Latest reviews

Jane reviewed: 2 Day beginner stone carving course with Ben Russell

"A wonderful relaxing couple of days in beautiful Dorset having a first attempt at stone carving. The initial ideas for my creation were rather ambitious, and Ben was able to advise on what would be achievable for a beginner in 2 days. I thought two whole days chipping away would be exhausting but it was so absorbing, time flew by and I could have carried on well into the evening. Ben was attentive and available to advise when needed. He offered a good balance of support and enabling skills with the aim of leaving with the satisfaction of a finished the piece within the weekend. Hot drinks were provided on tap, and whilst working and during breaks we enjoyed good company and chat. We stayed in Lyme Regis which was within easy reach by car and had the advantage of some good eateries and being by the sea. Absolutely loved it, what a great way to get away from technology and busy life stresses to spend a weekend reconnecting with oneself and one’s inner creativity. A great memory to treasure - I’d do it again in a heartbeat! "

Nici Brownsmith reviewed: Bead and Banter

"I went along for the first time yesterday and really enjoyed it. Very welcoming and knowledgeable course leader and pleasant company. Also I'm very pleased with the bracelet I nade. I'll be going again next week."

Jane Masterman reviewed: Create with a Gel Printing Plate - Mono Printing Without a Press

"I thoroughly enjoined my gel plate printing course and my head is now buzzing with ideas of what I can print next. Well done for the facilities and the running of the course."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Jane, Thank you for taking the time to review the day , it was lovely to see you again . it was great to see your work progress throughout the day, its such an addictive process, I am sure you will enjoy exploring it some more at home. All the best Alison "

Adrian reviewed: 2 Day beginner stone carving course with Ben Russell

"A surprise gift from my wife. I haven’t done anything’ crafty’ for many years and only got a days notice to think of ideas. However Ben’s teaching manner created a lovely relaxed atmosphere where I was able to feel free enough to just ‘go for it’ and with his excellent teaching and advice was able to create a piece that I was really pleased with. I would fully recommend Ben to anyone thinking of doing a course on Stone Carving. 5 stars!!!"

Inge reviewed: Kiln fired Enamelling with Katie Sanderson. Full day workshop

"A brilliant course, I really enjoyed it. Expert advice and Katie was very patient with us. Full safety measures taken, what an excellent day! 4 hour drive home, but I smiled all the way!"

David Payne reviewed: Building and weaving a simple stool at The Quiet Workshop

"I had great pleasure in making a high stool at the Quiet Workshop last week. I have enjoyed working with wood for some years and this was a great opportunity to learn new skills and resurrect some skill that are long forgotten. All credit to StJohn for guiding me so skillfully. He is a good teacher."

The Quiet Workshop responded:

"David, thanks so much for your review. We’re glad you had a good time; you built a lovely stool. Best wishes, StJohn & Bryony"

Clare reviewed: Pot throwing on the wheel for a Half Day

"Really enjoyable experience! Really clear instructions and guidance. Great to have a wheel to yourself to have plenty of time to have a go. The time flew by! Thank you Richard! "

Potterydayz responded:

"Delighted you enjoyed your time here Clare. Well done on your achievements and I hope to see you again soon at Potterydayz."

Penny reviewed: Beginners Pyrography Course

"I spent a lovely day with Tilia learning the basics of pyrography. It was interesting and informative and I came away with a piece of art that I created myself! Tilia was so encouraging and I learned so much in the 6 hours we spent on our project. I have already asked to be put on her mailing list to do further courses. I’m hooked! "

Alan & Jo Ovenden reviewed: Introduction to welding course for two people

"My wife and I decided that all the usual things were a bit boring for our 25th wedding anniversary, so we booked a day with Roger, and wow! did we make the right decision. Roger is one of the loviest chaps you would wish to meet, he is knowledgable and explain things really well. We now have two dragon flies in our garden to remind of the perfect day. I took along my own welder that I had never used and Roger gave me enough confidence to come home and repair a lever style water pump at the top of our well that had been broken for 20 years!!! Can't recommend enough!"

Clare reviewed: Silver Clay Flower Garland Jewellery Workshop in The Cotswolds - Gloucestershire/Wiltshire/Oxfordshire Border

"Very well led, productive course. Learnt many new skills."

Elaine Gardner reviewed: Spin to Keep the Colours Vibrant - No Muddy Colours Here!

"I have just done this course and enjoyed it so very much. The Spinning Barn is a calm and peaceful place and Theresa was a wonderful teacher. She was patient and kind. Her explanations were clear and told of a huge knowledge and experience. I learned so much from her and she has offered support if I am uncertain about anything. Theresa is extremely generous and has given me some great tips on good pratices for the whole process of fibre preparation, spinning and pointers on plying so that the end yarn can be reproduced. Thank you Theresa."

The Spinning Barn responded:

"Thank you so much Elaine for your lovely review. It brought a tear to my eye. I'm so glad that you feel ready to create even more beautiful yarns. X"

Una Jennings reviewed: Stained glass taster day in Worcestershire

"Spent an enjoyable day making a stained glass panel. Even though I have worked with glass many years ago, Vicky was very knowledgable, teaching me new skills and techniques. She is very easy going, generous with her time, and fills you with confidence as - "mistakes are always redeemable". Very pleased with the end result and will be booking another class, learning about and making fused glass."

Kingcot Gallery responded:

"Dear Una, thank you for your kind words, they are appreciated. It's always good to show that there are different ways to do crafts, but never losing sight of the main thing - enjoyment. I find this usually follows frustration.......... :-) Hopefully see you again for the pleasures of fused glass. All the best, Vicky"

Sharon wright reviewed: Willow Dragonfly Sculpture at The National Stone Centre

"Had a lovely morning on the course & Sally was very good."

Wild Roots Creative responded:

"Thank you Sharon for the lovely review. So pleased you enjoyed the dragonfly workshop. Sally"

Claire Peters reviewed: Weaving workshop on 4 shaft table looms in South Lakes at the Heron Corn Mill in Beetham

"I was thrilled with my experience weaving on four-shaft looms at Heron Corn Mill. I was amazed with the amount I learnt and achieved over the day; I was amazed by the amount of information I had been able to absorb and put into practice, and I came away with a piece of work that I loved. Erika is a fantastic and attentive teacher who provided information in a way that was easy to understand and apply. The materials supplied were varied and interesting, with a lot of colours and textures, and allowed us all to make something that matched our tastes. Everyone in the workshop came up with something unique that reflected their personal style, and we all left feeling accomplished! Thank you, Erika. I couldn't recommend this course enough. Regardless of your experience level, it caters to all!"

Jeb Coates reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"Just finished the English Longbow Making course and I must say it has been an amazing experience. The course was handled excellently and the expert guidance from Gavin and Tom was spot on. The weekend was a lovely relaxed atmosphere with a coming together of different people all looking to achieve the same goal. I am completely blown away with what I have produced. I can’t wait to shoot the bow to see how it fires. I would highly recommend this course to everybody whether experienced in woodworking or not. With the help of the guys you will certainly produce a thing of beauty. I am one happy aspiring bowmen. "

Ellie M reviewed: Half day: 3 Leather Accessories

"I had a fantastic morning doing the leather accessories course. Rosanna is friendly, professional and very knowledgeable. I loved the accessories I made and learnt a lot! Would definitely recommend the course to friends. "

Kirsten reviewed: Monoprinting For a Day Plus Lunch

"In addition to being a patient, organized, and flexible instructor, Genny was so fun to spend time with! I did a 5 hour monoprint session and after some explanations and demonstrations, Genny let me loose to dabble and experiment. She stayed close by offering tips and pointers, and then expanding her demonstrations. I felt like the course was really customized to my skill and interest level which I appreciated. We took a nice break for homemade quiche, salad, and salmon toast and wrapped up the day with tea and apple cake. Genny bundled up my (10!) prints for me and offered some suggestions for ways I could continue modifying my prints at home. I learned a lot and had a super time. I can’t wait to find a print shop at home so I can continue exploring monoprints. "

Arty Genny responded:

"Hello Kirsten, thank you for your eloquent review. I'm so glad I managed to strike the right balance between instruction/guidance and creative freedom - it's a priority for me to provide the right environment for each individual person. It was wonderful to observe you find your own way with the techniques I demonstrated. I hope you find a printmaking club local to you, because I think you've got a talent for it! I will definitely make that quiche again! All the Best, Genny X"

Alison Dray reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"What a delight Sebastian's two day stone carving course was! In a lovely setting at the foot of the Cheltenham hills, he perfectly balanced a modicum of instruction, and some guidance to get our creative juices flowing, before letting us loose with tools of some lovely Cotswold limestone. Throughout he was attentive, clear with his advice, and very welcoming. I plan to go back in 2026. "

Jamie reviewed: Relief Carving

"Mr Partner and I had an amazing time trying stone carving for the first time with Deborah. She easily guided us with different designs and was able to suggest what each of our pieces individually needed. She provides a welcoming and comfy environment. She makes a lovely cake too!"

Deborah Harrison Sculpture responded:

"Thank you Jamie. Glad you enjoyed it!"

Jill reviewed: Make Resin Coasters

"I had not been to this crafting venue before I thought the general information was good and the booking process straight forward. The venue was bright and the tutor had prepared the room for the class with individual work stations always a bonus. There was a good supply of materials available to choose from. The instructions were clear and the process surprisingly simple which enabled me to try out different techniques in the time a available. I hope to go back in the future and attempt something a little more complex now I understand the basics. Thanks for a peaceful and creative afternoon."

Craft and Create North East CIC responded:

"Thank you so much for your feedback, we’re glad you enjoyed your time with us! "

Linda reviewed: Autumn Inspired Creative Textiles

"Really enjoyed the class, very friendly and knowledgeable tutor and the time flew by! Lots of lovely materials to chose from - very inspirational!"

Graham Mason reviewed: Willow Kindling Basket- Beginners Log Bottomed

"The basket weaving course was really enjoyable even though my basket turned out less than perfect. I probably will need more practice to become even remotely as good as some of the other first time weavers, some baskets were superb. the tutor was really good giving help and advice when needed. I think the course is really good for people with manual dexterity problems. All in all a 5 star experience. "

Workshops in the Woods responded:

"You did amazing Graham, and was lovely to meet you. Many thanks for the kind words and I hope to see you again soon kind regards Rachel "

J CG reviewed: Woodcarving with sculptor Jason -handtools -gouging and whittling

"Absolutely Brilliant !!!! Great venue and such a talented, informative and helpful teacher. Learnt a lot and had a thoroughly enjoyable day ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"

Jason Thomson - Sculptor responded:

"I’m so glad you enjoyed it - it was an action packed and creative day of wood carving if ever their was one!"

Alison reviewed: Beginners Freehand (freemotion) Machine Embroidery Workshop

"Thoroughly enjoyed this course, not only was Meg an excellent teacher but it was lovely to meet other like minded sewers and share information and tips. Course was well run, I struggled to get my machine to work. But Meg patiently worked out my elderly machine was never going to manage and swapped her machine for mine and everything went swimmingly after. 3 hours flew by and I feel enthused to practice and convert a bedroom into a sewing room and carry on with this craft…"

Emily Stevens reviewed: Stained Glass for Home and Garden

"Absolutely loved this course! Anna was so welcoming and attentive, very easy to follow instructions, and I was welcomed to be as creative as I wanted! She was always on hand if I needed help, and I am so pleased with my creations! Will definitely be recommending to friends "