Latest reviews

Donna Young reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden, Kent

"I recently completed a one day basket weaving course with Marianne at the Cow Shed in Tenterden. I have to say, it was a full on day but so enjoyable! Basket weaving is quite hard work but Marianne was so friendly, patient and encouraging that I managed to keep going, and produce a basket that I was very proud of for my first attempt. Thank you Marianne for sharing your fantastic skills and for being such a wonderful teacher. I certainly would like to come back to try making something else as it's so satisfying when you finally achieve the finished object. "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your review! It was a pleasure to show you all the ins and outs, Donna. I'm living the life, teaching people like you; so enthusiastic and eager to learn. Basket weaving is one of the more difficult projects, as it's a long process and it's quite particular, as the tensions need to be right to hold things and be strong. I think you may like the process of weaving a lampshade or plant support, as it's more playful. Lampshades can be made as an artform and won't need to be strong. You already know the main techniques, so it should be an enjoyable challenge. Look forward to working with you again soon."

Karen Roach reviewed: Willow Chicken , Heron or Flying Owl Sculpture The David Hall

"Jo, has a warm welcoming manner and is very accommodating of everybody's needs. She is clearly a very experienced crafts woman, so is able to work willow expertly and consequently she can solve any problems the leaners have when making. She leads the course at pace through the day and it's a busy day that is fun and completely absorbing, but still with time for a cuppa and a laugh. If you are a novice or expert , you will come away with a sculpture to be proud of"

Jo Sadler at Forged n Willow responded:

"Thank you so much, Karen, that's very kind. It was a good day of making and super sculptures!!"

Wendy Bond reviewed: Wet Felting Bowl Workshop

"I really enjoyed making my very first Felt Bowl at Rachel’s Workshop. I’d never made felt before and wasn’t sure if I could do it, but Rachel guided me through the process and I was thrilled with my Bowl! It was a relaxing day and I really enjoyed learning a new skill. Rachel’s instructions were clear and help was at hand when I needed it. I would recommend this felt course. I definitely enjoyed it!"

Rachel Morley Feltmaker and Fine Artist responded:

"Hi Wendy, I’m so pleased you enjoyed the Bowl Workshop. Your Bowl was wonderful! It was a pleasure teaching you and I hope it has inspired you to continue felting. I look forward to welcoming you at another workshop soon, and thanks for coming along! Very best wishes, Rachel Morley "

Sarah reviewed: Lantern Making with Fused Glass

"My son and I really enjoyed this session. We felt supported to create our own designs in a relaxed atmosphere. We chatted throughout and at no point felt under any time pressure. Great experience, would definitely recommend!"

Pam reviewed: Sip and make-Beginners Earring making workshop

"Lovely morning making earrings"

Creative Path Crafts responded:

"Hi Pam, Really pleased you all enjoyed it, you know where we are if you would like to come again or ask any advice. Diane x"

Janet Fearn reviewed: Furniture Painting Workshop (Levels 1&2 techniques covered) in Cheadle Gr Manchester

"Very comprehensive course with lots of information about products and techniques which was backed up with take away notes which was brilliant as I could concentrate on what Jo was saying rather than be scribbling away making my own notes. Jo kept the day flowing at a comfortable pace and once we started painting our own pieces moved evenly through the group offering guidance and advice whilst allowing for individual creativity. I was extremely pleased with the small table I painted, it looks fabulous! The Cheadle venue is in a lovely tucked away quaint location with plenty of free parking. The home baked treats were a delicious bonus :)"

The Boho Shed responded:

"What a lovely review Janet, thank you so much. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the day. You made such a gorgeous job of your table, I loved it! I hope you enjoy your new found hobby and I'm sure you will create some amazing pieces ongoing. x"

Roger Gorrod reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I did the 1-2-1 one day introduction to woodturning course in April 2024. This is a great day in which a lot is learnt in a very easy-going, friendly, relaxed style with Simon as the tutor. It's great fun and you even end up with something to show for your efforts. The workshop location is easy to find, spacious, with good parking and a lovely lunch is provided. It truly is a great way to gain an introduction to woodturning, I'd thoroughly recommend it."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Roger, Thanks for a lovely review. Do get in touch if you need any further help or guidance. -- Simon"

Martin C reviewed: Tiffany stained glass wild flowers workshop

"I had a really good enjoyable day. My first time working with stained glass. The workshop was a Birthday present. Kate is friendly and welcoming. She was brilliant demonstrating each skill as we progressed through the day. She was happy to go over the techniques again ensuring we understood each stage and spent time with us individually providing encouragement and advice. I even managed to produce 4 bits of work which I was really pleased with. Booked in for another course in a couple of months."

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review. We look forward to seeing you again in a couple of months."

Janet reviewed: Furniture Painting Workshop (Levels 1&2 techniques covered) in Cheadle Gr Manchester

"Really enjoyed this course with Jo. Learnt lots of new techniques and am really happy with my little mirror. And of course, loved the cakes :)"

The Boho Shed responded:

"I'm so pleased you enjoyed the workshop Janet, and of course Mum's cakes :-). Thank you for your lovely review. x"

Sarah reviewed: Silver Jewellery Workshop - '3 Silver Rings in a Day' - a 'Quirky Workshop' nr Ullswater & the Lake District

"First time at Quirky workshops and making silver rings. Had the best time and looked after by Annie with marvellous home baked goodies and lovely lunch. Melinda was a very patient tutor and helped where you needed it. Highly recommend taking any of the courses here, as it has a fabulous friendly vibe and some very funky chickens and gorgeously handsome Kofi. Xx"

Michael reviewed: Beginners' Stained-Glass Course, 2 days

"Good grounding to making a stained glass window which was explained in detail through each stage of construction. I was very pleased with the result and was able to take home the finished completed window. Thanks"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are very pleased you enjoyed the workshop and were able to take home a completed window! Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team. "

AndieM reviewed: Candle making workshops for beginners - St Albans, Hertfordshire

"Fantastic beginner's candle making session with Anne. She was informative and patient whilst I asked lots of questions. I really liked the size of the class too, small enough to be intimate but big enough to see what everyone else is doing and learning from all the variables from the rest of the group. "

Sarah Westcott reviewed: Saturday silver clay and cubic zirconia jewellery workshop at Ransom's Pavilion, Hitchin

"This was my second course with Tuuli and involved making pendants with gem stones. Tuuli was patient and clear with her instructions as well as encouraging our creativity. The small group size works really well and the other participants were welcoming and friendly. I would love to attend future courses. Thank you Tuuli!"

Tuuli Parker responded:

"I'm so pleased to hear this Sarah! We had a lovely afternoon didn't we 😊 Thank you for taking the time to leave feedback - it very much appreciated. Hopefully see you again soon! Kindest regards, Tuuli"

Hayley reviewed: Linocut one day workshop: one to one

"Absolutely loved this day course. I will definitely be booking more days in the future."

Annette Rolston responded:

"Thankyou Hayley It was a pleasure. Loved your print. Come back anytime and try another image using colour Regards from Annette "

Claudia reviewed: Zarzo Baskets in the Surrey Hills

"Thanks for this amazing experience! Welcoming, positive and enthusiastic host, warm atmosphere, great location surrounded by Surrey hills. The structured information really helped me to understand and replicate the process. I've discovered a lot about willow and weaving with plants!!"

Samantha reviewed: Leather Working Course

"Fantastic course! Both trainers there on the day were very knowledgeable and very generous with their time; explaining everything and helping out at various stages of the day. Absolutely love my leather notebook holder I made. Thank you!"

Jack Raven Bushcraft responded:

"Glad you enjoyed your day and are pleased with your notebook holder. Thanks for coming along."

K reviewed: One day Bag making traditional leather workshop (tote bag / side bag)

"Amazing experience, Kingsley is a good teacher and I had a great time. Incredibly happy with the bag I made while there and with what I learned."

Jorg reviewed: Log to tumbler with Gedwood

"Brilliant course. Ged did a superb job teaching us to use a shave-horse and pole-lathe to make highly finished wooden tumblers. I would recommend this course to anyone with or without woodworking skills."

Gedwood responded:

"Many thanks for your kind words Jorg. Hope to see you again on a course 😊👍"

Buffy reviewed: Building and weaving a round stool at The Quiet Workshop

"A fantastic, professionally run course where you can lose yourself doing something you love. I am super chuffed with the stool I produced. Excellent, mouth watering food was provided by Bryony. Such a great course I can't recommend it highly enough."

The Quiet Workshop responded:

"Be, what a lovely thing to read. Thank you. We’re glad you like your stool; you did a great job. Thanks for your great conversation and sense of humour. It was a pleasure to have you on a course. StJohn & Bryony"

Richard Crocker reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"Andy is a true master craftsman and incredibly knowledgeable, was very patient with my bad habits learned from being self-taught. Gave a lot of great advice and I would happily go again. An all-round great experience"

Judy Potter reviewed: Tiffany stained glass wild flowers workshop

"I really enjoyed my day making stained glass flowers. It was great to have such a variety of coloured glass to choose from, Kate explained everything so well. She is an excellent teacher. "

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review, we hope to see you again."

Nick Redshaw reviewed: Spoon Carving Taster Session

"Myself and my son attended M.C. Woodcrafts' Spoon Carving Taster Session last Saturday and had a lovely day in the woods with Mike learning how to safely use sloyd and spoon knives to carve a spoon. Mike's teaching style was very natural and easy to understand. I learned lots on this course and really enjoyed the whole experience. It doesn't matter how many YouTube videos you watch, this kind of teaching is in a different league. Thanks Mike!"

Victoria Gregory reviewed: Zarzo Baskets in the Surrey Hills

"The best course I’ve ever been on! Not only are Nicki and Brian the most wonderful, lovely, friendly and helpful people, but the craft itself is so much fun and super enjoyable! You are totally immersed in a beautiful craft, learning, being in the moment, in a special setting and at the end you are amazed with your own handy work! An amazing basket of your own! Will definitely be doing more of their courses! Thank you so much! "

Willowandyoga responded:

"Thank you Victoria. Your enthusiasm for willow shone through and it was a joy to spend the day with you at our home studio. Hope your beautifully woven Zarzo basket is much admired. "

Kim and Andrew Shorley reviewed: Experience, make and take the pen of your choice: 1-2-1 workshop

"My husband and I had a great time creating our pens. Duncan was a wonderful guide and teacher and offered us lots of choices to make our pens truly unique. They will certainly take pride of place in our working lives and on our desks. "

Duncs Wood Turning responded:

"Kim & Andrew, It was my pleasure to have you in the workshop, you both made great pen choices and they turned out (excuse the pun) well. I hope that you both enjoy using them. Duncs"

Margaret Bullock reviewed: Half day French polishing Workshop

"A really enjoyable and hugely informative experience of taking my first steps into the art of French Polishing. Robert is a master practitioner and clearly an expert in his field, yet he is able to communicate his years of knowledge and skill in a way that is easy to follow and understand for a beginner through a perfect combination of explanation, instruction and practice. With Robert’s guidance and tuition, I helped a much neglected table return to life, with its history intact and celebrated. I was so pleased with the result, I am buying the table for my home. An excellent course. Thank you. "

The Old Polishing Shop responded:

"Hi Margaret, so glad you had a fantastic experience, and you picked it up so easily. Your results speak for themself. I've put the table aside for you. Speak soon, many thanks again, Rob."