Latest reviews

Helen Singleton reviewed: Introduction to Sourdough Bread Making class

"Really great course. Good mix of theory and practical coming away with three lovely items to eat! I wanted to wait until I had done a loaf at home before I left a review but with the knowledge gained and the stater from the course I made the most awesome loaf (in my opinion!!). It was a lovely day and I came away with exactly what I wanted to improve. "

StagHill Bakes responded:

"Thank you for such a great review Helen. I'm so pleased you found the day to be useful. Happy baking! Ian"

Kim reviewed: Blow a bauble at Chew Valley handmade glass

"Wow what a lovely introduction to glass blowing - Steve and Angie are so so friendly - you can see that Steve is passionate about his glass . I made a beautiful bauble from start to finish - taking the melted glass from the furnace adding the colours and blowing under the excellent supervision of Steve - would really recommend this as an introduction - look forward to learning more on a future course."

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Kim, it was lovely to meet you, we look forward to working with you again in the future. Regards Steve and Angie "

Rosie Langdon reviewed: Mixed Media Painting Workshop

"After just one class I’m already ready for the next one. Such a great welcome by Louise and an introduction to everyone in the class, The atmosphere was really friendly and we all produced a watercolour painting of a house plant. Louise is encouraging and a great tutor. "

Emma Green reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Had the best day, amazing people with incredible skills and knowledge. Ruby and Colin are the best, patient, informative and great craftsmen. "

Anvilsring Ironwork responded:

"Hi Emma, thank you for the review. Did you recieve the e-mail I sent with my pamphlet attached about shoeing Clydesdales?"

Tiffany Watson reviewed: Silk Painting a Scarf or Chinese fan: all welcome

"I really had a lovely relaxing day with Steph. Tea, coffee refilled at regular intervals and a chance to experience the beauty of creating a picture from scratch. Steph inspired us to use different methods and techniques to achieve our fab paintings!! Many thanks Steph."

Strawberry Moon responded:

"Thank you for your review. I am so glad you had a nice afternoon. I look forward to having more fun experiences with you. "

Ellie reviewed: Pottery throwing sessions on the potter's wheel in Norfolk

"I did this course with my mum and we both had so much fun. Pat was welcoming, informative, attentive and skilled and gave us as much guidance as we needed. Would definitely recommend - we both loved it!! "

Pat Southwood responded:

"Thanks Ellie, that's very kind of you, you and your Mums' pots are drying nicely and look good! Pat. "

Sheena reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Beginners glass fusing workshops in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"Had a great day with Melanie learning new skills. It was my first experience with glass and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was relaxing, fun and informative and I would highly recommend it."

Gill Lacey reviewed: Willow Deer Workshop with Dovecote Willow

"An excellent day thank you Vicky. Great tuition, very relaxed and we all managed to finish on time with completed willow deer. Lots of approval from family! Gill"

Dovecote Willow responded:

"Thank you Gill, I’m so glad that you enjoyed the day and are pleased with your wonderful deer! Best wishes Vicky "

Linda Jolly reviewed: Wool spinning course

"A very interesting morning, full hands on course . Offering lots of help and support when needed "

Simply Spun responded:

"Linda, It was lovely meeting you on Saturday and thank you for your review which is much appreciated. Take care Rosemary "

Joanne Somerville reviewed: Sterling Silver Simple Ring Course (Reading)

"Really enjoyed the ring-making course. Small class, clear instructions, good demonstrations and lots of advice and help!"

La Jade responded:

"Hi Joanne, thank you for taking the time to review the course. I am glad to hear you enjoyed it. "

Monika reviewed: Traditional Lampshade Making Workshop Brighton

"I highly recommend Jo's course to everyone who would like to make their own traditional lampshade. From offering us hot drinks throughout the day, through very patient and clear instructions to each step to cheering us at the very end when our hands (and heads) were giving up a bit :) We ended up with gorgeous pieces that already are used and totally loved the experience. "

Lume Lighting responded:

"Thank you Monika for the lovely review :) Both your lampshades looked amazing and I’m so glad you managed to finish them and they are already being used! x "

Penelope Walker reviewed: Introduction to Woodworking Weekend - Cambridgeshire

"A very thorough introduction to woodwork. Bill was both knowledgeable on the craft as well as being a great teacher. The schedule was thorough with the right amount of detail. I'll be back! Thank you!"

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Thank you Penelope for attending and also for taking the time to write a review, much appreciated. I look forward to welcoming you back. "

Neil reviewed: Axe Making Weekend

"Absolutely loved this weekend for my dad's birthday, we both had a great time and Graham & family were entertaining, knowledgeable and very helpful! The axes came out looking absolutely stunning and they're both very practical and sharp, cannot recommend this course enough. "

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks Neil - It was a great weekend"

Sam reviewed: Crochet Worshop - All levels at Tandem Crafts, Stourbridge

"Brilliant day with Anne. My sister and I are at different levels but Anne was patient with both of us. Very encouraging. Have continued to practice since. "

Tandem Crafts responded:

"Thank you for this kind review Ann trait enjoyed working with you and looking forward to seeing how you all progess"

Tracey P reviewed: Glass Bauble blowing experience with Chris

"Three of us travelled to blow a glass bauble. Chris was great and an excellent mentor. He was at our side every step of the way but only offered help and guidance when necessary. "

Heather Carberry reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Beginners glass fusing workshops in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"What a fabulous day from start to finish! Mel was so warm and welcoming to us complete beginners. She explained everything so clearly and was so positive as she supported us as necessary. By the end we had alll produced some lovely pieces🥰 Delicious treats too! We’ll be back xx"

Helen E reviewed: Antiquarian bookbinding repair day

"A fantastic day spent on book repairs. Stephen is clearly very skilled and it was fascinating to work with someone who is so knowledgeable about their work. We covered a wide range of techniques, discussed projects and practised aspects of work on the books that I had brought, plus some other examples that Stephen provided. I gained a lot of valuable insights into how repairs are done in practice and lots of ideas from the books and projects that line the workshop - a great day, I'm looking forward to visiting again to develop my skills!"

Boundbooks responded:

"Thanks Helen it was lovely to meet you and great to work with you. Many thanks 😊 🙏 "

Ailsa reviewed: Women's Woodwork Workshop

"The course was so well organised. Jess had all the equipment required and gave excellent simple instructions that gave us confidence to carry out each stage of our project. From a plank of wood we all produced beautifully items. I am thrilled with my bird box and will be putting up in my garden this week. He’s was so calm and welcoming and the whole day although busy was carried out in an atmosphere of calm. I would love to go again and inspired to try to make more out of wood. I would recommend anyone to have a go and attend a course. Thanks Jess for a fantastic experience. "

Glanmedeni Ltd responded:

"It was lovely to meet you Ailsa, such a lovely day in the sunshine. You did a brilliant job on your birdbox, keep experimenting with making other things and come back and have another go at something here soon! x"

Andrew reviewed: Art Spoon Carving with Giles Newman

"Having never carved a spoon before I was amazed at the Koi carp spoon I had created by the end of the day under Giles patient guidance in his fantastic studio. I could not fault the day. Excellent."

Pete Colledge reviewed: Wood joints class using reclaimed materials

"I had a great day with Tyler learning some joining techniques including mortise and tenon and dovetails. Tyler is incredibly patient and good as a teacher. His attention to detail and focus on learning good technique and safe working is really great and instills excellent practice. I would definitely go back to learn further skills in the future as I know there is a lot more Tyler could teach and the learning atmosphere was nothing short of brilliant. "

Gerard Dunne reviewed: Springtime Bushcraft

"The course was brilliant. The instructor was friendly, clear and concise with his instructions and obviously passionate about what he wanted to share and his love of nature also. The 'back to nature' way of making drinks etc. was lovely, teas and coffee always tastes better when the water is boiled over an open fire. Thank you and I will be back, with friends and colleagues from work very soon. Highly recommended."

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Gerard, thank you for the lovely review! Hope to see you at Manor Wood again. Matt"

Ewelina Szczepanska reviewed: Portrait Painting in Oils

"I recently had the pleasure of attending a two-day oil painting portrait course led by Karl Rudziak, and it was nothing short of inspiring. Karl not only proved to be an exceptional instructor with valuable painting methods but also generously provided all the materials needed. This thoughtful preparation allowed us to focus solely on our art without any distractions. The course was well-structured, making it easy for attendees of all levels to follow along and absorb the techniques Karl demonstrated. His approach not only boosted my confidence but also allowed me to complete a portrait that I am truly proud of. For anyone looking to delve into oil painting or refine their portrait skills, I highly recommend Karl Rudziak's course. His expertise and effective teaching style will undoubtedly leave you with a deeper understanding of the art and a beautiful piece of your own to show for it."

Karl Rudziak Artist responded:

"Thank you, Ewelina, it was a joy having you in the workshop. "

Amanda reviewed: Free Motion Quilting for the Terrified!

"Very informative. Lots of practical advice and opportunities to learn new skills."

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Hi Amanda, thank you for taking the time to leave a review. You did a great job with all the techniques and it was lovely to see everyone's confidence and skills improve as the day progressed. Have fun practicing! Best wishes, Jennifer"

PamC reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Beginners glass fusing workshops in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"Thoroughly enjoyed the beginners course and made a variety of fused glass objects. Was well explained and I enjoyed learning a new craft. Would thoroughly recommend."

Luke reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"What a great way to learn glassblowing , Ricky was great at teaching and hands on when needed but also allowed me to do most of the work"