Latest reviews

Ade reviewed: Maille making the traditional way.

"Phil is very knowledgeable. The history and development of chain maille was superbly explained. Taking you through the process of creating the individual links and riveting, and then onto actually making the maille was really well explained . Phil was at hand at all stages to offer advice and help. I hope there's an advance course."

Phil Parkes Maille responded:

"Thanks Ade, glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the feedback about an 'advanced' course, I'm looking at what that might involve as a few people have been suggesting it. Maybe see you again in the future!"

Laura Butcher reviewed: Glass Fusion - Holey Moley Bowl making

"This was the first time I had worked with glass and Sally was very patient and gave clear instructions. Free rein of our creativity with colours and shape. It was a very relaxed atmosphere and the staff at Stanwick Lakes were very friendly and helpful. An ideal place to learn a new craft."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a lovely review. We are very pleased you enjoyed the course and shall let the course tutor Sally know too. We do hope to see you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team. "

Susan Sellers reviewed: Furniture Painting Workshop (levels 1&2 techniques covered) in Warrington, Cheshire

"Jo is a great teacher and this is a fun day. Learning some new skills alongside friendly people with some scrummy cakes as a bonus! Inspired to tackle some new projects at home. Thank you."

Sandra reviewed: Crochet - Intermediate - Wednesdays

"Thank you for your patience, Bryony, a great lesson today and looking forward to the next sessions. "

Catherine Scott reviewed: Bespoke Photo-encaustic workshop

"This was a really enjoyable day. Lyn is a kind teacher who has lots of skill and tips to share. Highly recommend if you're interested in learning new art techniques "

Contemporary Encaustic Wax Workshop with Lyn Kirkland responded:

"Thank you for your review Catherine. I thoroughly enjoyed the day too. I hope you manage to produce another piece of work with your photographs. All the best Lyn "

Paul Greetham reviewed: Ceramics and Glaze Workshop

"Really friendly and helpful session, would recommend to anyone."

Fiona Robinson reviewed: A Creative Day Workshop (max 6 people for one price) - discovering or recovering creativity for work, home and life. Art in Suffolk

"A lovely day gently exploring my latent creativity with helpful guidance from Jane in the beautiful atmosphere of her home."

Sheila and Paul Child reviewed: Beginners half-day pen turning experience (woodturning) 1-2-1 or pairs

"We had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon with Simon on a pairs pen-turning workshop. We have already participated in Simon's bowl making workshop which was great, so we had an idea what to expect. However, we were thrilled at the beauty and functionality of the pen each of us made. Simon is such a patient, helpful, understanding tutor and if you want to lose yourself in another world and think only about wood grain and crafting skills, we would certainly recommend this workshop. You come away from the session, completely enthralled, with a made-by-you, totally unique, item to show for your efforts. What is there not to love about that?"

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

"Hi Sheila & Paul, Thanks for a lovely review and recommendation. Look forward to seeing you again for the bowl turning workshop. -- Simon"

Carole Longmire reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Another wonderful workshop run by Martin who is patient, gives clear instructions and makes these sessions so enjoyable. I thoroughly enjoyed the fused workshop and was extremely pleased with what I made. I would recommend attending, whatever your skill levels."

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review."

Jayne G reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Felted Pictures Workshop in Cragg Vale, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"Had a wonderful day felting with Melanie Louise at Crafts in the Valley. We had organised a private lesson for four of us and we had a great day. The Studio was bright and airy and full of inspiration, Melanie was a very knowledgeable tutor and making the felted pieces was pure joy. I was extremely pleased with my results having never tried wet felting before, we will certainly be back for more. Thank you. "

Ruth Bruins reviewed: Archived: Domestic Machine Knitting for Beginners (Weekend) - Nottingham Trent University

"Excellent course for beginners on the use of a Domestic knitting machine. Lauren the tutor was very helpful. Learn a lot which I’m hoping to put into practice! Would highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in learning how to use a knitting machine."

Nottingham Trent University responded:

"Dear Ruth, Thank you for your great review, we're very glad to hear that you enjoyed the Domestic Machine Knitting course and that you'll be able to put your new skills into practise! Best wishes, Ali "

Stephanie reviewed: Quilting Weekend Break, Yorkshire

"Absolutely loved this course! So helpful, especially as an absolute beginner. So many useful tips and tricks. Will sign up again next time!"

Bee-spoke Quilts responded:

"Thank you for your comments Stephanie. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the weekend and I look forward to seeing you again sometime. Send me a photo of your completed quilt! Jacqueline "

David Pye reviewed: Green Man stone carving in Yorkshire

"Helen presents a brilliant experience - all tools/materials/advice freely given in an old mill workroom. Everyone carved slightly different 'Green Men' from Maltese Limestone, each to his/her own interpretation of the pattern supplied, Lovely stone to work; firm and smooth. Everyone went home with a fine result. Highly recommended for friendliness, good instruction and value for money. Brilliant course."

The West Riding Stonecarving Association responded:

"Thank you David . I am pleased that you enjoyed the weekend and appreciate the time taken to write a review. I hope your Green man settles in well in your lovely garden. Kindest regards Helen"

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

"I wouldn't hesitate to recommend one of Adrian's blacksmithing courses. The day was excellent, so interesting, informative and enjoyable from start to finish. I was really delighted with the garden flowers I made. Adrian & Andy were helpful, friendly and always on hand to give support where required and Debbie gets a special mention for the delicious home made lunch, cakes & biscuits! "

Louise reviewed: Beginners Mosaics Workshops near Exeter, Devon

"Fantastic course. Thank you so much Denny for accommodating us and enabling us to learn something new. Extra bonus of great cake, company and friendly doggy. "

MosaicXandMe responded:

"Thank you Louise for taking the time to leave a review - one gets asked to review virtually anything these days so much appreciated. Glad you enjoyed yourselves. Do get in touch when you’re next visiting Devon. Best wishes Denny x "

kristofer williamson reviewed: Lampworking Workshop: Taster Workshop

"She is great at what she does, lovely work. Shows you step by step how do them. It was great to do, good parking as well there."

Dan reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"Quite possibly one of the best experience days I've ever attended! Jon is a top bloke who delivered an amazing session and has now got me wanting to return for another go. I loved learning the techniques required to craft my own knife and it was great to use some new, exciting tools as well as some familiar ones too. It's great to have brought home something truly unique that I have crafted myself - even the blisters from hours of hammering are a treasured reminder! This is an extremely enjoyable course and I would most definitely recommend it and I'm already sketching ideas for my next piece. Thank you, Jon, for an amazing day."

Glenda reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"Excellent workshop with an extremely talented trainer! The results achieved in a mornings tuition are fabulous, far exceeded expectations. Very skilled and patient craftsman, thoroughly enjoyed the experience. "

Bill Woods reviewed: Building and weaving a side chair at The Quiet Workshop

"This five day course was excellent. Splendid environment, company, tutoring and catering. You also end up with a very nice chair. I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone. "

The Quiet Workshop responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Bill. It was lovely to have you on the course. Your chair looked very pretty. I hope it’s a place in your home. Best wishes, StJohn & Bryony"

Angela reviewed: Make paper from wild and garden plants - Summit Good

"A relaxed, fun and informative day. It is very much an outdoor experience so a good pair of boots is essential as is a good packed lunch! With Bryans's expert guidance I was thrilled to be able to make and take home my very own paper and possibly make my own at home too. "

Wild Plant Paper CIC responded:

"Thanks Angela - it was a good day, if a bit chilly! All the best making some paper of your own."

Keith Powell reviewed: Stained Glass Traditional Leading Workshop for Beginners

"Thanks for a great day. I really enjoyed the course, which as a beginner, I found very informative, taking me step by step through the process, and ending up with a piece of glass art that I'm very proud of. Thanks again Mike & Jenny."

Vitreus Art responded:

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

Suzanne reviewed: Make paper from wild and garden plants - Summit Good

"Bryan is welcoming and very knowledgeable. The venue is rustic, with basic facilities, and the course was nearly all outdoors, so dress for all weathers and you'll be fine. I really enjoyed the course itself and have already made a small piece of plant paper at home. Very enjoyable course that will reconnect you with nature and creativity."

Wild Plant Paper CIC responded:

"Thanks for your kind review Suzanne. Let me know how your papermaking journey continues."

Sandy reviewed: Woodturning Absolute Beginners

"Great introduction to woodturning. Paul is very knowledgeable & experienced. Came away knowing enough to have a go on my own. And very pleased with my bud vase!"

Paul Hannaby Creative Woodturning responded:

"Thanks Sandy, good luck with your own creations!"

Belinda Delany reviewed: Willow Plant Supports

"A great course expertly taught with all materials provided. Very pleased with my creations. "

Windrush Willow responded:

"Hi Belinda, Glad you enjoyed it - hope to see you again on another course. Regards Richard"

Wayne Kingston reviewed: Landscape oil painting

"I enjoyed the course very much. Laura was very helpful and I was pleased with the end result. Even more important was that my wife was impressed with the results."

Laura Donaldson responded:

"Thank you Wayne. It was lovely to meet you and I’m thrilled that your wife likes your paintings! They were both great pieces of artwork with such fantastic stories behind them. It would be lovely to see you in the studio again if you fancy making the trip. "