Latest reviews

Sandra Ashworth reviewed: Linocut printing - botanical and Natural forms in full colour with Laura Sowerby

"Loved this course, Laura was great and very informative. I spent the day with a lovely group of ladies too👍."

Laura Sowerby Prints Cumbria responded:

"Sandra , I really enjoyed meeting you and I’m so glad you aced it after years of curiosity 🤛 "

Jo J reviewed: Relaxed introduction to soft pastels. Includes £55 worth of unison pastels to take home

"Heather very supportive of a complete novice, the studio is a great environment, close to the canal with all its comings and goings. My friend and I were encouraged to use our creativity to great effect and we had a great day and lovely picture. Heather so helpful and supportive and put us at our ease. It wasn't just the painting, she had booked a table for lunch at the pub and actually took us there. She went more than the extra mile. A lady of great generosity with both her skill and time. We had a thoroughly enjoyable session thank you"

Dawn Corrigan reviewed: Willow weaving with Pippa Tee - Taster sessions

"I had a fabulous morning with Pippa on the Willow weaving taster course. She is very friendly and welcoming and I really enjoyed making my creations with her excellent tuition. The surroundings are amazing and very relaxing and I would highly recommend her courses and her fabulous cakes and biscuits."

Pippas plants responded:

"Thankyou Dawn! Thoroughly enjoyed our chats while we worked - and meeting the very pretty Perdy !"

Elaine Lynn reviewed: The First Cut - lino cutting for beginners & rusty printmakers

"A great introduction to lino cut printing in wonderful surroundings. Lots of equipment to work with and plenty of individual attention. The last part of the day is about experimenting with colour to produce a number of print variations to take away. A full on day in a lovely relaxed atmosphere. "

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Elaine, Thanks for letting me know about your day at the studio - it’s really appreciated. It was lovely to meet and work with you, seeing your ideas and understanding of the process develop. There’s lots of potential with your design, so I hope you have time to translate it into a 2 colour print. And then you can try printing onto fabric. Best wishes & happy printing. Liz Wellby"

Susan reviewed: Table Loom Weaving Workshop - Dobby & Rose

"Had a very enjoyable and relaxing morning in Rebecca’s lovely studio learning the basics of weaving on a 8 shaft table loom. Rebecca was very patient, encouraging and knowledgeable, and although the course was only 3 hours long we seemed to cover a lot of ground, learning about the whole process and weaving a sample piece in a variety of weave structures. Nice coffee and biscuits too! I would highly recommend this course."

Nell Lee reviewed: Ecoprinting- Exploring the Magic and the Alchemy

"We had a lovely day out in the lovely surroundings of the Reading Rooms. Fiona was a kind and careful faciliator who was keen for us each to make progress. An excellent gift to myself and my friend. We've come away very happy with our creations and with a few new skills. Thank you. "

Earthwise Ecoprints responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Nell. It was such a pleasure teaching you and the fabulous group on Sunday. I am so pleased you enjoyed the day and the magical process of Ecoprinting. Warning - it’s very addictive!!! "

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

"Marianne was a good teacher, explaining everything in a clear and enthusiastic way. It was a fun and educational day, both my wife and I came away with baskets we are proud of. We both recommend the course."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you very much for your 5-star review, Peter! I felt so flattered to hear that you planned your holiday in England around my Crafty Basketry course in Tenterden and not the other way around! You each made a great, sturdy basket to last you a lifetime. I hope you will have lots of fun, doing many more amazing craft courses in the future, now that you're both retired. Have fun and live life to the full!"

Hetty reviewed: Spoon Carving with Rosie Mockford

"A very enjoyable day in surprisingly charming venue. Clear and helpful teaching in a very encouraging atmosphere. Also a very productive day that was well planned. A great experience for beginners into the world of the wood people. Rosie was a sensitive, caring teacher with a special ability to instruct a mixed group and everyone managed to create a characterful wooden utensil. Thanks"

Tree to Treen responded:

"Thanks so much Hetty, what a lovely review. Glad you had an enjoyable day!"

Dave Barrett reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I had a great time! Learnt loads. Warm and friendly atmosphere with lots of help and support. Great blacksmithing, great food and great fun"

Alice Graddon reviewed: Woodland Blacksmithing and Bushcraft Course

"I recently had the pleasure of attending a unique experience day that combined blacksmithing and bushcraft, nestled in a scenic woodland setting. Under the shelter of a rustic forge, our instructor Billy introduced us to the basics of blacksmithing. Despite the initial challenge, Billy’s expert guidance and fun approach made the complex techniques accessible and enjoyable. We crafted our own steel tools, which felt incredibly rewarding. The day continued with bushcraft fire making with Alex, who expertly demonstrated various traditional and innovative techniques, from flint and steel, solar, friction and chemical methods, and the different fire types. The highlight was undoubtedly using flint and the steel we had made earlier at the forge to spark fires, over which we boiled kettles for a well-deserved tea! This experience was not just about learning new skills but also about connecting with traditional crafts in a hands-on, immersive environment and I would highly recommend it. We will be returning for another course in the future! "

Bill's Workshop responded:

"Hey Alice, I’m so glad all of you had such a great time and we’re really able to grasp the skills we went through so well and had so many laughs while we did! That is a lovely review, again I’m so chuffed you enjoyed your woodland Blacksmithing course and I can’t wait to see you again on another one ! All the best -Billy "

Tanya C reviewed: One-to-One Fused Glass Course

"Just a fantastic day from start to finish. Clear directions to get there, excellent communication and a warm welcome. Everything was carefully explained. Fun, informative and lovely food also. The perfect course and the perfect day. I cannot recommend highly enough. I am already booking my next course "

Pink House Glass responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Tanya :) I really enjoyed spending the day with you and sharing the wonderful world of glass fusing. I look forward to your next visit and exploring more ideas and processes."

Luci reviewed: Beginners Silver Jewellery Course

"Brilliant day with Mark making silver jewellery in his workshop. Loads of ideas for pieces and excellent range of machines and tools to help make them. Thank you so much Luci and Alex "

Gwen reviewed: Half day leather accessories workshop

"Vajira was excellent and patient as this was our first venture into working with leather. Clear instructions on the day which allowed us to make a purse and a case for glasses. Thanks for your patience 😌"

Paul Allen reviewed: Hanging planter workshop using the technique of steam bending wood

"A great course! Their stylish workshop made the perfect environment to learn about steam bending. This delightful couple shared their knowledge and expertise with us and confidently guided us through the process answering all our questions along the way. I could tell a lot of thought had gone into designing this planter and creating the course so that anyone could make it. I can't believe we all walked away with such beautiful and individual planters."

LayerTree responded:

"Thanks for your kind feedback Paul. We really enjoy putting these courses together and so it's wonderful to hear what a great time you had."

Val Thorman reviewed: Beginner's Modern Upholstery Workshop

"I attended this excellent workshop on 13th April and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was my first time tackling upholstery and Kim, our tutor, explained the tools and process in a very patient and friendly way. She was able to give each member of the class the time they needed for their individual projects as the number of participants was deliberately kept to a maximum of 4 . Each of us completed our projects completely or to a place where we could finish at home. I can’t recommend this workshop highly enough! "

Jennifer Wright reviewed: Tray making workshop using the technique of steam bending wood

"What an inspiring day learning about steam bending wood and having a go myself! It was a cleverly designed and planned course so that everyone, even those with little or no woodworking experience were able to make a high quality tray. Brought home a bag bursting with steam bent pieces and had a wonderful day out. Highly recommend!"

LayerTree responded:

"We are thrilled to hear what a great time you had at the weekend Jennifer. Your finished tray was just beautiful! Hope to see you again soon."

Julia reviewed: Small needle felted animals or pictures

"A great way to spend a morning. Barbara is very patient and helpful as I was a newbie to felting. Nothing was too much trouble, and it was a lovely relaxing thing to do. Plus there was plenty of tea and cake which always helps!"

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"I'm happy that you enjoyed your experience. Your mouse was absolutely gorgeous and chunky lol next project, maybe a chunky hare lol "

Jane Brearley reviewed: Beautiful Bookbinding

"Thank you Fiona for a wonderful day of bookbinding. I was absolutely thrilled with what I produced and couldn’t believe how much I was able to achieve in one day; all thanks to your expert tutoring, encouragement and patience. It was great fun to learn a range of traditional skills (some of which were nicely challenging and definitely rewarding) using such lovely materials. You provided a truly welcoming and friendly environment. Hugely satisfying and certainly inspiring!"

Earthwise Ecoprints responded:

"Thank you for your fabulous review Jane. It was so lovely to see you and teach such a brilliant group. Hope you are pleased with your fabulous prints."

Jo reviewed: Wirework Rings Workshop with Hand Crafted Jewellery by Jo

"My friend and I did Jo's wire rings class last weekend and loved it! She was so good at explaining what to do and patient when I kept forgetting. As well as having an amazing array of beads and styles to choose from! 100% wound recommend and amazing value for money as well! "

Handcrafted Jewellery by Jo responded:

"Thank you for the review Jo, I'm pleased you both enjoyed it. Hopefully see you on a workshop soon. Xxx "

Soo Dixon reviewed: Woodwork Beginners workshop

"I arrived feeling inadequate and left feeling like a million dollars. Sue has a lovely way of teaching which helps you understand what you are doing in the long term. The whole day was so very pleasant and Sue also provided a wonderful lunch. Would highly recommend this course. Thank you Sue. "

Tuffett responded:

"Thank you Soo. We had a great day and you should be proud of your work. Lots of hard work and fun too. Hope to see you again one day. Sue"

Lydia Hunter reviewed: Tiffany stained glass wild flowers workshop

"Fabulous instructors and tuition, friendly and informative! Thank you for teaching me the skills to create my own glass work. "

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the review, I look forward to seeing you again for another course in September."

Kat Dixon reviewed: Seaglass jewellery workshop at Sea & Solder, Dorset.

"Jules is exceedingly knowledgeable and so happy to help far less talented people make beautiful things. Had a lovely day in her workshop making a seaglass ring of which I am very proud."

Wendy reviewed: Ecoprinting with Bookbinding with Earthwise Ecoprints

"Had a brilliant day and learned lots, thank you"

Earthwise Ecoprints responded:

"Thank you Wendy. It was so lovely to meet you and teach such a super group on Saturday. Your books were fabulous."

Amy reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"I cannot recommend this course enough- to say it was perfect is an understatement. Lynne is not only extremely experienced, she is also incredibly hospitable. Lynne was very accommodating to the ideas I had in mind, and encouraged creativity with fantastic guidance to what was actually possible. Her leather options were beautiful, and she had a perfect array of lovely buttons, thread and elastic. Lynne is an absolute gem, and I hope more people discover this course! Thank you so much for your time Lynne, I couldn’t be more happy!"

Lynne Friel responded:

"Hi Amy, thank you so much for your very kind review. I loved the way you incorporated the collar of an old leather coat into the wraparound cover. I'm sure you'll be keeping your eyes open for discarded leather that you can recycle, the back and sides of worn out leather settees are a good source. It was a pleasure meeting you and your mother - what a thoughtful present. I hope I may see you both in the future and if you get stuck on anything do get in touch. Best wishes, Lynne"

RC reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"A really enjoyable course. Really informative for a complete novice like me, and I came away with lots of ideas for future projects. I will soon have all of the equipment I need to continue with my new hobby. Thanks to Judith for her friendly and easy to follow instructions and for her encouragement throughout the day."