skills further and realise more potentials of this technique. Thank you Ruth, you were a truly magnificent host- delicious lunch and home made brownies, with free-flowing tea or coffee to boot."

Amy Palmer reviewed: Introduction to making mosaics (Beginner level)

"Sally was wonderful and the whole day was so much fun. Great mother/daughter time had by us. Even if I did have to drag mum there !! I’ll drag her back to another one soon :)"

Ben webb reviewed: Greenwood carving at Sallerton Wood

"Amazing course, with great expertise and teaching skills by Andy, friendly and informative throughout in a beautiful peaceful location. Without a doubt I will be booking again in the future, can’t recommend enough."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks Ben, for your review, and we're glad that you enjoyed the course and the environment in which it took place. We're looking forward to seeing you back at Sallerton Wood again before long."

Bev lewis reviewed: Learn to Felt - An Introduction to Felt Making in Birmingham

"Fantastic course - Emma was friendly, and encouraging . She took her time to explain the processes and as an absolute beginner, I left with the confidence and excitement to continue with this subject. We made two pieces to take home and I am looking forward to signing up for other courses. A really enjoyable lesson, thankyou x"

Clive Dsawson reviewed: Welding course: Mig, Tig, Stick, with the Iron Lady - Bradwell Blacksmiths

"Very good course covering the basics with plenty of hands on work. Natalie is very calm and forgiving and happy to keep on showing how its done."

Chandrika Mukundan reviewed: Skills - Ultimate power tools

"Absolutely delighted that I attended this course with David. He is a very knowledgeable, extremely patient and understanding teacher and methodical in his approach. I came out feeling much more confident that I will be able to use the power tools and use them safely."

Astri Yuliastini reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"What a amazing unforgettable experience, Jason and Louise are good teachers. It's only a 2 day course but it felt like I knew them for a long time. Both are very patient, kind, very professional and inspirational! Amazing couple! They imparted a wealth of information regarding leather work, leather, tools and techniques, combined with the opportunity to put some of it into practice."