Latest reviews

Heather Lucey reviewed: Adult Abstract Painting full day workshop

"A relaxed creative day. I came away with 7 paintings one on a proper canvas which is already hanging in my kitchen. Short bits of info and demonstrations from Jack with plenty of time for doing. Jack gave helpful suggestions to each of us individually to take our creations to the next step. Lovely to work on big surfaces with lots of freedom to explore with no need to think about mistakes or right/wrong. We worked in quick drying acrylics so we could layer up our masterpieces quickly. A fun day. "

Paula Sindall reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Cheadle

"My sister and I attended the upholstery course. It was a small group and Jo created a warm, relaxed atmosphere which meant that we had a good opportunity to chat and get to know the others who were attending. Jo was very knowledgeable about her subject, gave lots of advice and guidance, and had lots of helpful tips based on her own experience to share. I came away from the workshop having had a really enjoyable day and feeling as if I had gained skills which I could use to undertake my own upholstery project, which is great! I love my new footstool 😊. The homemade cakes were an added bonus, thanks Jo’s mum! All in all a wonderful day which scratched my creative itch and gave me some new skills. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend and would definitely attend some of Jo’s other workshops."

The Boho Shed responded:

"It was great to meet you both Paula. Thank you so much for your lovely recommendation. I love it when a group enjoys each other's company and I had a great day too with you all. :-) I'm delighted you love your stool, it's gorgeous. I will pass your kind comments on to Mum the baker, thank you. Hope to see you again soon. x"

Lindsey reviewed: Children's Craft Classes - Half Term & Holiday Sessions

"My daughter always has such a lovely time at these craft courses and it’s something to look forward to doing during the holiday. She always comes out with beautiful things she has made "

Sally reviewed: Fused Glass Lanterns with Crafts in the Valley

"Four of us attended Melanie's course on glass painting - for a lantern. We also made two pieces of jewellery. We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon. Melanie was a wonderful host and explained the process very clearly. She offered help when needed and created a lovely atmosphere for a relaxing time. The cakes and tea were delicious too. We would highly recommend this course.... it was great fun. Thank you Melanie."

Wendy Harman reviewed: Essentials Lino printing craft kit with step by step guides, lino, ink & roller. Everything you need to get printing.

"Yes I received this the other day, looking forward to having ago in which I will do after Easter. Always what to do this as it was a very long time I had ago. I love the box in which everything came in to do it, the guide will be very helpful too."

Submerge Art responded:

"Thanks for the lovely review Wendy! Good luck using your kit and I hope you really like printmaking and feel confident using the kit. All the best, Hannah (Submerge Art) "

Amanda reviewed: Woodcarving weekend with experienced teacher, all levels of experience welcome

"A very relaxed and informative refresher in relief woodcarving with some welcome reminders on health and safety whilst carving. Thankyou Almut"

Kai reviewed: Make a Mosaic, for beginners

"I've been knitting, sewing, making toys for most of my life. Then... I suddenly needed a special gift for a special occasion. I wanted it to be something I have never done before to surprise everybody, including myself. I always liked mosaics so I thought it's time to make one myself. I needed a teacher, tools and materials to my idea come true. I found it all in Tracey's studio. A lovely encouraging teacher, inspiring environment and huge amount of colourful materials to start my new journey. Thank you Tracey for a day well spent in your cosy studio. My apple tree is growing well...in every sense."

Susan Southey reviewed: Willow Hedgehog workshop with Dovecote Willow

"Loved making my hedgehog. Vicky was so friendly and helpful, and the whole group were relaxed and happy. Would thoroughly recommend and will look out for other craft courses. "

Dovecote Willow responded:

"Thank you Susan, it was a pleasure teaching you, hope to see you again xx"

Vanessa Williams reviewed: Peg loom weaving a seat pad

"I had a wonderful day making a seat pad with wool from Hayley’s sheep. I felt relaxed and unhurried and the day slipped by. Hayley is a great teacher and puts you at ease. A delicious lunch plus plenty of tea and Welsh cakes kept us going! Her smallholding has many animals and we had a tour across the field to see the new born lambs. Hayley is exceptionally friendly and welcoming and I would recommend this course wholeheartedly, not least to come away with a seat pad but to be in such a lovely location. "

Smallholding Secrets responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to write this lovely review. It was a pleasure to spend the day with you. So pleased to hear you found it relaxing. Enjoy your seat pad! "

Pam Johnson reviewed: Awaken Creativity - discovering or recovering your artist self. Art in Suffolk

"Excellent way to free up creativity. A playful and enjoyable day with underlying seriousness. A day of discovery. Highly recommend "

Jane Beaumont Art responded:

"Thanks Pam....I’m so pleased you enjoyed the day. I did too. "

Gillian Lowder reviewed: Chicken wire sculpture workshop with Lynne Littler Sculpture

"We had the most wonderful day with Lynne who is a fantastic tutor and incredible artist. My 2 friends made wonderful creations - A Heron and a Pheasant and I made a Rooster. We absolutely love them all! Delighted that they all look so real! Thank you Lynne for being so patient, encouraging and fun. It was a real treat and I recommend anyone to have a go. I am going to try to make a small Robin to keep my Rooster company. Thanks again Lynne Gillx"

Lynne and Barry ztindall reviewed: Upholstery workshop afternoons - bring your own project

"Very enjoyable afternoon and we learnt a lot. We can now go on and recover the rest of our dining chairs with more confidence. Thank you Jody and Graham. I'm keen to move on to something more ambitious now. "

Angela reviewed: Creative Stitch and Mend

"What a lovely way to spend a morning. Lisa is so knowledgeable, patient and supportive. Loved learning how to darn properly and to patch using the decorative Japanese method. Would definitely recommend this course."

Black Swans Studio responded:

"Hi Angela, Thank you for your lovely review. I'm glad you both enjoyed the workshop, it's so good to be able to escape the hurley burley of everyday life for a little while and spend some quiet time making. Keep mending! Best wishes and hope to see you again, Lisa"

Claire Peters reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Fantastic day in a beautiful location. Elaine was charming and knowledgable and created a relaxed, comfortable learning environment. Having attempted spinning alone I was lost but have come away with enough to start flying with my flyer (pardon the pun!) Can't reccomend this course enough and will be raving about it to anyone who will listen. Elaine has experience teaching a wide range of students and was the perfect instructor, I can't thank her enough! I was able to bring my own wheel and was given excellent advice in setting it up and running it smoothly. Many thanks!"

Cartmel Handspun Spinning School responded:

"Thank you Claire. It was a pleasure to work with you. All the very best as you go forward to work in the field of textile arts and education. Keep spinning!! Elaine"

Jackie Palmer reviewed: Woodcarving Tuition in Cornwall

"Very enjoyable day and Zoe is an excellent teacher. Sadly I didn't have time to finish my piece in one day but I learnt the skills to enable me to complete it at home (hopefully!). Thoroughly recommend this course."

Chris.T reviewed: Full day Floral illustration workshop: Global Blooming with Clare Curran

"Floral Illustration 'Global Blooming' was an excellent workshop for someone like me who didn't believe I had an artistic bone in my body after teacher at school made that very clear to me many years ago. This was a wonderfully mindful session in a supportive environment, which eroded that long held belief. Clare Curran's enthusiasm for the topic was not only encouraging but a delight to be part of. Thank you. Would definitely recommend."

Charles reviewed: 2 day knife/axe making courses

"My brother and I had a cracking time making a pair of Damascus knives with Gary and Joseph. All out fun from start to finish and have ended up with two lovely knives which wouldn't have had a hope in hell of making without them. Their patience, guidance and knowledge was invaluable and would 100% recommend to anyone thinking of giving it a go."

Monica reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"Went with my partner and we both had a great day together. It's a fab introduction workshop and I thoroughly recommend giving it a try. We learnt a lot from Robert, from thinking about reading the wood you have to the most efficient way to hold and manipulate the axe and knives. Every spoon is different and the two spoons we carved are as different as can be, but carved from the same piece of wood which was a sweet touch. Can't wait to have another go, we might be hooked. Robert's given a lot of info on different tools so we'll be carving away at home in no time."

Malcolm Mcmahon reviewed: Mig Welding For Beginners Introductory Day Course.

"5 stars. I really enjoyed the course with Tony. He was friendly, helpful and encouraging. My main aim was to learn the basics of MIG welding and come away feeling confident about welding on my own, with Tonys help I feel I achieved that."

Newport Wrought Ironwork responded:

"Thank you Malcolm , I really appreciate your review. If you require any further help or advice please feel free to contact me. Regards Tony."

Sam Body reviewed: Blacksmithing experience day

"This was a birthday/Christmas present. I'm an A-level design student and really wanted to experience blacksmithing. I had a fantastic day. Arian was a great teacher - welcoming, friendly, patient and funny. There was a great atmosphere all day and I was really pleased with the items I made. Would love to do it again! Thank you, Arian 😊"

Tom Gledhill reviewed: Stool Making in the Woods - Beginner Green Woodworking course

"Really friendly and welcoming. Great project, well taught. I had a fantastic weekend."

Grown and Made Woodcraft responded:

"Thanks Tom, it was so great to meet you and I’m pleased you had a good time! "

Amber reviewed: Make a leather dog collar or lead with Cazzy, a qualified saddler

"Absolutely fantastic time making a collar for our spaniel. Cazzy was so so welcoming and knowledgeable! Really recommend to anyone considering this! I will definitely be back :) "

Barbara Barrett reviewed: Still Life Monoprint

"It was a truly lovely experience. April was very welcoming. She explained what to expect from the workshop. I was taken through different techniques and tools to use. It was very relaxed. I was able to produce numerous prints at different stages. I enjoyed using the press. I highly recommend this course. Since attending tge course I have made some prints at home. "

Katy Hinkley reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"An amazing day! With Jo’s guidance we all left with very realistic hares. All were individually different. It was a well structured day set in Jo’s beautiful garden. I am part way through my kit I brought home. Can’t recommend this enough "

Lauren reviewed: Family Drawing: Learn to Draw a Face COTTINGHAM

"Holly was great. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed the class and is looking for to doing more. It was great that cost of the class was low, as it gave we could have the opportunity to book as some classes cost much more."