Latest reviews

Karen Wallace reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"I attended an introduction to fused glass workshop run by Martin. Not having attended a workshop before I was a bit unsure of what to expect but I needn't have worried. The workshop is held in a beautiful location and the facilities in the room were fantastic. Each person has an individual work-bench with all the tools required in the glass fusing process so no having to share and wait for people to finish. Martin has a huge amount of experience in working with glass and was an excellent tutor - clear instructions and on hand to help. There was no pressure to complete a certain amount so everyone could go at their own pace. Overall I absolutely loved it and will definitely be booking another workshop."

Daniel Jennings reviewed: Glass blowing for beginners with Jon Lewis

"I received a Craft Courses voucher for my birthday with an aim to attend a glass-blowing course. I chose Jon's course partly because of the sheer number of outstanding reviews he has received. Reading through them again, they're not wrong, having now attended his course. Jon is a friendly, encouraging and relaxed teacher, who demonstrates a keen passion for his art. The course took two complete novices (at crafts as well as glass-blowing) and enabled us to make a number of very special items, working with the glass right from the beginning. The setting is very nice, and the pizza lunch was a very nice tough. If you are looking to try glass-blowing for the first time, I could not recommend this course to you highly enough."

Samantha Lonergan reviewed: Couture millinery courses / Introduction to millinery

"I thoroughly enjoyed my tuition and Tracy was great and very patient as I’m a complete (couldn’t be anymore of a) novice. I was able to remember most of what I learned when I came away and would have liked to have taken pictures of my journey but it was a lot to take in in 2 days. Thank you Tracy for sharing your amazing skills and materials with me. I am in progress with my first hat still and would like to keep in touch."

Tracy Wells Designer Millinery responded:

"Thank you Sam, it was a pleasure to teach you x Despite nursing your son and an ill husband, you achieved a lot x Well done x You know I'm accessible for any help or questions for your future in millinery x"

James Thompson reviewed: Small Leather Goods Workshop

"Amazing course and teacher. Nice relaxed atmosphere, plenty of equipment and I learnt a great deal. This has encouraged me to persue my interest further in leather craft."

Anne-Marie reviewed: Group Soap-making Workshop - Soapology Studio - Nottinghamshire

"I had a lovely day making soap with Emma and a small group. It was very informative yet concise with plenty of backup information to refer to in the future. It would have been nice to have made 3 batches of soap in the afternoon but there wouldn't have been enough time. It was nice to see everyone else's creations being made too. I also got the kit to bring home and make more soaps and I am really looking forward to experimenting. I would love to come back and do another course with Emma, it was a very relaxed day and we were well looked after. I am definitely going to be recommending to everyone I know"

John Rowley reviewed: Woodcarving for beginners - two day course in Suffolk

"I thoroughly enjoyed last weekend's 2 day course for beginners. Gerald is clearly a very talented man who can help you realise any hidden potential you may have. Excellent practical advice delivered with fun to a small group of novices in a well equipped workshop. Copious supplies of biscuits, beverages and excellent lunches kept our energy levels high. I was surprised by how quickly time passed whilst working on our various projects, interspersed by practical demonstrations. I look forward to a returner's course in the future and would be delighted to repeat the 3 hour trip to Norfolk for more experience."

Jane Brown reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"What a fabulous course! Caroline is so enthusiastic and encouraging to all her students. Her own work is astounding and her home and garden are filled with wall upon wall of her wonderful creations. The atmosphere on the course was very friendly and we were all inspired to produce some beautiful pieces of mosaic to take home. Having learned the basic skill it's something that I feel I could confidently do at home now having purchased a couple of simple tile cutting tools. Caroline provided a really tasty lunch and hot drinks and cake were available all day. If you are wondering, 'Shall I book this course?' stop wondering and do it, you won't regret it!"

Jonathan Groves reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I too spent a couple of very enjoyable and informative days with the master mould maker Ed Bentley, gaining valuable insight into that particular aspect of ceramics. Furthermore, to add glaze to the clay biscuit, it's worth noting that within one minute's walk of Ed's studio, for those who need it, there is a very good place to stay i.e. reasonably priced, comfortable and recently opened plus a cosy cafe around the corner all within the Spode site. Ask Ed for further details."

Sandra Walsh reviewed: Needle felt landscapes workshop on Orkney, including lunch

"As someone who has never tried needle felting before, I was amazed that by the end of the day I had produced a landscape picture I felt very proud of! Catherine is a lovely person, great teacher and happy to give you as much (or as little) support as you require. It was a very relaxed and enjoyable day and I would thoroughly recommend."

Henrietta Firth reviewed: Celtic Pattern, Geometry and Imagination

"I really enjoyed this weekend even though it has been challenging for me ... I feel like I have learned a tremendous amount. Thank you for your patience ... I'd like to do more courses with you both, perhaps in Feb. 19 ..."

Bob Chambers reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"I received a gift voucher from my wife last Christmas and for various reasons hadn't used it earlier in the year, but finally got round to booking a date in November - and am very glad I did! Had a fabulous day in the workshop with Andy, learnt a tremendous amount, found it thoroughly absorbing, and was really chuffed with the little bowl I came home with. As a complete novice myself, Andy made me very at ease and explained everything carefully, without anything seeming laboured or too much trouble. The day simply evolved as we went along and there was never any sense of having to rush or fit a prescribed agenda. It was a real pleasure to be doing something manual and creative that demanded full attention - a fantastic distraction from the normal office-based work routine. The homemade shepherd's pie at lunchtime was a treat too - thanks Martine! Would have no hesitation recommending Andy Browne's wood turning courses - and am actually hoping I might get to go back again sometime... NB: Reckon wood turning can be quite addictive, so think carefully before booking - unless you have space, time and money to invest in a lathe! ;)"

Christine Boswell-Munday reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"Brilliant day and learnt so much, from basic health and safety to cutting glass and learning 2 different ways of creating a piece of artwork. In my case I created 2 wall hangings, but the options are varied. Amanda is a fantastic, teacher and explains everything as you go along and there is plenty of time to put what you learn into action. I was really pleased with the 2 pieces I took home Lunch was great and all dietary requirements are catered for. The workshop makes a great day out with friends or is ideal as a gift voucher and I will certainly return again early next year, to learn more."

Debbie reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"Such a wonderful day learning what to do with the fleeces mounting up in my shed! Theresa is very enthusiastic and very knowledgable plus a great teacher. It was fun, enjoyable, interesting and very addictive so I am now looking to get a wheel of my own and will return to improve my skills hopefully with my co learner next year. Thank you Theresa (and Ted) for making my first steps into spinning so positive, I am looking at my sheep in a different way now!!"

The Spinning Barn responded:

"Thank you so much for a lovely review Debbie. The day was such fun and your spinning was fabulous. I really hope you continue to spin and work through your stash of gorgeous fleeces! Theresa and Ted x"

Hazel Wilkinson reviewed: Fabulous felt picture 2 day masterclass near York

"This was a great course in a beautiful quiet location. The materials were inspiring and Bridget’s teaching was excellent. As a wet felting beginner I learned so much and created a picture I’m proud of thanks to the right balance of advice and encouragement and individual attention throughout the two days. I’d definitely recommend this course and would love to do it again sometime."

Sue Fraser reviewed: Bespoke Interlined Curtains

"Having spent the day with Janet I completed a sample cascade Roman blind. I have made ordinary Roman blinds but found Janet's course very informative and her calculation sheet for working out the spacing was excellent. Janet is a very knowledgeable lady and is happy to share her knowledge and advice, The day went too quick having been supplied with lots of tea and home made cake but I left with a sample blind and lots of information. If you want to try making a Roman Blind, Janet is the lady to teach you."

Sam Dredge reviewed: One day salt or pepper mill woodturning course one to one.

"I spent the day with Bill attending his pepper mill course. I had a brilliant day and came home with something I was really proud. Bill was very patient and guided me through each stage. His workshop was also lovely and warm. Would definitely go again. Thanks Bill."

Ameet Hindocha reviewed: Celtic Pattern, Geometry and Imagination

"An ingenious and unified way to bring two cultural traditions together with massive potential for new exploration."

Kelly reviewed: Celtic Pattern, Geometry and Imagination

"Adam Tetlow's Integrating Celtic and Islamic Pattern course is completely accessible to the novice illustrator and reveals the hidden bridge between two seemingly different realms of pattern and design. The range of possibility that can be explored through the blending of these beautiful traditional arts is so inspiring! I greatly appreciate Adam, in all of his patience and good humour, as one of the few remaining teachers in this field of study and SAOG Studios for providing a peaceful and supportive space for the inquisitive artist!"

Roger Antonsen reviewed: Celtic Pattern, Geometry and Imagination

"It doesn't get better than having Adam Tetlow as your guide into the world of Celtic art while being in the beautiful surroundings of Forest Row. This two-day workshop about combining Celtic and Islamic patters was great. Thank you! We'll be back. Thanks again."

Pat Larkin reviewed: One-to-one mount cutting for your next exhibition

"This workshop is excellent. It is very well structured and takes the participants through the whole process of preparing a painting or photograph for an exhibition. Class sizes are a maximum of 4 which makes a very friendly learning environment. There are excellent course notes and Lynne demonstrates and explains very clearly how to measure up and cut mounts. She is very knowledgeable and flexible so that she can respond positively to all the various images that the participants provide."

Christine Smith reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"The course was excellent. I am an absolute beginner and I found the opportunity to learn about the make up of the spinning wheel and how to work with it as valuable as the experience of leaving with a skein of my own wool. The atmosphere is friendly and non judgemental and Theresa is ably assisted by her wonderful canine assistant Ted who is a delightful distraction and purveyor of helpful advice having witnessed a number of classes. I would unreservedly recommend the course and will look back on it as the first step in my journey as a spinner! I hope to go back one day for an advanced session!!!"

The Spinning Barn responded:

"Christine, thank you so very much. Your review made me laugh and cry at the same time. I look forward to hearing about your spinning journey so order that wheel! I shall pass on your review to Ted and I am sure he will be as thrilled as I am that you enjoyed your day. x"

Judy reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"What an inspiring day! Theresa was very welcoming and it soon became apparent that she is very knowledgable and an excellent teacher. In one day I learned more than I could have imagined. The day was well planned and with just two students we had plenty of individual attention. I went away with a skein of wool that I had prepared from scratch - washing raw fleece, carding,spinning and plying it. I would recommend the day course to beginners and improvers - you will have a fun day and learn an amazing amount from Theresa - her enthusiasm for wool is infectious!"

The Spinning Barn responded:

"Thank you so much for your wonderful review Judy. I am thrilled that you enjoyed your day. You made such a fabulous start to your spinning that I really hope you continue. Do keep me informed of progress."

Shirley reviewed: Photography Days

"What a week! I had no idea what to do with my camera other than turn it on. A week in the company of Richard and Sue and I am ready to take on all manner of photography adventures. I was initially perplexed by the terminology and settings of my camera but was soon put at ease with easy to understand examples and explanations. I would recommend this course for anyone wishing to understand their camera and who want to explore their creativity. Thanks Richard and Sue, a fabulous week!"

Art by Camera responded:

"Thanks so much for that, Shirley, we're really looking forward to hearing how your projects work out!"

Rachel reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"This course is great for anyone who wants a solid introduction to frame loom weaving. Alice is a patient teacher and guided us through the basic techniques. I felt the day really opened up a whole host of possibilities with weaving. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The studios were warm and with the small class size you really were able to learn quickly and get assistance from Alice at each step. I would highly recommend this course. I am planning on returning for the advanced class in the new year."

Alan reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day with Jamal, the pace was just right to start with no knowledge and finish the day with a completed stained glass panel which is sitting proudly on the window cill at home."