Latest reviews

Sarah M reviewed: Mosaic/chat/create! with award winning mosaicist Emma Abel

"Thank you for a wonderful day - I thoroughly enjoyed my first experience at mosaics with friends and I was not disappointed. You were very welcoming and your studio is light and airy. Your experience, skill and passion shines through your teaching. Your explanation and processes were very clear and you were at hand to offer support as needed. I am delighted with my piece and I look forward to returning."

abelmosaics responded:

"Thank you so much Sarah, I look forward to seeing you again."

Julian reviewed: Wood reclamation workshop

"I had a very enjoyable and informative day with Tyler and highly recommend this course to anyone interested in using reclaimed wood in their projects - you will not be disappointed!!"

Louise reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"I've just come back from a two-day Bespoke Leather workshop that was run by Bill Blaikie, we learnt so much, he is a wonderful teacher, obviously an expert at his craft and passionate about sharing his knowledge. I don't think there's anything he doesn't know about the subject from techniques through to design materials, suppliers, equipment, hints and tips. We asked so many questions and there wasn't one that he couldn't answer. His depth of knowledge is brilliant. Learning through demonstration and hands one experience was perfect. We walked away with a personalised piece that we had made which I was proud of. I would never have thought this possible when I arrived. I was moved to write the review because when I was looking for a leather course, I really took notice of the reviews that were written and so I thought I would add my feedback to help others. If you're thinking about learning or improving leather working skills I would 100% recommend Bill and his workshop we learnt so much, it was so rewarding and a real lot of fun. A great way to spend the weekend. Thank you so much Bill."

Bespoke Leather responded:

"Thanks Louise, I am glad you enjoyed it, as did I. You and Kevin were both wonderful students who made it easy. Keep up the good work I am sure you will build on the skills I taught you to great effect. Best wishes Bill"

Angela Bourne reviewed: Green Man clay sculpture course

"Well run course with good content and catered for all abilities. There was however no mention that the course was upstairs, with the toilet downstairs. Several of us were of a certain age with some mobility issues. It would be sensible to mention that the venue was not suitable for those with a mobility disability."

S.F reviewed: Willow Trug Workshop in the Woods

"I absolutely loved this course. The setting was so wonderful in the woodland with the birds chirping and the smell of the fire. It was also raining which created such a wonderful ambiance. Suz is a great and patient, instructor which as a result meant I got to leave with a beautiful willow basket which I’ll cherish forever. Will definitely consider doing it again! "

Phil Davies reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Gwrhyd, Pontardawe

"Fantastic course. The instructors were knowledgeable and encouraging. Can't recommend enough. "

Amy reviewed: Fabric Collage and Free-motion Machine Embroidery - FLORALS - York

"This was a really enjoyable course, I had a fantastic day. Holly is a wonderful teacher, explained everything thouroughly and was encouraging throughout. It was fantastic to learn a new technique and will definitely have a go at home."

Stuart reviewed: Maille making the traditional way.

"An excellent course, with plenty of depth into the practical and historical aspects which really helped for a research project, while still being approachable for all."

Alison reviewed: Sea Glass Framed Art Workshop

"This was a fabulous course, run by a lovely lady; Karen and her husband couldn’t have been more accommodating. I attended with a friend and we were both thrilled with framed pictures we came home with. This course was amazing value and we throughly enjoyed the experience."

Shore things by Karen responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review and so glad that you enjoyed your time in Leicestershire - just a shame the weather wasn’t a bit kinder. Loved your pictures that you made too and hope that your nephew enjoys his "

Frances reviewed: Spoon Carving in the Woods - Beginner Green Woodworking course

"I booked this course as a birthday present for my friend. We had a lovely day under the shelter in the woods. Celi was a great teacher, and we all came away with an individual hand carved spoon."

Ray Daniells reviewed: Willow Weaving ‘Pheasant’ Workshop

"What a great course, always wanted to have a go at willow weaving and to come away with 'Richard' my pheasant what a great achievement. Jane was very informative and ensured we all understood the next task, but when we needed a little assistance she was there advising us all. All 8 of us ended with a sculpture all with different characters. Well recommend this course."

Andrew Willis reviewed: Box making weekend.

"In a nutshell - in my view these courses are terrific and worth every penny! The whole experience with Andrew Crawford is exceptional, from the calm, relaxed atmosphere in his large workshop (with its amazing coffee machine!), to his patient, expert guidance. I did a weekend course with him a couple of years ago making a leather lined, veneered box, and have been back twice for 1:1 tuition on a larger project of my own design. He teaches you not only how to do things but also, crucially, why he advocates doing them in that way. And, my goodness, he teaches you precision. If you think you cannot work to fractions of a millimeter, he will quietly show you how, and then you can! So, if you want expert guidance on how to work extremely accurately, to veneer and inlay to a very high standard, to come away with a stunning box that would make a wonderful gift, and at the same have a really great time - then one of his courses would suit you very nicely. "

Tess reviewed: Fused glass introduction full day at Kingcot, Worcestershire

"Fabulous day. Vicky is a very good teacher and infuses her enthusiasm for her craft into the whole day. Will be going back for more."

Barbara reviewed: Fabric Collage and Free-motion Machine Embroidery - FLORALS - York

"A fantastic day. Holly is a very good teacher. She made us all feel inspired to learn how to use a sewing machine in a different way to the way we usually do. Her work is wonderful."

Geoff reviewed: Green Woodworking - Woodcraft Workshop - Blended Monkey

"Easy, relaxed hospitality in a serene garden setting. No pressure and plenty of time to push the world away for a day. My target was to come away having learnt something new; something I could perhaps continue from my own garden. I achieved that and more. I'm even going back for a second bite. Well, the lunch was that good! Simon and Louise - thanks!"

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

"Hi Geoff, So glad you enjoyed the day and took something out of it. Look forward to seeing you again soon. --Simon"

Heather reviewed: Willow Weaving ‘Pheasant’ Workshop

"What a brilliant day, I enjoyed every minute. Jane explained every stage very well and gave help and advice when needed. I am very happy with my willow pheasant. I just need to work out where to put her when she's dried out properly and treated with preservative. I would happily recommend this day to anyone thinking about trying willow weaving."

Pippa smith reviewed: An Introduction to Pyrography Wood Art with Ruth Wheeler

"Thank you to Ruth it was a wonderful day, really relaxing. I enjoyed it so much, will be booking some more courses. Lovely place, weather was great, nice people around us, thank you once again. Pippa Smith."

Jeannie reviewed: 'Winged things'. Make a mosaic Bird, Dragonfly or Bumble bee in Ampthill, Beds.

"I had a lovely day crafting a dragonfly. Emily was very welcoming and explained everything clearly. It was easy to ask questions as the group is small. Delicious lunch and homemade cake was an extra bonus! Thank you Emily."

Stories In Glass responded:

"Hi Jeannie. Thank you so much for your kind review. I am so glad that you felt welcome and relaxed in the small workshop group. You made a beautiful dragonfly. I hope you enjoy finding a good spot for it in your garden. Very best wishes Emily"

Garry and Debbie Alexander reviewed: Creative metalwork and welding, scrap metal sculpture.

"Thoroughly enjoyed the day, Felix was our tutor the day. Felix walked us through how the day and how the use of the tools work. We had a walk through all the tools prior to staring highlighting the use and safety expectations on each item, as you came to use the different tools, Felix was there to give a more in depth example of how it worked, whilst also setting you small tasks to see how the item works and how to use it to its best capabilities. The hard part for myself was coming up with an idea to create. But once you got on the ‘creation process’ Felix skill-fully directed you how to start manufacturing your idea, with labour saving tips and creative support. Then throughout the day Felix was there when ever required, with support both creatively and technically, Felix was forever safety conscious and watched you from a distance only intervening if you were going to do something stupid to hurt yourself. Both of us found Felix was very supportive throughout even though she only had a minimal idea what we were aiming to create, but somehow seemed to know what you needed to know prior to coming to that step in out creative process. Absolutely brilliant way to spend a day at the WTF workshops, cant recommend the course enough. We both came away with items we were happy with. The say it is enjoyable and you will get dirty from the ‘neck up’, the time absolutely flew. Thoroughly Recommended."

Garry and Debbie Alexander reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"We did the introduction to Blacksmithing day course with Jake. The whole experience was excellent. Jake is a great tutor, making the items you chose to do at the start of the day, then coaching you through the process giving timely pointers to stop you from wearing your self out for your second item. He tailors his tuition on individually once you are in the creating process, he is very safety conscious, spotting when you may cause your self an injury and deflects the situation skillfully blocking you from the chance of burning or injuring yourself, in a friendly but firm manner. I would thoroughly recommend the full day course if you have time, as it was great value, as well as coming away with probably over £100 worth of items you have “ Blacksmithed “. Jake was brilliant throughout, super friendly can’t recommend the course enough."

Catherine reviewed: Japanese Cherry Blossom Acrylic Canvas Painting Experience nr Lichfield

"I enjoyed the painting. Everyone on the course was lovely & welcoming. Sadly the teacher only gave specific feedback to aid progress to 6/7 people only once or twice. Most people had to keep asking her to go back over steps as she was painting at her speed not the classes speed. Used the term autistic as an insult against a group of chess players who she was speaking about. She had no idea if they were autistic, it was used to describe them as they were rude. I do not expect ableist language from an instructor. "

For all the small things responded:

"Catherine. I’m sorry you felt that way, the points I gave to everyone to aid and support their work are usually repeated several times as we go through the event - I’m always happy to repeat steps and go back over them for anyone who hasn’t completed them. It is not something which is wrong, or because they need extra explaining, everyone works at different paces, and many people ask for steps to be repeated. I am also careful not to intervene too much so that your work is truly your own, I’m an experienced teacher who helps everyone if they ask for help and supports everyone in my groups, should I see and feel that they need it- I suggested you needed an extra branch or two and that several other ladies needed more blossom. If it’s not needed or asked for, I respect that you don’t need any intervention. Speed is difficult in a lesson where acrylic paint dries differently depending on the temperature. My speed is measured to ensure that you get the results you desire, rather than the speed at which I choose to pace my lesson. There was plenty of times where I left time for catching up, eating the food I had provided, serving drinks and general chatting, it wasn’t like I was forcing a speedy lesson where there were no opportunities to do the steps at your own pace and that you didn’t or weren’t given time to finish. My remarks about the chess group perhaps were not well chosen, however, as a teacher who encounters autistic children every week many of whom are helped by my art lessons and are significantly better engaged than they would be at school, it wasn’t an insult, merely an observation of their single mindedness, said in a “tongue-in-cheek” way, in this instance. Perhaps your judgement of what was truly meant has clouded your opinion. It was not an “ableist” remark, I have a huge amount of respect and knowledge of autism, and am aware that all of us, probably even myself, are “on the spectrum”. The whole class on Sunday afternoon comprised just 7 people, everyone apart from yourself was either a frequent customer or a returning customer bringing new friends. I have a firm customer base and feel that your comments are not a true reflection of the afternoon. If you had felt this way and spoken to me in person during the afternoon, it would have been better than writing your response from behind the security of a keyboard. Thank you for your feedback, I hope you enjoyed the strawberry meringue and that your picture is hanging for all to see. I’m glad you enjoyed the painting, I welcomed you, heartily, as a complete stranger, into my family home, shared details about myself and my family, and got your response above as a result. You have made wrongful assumptions and tarnished my reputation by making these comments. Thank you. "

Roger reviewed: Leaded Stained Glass Workshop, Bedford

"A fantastic session run by Will. Great instructions and techniques given throughout the day in easy managable steps. A good location with tea & coffee (plus biscuits) provided, easy parking and toilet facilities. Even as a novice I managed to produce an decent A4 sized stained glass panel. Give it a go you will not be disappointed."

Kathryn reviewed: Weave a patterned scarf in a day - Rochdale

"The workshop was so enjoyable. It was amazing to learn from such a knowledgeable tutor. I’m inspired to continue on my weaving journey now. Thank you! The location at the Yarn Barn was very convenient and we were made very welcome there. "

Lindsay Stark reviewed: Willow Weaving ‘Pheasant’ Workshop

"Very enjoyable course, great group of people attended and the tuition was very good. We all produced very individual birds, mine resembling a turkey crossed with a pheasant but it is out in the garden and it makes me smile every time I look at it! Would definitely recommend the course to others."

Sara Lark reviewed: Mosaic Art Workshop in Swindon

"We had a really enjoyable time on this course, plenty of time to finish our lamps. Supported if needed, Turkish tea and sweets were a lovely touch. Would definitely do it again. Thank you. "

Mosaic Art Studio ML responded:

"Dear Sara, Thank you so much for your lovely review! I remember your lamp very well — the warm tones, the peach-coloured beads, and your creative pattern made it truly beautiful. I hope the grouting process went smoothly and that your lamp is now lighting up your home with a cozy glow. If you’d like to share a photo of your lamp on Facebook or Instagram and tag us, we’d be absolutely delighted — seeing our students' creations in their homes really puts us on cloud nine! Looking forward to welcoming you again for another creative experience. Warm wishes, Ethem"