Latest reviews

Jim Walker reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I’ve had a hankering to take up Woodturning for a few years now. I booked two consecutive days with Colin, what a wise decision. Fantastic, relaxed, friendly and patient tuition. I left with a lovely bowl and box, a head full of good advice and enthusiasm to build a workshop and fill it with the required machinery, tools and equipment to continue this journey. Thank you very much, Colin. I will be booking further improver courses in 2022 and appreciate your vast knowledge and shared advice, which has already saved me far more than the cost of the course in striking un-required tools and machinery from my shopping list. Will keep in touch and no doubt pester for opinions as my shopping list focuses further."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thank you for your review, Jim. Keep in touch and if I can help in any way in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me. Colin"

Andrew reviewed: Woodcarving for beginners - two day course in Suffolk

"Gerry has immense knowledge and skill of wood carving. His ability to teach is excellent. Really enjoyable couple of days."

June reviewed: Upholstery workshop afternoons - bring your own project

"I’d thoroughly recommend this class for anyone who wants to learn how to upholster. The tutors guide you through your project at your own pace, teaching the techniques needed for a professional finish. I’ve attended a few sessions and have already booked again, ready to start another project."

Jody Gray Upholstery School responded:

"Hi June, Thank you so much for taking the time to review the class. We shall see you soon. Graham"

jamie whittle reviewed: Woodcarving for beginners - two day course in Suffolk

"great couple of days, learnt a lot and had fun"

Gerald Adams Woodcarvers Ltd responded:

"Thanks Jamie. Glad you enjoyed it, keep in touch. Send pics of the chess pieces. Gerry"

James reviewed: Full Day Woodturning tuition from Registered Professional Turner in Dorset, South West

"Just finished my 3rd Lesson with Joe, great teacher and nice to work with a award winning woodturner."

David reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"I had a great day with Stuart learning the basics of woodturning and making a turned apple out of elm. Stuart is a great host and tutor. He makes you feel welcome right away and has a great knack for teaching the skills required to progress with this wonderful craft. We chatted right through the day about all manner of forms of working with wood. His workshop is warm and inviting with its wood stove, stuff full of wonderful hand tools, lathes and a lifetime’s hoard of amazing wood from all around the world. Tea and cake capped the afternoon. I couldn’t recommend Stuart’s course more highly. A thoroughly enjoyable day out in the wonderful Argyll countryside - and skills to take away and build on. Thanks so much for a great day."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks for your comments David. So glad you enjoyed your day. Hope to see you again soon when you get your new lathe. Stuart."

Peter Snowden reviewed: Blacksmithing for a Day

"Richard provided a course that suited participants of all abilities. I was able to relive my experience of forge work that I acquired when I was at school in the early '60s and with appropriate guidance I was able to proceed at my own pace. I can recommend this course to anyone."

Boris reviewed: Beginner's Weaving Class / Introduction to multi-shaft weaving (Weekend Course)

"I took part in the 2-day weaving class that Alan offered and what a great weekend it was! Alan is an excellent teacher, and his course is structured to give you a solid introduction to the art of weaving. Even if you are a total beginner, like I was, rest assured you will be patiently guided through the whole process and provided with easy-to-follow instructions and hand-outs. The course is small, so the tuition is as personal as it can get. You will have access to a wide variety of yarns and will be able to experiment with those on both 4- and 8-shaft looms. Alan also demonstrates how to set up a loom and make a warp, explains how to read a weaving draft and offers recommendations on choosing specialist literature and all the necessary equipment should you wish to continue with your new skills. All the samples you produce are yours to take home at the end of the course. Alan’s studio is conveniently located a few minutes away from several tube stations, and you will be offered tea and biscuits throughout the day!"

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

"I took this course and fell in love with a therapeutic wool painting technique. I enjoyed learning the basic skills of painting with wool fibres. It was a great way of meeting different people in a relaxed workshop with helpful positive feedback from Raya. The course was excellent and I can't recommend this enough. I loved my finished wool picture and I look forward to my next course at the magic wool studio."

Magic Wool Art and Craft Studio responded:

"Dear Linda, Thank you for your review. I am delighted that you enjoyed the therapeutic course and created a lovely wool painting. I look forward to seeing you again at the Watercolour course starting in January. Kind regards, Raya"

Dr Carolyn Kus reviewed: Sewing Kit - Sew a drawstring bag with handles - sewing kit for beginners

"This is the second kit I have purchased first was the tote bag This small drawstring bag with handles was easy to make and looks amazing looking forward to making more I would highly recommend these kits"

Judy reviewed: Natural Cold-Process Soap Making

"I did this course with 2 friends. You do have to be very accurate but then making soap is a scientific process so it is to be expected. Wendy was very clear in her explanations and very patient with us all working at a slightly different pace. The time absolutely flew by and I am very pleased with the end product."

Zoe reviewed: Quilt in a Day, one-to-one course with Amanda Jane Ogden

"It was a very inspiring day and made quilting very doable even for a beginner - the fabrics were lovely and so were the flapjacks! Amanda was very patient and helpful with knowledge, experience and advice you just can't get in a quilting book. Thank you!"

Amanda Jane Textiles responded:

"Dear Zoe, Thank you for your review. You progressed so quickly during the day as you made your first quilt - you took to quilting like a duck to water! I hope you get lots of pleasure from this new craft. Amanda"

Pauline Hastings reviewed: Quilt in a Day, one-to-one course with Amanda Jane Ogden

"I had such a wonderful, fun, productive day learning to make a quilt with Amanda last week. Amanda is a very calm and patient teacher, with a wealth of experience and advice to offer. The fabrics that she had curated were lovely and I am so pleased to have come away with a completed mini quilt and the skills and enthusiasm to embark on my own quilting projects. The course was everything I hoped for, and more. Highly recommended to anyone thinking of giving it a go!"

Amanda Jane Textiles responded:

"Thank you Pauline for your review. It was a pleasure to teach you. This is just the start of your quilting adventure! Amanda"

Katy Temple reviewed: Clay Online : Hand Made Tiles

"Really informative session, I just got so much out of it. Thank you so much!"

EJaRt Creative responded:

"Thank you for leaving a review. We are so pleased that you got so much out of the session. We love to share our knowledge and experience with our students. Happy tile making!"

Jules reviewed: Lampshade Making Workshop with Clare Cosens

"Clare was absolutely brilliant - we had a fab time and loved the cool lampshades we made. Would definitely recommend this as a fun and relaxing treat activity!"

Clare Cosens Designs responded:

"I’m really pleased you enjoyed the workshop. Your lampshade looked amazing!"

Annie reviewed: Glass fusing workshop - 1 day

"We had a fantastically enjoyable day. Jill is incredibly generous with her knowledge and enthusiasm and really encourages you to get creative. We were able to explore different materials and techniques, so the day just flew by and we left still brimming with energy and ideas. We can’t wait to see our finished pieces once they are fired!"

Fired Glass responded:

"Thank you Annie, Jill and I are delighted to hear you enjoyed your time with us and felt creative and enthused. That makes us very happy to hear."

Rebecca reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"So there’s YouTube and then there’s a PROPER course! You simply cannot compare the two! A two-day course with Bill will leave you with a huge amount of knowledge and more importantly hands-on learning! Bill is more than welcoming, patient and with an eye for detail…. providing you with the skills you need to tackle your own projects at home. A bonus is Bill's great sense of humour … and he makes a cracking cuppa! Thanks, Bill …. Will defo be back! Xx"

Bespoke Leather responded:

"thanks for the lovely review Rebecca and good luck in your new leather work venture. best wishes Bill"

Deb Tilzey reviewed: Lace pattern porcelain ceramics in Kendal, South Lakes

"My friend and I did this as a birthday treat for her. We had such a lovely day and we were so pleased with our finished results. Nik was so friendly and helpful. She guided us through the process, making us feel completely at ease and always allowing us the opportunity to try different ideas so that we, as well as the other lovely lady on the course with us, had really beautiful and different final pieces."

Alice reviewed: Silver Stacking Rings Workshop - with Lindsay Forbes of Laconic; Sedgefield

"Wow-what an amazing experience this was! I got this as a gift and loved every second, Lindsay was so kind and considerate when we rearranged. I am only16 so I was nervous, however, the class was extremely interesting and Lindsay put me at ease instantly. I have had numerous compliments on my jewellery and would recommend this class to anyone with any skill set."

Denise reviewed: Furniture upcycling workshop - 1 day

"I had a great time learning how to make my table look like new. I felt at ease from the start and with it being a small class Hannah is always there to help and advise. Great products for us to use and everything explained well. I definitely recommend doing this course. Really enjoyed it. ?"

Tread Softly responded:

"Hi Denise, Thank you so much for coming and for leaving such a lovely review. It was great having you on the course. I thought you did an excellent job of your side table and I bet your telephone looks perfect on it :) Thanks again for coming!"

Anne Barclay reviewed: Hand spinning workshops - Norfolk

"I had the most wonderful day learning to handle fleece from raw and to spin it into unique & beautiful usable yarn. Theresa was a brilliant teacher, and an inspiration: very knowledgeable and clear. I left The Spinning Barn eager and excited to do more of this wonderful craft. Two days later I have bought my first wheel and can’t wait to start on my own. My head spins with the possibilities!!"

The Spinning Barn responded:

"Thank you so much for such a wonderful review Anne. Im so happy that you enjoyed your day and particularly that you felt so inspired to continue. Im very excited to hear all about your wheel and your progress very soon. Theresa x"

Alena Bilkova reviewed: Needlefelting landscape one day workshop

"Amazing experience. I have learnt new craft skills- felting. The lesson on ZOOM went well- a very nice teacher (Catherine). She guided me well on how to produce a nice piece of Artwork. We chatted and had a good laugh. Well recommended."

Arts a Flutter responded:

"Thankyou Alena, you were a joy to do a workshop with."

Alex Fleming reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience

"Having watched forged in fire I was excited to try out blacksmithing! Sandy’s forge in Newbridge is a great location near Edinburgh so was easy to get to. We made a hook and a fire poker that I am pleased with. The teaching was helpful but still allows you to make mistakes and have a go! Would definitely recommend it!"

AthelstaneForge responded:

"Thanks Alex, was a pleasure hopefully see you again soon!"

James Baily reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"Lucy is an excellent carver and teacher, passionate and talented. The three day course went at the perfect pace. With teaching and guidance adapted for each student. The location is perfect for relaxed steady focus. Enjoy your life, do this course."

Derek & Lynne Campbell reviewed: Potter's wheel pottery - half day course Siramik

"What a fantastic way to pass 4 hours, this treat was a gift from my daughter 2 years ago, covid obviously got in the way. Trying something different was the idea and what a good one. From the first minute, Yoka makes you welcome, we and 4 others were educated on the various clays available and their origins before a brief understanding of glazes and finishes, both entertaining and educational. Nobody in the group had any experience of "throwing" a pot but after a demonstration from Yoka and a slow, stage by stage attempt ourselves, with lots of one-to-one help from Yoka we all managed to get something resembling a pot on our wheels. Quite a sensation of actually achieving something. We went on to make 3 further pots, generally, each attempt being better than the last actually started shaping them!!!! A really fun, informative morning. Yoka is delightful, a great teacher and as others have noted a Master (can I use that term) Potter, her beautiful work on display and for sale is a testament to her skill. A great morning out, suitable for all ages, highly recommended"

Siramik responded:

"Hello Derek and Lynne, thank you so much for your review, much appreciated. The course was made successful because of you. Great students and learning a great skill which your lovely pots are an legacy off. Now waiting till they are fired and glazed. Won't be long. Thank you."