Latest reviews

Gwen reviewed: Paint a Zentangle Platter

"A relaxing workshop in interesting surroundings. Clear instructions and friendly people. Highly recommended. "

William reviewed: Woodturning Experience Half Day - Come and spend half a day turning your first bowl

"Enjoyable, useful and informative. A good foundation and taster to find out whether I wanted to go further with this, and or whether I am too cack-handed to progress further. As I left with a couple of perfectly acceptable bowls (mostly my own work), I think I can assume that I am able to move to the next step. I recommend this, and indeed have already suggested to various friends that they have a go."

Bodden Cross Studio responded:

"A great pleasure working with you William and thank you for the lovely review. You do have the skills to progress and please remember that I am happy to continue to advise you on tools, lathes etc. I look forward to seeing your next piece."

Tony reviewed: Kitchen Knife Course

"By far and away the best experience day I have ever attended, an absolutely fantastic day! Dave is very knowledgeable, patient, and a great teacher, striking the balance perfectly between the practical and explaining the science behind what we were doing. During the day I shaped my blade on the grinding wheel, heated it to 820(ish) degrees in a forge and quench it in oil, made a handle from scratch and attached it, and worked the finished blade to razor sharp. We even had time at the end of the course for Dave to run through some the basics of wet stone sharpening. At the end of the day I left having had an outrageously good time and with a handmade knife made from local steal that will be used daily and will take pride of place in my knife collection. Really can’t recommend this course enough – huge thanks again Dave! "

Hand forged Yorkshire responded:

"Massively appreciate your time in leaving such a kind review. I'm over the moon you had such a good day, me too!! It was a real pleasure to meet you and have you in the workshop, you did a great job with your knife and should be really proud of what you achieved. Well done Tony Kindest regards Dave"

James reviewed: Day Long Silversmithing Experience in Newcastle

"Did this course with my girlfriend and we both had a great time. Would recommend."

Silverkupe Jewellery responded:

"Dear James, Many thanks for your lovely comments. I am glad you guys had a great time and you did some lovely pieces of jewellery. "

John reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"Stuart was an excellent teacher! The day was tailored to my knowledge and skills, I know a bit about using tools but nothing about the preparation of wood. What to use, how to store it and how long it takes to dry! The morning spent learning how to use the tools and by the afternoon I had made a bowl. I can't wait for my second day I already have commissions lined up."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks John. See you on day two."

Kelly reviewed: Fused Glass Workshop - Botanic Designs

"Absolutely amazing, had a wonderful morning being creative. Beckie was so welcoming and always on hand with her knowledge and experience. This would be great to do on your own for some you time, woth a group of friends or even a special occasion birthday, hen do etc. Thank you Beckie will definitely be booking another course soon."

Suzanne Bennion reviewed: Lampworking Workshop: Half Day Beginners Workshop

"What a fantastic experience I can’t recommend this enough. Suzanne is a great teacher, very knowledgeable and patient! I have already booked another session."

Suzanne Jewellery responded:

"Thank you Suzanne for posting such a lovely review. I look forward to seeing you again soon. "

Alison reviewed: Stained glass introduction at Blue Kite Stained Glass

"Really fantastic day! Excellent course and tutor. I highly recommend. "

Rebecca reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"We had a wonderful time at our bladesmithing experience day at Vlakvark Forge. Graham, David and Decklan were extremely knowledgeable and helpful, supporting when needed but also trusting us to work independently which really lead to a sense of achievement and pride in the knives we took home. We'd definitely recommend!"

Paul reviewed: Watercolour painting workshop at Back Room Art Stourbridge

"Hi Heather, mom really enjoyed the course and it made a perfect gift Thank you"

Back Room Art responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely review :)"

Lehla reviewed: Introduction to Silkscreen Printing in Cambridgeshire

"An excellent way to spend a Sunday! Judith's knowledge, organisation and teaching style have left me confident to get screen printing. Highly recommend."

print paper stitch experiences responded:

"Thank you Lahla, it was great to spend the day with you and the print you made for your daughter was just gorgeous!"

Hilary reviewed: Textile still life workshop

"Imogen welcomed us into her studio and quickly set us at ease. The studio is filled with examples of her extraordinary, unique textile artwork and was very inspiring. We were quickly set to a task which was explained clearly - with quality materials provided for us - to begin designing our own still life picture. Imogen was very involved with us throughout the day offering encouragement and support with the creation of our own unique pieces of art. The whole day was thoroughly enjoyable and we all left proudly holding our artwork."

Imogen Bittner Studio responded:

"You grasped the technique easily and looking at the still life you produced, it is hard to believe this was your first attempt. It was beautiful; a good balance of colour and design and so pleasing to look at. I am very impressed! "

Kevin Martin reviewed: Introduction to Leatherwork

"5 star experience. I had a fab day with Catherine. Very relaxing, interesting and memorable. We got to make some really nice and useful items, which will last forever! I will be booking another day in the coming weeks. Thank you Catherine - Happy birthday this weekend! "

Catherine Edwards Leather responded:

"Aaah thankyou so much Kevin, looking forward to the next workshop!"

Gareth Jeremy reviewed: Pen Making Course (1/2 day)

"I booked this course on behalf of my grandmother who is 93 years old. Derek was extremely friendly, welcoming, helpful and knowledgable. The course lasts for three hours in which time we had plenty of time to watch Derek make a beautiful pen and to make one too. We had some difficulties with the pen assembly and Derek jumped in to sort it out and we left very happy. I would advise people to wrap up warm as it is a bit chilly in the workshop, especially when the dust extractor is on, and to take a bottle of water. We had time to stop for a coffee half way through the course but would have been happier if we'd had something to drink throughout the session. I think the course is great. Overall I couldn't have hoped for anything more - thank you Derek - fully recommended for absolutely anybody. May well be back to turn some bowls."

Assynt Pens responded:

"Thank you Gareth. Yea and coffee on tap is a great idea, and I’ll take steps to make sure that’s available. Plus biscuits!! Glad Jenny enjoyed her time with me."

Rita Clarke reviewed: Double-Sided Lampshade Making

"This course was excellent and I was more than pleased to return home with a very professional looking lampshade. Wendy obviously loves her crafts, she is keen to pass on her knowledge and ideas. I agree with other reviews in saying that Wendy is talented, friendly, helpful and patient. The Little Craftery is such a welcoming environment, with samples of her 'makes' to inspire you."

Lucy reviewed: Weaving: the journey begins

"I really enjoyed this one-day course. It’s very much “learning by doing” and Ashleigh is a superb teacher. He gave clear explanations and talked me through a variety of patterns and yarns. I could go at my own pace and had plenty time to practise and consolidate one type of weaving before going on to the next. Ashleigh struck the right balance between showing me what to do and letting me get on with it, and I quickly gained more confidence. As a complete novice, it was a great feeling to come away with a finished piece of work that I’m proud of. The workshop has a cosy friendly atmosphere and is really inspiring. "

Tartan Caledonia responded:

"Thank you for the kind words, glad you enjoyed you day. Ashleigh."

Anna reviewed: One Day Stained Glass Foiling Method Course

"Cheryl is an amazing host and teacher. It was fantastic to spend a day creating a piece to take home using the copper foiling method. Everyone made something different. I am delighted with my cactus. Cheryl is a professional and master. You will be learning from the best!!"

Cheryl Powling Glass responded:

"Thank you Anna so lovely to hear you had a good day .. you were great and your cactus was wonderful.. well done x "

Annette reviewed: Woodcarving with sculptor Jason -handtools -gouging and whittling

"Great way to spend a Sunday, whacking a chisel with a mallet and leaving with a handmade treasure. Very impressed by Jason, really nice person and hugely talented"

Jason Thomson - Sculptor responded:

"Great to meet you Annette and get that chunk of raw timber transformed by your growing hand tool skills. A high energy day alright!"

F Taylor reviewed: Textile still life workshop

"Fabulous and inspiring day . Very relaxing , the tutor was very hands on and happily shared her knowledge, experience and expertise Thank you"

Imogen Bittner Studio responded:

"Thank you very much for your review Fiona and it was a pleasure working with you. You grasped the technique very quickly and I feel sure you will go on to make more exciting work. I really enjoyed working with you and found it also very productive and relaxing."

Rohan reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"A fantastic day with Rudi learning the craft of blacksmithing. Would definitely recommend."

Aardvark Blacksmithing responded:

"Ehh up Rohan enjoyed teaching you and hope you get the forge up and running and hope those hooks work well . If you need any advise on putting together the forge just let me know Thank you for your review Rudi "

Chris Bridgman reviewed: Terracotta clay plant pots at Brockhole on Windermere

"Rosie is an excellent tutor - calm, friendly, but with detailed support, and lots of encouragement."

Brockhole on Windermere responded:

"Thanks so much Chris that was really lovely to read! I'm looking forward to firing your brilliant pottery and getting it back to you! I hope you enjoyed getting reacquainted with clay again. All the best, Rosie"

Jo reviewed: Half day mosaic workshops with Laura Barnes.

"I had a lovely afternoon making a bee mosaic. Laura is a great teacher. She explained how to use the tools clearly and gave tips when I needed help. Looking forward to putting my panel up in the garden and having another go at mosaic soon. "

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"You are welcome, Jo. You are a natural, and you were comfortable enough to make your own tea! Come again and make something bigger or in stained glass. Lovely to meet you, Laura "

Shirley reviewed: Nuno Scarf - An Introduction to Nuno Felting

"It was a small friendly group, we’ve all had fun joking, learning & making the scarf. Emma explained the steps very well. After gaining some direct experience in class, I feel I want to make another one at home, something you couldn’t buy in store makes it quite unique. We didn’t know how the scarf would turn out, it was fun to anticipate the process & final outcome. They all have turned out beautifully & very very arty !! Thank you Emma for sharing the books, tips & knowledge; it was so inspiring !!"

Emma Jackson (Silversoles - Felted Textiles) responded:

"You’re very welcome Shirley, lovely to hear you enjoyed the day and are pleased with the outcome - your scarf looks beautiful."

Mo reviewed: Beginners DIY & Home Maintenance Workshop in Cheadle, Gr Manchester (1 Day)

"Very informative. Gives you an inside look to basic diy that you can use for life and develop. "

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you for your review Mo. You were a pleasure to teach. I'm delighted you got so much from the workshop and glad you are now able to start with your renovations. "

Sophie reviewed: Creative Fused Glass for beginners and improvers

"I have done several classes with Nadine now and each has been such a pleasure! Nadine creates a warm and inviting atmosphere in her studio surrounded by her inspirational artwork and glass pieces. Nadine is a fantastic teacher providing guidance and encouraging experimentation. The class makes a great gift or a lovely bit of 'me' time. Thoroughly recommend."

Nadine Mahoney responded:

"So glad you enjoyed the workshop, hope to see you again soon. "