Latest reviews

Janet ledger reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Kench Hill, Tenterden

"What a brilliant day making a basket from willow surrounded by woodland . Thank you."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Good morning Janet, Thank you so much for your fantastic review. Much appreciated. I hope you had a wonderful time away and have been able to fully unwind. Look forward to meeting you again, who knows at another of my courses. Again many thanks. Best wishes, Marianne Crafty Basketry"

Alison Brown reviewed: Candlemaking workshops for beginners in Hastoe, nr Tring

"A superb morning spent with Anne. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole process of candle making. Anne’s manner of teaching was superb-patient and clear. The choice of scents to add to our candles was extensive and it was good to be using eco-friendly ingredients. I couldn’t believe how much Anne fitted into the workshop and we all went home with more candles than I had imagined we would make in the time. I would thoroughly recommend this course and would be keen to do another in the future."

Elena Pujol reviewed: Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop.

"I had a fantastic day with Lyn learning different techniques in Encaustic Wax. A really full-on day, but Lyn kept a relaxing atmosphere, whilst covering so much. I didn't want to create a masterpiece but wanted to learn more of the fundamentals of this medium, having dabbled a bit at home, I needed guidance from an expert. I had seen Lyn's work during Arts week and was sure her course would be what I was looking for. I took photos and kept notes of the processes used throughout the day. Lyn also provided an excellent handout 'suggested starter kit' which I have already bought most of now, and having been inspired by my day with Lyn have started creating and exploring many of the techniques she showed me. Not only was the tutoring excellent, the setting of the workshop and Lyn's hospitality was lovely, her homemade cakes looked beautiful but I was so wrapped up in the art, I forgot to eat any, I don't think I am exaggerating when I say this was the best workshop I've ever been on, I will be back for more. I took my Niece with me as she had been very interested in my home dabbling, and as a complete novice, she had a wonderful time and is now hooked. Thanks, Lyn."

Sue Knight reviewed: Spoon carving workshop with Fazey Woodcraft

"This one day course was given as a birthday gift to my husband and me. Such an interesting and enjoyable day. Jack was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about his craft. I was impressed at how he made sure we all adhered to safe practice without being a killjoy! We were amazed at how a spoon materialized with support, as and when required, by just using an axe and some very sharp knives! We would certainly recommend this course as a gift for someone or a treat for yourself."

Fazey Woodcraft responded:

"Thanks Sue!"

Alison Smail reviewed: Willow sculpture workshop at Tresillian House

"I have wanted to try willow weaving for some time. Having been treated to a voucher by my family, I chose Kate’s workshop and was very glad I did. Kate and her partner provided a warm welcome to their home and workshop. Kate was very supportive and patient with a real novice, offering suggestions and practical feedback as my sculpture took shape. A wonderful homemade lunch gave me a chance to explore the garden and see a small sample of the amazing and different sculptures that Kate has done. Time flew and after a wonderful and rewarding day, I left with a pheasant sculpture that received many compliments from my family. I have recommended this course to friends and family and look forward to going again next year to make a new sculpture!"

Penny reviewed: Free-machine embroidery classes with Dawn Ireland

"I attended one of the Friday morning embroidery classes, having done a couple of full-day courses with Dawn. The studio is such a great place to be - it's light and airy with a lovely calm atmosphere and it's full of fabrics, threads, books and I am always feel inspired just by being there! In the class I went to we did applique and reverse applique but I also took a piece of my own because I wanted a bit of help with it. As always, Dawn was encouraging, helpful and gave me the support I needed. Going on a Friday morning was a marvellous thing to do after 4 busy days at work and I would highly recommend this class."

Dawn Ireland Textile Artist responded:

"Really pleased you enjoyed the morning class Penny. Thank you so much for writing your lovely review."

Jayne Birch-Jones reviewed: Glass fusing workshop - 1 day

"Me and a friend had a fabulous day with Jill, glass fusing. Very good for our mental well-being, we were immersed in our projects under the kind guidance of Jill. We are both thrilled with the results. Thanks to John for refreshments and a lovely lunch. Highly recommend, we will be back for another workshop!"

Fired Glass responded:

"We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your time with us so much. Mental well-being is so important to us all. We look forward to seeing you again in the future. Kind regards John and Jill"

Sharon Newick reviewed: Glass fusing workshop - 2 hours (pm)

"This was a gift to my friend and myself after the trials of the last 2 years and we thoroughly enjoyed our time creating, learning and chatting. Very welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, the 2 hours flew by. Can't wait to try some more. Thank you very much for your time and expertise."

Fired Glass responded:

"Thank you Sharon, we are so pleased to hear you both enjoyed your time with us and found it relaxing and creative. We'd love to see you both again. John and Jilly"

Elissa reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"The course went well beyond my expectations. Bill was patient, informative, supportive and so very knowledgable. I learned so much and came away feeling a whole new appreciation for leather making. Bill shared his immense and widely varied skills in such a way that I tackled projects, a bracelet and bag, I would never imagined possible. Without a doubt one of the best courses I have ever been on."

Bespoke Leather responded:

"Thanks Elissa for the review and a lovely weekend. I enjoyed it as much as you guys."

Sarah reviewed: Fused glass day course - beginners/intermediate

"Great class, I love the result"

Lesley Evans reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"I took a wing-backed chair to revamp it. WOW, JO certainly knows her craft inside and out. Such an experienced tutor, yet friendly, approachable, so professional and s wonderful artist who shone through so much talent. Even when I took the dreaded tartan material which is not recommended at all, so hard to match. But Jo helped me when I was clearly out of my depth, giving me so much confidence to do more at home. Plus the lovely tea as and when required and a lovely group of like-minded people. Just FABULOUS. Can't wait for my next course with Jo. Don't be worried or nervous to try a new skill, Jo is one of the best tutors I've ever had, and I've done lots of courses over the years. ( Just don't take tartan material. Lol)"

Julie reviewed: Flower portraits - weekend art workshops in Anglesey, North Wales

"As a nervous beginner, I was a little apprehensive about attending a painting course, particularly as to how I might compare against my fellow course members, but I needn't have worried. The atmosphere was very relaxed and friendly and I came away feeling much more confident about what I can achieve. I particularly enjoyed the challenge of painting in a bigger, looser style. Thank you, Georgina."

Georgina Rambton responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Julie. I'm glad you enjoyed the weekend."

Ann Henson reviewed: Candlemaking for Beginners

"I attended this course today, went in knowing nothing came out amazed with what l had learnt. Rob is a fantastic tutor, he made everything fun and easy to understand...."

Irene Holbourn-Lloyd reviewed: Natural Cold-Process Soap Making

"I have never made soap before, so all completely new to me. I found it more of a scientific process than crafting, perhaps if I did some at home I would have more of a chance for free expression? Interesting and one for people who enjoy exact precision in their crafts."

Helen Caley reviewed: Learn to sew a stretch jersey dress workshop

"This course was the best thing ever, but have always been interested in taking up sewing but didn’t know how to start. Having attended the course (which was fantastic) I have bought myself a sewing machine and made a variety of items at home. Izzy taught the basics which allowed me to sew all sorts: PJs, tops and jumpers. I highly recommend you do this course, you won’t regret it!"

Paul Dadswell reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Cracking day, more technical than I thought and challenging in a good way. Bob, lovely bloke and a good supportive teacher Ended up with two quality( in my humble opinion) pieces of work. Would like to go again to further develop the skill learned on the first visit."

Breda Fitzgerald reviewed: Fused glass art workshops in Buckinghamshire

"A truly outstanding, fun and yet relaxing course. Marie is brilliant with inspirational ideas. We really enjoyed it. Thank you."

Stephanie reviewed: Forge Your Own Wedding Rings- Blacksmithing Experience Day

"My (now) husband and I made our wedding rings at Kerr Forge! I was initially hesitant, I have never done anything like this before and was unsure if I’d be able to actually do it! However, through Jon’s brilliant teaching and patience, I had the best day! My husband and I love our unique rings and get so many compliments. It’s great being able to say that we made them ourselves, makes them even more special!"

Wendy reviewed: One day stained glass workshop London for beginners and enthusiasts

"Thank you Tejal for a great day with in depth explanation, plenty of time to choose designs and glass, help at all stages. We are really pleased with the finished products which exceeded expectations! Beautiful tranquil place too."

Nic reviewed: Forge Your Own Wedding Rings- Blacksmithing Experience Day

"Fantastic day making our wedding rings at Kerrforge! Jon was such a great teacher. The whole process was fascinating and to know we made the rings we are going to wear everyday is so special!"

Janey Smedley reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"What a wonderful few days with Sebastian. He is a fabulous teacher, incredibly knowledgeable and inspirational. Absolutely recommend this course and I will definitely be back!"

Andrew Bailey reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"My wife and I took the drawings of a table underframe for Adrian to cast his eye over some time before our covid delayed design and make weekend. Adrian gave the green light as a "do-able" project, excitment and anticipation rose. Our group assembled 9am prompt with a welcome tea/coffee cake/flapjack - and so our adventure began. With metal in hand, a little prompting, some demonstration and encouragement we began to forge and bend component parts - by lunchtime of the second day (excellent lunches with pudding!! Thank you Debbie) I had 4 legs pretty much matching and stretcher rails waiting for assembly. 16mm diam. rod was used to rivet the parts together this was a 3 man job one heating the rivet one balancing the frame on the anvil and one whielding a large hammer, result enormous smiles all round. I have some wire brushing/descaling to do and a finish to apply here at home, what a super satisfying weekend thank you Debbie, Adrian and Andy."

Samantha reviewed: Felted abstract paintings using pre-felt with Purr & Wag It, Tabletop Workshops

"Thanks again for a lovely session this morning - we all really enjoyed it. We used our supplies to make another picture this evening!"

Suzanne reviewed: Watercolour & Ink: Autumn Leaves with Helen Clarke (2 Sessions)

"I really enjoyed the watercolour course. Helen was an excellent, very encouraging tutor and the venue was lovely too. I would recommend the course to everyone - from absolute beginners to those who have painted before."

EJaRt Creative responded:

"Thank you so much for your fabulous feedback. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your session and look forward to welcoming back to EJaRt Creative in the future."

Sarah Burrows reviewed: Introduction to ceramics - 7 week course plus Raku day

"Really enjoyed the course, learnt lots of different techniques. Nice group of people - very friendly and informative teachers - with a flexible approach as to which area is of most interest to each individual. Learnt loads; have come away with some lovely pots and have already signed up for the next course!"