Latest reviews

Richard Carter reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Brilliant, fantastic teacher and an excellant course, I learnt so much in such a short time, Bill was such a good teacher, nothing was too much trouble, he did every thing he could to help, direct and encourage you, fantastic course would recommend it to any one. And thank you Bill for all your help."

Michael Moore reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"I had a very interesting and really informative afternoon thanks to Claire. I was very lucky to have a one to one lesson (not including Daisy!) and learned a lot from an excellent teacher, and it was amazing to see the transformation from a little piece of clay to heart pendant and letter pendant. I will certainly be making use of the information sheets provided by Claire to try using silver clay at home. I would highly recommend this course, and Claire to anyone interested in silver jewellery making."

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"Many thanks for your comments Michael it was lovely to meet you. You made some great pieces of jewellery!"

Stained glass class reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"Great fun informative day As a complete beginning I came away with a beautiful leaded glass window hanging, enough info to feel I could make another and now can’t wait to join the next class to learn more ?"

Jeremy Carruthers reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Bill is an experienced leather worker and I doubt there is anything about leather craft that he does not know. He is also a kind, patient, and able teacher, and generous with his time - I ended up staying way after the allotted time in order to finish my work. There were three of us on the course which was a great number as he was able to spend time with all of us on our individual projects. We learnt about the various types of leather, and how it is produced and the effects of the different tanning processes. He taught us how to design a pattern, how to cut, how to stitch, how to use tools safely and effectively, and he gave us a useful list of contacts and suppliers to take away. I made a belt on the first day and a leather ring-binder on the second and I am amazed not only at how much I learnt but also how much I achieved in just two days. I unreservedly recommend Bill and his courses to anyone interested in practical leatherwork."

Charlotte Venables reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Bill has the patience of a saint. Great teacher and can’t wait to put into practise what I’ve learnt. Thank you so much"

Jane reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"Came with a group of friends for a candlemaking class - fab location, we all had a great time -very patient teacher who also makes it fun. We all took home some lovely candles. Thank you, we will be booking again!"

Rachel Clarke reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"Coming from Australia I wasn’t sure what to expect or what wood we might use but I Had a fantastic day with Dave. His knowledge is second to none and even though I have made spoons several times before I learnt some new tips and tricks. Dave’s course was worth every penny and I would highly recommend it."

Sandy F reviewed: Distressed painted furniture course with refreshments

"Fabby course. Came home with a lovely painted vintage chair. Gill knows her stuff x"

Gillian Bathe reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"Family friendly classes. Another class another group of students. Matthew le Breton was able to continue with makers of different abilities and intentions. I was impressed how he handled a lively boy of about 10, building on the parts of to work which most appealed, whilst making sure that not only was everyone safe but also progressed their own projects. Matthew encouraged a calmer, safer, quieter and more thoughtful approach to help the youngster to employ his love of cutting (rather expensive) glass as a means of creating an abstract mozaic panel. The foil wrapping was found to be frustrating for the less dexterous and Matthew also found time to assist in this. As a teacher myself I might encourage parents in family groups to take on more of an 'assistant' role if only to share out Mathew's necessary attention between other course participants. I think that parents might need to be aware for some children, the whole day might be too long and more frequent food breaks and variation in activities or a half day session might sustain short attention spans better."

Peter Allen & Lisa Christopher reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"My daughter and I joined Andy for a day in his workshop and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. He was very patient with us and taught us lots of Woodturning techniques. We both came away with a cedar bowl (most of which) was made by us on the lathes. Andy’s wife Martine kept us supplied with teas and coffees throughout and made us a lovely lunch. All in all a fun, relaxing but educational day. I would recommend this course for anyone thinking of getting into Woodturning or someone just wanting to ‘have a go’ thanks Andy & Martine."

Jean Harris reviewed: Green Wood Creative Seating - 6 Day Course in South Devon

"A great course. I arrived with an idea of the sort of bench I wanted to make and ended up with something far nicer and far beyond what I thought I would be capable of. The workshop is very well equipped and Peter guides one through patiently and expertly. A wonderful way to spend a week and build up green woodworking skills."

Gill Membery reviewed: Beginners Weaving with the Rigid Heddle Loom - at All in a Spin

"Myself and my husband did this course with Dunja. It's set on a beautiful farm, she was very patient with us, we where thrilled to come away understanding so much more. We couldn't wait to get home to set up our loom. We will definately return to do follow on courses, such a lovely day, and so pleased with the results. Thank you Dunja."

Laura reviewed: Pottery throwing workshop Saturdays or Sundays

"My husband and I attended a pottery workshop as a birthday present to him. He had done a little throwing before, I'd not done much. Nadia was very welcoming and an excellent teacher. She gave us tips and spotted the various (numerous) mistakes, and helped correct them. The workshop is great: beautiful setting and we'll equipped. We made a few pieces and are waiting with anticipation to see how they fare in the kiln. It was a wonderful, relaxing and inspiring afternoon and I hope we'll be back another time."

Aoife Turner reviewed: Axe or bladesmithing weekend workshop – 2 days making your choice of a seax, bushcraft, bowie or chef knife

"Forged In Lincolnshire! After watching a fair few 'forged in fire'episodes we started to get a little intrgued about making our own! Booked a 2 day course to make a seax with Matt at his forge for a Birthday Gift and what an experience! Matts friendly, calm, down to earth and clearly loves passing on his knowledge whilst also letting you make your own decisions on how you want your knife to look! Ali's hospitality can't be faulted, going the extra mile to make sure youre kept fed and watered! We had seen other courses described as classes and group sessions but this is just 2 of you with Matt and Ali at there home hammering, grinding and sweating in the forge, meaning you get Matts full attention and not sharing it with a group of strangers! Beware, you will get hot, you will get tired, youll get covered in sawdust as you create your piece, but after two days of fun you will get something you can call your own and be proud of! Located in a beautiful rural setting, cannot recommend enough!"

Eldrum and Redwolf responded:

"Thank you for such a lovely review! It was a pleasure to host you both, and Matt thoroughly enjoyed teaching you! :)"

Fiona Julian reviewed: Beginner's Papercutting at Swallows & Artisans, Lake District

"Well what an amazing day I have had at Lanehead, learning a new skill of paper cutting. I had never been on a course before and what a lovely place for my first course. Such a peaceful relaxing place with amazing views of the Lake District. The craft room was decorated to a high standard, you could tell a lot of thought had gone into it. I was made to feel very welcome by Karen (the host) as soon as I arrived and until I left, there was plenty of drinks and home made cakes!! What can I say about the course itself, Melissa the course tutor was so enthusiastic it rubbed off onto me. She was very patient and gave one on one time if needed to make sure you could master the new skill. It was lovely to achieve a cutting by the end of the day and to take home templates to be able to continue paper cutting. I will definitely be going back to learn more."

Swallows & Artisans responded:

"Thank you very much for the review. I'm pleased you had a great time - hopefully I will see you again soon!"

Lax reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I am very proud of the bowl I made and it’s attracted many compliments from anyone who has seen it I found the day a really great balance of theory and practice - hard work for the uninitiated but we had a lot of laughs too .. George's teaching style is based on his own experience which I personally always benefit from What most enthused me is that I discovered that I too could have the talent if I was prepared to listen and apply what I heard"

Carole H reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"My second visit in May was focused on making a fine silver mount for a peridot stone (for later fixing to my ongoing project). It was a fresh challenge and a very intricate task of shaping and soldering, requiring accurate measuring and repeated checking to get a good fit. Now I am ready for the next stage of my project. Lucy has kindly given me the names of some wonderful suppliers of cords and silk threads. She has acquired for me stones and fine-guage sanding paper. She even gave me salts for a soak for my bruised foot! Thank you Lucy for your kind support."

Mathieu reviewed: Make a spindle-back chair

"It was a wonderful experience to learn how to make a chair with a few branches of ash, some hand tools, my own hands and Peter's guidance. For me green wood work was new and I feel I made a great discovery; It suspended the time for 5 days, opening a place for letting go. Peter's way of teaching is in harmony with this idea of letting go: pressureless, enjoyable and safe! ... Going with the grain. Thank you Peter."

Sharon Gibson reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"What fabulous day! Caroline’s enthusiasm is infectious and her teaching style puts you totally at ease. Her home is a treasure trove of her own work and collections and is and inspiring place to work. I was amazed at what we all produced and I will definitely be going back for more marvellous mosaic makery. Thanks Caroline."

RahatAboobaker reviewed: Non-residential 2-day patchwork & quilting workshops in Watford with Green Man Quilts

"Thoroughly enjoyed the two day course supported by Sheena's patience and inspiration."

Karen Barlow reviewed: Candle making with afternoon tea

"What a fabulous workshop. Tracy was an excellent tutor, very informative and friendly. I came away on such a high I wanted to do my review straight away! Also came away with two lovely candles and lots of melts. Afternoon tea was a treat too. Thank you Tracy and I wish you all the very best with your ventures. Karen"

Heidi and family reviewed: Beginners 2 sterling silver stacking rings Jewellery course

"We (mum dad and daughter) had a wonderful day making stacking rings with Sarah. It was for our daughter's birthday and was a great success. Sarah was very relaxed and helpful letting us make it our own work and at the same time giving us enough help to make sure we had a finished product that we were happy with. Myself and my daughter get to wear the rings and love them,. We found it was an activity that was enjoyed equally by us all - Great for men and women and any adult age. Sarah and her husband also looked after us so well through out the day with refreshments and a really thoughtful touch with a home made birthday cake!"

Ann reviewed: A complete introduction to wet felting

"Excellent course run by the lovely Olga, what a knowledgable lady! As a beginner in wet felting I had researched courses and decided to go with Olga as the photographs of what is achievable far exceeded my beginners expectations. Olga's knowledge of wet felting, and her patience with all my questions made for a really great day. I came away with more than I had anticipated, and will be able to begin exploring the many ways to use the fabric I can hopefully produce. Many thanks to Olga and her husband Michael for making me feel welcomed."

Lynette Williams reviewed: Try Enamel workshop - suitable for all abilities

"Teresa is a fabulous teacher loved my day Enamelling. Thank you"

Janie Scott reviewed: Fused glass day course - beginners/intermediate

"I had a brilliant day in the workshop at Creative Glass Fusion. The setting is lovely being in the peaceful Berkshire countryside yet close to Theale and M4 etc. The craft day was given to me as a present, the perfect type of gift for me! Nicky showed us examples and also gave us pictures to look at to get our ideas started and then just let us go with them. Her tuition, help and guidance was pitched at just the right level, allowing us all to go with the flow of our chosen projects for the day. The choices of glass materials was extensive. We were shown and encouraged to use a few techniques to achieve what we wanted. I made a square, curved plate that has pride of place on my coffee table, along with two pretty coasters that I had thought of giving away as gifts..! I had a lovely day and would thoroughly recommend it."