Latest reviews

Zoe Arena reviewed: Candle making course (introductory) - in the heart of the Ashdown Forest, Sussex

"Practical and informative, thank you."

Matthew Monk reviewed: Blacksmithing taster course one day

"This was a surprise birthday treat for me and I didn't know what I would be doing for the day until we rolled up at Peter and Heathers idyllic country setting. Peter is a brilliant teacher and very encouraging. He makes you feel at ease and not too embarrassed when you take a while to grasp what he demonstrates with such expert precision, grace and speed. A lovely lunch and plenty of tea breaks were prepared and organised by Heather and were a much needed opportunity to recharge batteries...it was quite a work out despite the relaxed setting. I plan to do another session in the future as I enjoyed it so much. I highly recommend."

Nicola Vincett reviewed: Basic woodworking and DIY course

"I would highly recommend this course. I wasn't sure what to expect, but came away with so much knowledge and understanding, which is testament to David's style of teaching. It has definitely taken away my fear of making something and given me some principles to think about when completing jobs around the house. David provided such a relaxed but focused course, that we all felt comfortable asking questions, which he more than answered. He gave us so much information and got us using so many tools, and took the time to understand what we wanted to learn and guided us to what we might need around the house. I think similar courses could just involve being given tasks and then being left unattended. This course was the complete opposite; we practised with new tools and techniques, but very efficiently so you felt as though you were constantly benefiting from his experience as we were never left to our own devices. The workshop and location is incredible and you'll hear a few interesting stories. On a personal level, David is welcoming, generous and engaging, and it was a pleasure getting to know him. Who knew woodwork and DIY could be fun! I'm looking forward to booking my next course with him."

Virginie Eckersley reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Going on the course with my three daughters, I could not have imagine that learning a new skill would be such fun. As a complete novice with pottery and clay I didn't think that I could achieve anything worth taking home. But with Mat and Rachel's teaching skills, their patience, their enthusiasm and good humour we all stretched ourselves to reach creativity levels we didn't know we had. Thus resulting in producing some unusual and rather good works from the four of us. Mat and Rachel welcomed us to their house and studio, they both have the ability to make strangers very comfortable.... the coffee and cakes were rather good too!!! I am looking forward to meeting again when collecting our precious collection. Thank you again. Virginie"

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Virginie, Thank for the lovely review, myself and Rachel had a lovely weekend teaching you and your family various creative clay techniques. It was great to see how creative you all are, including the thought that went into the handbuilding workshop with detailed patterns. The throwing workshop was great fun on the potter's wheel, with a range of beautiful forms being created. All the pots are now in the kiln firing and will be glazed next week ready to be posted out. We would love to have you back for another creative workshop in the future. Best wishes Mathew & Rachel"

Andrea Reynolds reviewed: Weave a scarf in a day - handloom weaving

"Both Cheyrl and l had a great day,lovely and relaxed l would do the course again as a refresher. Cafe was excellent as well, great food."

Graham Perry reviewed: Full Day Woodturning tuition from Registered Professional Turner in Dorset, South West

"Great day spent with the very talented Joe, really enjoyed it and a great host."

Helen Wadsworth reviewed: A relaxing day of clay making

"Thank you Tisha for a wonderful day spent in your studio. The atmosphere was both convivial and creative. You provided expert tuition and guidance, oh and lunch was fabulous too! I came away pleased by what I had experienced. A throughly enjoyable day was had."

Barbara Harvey reviewed: Felt picture making workshop in Rugby!

"Last Saturday, April 27th I attended a felting workshop with Karen. What an enjoyable few hours. So informative and relaxing. I am totally hooked and as I bought one of Karen's starter packs I have done another picture at home. We all went home with a lovely piece of work encouraged along the process. Nice coffee and yummy cake. I shall definitely book another workshop to learn more. Thank you again Karen Barbara"

Karen Wyeth Contemporary Felt Artist responded:

"Thanks for taking the time to leave a review Barbara, its much appreciated! Hope to see you at another workshop sometime soon! x"

Glennis Hunt reviewed: Powertex Owl Wall Art

"Had a lovely day with Annette, it was great. I had never done anything like Powertex before and it was explained in every detail. I would recommend this course to anyone and I can assure them that they won’t be disappointed; and I will be doing it again. Thanks a million Annette"

Annette Smyth responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review. I’m so glad you enjoyed your workshop and have been inspired to continue creating. Axx"

SIWAN HILL reviewed: Silver Clay Beginners Workshop

"This was an excellent day of learning so many things about this innovative material, I made a pendant and earrings during the day which I am very happy with. They will be a gift for my daughter in law. Marianne was very patient but taught us so much during the day. We were given plenty of information about the tools and equipment needed to continue using silver clay in the future and information about where to purchase silver clay. We were also taught how to work with the clay and make different items, how to fire the clay with 3 different methods, how to polish and finish our items. It was a long and tiring day but extremely fulfilling. Thanks so much Marianne."

Grey Clouds & Silver Linings responded:

"Thank you Siwan, I’m glad you enjoyed your day, you made a lovely set of jewellery. I hope you have been inspired to carry on with your silver clay journey and I look forward to seeing where it takes you."

Helen Petrie reviewed: Silver Clay Beginners Workshop

"Fab! Fab! Fab! I really cannot rate this course any higher. I was so excited to have a go at making silver clay jewellery and was hoping to be pleased with my first attempt, but I have come away with pieces of jewellery that I am so proud of and would be happy to purchase from a shop. Marianne is extremely knowledgeable and helpful, encouraging and patient. She is such a lovely lady, nothing was too much trouble and she was able to give each of us the attention we needed. Her studio is a craft heaven! a very calm environment, I had such a lovely day and can't wait to do more at home. Thank you Marianne"

Grey Clouds & Silver Linings responded:

"Thank you Helen, I'm pleased you enjoyed your day, you made some fantastic jewellery. I loved your bunny charm. I look forward to seeing what you make in the future."

julie parry reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Thank you for a wonderful, creative and totally inspiring day. Ive come home with a lovely piece and enthusiasm to have another go over the Easter break. The cake was amazing and thank you for the refreshments too. I know it's a new avenue I'll be working on within textile and thread, paint and a little bling! I love patching but this is a whole new area. Hope to be with you again soon for either the garden borders or the hares and dragonfly workshop."

Hare scultpture reviewed: Willow Hare Sculpture course with Joe Gregory at Creative with Nature Todmorden Yorkshire

"Really enjoyed the course and it was great to learn a new skill under expert knowledgeable guidance. Lovely to chat to others too."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"Really happy you enjoyed the day. Thanks for leaving a review!! Joe. xx"

One Day Knife Making Course reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Absolutely loved my knife making course - Spike is so knowledgeable and passionate about blacksmithing and both myself and my husband who came along as a guest learnt so much. It's a great laid back atmosphere and don't worry if you've never made anything out of metal before, Spike is on hand to give you tips and direct you on how to turn a lump of metal into something more interesting! We will be returning to do some of the longer courses soon. Thanks Spike for a great day!"

Lindsay Fulton reviewed: Lino cutting course - Laura Andrew Art Studio, Lincoln - Linocut lino printing

"My friend and I thoroughly enjoyed our linoprinting workshop with Laura. She is a knowledgable and patient teacher and is very encouraging and helpful. The atmosphere was relaxed and unhurried and we enjoyed a lovely lunch in her light-filled room overlooking the park. It was a very pleasant day and at the end of it we came away with some amazing prints which look much better than I could have imagined. I am definitely going to carry on doing linoprinting and Laura's expert information about the products to use will be very helpful. This was not just a one-day workshop for me, it was (hopefully) the start of a new and absorbing hobby. The next day at work I felt more relaxed than I have done for ages, and I really believe it was an after effect of the wonderful creative day we'd had. Highly recommended!"

Barbara Welby reviewed: Basic woodworking and DIY course

"My daughter and I went along to this course with an open mind. David immediately made us feel welcome with his enthusiasm as he guided us through many new skills. Any questions we had he answered by plain explanation and also demonstrated various possibilities or solutions. We had use of the ample supply of tools in David’s workshop and he gave clear and concise advice and demonstrated which tool to use for which job. David is an excellent teacher and both of us came away more confident with the knowledge we gained of DIY."

Christine reviewed: Weave a scarf in a day - handloom weaving

"Fantastic workshop for anyone looking for an introduction to weaving. I am visually impaired which made it a daunting thought, but Anne and the venue were nothing but helpful and supportive throughout. The workshop went at a good pace matched to the group and I came away with the basic principles and a scarf."

Lesley Tyreman reviewed: Group Soap-making Workshop - Soapology Studio - Nottinghamshire

"I thoroughly enjoyed my Soap Making day with Emma. She is a great teacher, imparting the theory in an easy to understand manner, and the take away pack is a comprehensive resource to refer to later. A lovely lunch was followed by a well prepared session in the workshop - what a great room! Emma moved from demonstrating to guiding to careful watching while I made my own batches of soap, enabling me to gain confidence in the process. Can’t wait to use the soaps (they have to cure for a bit first), but my house smells lovely while I plan my future soaps! The kit is well worth buying as well, giving me a chance to try again with familiar ingredients. A very highly recommended course!"

Fi? reviewed: Outdoor mosaic workshops - 1 day with Rachel Hyde at Creative with Nature studio Todmorden West Yorkshire

"This was my second mosaic course at CWN and I loved it. Laura is friendly, approachable and knowledgeable in her Craft. In a nutshell, splendid ."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"Thanks for the review Fi! And great to see your progress!! joe. xx"

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

"I've been on three willow weaving courses run by Joe Gregory, of Creative with Nature, and I would thoroughly recommend all of them. The foraged basket course was a joy - from learning about the different natural materials and their properties, to being taught the weaving process with expert advice, to bringing home the wonderful finished product (incorporating willow, hazel, holly, birch, dogwood and ivy). The hare sculpture course was also fantastic - looking at Joe's sample sculptures, at the start of the day, I thought "I'll never to be able to complete something like that that in a day"- but under Joe's careful guidance, I ended up with a willow leaping hare that is a much-admired wall feature in my home. I then booked onto the bird sculpture course, and loved making the willow heron, which stands next to the pond on my allotment. Joe is a true expert in her field - I feel lucky to have been able to learn from her."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"That's a lovely review!! Thank you so much Christine: ) Joe. xxx"

Fi? reviewed: Outdoor mosaic workshops - 1 day with Rachel Hyde at Creative with Nature studio Todmorden West Yorkshire

"This was my second mosaic course at CWN and I loved it. Laura is friendly, approachable and knowledgeable in her Craft. In a nutshell, splendid ."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"Thank you again lovely! xx"

Miranda reviewed: Training course in upcycling with pallets. An introduction to making furniture with pallets for beginners

"Such a fantastic course. I went with my son. Scott is a truly great teacher, explaining everything really clearly, really succinctly and then gives you the freedom and confidence to just get on with it and experiment. Undoubtedly 5 stars from both me and my teenage son who loved every minute of it."

Sharon Corden reviewed: Pottery throwing taster on The Potters Wheel (temporarily suspended due to social distancing restrictions)

"I can’t believe that I, a complete beginner, used wet clay on a pottery wheel and made some bowls - a bit wonky but recognisable bowls. Thrilled! Thank you to Sharon for the warm welcome and the friendly guidance for the pottery taster session. Highly recommend."

Sharon Pottery Classes responded:

"Thanks Sharon for your review. It was great to see how quickly the beginners fears dissolved with enjoyment taking over! Glad it was a positive experience and met with your expectations for your husbands surprise birthday treat!"

Tracey Whittam reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"Sophie's workshops are full of fun, laughter and inspiration to create your favourite felted friend. One to one coaching but all my own work, definitely going to book again, fab variety of wool and lots of tips along the way. A super fun day with a lovely bunch of ladies :)"

Kate Needham reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"I went on this course with my sister as part of her birthday present. What an amazingly lovely day we had. Amanda, who runs the course is simply lovely. We came away with lots of knowledge, 2 amazing pieces each, very full tummies (as Amanda also happens to be an amazing cook!) and a huge desire to do more and more glass work. Thank you very much. Highly recommended and great value?"