Latest reviews

Sue Flanagan reviewed: Furniture Painting Workshop (levels 1&2 techniques covered) in Preston, Lancashire

"Attended the furniture painting course taught by Jo. Absolutely loved the course & came away with a beautifully transformed piece of my Mums furniture- which my Mum absolutely loved! Bonus. Jo is so knowledgeable &’passionate about her crafting & is more than happy to answer after course questions as you continue to develop your skills after the course ends. I would highly recommend. I attended to get into something I will really enjoy to help with my mental health & this course has certainly set me on the right path. will be attending more of her courses. Thanks Jo x"

The Boho Shed responded:

"Wow Sue, what a fantastic review, thank yo so much. You were an absolute pleasure to teach and you made such a gorgeous job of your Mum's piece. I'm not surprise she loved it. I'm delighted you got so much out of the day and left feeling inspired. I look forward to seeing you again soon at the next course. Jo x"

Tracey Pryke reviewed: Beginners/improvers glass fusing workshops in Hemingford Grey, Cambridgeshire

"We had a lovely day with Carole, she was so friendly and welcoming. I was pleasantly surprised how much we were able to achieve in the time. I cant wait to see the finished products."

Gore Tree Studio responded:

"Thank you Tracey, I am so glad you both enjoyed the day. 😁"

Gill Owen reviewed: Pottery 6 Week Classes

"First session and Joan was so welcoming. Lovely studio and the other people on course were so friendly and lovely. The time flew by and I started 2 items. Excited for my next session. "

jccermaics responded:

"Thanks Gill for your kind review and so glad you enjoyed it 😊"

Karen reviewed: Willow Pumpkin workshop near Tewkesbury with Dovecote Willow

"Great soul food experience. Vicky explained each step, demonstrating what to do and checking in with everyone as we worked. My pumpkin looks great and everyone who’s seen it, loves it. Location of workshop added to experience and there was a group of happy pumpkin holders by end. Only downside was farm shop, coffee shop & vintage wares were closing as we finished so I’ll have to come back to have time to browse. Workshop was brilliant! Well worth driving up from Wiltshire for and great value for money. Will be looking out for more from Vicky. "

Dovecote Willow responded:

"Thank you in so much Karen, your pumpkin was amazing! I’m sorry you didn’t get your coffee for the journey home, I definitely need to allow more time for pumpkins next year"

Nicola reviewed: Introduction to Natural Inks & Paints Workshop, Mere, Wiltshire

"I attended this day course in September and it was an absolute joy. The host was so friendly, professional and what she doesn't know about making inks and dyes from botanicals isn't worth knowing. It was actually really relaxing too, nothing was rushed, which was great and the class size is small and intimate so you can ask as many questions as you like without feeling you're holding things up. The colours were magnificent, making oil and watercolour paint, although the process from start to finish would have taken over 24hrs, there was lots of stuff already prepared, yet we were still shown each step and talked it over. We were supplied wit booklet full of all the step by step notes was perfect so I feel comfortable doing it at home. Although I was reassured I could email questions at any time. Equipment was very professional quality and clean too It was fun, we had some laughs, it was just magical. I can not recommend highly enough. Well worth the long drive!"

Elka responded:

"Thank you for leaving such a wonderful review Nicola! We're so glad you loved the workshop and it's great to hear that you feel confident to start making natural paints at home. Thank you for travelling such a long way to join us :) X"

Becky reviewed: Bookbinding - make a hardback journal and leather notebook - two session workshop

"Lovely calm setting. Went at our pace and had a lovely afternoon. Came away with journal and will finish book next week. Suzy is helpful and we learnt a lot about book binding. Would definitely recommend. "

The Leaf Press responded:

"Thank you very much for your review Becky. I'm so glad you enjoyed the first afternoon and I look forward to seeing your completed books after the second session!"

Cameron reviewed: Creative metalwork and welding, scrap metal sculpture.

"I had a fantastic time as a first timer trying out welding and other metal craft equipment and techniques. I felt very comfortable and safe and was able to go at my own pace. I wasn’t sure how I’d get on with welding but am now sure i want to get my own equipment and start welding at home. "

WTF Workshops responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Cameron, we are so glad you enjoyed your time in the workshop :)"

Angela reviewed: Resin Art Course

"We thought the course was going to be a practical work shop for both of us, each making our own tray ourselves. We had both wanted a special activity together as a birthday treat crafting course for fun. Maria made one of the resin tray herself as the demonstration meaning that one of the 2 trays was made by her. We would rather have poured the resin ourselves creating a tray each that was not perfect, but was our own work, rather than one tray made between the 2 of us and one made by Maria. Maria however is very experienced and seeks perfection. She is also very welcoming of her visitors to her beautiful home. "

Maria’s Artistry responded:

"Dear Angela, I am so sorry to know that you didn't enjoy my course. After the theoretical lesson I did explain to you and your lovely daughter that from beginning to work with epoxy resin every one should start with silicone moulds, so you can learn how the resin performs. But you and your daughter decided to do a tray, although I did explain to you that to make a tray you had to work with a heat gun and blow torch and this for a beginner is very dangerous it can cause a fire. Obviously I couldn't teach you with words how to work with heat gun and blow torch, so you had to see me doing it for you to be able to learn. I gave you with pleasure one hour and twenty minutes of extra time to teach you and your daughter quite a lot of resin techniques but obviously you did not think it was enough! SORRY Kind regards Maria "

Marek reviewed: Yorkshire Rose stone carving class

"An excellent course designed to get a taster in stone carving. Very accessible even for complete beginners like myself. Also, you will meet some wonderful people there, both with you on the course as well as members of the carving association. If you think a whole day of carving might be too much for you at first, look them up, they offer even shorter taster sessions."

The West Riding Stonecarving Association responded:

"Thank you so much for your great review. Wishing you all the best for the future. Helen"

Debbie reviewed: Beginner's upholstery - half day course

"Enjoyed the half day course which provided confidence to re-upholster my other chairs. "

catherine jelley reviewed: Immerse Yourself in Bushcraft – Full-Day Course

"Great tailored course with a wide range of skills covered. A great woodland area to explore and work in. Tom was a great intuitive instructor. The day included fire and shelter set-up, wood selection and coppicing. Knife, sawing and knot tying skills. making and baking bread on an open fire plus fish filleting and cooking. Useful skills for multi-day outdoor trips. A great day of peaceful rejuvenation."

Tracey Coton reviewed: Monthly Watercolour Classes

"This is an amazing class. The tutor is brilliant, encouraging and lovely. The venue is great. Stanwick Lakes is a beautiful place. In fact the whole team there are welcoming and friendly. The coffee is super too. I would definitely recommend this class for beginners and those wanting to improve their skills. I will definitely be back. "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you so much for sharing such lovely feedback. We are so happy that you enjoy the workshops and will let the course tutor know too. We look forward to seeing you here again soon at Stanwick Lakes. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

David Cathro reviewed: Welding course: Mig, Tig, Stick, with the Iron Lady - Bradwell Blacksmiths

"I recently did the 1 Day Mig, Tig and Stick course on the 12th Oct, I highly recommend it. Natalie is an amazing teacher, she is friendly, informative and supremely skilled in all aspects of her trade. She is very keen to share her knowledge and she will patiently guide you when you blow holes in your welded part and point out where things are going wrong. The one day course is a great introduction to TIG, MIG and Stick welding, each having their own specific way of creating a weld. Once Natalie has done a instructional talk on the type of welding you will be trying next you are encouraged to crack on with it and give it a go. She is on hand should you have questions, and you will, and you are then at your leisure to try out the technique. The day seemed to fly by when I did the course, you just want to stay and keep practicing. Thanks for a great day Natalie! Top tip on a final note - take along a box of assorted luxury biscuits for Natalie, yourself and your fellow students for coffee/tea break - it's the Law! "

Jacky King reviewed: Willow Sheep Sculpture - NEW

"I really enjoyed this course! It takes place in the lovely relaxing environment that is full of Alison's willow weaving. You'll be assured a very warm welcome with delicious homemade cake and then a fantastic homemade lunch with your fellow weavers round a delightful kitchen table. This course is suitable for beginners as well as people who have done a bit of weaving. Alison encourages you to work at your own ace. She will give you help if you feel you need it or if she feels that you need it to get on track! Rest assured Alison will ensure that you WILL go home with a sheep! Thoroughly recommended."

Welig responded:

"Jackie thank you. It was a great day and so pleased you enjoyed it. Everyone went home with a characterful sheep in different poses and different sizes. Glad you enjoyed the hospitality too. It’s a very important part of the day. Thank you again and hope to see you here again someday. Alison. "

Maggi Allan reviewed: Autumn Foliage and Berries: A Vibrant Watercolour Journey Monday Evenings Via Zoom

"Yours zoom classes are so good. Step by step instruction and plenty of time to do the steps. Best teacher ever!  Maggi "

Art By Purnima responded:

"Thank-you for your review you have started to make good progress see you on the next course where you will learn more techniques."

Malcolm reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"Very interesting and informative course, delivered in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. I achieved far more than expected and thoroughly enjoyed it. "

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 course! Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Gillian reviewed: Two day batik Workshop taught by Jo Whiteland, with introduction to batik evening

"An absolutely inspirational course,full of useful information and ideas,even if you are a complete newcomer to batik or (like me) have previous experience of it.Jo is an involved,enthusiastic and very approachable tutor,willing to answer any questions ,and we all enjoyed the course hugely and will,I'm sure be doing more in the future.The accomodation was clean,comfortable,and had a beautiful view over Exmoor,and the home cooked lunches and homemade cakes were delicious.I can't recommend it highly enough."

Moor and Sea Holidays responded:

"Thank you Gill for the lovely review, we are so pleased you enjoyed the course. Jo is a wonderful teacher and artist! It was really lovely meeting you and we look forward to seeing you again."

Mark Rawson reviewed: Stool Making in the Woods - Beginner Green Woodworking course

"I really enjoyed this 2 day course and am surprised and delighted with the end result, a lot of hard work and I left with something I'm proud of. Celi was very attentive and made everyone feel welcome and excellently kept the balance of enabling everyone to take their time to improve their skills and provide help when needed to keep things moving along. Additionally, we had access to hot drinks throughout the day despite being in the woods and a couple of great lunches catered by Reyna. I'm looking forward to coming back next year for the Pole Lathe course."

Dee reviewed: Framed Seasonal Hedgerow Papercutting Workshop - Choose your Season

"Excellent. Patience and helpful teacher. Fun vibe. Produced a professional framed gift to take away. Would recommend"

Menna reviewed: Contemporary oil painting for beginners and improvers.

"What a wonderful day we had. Sarah really considered what would work well and took us through every element of painting with oils. Everything was provided for us and while full support was on hand we didn’t feel suffocated. Had such a lovely time we’ll be returning in the new year."

Creative Passion Wales responded:

"Thank you for the review. I am glad that you enjoyed the workshop. Your paintings were fantastic . I look forward to seeing you again."

Martin Tierney reviewed: Stained glass mosaic autumn leaves

"An excellent experience. As someone new to mosaicing in glass this day met my expectations and needs perfectly. From having techniques clearly explained and demonstrated, through gentle supervision whilst learning and devloping to support in completing our project for the day everything was delivered expertly without prressure and always with encouragment. It was an fulfilling experience and so pleased with the finished project at the end of the day."

Baobab Tree Mosaics responded:

"Thank you. So pleased that you both enjoyed your day. Your suncatchers were beautiful. "

Ruth Taylor reviewed: Glass Mosaic sun catcher

"We really enjoyed our day with Crafty Diane. We were given easy to follow instructions and we were encouraged to experiment. Relaxed and easy going atmosphere. I'd definitely recommend it and will be booking again with Crafty Diane "

Crafty Diane Gift Shop, Art Gallery and Craft workshops responded:

"Thanks so much Ruth. Really glad you enjoyed the day and hope to see you back soon. "

Alison Smith reviewed: Furniture Painting Workshop (levels 1&2 techniques covered) in Preston, Lancashire

"The furniture painting course was brilliant. Not only was the course informative and inspiring it was also a great laugh. Jo is so patient and very friendly. She made everyone feel relaxed and the cakes was delicious. Can’t wait to try another course."

The Boho Shed responded:

"I'm so pleased you enjoyed the workshop Alison. What a great day we had. Thank you for your lovely review. x"

Anna Greaves reviewed: Textile still life workshop

"Imogen welcomed us into her lovely cottage with a beautiful wood burning fire. We set about drawing jugs and mugs. There was a huge mound of fabrics to look through for inspiration for our collage choices. Imogen also pointed things out to us in her own beautiful framed pictures. The home made cake was lovely. Thank you for making it Imogen. It was interesting to see the project that Imogen herself was working on. I’ll look forward to seeing her finished picture especially if it features the flat back which she showed us. I have come away from the day inspired by Imogen’s art and have spent most of today working on my collage. Thank you Imogen for your hospitality. "

Maria reviewed: Lino printing landscapes

"Had a really enjoyable day learning the technique of lino printing and was really pleased with my efforts! Lee is a great teacher and employed just the right amount of attention and intervention if needed. Would really recommend this for a beginner like me. The surroundings of the studio itself and the landscape are inspirational and the atmosphere friendly and encouraging."