Latest reviews

John Land reviewed: Introduction to silver jewellery making workshop with Diane Lee

"I choose the course to refresh skills I last used many years ago, as I have had requests at home, to have a go at making simple silver jewellry. Diane lead us thru the process of decorating and then forming a ring, first from copper, then we could use our new skills to make a second piece in silver. At every step through the process, Diane included firemen or the gods of soldering, offering fresh pointers to help our efforts to be successful. I enjoyed the course so much that I have since ordered the few tools I need to continue at home."

Steve turner reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"My son and I have a fantastic day with Graham in his workshop. Superb day of tuition and learning new skills. We both enjoyed the day so much that I’m considering purchasing my own lathe to continue my new found woodworking skills."

Jane Tarrant reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"My husband and I received this day course as a wedding present. What a wedding present! John and his team made us feel welcome and ensured we knew how to keep safe in the forge. From there we instantly learned some skills and warmed up by the fires. A poker is an ideal starting point and we have proudly displayed ours. After learning the basics, we were able to design our piece. (A door knocker for us). Lunch at a local pub was a brilliant day break before setting off on our project. With 3 staff on hand we always had 1 person to help instruct us in manipulating the heated metal or using machines during fabrication. They welded for us and we finished and filed. The end result was brilliant but the journey making it was worth the extra money because now our new knocker has happy memories. I'd recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn a skill and spend a day of quality time together. Thank you Anvil Forge."

Catherine Cooper reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"A home from home – beautiful house and surroundings, warm atmosphere and at complete ease. I had the most wonderful day and came away fully ecstatic. I managed to grab my husband’s attention with everything I made and the things I learnt as soon as he came through the door after work. I’m profoundly deaf but Jo was brilliant in making sure that I understood everything throughout the whole course and she made me feel comfortable to ask any questions that I was unsure of. What was lovely was the fact that she asked me to stay in touch, and that she would be there to answer any questions if needed. I would recommend this course to anyone and would gladly do it all over again. Thanks Jo for a fabulous day. I’ll be in touch!"

Vivien reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"This was my second time on the course. I had enjoyed the first one so much I had immediately had a go at home and got the bug. It was great having a second go. I made a fox this time and learnt a few more aspects of needle felting. It was well worth the return visit and of course the teaching,setting,company (and food) made it another great day out. I would recommend the course for a first timer or as a refresh for anyone who has already had a go. Denise is a very good teacher and will instantly put you at ease and is very generous with her knowledge."

Nick Smith reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"Best 4 hrs course I've been on. So interesting excellent teaching style. Highly recommended."

Lynn Ellison reviewed: Inspirational course covering wet felting and Nuno techniques in the beautiful Forest of Dean

"I spent yesterday immersed in a wonderful world of texture, colour and taste. Christine's relaxed but skilled and informative style of teaching was perfect for making a most enjoyable and rewarding day. Having never wet felted before, the morning skill session was non threatening and gave me confidence to experiment in the afternoon. I indulged myself in creating a rather mad and very vibrant landscape which was what l had set my heart on. I particularly valued Christine's gentle encouragement for me to discover my own style, rather than simply basing my ideas on a particular felt artist l admire. The warm welcome, Jem's homemade soup and Christine's flapjacks were delicious. It was well worth the two hour drive each way. Lynn Ellison"

Judy Ryder reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"I was drawn to this course after seeing pictures of Harry the Hare and signed up without even a clue what needle felting is - in other words a complete novice! Denise is an excellent tutor taking you through a quick and useful overview of needle felting and the tools. We then got straight down to business in easy bite size steps - with Denise keeping an eye on us and offering suggestions along the way. It was quite delightful watching the hares emerge from our wool - each with its own character and expression. I was very proud of mine and have been showing him off everywhere! My husband loved it and thought I had bought it which was a great reaction! The whole days package was superb and excellent value - the ambience of the venue is lovely, and delicious lunch and cake in the afternoon thrown in. If you are wondering whether to book - don’t hesitate, you will love it!"

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you Judy for the fantastic review, I'm so delighted you enjoyed your day so much. Your hare was so good, I'm sure it's the start of a needle felting love affair! I hope to see you again soon, meantime don't forget to send me pics of your next project. Happy needle felting!"

Carole reviewed: Needle felted Seascapes with 2 Inspire You

"Another great workshop with Rachel, the first time I made a 3D hare, this time a wet felted picture, and also had a bit of time left to make a small felted picture where I could experiment. A lovely day, great company, relaxing, and plenty of tea and cakes. I look forward to another, thank you."

2 Inspire You responded:

"Thank you Carole, It was good to see you again and so glad you enjoyed it!"

Freya reviewed: Beginners bearmaking course

"A course being enjoyable is mainly due to the instructor and Sally is just full of life and so much fun to be with 7hrs just whizzes by. I came away with the most gorgeous bear that I had actually made myself!it even inspired me to go home and make some on my own. I now have a bear making corner in the living room. I suspect they are taking over. Do this course even if it's just for the beautiful bear you make on the day and 7hrs of random chat."

Bear with Me responded:

"I am glad you enjoyed your day bear making. It looks like you have a new hobby now then. May you continue to work on new bears. Thankyou for your kind comments. Sally the bear maker. ?❤️?"

Jeremy Wyman reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"We have just returned home clutching the enamelled items that we made. We have attended a lot of courses booked through Craft Courses and this was one of the best. Careful tutoring with the right level of intervention so you are supported but not left 'watching'. We were both surprised how quickly we gained confidence during the day and tried more detailed pieces - from a zero experience base. Dilys is an excellent teacher but also a master of her craft. Highly recommended."

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

"A thoroughly enjoyable day, with an excellent tutor, Raya. The technique was new to me, but it was very well explained and demonstrated and the finished result is very pleasing. Sara"

Edna reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I have been back to Lucy for another day of learning and again I was not disappointed as she imparted more technical information to enhance my pendant. We were working on the rivets to hold the piece together and the end is in sight. Even though this has been a project that has taken time it's been necessary. I have not got a piece that could be made easily or bought anywhere but a truly unique hand crafted distinctive object. I am still learning from Lucy and can't wait for the next session"

Edna reviewed: Glass fusing with artist Patricia Lee - as seen on BBC1 Home Is Where The Art Is

"I completed a Christmas gift morning. I learned so much in a short space of time. The group I was with hardly spoke as we were so engrossed in what we were doing. This is a really good fun course to do and Patricia is an excellent teacher"

Liz Atter reviewed: Needlefelt Foxes at Chapter Arts, Cardiff

"Teaching was done in an encouraging way embracing everyone's individual skill levels and their interpretation of what they were trying to make. Quality of course materials was great and also generous. The safety briefing was informative too."

Jane reviewed: Alchemy of Pigment and Pattern at SAOG Studios

"I wanted to write to you both following my weeks course with you doing the "Alchemy of Pigment and pattern' ... I wanted to express to you how truly inspiring I thought it was. Through my work as an artist, a designer, and previously as a teacher of art and artistic therapy, I am very much interested in the processes of alchemy and inner transformation through imagination and artistic work with a connection to nature. However, I have experienced a very long period of disillusionment and creative lostness. Your course has helped me to regain a depth of meaning, enthusiasm and direction. As teachers you both have a combination of talent, modesty and authenticity for which I am most grateful, as well as a relaxed environment in your studio full of books, learning , good conversation and creativity. I felt so at home and have left with a huge book list and bags of inspiration. I feel that you have helped me to re-connect with all that is important to me and I wanted to express my gratitude to you both for a most excellent week. I hope that in the future I will be able to attend more of your courses ..."

Laura Stroud reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"This was my first experience at needle felting and I decided to create my late doggy Toby. He meant so much to the family so I wanted to make sure I did him justice in getting him just right! Sophie was excellent - patient, warm and friendly and not phased by all the questions I was asking. It’s amazing how just a few bits of wool can create the little face I remember and get his likeness so accurate. Sophie’s Mum made us a delicious lunch of quiche and salad and cherry pie and custard for pudd! Overall a lovely day and would definitely go back - Thankyou so much Sophie, your work is incredible x"

Rachel Harrower reviewed: Two day (consecutive) stained glass starter course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"A fabulous two day course hosted by stained glass artists Paul and Natalie. I attended with my friend and there was just the two of us so we were lucky to have the full attention of tutor Paul who was incredibly patient and encouraging. He is passionate about his work which was evident in the way he taught us. He and Natalie were very friendly and welcomed us into their home providing endless mugs of tea and a tasty lunch! At the end of the weekend we were both thrilled to have produced a lovely panel of stained glass. We are now both really keen to continue to make stained glass and have already been recommending the course to friends."

George lawrence reviewed: Introduction to silver jewellery making workshop with Diane Lee

"I went to the class with no previous experience of working with jewellery and thoroughly enjoyed it. I got a lot out of the day course and I feel Diane did a really good job of helping all of us individually. A great teacher"

Angela reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Bought the one-day course as a Christmas gift for my 14 year old son. He had a fantastic day - please pass on our thanks to Nigel. He has been buzzing about it ever since, and can't wait to visit again. He is thrilled with what he made... Particularly the Viking knife!"

Leanne Walker reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"Louise's classes are educative without failing to be good fun. Louise is patient and she can give you ideas on projects to carry out or will guide independent ideas. She harnesses the student's own creativity and problem solving skills interjecting only where necessary. The classes provide a relaxing environment for the students to 'bounce' ideas off one another. I personally am not very 'arty' but have produced beautiful slab work from trinket dishes to decorative bowls and plates. Whether it is sculpting or the wheel you fancy 'Poppy Rose' is definitely the right place for you."

Geoffrey Styche reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"I had a great day working with John and Olly at the workshop. I wish I'd had an idea of what I wanted to make before arriving but I still made a fantastic knife and even though it was work I thoroughly enjoyed my day, I will definitely be bookmarking this course and looking forward to another go. One point is the place isn't easy to find, look out for Unit 2 (right and right)."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Geoff i totally agree, i am going to improve signage this coming week thanks for coming along and nice to hear your coming back John"

Ally Caldecote reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"I’ve been on a two hour workshop and a full day one. I’m booked onto another in a couple of months. Ali warns that glass fusing is addictive and it’s utterly true. She is an excellent and talented artist and also a patient teacher. Perfect combo. If you’re not sure, book onto a shorter course and try it out. You’ll love it for sure!"

smARTsy responded:

"Thanks Ally, see you soon!"

Jim reviewed: A Dry Stone Walling Workshop Bedfordshire

"If you have some building experience/general DIY skills/are good with your hands then you'll do well, if not you may struggle through no fault of the course, not as difficult as you'd imagine for handy people and John was a good teacher. This is the kind of skill you need to practice to excel at but it's amazing after little tuition (more general tips & pointers) you can build a section of wall that's not too different to the sections already built (to the untrained eye at least). You can well imagine with experience you'd develop your own style & flair. This is a beautiful countryside skill that's far kinder to nature & durable (with deliberate considerations to birds, butterflies and other insects. The downside to drystone walls is that for many it would prohibitively expensive even if you consider your own time to be free but again this no criticism of the course or teacher. If you could go on to make a living from this then that would be a truly wonderful way to live (fresh air, working with a natural material, physical exercise) and one could well imagine there are people with enough money who'd be willing to pay for such a beautiful architectural feature."

London School of Dry Stone Walling responded:

"Thank you for your detailed feed back Jim. It was a great day. I hope you would be able to use the workshop experience in future projects you may undertake and wish you well for the future."

Jane Preece reviewed: Highland Cow needle-felting workshop

"I had never done any felting before and was a little apprehensive seeing the amazing work of others but the course was fantastic, Emma is a great teacher, very patient but inspirational too. The class size is just right and the venue (Bakers Table Talgarth) provided refreshments and a delicious lunch. I bought materials on the day and have continued with felting as a hobby."