Latest reviews

Carol reviewed: Mosaic Taster Session (half day) in the Peak District

"This was a great introduction to mosaic for me. The course is held in a fabulous location and the facilities are perfect. Peter and Ali are warm and welcoming. Peter has a lovely tuition style - not intrusive but always supportive with clear direction. Ali makes a mean apple cake which I understand is calorie-free (ha, ha). I wish there had been time to do the grouting - could this be a 4-hour course instead of 3 perhaps? I will definitely recommend this to friends and family. 5 stars from me !"

Zantium Studios Ltd responded:

"Thankyou, Carol, for your wonderful 5* review. So glad you enjoyed the mosaic course - cake and all! Studio time always goes quickly - for us too! This half day class is very much a taster session. We offer a range of longer workshops (1 day, 2-day or 5 day) if you'd like to continue with the craft. 'Grouting' is always taught as a demonstration on our shorter courses - as the tile adhesive needs time to dry before this final stage. Peter has sent you a reminder of this simple process by email."

Pam Pendleton reviewed: Silver jewellery course for beginners

"I really enjoyed this class. I made two rings and a pair of earrings, learning how to solder and work the Silver. The staff are very pleasant and knowledgeable. Will definitely consider use the work space in the future. "

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you for this lovely review. I will pass it on to our tutors "

Wendy reviewed: Box making for beginners

"I had a wonderful day box making under Andrew’s expert and patient tutelage. One to one instruction is a real luxury and I learned a huge amount in a day. Andrew answered all my questions patiently and clearly. I now feel far more comfortable about setting up a modest workshop and continuing to make boxes at home. Andrew is great company and we discussed all sorts of topics as we worked. I thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who wants to develop their skills as a woodworker and to leave the course having made a beautiful oak box."

Joe reviewed: Introduction To Welding & Basic Fabrication

"From the first few minutes of the course you can tell Joe has a wealth of knowledge and information to pass along. Such a excellent experience and come away feeling very confident in the process of welding. Also a very relaxed way of training put me at ease straight away with tea breaks throughout. Would highly recommend! "

Jane Bidwell reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"We had a fab day with Jo, making our Hares, really enjoyed the day and everything went smoothly, Jo and Andy explained everything really well. I’m also really pleased with my hare, especially as I’m not really artistic!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Jane. It was great having you and Jules here in the studio and we are so happy you are pleased with your hare. I believe everyone has an artistic streak in them! Jo xx"

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

"Sunday 12th October. Second time with WTF and equally thoroughly enjoyable. The teaching, help and guidance was excellent and I am delighted with what I produced. Thank you. "

WTF Workshops responded:

"Thanks so much for joining us a second time. We are so pleased you enjoyed yourself again."

Anna reviewed: Ecoprinting on Paper

"I had a fabulous day learning about eco printing and came away with a stack of first prints ever, including a couple of prints on fabric. Fiona is a very skilled and generous teacher. The facilities were perfect for learning. Equipment was either already prepared or on hand. I will definitely be back for more. Very recommended. "

Christian Reeves reviewed: Mig Welding For Beginners Introductory Day Course.

"I really enjoyed this course it has definitely given me the confidence to get started on my own. Tony’s one on one instruction was excellent no waiting around like in a group sessions . I was given demonstrations by Tony and handed over the torch and did a lot of welding throughout the course producing various types of welded joints in various positions. I highly recommend this course to anyone who is looking to get into mig welding. Thanks again Tony for a really enjoyable day."

Newport Wrought Ironwork responded:

"Thanks Chris for your positive feedback very much appreciated. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or need any further advice. Regards Tony "

Vicky reviewed: Naked Christmas Ladder Tree

"Will be putting together closer to Christmas. But have had a look at the kit and it looks very good quality and the instructions are clear. Can't wait to put it up on a wall in the dining room to display some of my crafted decorations."

Craftkits responded:

"Vicky, Thank you for your lovely review! That sounds like a brilliant idea, decorating the tree with items that you have already crafted. Lovely pre Christmas activity to decorate your home. Best wishes, Lorna"

Richard Whitcombe reviewed: "Game of Thrones"...ish! : metalwork / blacksmithing workshop

"This was the first time I have ever done anything like this. It was absolutely incredible. The people. The environment. Getting my hands dirty. It was completely different from my day job. The forge itself is fascinating. So much to look at and see. The amount of talent and different creations to see is amazing. Excellent pace and Bill (pretty sure he was called bill. Memory like a goldfish for names) was fantastic. Very patient and after a lifetime of working with metal he was a fantastic teacher. From using the grinder to cut the hammer and forge to shape and the grinder to sharpen and create my stunning sword was just brilliant. I’ve come away wanting to do more and have a beatiful sword on my wall and a great memory. Everyone should give this a go. "

Sophie reviewed: 3 day "weave what you want" workshop at Usk

"The course was excellent, Amanda is so knowledgeable and a brilliant teacher. Having never done this before, I came away with 3 baskets in three days, which I am so happy with and proud of. I highly recommend this course to anyone thinking of doing it. "

Wyldwood Willow | 🧺 Learn Basketry, Coffin Making, Sculptures & More! responded:

"Thanks for your lovely review Sophie, it was a pleasure having you and Finley on tge course and I hope to see you both again."

Ralph reviewed: Pottery throwing sessions on the potter's wheel in Norfolk

"It was great fun. Both my wife and I really enjoyed it. We are a pair of “golden oldies”and a bit slow to learn but Pat was so helpful and considerate. Can recommend her professionalism 100%. Will probably go back for another session."

Pat Southwood responded:

"Thank you Ralph. "

Kit lightning reviewed: One day welding course: an introduction

"Hi Julian, nice to meet you and thank you for your time. Julian is a great teacher, clearly skilled at what he does. The welding course was a good introduction to welding and was tailored to the skills I need for a personal project. I think I have a lot of practice to develop my welding skills but I've definitely learnt a lot. I recommend and hope to put the skills I've learnt to the test. Thanks again, Kit"

Julian Wadsworth - Artist Blacksmith responded:

"Thanks Kit for your review. Pleasure to meet you and get you started on your welding path. Its a skill for life and I am sure you will be able to apply to many things. Best regards, Julian"

Lynn Wilson reviewed: Beginners' pastel painting workshop at fabulous Glasfryn Hall, North East Wales

"Lovely Day! Surrounded by beautiful grounds, beautiful artwork and a Tutor who explained everything! We came home with a piece of our own artwork with mount and a goodie bag which included some pastels. We had lunch and tea and coffee available throughout the day. Definitely worth going and trying out a new craft"

Oriel Glasfryn Gallery Limited responded:

"Thank you Lynn! I'm delighted you enjoyed the day. I hope you are inspired to use pastels again (and again)."

Ellie reviewed: PRIVATE GROUP Silver Clay Workshop at The Potter's Wheel

"Amazing experience. Lynne is a very patient and thorough teacher who offered plenty of help and guidance where needed throughout the workshop. I was very happy with my piece and would recommend this class to anyone."

Jen Fairbanks reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Beginners glass fusing workshops in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"I absolutely loved the beginners glass workshop! I learned all the creative techniques I needed to start making my own pieces for my home and gifts for my friends. Melanie’s workshop space is really inspiring... it’s full of ideas and creativity. The course was really enjoyable and easy to follow, and I am so happy with all the beautiful things I was able to make. I am adding more of the workshops onto my Christmas list and I cant wait to book on some more myself too :) "

Robert Downing reviewed: Make paper from wild and garden plants - Riverside, Pontadawe

"We enjoyed a wonderful day of paper making from wild plants. Lowri & Beth, expertly took us through the process from foraging to pressing via cooking, forming, pressing, and drying the pulp into sheets, We now feel confident of being able to recreate the process at home. In addition to being first rate leader, our providers we really good company. First class setting, too."

Wild Plant Paper CIC responded:

"Thank you Robert for a lovely review! We enjoyed the day too! You got stuck in from the moment you arrived and were so enthusiastic. There was a great atmosphere and we loved your creations."

Richard Broad reviewed: 2-day blacksmithing courses

"I recently undertook the 2-day introduction course and had a very enjoyable time. Aaron was patient , being equally willing to assist me if wanted after demonstrating what needed to be done or let me give it a go. I left with a few items which I was very happy with and family / friend were very impressed with. Would highly recommend."

A and T Petersen Ltd responded:

"Thank you for your 5 star review Richard. We're glad you enjoyed the 2 days and thanks for recommending us Aaron and Trudi "

Carolyn reviewed: Cabachon stone setting course

"I really enjoyed the workshop with the lovely Nicky. She led me patiently through all the many processes involved in crafting the ring, & I am delighted with the finished piece. I highly recommend the course."

Nicky Barton Jewellery responded:

"Thanks Carolyn, it was lovely meeting you and a really lovely session with amazing results. well done you! Nicky x"

Stuart Clow reviewed: Silver Ring Making Workshop

"My wife and two daughters had a wonderful afternoon here during our holiday in July and each made a unique ring. They arived thinking that they would just be making a ring of a standard design but in the 3 hours that they were there, they each made a unique and original ring of their own design. Would recommend this to anyone. No previous experience is necessary since Darren is a patient and talented teacher. "

Trudie Brew reviewed: Creative Papermaking

"A day experimenting with creative papermaking. The course was well organised in a lovely building. We had the chance to try different techniques. Three generations of our family all had a great day. Thank you"

Sophie reviewed: Spoon carving taster session

"Dave was not only a very patient and skilled teacher, but also good company. Do go if you want a calm and creative afternoon where you go home with a nice spoon and the skills to make more! "

Joe reviewed: Archive, DO NOT LIST

"Excellent course with an excellent instructor! "

Alison Hill reviewed: Stacking Rings at Salt Way Silver

"My daughter and I recently attended the silver ring making course at Salt Way Silver. It was EXCELLENT! The whole process was made seamless by Jonathan. He explained every step in detail, put us all at our ease and made it fun. The rings we made looked so professional, thanks to his teaching. The workshop was warm and cosy and there was plenty of refreshments to keep us going. I would definitely recommend this course and we will be booking again, I am sure... "

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Hi Alison, great to hear that you both enjoyed the silver jewellery class. Thank you for taking the time to write this very kind review. I work hard to ensure that students enjoy the session. Well done with your new silversmithing skills. You are always welcome back. (I'm still looking for the screw from your glasses without success!) Jonathan"

Janie A reviewed: Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop.

"I spent a day with the very lovely Lyn on her encaustic art course and it was great! A wonderful way to learn a new creative technique - Lyn is a brilliant and inspiring teacher with infectious enthusiasm for her craft. She generously shares all of her knowledge and expertise. Her studio is well equipped and as well as being informative and creative the course was fun. I'd highly recommend. "

Contemporary Encaustic Wax Workshop with Lyn Kirkland responded:

"It WAS great fun Janie wasn’t it. Hope it has inspired you to give it a go and bring your vision to fruition. Many thanks for your glowing review and keep in touch! Warmest Lyn "