Latest reviews

20 Feb 24'

Beat Neukomm reviewed: Willow Deer or Pig at Merriott Social Venue

"Jo is an excellent teacher and very generously shared her knowledge with us. There were 14 in the course, 12 making deers and 2 of us making pigs, it was very well prepared and structured. All the sculptures looked amazing on the stage for the group photo at the end. Great day, thank you Jo."

Jo Sadler Willow responded:

"Thanks Beat-it was a very creative day and produced lovely sculptures!"

19 Feb 24'

Lucie reviewed: Peg Loom Seat Mat made with fleeces from our own flock.

"If you want to spend your Sunday in a fun and relaxing way, peg loom weaving may be just the thing for you. To ensure we all finish our makes, Victoria was happy to go over the designated time! She had prepared a mountain of wool from the sheep in her care- I used the softest white wool from Peter Pan, the sheep who loves to wear hats and other head gear. You could choose from different colours, and some added a piece of fabric to their design. My completed project is on my office chair already and is very comfortable. Peg loom weaving is very achievable and the final result is rewarding. "

The Willow Barn responded:

"Hi Lucie, Thank you and so glad you enjoyed your time here making your fabulous seat pad. I'll let Peter Pan know you gave him a mention. ;-)"

19 Feb 24'

Martin W reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"Had a terrifically informative, inspiring and creative day. My day job is all copy/paste and 3D printing, so it's nice to get hands on with real materials, and with Kingsley’s expert guidance try out some new skills. I made a small wallet, and have so much more appreciation of the skill that goes into leatherwork. My main goal was to learn what's possible and be inspired for ideas that I can create or commission on the future, and this workshop was perfect for that."

19 Feb 24'

Julie Gill reviewed: Lantern Making with Fused Glass

"Really enjoyed the fused glass workshop. Amazing views, and a lovely tutor. Going to think about booking my next one. Thank you "

19 Feb 24'

Jill Collerton reviewed: Take raw fleece to finished fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"A fantastic, informative and absorbing weekend. I had never even seen a spinning wheel in real life before this course, and have come away with the skills to help me practice on my own. Elaine is a brilliant host, creating a comfortable atmosphere in which to learn. She knows her stuff - thanks so much Elaine."

Cartmel Handspun Spinning School responded:

"Thanks Jill I'm so pleased you enjoyed your course. All the best with your spinning as you go forward. Elaine"

19 Feb 24'

Kate B from Manchester reviewed: Linocut & print for beginners with Artist Catherine Carmyllie

"The Linocut & print course for beginners was brilliant. Catherine was an excellent teacher and gave everyone advice when needed and lots of positive feedback. She provided everything needed and we all went home with great prints! I had never done anything like this before and really enjoyed it. I would definitely recommend this course."

19 Feb 24'

Esther Kidd reviewed: Fused Glass One To One Workshop

"I recently attended a fused glass course which was one to one lasting from 9 am to 1pm. Claire explained the process very well and I successfully made a panel. However the panel was completed by 10.30am. I was not offered any further pieces or offered advice on how to display the panel. I also discovered I had to return a few days later to collect my panel. In my opinion the course (which cost £100) was not value for money and I would not recommend anyone to purchase this gift voucher. "

Standing on a Beach responded:

"Hi Esther, Thank you for your review and I’m sorry you felt you didn’t receive value for money. All options on how to create a panel were explained and I am unable to control the time it takes a student to complete their piece. Some students take much longer than the four hours, some take less. It depends on the design chosen and the complexities of the piece that is made. The size of the panel is in the description on CraftCourses prior to booking so all students understand the dimensions available. I do not offer stands as part of the workshop as pieces differ greatly in width and depth, depending on the technique utilised on the day. However, I did advise you could purchase stands for your piece specifically made to the dimensions of the finished panel from websites when you collected the panel. Had you asked about mounting your piece on the day we could have discussed options available. I would also like to draw your attention to the description on CraftCourses which clearly states ‘the fused piece will be fired after the workshop and can be collected at later date’. I also offer postage if collection isn’t an option. Firing, depending on your chosen style’ takes many hours in the kiln and this process is not that of stained glass which can be taken away on the day. Your panel took 36 hours to fire. I’m sorry your experience wasn’t as anticipated and I appreciate your feedback. Kindest regards Claire "

19 Feb 24'

Andy reviewed: Rustic Stool Making Course, 2 days

"Really good course and John is a great instructor who readily helps everyone, whatever their skill levels. Very practical and delivered at a relaxed easy pace for all participants. "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a great review. We really do appreciate it! We are also very pleased you enjoyed the workshop and shall pass your comments onto the course tutor. We hope to see you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes Team."

19 Feb 24'

Cy reviewed: Willow Weaving – Little Peg Basket

"Really enjoyed this day course, learnt a lot and made a sweet little basket which I will treasure! The venue was very good with plenty of room, T&C, facilities etc and the tutor was excellent. All material was well prepared and ready for us. Nice small group of poeple so we could get one to one assistance as we needed. I would definitely recommend this course."

Denmark Farm Conservation Centre responded:

"Thanks for joining us Cy. We're delighted that you enjoyed the course and have left such a positive review - much appreciated. We hope to see you at Denmark Farm again soon. "

19 Feb 24'

Louise Cunningham reviewed: Wood turning - Two day course

"I had a great two days learning to woodturn for the very first time with Anna. She was extremely patient and encouraging with this nervous newbie, and I managed to come away with a lovely 3 legged stool and an interest in wanting to do some more now I have a little knowledge. Would highly recommend this course."

Anna L Nichols Furniture responded:

"Thank you for your review "

19 Feb 24'

Richard Thomas reviewed: Shabby chic skills for beginners

"Did the Shabby Chic Course with Scott and it was great . Learnt loads in a really fun and relaxed environment . Scott has a wealth of knowledge and is a great teacher . I took along a yucky brown Jali type cupboard and we transformed it into a fab looking piece of furniture . A fun and informative day . "

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Richard Thank you for your feedback! I'm really glad to hear that you enjoyed the project and found it useful. Your cupboard looked amazing by the end—I even fancied keeping it for myself! Great job! Best regards, scott"

19 Feb 24'

Lawrie reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"Being able to take a natural piece of wood all the way to a functional and aesthetically pleasing spoon in a single day was a genuinely moving experience. Robert was an excellent teacher, taking time to demonstrate to the group and also individuals to help ensure we all came away with something unique and personal. I will definitely be continuing my greenwood carving and spoon making, and highly recommend this course for both acquiring skills and enjoyment. Thank you Robert!"

19 Feb 24'

Jenni reviewed: Parent and child blacksmithing

"My husband and son had an amazing time creating pokers and more on this course. The Forge were really helpful, they tried lots of different techniques and everything was well thought out and enjoyable. They will be back! "

19 Feb 24'

Gavin reviewed: Spoon Carving - Slojd Workshop

"Interesting course, well taught with some challenging techniques really well explained and demonstrated. Excellent lunch."

Max Sconyers III responded:

"Thanks Gavin! Great to meet you and the family. Hope you are enjoying the spoons. "

19 Feb 24'

Imogen reviewed: Stained Glass Panel Workshop with April Pebble

"April was a fantastic facilitator, really kind and very knowledgeable. She was really engaged with the class and found the perfect balance between supporting us and leaving us to explore on our own. Such a cute workshop to host the class in. I would be keen to attend more of April’s classes. "

April Pebble responded:

"Ah thanks so much Imogen, it was super lovely having you pair in the workshop! It is always a joy to meet new people in the workshops, especially when they get on so well as you lot- I hope to see you again on another course :) "

19 Feb 24'

Anna Reeves reviewed: Botanical Linocut Kit, UK made, includes handmade papers & video tutorials

"Thank you Catherine, for such a thoughtful and enjoyable lino printing kit. I haven't used lino for many years and you included everything to get me inspired again. I have really enjoyed this kit and have used it to make lots of cards for friends and family. It was also beautifully presented with individually wrapped items. It felt like Christmas when I opened it! Your videos are really accessible and helpful too."

19 Feb 24'

Stewart reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"I had an excellent time with Robert learning how to carve safely all the way from shaping a log with an axe to using carving knives to create a finished, smooth and functional spoon. His teaching style is calm, friendly and gentle and focusses on gaining the experience to find a style that works for you. Highly recommended."

19 Feb 24'

Dianne Swaby reviewed: DIY Leather Bag Kit - Cross Body Satchel to make at home

"Really enjoyed making the handbag. Very good instructions from start to finish and I think I've got the bug lol. Brilliant companion from the seller. Very happy with the finished item. Thank you. Yours Dianne "

Hands of Tym responded:

"Thank you for your kind words Dianne, I am so happy you enjoyed making your bag! Now you have the bug perhaps meet you soon on one of our bag in a day courses here in Banbury, Oxfordshire. Best wishes Georgie "

19 Feb 24'

Kat reviewed: Training course in upcycling with pallets. An introduction to making furniture with pallets for beginners

"Scott and Sue were brilliant hosts, they have an amazing workshop and are super knowledgeable. They gave us the right amount of info but also focused on letting us explore and learn at our own pace. I thoroughly recommend this course. "

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Kat, thanks for the lovely review I had fun too Scott"

19 Feb 24'

Anna reviewed: Two Day Traditional Stained Glass Workshop

"I have just done a two day course with Bonnie. It was a great learning experience and gave me the confidence to hopefully continue a hobby with stained glass. Thank you Bonnie"

The Purple Stained Glass Studio responded:

"What a lovely 2 days it was. "

19 Feb 24'

Linda reviewed: Rustic Log Stool Making Course

"I attended the rustic log stool course yesterday and it was amazing! We were guided through each step clearly by Pete and Jackie. Very relaxed atmosphere which made it so much more enjoyable. I came home with my stool and the family were very impressed. For anyone considering doing this I would say don’t hesitate! Looking forward to booking on another craft course soon. "

19 Feb 24'

Simon & Nicola Rogers reviewed: 1 day mixed media mosaic playshop

"An excellent and really enjoyable day with Emma. Very inspiring. "

Emma Cavell Art responded:

"Thank you Simon and Nicola, It was a joy to explore making mosaics with you both!! Thank you for your creativity and generous hearts!! Sending you both much love and every blessing, Emma"

19 Feb 24'

Robin Evans reviewed: Epoxy Resin Art Masterclass: Seascapes (Valentine's Offer)

"Great course, really well-led by Dan, who welcomed us so warmly and introduced us to the other couple present. He modelled the entire process before setting us off by mixing the resin. We were encouraged to be creative and supported as necessary. We were all pleased with the outcomes which were very different."

19 Feb 24'

Nigel reviewed: Beginners spoon carving

"A very informative course. Great fun and well run. Tutoring team were excellent and very friendly. Turned out a nice spoon."

Gosman Spoon Co. responded:

"It was great meeting you Nigel. If you need any further advice or help with tools etc, just get in touch."

19 Feb 24'

Simone reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"Robert is an amazing teacher and guide. Really enjoyable experience which took us from a big log down to a smoothed and oiled spoon. And we still have all 10 fingers! Yay!!!"