Latest reviews

Catrin Davies reviewed: Maille making the traditional way.

"I didn't attend this workshop but gave places to my son and niece as part of their Christmas presents... I can just tell you that enthusiasm oozed from them when we met later! I think Phil must be very skilled at imparting his deep knowledge of the subject while also teaching practical skills. They both loved handling the medieval examples in Phil's collection. Loved everything about this workshop! I am so grateful that my gift was SUCH a glorious success. Thank you Phil."

Phil Parkes Maille responded:

"Glad to hear they enjoyed the course, and I'm happy that they enjoyed the present. It was lovely to meet them both."

Catherine reviewed: Wooden Christmas Decorations with The Woodland Haberdasher Fay Jones

"Warm and welcoming atmosphere. Faye was an amazing teacher. Very patient with me and my 10 year old son."

Cambridge Art Makers responded:

"Thanks for taking the time to give us a review, we're so glad you and your son enjoyed the course. "

Kate reviewed: Pick & Mix Glass Fusing Taster Sessions (Open Group)

"Really enjoyable taster session, Dawn was very knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommended."

Dawn Turner Designs responded:

"Thank you for coming back to the studio, glad you all enjoyed it. The work has gone into the kiln today for it’s first firing, all looks very lovely! "

Peter Ward reviewed: Bookbinding for Beginners and Improvers

"The standard of teaching was exceptional. Very intense from the start but considerable learning from practical experience under supervision. The three sessions per day were exhausting especially for total beginners. Would have liked a handout with basic sequencing of book making. Inspiring tutor who clearly loves his craft and found time for some personal support and direction. "

Cathy Kenyon reviewed: Fused glass lanterns (large)

"I had another amazing time with Diane. She is a great teacher with knowledge and ideas using glass fusion ."

Crafty Diane Gift Shop, Art Gallery and Craft workshops responded:

"Thanks Cathy. Have a great Christmas xx"

Jon Ashton reviewed: Introduction To Welding & Basic Fabrication

"Great course for introduction to different types of welding. Good attention to safey, equipment set up and technique. Joe is very skilled and also an interesting guy to spend a day with"

Helen Hill reviewed: Pick & Mix Glass Fusing Taster Sessions (Open Group)

"Absolutely loved Dawn’s pick and mix glass fusion taster which had lots of choice. Went with a friend and had such a great time. Dawn explained everything really well before we were let loose, and was on hand to help with questions the whole time. Plenty of materials to choose from and a group of just 6 which was perfect!"

Dawn Turner Designs responded:

"So glad you had a good time, it was a lovely afternoon sharing my studio with you all - the work the group made is fabulous, its gone in for first firing today, can’t wait to see the results. Thanks again "

Beverley Chapman reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Such a great course! Calm, patient and encouraging tutoring will help you gain confidence in a machine workshop environment, as well as increase your hand tool know how. Also, the end result is just beautiful."

Gudrun reviewed: Creative fused glass Christmas decorations, half day workshop

"I had a wonderful time. Annie told me all I needed to get started with my glass-fusing adventure. I learned so much. There are so many materials to choose from and lots of design ideas. Great fun. I will be back for more glass-fusing. Thanks, Annie. "

Jayne reviewed: Furniture Painting Workshop (levels 1&2 techniques covered) in Preston, Lancashire

"Excellent course really did take a lot away from it including lots of easy techniques. Nice space, good equipment and lovely & approachable tutor (Jo). My mum and I thoroughly enjoyed the day, so much so we are going to do Jo’s upholstery course in the new year. In summary, if you’re debating whether or not to do the course - do it! You will have no regrets I’m sure of it!"

The Boho Shed responded:

"Ah Jayne, what a lovely review, thank you so much. You were both a pleasure to teach and I would be delighted to welcome you to an upholstery workshop when you are ready. 🙏💕"

Joy Gallavan reviewed: Willow Weaving Workshops - Christmas Decorations, Wreaths and Gifts

"Would highly recommend this course, lovely lady, lovely experience all round "

SalixArts - Debbie Hall responded:

"Thanks for the review Joy, It was a pleasure to have you here - what a lovely group we had that day, I hope that you really enjoy all your decorations and I hope to see you again, Warm wishes, Debbie"

Rob J reviewed: Maille making the traditional way.

"A great day, with an excellent craftsman and teacher. A nice mix of discussion of the history of mail, the chance to handle some medieval examples, and then to get hands on with the whole process from start to finish. A relaxed atmosphere, and a warm welcome made this a really lovely day."

Phil Parkes Maille responded:

"Thanks for the review Rob. It was great to have your perspective as someone who researches and wears mail to add to the discussion. Glad you enjoyed it and hopefully you learned enough for making repairs / tweaks to your armour."

Carol Hughes reviewed: One day tester of wood carving

"Sebastian was a great tutor and it was a pleasure spending time with him learning wood carving. Creating from a block of wood is such a privilege. Was amazing to see my snowman appear as the hours went on. Thank you for a lovely experience "

SBCW responded:

"Thank you so much Carol. It was a great time and you are really good with wood and using tools for the first time, fantastic work. Well done. "

Margaret Haste reviewed: Stained Glass Copper Foil in New Romney, Kent

"What a wonderful day! I had been looking forward to the day, but everything exceeded my expectation. Yolanda and Georgie were on hand throughout the day to guide and teach. I could not have imagined that I could have achieved what I did in just one day. Food was amazing too!"

Laura B reviewed: Furniture Painting Workshop (levels 1&2 techniques covered) in Preston, Lancashire

"Loved this course. I had no idea where to start with furniture painting and after this one day introduction I came away with a fabulous upcycled corner table and am itching to try all the other techniques we learned. Jo makes this a very calm and relaxed day and gives you the confidence to try out your ideas. Learned so much!"

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you so much for your very lovely review Laura. I’m over the moon you enjoyed the day so much and got so much out of it. It was a pleasure to have you and Gavin there. Happy ongoing painting. 🙏❤️"

Denise and Ashleigh reviewed: Traditional Painting for Stained Glass

"We had a great experience and hospitality with Brenda on our stained glass painting course. It was held in the most idyllic home and studio. Brenda has a huge amount of knowledge and experience which she is generously willing to share and inspire with her students. We were delighted with the work we managed to achieve in a two day workshop supported by Brenda."

Kingfisher Glass responded:

"Thanks to both of you for the fab review!! I'm so glad you enjoyed yourselves and you were certainly very focused and produced some stunning work!! You were great company aswell!!"

Jackie Bennett reviewed: Stained Glass Copper Foil in New Romney, Kent

"What a lovely day! A very warm welcome in perfect studio. Great instruction to make our Christmas tree decorations. Lots and lots of colours, shapes and bits to choose from. Fabulous lunch. Lots of time and help on hand led to me taking home two fabulous Xmas decorations but not before we have a very tasty afternoon tea of cakes and scones. Happy to recommend this course. "

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

"There is a great deal to do Lino printing successfully. It is all credit to Laura that somehow she managed to get us all through the various stages. It was a fully engrossing day, full of interest and learning on many different levels. I heartily recommend anyone to try it out. I should be interested in any other courses Laura is putting forward. Great Day."

Laura Sowerby Prints Cumbria responded:

"Dear Shirley, I am delighted to hear that and I look forward meeting again. Thank you for all your enthusiasm which helped make the day such a success. Best wishes , until next time x"

Lubna Haq reviewed: Garden Stained Glass Panel Workshop

"We had a great day and learnt a lot. Ruth was clear, patient and very accommodating. Would highly recommend. "

Ruth Mullan Stained Glass Artist responded:

"Thank you ☺️ Lubna for your lovely comments. I really hope you enjoy the pieces you made! They were great! 👏"

Chris Freeman reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"A very well planned and presented course covering both MMA and MIG welding. 6 people in the class meant Dave had plenty of time for one-on-one advice. Thoroughly enjoyed it. "

Allied Welding School responded:

"Thank you for taking the trouble to write the review Chris, very much appreciated. I am so pleased you enjoyed your day, it makes me feel that I am doing my job properly! Kind regards David"

Brenda reviewed: Candle making workshops for beginners - St Albans, Hertfordshire

"A very interesting workshop that included various methods of candle making. A great incentive for starting to make my own."

Ella reviewed: Blacksmithing taster session at Urban Crafts Foundation

"A fantastic course which I 100% recommend. Lizzy taught me a range of different techniques and skills needed to make a fire poker. We chatted about differences in coal and gas forges, equipment needed and how to stay safe in the forge. I learnt so much. Thank you again and hope to see you in the future to develop more skills."

Urban Crafts Foundation responded:

"Thanks so much and hope to see you again soon!"

Joanne reviewed: Nordic Christmas Tree Decoration Class

"Sara was an amazing teacher in a beautiful venue. Gentle guidance and praise throughout and we learnt so much in the time! Can't wait to go back. We travelled 90 mins to get here and it was well worth it"

Sandra C reviewed: Paint pouring with tea & cake

"A most enjoyable afternoon. Friendly and relaxed - excellent tuition and guidance and lots of fun. Really pleased with the results :-)"

Elizabeth Evans reviewed: Woodturning - Beginner's Platter and Bowl Turning

"Really enjoyed Paul’s Woodturning course. I’m not a natural, but he was patient and explained everything really well to me and showed me different ways of cutting. I came away with two lovely pieces that I’m very proud of and had a great time. "

Paul Hannaby Creative Woodturning responded:

"Thanks Elizabeth, it was a pleasure working with you."