Latest reviews

Amy reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"I cannot recommend this course enough- to say it was perfect is an understatement. Lynne is not only extremely experienced, she is also incredibly hospitable. Lynne was very accommodating to the ideas I had in mind, and encouraged creativity with fantastic guidance to what was actually possible. Her leather options were beautiful, and she had a perfect array of lovely buttons, thread and elastic. Lynne is an absolute gem, and I hope more people discover this course! Thank you so much for your time Lynne, I couldn’t be more happy!"

Lynne Friel responded:

"Hi Amy, thank you so much for your very kind review. I loved the way you incorporated the collar of an old leather coat into the wraparound cover. I'm sure you'll be keeping your eyes open for discarded leather that you can recycle, the back and sides of worn out leather settees are a good source. It was a pleasure meeting you and your mother - what a thoughtful present. I hope I may see you both in the future and if you get stuck on anything do get in touch. Best wishes, Lynne"

RC reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"A really enjoyable course. Really informative for a complete novice like me, and I came away with lots of ideas for future projects. I will soon have all of the equipment I need to continue with my new hobby. Thanks to Judith for her friendly and easy to follow instructions and for her encouragement throughout the day."

Nadine reviewed: Lampshade Making Workshop with Clare Cosens

"Definitely recommend this workshop, I had such a lovely morning with Clare, who is a brilliant teacher and the small group of ladies who were all so lovely. The session was ran well, well informed, and a lot of fun. The workshop itself was a lovely space to be in and we created some beautiful lampshades which was really satisfying. It's so nice to come away with a pice of work you made that looks great and you can definitely use at home. I loved it and really feel like I learnt a new craft. Thank you Clare. Oh and the tea & biscuits were an absolute treat. x. "

Clare Cosens Designs responded:

"Thank you Nadine for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. I'm really pleased that you enjoyed the workshop. Your lampshade looked fantastic, great fabric choice, I really loved the bold colourful pattern!"

Ruth reviewed: Willow Birdhouse Kit

"I thoroughly enjoyed making the willow birdhouse, & very pleased with it. The instructions could have been a little more detailed in places, but as this wasn’t my first willow project they got me through without any problems. I’m sure I’ll be making more with willow in future!"

Rachel Harwood Willow responded:

"Thank you Ruth, I’m so pleased you enjoyed making it and will be continuing on your weaving journey 😁 Rachel"

Michelle reviewed: Autumn Hues - a Tree of Life Wire Kit

"Made the Autumn Tree. Very therapeutic and enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. Kit and instructions easy to follow with enough scope to make it your own individual piece of art. Will definitely be ordering another kit for myself and friends and family. "

Colourbuzz responded:

"Thanks Michelle, very glad you had a good time making your tree! "

Sue B reviewed: Creative coil pots - Introduction in Machynlleth

"Molly was great, very informative and knowledgeable… really enjoyed the course and made two fab coil pots… I will enjoy making my own at home, with the help of Molly’s helpful handout and experience x"

Molly Brown's Emporium responded:

"Thank you Sue for your lovely review. So pleased you enjoyed the workshop and especially that you were happy with what you made."

Ruth reviewed: Cherry Blossoms; Tree of Life Wire Kit

"I thoroughly enjoyed making my cherry blossom tree of life, & if I can get a great result then anyone can!! Unfortunately my kit had some of the wire missing when it arrived. I contacted Helga who was brilliant, sending out the missing wire to me immediately, and at no extra charge. I would definitely buy a kit from her again. "

Colourbuzz responded:

"Thank you very much Ruth. I'm very happy you enjoyed making your tree!"

Angela Craig reviewed: Lino cut printing - botanical and natural forms in full colour with Laura Sowerby

"A lovely day creating a floral oil based linocut print. The teaching was well judged and thorough and Laura was very welcoming and encouraging. The venue at Ambleside was delightful and we were well supplied with delicious food. All in all a great workshop - thank you Laura"

Laura Sowerby Prints Cumbria responded:

"Thank you Angela, what fun we did have. Thanks for your great company x"

JoB reviewed: Making fused glass hanging flowers

"Great course. Excellent communication before the course re location and parking. Really friendly tuition with Gen who is easy to chat to, supportive and encouraging. Really good fun to do and mindful. Would definitely recommend it to anyone."

Wicked Gen Crafts responded:

"I had lovely time with you both, so thank you for the lovely feedback. You will be really pleased with the finished flowers when you get them back."

Sarah reviewed: Spoon Carving Taster Session

"Great experience, was a great course. Mike was very knowledgeable and helpful. Taught us each knife skills at the right time. "

Laura carr reviewed: Wire wrap a seaglass pendant with Lindsay Forbes; Durham

"Lovely couple of hours making sea glass pendants. We were taught three different techniques with great patience from Lindsay and came away with 5 lovely sea glass pendants to add to chains. Thoroughly enjoyed the morning and look forward to doing additional classes "

Bench Box responded:

"Thanks for coming along Laura. Glad you enjoyed your morning of crafting and well done on creating 5 pendants, what a great selection to choose from!"

Linda Young reviewed: Traditional and modern upholstery classes set in a uniquely rural environment in Lincolnshire

"My sister and I really enjoyed our day with Lee, very happy and relaxed place to be and we didn’t feel rushed at all. Lee is very knowledgeable and really helpful. We would totally recommend, we look forward to going back with another project in the future. "

Finch and Toad responded:

"Thank you, Linda. It was lovely to spend the day with you both. Your projects were brilliant and I look forward to seeing you again. "

June & Colin reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Our day at Adrian wood blacksmithing workshop crafting a dragon coat hanger (looked more like a snake) and a keyring was nothing short of exhilarating. From the moment we stepped into the forge, we were greeted by Debbie, Adrian and Andy oh and a lovely cuppa and a biscuit. Under the expert guidance of Adrian and Andy we learned the art of shaping metal with hammer and anvil. Crafting the intricate details of the dragon coat hanger felt like breathing life into molten steel. The satisfaction of seeing the finished product, complete with fierce eyes and swirling wings, was unparalleled. The keyring project offered a different challenge, requiring precision and attention to detail. With careful guidance, we forged a unique keyring. Throughout the day, Adrian and Andy provided clear instructions and valuable tips, ensuring that even beginners like us could create something remarkable. The atmosphere was friendly and encouraging. Stopping for a lovely lunch made by Debbie. Overall, our blacksmithing day experience exceeded all expectations. It was not only a chance to learn a new skill but also a journey of creativity and self-discovery. We highly recommend this workshop to anyone seeking a hands-on adventure in the ancient art of blacksmithing."

David reviewed: Mastering Pen Making.

"What a fantastic day!! My friend and I did the full day pen turning course which involved us making two pens each. Derek is such a good teacher. He gently guides you through the process, explaining all the safety aspects, the correct way to use the machinery and how some materials act differently to others. There is a huge selection of pen styles and materials to choose from with some beautiful woods to turn. At the end of the day you walk away with a truly unique souvenir of an excellent day. I can't recommend this fabulous day enough!!"

Assynt Pens responded:

"Thank you to both you and Richard. Great students, and lots of laughs. And well done David for the two fabulous pens made. You made my job easy! Derek"

Sharon H reviewed: A day of glass fusing with Chan Foy

"I had an absolutely fantastic experience making my glass tiles, wave and bowl. Great place and amazing quantity and quality of glass to work with with the perfect level of tutoring. I can't wait to see how they turn out. "

Stockport Glass Fusing responded:

"Ahh thanks Sharon, it was a pleasure to teach n meet you and your creations are ready so watch out for the collection email (ready from Saturday in our porch 10am-7pm) - they have fused beautifully, you may have seen them on our socials? x"

Bernice O’Reilly reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"One of the best workshops I’ve ever done. Lynne is an excellent tutor, guiding you all the way with the practical information, skills and techniques but she also gives you space to be creative if you want. I came away with two fabulous notebooks which I’m very proud of and my family were very impressed. I’d definitely sign up for more courses by Lynne and have recommended this one to everyone I know. Five stars all the way! "

Lynne Friel responded:

"Thank you so much Bernice. Your books turned out so well and I'm sure you'll be able to make lots more at home. It would be lovely to see you again at one of my workshops. The first of the Intermediate book workshops start in June, although lots of people come two or even three times to the beginners' one - the results are always so different. Happy book making, best wishes, Lynne"

Helen reviewed: Ecoprinting with Bookbinding with Earthwise Ecoprints

"This was a really interesting and enjoyable day! The printing is a fascinating process, which I'm keen to continue. Fiona is such a knowledgeable and friendly teacher, I learned a huge amount - we fitted a lot into the day and came away full of ideas! Highly recommended."

Earthwise Ecoprints responded:

"Thank you Helen, it was lovely to meet you. I am so pleased you enjoyed the Ecoprinting with Bookbinding Workshop on Saturday. It was such a great group to teach. "

Kate reviewed: Willow Obelisk Plant Support Workshop with Dovecote Willow

"This is a wonderful course to do. Not only do you learn a new technique but you get to take home something wonderful to put in your garden. Vicky is a very good instructor and explained every stage of the willow work obelisk build clearly. I was so happy with what I made and will be signing up to do another course with Vicky as soon as I can. "

Dovecote Willow responded:

"Thank you so much Kate, you were a wonderful student and it would be lovely to see you again"

Sarah HARRISON reviewed: Fissures I - Cracked Mud Vessels / Panel

"An outstanding felt vessel workshop. Expert knowledge. Fantastic resources. Friendly, relaxed atmosphere in a purpose built garden studio. Constant tea, coffee and biscuits on hand. Thank you Emma. I throughly recommend the course and will be back! "

Emma Jackson (Silversoles - Felted Textiles) responded:

"Delighted to hear you enjoyed the workshop - look forward to seeing you again."

Kim Burrows reviewed: Sew and Make a Skirt Ages 8 - 16 years Allerthorpe nr Pocklington

"My granddaughter Chloe did this course yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed it. For someone who is very creative I felt it was something good for her to attend & do."

Katie reviewed: One day blacksmithing course in West Wales

"I booked the one day course for my partner's birthday. From the moment we arrived we felt very welcomed and at ease. Aaron makes smithing look so easy, he truly is a master at the craft. Aaron was on hand to help (which I admit was quite frequently as I was far from a natural!) but despite this I had a great day and my partner still hasn’t stopped saying how great it was! We were able to make two items we can use for our log burner and two coat racks which go beautifully in our house. I cannot recommend the course and Aaron enough and we are looking forward to booking on again in the future."

A and T Petersen Ltd responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely review. We hope to see you again."

SusanBJ reviewed: Lampshade Making Workshop with Clare Cosens

"In a lovely space for creating, we were given not only the means but also hints and tips on how to get a great finish on our lampshades. Clare is a great teacher and it was well worth the three hour round trip to participate in this course. Thanks Clare!"

Clare Cosens Designs responded:

"Thank you Susan for leaving a lovely review and for travelling all that way to attend the workshop. Please send me pictures of the big lampshades you are going to make. I would love to see them. Happy Making!"

Jacqueline Parry reviewed: Textured landscapes in Mixed Media - working with acrylics, collage and texture pastes

"Mike and Clare were so very welcoming! They introduced themselves in a friendly way and explained everything clearly. Throughout the session, Mike plied us with countless cups of tea and coffee and took our lunch orders, which he fetched from the cafe later. Clare explained what the course entailed and provided us with materials and her expertise; encouraging us all the way. I really enjoyed my day, which was a gift from my children and came away with three completed mixed media studies and much more experience. Thank you to all involved with putting this workshop together!"

Vitreus Art responded:

"Thanks for your review Jacqui - it was a pleasure having you in the studio. KR Mike"

Gill Robertson reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"I really enjoyed this day course. Judith is an engaging teacher, she explained things simply and clearly, and helped everyone to feel 'can do' rather than 'that looks hard'. 10/10. "

print paper stitch experiences responded:

"Thank you Gill, it was a pleasure to spend the day with you. I hope you feel inspired to add Lino Print to your creative repertoire, your botanic prints were beautifully executed."

Jane reviewed: Peonies - Crepe Paper Flower Making

"Lovely helpful teacher, clear directions and very generous course material to take home . Throughly enjoyed the course . Wonderful surroundings and super baked cakes . "

The Oast Studio responded:

"Thanks Jane, So glad you enjoyed the day. Happy flower making & hope to see you again."