Latest reviews

Richard Fuggle reviewed: Powertex bird house

"A really good course, the bird house looks really good. Jan is a very good teacher, very friendly and helpful. I wanted something that would be useful and the Bird house suited, hopefully the birds will like it in the spring. I am not artistic, so I was surprised at the end result. Well worth doing as a starter for Powertex. "

Feline Fixins Powertex Fun responded:

"Thank you for your review Rick. You did an excellent job with the birdhouse, and took to Powertex really well. It was a pleasure to help you create it."

Zoë reviewed: Crochet workshops in Leeds City Centre

"I really enjoyed my lesson, Ann was so lovely and helped me so much! Would definitely recommend :) thanks!x"

Leeds Central Faith and Light responded:

"Thank you Zoe for taking the time to post this review. You were a pleasure to teach and you picked up what was required of you very easily and quickly. I hope you continue to enjoy your new found skill. Kind regards Ann"

Angela H reviewed: Mosaic Birds 'n' Bugs with Lisa-marie from Creative Avenue

"My friend and I thoroughly enjoyed a fun couple of hours of mosaic bird and bees. I went for the pre-cut pieces and my friend experimented with cutting hers. Lisa-Marie was so supportive and helpful and we really enjoyed ourselves! Next time, I'm going to try cutting! A comment also has to be made about the gorgeous lemon drizzle cake. It was amazing....and I know my cakes!! "

Creative Avenue York responded:

"I'm so glad you both enjoyed yourselves, and the cake!! Would love to see you again to try out different skills, and maybe chocolate brownies next time? Kind regards, Lisa-marie"

Ms T reviewed: Marvellous Mosaic one day workshop

"Without doubt this was the best craft workshop I've ever been on! Lindsey was a superb teacher, and was generous with the materials, her time and her skills and experience. I was delighted with the mosaic I made, and I'm certainly going to book again to try some other mosaic making techniques with Lindsey's help. A course I'd highly recommend! Thank you for a great day, Lindsey!"

Lindsey Kennedy Portfolio responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely glowing review, I’m just so pleased that you enjoyed the day! I look forward to seeing you again to explore of the craft of mosaics further. Thanks for taking time to share your experience of the workshop."

Joseph Faulls reviewed: Viking Age Blacksmithing Course - One Day Experience

"Very knowledgeable, very friendly teacher. Allowed us some creative freedom and I'm very happy with the end product. Great day, would recommend!"

Jessie James reviewed: Half day private jewellery tuition for 1 - 4 people

"Sam was absolutely brilliant! My sister (16) and I (17) had a jewellery workshop yesterday with a couple of our tutors as an end of exam treat. My sister has autism, plus we both have anxiety that can get quite intense at times. Sam made us feel at home from the get go! We were each warmly greeted with handshakes and smiles as Sam clearly introduced himself. During the course, he took care to explain things clearly, sometimes multiple times if we felt unsure. We were reassured the whole way through and never once felt uncomfortable! I really admired how Sam made sure to reassure me and make sure I didn't feel embarrassed when breaking a few saw blades as 'everyone does it'. He gave all four of us his full attention throughout and guided us through the experience. Sam was amazing! It was the most wonderful afternoon and we left with some gorgeous gorgeous rings. Such a positive experience of stepping out of our comfort zones! Thank You Sam! "

Peter Goodbarn and Dylan reviewed: Archive, DO NOT LIST

"We thoroughly enjoyed Alex's one day beginners course, especially my Grandson. We both learned a lot which was all down to Alex's patience and deep knowledge of Blacksmithing. We look forward to the next course. "

Eve Mercer reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"I took Martin McAssey’s stained glass course, and I’m looking forward to doing it again. It’s a lovely, friendly studio in a beautiful area and Martin is a fantastic teacher and very encouraging. I highly recommend this class."

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review."

Ruth reviewed: Willow Deer Walford Mill

"What an amazing day and great result. Jo was very good spreading herself amongst us and helping where needed. Very enjoyable and surprisingly hard work. Thank you Jo, I hope to see you again. "

Philip reviewed: Damascus Steel Knife forging

"This course was absolutely awesome. I turned up a beginner to blacksmithing – the course was a gift from my wife – and slightly concerned about the suggestion that some experience would help. Alex was endlessly patient, letting me find my way but jumping in occasionally to stave off disaster or guide me in the right direction at key moments. The result was a handsome chef’s knife with beautiful rippling Damascus patterns, and it’s sharp too! Four participants was ideal. There’s plenty of space in the forge and we got into a nice rhythm working round the various power tools. Lots of work with an angle grinder, so it helps if you have used one of those before. Looking back, Alex crammed a great deal into two long, hot and grimy days. It was amazing. Go on, treat yourself. "

Tricia Hunt reviewed: Upcycling Furniture With Paint & Fabric Decoupage Workshop experience: Spend Two Days with ReVamp Boutique

"Had a fab two day workshop with Sarah, great instruction and a fun course. Lunch was included and was much more than expected, coleslaw yummy. Would highly recommend Sarah for teaching this subject. "

ReVamp Boutique responded:

"Thank you for reviewing us with 5 Stars Tricia! So pleased you had a fab couple of days with us and enjoyed! We loved having you along, hope to see you again soon! Best wishes Sarah"

Jo R reviewed: Reduction Linocut

"I thoroughly enjoyed my session with Frankie. She was welcoming, very well organised, clear & patient with her instruction and we were all very well equipped in a session with 4 of us. Frankie is not only talented, she is lovely to work with. It was easy to find & park & there was also plenty of tea & cake! I have booked into her print club…as it would be madness not to! Thank you Frankie for allowing me to complete something creative, without feeling under pressure as I can be a bit slow. Looking forward to seeing you again. Jo x"

Frankie Brown - Illustrator & Printmaker responded:

"Thank you for booking on Jo! It was a pleasure to teach you and I hope you got a lot from the session. I'll see you at Print Club soon! "

Sam and his Mum reviewed: Beginners spoon carving

"We had a great time. Thank you for your patience - Sam came away with a great spoon and sense of achievement. We learnt a lot and I feel more confident that Sam can now use carving tools responsibly and effectively. Thanks again for a wonderful day."

Gosman Spoon Co. responded:

"Thank you both of you! It was great meeting you and Sam, he really got into it, perhaps a new pastime? My daughter and I have spent many happy hours carving together. If you need any more help with info or tools please just contact me."

Glenys reviewed: Fused glass introduction 1/2 day at Kingcot, Worcestershire

"Really enjoyed this course and would love to do another in the future. Vicky was lovely and nothing was too much trouble "

Kingcot Gallery responded:

"Dear Glenys, thank you for this, really appreciate it. Your pieces are lovely and should brighten up the walls! Vicky"

Julie Hicks reviewed: Blacksmithing experience day

"Bought as a present for my brother who thoroughly enjoyed the whole day . He said that Arian was a great person with a lot of knowledge not only in the skills of a blacksmith but also the history of the whole process. Small groups worked perfectly to allow full interaction. Will definitely be back "

Arian's Forge responded:

"Thank you so much for this, I really appreciate your feedback and I’m happy that your brother enjoyed his gift and found it a worthwhile experience. Best wishes, Arian"

Hilary reviewed: "Scroll Saw" Write Your Name in Wood

"I thoroughly enjoyed my scroll saw day. Ted’s friendly and supportive approach inspires confidence to have a go. Ted personalised the course to look at my desire to make jigsaws alongside making a lovely wooden name and I am now itching to get my own saw and start practicing at home. I now fully believe I will be able to continue my grandfathers hobby of making jigsaws for the family. Thank you so much Ted for such a great day."

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thank you Hillary it was a pleasure to see you work so well on your name plate. I'm certain you will have a good time making puzzles in the not so distant future. Keep it in the family 👍👍👍 Kind regards Ted "

Chris Bourton reviewed: Blacksmithing experience day

"I had a great day, a lot of fun and I learned a lot. Arian is a lovely guy, a great tutor and obviuosly very passionate about his craft. I would recommend this experience day to anybody who is interested in metalwork or just in trying something new."

Arian's Forge responded:

"Thank you Chris, I’m glad it was an enjoyable day and a valuable experience for you. Thank you for your feedback, much appreciated. Warm regards, Arian"

Christine reviewed: Blow a bauble at Chew Valley handmade glass

"Fantastic morning making Christmas Baubles. Lovely experience and the owners were so friendly and helpful."

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review Christine. It was lovely to meet you. Regards Steve and Angie "

Rose reviewed: Monthly Watercolour Classes

"Brilliant thoroughly enjoyed the course. Cathy is a superb teacher I will miss her and wish her well for the future."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you so much for your review. We shall pass your best wishes onto Cathy - we shall all miss her here at Stanwick Lakes too! We have a new tutor coming into teach from September onwards so we do hope you will still join us for classes! Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team. "

Rose reviewed: Monthly Oil Painting Classes

"Brilliant thoroughly enjoyed it! Cathy is such an inspirational good teacher."

Richard Bowser reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - 2 Day Beginners/Intermediate Workshop

"Lovely 2 days in the Cotswolds. Oliver has a very relaxed style , hands off style but helping whenever needed . We worked hard over the two days restoring 3 testing pieces of mahogany! They all look great and we have learnt some significant knowledge. To be a true French polisher you need more than 2 days but we both feel confident to have a go ! I recommend it "

Margaret Brice reviewed: Creative Mosaic Making in-a-Day!

"I had such a lovely day and would definitely recommend to others. The leader was very helpful and encouraging plus a wonderful range of materials on offer. Thank you very much. "

Creative Avenue York responded:

"Thankyou Margaret. I've since been shopping for more lovely tiles, glass and china! I hope you're inspired to try it again sometime. Kind regards, Lisa-marie"

Tom D reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"Did the one day intro course and had a great day out. Oliver is keen to show you what options you have restoring your piece and you have opportunities to try them out. Also good to see what other students are doing with their restorations. Would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in restoring wooden items."

Mike B reviewed: Copper wire jewellery Workshop

"We thoroughly enjoyed our day making copper mushrooms. Kami was very understanding that we had limited craft experience and with it being our copper wedding anniversary that we were there to enjoy the activity and have something to show for it. We achieved both! I’d recommend Kami, she’s a great host, very knowledgeable and friendly. "

Mya Designs responded:

"Thanks for coming to the workshop and happy copper anniversary to you both. You made some lovely shiny colourful mushrooms between you and glad you enjoyed it and one day they will become heirlooms one day."

Tracey reviewed: Watercolours for beginners online course, by Sarah Colgate

"This course is absolutely brilliant! As a complete beginner Sarah’s written information sheets together with great videos carefully guided me through manageable steps that built my knowledge, skills and confidence. The exercises are really interesting, using a variety of subjects and as the course progresses you are able to use skills learnt as you learn new ones. I have learnt so much, e.g colour mixing, colour strength, washes, brush techniques, textures and distance and perspective. I could not have imagined how much I would learn. Sarah has a lovely calm manner in her videos. She clearly puts much time and thought into giving helpful and supportive feedback on your work. This has added something special to my life. I highly recommend this course. I have already registered for Sarah’s improvers course in September which I am excited about. Thank you Sarah. "

Sarah Colgate responded:

"Thank you, Tracey, for your review. I am glad you feel that you have developed skills and confidence (which I can see you have) in watercolour painting and liked the variety of subjects and techniques. Also finding the feedback on work useful. It’s excellent to hear that painting has become something special to you. I very much look forward to working with you again in September on the Improvers course. Sarah "