Latest reviews

Ryan reviewed: Gem cutting - cabochon cutting and an introduction to faceting

"James is lovely guy and real professional at the craft. He provides a really relaxed pace for new beginners, this was an excellent experience and I felt really at ease with him for my first lesson. I will definitely be booking more sessions with him in the future. "

Treasureworks responded:

"Thank you so much for that review Ryan! That's lovely to hear, thank you. It was lovely to meet you and your Brother, looking forward to seeing you again soon. Take care, Regards James :)"

Allan Crow reviewed: Wooden mechanical toy (automata) making

"I have an interest in Automata and my family gifted me a voucher from CraftCourses. I decided to choose Penlan Crafts in Bristol. I spoke over email to Stef on several occasions and each interaction was very useful and warm. I was guided by his expertise in choosing an automata to build which would suit my ability. I met Stef on route to his workshop and received a fantastic warm welcome which put me totally at ease. Once in the workshop, which was very cozy and well equipped, he assessed my skill levels and after a briefing on my chosen automata he put me to work. I was constantly under his eye but not made to feel uncomfortable. Once he could see I was coping with the tasks he set me he would leave me to complete them. During my time in the workshop we talked about anything and everything as if we had known each other for years. As the day progressed I could see that Stef wanted me to leave the workshop with a well-crafted automata which was certainly the case. Stef is a very knowledgeable craftsman with an eye for detail and a gift of passing his knowledge to his students in a way which is easy to grasp. For an Italian he makes a nice cuppa. If you are thinking about choosing an automata course, Stef’s your man. You won’t be disappointed."

Penlan Crafts responded:

"Dear Allan, thank you! I agree, we really had a great time during the course, you are a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic student, so no surprise your automata was completed at very high standards... and I warned you about the cuppa, you risked it having your tea prepared by an Italian! Thank you again and all the very best"

Agatha reviewed: Introduction to Loom Weaving

"My first hand weaving experience with Kendall Clarke was absolutely wonderful. As a beginner, I had no idea what to expect, however I gently allowed myself to be guided by Kendall who was patient, focused and more than happy to support me in the process of weaving simple to more challenging patterns. I gladly would recommend Kendall to any student who is keen to learn the process of weaving. "

Jane reviewed: SAORI Weaving Discovery Session

"What a lovely relaxing and creative way to spend 2 hours on a Monday afternoon. Nicola's instruction was clear and we were able to enjoy the exploration of Saori weaving. I will be coming back."

John reviewed: Natural History Illustration ~ Seedheads

"What a lovely day spent drawing and painting with a bunch of lovely people. Claire is a great tutor and her artwork is so inspiring. Looking forward to the next one!"

Denmark Farm Conservation Centre responded:

"Thank you for joining us John. We're delighted you enjoyed this course. Looking forward to seeing you for the next one. Mara"

Charles reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Highly recommended! A 70th birthday present. 3 of us went for 2 days and had the most marvellous time. Sebastian is a charming and interesting character and did a great job of introducing us complete novices to stone carving. Learned a lot and came away with sculptures we're all very proud of. The best birthday present imaginable! Great fun learning in beautiful surroundings."

Jenny reviewed: Sewing courses - All Levels at Tandem Crafts, Stourbridge

"I went for a free motion embroidery lesson. It was such good fun and really informative. I would 100% recommend this charming shop to anyone. As well as tuition it sells lots of useful sewing, knitting, crochet and other craft stuff. 5* from me"

Tandem Crafts responded:

"Thank you Jenny was a lovely afternoon. Glad you enjoyed it. Hope to see you again"

Dr. Vince Leonard reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course at Pensychnant, near Conwy North Wales

"An excellent course in a beautiful location with an outstanding instructor in Iolo. Although physically demanding and challenging in very hot weather, because it was led by an expert, who worked harder than anyone else, it was stimulating and rewarding. I highly recommend the course and wish I had done it forty years ago! It is nice to think that we have contributed a little something positive to the Welsh landscape. Please sign up for a course and keep these important craft skills alive. Thank you for the experience, even the bruises. "

Dry Stone Walling Association North Wales Branch responded:

"What a lovely review Vince. I gave this on to Iolo. The boulders at Pensychnant are really brutal but they enable a wall to be built quickly because of their size. Regards Paul "

Rachel reviewed: Silversmithing Class Level 1

"Thoroughly enjoyed my first class yesterday. Sara is so knowledgeable and a great communicator. The theory aspects of metallurgy were interesting and useful background, and the practical tasks of embossing, hammering and sawing were a great introduction to the craft. Can't wait for next week! "

Stratford School of Jewellery responded:

"Thank you so much for such a lovely review Rachel! It was fabulous to meet you yesterday as well and an absolute pleasure to welcome you on your jewellery making journey, I am really looking forwards to working with you over the coming weeks! Sara x"

Jeremy Shaw reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"What a great wood turning course! Did a day 1-2-1 with Simon, and learnt a huge amount. The two projects went very well, and I got an immense sense of achievement. Simon is a really nice guy and excellent teacher, and it all felt nice and relaxed, but motivational. Now to acquire my own lathe, and put the learnings into practice! Thanks Simon! "

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

"Hi Jeremy, Thank you for a lovely review and glad that you're on your way to taking up the craft. -- Simon"

Keri reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"An amazing experience! I would highly recommend this course to anyone. The setting for it couldn’t have been more perfect, you are surrounded by countryside and stone sculptures. We had the most relaxing two days here, thinking of nothing but the marks we were making. The course was very informative and Sebastian is a great tutor, we were bought this experience as a gift and would be a great gift for anyone looking to give something a little different a go😊"

Emma B reviewed: Copper Rings

"Fantastic ring. I love it. Great value for money. A personal ring and a personal service. Thank you Kami x"

Mya Designs responded:

"I'm so glad you love it, Emma. Although it's slightly different to the ones on the picture, it's completely handmade with you in mind. Thanks for a lovely review too! xx"

Darren reviewed: Ring Making Workshop

"Fantastic experience. Jade is a lovely and engaging host and will introduce you to the ancient art of lost wax jewellery making. Nice, relaxed and informal surroundings with drinks and cake as well. Suitable for all ages - we had a wonderful time. Thanks Jade and Fete"

Sarah Edsall reviewed: From the garden- still life with a mixed media approach

"My mother and I thoroughly enjoyed our 'Still life from the garden' mixed media workshop with Alison in her beautiful barn. I have done very little painting and this was the most wonderful introduction into using a variety of different techniques. Alison is a great teacher. Kind and patient, she has definitely given me the confidence to have a go and try some different methods which I have never seen before. I would thoroughly recommend."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Sarah, It was a pleasure to meet you both and I am so pleased that you enjoyed the day so much . It was really lovely to see how your work developed as the day went on, I hope it has inspired you both to continue at home, you both produced some beautiful florals ! All the best and good luck, Alison"

David Yeates reviewed: Copper Foil Stained Glass Workshop in The Cotswolds - Gloucestershire/Wiltshire/Oxfordshire Border

"The course was really very enjoyable. The leader, Sharon, was very knowledgeable and took care to ensure that we were all doing well to proceed in the work needed to get the most from the day. I had some reservations as I had Arthritis in my fingers and was worried that the detailed working would cause my fingers to spasm. However there was no need as the pace was easy going and any problems sorted. All in all a very enjoyable and productive day - I will certainly try and carry on in stained glass work. Thank you for the course."

Lechlade Craft Barn responded:

"We're so pleased you enjoyed your day. There is a lot to learn but there's no pressure and everyone works at their own pace. Your finished piece was lovely so I'm pleased you are looking to make more. We hope to see you at another workshop soon. Karen"

Carolyn Lowes reviewed: Sea Glass Picture Workshop

"A lovely morning learning about seaglass and how to design and make a picture, can’t wait to find the time to make many more. Thankyou "

The Sea Glass Company responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review. It was a pleasure working with you and I’m so glad you enjoyed it. "

Wendy Cooper reviewed: Two day (consecutive) stained glass starter course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"Paul is a very talented & professional man & has a real passion for stain glass & the processes involved. His way of teaching is interesting as well as professional & he made the whole weekend pass so quickly. With only 4 of us on the course you never had to wait for help. Would definitely recommend any course that Paul teaches. Thank you so much for passing on your knowledge & expertise it was a real pleasure to meet you Paul 🙏"

North Norfolk Stained Glass responded:

"A real pleasure to meet you too Wendy. Thank you so much for coming on the course and you kind review. Very best wishes Paul"

Joanna Browett reviewed: Woodturning Experience Days - Come and spend a day turning your first bowl

"This course was fantantic. My 12 year old son attended and had the best time ever! We are going to book again. Thoroughly recommend. "

Bodden Cross Studio responded:

"Thank you for your kind words. I look forward to seeing him here again."

Teresa reviewed: Brush lettering kit

"I am so glad I did purchase the kit. The presentation box is stunning!! I was so touched and very surprised when I saw a personalised note so beautifully done by Jen herself (not going to spoil the surprise for others). There is so much love and effort put on this kit and it is so inviting to start straight away. I would 100% recommend. Jen is so approachable and happy to share tips and advice if needed. I am very happy and cannot thank Jen enough for making such an inspiring kit. "

Jen Roffe responded:

"Teresa, I'm delighted you loved the kit so much, and thank you for taking the time to leave a review. It's so lovely to know all the little extra bits that go into making and putting a kit together really are enjoyed by each recipient! Enjoy using your brush pens!"

Linda Morgan reviewed: Dotty art cards & coasters

"Fantastic! Lovely group of teachers, very relaxing session with no pressures. Took my daughter and 9 year old granddaughter. They both, and I, thoroughly enjoyed it. My granddaughter has asked when the next sessions are and am I booking? I will be!"

Craft Circle responded:

"Thanks for your lovely review Linda ... It was great to have all 3 of you join us for the day, and I loved seeing how much your granddaughter enjoyed getting creative with paints. Hope to see you again soon!"

Hazel reviewed: Introduction to Verre Églomisé

"A very enjoyable day, trying something new. Rachel is an excellent teacher"

Rachael Milligan at Little Leaf Studio responded:

"Dear Hazel, Thank you so much, it was lovely to meet you all. You produced some fascinating pieces with lovely gilding. With best wishes, Rachael "

Vikki M reviewed: Whole day wet felted landscape workshop at Enterprise House in Barnard Castle

"I was nervous to do this course, but from my first tentative enquiry Claire was utterly lovely, explaining the structure of the day and making me feel at ease. The day itself was small enough to feel really individual. We worked at our own pace, shaping out our ideas but with support and encouragement. I did not have high expectations for my landscape but honestly, it came together into something I’m incredibly proud of thanks to Claire. I could not recommend this course more!"

Teesdale Felt responded:

"Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I thoroughly enjoyed working with you and I am not surprised that you are justifiably proud of your beautiful landscape! I hope to work with you again in the future. Very best wishes, Claire x"

Alison reviewed: Kindling/blanket basket (2 day) workshop with Hopewood Baskets

"Fantastic course. Sarah and Marcus were brilliant teachers. I would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to try basket weaving."

Hopewood Baskets responded:

"Hi Alison. Thank you so much for coming on the course, and for taking the time to write such a kind review, that really means the world to us. You made an amazing basket, such a wonderful achievement! Hope to see you again in the future. Best wishes, Sarah & Marcus "

Lorna Thornton-McCullagh reviewed: Lampshade Making Workshop

"What a brilliant course I can’t rate Kim enough. She was knowledgeable and had loads of patience, many thanks."

Mark Alder reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"I attended Lucy's course after having to cancel a course elsewhere when Lockdown hit and I'm so glad I did as Lucy's hands on teaching style, easy going personality and outstanding talents made for an absolutely joyful experience. With only two students we pretty much had one-to-one tuition throughout the three days. We were lucky enough to work outdoors in the sunshine enjoying tea/lunch breaks in the garden with Lucy where we were able to learn more about each others backgrounds and generally have a good laugh as we bonded over tea, cake and stone! I would recommend Lucy's course to anyone who is looking to take that first or even second step in stone carving, she will guide you gently through all of the skills required to produce your first masterpiece in stone or hone your existing skills! All done with a smile, a cuppa and gentle prod in the right direction when needed. Big thank you to Lucy and my fellow student Mike for making the whole experience as hilarious as it was rewarding. Tools have been ordered and the work will continue - money and time very well spent. "