Latest reviews

Jane Slowe reviewed: Weekly precious jewellery / Silversmithing classes

"Al and Jesa are brilliant and inspiring teachers and I absolutely love my time at Flux’n’ Flame (more than 5 years now). A wide range of jewellery and silversmithing techniques are taught according to the individual’s wishes, and all with fun, warmth and masses of encouragement and support. You will be able to design and create beautiful, unique jewellery from the start (I have also been making a silver box and bowls) - addictive! I highly recommend Flux ‘n’Flame."

Samantha Chapman reviewed: Silver ring workshop - morning

"I did a three hour stacking rings course with Jewellery Moves at Loam Ceramics and absolutely loved it. Fiona was patient and helpful, showed us how to make beautiful rings and I am so proud of the result. I would thoroughly recommend this workshop - it's great value for money, a really lovely relaxing venue and you get a top quality piece of jewellery at the end of it."

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

"A wonderful two days of making & crafting & company. Joe is an inspirational teacher and guide. I'm always amazed by the quality of the willow baskets woven in the workshops and the proud faces of us beginners as we show our basketry off for the end-of-class photo. I'm starting to 'get' the process of making a round basket with a 'slath' base and how this differs from a frame basket. I'm remembering the terminology and the processes: waling, French rand, butts & tips, chasing and pairing. Joe knows her willows, from planting, harvesting, drying, soaking and mellowing, and all of this is done for us so that we can concentrate on the weaving. And concentrate and weaving we did. Looking forward to building on these budding skills. Thanks Joe."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"A lovely and detailed review!! thank you Kate for taking the time: ) Joe. xx"

Carole H reviewed: Free-machine embroidery classes with Dawn Ireland

"I always look forward to the two hours on Wednesday morning spent with Dawn and her happy class of sewers at the Dronfield Hall Barn. It’s great to have someone so talented sharing their expertise so freely, and inspiring the class with the materials and techniques she introduces each week. Dawn is a very kind and generous teacher, who always has words of encouragement. When I started the class just weeks ago, I hadn't sewn for about 15 years. Thanks to Dawn, I’ve gained the confidence to tackle all types of adventurous projects. And Dawn’s stimulating help each Wednesday spurs me on. Dawn's teaching, coupled with the large range of materials she provides make this class excellent value for money."

Dawn Ireland Textile Artist responded:

"Thank you Carole for a really lovely review."

Lesli and Sue reviewed: Willow plant support and fat ball feeder

"Thank you Karen, we both enjoyed a very happy morning making our willow plant supports and the brewery buildings are a fantastic setting to learn in. Great fun and so lovely to come home with a much admired addition to our gardens. We just need a pretty clematis to grow up them now. Lesli and Sue"

Emma Horton reviewed: Shave horse making at Orchard Barn, Suffolk

"This was a fantastic course - challenging but inspiring, and very satisfying. All participants went home with a shave horse, as per the intention, but also in my case I also took home a lot of new skills, some know how and lots of stimulus to carry on exploring green woodworking. I felt the tutor and Sarah at Orchard Barn took great care of us while allowing us to do and think for ourselves. And the setting itself is a great place to be."

Tracey Jackson reviewed: Mosaic day workshop on Orkney

"Had an absolutely brilliant day at the Mosaic course. Catherine was so welcoming and friendly and the training was hands-on and very encouraging. I'd never tried mosaic before but even I managed to produce something beautiful with Catherine's tutoring. I'm going to be carrying on with mosaic when I get home as Catherine has left me with a feeling/belief that this is something that I can do. She also has some great other courses and when I come back for my next holiday I will be looking to see what she has available. If you go for one of her courses, which I would encourage everybody to do, also ask her about some of the other bits and pieces she has done in the past, I was able to buy some lovely cards and painted wooden eggs which I am going to incorporate into the silver jewellery I make, plus she has many other items to show. If you are even just considering visiting, just do it, I had a really great day and so will you."

Jent Biglari reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"I have now attended three of Sophie's workshops and also purchased her online tutorials. Sophie is a wonderful teacher and has a real gift for explaining processes in a very clear way. When I first started felting in Jan 2018 I never dreamt that I would be able to make a dog but with Sophie's help, I now feel confident in tackling quiet complex models like pugs. I also love taking a day out and traveling to Hatton where Sophie makes her participants feel so welcome, it's a lovely environment and perfect for a day of crafting. If you are thinking of starting felting but are not sure what the first steps are I would really recommend booking one of Sophie's workshops, she will work with you at your own pace and support you as you build up your skills."

James Seddon reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"The course is fantastic, I cannot recommend it highly enough. Lucy teaches you technical skills and then helps you nurture them while completing your own sculpture. It is the perfect way to learn. She is encouraging, funny and highly technically proficient. I was a beginner but was amazed at how much I could do and what I achieved. I enjoyed it so much I ordered my own tools before I even made it home. Lucy welcomes you into her home and is as attentive a host as she is talented as a teacher (the food was amazing). I had a fantastic time and left feeling good, enriched as a craftsman and enriched as an artist. Do it. (I drove four hours and it was worth it ten times over)."

Sheree reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"Booked this for my partner and Dad to spend a day with David. They haven't stopped talking about it since! David was so patient and his expertise and banter were brilliant. They really appreciated the fact that what they made, David also made, thus learning in the process, rather than trying to achieve something without guidance. They were so impressed by their day and I appreciated the fact that David spent the time and effort to ensure they made items that they actually wanted to take home with them (my Dad made arrowheads) and giving them a choice. Book immediately, it sounds like such a fun and exciting day. I will probably book in for myself after all the positive things I've heard about their day! Thank you David :)"

Chris reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Saturday's workshop was just simply enjoyable in every way. Dawn made us all feel so welcome in her home. It was my first time at free-machine embroidery and I loved every second. My ancient machine coped very well! It was the best day I've had in a long while. Dawn was amazing, taught brilliantly and was always on hand to help whenever needed and had such a vast array of threads and textiles we were spoilt for choice! And the cake was delicious! It was a lovely group and I came away with so many ideas and so happy to have dabbled in a new craft! I shall definitely try and book again to do more of the same! I would definitely recommend this course to others."

Victoria Brown reviewed: Free-machine embroidery classes with Dawn Ireland

"I have been attending Dawn's classes for around a term now, and enjoy them so much. I find it a lovely way to relax and forget about my problems whilst learning new techniques. Dawn tends to start the class with a short demonstration each week, which you can either use as inspiration for your project that week, or you can do something completely different, or bring a project from home. Dawn is on hand throughout to offer advice and guidance, suggestions on fabric, to help with threading your machine, or whatever you need. I find the classes so inspiring - it is wonderful to see what everyone else is working on that week, and quite often I come home just wanting to start sewing as soon as I get in. I am now building up a collection of pieces I have made, which I am framing and will put on the walls."

Dawn Ireland Textile Artist responded:

"Thanks for your lovely review Vicky!"

Eileen coyle reviewed: Intensive 2 day mosaic course with Claire Cotterill in Moseley, Birmingham

"It was a lovely couple of days, made better by the beautiful surroundings and Claire, who is a fabulous tutor who soon put the group at ease. I really enjoyed it and would love to do a further class and would encourage anyone to give it a go. Kind regards Eileen"

sophie reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"After an excellent weekend on the course I genuinely cannot recommend it enough! Not only did we learn a fantastic new craft, we made beautiful bowls and had such a laugh doing so. We loved the friendly relaxed feel and just cannot wait to go back again. Thank you"

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Sophie, Thank you for your lovely review, myself and Rachel had a great day teaching you all various clay techniques on the course. If you ever want to develop your clay skills further in the future, with another creative workshop let us know. Best wishes Mathew & Rachel"

Nicola reviewed: Stitchless bags workshop - learn how to craft your own leather bag with no stitching

"This is a brilliant workshop! Working from Esther’s lovely studio we learnt how to create our very own stitchless leather bags. The hardest part was choosing which of the gorgeous leathers to use. I can highly recommend giving it a go."

Liz Coates reviewed: Candle making with afternoon tea

"Brilliant day spent with Tracy who is an excellent tutor and I made beautiful smelling candles and melts. Tracy also gave me details of stockists and highlighted any problems that I may come across when I make my own candles. She provided a lovely lunch too! Thank you Tracy and good luck in your new premises."

Clare reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"Went on the workshop for beginners, as a birthday present with my sister. Had a fantastic day learning a new craft. Sophie made us very welcome and put us at our ease straight away. Considering we had no previous experience of needle felting we both came home with a lovely animal. The workshop is set in a lovely garden and the whole experience was relaxing."

Elliot Manarin reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"I attended the 1-day knife making course as a guest, I bought the experience for my wife for Christmas. As usual, I left things right to the last minute but Spike made sure I received my wife's gift voucher in time. From the moment we got to the forge Spike made us feel completely at home, his relaxed manner coupled with both his extensive historical and scientific knowledge made the day one of the best experiences I've been to, and I was just spectating! Furthermore, there will be only one request for my birthday present, a day at Spike's forge! p.s. he makes an awesome BLT sandwich!"

Lucy Barry reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"What an outstanding weekend. So much more personal than we were expecting. Both supportive and pushing us to be creative, and the results were fantastic. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much whilst also learning. I can’t wait to go back!"

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Lucy, We had a great day teaching all of you to throw on the wheel, seeing your creativity develop throughout the day using hand building techniques. I am sure that the famous Barry honeycomb technique will be used for future decoration.The work created was excellent and we can't for you to receive the finished glazed work. Should you want to return in the future for another workshop it would be a pleasure to have you back to develop your ideas further. Best wishes Mathew & Rachel"

Nicky anderson reviewed: Weekly precious jewellery / Silversmithing classes

"5 years later and still loving the workshops with Al and Jesa. I’ve learnt a huge amount and still learn something new every term. Jesa and Al have huge patience and support. Thank you for helping us all to achieve the pretty sparkly things we want to make ??"

Cirlei Ioris reviewed: Natural soap and skincare workshop

"The workshop was well organised and it was amazing how much we learnt to make lovely soaps, creams, bath bombs, lip balms, bath bombs, bath truffles, body butter and body scrub in a day. Nic and Ben are great facilitators. I enjoyed it very much. Many thanks"

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Hi Chile, Thanks so much for your lovely review! I'm so pleased you had such a great time and hope you are enjoying using your products! Nic"

Julia Salter reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Again a very enjoyable machine embroidery course. I really enjoyed it and especially to having time to be creative. So many new techniques, I just need to practice them now ."

Dawn Ireland Textile Artist responded:

"Thank you Julia for your lovely review."

Liz reviewed: Pottery throwing course, Aylesbury

"Great course with clear instruction from Charlie. Time taken to assist individually was much appreciated. Relaxed atmosphere. A lovely day learning something new."

Vicky reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"A lovely day spent in a cosy studio full of inspiring creations. The small group size, combined with Adela’s clear and patient instruction, made this the perfect introduction to mosaic making. Highly recommended."

Michelle Leahair reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"If want to have a fun day learning to needlefelt then this is the course for you. Sophie is a fabulous teacher. I was a complete beginner when I first went on Sophie’s workshops 5 yeas ago and I keep going back because I learn something new every time. Her masterclasses are great if you want to focus on the detail. She is incredibly knowledgable about her subject and very generous with her time. I cannot recommend this highly enough."