Latest reviews

Caron Newman reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Thoroughly enjoyed this course. As a complete beginner whose attempts at using a drop spindle had failed miserably in the past I wanted to see if expert tuition could bring out the Spinner in me and I wasn’t disappointed. Elaine was patient and excellent at explaining the basic principles of spinning right from the very beginning. All aspects were covered - the different properties of various fleeces, how fibre reacts as it does to the spinning process, what to look for in a fleece if you want to prepare it for spinning etc. The day flew by, made to feel very welcome by Elaine and her husband and only 3 participants on the course means you get individual attention whatever your skill level. It was a real treat to use the Haldane wheel and Elaine can give plenty of advice on different types of wheel if you are considering buying your own. I left at the end of the day with two more than passable skeins of wool and an urge to dive into the world of spinning equipped with the basics to practice and develop my skills. Would highly recommend this course for anyone who wants to try the craft, whether or not they think they will go on to purchase their own wheel in the future."

Kerry Ballard reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Hi Elaine, thank you soooo much for today, it was absolutely brilliant, I have learnt loads. You are a fantastic teacher and VERY patient with us. Also very generous with both your wool and your knowledge. Wow, what a skill you have to spin such beautifully even and fantastic yarns, I now know how incredibly hard that is, so it was a real treat to see your work. Thank you again, brilliant course, enjoyed every minute. Kerry P.s. I think you should charge more for what you give."

Jayne Purshall reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"A wonderful creative and relaxing day in a beautiful setting. Would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to have a go at making beautiful silver jewellery."

April reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2-day Course

"I am 9 years old and I have been to Maggie’s studio a couple of times. I have already learned a lot of things like cutting and using a grinder. Maggie is a great teacher and she is very funny. Her studio is full of shiny treasures and she makes the most amazing things. I would love to go back again."

Pretty Rubbish Mosaics responded:

"Hi April.Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review. It is always just lovely to work with you, as you have such brilliant ideas and always create great pieces. I love that you are only 9 years old yet you are a mature young lady who I can trust to use my tools . Keep coming back.x"

Elke Hausler reviewed: Jewellery making experience day (weekdays)

"I bought a variety of Karen's jewellery in the past and I always get flattering comments when wearing those pieces. When I heard about the jewellery-making workshops, I couldn't wait to design and then make from scratch (cut, file, texture, solder, polish... from start to finish) my own pendant in less than a day. I love this pendant and still can hardly believe that I did that! Karen was very good at teaching me every step of the way and she was extremely patient too! Our gluten-free lunch was delicious too! I fully enjoyed the day and can recommend this personal workshop to anyone! Why wait any longer - just book a workshop with Karen!"

KFD Jewellery responded:

"I am glad you enjoyed the day. The pendant you made was beautiful :-) Karen"

Dorothy Rutherford reviewed: Beginners silver clay jewellery class with Anna Campbell

"I highly recommend this course, a thoroughly enjoyable day. Lynn warmly welcomed everyone into her beautiful home, the venue for the course and provided refreshments for everyone as they arrived. The course was very relaxed, well presented and well organised. Anna demonstrated how to make a variety of pieces and her instructions were clear and explicit. Questions were welcomed and answered clearly and succinctly. Everyone relaxed over an amazing lunch, organised by Lynn's husband, thanks go to him. I learned a great deal about Silver and Silver Clay and I am delighted with the jewellery I made. I have already recommended and given details of the course to a friend. I look forward to another course."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hello Dorothy. Thank you so much for your lovely review. We are delighted to hear you felt you learned a lot, and were pleased with what you made. Glad you enjoyed the lunch too - I will pass on your kind words to John! Thank you also for recommending us to your friends: as a small local business we really appreciate personal recommendations. We look forward to welcoming you back to The Arienas Collective. Best wishes Lynn"

Emma reviewed: Beginner’s Soapmaking Workshop in Salisbury

"What a great day! I took my mum as a birthday treat experience. We learnt a lot about the soap making process and came home with our very own hand made soaps. Catherine is very knowledgeable on the subject, a very patient teacher and a welcoming host. Highly recommend this."

PAULA HARRIS reviewed: Healing with plants - herbal medicine introductory course

"Wow, what a caring, considerate and knowledgeable teacher. Julie, I loved the day from start to finish. Your attention to detail, your handouts, your sharing of knowledge and your passion for this work shines through. Thank you for the day, I can't wait to have more lessons from you."

Healing With Plants responded:

"Paula, thank you for organising the great intro day we had together in Dorchester. And thank you too for the lovely review! It was so lovely to meet all your friends and to be able to share my passion for this wonderful green medicine! Aren't the plants amazing!"

Hattie reviewed: Wheel thrown mug workshop

"I booked the 2.5 hour course as a Christmas present for my mum and it was such lovely afternoon and really surpassed our expectations. The studio is stylish and so peaceful, a really lovely creative space. Jack is so patient and helpful and throwing the pottery was such a therapeutic experience. We can't wait to get our pottery back and on display. Highly recommend to anyone!"

Freda Hood reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Went along to Kerry's class and had a lovely morning learning about and making my own beautifully scented candle. She has lovely personal touches ready, our own personal labels already printed, so a lot of thought and work goes into the preparation. My sisters and my daughter came along too. Great idea for birthday and Christmas gift for them and they were chuffed to come away with their own candles and personal scent to experiment with. Good communication ahead of the visit so I knew where I was going, and I had an idea of what scents I might like before I got there as I had sent for some sample from Kerry beforehand. She provided a delicious fruit crumble too and tea or coffee so we felt very well looked after. Lovely morning out!!"

alison room reviewed: Nordic wood craft

"a most enjoyable informative course in a wonderful location a delightful day was had Tom is a very knowledgable chap and generous to share his skills in a relaxed atmosphere cheers Tom"

Wooden Tom responded:

"Hope you add wood carving to your hobbies"

John Harris reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"I went to a day course with Matt, entertaining serious doubts that I would be able to realise a mock-up I had done previously. But when Matt saw it, he immediately went into overdrive and produced a number of possible ways to achieve it. His set-up at the DAAW near Silverton runs like clockwork and he oversees the projects that people bring, with a calm enthusiasm and care. He made sure that everyone (around 9) had all the attention they needed, whatever their level of experience. I couldn't have been more impressed, and found myself wishing I had had that quality of guidance when I was a student. I have to say, I'm a fan. John Harris, professional artist."

Lynn Gilding reviewed: Macrame Pot Hanger Workshop

"I have completed 2 macrame courses now. Alice is an excellent teacher. Patient, friendly and knowledgeable. I have come away feeling confident and able to progress by myself. I will hopefully be back for more, will be trying weaving next time. Thank You Alice."

Karl Trayler reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"My Wife and I attended a one-day course to make our own wedding rings, it was one of the most interesting and enjoyable experiences we have had. Lucy is so knowledgeable, explains and demonstrates every step we needed to make our rings. Lucy is also very patient and allowed us time to go over certain processes. The workshop is exceptional well laid out and very well stocked with all the equipment you would need. The day is very well managed by Lucy although you are consistently learning but you are also allowed to progress in your own time and made to feel relaxed. The overall cost is again excellent value when you consider the course is all day and 1-1 teaching. We would 100% recommend to anyone and really hope to return one day in the future ourselves Not to mention Lucy's workshop is set in a beautiful part of the Welsh country side, which is just an added extra to a truly wonderful day. Sue & Karl Trayler Feb2019"

Julie reviewed: Healing with plants - herbal medicine introductory course

"Spent a wonderful informative day with Julie wood she made the workshop interesting ,practical and fun,she shares so much information with a passion for her subject I learnt so much ."

Healing With Plants responded:

"Thank you so much Julie, it was a delight teaching you. I had such an enjoyable day with you all yesterday and look forward to meeting up again! Julie"

Will Smith reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"I attended this one day course at the weekend, a birthday gift from my wife, and what a gift it was! Quite apart from learning some new skills and gaining hugely in confidence with Nigel's very patient and relaxed style of imparting his great knowledge and experience, I quite simply had a great time, a few hours of really active and rewarding relaxation. Nigel was welcoming and a charming host, the small group of us hit it off very quickly and the day had a lovely dynamic. Nigel provided us a great lunch and kept the refreshments flowing, and the time just flew by - I could have stayed all evening. The downside? Well I now have to buy myself a big toolbox of chisels and gouges and whetstones and clamps and big lumps of wood and I'll have to tidy up the garage and that bench will have to be upgraded and I'll need to install a wood burner and........ I'm hooked! Highly recommended."

Needle felting reviewed: Needlefelting workshop at Dalkeith Country Park

"What a relaxing, yet productive way to spend a Saturday afternoon! Felting is something I had never done before but Jo explained it all so well then let us all have a go. The results were so different. Great fun. Thank you."

Annis Maciver reviewed: Needlefelting workshop at Dalkeith Country Park

"A really great course, Jo was so helpful and even though I’m definitely lacking in artistic ability I ended up making something I’m delighted with! Highly recommended!"

Eleanor reviewed: Small Leather Goods Workshop

"Great workshop - good instructions and a great belt at the end!!"

joanna farhan reviewed: Love your loom tapestry weaving 1-day course for beginners - Devon

"we had an amazing day with Alana. none of us had tried weaving before but now we are all hooked! lovely venue. Alana is really friendly and made us feel very welcome indeed. we will be back as soon as possible to try your scarf making workshop. loved every bit of the day. Thanks Alana. ?"

Charlotte reviewed: Making a stained glass leaded panel

"We had a great time on Sunday making our stained glass leaded panel. Caryl was friendly and patient and an excellent teacher. She made the day relaxed but also ensured that we were able to all produce a lovely panel by the end of the day - the time flew! There were plenty of templates to choose from and Caryl helped to ensure that the glass we chose would look good together....for those who are more creative there was the option to create your own design. I would definitely recommend this course and would love to go back to do another of her courses. Thank you!"

michelle reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"Did this course as an "all day" session along with the glass fusing taster. It was a great day out. Chris was really helpful and made sure we all got to a good result. My only point of note is that it was cold - to be fair this was pointed out on the joining instructions but I'd definitely have taken more layers if I'd thought about it!"

michelle reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"Really enjoyed the course - amazing how much you can learn in a short period! the finished pieces looked great and Sarah was really supportive and helpful - also great lunch :-)"

Charlotte Coltman reviewed: 4 day Upholstery Workshop (school hours)

"Great course, highly recommend upholstery with Prue. Was able to complete a project within the time frame. Lovely friendly atmosphere and Prue is highly attentive and supportive to achieve your aims. A great week, thank you"

The Dorset Upholstery Nest responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely review - so great that you finished your project - it looks amazing!"

Elisa reviewed: Craft Workshop: Learn to make silver art clay jewellery in a day (beginner)

"Great one day workshop which was really hands-on and I was able to go home with 2 lovely pairs of silver earrings. Sally is very helpful and an excellent communicator and the whole day just flew by. Would definitely recommend this course to anyone who wants to have a go at using silver art clay."

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank you for your review Elisa - your earrings were amazing and I am really pleased you love them! I hope to see you again soon. Kind regards, Sally"