Latest reviews

Hazel reviewed: Paint The Tree of YOUR Life art & personal development

"Fabulous. Adored every minute. Learnt such a lot about myself. Boosted my confidence. Made some massive life changes because of it. Changed job. Starting singing lessons. Learnt how to ‘ let go and say No’ I found Kassi’s way of being, warm nurturing and inspiring. If you’re looking for answers and confidence or even just fun! Look no further. I also have a lovely tree ? painting which I have proudly hung on my wall. I had never painted before this tree of life course and never thought of myself as creative. Kassi introduced me to creative me. Love it. Will definitely be back for more."

Dawn Vickers reviewed: Mosaic day workshop on Orkney

"I would highly recommend Catherine's 1 day mosaic workshop to anyone wanting to have a go but feeling a bit nervous. As a beginner, Catherine made me feel really welcome and relaxed, providing the right pace for everyone in the group whatever their ability. She had vast array of materials for us to work with and we all had a fun, fabulous, creative day! I will be coming back for more!"

Roy Ingamells reviewed: Whittling course

"Saturday 31st of March. A significant day in my life!!! I attended a whittling course with Martin Damen; if you want to whittle he's your man. Inspired instruction, your every action is observed, monitored, and corrected as needed to achieve your personal skill. No matter what your level of competence now, at the end of the day you will be inspired to pick up a knife and WHITTLE!! The lunch is good too."

Lucy Burrows reviewed: Paper Making - Hand Made Recycled Paper

"A really good and informative course. Well taught and easy to understand. I loved that it was messy and we were given equipment to take away to continue paper making at home."

Donna reviewed: Paint The Tree of YOUR Life art & personal development

"Absolutely loved doing this course - learned so much about myself, had a lot of fun, kick-started my creativity and have a gorgeous painting to show for it :)"

Keith reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day

"Excellent course, very enjoyable. Les is very patient and a skilled instructor, even managing to coach me to turn a bowl I am really proud of. I would highly recommend this course to anyone wanting a start in the art of wood turning."

Jane reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Brilliant day with Alex, Birthday present from my husband. So pleased with the final piece for the garden. Really want to make some more, just need a forge!"

Anna & lisa Wright reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"This was a birthday gift for me and my sister. What a great day we had. Didn't expect to come home with our master pieces, so pleased with them. Kate is very talented and very patient. Help on hand when needed. Stopped for a lovely lunch which was also provided. Would definitely recommend this day to all. Thank you"

Margaret Wildridge reviewed: Fabulous felt picture 2 day masterclass near York

"This was the second course I have done with Bridget and learned even more techniques than before. The course is well organized and over 2 days provides enough time to complete a picture. I would recommend it to all budding felters."

Hannah Robins reviewed: Stained Glass Workshop

"I really enjoyed the course with Jamie. I have wanted to try Stained Glass for ages and I was not disappointed. Jamie is great at enthusing the group with his passion for glass and inspiring you to understand the different methods that go into making various windows and objects. The course is creative, but technical too. Jamie explained it all really clearly, whilst making sure he went around to see everyone individually. I now feel that I have a really solid understanding of the whole process and a beautiful stained glass panel of my own as well! A highly recommended course!"

Nikki Connett reviewed: A General Leatherwork Skill Day

"Just finished my day course and it was amazing!! Such good value for money as it’s a personalised 1 to 1 session and Nigel focused it around my project for making a dog collar! I left today with so many new skills, and considering I am a complete beginner, I have the confidence to know I am off to a good start! I left with a completed (pretty good first attempt) dog collar which I am very proud of!! Thank you so very much, you are a great teacher!! I will get practicing and book another course soon :)"

Martin Stevens reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Well what can I say, once you have been to see George you have to go back again and again! He is such a good teacher, very patient and such a laugh we had a great time. and the bonus was the hospitality from his wife and the home cooking was to die for. All in all it was a no brainer in going back. Thank you George for such a great day looking forward to my next visit. Martin"

Beth Evans-Gay reviewed: Pottery throwing workshop Saturdays or Sundays

"I brought two spaces on this course as a present for my dad and I to do together. Such a lovely location. We had a really great day and would highly recommend."

Pam reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"This is a wonderful workshop. Amanda puts you at ease immediately with her warm welcome and delicious goodies. She exudes a passion and enthusiasm for her craft which is infectious. Her joyfully mischievous sense of humour generates a lovely atmosphere. Through her thoughtful well planned teaching methods she enables you to be well informed, safe and creative; resulting in the accomplishment of finished pieces. I was happily amazed. On top of this you have a scrumptious lunch. All of which makes you want to return asap!"

Val Rosbrook reviewed: Stone Carving (relief & 3D) sculpture for Beginners/Ints. - 3D- with Simon Keeley: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Really enjoyed the 3D Stone carving course; sitting around the kitchen table on the Friday night making our clay maquettes was an easygoing way to introduce ourselves and our ideas and I surprised myself with the end result. Well worth coming with some clear ideas about what you want to produce. Tuition throughout was friendly and informative; as we had all chosen different projects we had the chance to see lots of different techniques at different stages across the remaining 3 days. At times it was hard to think that my inner cockerel would ever emerge from my block of stone but he did; whilst not completely finished as I was a little overambitious I had enjoyed it enough to go on to buy my own tools on returning home and take my time to refine. It was amazing to see the progress across the whole group and the quality of what we had produced in so little time. The course has given me confidence to complete another couple of projects on my own and this year I've had a go at lettering. Thank you Simon and of course I can't finish without thanking Annie and her team for the food and hospitality."

Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns responded:

"Dear Val Many thanks for submitting feedback about your Quirky course, we appreciate the time and effort this involves. Hopefully, we will see you on another occasion at Greystoke... with best wishes Annie & co x"

K Babbage reviewed: Fisherton Mill in Salisbury - Claire Demetri Glass Fusing Workshops

"Relaxed, informative and fun workshop, and we're both really pleased with what we produced. Would definitely recommend this workshop. Thanks Claire."

Ria reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"Such a wonderful weekend! Not only did I create a beautiful bag but Jason and Louise were excellent tutors and kind hosts, it was a pleasure to spend time in their beautiful workshop and I finished the two day course feeling as though I have genuinely gained skills that I will use for years to come. The biggest thanks!"

Suzie reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"I enjoyed a great one day workshop with Rosanna on Saturday. It was a very relaxed and enjoyable way to spend a day and productive too! I made 5 items and didn’t ever feel rushed or under pressure. It’s amazing what you can achieve with a great teacher. I’d highly recommend Rosanna’s courses."

Lucy reviewed: Natural Perfumery

"This was something I had wanted to do for a while and it did not disappoint. I came away with two perfumes that I like very much. Really enjoyed creating the different accords of scents that appealed to me; then learning how to blend and adjust them to create my final unique perfume. The banana cake was really a winner with us all, too."

Carol Taylor reviewed: Three day course in upholstery and soft furnishings

"We attended a one day course, luckily just the two of us and Angie which meant we got almost 1 to 1 attention. Excellent course - very friendly, Angie gave us the attention we needed and not any more than that, let us get on with things she felt we could do. Interspersed talking to us about our own projects with insights into Upholstery, history, good examples of what others were doing. Tea and coffee and cakes on tap. We didn’t stop for lunch we were enjoying ourselves far too much. Angie really is a very good teacher. And we had a fun time!"

Gilliam Marshall reviewed: One person - Full day 6 hours sculpture/soldering brazing wire forming course, specialising in insects, fairies

"I loved my day of soldering with my sister. Roger was very patient and gave just the right amount of help to ensure we learnt the correct techniques but still came away with a good start to our project. This is a skill that does take some time to learn and we may have to come back for another lesson if we get stuck later, but a very fun day. Thanks!"

Adele reviewed: Candle making workshops

"We had such a lovely day making candles with Angharad. She made us feel instantly at home with her warm hospitality, and we made a fantastic range of different candles. We learnt about the different types of wax, wicks, scents and dyes and came home with a fabulous box of creations! Angharad is knowledgeable and patient, and I would highly recommend this course."

Katrine reviewed: Wildlife illustration in watercolours (and optional gouache) with Simon Williams SBA ~ a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"I have attended 2 of Simon's courses, both of which were wonderful. Simon is not only a gifted artist but an excellent teacher, giving lots of help and encouragement. He will provide assistance to all ability ranges, from the novice to accomplished artists. His manner is relaxed and informal - nothing intimidating about this young man - you never feel your efforts are unappreciated. Whatever your experience of art and watercolour you will learn new skills to take away with you which will stand you in good stead for future painting. The location is lovely and the food fantastic. I feel it is excellent value for money and a wonderful boost to anyone wanting to improve their watercolour painting. Loved every minute!!!!!"

Lesley K reviewed: Artisan bread making day: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Excellent atmosphere. Very clear instructions. Lovely variation of different breads. The lunch was delicious and everybody was very friendly. Liked working around the large table. Will recommend."

Ruth A reviewed: Artisan bread making day: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Fantastic workshop, great to try and bake a variety of breads. I now have more confidence to experiment at home. Lovely relaxed atmosphere and a great group of people together with a very experienced tutor."