Latest reviews

vivien Meadows reviewed: Expressive Flower Painting Workshop - using acrylics

"really expansive course as far as my practice is concerned becoming a 2 way learning pr5ocess. Lynn uses her experience as a garden photographer to inform and enhance painting experience to all 5 of us. lots of individual input and cross relating with other painters"

Paint What You Feel with Lynn Keddie responded:

"Thanks so much for your lovely review, Vivien. I had to do a double take - I thought you said "expensive," not "expansive" at first, lol! It's such a joy working with you, I’m always inspired by how you express your world. Your work is evolving in such an exciting direction - I can’t wait to see where it takes you."

Carl Williams reviewed: Key skills for converting vans into campervans 2 day course

"I booked this course with my wife but unfortunately after we paid there was a mix up with the booking so she couldn't attend. We had the offer to change the dates to November but as we had already booked The Air BnB, my partner came with me but wasn't allowed to attend the course she had paid for as it was full., even though there were 5 spaces left when we booked. This was a problem as it meant that she would have to wait all day on Saturday for me in the Airbnb and in the van on the Sunday whilst I did the course before returning home. However, this turned out to be a godsend as I left the course after the first day. The course is labelled as a hands on course, however it was anything but! We spent the whole of the Saturday sat around a table and we never picked up a single tool There was no clear course outline, we were never shown the tools or how to use them or how to be safe whilst using them. The biggest surprise was that the teacher didn't even have a van! Imagine going on a computer course and the guy doesn't own a computer? I It is not enough to sit around a table for 8 hours just chatting briefly on how to fit out a van without at least showing someone how to do it, either with a video, diagrams or hands on like the course suggests! I joined this course because I wanted some hands on experience and clearly from the start, that was most people's fear on the course! Using power tools on their van and making a mess! . I don't need the teacher to tell me to watch YouTube for how to fit a part! I joined the course to do it myself HANDS ON! Not only did it inconvenience my wife by the booking mistake but it costed me nearly £300 for the course, plus accomodation and fuel. If I knew around 20% of how to do a van conversion before the course, then I still know 20% now! I learned nothing and I felt like I wasted a day of my life! Taking into account how bad the course was on the Saturday, I couldn't ask the wife to sit in the van all day whilst I attended the Sunday as i learned nothing on the Saturday anyway. So I decided not to return for the Sunday and drove home. The only thing I can't fathom is all the glowing reviews on here! Maybe they attended a different course to me?"

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Thank you for sharing your feedback. I’m sorry to hear that your experience with the course did not meet your expectations, and I appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns. Regarding the mix-up with your wife’s booking, as mentioned before the course, this was unfortunately due to a technical glitch on the CraftCourse site. I completely understand how this impacted your plans, and I apologize that you couldn’t adjust your accommodation to one of the alternative dates offered. We made sure to arrange a full refund for your wife’s place as soon as the problem came to light, and both CraftCourse and I extend our deepest apologies for the inconvenience. In terms of the course content, I’m disappointed that you didn’t bring your concerns to me during the weekend. The course is designed to be flexible, and I always aim to meet the needs of everyone attending. As you’ll recall, we began day one by going around the group, and I asked everyone to share what they most wanted to get out of the weekend. I then proposed a course plan that I believed covered everyone’s key interests and confirmed with you and the rest of the group that you were satisfied before we started. It’s true that the first part of the course was spent sitting down as we discussed the planning, design, and build process for van conversions. During this time, I provided both handouts and lots of materials—such as pumps, insulation options, and wiring options—for participants to examine up close. In the afternoon, we worked hands-on with building 12V electrical systems, including lighting, USBs, and pumps, all powered by a 12V battery. Unfortunately, due to space limitations, we conducted this in the workshop rather than inside a van. I’m sorry that you chose not to return for the second day, as it involved very practical activities. The morning focused on assembling, cutting, and mounting 240V electrical hookup units into van panels, using tools like drills, jigsaws, and files. We also spent time exploring real campervan conversions on-site to apply what we’d covered earlier in the course. we also had time to look at 12v diesel heaters and there insulation in a van. Again, I’m sorry the course didn’t meet your expectations, but I hope this provides some context for how it was structured. Best regards, Scott "

Graeme Brown reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"Arian the course tutor has a genuine interest and feel for his craft. He was able to break the course down into three distinct stages and then was able to break each operation and method down, so it was easy to understand and follow. The three stages offered three different materials to be worked and beautifully combined into one unique finished item. As a hand made product you would never find another one like it some what of a change in our mass-producing modern throw away world. The love and skill for each operation that Arian has was infectious and made the learning experience very enjoyable. Even when you made a mistake Arian was able to look at what I had done and was able to show me how to fix it, they always say you learn more from your mistakes and with Arian there to help and correct I certainly did. The surroundings are in the same context as the course. They have an old worn charm that suited the course. There should be more places like this open to encourage more craft learning. A brilliant break from the regimented plastic world we live in today. I was pleased and proud of what I made. I was almost disappointed when the weekend was finished as I would have loved to have carried on and done more. This course given me some now skills and has stimulated my interest to look further into this craft. "

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"Dear Graeme, Thank you very much for this thorough and thoughtful review. I'm delighted that the way I run the courses worked so well for you, I always aim for strong personal experience for participants, coupled with a one-off beautiful and useful knife. Enjoy and Use your knife, and be in touch if you need any help or advice regarding knifemaking. Warmest wishes, Arian "

Sue reviewed: Learn How to Decoupage Workshop

"Maxine was friendly and taught the decoupage technique simply and .Having never done it before she made sure I totally understood the process as we went along. Came away with 3 items I made myself on different surfaces. Also gave ideas of where to buy good value products. Highly recommended course and a great shop for gifts and pebble gifts too. "

I Luv Pebbles responded:

"Thank you Sue Lovely to meet your Have fun with your new technique "

Bernice reviewed: Pottery throwing day course in the South Downs

"Really enjoyed this course, and surprised myself by making three not too bad pots, thanks to Rowena’s step by step guide, and eternal patience. Would thoroughly recommend, even for complete beginners, like me, with very little innate creative talent ! "

Paddock Studio Pottery responded:

"Hello Bernice, thank you for taking the time to write a review. Glad you and Nicky enjoyed your day course with me.Best of all ,I'm pleased you surprised yourselves with what you each achieved. Best wishes Rowena"

Jillian reviewed: Introduction to Table Loom Weaving Workshop (Two-Day), Fisherton Mill, Salisbury

"Thanks to Ellie I had a fabulous 2 days of table loom weaving, learning how to set it up took one day and the next we progressed on to weaving and introducing patterns into our eork.She was so patient when I messed things up a bit! Not only a btillisnt course but Fisherton Mill is a pretty special venue. Would highly recommend. "

Elka responded:

"Thank you so much for coming Jillian, and for the lovely review. It was great to spend two days with you and your weaving was beautiful. Without the odd hiccup we'd never learn anything, and I was so impressed that you worked out how to get back on track so quickly! 😊"

Jenny Weeks reviewed: Key skills for converting vans into campervans 2 day course

"Scott’s 2 day Campervan conversion course was amazing. I came away each day with my head buzzing from all the information and pages of notes and photos. It totally exceeded my expectation of how confident I’d feel afterwards about starting a build. It was great to have hands on practice with all aspects (electrics, cutting into metal, plumbing etc). Scott is very experienced and knowledgable on all aspects of conversions. Thank you also to Scott’s wife for the delicious cakes and their daughter for showing us around and talking us through her own conversion. I was so motivated I went home and drew out our van design until the early hours. Totally recommend this course."

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Jenny, I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed the van conversion course and found it so valuable! I'll definitely let Sue know you loved her cake. As I mentioned at the end of the course, I would absolutely love to see a photo of your finished van once it's done—it makes me proud to have played a small part in helping you get there. Thanks again for your kind words! Best, Scott"

Fiona Kelly reviewed: 'Bring Your Own Project' Day - Upholstery

"As a complete novice, I wasn't sure what to expect, however Katie soon put me at ease and I had a lovely and productive day. I had taken a very simple dining chair and by the end of the day, and with a lot of help and guidance, it was completed. I was absolutely delighted with the result. Katie is very friendly and approachable and an excellent teacher and I look forward to coming back for a second experience. Very enjoyable day out!"

Meticulous Restoration responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind review Fiona, it was lovely to host you in the studio and I look forward to doing so again soon. Your chair looked great and I'm so glad you enjoyed the process! Best wishes, Katie"

Christine reviewed: Monthly Pottery Classes

"Lovely class. Well led and lots of great pottery pieces made. Looking forward to making some more at future dates"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for leaving us a great review. We are really pleased you enjoyed the course and shall let the course tutor know. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

June reviewed: Monthly Pottery Classes

"Did this course yesterday, Louise was brilliant. I made three pumpkins, met some nice people and thoroughly enjoyed it. Looking to go back on the next session."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for leaving us a great review. We are really pleased you enjoyed the course and shall let the course tutor know. We look forward to seeing you here again at Stanwick Lakes soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Nancy Butler reviewed: Create with a Gel Printing Plate - Mono Printing Without a Press

"Alison's gelli plate workshop is brilliant. I'm not a total beginner - this workshop has taught me so many new things with texture, colours, layers - just so inspiring - I loved it. The barn is situated in beautiful countryside. I went home fired up with enthusiasm and made a print I was delighted with - I would never have made such a colourful print had I not done the workshop. Alison is a great and very patient teacher. Her knowledge and techniques are amazing. Thank you so much Alison."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Nancy, Thank you so much for your review, I'm so pleased you enjoyed the day and learnt so much. It was lovely to see your work progress throughout the day . You produced some beautiful prints which was really great to see. This is such a fun workshop and really lends itself to experimentation so enjoy exploring the process ! Best wishes Alison"

Charlotte B reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I booked this course for my 9 year old son who has only tried stone carving once before. He really enjoyed it and got a lot out of it, carving 3 relief sculptures, using a range of tools. Sebastian was a great teacher - relaxed but encouraging and with some gentle suggestions. He also provided delicious brownies! The countryside setting was beautiful and we had a great weekend. "

Cynthia reviewed: One day Traditional Lead Stained Glass Course

"Excellent course- small class, expert instructor. Cheryl instills confidence in beginners & we all left with a lovely stained glass hanging picture."

Cheryl Powling Glass responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely words. And thank you for travelling so far to be here ! Hope to see you soon Cynthia x "

Amanda reviewed: Make a mosaic (for beginners).

"I loved every minute of this day and now feel inspired to start a mosaic project at home. The venue was amazing and Tracy is such a welcoming and talented artist. I would like Tracy to be stood next to me as I get independently creative but her guidance and help has given me both new skills and confidence. Thank you …. "

Tracey Cartledge Artist responded:

"Hi Amanda It was really good to meet you and I'm so pleased that you enjoyed your start to the wonderful world of mosaic making. I hope that you will send me a pic of your finished portrait in the fullness of time and look forward to seeing who or what comes next. If you have any problems sourcing materials, give me a shout. All the best, Tracey"

Andrea Cheley reviewed: Introduction to hand spinning wool yarn

"We spent a wonderful day with Helen learning about all aspects of wool production from fleece to yarn. Helen explained about the quality of different fleece and how the fleece is graded. We experienced carding by two different methods and used the spinning wheels to ply the yarn and to spin onto a bobbin. It was a small group so we had lots of individual instruction. I would definitely attend another course to gain more experience. If you are thinking about it I would thoroughly recommend it. Thank you Helen"

Nellie and Eve responded:

"Thank you for attending the workshop Andrea, it was great to meet you. Happy to hear you enjoyed it."

Marianne reviewed: Stone Carving Experience - Working with Geometry & Pattern - Stone Masonry - Blended Monkey

"What a brilliantly rewarding experience. Mark is a great tutor, enthusiastic, encouraging and kind. Someone that brings just the right mix of technical input and 'have a go' attitude. He fostered a relaxed freedom to the day that encouraged everyone participate and we all made something charming to take home. Simon and Louise were great hosts, they looked after us really well, laid on lots of tea and coffee and a really nice lunch. Special shout out to the home made vegan sausage rolls, which were delicious! All in all a really enjoyable learning experience. I'll definitely be back!"

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"We're so pleased you enjoyed the stone carving workshop with Mark. He's a great tutor and we're getting lots of positive reviews about the experience. Your piece was beautiful! I don't think I could have attempted such straight lines on the letter like you did! We're also glad you liked the vegan sausage rolls and I've passed on the compliments to my daughter who made them. They are rather scrummy aren't they? Hopefully we'll see you again and thank you for taking the time to leave a lovely review :-)"

Annabel Brennan reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing and hand building full day

"Great tuition in a very relaxed environment - I’ll be returning for a drop in session soon! I thoroughly enjoyed and would highly recommend the day course with Richard. Thanks again. "

Potterydayz responded:

"Nice to have you along for the Day course and I pleased you enjoyed the day. I look forward to seeing you for a Drop in and Pot session soon. "

Lis Jardine reviewed: One day Wood Carving Experience

"My husband and I had a simply lovely day with Pete and the other first-time carvers on Saturday. The studio is warm and cosy, the tools and teaching first rate, and the lunch delicious (there was more than enough to eat). Both of us are pleased and proud of our carvings and keen to do more :) Thanks Pete, hope to see you again!"

Rix & Co Rocking Horses Ltd responded:

"This is truly lovely to hear Lis, The creations were incredibly accomplished - would be wonderful to welcome you both back for more! Kind Regards, Maggie"

Ian Bodily reviewed: Rustic Stool Making Course, 2 days

"Thoroughly enjoyable two days. John was very knowledgeable and taught well. Very pleased with how my stool came out. "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for leaving us a great review. We are really pleased you enjoyed the course and shall let the course tutor know. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

John Gosler reviewed: 2-day blacksmithing courses

"I've just done the 2 day course with Aaron and I can thoroughly recommend it. He's a great teacher, very skilled and patient and creates a very good atmosphere which makes it easy to learn. I feel after only 2 days I have enough of the basics that I can get myself some gear and have a go. It doesn't require a huge financial outlay to get started too. I'd be happy to do another course in this beautiful part of the world before too long, thanks for everything."

A and T Petersen Ltd responded:

"Hi John, thank you for your five star review. We appreciate it. Really glad that you enjoyed the weekend and that you got to meet Aaron's dad as well, as a bit of a blast from the past. Trudi and Aaron "

Phil, Heather & Ross reviewed: Beginners Knife Forging Day

"My wife and son and I have just attended a Beginners Knife Forging Day at Hammer and Hound Forge in Blyth, Northumberland. What a fantastic day! Alex is such an excellent, knowledgeable and patient teacher! My son and I both came away with 2 sloyd knives that we can use in woodcarving! And my wife is now the proud owner of a kitchen knife. Fantastic that we’ll be able to use knives that we made with our own hands from scratch! Alex took us through each step of the process and was always on hand to help us with the tricky bits. Can’t recommend highly enough - thanks, Alex for an experience we’ll remember for the rest of our lives!"

Pam Davies reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"My friend and I had a great day on this course last weekend. Jools is really organised, patient, friendly and knowledgeable about her subject and we all came away with a great selection of candles and melts which smell amazing. It is a good course either just for a days’ experience or for anyone thinking of going on to make candles to sell as Jools is very generous with her information and encouragement."

Adele Darroch reviewed: Make a mosaic (for beginners).

"Tracey is a talented artist , inspiring teacher and the day course was everything I hoped it would be . She gave just the right amount of information , plenty of time to try out techniques and supported each individual to experiment in their own individual way. It was such an enjoyable day I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. "

Tracey Cartledge Artist responded:

"Hi Adele Thank you for your kind and very heartwarming review. It was great to meet and work with you yesterday and I'm delighted that the workshop delivered everything that you hoped it would. I look forward to hearing how you get on and hope to see you again before too long. All the best, Tracey"

Wendy Brewin reviewed: Needle Felting Bumper Kit - Christmas. A Premium Starter Set for Adults.

"A friend recently got me interested in needle-felting, so this was my first beginners box. I thought I'd have a go at making some christmas decorations as stocking fillers for family members. I looked forward to it arriving and didn't have to wait long. It was like opening a Christmas present for myself!. everything was neatly packed. The wool colours are lovely, and the 'how-to' cards have good images and clear instructions. I've already made a Christmas pudding decoration. It would be useful to have the needles in a container with a lid, but I guess that would add to the price. All in all - very happy with my purchase. "

Bergin & Bath responded:

"Hi Wendy thank you so much for your lovely review! So pleased you are happy with your kit, you have found a wonderful new hobby! Needle felting is such a fantastic craft, there is no limit to what you can create once you get going! Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions. Happy crafting!"

Julia reviewed: Abstract Acrylic painting workshop

"Laura’s Abstract Acrylics one day course was fabulous! I had already enjoyed her Colour Loves Colour day, and was excited to try to develop some abstract techniques. Laura is a font of knowledge and is very generous with sharing her skills around what works successfully to make an abstract design. She has a relaxed and engaging personality and teaching technique, and encourages even the most unconfident student to produce work that has positive aspects to it. All materials are provided. Thank you Laura, you are a superstar! "

Laura Donaldson responded:

"Thank you so much Julia, It was lovely to welcome you into the studio again and such an enjoyable day with a great group of people! I'm really looking forward to our next studio day later this year. "