Latest reviews

Kate Berry reviewed: Ceramic garden sculpture workshop

"We had a brilliant time, Jill was so kind and helpful and ensured we were able to create sculptures far beyond what we thought we were capable of. "

David reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"A good and informative course. Mike is very knowledgeable about country crafts. Excellent setting with plenty of atmosphere. "

Jill Glover reviewed: Concrete Casting - Beginner - 1 Day - One to One

"Absolutely brilliant. I loved this course. So much information to digest. Can’t wait to get started at home and will be able to cross it with many other craft techniques I do already. Thank you so much. "

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much Jill. So kind. It was an absolute pleasure to meet you. You did brilliantly and I cant wait to see what else you produce. So pleased how well the concrete casting will fit with what you already do and expand your options too. Thanks again. All the very best. Rach "

Jane reviewed: Weekend Beginners In-depth Workshops- Bobbin Lacemaking Workshops (Effingham, Surrey).

"Thanks Tina for a lovely weekend, you were very generous with your time and knowledge. Your comprehensive handout is invaluable now I am at home and trying to recall all that I achieved in just two sessions. You manage to pass on your enthusiasm for the craft and seeing some of your creations was inspiring .... I promise to practice . . . until I see you again"

Tina's Bobbin Lacemaking responded:

"Hi Jane. It was a pleasure to meet you, and to share my knowledge with you for this traditional craft. I am looking forward to seeing how you get on in a couple of weeks. Regards Tina"

Juliet Hicks reviewed: Ash splint basket workshop - 2 day

"The ash splint basket workshop was thoroughly enjoyable and a great learning experience. Michelle is a patient and encouraging teacher with a wealth of experience to share. It is hard work, cut your nails short - you will need all your fingertip strength, but the sense of achievement will be worth it. Lovely to eavesdrop and see a different craft being taught by Jack beside us. Might have to try the spoon carving course next."

Fazey Woodcraft responded:

"Thanks Juliet!"

Laura Guzman reviewed: Day Long Silversmithing Experience in Newcastle

"My son took the course with Emine, and he loved it! He enjoyed making the ring in the first part of the class. The second part of the class it was basically a one to one session and he had a good time, he learned a lot and worked at his own pace. "

Silverkupe Jewellery responded:

"Dear Laura Many thanks for your lovely review. Cesar worked very hard and did some fantastic pieces. he is welcomed any time. Best Wishes Emine "

Claire Weaver reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"I bought this as a 50th birthday present for my partner and we had an awesome day. Stuart was fantastic at showing us lots of techniques and nothing was too much. We left with 2 gorgeous pieces and great memories. Thanks Stuart."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Glad you both enjoyed it. S."

Penny Smith reviewed: Drawing Seasonal Flowers and Wildlife

"Thoroughly enjoyed the course. Amy is a fab teacher, full of enthusiasm and willing to share all her knowledge."

The Dart Centre responded:

"Thank you so much Penny, we are so happy to hear that you had a wonderful time on the course. We look forward to welcoming you again in the future!"

H Martin reviewed: Welding For Beginners

"This was a gift purchased by my family. I have wanted to give Welding a go for a while, and make some repairs around the place. Youtube is great for learning but you also need that someone with the knoweldge to get you started and this course provided that. I am keen to get out and practice more and come back to do some other courses they offer also. A safe learning enviroment. Staff were friendly. Easy access via main roads. "

Adam reviewed: Stained glass one day course for beginners: one-to-one

"Truly, had a most enjoyable day. Nothing better than learning a traditional craft... and by working with a wonderful and (patient) teacher as Emma. How often do you get to take away a new skill that you can carry on with at home...? So leave your life controlling mobile and facebook account at home and go learn something interesting and real. "

Deborah Gallon reviewed: Paper Marbling Class Full Day at Portsmouth Museum

"I loved my full day workshop with James. I got to try lots of different techniques and made about 15 pieces. James was very generous with his knowledge and answered all my questions patiently. It was terrific value."

James Mouland Ebru Studio responded:

"I’m so pleased you enjoyed your time with me Deb, I love sharing my passion for marbling and you certainly embraced the experience and produced some excellent pieces!"

Karen reviewed: Mosaics for Beginners - West Sussex

"Had a great time! Learnt a new skill and created a lovely piece which is being grouted by Wendy - can’t wait to get it back!"

Cath B reviewed: Cleft Oak Stools in the Yorkshire Dales with Phil Bradley

"I thoroughly enjoyed the Cleft Oak Stool workshop with Phil. He is a great teacher - I came away feeling I had gained a good understanding about the tools and wood we used, and I'm delighted with my stool. We stayed overnight in the bunk barn and I'm so glad we did. The setting is beautiful and Rachel and Mike were wonderful hosts. I'll be looking out for more courses to do at Broadrake (probably to make another stool or a basket)because I'd love to return. Book onto a course - you won't regret it!"

Broadrake responded:

"Thanks Cath, so glad you enjoyed the workshop and your stay! Come back and see Broadrake when the flowers are out, and of course try another workshop too!!"

Connie DeWitt reviewed: Make a Welsh stick chair

"This course was amazing. Ben has a natural gift for explaining things in a way that is appropriate for novices while still offering new insights to those more experienced - with fun and humor the whole way. Ben’s teaching style, the support and camaraderie of my classmates, and the gorgeous natural setting made for an unforgettable experience. It was absolutely worth the effort and expense to travel from California, and I can’t wait to get started on building my next chair!"

Shaun Thomas reviewed: Make a Welsh stick chair

"I enjoyed the course so much last year. I brought my son with me for another go, Ben did not let us down. Great content, deep understanding of Green woodworking and a well structured approach. We both left with more skills, a better understanding of wood and a fantastic welsh stick chair each. Could not recommend it any more highly. "

Alex Robinson reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"I got this as a birthday present for my 14-year old as he plans on studying blacksmithing, and it was a great experience for him. There were only 3 of us, and the instructor took the time to explain what we were doing and why, also the rest of the people in the forge came over and helped out and answered questions. It left an excellent impression on my son and confirmed that blacksmithing is indeed the career path for him."

Nikki reviewed: Willow Freestyle Workshop in The Cotswolds - Gloucestershire/Wiltshire/Oxfordshire Border

"This was a great course. A small group with lots of individual attention. I surprised myself by making a beautiful stargazing hare!"

Lechlade Craft Barn responded:

"Hi Nikki So glad you had a great day and enjoy your hare...he's beautiful! We hope to see you again Karen"

Pauline and Katie-May reviewed: Paint pouring with tea & cake

"My granddaughter and I really enjoyed our time paint pouring with Dina and her lovely mum. They both made everyone feel welcome and relaxed, and we would definitely go again. The studio was spacious and well lit, and Dina's demonstrations were easy to follow. Both Dina and her mum were on hand to help us to create 3 colourful, unique canvases. We both found the process fun and satisfying and we can't wait to receive our work once it has dried. The refreshments on offer during a short break were wonderful. If you book the course you have to try the cake made by Dinas mum, simply delicious. We would definitely recommend this course to everyone."

elizabeth mavor reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Enjoyable, full day making spoons using axes and knives. Learning how to use a axe to split a log and slowly but surely make the spoon that’s hidden inside. Lovely venue in peaceful bluebell woods . "

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Thank you for your review. Glad you enjoyed your time here. All the best Mark and Cristina"

Diana Fellowes reviewed: Needle Felted Seascape (inc frame)

"This course was a pure delight and surpassed my expectation. Cecily-Kate was an excellent teacher and a talented artist. She guided us to produce two lovely fibre pictures which were much admired by the family and friends. I look forward to more courses with her."

Art Felt Fibres responded:

"Hi Diana! Thank you so much for such a glowing review! I'm so happy you enjoyed the woolly landscape needle felting workshop at The Oast Studio. It was lovely to meet you ... and it doesn't surprise me one bit that your family and friends are admiring your beautiful woolly paintings! Everyone did remarkable work, especially considering many had never painted a landscape let alone needle felted before! Come back soon for more needle felting around the crafting table with your family and friends! All the very best, Cecily Kate"

Janet Martin reviewed: Zen doodle

"Hi, I really enjoyed the Zen Doodle. The location was great and the room really good. I didn't mind the room at all or the other group doing their activity but being a "Zen" class I did wonder whether a quieter environment with some gentle music/meditation music in the background would have been good. A little more time could have been spent on the introductory breathing/clearing your headspace and setting out the meaning of "Zen". A little tuition as to the types of shapes and rather than filling in a pre prepared outline encouraging people to create their own. "

Handmade Workshops Ltd responded:

"Hi Janet Thank you for your review and we’re glad you enjoyed the class overall. We appreciate your helpful feedback and will pass it on to our instructor, as well as looking at making the venue quieter for future workshops. Look forward to seeing you at a workshop again soon. Many thanks Ann"

Richard Collins reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"I really enjoyed my woodturning course with Thompsons Wood. Jake was super-friendly and helpful and the whole thing exceeded my expectations"

Sue Skinner reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Middleton Hall

"I’ve just finished the two-day stone carving course at Middleton hall and utterly enjoyed it. Miranda who ran the course was a great teacher making the process really enjoyable explaining everything in such a clear way that made it possible for everyone to accomplish a finished sculpture in the set time. It exceeded what I ever thought I could achieve in stone; think I’ve now got the bug and I'm looking into buying my own tools and stone to have a go at home. Thank you very much for a memorable weekend, I’m sure I’ll be booking another course soon. Sue "

Amerton Arts Studio responded:

"Thank you for the review Sue, so glad you enjoyed the course. "

Nimmi reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Middleton Hall

"Fabulous weekend - doing something new and inspiring! Talented and encouraging tutor helped me make something beautiful to take home. Thank you for a rejuvenating and mindful weekend - wasn't expecting this as part of the benefits. "

Fiona reviewed: Beginners Mosaics Workshops near Exeter, Devon

"Excellent teaching , information and resources - plenty of artists own work for inspiration and practical advice on how to get the best outcome."