Latest reviews

maxine reviewed: One day silver jewellery designing and making workshop

"I found Bridget to be a brilliant teacher. She was so supportive and inspiring in such a friendly and welcoming way. Her workroom is well stocked with equipment, and everything I wanted to make Bridget had the gadget for me to be able to achieve it. I really enjoyed my day with Bridget, and felt she had helped me to achieve a lot in only one day. I would thoroughly recommend Bridget's course."

Chrissie Dell reviewed: Mono printing using the magic colourful Viscosity Technique

"Really enjoyed the course. It was a small group so plenty of time to try different things, to discuss and review. Excellent clear teaching. This course really inspired me and I know include viscosity in my practice Would thoroughly recommend any of Emily’s courses"

Andy Dickson reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"A splendid course, with a real and lasting outcome. We transformed a higgledy-piggledy broken down wall into a magnificent adornment to the landscape. A highly recommended way to expend a weekend!"

Amberlea McNaught reviewed: Introduction to Greenwood Spoon Carving- Beginners Eating Spoon

"Exceptional tutoring, fun engaging and really relaxing. A wonderful day learning new skills safely with experienced and knowledgeable craftsman. I was so pleased with my first attempts. Great advice on materials and tools. I would thoroughly recommend any greenwood workshop here. This is the place to grow your imagination!!"

Elaine Owen reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"I was given this course as a Christmas present and I didn’t know what to expect - would I be the only woman on the course, would I be strong enough, confidence to go on the course on my own etc but rest assured everyone was extremely welcoming and friendly, there were three other women learning how to create a dry stone wall and two women experienced dry stone walkers to help you in anyway. The course it self was really informative, very safe, relaxed (go at your own speed) and we had great banter with the instructors and new friends. I am very proud of myself and the sense of achievement of being able to pull down a sad broken dry stone wall a rebuild to to its former glory. I would definitely recommend this course to everyone."

Sarah LOHMANN reviewed: The Whole Table Loom Set Up - Dobby & Rose

"Two days of complete absorption which gave me the confidence to take weaving further. I've now bought my own loom and found the course notes invaluable in setting it up; it's very exciting to begin weaving fabric that I could use around my home. Rebecca is a great tutor; she didn't overwhelm me with information but started each step and let me complete it. I highly recommend this course."

Jane Scuffell reviewed: Beginning your beekeeping - two day beginners course

"I was a complete beginner when I attended this course, but I learnt so much from the master beekeeper, who provided an excellent study pack to refer to. The food was delicious and I would highly recommend this course to anybody who either keeps or is thinking of keeping those fascinating insects."

Kate Mitchell reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"I was given a voucher for a jewellery day with Jonathan for Christmas and finally got around to using it last month. Having never made my own jewellery before I was convinced I'd not be able to make anything much, but Jonathan was brilliant at teaching me the tricks of the trade and I came away with a set of beautiful silver stacking rings and all my trial designs in copper! The day was so much fun, and I can't wait to go back for more! Thanks so much for your help and expertise Jonathan!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you for your very kind words Kate. It was a good day and great to see your confidence develop. Good luck with your future jewellery making skills Jonathan"

Janice reviewed: Embossed Pewter Notebook and Pen

"Really enjoyable evening session. Melanie went out of her way to welcome, providing guidance and everything required to produce our notebooks. It was incredibly well organised, with everything needed ready to go.She had even anticipated we may be hungry or thirsty and provided lovely nibbles. She was very encouraging and supportive, and generously shared her knowledge and equipment. We all left pleased with our notebooks, having had a really enjoyable evening. We are all signing up to do more of her courses. Couldnt have been better. Thanks Mel"

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

"Thank you Denise for a wonderful day! I loved it, can't believe I made my Hare, he's amazing! My husband loved him too! Xx"

Crafty Gal responded:

"How could anyone NOT love your hare Jayne?! Before he even got his head on we all adored him! You were such a hoot to spend the day with, I really hope you go on to do more needle felting - would love to see what you do next. Dx"

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

"We thoroughly enjoyed spending the day at Bonds with Denise and the rest of the group of crafters! Everyone was so lovely and Denise was a fantastic teacher. The lunch was great and the afternoon cake and coffee was a treat. Thank you so much Denise for such a fab day! We are both absolutely thrilled with our hares, can't believe we've made them, feel super-proud! It was great seeing all of the needlefelt animals lined up at the end of the day; they all looked amazing but so different with their own personalities. I'd really recommend this course, Denise was lovely and really helpful and I'm really looking forward to starting needlfelt projects at home! Xx"

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you for such a brilliant review Helen - so pleased you enjoyed your day and are ready to go on to your next needle felt project. Don't forget to send me some pics, I'd love to see where you take what you learnt with me. Dx"

Marjolein Wolverson reviewed: Pottery/ceramics wheel throwing (full day)

"A fabulous one day workshop experience! Lorraine is a wonderful teacher and the class size was perfect too. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is new to the craft or has experience. My husband treated me to this workshop by buying a voucher and that as a great idea. Are you thinking about a creative friend or family member who has a birthday coming up? A perfect present for sure! And the cakes were wonderful too!"

Woodsetton Art Pottery responded:

"Thanks for your kind words and see you in a few weeks when your pots are all finished. Lorraine at Woodsetton"

Marika reviewed: Felting and natural dyeing craft holiday in the Highlands of Scotland

"It really was everything I hoped, and much more. My room was really nice and slept very well. Rosie is excellent cook, got new ideas also on that area. Course itself is well planned, each day has something unique to offer. You really see and learn about the whole process of felting and dyeing. Recommend highly and the area has amazing nature and views."

Anne reviewed: Make and decorate a ceramic bowl in one session

"Great course. Josie is an attentive, patient, and encouraging instructor. Great to make a bowl in just one session!"

Josie Warshaw Ceramics responded:

"Thank you for your positive review Anne. Im so glad that you enjoyed the bowl making and its been a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to seeing you again soon for clay making on Thursday evenings. Regards for now Josie"

Johnnie Diallo reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"I found the course AMAZING! I had so much fun and created something I never thought I could before. It was so exciting seeing how it gradually transformed into something quite spectacular. It really felt like i was going on an adventure with my own little friend. Thank you so much for guiding me every step of the way and I had a great time from Johnnie Age 10"

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you Johnnie! You added even more fun to the day by keeping everyone on track, you were incredibly fast - I'm so happy you enjoyed it and got so much out of it. Looking forward to seeing what you go on to next! Dx"

Pat Mallett reviewed: Shimmer & Sparkle: polymer clay jewellery making

"I had a lovely day with Jo yesterday making a sparkle necklace and a LOT(!) of buttons. Jo was very flexible and adapted her workshop content because I wanted to make sparkle buttons as well. They will become haloes for musical angels at a couple of WI workshops later this year. I was so grateful to Jo for being so flexible and I loved the results. I also had time to make, with Jo's assistance with the fiddly bits, a bead necklace for myself. Thanks, Jo for a lovely day."

Shelley Phelan reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"I recently attended a silver jewellery workshop day that my husband bought for my birthday with my friend Betty. What a brilliant day we had. We were both complete beginners and were slightly nervous but with Jonathons' skilful tutoring we were confidently filing, using the blow torch and polishing our jewellery. I made the stacking rings and Betty made earrings. I can not recommend the workshop enough. The setting is beautiful and the calm and relaxing environment was just perfect for learning new skills and being creative. Thank you Jonathan for such a great day."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Shelley - Lovely to meet you and Betty. Well done with your jewellery making. Look forward to hearing how you get on with your own jewellery tools. Jonathan"

Lisa Empson reviewed: Letter carving in East Yorkshire at the Northern Sculpture Studios

"What an excellent course. Extremely well taught, amiable and professional tuition in a great venue! It was a total surprise for my partner. Both of us novices. Love our finished pieces and can’t wait to book our next course. Thanks guys!"

Susan koszak reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Spending a day learning how to throw a pot with Matthew was brilliant.I shared the day with my daughter and we were amazed how many different items we made.Matthew guided us through each stage of the process in his wonderful pottery workshop.Its definitely inspired us both to do more with clay. Many thanks?"

Virginie Daniau reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"My daughter attended a workshop with Nigel and was thrilled. She created a stunning carved fish that she is very pleased about. Nigel was very attentive and helpful guiding my daughter step by step. Both Christine and Nigel were extremely welcoming. I thoroughly recommend the workshop."

Jemma reviewed: One-to-One Jewellery making course including wire work (beginners)

"I had a great day work in one to one with Jolene. She's very friendly and knowledgable. I had some ideas of what I wanted to make and she helped me work out the best way to make the earrings and bangle I made. Excellent workshop - do not hesitate to book on! The workshop is quirky with lots of things on display...including jolene's lovely jewellery! Thank you Jolene!"

Andrew reviewed: Beginning your beekeeping - two day beginners course

"After considering beekeeping for a few years I decided to take the leap and attend a beginners course. The information gained helped me greatly from general knowledge to understanding costs and time needed. Such a commitment needs someone like Mantel Farm to guide you through the process. The course itself was well run by an expert beekeeper, with useful notes, and we got to inspect a real live hive. Food provided was great, overall a wonderful experience."

Lynn Booth reviewed: Felting and natural dyeing craft holiday in the Highlands of Scotland

"This course exceeded expectations. The instruction and felting was well planned, with a good amount of learning and work with a nice amount of breaks. The setting is breathtaking so hiking and walking were superb. The food was fantastic! Rosie was a wonderful host who was super responsive to requests and suggestions. And she was knowledgable about the subject and the area, so I learned a great deal. I would return."

Chris Powell reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Part of my 60th birthday present was two excellent days with Mark. As a novice Mark gave me plenty of hands on guidance. A well balanced mix of instruction and actually doing some turning myself. Must have found the hardest piece of oak for my bowl which meant I got plenty of practise sharpening too. Mark has a very sensible approach which cuts through a lot of the jargon and demystifies the subject. Comprehensive set of notes and great guidance on what to buy and where. Fully intended to go back for a further day when I have advanced a bit."

Angela Mann reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"What a satisfying way to spend the weekend. Felt like I was doing something worthwhile and totally enjoyed the process. All I thought about whilst I was there was building that wall. I shall be joining the DSWA, buying my own hammer and spending a day a month absorbed in my new hobby. The team were great and the teaching excellent."