Latest reviews

Shirley reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"I have enjoyed the course very much, Jamal was very thorough about the background & trading in the stained glass industry. The class was fun, informal and I have learned a lot from the process, gained much insights & possibilities. I hope I’ll be able to practice more in my own time, investing a few tools; it is a beautiful craft. Thank you Jamal for sharing the knowledge & professionalism."

Jo reviewed: Introduction to paper cutting / papercut art - beginners or experienced

"We had a a fab afternoon playing with paper with like minded people, how good does it get? We could go fast or slow with lots of tips as we went along so I'd highly recommend this session to others. "

The Leaf Press responded:

"Thanks so much for your review Jo. It was lovely to spend an afternoon with you and your mum and I'm glad you enjoyed the paper cutting workshop. "

Sabine Clark reviewed: Stained glass one day

"What a fantastic day 🤩 First time doing a stained glass workshop, and loved every minute of it ! Nina was there at all times coming to our rescue when our scoring techniques went slightly off course ! She was not only an amazing teacher but also a generous and wonderful host. Our group felt at ease very quickly, welcomed and full of laughter throughout the day ! It was a wonderful setting and I recommend to anyone to do this workshop. It definitely brings the creativity out of you. Thank you Nina for this unforgettable day 😊"

Clearsands Stained Glass responded:

"Thanks for coming along and glad you enjoyed it so much and created such lively work! Also looking forward to seeing you again when you strat my 12 week stained glass course in January! "

Belinda Collingwood reviewed: Painting in Pastels

"We absolutely loved our course - Cathy is so helpful, creative and encouraging we created pictures way beyond our expectations and it opened up new ideas, techniques and enthusiasm that we will take forward - we’ll be back - such great value! "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review. We are so pleased you enjoyed the course and shall let Cathy know. We hope to see you again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Philippa reviewed: A One-day Feltmaking Course to Make a Fabulous Felt Hat in the Beautiful Forest of Dean.

"Brilliant fun making a funky hat 8-)"

Christine Waygood. Contemporary Textiles. responded:

"Thanks Philippa! Hope they look as good in it as you do!"

Charlie reviewed: Introduction To Welding & Basic Fabrication

"The course with Joe was brilliant. I have left feeling very confident to start welding myself and feel as though I understand which methods will be best for me in what I want to achieve. His approach is welcoming and open. Well worth doing! "

Pam Coxon reviewed: Acrylic Trio 3 artists 3 styles Painting holiday deposit - Bournemouth Sea front hotel

"We enjoyed every minute of our time at Marsham Court Hotel. So much so that we have already booked for next year. Marilyn and the other two tutors showed us different techniques and approaches, and we produced some interesting paintings. The hotel was good too, with delicious food. "

Nigel Ellis reviewed: Walking stick making - Friday mornings, come and make a stick with Bill at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"I spent 3 Friday's with Bill, and had a great time. He was really helpful, and friendly, as were the rest of the people there. The atmosphere was relaxed, and there was plenty of fun and chat. I was made very welcome. I didn't quite finish my walking stick at the sessions, but Bill provided the material, and the advice to finish. I've got a great walking stick, and look forward to going back to make another one. Thoroughly recommended."

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you Nigel, Bill. is an excellent tutor and I will pass your kind words on to him "

Melissa reviewed: Upholstery full day class - strip, pad and cover a dining chair

"I can't recommend this course highly enough. David puts you at ease straight away and whatever your skill base I guarantee you will learn so much as well as coming out with an incredibly beautiful item for your home. A definite must for anyone with an interest in home décor, design or just a love of learning something new. "

Charlotte reviewed: Painting in Pastels

"I have never worked with pastels before, but Cathy did a great job of explaining basics enough that even I managed to make something good enough to hang up on my wall. Cathy's enthusiasm for teaching really shone through and I'll be booking more classes with her in the future"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a lovely review. We are very happy you enjoyed the class and shall pass your comments onto Cathy too. We hope to see you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Sally Pitman reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at King John's Nursery, Etchingham, East Sussex

"What a fantastic day and I can highly recommend this to anyone who wants to learn a new craft, or improve, whilst spending a day surrounded by all things natural. Marianne is so patient (needed to be with me!), incredibly knowledgeable in her art and thoroughly explained everything before we started. She was on hand constantly to guide me through all the various stages, but left room for my artistic interpretation - and then got me back on track. Really looking forward to another day in November and building on what I've already learnt. Thank you Marianne!"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Hello Sally, Thank you so much for your recommendation! Wonderful to hear you enjoyed yourself. You did look like you loved being creative again. Can't wait to see your lampshade in situ. Will be great to have you on board again in November. All the best for now, Marianne"

Karen Perkins @fabcoach reviewed: The First Cut - lino cutting for beginners & rusty printmakers in Derbyshire

"Really enjoyed the course. As a novice lino cutter I was apprehensive about how I would get on , however the atmosphere and lovely venue was supportive and encouraging. I am pleased to say that Liz showed me all the steps and tips to use lino cutting equipment safely & artistically ! Lots of tea and coffee, relaxed but well organised & thorough, no question too daft, tips all the way through the day. I came home with lots of lino prints and can't believe what we achieved in the day . Thank you to Liz. I will be attending the gel printing class next !!"

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Karen, Thanks for taking the time to let me know about your day - it’s much appreciated. It was a lovely productive day with a great group of makers. You chose quite a challenging image for your lino cut and created a very successful outcome. Go order that kit and you’ll be able to cut happily through until Springtime. Looking forward to your next visit. Best wishes Liz Wellby "

Rachel reviewed: Printmaking - Screen Printing with Stencils

"A fantastic session learning how to screen print. Kami was an enthusiastic teacher. We will be back for more!"

Mya Designs responded:

"Thanks for the lovely review, Rachel. You and Maddie certainly came with enthusiasm and ideas for your project and, wow, they came out amazing! I hope all the extra tips will help Maddie with her A levels. She's going to smash it! Look forward to sharing other craft techniques when I next see you! take care :)"

Alice Mason reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"Absolutely fantastic day!!! Would definitely recommend it!!! Jamal is very knowledgeable and helpful offering advice during the different aspects of the practical. Mum and I had a great time and love the pieces we got the make!"

Dan Hughes reviewed: Relief Wood Carving Art

"We had an absolutely brilliant day attending the relief woodcarving course with Ruth. She was friendly and informative and really helped us get the best out of our chosen designs. We also loved the setting; what lovely surroundings to learn in (we were blessed with an unseasonably warm October day which was lucky!) It was really nice to share the day with two other small groups doing pyrography and soapstone carving - we all very much enjoyed checking out how each other was getting on and it made me want to go back and do soapstone carving myself!!!"

Jayne Lees reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"Really enjoyed the two days I've spent working on the chair I brought to York - Jo's been really helpful and I think I've learned a lot - the group was small and so we got a lot of support at each stage. Relaxing atmosphere. Very good value for money :) Thanks Jo"

What Jo did next responded:

"Thanks Jayne! I'm glad you feel that you got the support you needed. I'm always busy running from person to person, so I'm very happy to hear that the atmosphere in the studio was still relaxing for you. I think the value is in my students being able to bring their own materials along, if they want to. I do try to make the courses affordable for all. Jo"

Jane kanisius reviewed: Japanese style chopping boards workshop - Marlborough

"A thoroughly enjoyable day - a big thank you to Jacqui and Pete."

Douglas Dawson reviewed: Spoon Carving at Manor Wood

"I had good day learning the art of spoon carving at Manor wood. For myself it was even better being the only student. I took along a lump of wood destined for the fire and Matt looked at it and said I should get 2 spoons out of it. I am not used to using an axe to cut wood but Matt soon had me working without any trouble. The knives I found it difficult as I have been using standard woodworking tools since I was at school. At the end of the day I think we both learned something. ."

Steph reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"I have recently completed a day experience at Sallerton Wood with Andy. I had no experience at all. I had only ever sawn a piece of wood once and not in a straight line. It was a really good day. I found it relaxing and the teaching of the techniques was memorable. (I think I would know how to do it all again). I made a mallet, a spatula and tried my hand at wood turning (this I later made into candle sticks). It was a thoroughly enjoyable day. Even though it was raining we were all dry and we didn’t even notice the rain as we were so engrossed. Definitely recommend this to everyone. "

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed, Steph, for posting that very positive review. We're very pleased that you enjoyed the course, its tuition, and the pleasant conditions out of the elements in the workshop shelter. We look forward to seeing you again one day, if you return for a visit, or another course. In the meantime, enjoy using your mallet, spatula and candlesticks!"

Sue T reviewed: Beginner's Candle Making Private Workshop - Marlow, Buckinghamshire

"Really enjoyable day and a comprehensive and practical introduction to candle making - would highly recommend to anybody feeling creative."

Helen reviewed: Circular sock knitting machine 'Sock School'

"What a wonderful day learning how to make socks on a circular knitting machine. Anne was a wonderful teacher and the pace of the course was just right. Came away with a pair of socks and a desire to buy my own machine and make many more! The lunch and afternoon tea were absolutely divine."

Cymbal Knits responded:

"Thank you Helen. It was a great day, I really enjoyed it. You were an excellent student. "

Katherine reviewed: Landscape quilts workshop

"Had a lovely day in Downton creating a landscape quilt picture. Lots of tips and examples provided for inspiration also delicious homemade shortbread and Bara Brith. Thank you Jacqueline!"

Bee-spoke Quilts responded:

"Thank you for your kind comments Katherine. It was a pleasure to work with you. I will keep you informed of future workshops via my newsletter.."

M. Fitzgerald reviewed: Have fun learning to forage for seasonal wild food and fungi

"What a wonderful day of learning, listening, walking, and foraging! Charming hosts and other participants were delightful. Great experience and definitely recommend it. "

Hedgerow Cottage responded:

"Hi Moe, Thank you so much for the lovely review. It was a delight to meet you both and I hope we'll see you again in the spring! Best wishes, Adrian & Renee "

Emma T reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"As a complete novice I was very nervous that I had taken on much too big a project! Jo was not phased however, and took me patiently through every step of restoring my old chair using traditional methods. Thanks Jo! I’ll be back soon! "

What Jo did next responded:

"With the decision to strip it right down to replace the stuffing platforms, and the repairs you made to the frame - your old chair will survive another 100 or more years. You're doing a great job! See you soon! "

Jane Scott reviewed: One day fused glass course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"Fabulous day. Met some lovely people and learnt a lot. Paul is a great teacher "

North Norfolk Stained Glass responded:

"Thank you Jane, much appreciated:•) "