Latest reviews

Helen Calderbank reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"We did the 2 day beginners weekend course and loved it! The instructors and volunteers are so welcoming and clearly love what they do and share this passion with the people on the course. They clearly explained the skills needed as we took down & re- built a wall in need of some work. You feel great satisfaction at the end when you stand back and see your handiwork. I feel confident I could do some small repairs on a dry stone wall I have in need of repair. If you have wondered whether to do something like this, I would definitely recommend this course "

Rose reviewed: A one day felt making course designing and making your own pair of cosy slippers. in the Forest of Dean

"I had a lovely birthday making moss inspired felt slippers with Chris. They went with one of her hats which also had a very mossy theme! Jem made a very delicious lunch which we enjoyed outside in the vibrantly colourful garden. Chris helped me as much and as little as I needed, while making her own pair of gorgeous slippers. Chris and Jem gave me valuable advice for the surrounding area on the rest of my weekend trip, and sent me along with some of Jem's homebrewed cider to celebrate my birthday with! They helped make one of my best and most memorable birthdays, thank you so much for such a wonderful day."

Christine Waygood. Contemporary Textiles. responded:

"Thank you Rose! I'm so glad you enjoyed your day-and survived your camping in the forest! I really enjoyed our day too. All the best for your next adventure, and new job. Chris "

Heather reviewed: Stained Glass Traditional (lead work) Method - Taster

"We attended the lead-work course as complete beginners. Ruth was very knowledgeable, encouraging and really sought to build our confidence. Ruth herself is quite a character and happy to share details of her remarkable life. We had a lovely afternoon and left with pieces we are very proud of. "

KelZig responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review. It was a great afternoon. I love the learning process in an informal environment and believe the process of making new things brings mindfulness in a therapeutic way. I loved the conversation and went home making up chicken names which I duly applied to the flock at my brothers home the following morning. We all take something beneficial away from a joyfully creative time."

Michael Roche reviewed: Making a stone set silver ring (birthday)

"The course was brilliant, we thoroughly enjoyed it and the ring at the end was brilliant. Thank you for the experience and we would definitely recommend "

Simply Smallholding responded:

"Thank you for your very kind comment. We hope your wife enjoyed her birthday present and wears her ring with pride. "

Royston Wise reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Graham, David and Decklan were fantastic instructors. Friendly, straight talking you will be guided through the many processes of bladesmithing. It's a wonderful experience and worth every penny. And you leave with some knowledge and insights as well as your own self built tool (knife or axe) which will be your pride and joy for many many years !"

Bernard Olesqui reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"What a fantastic time I had doing the stool making course. Andy is so knowledgeable, patient and also an amazing cook, what great pizzas we had, again thank you for 3 great days and see you again. Bernard Olesqui"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much indeed for that good review, Bernard. We're delighted that you enjoyed the course so much, and the clay oven-baked pizzas too. We note that you intend to see us again, and we look forward to that. We have a chair-making courses coming up in September, with available places at present! In the meantime, enjoy using your hand-crafted stool."

Alison Dobson reviewed: Needle Felting Workshop - landscape pictures

"I had a great morning with Pippa, she was patient and supportive. Pippa provided all the materials to make two small pictures which I took home, she also very kindly provided drinks and a snack! I would definitely recommend this course, Pippa gives you the knowledge and skills to have confidence to go on and develop a lovely therapeutic hobby."

Elizabeth reviewed: Mosaic Craft Kit - Butterfly in three colour variations

"Bought this for my crafty friend's birthday, but looks so good I’m not sure I can resist doing it myself 😂 Beautiful packaging, great communication and quick to receive. I will definitely be back for more "

Heidi reviewed: Create a garland with Gill Bridgestock

"A lovely experience with excellent tuition. Would definitely like to do another course."

Gill Bridgestock Metal Artist responded:

"Thanks Heidi, I'd love to know what you have done with your beautiful garland! X"

LINDA BECKETT reviewed: Traditional Lampshade Making Workshop

"If I could give more stars I would. This experience has just been the best. Hospitality second to none and the workspace absolutely lovely. The whole two days have been very enjoyable and I was very proud of the finished lampshade. Would do this course again."

Maciej reviewed: Introduction to Green Woodworking

"Excellent course, setting and instructor - highly recommended. The course was fun, well ran, easy to follow, thorough enough that you felt you're learning some skills but also not overwhelming. Matt the instructor was very friendly and approachable, very patient. For me the best part was possibly the location - beautiful ancient woodland, kettle boiling on a real fire, so peaceful and serene."

Emma S. reviewed: Pottery throwing experience with Ceramics at the Croft

"This was a fantastic course! I went into Carolynn's studio a complete novice, and left with confidence and technique expertise. Carolynn's teaching is wonderful, she is extremely kind, patient and supportive, her constructive tutorage allows rapid positive improvement and I left with beautiful pieces that were admired by all that saw them, 100% recommended this course :) "

Stephanie reviewed: Silver Clay jewellery making

"We both thoroughly enjoyed our session. It was very satisfying to come away with a piece of jewellery I shall enjoy wearing. Karen was an excellent teacher, knowledgeable and encouraging."

Martin reviewed: Willow workshops

"I thoroughly enjoyed being taught by Sharon and I was amazed that under her guidance I completed a willow obalisk I could be proud of. Highly recommended."

Sharon Pottery Classes responded:

"Thanks Martin for your kind review, it was a pleasure working with you, a very enjoyable morning’s work. You should be rightly proud of your finished obelisk I hope it gives you a good frame for many plants."

Jason Hardiman reviewed: Leather apron workshop

"Another great day with Katherine she is an absolute superstar I really enjoyed my day. I was making an apron on this visit and was really chuffed with the result. I will be back because each time I learn more skills and gain more confidence. If you're wanting to learn a new skill with a very patient experienced tutor, I highly recommend you get it booked."

Jane reviewed: Introduction to portrait sculpture at Middleton Hall

"A superbly well planned and prepared workshop which enables everyone to feel pleased with what they managed to achieve in two days! Miranda was an excellent tutor, giving everyone the attention, support and challenge they needed. "

Amerton Arts Studio responded:

"Thank you very much for your review Jane, glad you enjoyed the workshop."

Paul Norman reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"Had an excellent day. John is a capable, knowledgeable and extremely patient tutor. Would definitely recommend this course. "

Sculptor John Davey responded:

"Many thanks Paul for your kind words. You carved a great sculpture. Regards John."

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

"I attended the glass fusion workshop with my future daughter in law and we had a wonderful time. Dawn was very helpful, knowledgeable and helped us with ideas. We made some fantastic glassware, the session was very relaxing and I would recommend it. I would love to go again"

Dawn Turner Designs responded:

"Hi Carole, thank-you for your lovely review. I am so glad you had a good time and that Hayley enjoyed her surprise! The work has gone into the kiln for it's first firing, cannot wait to see your results - be careful, this glass fusing lark is addictive ;-) Thanks again, Dawn "

Emily Cook reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"I cannot recommend the stool making course more highly. I absolutely loved my time at Sallerton Woods...the whole process from start to finish was thoroughly fulfilling and I'm sad I can't stay longer to learn and create more! Andy is so talented and full of knowledge, the surroundings are beautiful, lunches and coffee delicious and the option to stay on sight such a bonus. A wonderful experience, thank you!"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you so much, Emily, for that lovely review. We're very pleased that you enjoyed so many aspects of your 3 days at Sallerton Wood. We very much hope to see you back at the woods again sometime in the future, to do another course, or just to visit. In the meantime, enjoy using your lovely stool."

Betty reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"The instructors were friendly and informative. They had tremendous patience and were very empathetic with my lack of knowledge. I learned a lot and now in awe of the thousands of hours that must have been put in to our British heritage of dry stone walling. Hats off- total respect! I can't go past a wall now and not compare it to what I now know."

Dry Stone Walling Association Lancashire Branch responded:

"Betty Thank you, the pleasure was all ours. You all delivered a wonderful wall, constructed correctly that should last longer than its predecessor. The Beauty of this location, is, you can take your whole family to show them what you have built. Paul"

Linda reviewed: ‘Winter dream ' wool painting face-to-face textile art course in Worcestershire

"I so enjoyed learning this new skill. It was so relaxing to be working with soft wool fibres in an easy and creative way. Raya is such a fount of experience and knowledge and shared her skills very willingly. I learnt a lot and found myself smiling most of the day!"

Magic Wool Art and Craft Studio responded:

"Dear Linda, Thank you very much for your comments. I am so pleased that you had a good and relaxing time at my workshop. It is great that you were so happy creating a wool painting! I also enjoyed teaching you and sharing my skills with you. Very best wishes. Please, keep in touch. "

Jo Clavier reviewed: A Creative Day Workshop (max 6 people for one price) - discovering or recovering creativity for work, home and life. Art in Suffolk

"I have had quite a long break from doing anything creative & I was really looking forward to Jane’s collage workshop. It was a lot of fun, & Jane is really inspiring. I now feel motivated to get back to painting & maybe try a different approach, thanks Jane."

Jane Beaumont Art responded:

"You’re so welcome Jo. It was great to see you giving yourself space to play and experiment and go with the flow. And a delight to see a rich, creative piece at the end. J"

Viktorija reviewed: Needle felt your Dog or Cat

"Enjoyed workshop so much! Very knowledgeable and helpful tutor. Will definitely come again. I am pleased with the result and time spent doing my dog :) Highly recommend"

Kim Bush reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"Fantastic day "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"We are pleased you enjoyed your day! Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Susan Rand reviewed: Peg loom weaving a seat pad

"I had a lovely day with Hayley learning the Peg loom. She was very helpful and patient and I would recommend the course to anyone. Would love to learn the other types of looms if possible."

Smallholding Secrets responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to write a lovely review. It was a pleasure to spend the day with you. I hope you continue to enjoy your weaving journey."