Latest reviews

Sophie reviewed: Handmade canes, beads and jewellery from Polymer clay in Bedfordshire.

"Thank you sooo much to Bernadette for a fabulous day making jewellery. I had a brilliant day and was made to feel very welcome. I was a complete beginner so Bernadette guided me through lots of different techniques of making the canes and I produced a beautiful bead necklace with matching earrings. As well as taking home my new jewellery, I was also able to keep the extra canes that I had made as well as a few other little freebies. I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in jewellery or clay or both! Thanks again Bernadette x"

Alex Ferguson reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"I cannot recommend this course highly enough. Martin is a fantastic host and teacher who is always willing to work one on one and provide patient advice to coach you though the wonderful craft of spoon carving. With the small group size the sessions feel intimate and relaxed which allows everyone to get a grasp of the fundamentals. If you are considering learning a traditional craft this course covers everything you need to get started, in a warm and welcoming environment. The home cooked lunch is also fantastic!"

Belinda reviewed: Fused Glass Christmas Decorations One Day Workshop : Fun, Creativity and Relaxation

"Two of us went on the three hour Christmas decorations course last Monday, it was a great morning in a lovely relaxing setting and Joy was brilliant at teaching and advising the seven of us who were there. I collected our decorations yesterday and my family are very impressed!"

Kat reviewed: Soy Wax Candle Making Workshop

"Very informative class. Knowledgeable teacher. Great course and I recommend to anyone interested in a natural candle making experience."

Amber reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Fantastic fun, informative and helpful. I am leaving inspired."

Jasmine reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Met my expectations and more. Allowed me to think of new ideas and give me the confidence to go out and start a business."

Nancy Shafee reviewed: Glass Art - two day course in stained glass (traditional leaded or copper foil "Tiffany" technique)

"We were given a whole weekend's glass enjoyment by our sons - Mattt agreed to teach one of us to make leaded lights and the other copper foiling - we were amazed at her patience and ability to keep both of us hard at work through out the weekend. It was exhausting but so exciting to finish two projects - a window and a decorative feather! Highly recommend!"

Cherlyn reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"This was very informative. I feel that I can leave today and create candles with my own stamp on them. I feel motivated!"

Emma reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"I attended the wax flower candle workshop. It was excellent and I learned a lot of new skills. I can't believe I much such beautiful and unusual candles in one day. Thank you!"

Andrew reviewed: 2 day blacksmithing courses

"Simply brilliant. Everything about the place, the people and the experience is fantastic. Do it."

A and T Petersen Ltd responded:

"Thank you so much for your review - you have given us PLATINUM status. We love meeting our course attendees and we love what we do.....thank you"

Edna reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"My reviews are becoming a blog as I am still learning from Lucy. If I ever wanted to work within my comfort zone I have been well and truly moved beyond what I thought was possible . Every day a new stretch of my brain and a new technique presents itself. Time well spent and I come back for more each time"

Emma reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"If you love crafts and want to try something new, this is an unforgettable day’s course. The skills Mark and Jill have are incredible, they taught me (a complete novice) to carve the most amazing spoon. I’d thoroughly recommend you to sign up, I would definitely return to learn something else. Carving is so good for the soul."

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

"What an excellent way to spend the day for anyone interested in crafting or learning a new skill. It was great fun and the day went so quickly; I met some lovely people and lunch was delicious. Denise is so patient and supportive and I learnt a new skill that I have been enjoying since. A fabulous day for anyone, young or old. I would definitely recommend it."

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you for the great review Linda, I'm so pleased to have introduced you to such a lovely craft - looking forward to seeing what you go on to next. I hope "Ginger" has pride of place on your mantle piece!"

Laura reviewed: Cold porcelain flowers for beginners

"A thoroughly enjoyable workshop in the comfort of a beautifully clean and relaxing studio. Jill is an excellent tutor, with a calming nature. She makes you feel at ease and is full of encouragement from start to finish. For someone who enjoys craft, but is not particularly artistic, I have created a piece of art I am proud to put on display ?"

Nicki reviewed: Portmeirion crafts retreats

"A thoroughly enjoyable weekend in a relaxed & supportive atmosphere. Came home feeling inspired & rejuvenated. Will book again!"

Julie Ford & Dave Ball reviewed: Making riven ash hurdles in Court Wood, Llanvihangel Court

"This was a great course in a fantastic setting. We were given a warm welcome by lovely people, and thoroughly enjoyed our day in the woods, as well as learning new skills!. Thanks to all concerned"

Kirsty Bell reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Book now! It's such a lovely day. The whole event was wonderful, from a cosy farmhouse style kitchen, which you will want to move into, the information sharing and assistance offered to ensure you have an amazing day,it's all considered. I arrived looking for a bit of creative knowledge and fun, wanting to try something new and escape the small people for a morning. I left feeling inspired, creative and relaxed. I absolutely recommend this course. Kerry shared all her knowledge, even secret tips which must have taken years to learn, she makes you feel like an old friend after 5 minutes. It was such a lovely day. I hope you have as much fun as I did x"

Richard Philp reviewed: Whittling course

"A fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable day. Martin's relaxed teaching was a joy and I can now confidently tackle more projects. The Spoon Carving course has been added to my birthday list and I shall tackle the clearing of my shed with renewed enthusiasm so I can have my very own whittling corner."

Hannah reviewed: Whittling course

"Fantastic day. Lots packed in to the day but it is well structured with great tuition and a small group so plenty of individual attention. We finished the day with a great sense of accomplishment and with the basic skills to practice at home and continue improving. Hospitality equalled the teaching with fabulous homemade lunch. Highly recommended."

Kate Maidment reviewed: Flamework (Lampwork) - Making glass beads for beginners

"Toni is knowledgeable and welcoming, encouraging you and giving you tips as you go along. Had a lovely morning making different kinds of beads (think I made about 6) - would thoroughly recommend !"

Robert Corner reviewed: Longbow experience

"This course was excellent. I'm totally hooked on bow making. Tony was an excellent tutor with fantastic knowledge and ability. What I was really impressed with was how he gave excellent guidance but still never touched my bow, the work that I did on it was 100% my own which was very important to me. I have been shooting my longbow all day today and its just perfect. Thankyou Tony!!!!"

Sabrina reviewed: Cold porcelain flowers for beginners

"I was really curious to try something totally different in terms of crafting, as a way to de-stress and I have to say, this course was absolutely fantastic in ticking those boxes and more. Not only did I de-stress by immersing myself in the wonders of cold porcelain!! But I really felt I learned something, building confidence under the expert tutelage of Jill, and had something truly beautiful to show for it at the end. Jill is a great tutor and host. She instantly made me and my coursemate feel relaxed in the unique environment of her workshop. It was well set-up and well equipped and was bright and clean. Her teaching style was really natural and she was always there to help us when we were stuck (or recognising when we were!) without being intrusive. You can see how much she enjoys her craft and how experienced she is in the way she teaches. The enthusiasm and passion is brimming and it's infectious. She was really positive throughout, even when I made mistakes and always helped to minimise the impact. She shared her knowledge of botany too and I learned things and looked at flowers in a way I never did before! I have so much respect for this discipline, and the beauty in living things, having had this introduction to cold porcelain flowers. I recommend it to anyone wanting to learn the craft but also to anyone wanting to de-stress. Great therapy: it should be available on prescription! Thank you, Jill :)"

Terry McCormack reviewed: Chalk Paint furniture workshop for beginners

"Many thanks to Sue for her teaching, patience, skill and calm demeanor. It was an excellent and productive day. The five hour class has given me the confidence to tackle pretty much any furniture painting. I am now even considering doing the doors, might be a bit much but you never know until you try. Sue gave me that ability. The icing on the cake of the day was having a lovely piece of upcycled furniture to take home and of course being given a chocolate reindeer at the end, a very welcome energy boost."

doug & angie reviewed: Rustic oak garden bench - one day course

"spent a brilliant day with Ian at his workshop being guided through the process of making from scratch a beautiful green oak garden bench, if you want to learn and soak up a little knowledge about real woodwork Ian is your man, very patient knowledgeable teacher. Thank you for brilliant memory, Doug&Angie"

Mal Weightman reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Great course and I came away having learned so much. Made a lovely dovetailed box with a feature Australian silky oak lid, which was brass pin pivoted and the inside was leather lined.. all over a weekend. With 2 students to one instructor (Mark) there was never any problem in asking for advice or questions. Worth every penny!"