Latest reviews

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."

Mandy reviewed: Beginners/improvers glass fusing workshops in Hemingford Grey, Cambridgeshire

"As a complete beginner to working with glass, I thoroughly enjoyed my day with Carole. I laughed a lot, learned a huge amount about the craft and found creativity that I didn’t know existed! Carole managed our different experience levels well and allowed each of us to work at our individual pace offering support when requested. I have come away with some surprisingly beautiful pieces, so huge thanks to Carole and my fellow participants for a truly memorable day. I would heartily recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in the subject."

Chandrika Mukundan reviewed: Contemporary stool making weekend course

"A wonderful way to spend the weekend in a beautiful verdant setting. Ambrose and Aiden were excellent teachers- small group so better attention given; very friendly and guided well in creating our own masterpiece!"

Antonia Fleming reviewed: Copper Foil Technique Stained Glass

"Fantastic class with lots to learn from the very talented teacher Amanda. We had a great day cutting, filing, wrapping and soldering our creations after learning the steps. We’re both really proud of our beautiful creations and would not hesitate to recommend this wonderful class to anyone wanting a good day crafting and learning a new technique."

Derek Brown reviewed: Glass fusing discovery day

"The one day glass fusion course with Katherine was a great experience. Katherine's beautiful studio was the perfect setting for the course. I was made to feel most welcome when I first arrived with a cup of tea and homemade biscuits. In the studio we were given aprons and safety glasses and Katherine explained the safe ways to handle glass. We were then taught to cut glass in straight and curved lines. After practicing basic cutting techniques I constructed a coaster. Following more instruction I made a bowl and a piece of jewelry. I felt very comfortable with Katherine's friendly style of teaching and giving assistance when asked. An excellent lunch and refreshments were provided on the day. I picked up my finished pieces about 2 weeks later and I am very happy with them."

number8glass responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Derek, it means a great deal to me and I'm so pleased you enjoyed your day."

Helena Tuckwell reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"Attended this course as a complete novice. Sophie was able to share her knowledge and is super friendly. We each came home with a wonderful felted animal - much better than anyone new to felting could hope for. I am now able to felt animals & I'm delighted with the results."

Danielle Simpson reviewed: Mosaic experience workshop for two with award winning artist Julie Vernon Nottinghamshire

"My mum booked this for us a a birthday treat, and it was a fantastic day. Julie was brilliant, so helpful and knowledgeable. Her work was phenomenal and I was delighted with the piece I brought home with me. I would definitely recommend Julie."

Julie Vernon Mosaics responded:

"Thanks for the lovely review … enjoy your mosaic makes!"

Jane Ward reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"Just attended my second day course. As before, it was great fun and I came away with something I was really pleased with. Mat and Nicky are enthusiastic and patient teachers. Thanks for a great day."

Vicky Jordan reviewed: One day introduction to glass fusing in Medway, Kent

"I received a voucher to attend this course after a big hint to my other half. I had a fantastic day creating and experimenting with the glass. Bev is warm and welcoming and very generous with her hospitality. I would definitely do this course again"

Beverley Bunn Glass Art responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review Vicky! It was certainly a real laugh in the studio this week and your rainbows brightened it up for sure! You're welcome back any time x"

Jackie Storey reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"Sophie is very generous with her help and materials. The atmosphere in her classes is relaxed and friendly and classes are small. Sophie starts you off on your coach project and then she is on hand all day to help when needed."

Susanne reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"I have been on 3 of Sophie's courses and thoroughly enjoyed them all. It is a great way to spend a day and make a unique needle felted model. Very patient tuition from Sophie was greatly appreciated."

Marion Clark reviewed: Intensive 2 day mosaic course with Claire Cotterill in Moseley, Birmingham

"I really enjoyed this two-day course with Claire. The days were well organised, informative and productive, as well as relaxing. Claire generously shared her expertise with the group, and I am happy with the mosaic I produced. The indirect method is quite hard, detailed work but also very rewarding. And the lunches were lovely"

Scott McKenna reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"My friends and family chipped in to send me and a friend on this course after they noticed that I happened to be watching a lot of Forged in Fire lately and it was well worth the money. Working as a machine fitter who earns a living from a workshop, I had a small degree of confidence that I'd be going home with something that resembled a Viking kitchen knife and a functional bottle opener. This definitely would not have happened without Colin's guidance and wealth of experience and thanks to him the items came out better than I expected for a first timer. The experience was both enjoyable and educational which leaves you finishing the day with a sense of accomplishment (I had to get some beer on the way home to test the bottle opener). Colin taught us how to properly heat steel, work it using a wide range of different methods, while also explaining what colours to look out for, how to treat the steel and how to rectify any mistakes using the best possible techniques. Although Colin kept us supervised to make sure we weren't about to ruin our work, once you work yourself into a rhythm you also get a liberating sense of independence while working on your project. Overall, a brilliant day out, taught by a very experienced and down to earth guy. I would love to go back to make something else in the future and would recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in trying their hand at blacksmithing."

Maria reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"The course was fantastic! Paula is lovely and made us feel so welcome in her beautiful home! She was also very well prepared for her lesson and safety conscious as we had to work with Lye to make the soap. The session started off with an explanation of the theory of soap making, Paula then explained very clearly how to use the soap calculator and then we started with the practical part of the course, which was to actually make the soap. During the session, Paula was supportive throughout and answered all our questions clearly and accurately. The lesson then ended with afternoon tea. We took our beautiful soaps home and a sample soap from Paula. It was not only a lovely day out but I learnt so much on making authentic soap and it has also boosted my confidence! Highly recommend this course :)"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Hi Maria, thank you for the feedback. it is very appreciated!"

Angela Fuhrmann reviewed: Making a mosaic with slate

"Rachel is a patient and encouraging teacher. She gave comprehensive information regarding material and method and helped when needed. It was a super working atmosphere. I came from Germany to attend this workshop and I'm happy that I did it."

Leon Kramarz reviewed: Woodcarving Tuition in Cornwall

"I attended a one day private workshop with my son and his wife. Zoe was a great teacher, very attentive and knowledgeable, and it was impressive how much we could achieve and learn in just one day. We drove from London and stayed in the farmhouse for a couple of nights and it was a truly lovely stay. The location is beautiful and relaxing: a typical English countryside. Highly recommend it."

Claire hewlett reviewed: Upholstery course - bring your own project

"I had a really good week at Pollys studio! Very excellent teaching, she really knows her business and is also really helpful and supportive. A lovely atmosphere for learning and being able to reupholster beautiful chairs and have a good old chat!"

Daniel Beer reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I have just finished my day with Chris Foweraker, learning to turn a bowl. It was so informative with the tuition done in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. Chris also had some chisels I needed and was able to sell me a complete set. Now in his words, oil your bowl when you get home. Then practice turning blanks into sawdust and shavings. Thank you Chris for the continuous mugs of tea and the chocolate biscuits."

Barbara Weedall reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"I had a brilliant time on the free machine embroidery course, I am a beginner at this craft and Dawn was endlessly patient and encouraging, and provided delicious cake too!! My final piece has been much admired by friends and family and I would love to go on another course with Dawn in the future."

Dawn Ireland Textile Artist responded:

"Thanks for the lovely review Barbara."

Paul Ellis reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I can only agree with all the 5* reviews listed for Mark. I had a great day yesterday. Tiring - yes, but so rewarding. Mark is really easy going and he has a passion he wants to share. He answered all my questions and I too would have taken a bowl away with me except at 7.30pm it got missed and I drove away without it. Next morning Mark found it and will be putting it in the post for me! Can't thank Mark enough for the experience. The day was a birthday present but I think my wife already has an idea as to what to buy me for Christmas!"

Alison Rustead reviewed: Rag rug making workshop - Norwich

"I’ve been wanting to learn rag rugging for years and jumped at the chance to do this class after a fun start at the Forum with Victoria. Very friendly, knowledgeable and professional... came away very inspired! Do a class with her and you won’t regret it!"

Anne Blades reviewed: Enamelling - Flowers and Hearts

"If you’re looking for a basic taster course this was very enjoyable."

2 Inspire You responded:

"Thank you Anne It was lovely to see you both. I loved your little girl that you made. I hope your creative journeys continue an dthnak you for my lovely card. Rach"

Geoff Wilson reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"Fantastic course. I really enjoyed every minute of it Graham and David are very down to earth and clearly know their craft well. If you go on this course you will 100% forge and make your very own knife and David and Graham will give you a walk through and help you if needed. I'm looking forward to joining the extra club they do where you can join other people to use the shops equipment providing you take your own materials etc. Keep up the good work fellas."

Geoff Wilson reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Fantastic course. I really enjoyed every minute of it Graham and David are very down to earth and clearly know their craft well. If you go on this course you will 100% forge and make your very own knife and David and Graham will give you a walk through and help you if needed. I'm looking forward to joining the extra club they do where you can join other people to use the shops equipment providing you take your own materials etc. Keep up the good work fellas."

Paul Atkins reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"I received this as a gift and wasn't sure what to expect. Well I got a warm welcome at the door and that was how the day continued. The whole day was very relaxed. Each stage was clearly explained and Graham & his son were always on hand to offer guidance and help. They did not take over at any stage if things went wrong but patiently talked you through how to correct the problem. There was enough equipment at every stage so that you did not have to wait around. As you progressed throughout the day you went at your own speed. Nobody felt left behind or forgotten. The atmosphere was friendly and the group were all chatting within a short space of time. I came away with a knife that far exceeded my expectations, it is used regularly in the kitchen and I am proud to say I made it. If this is your "thing" I would definitely recommend it. If you are looking for something different to try I would definitely recommend it. Give it a go, its great value for money, good fun and very enjoyable. P.S It's not just for the men, ladies give it a go, patience is required rather than strength!!"