Latest reviews

Jim and Bridget reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"We had a wonderful weekend, coming as complete novices and leaving with sculptures we never imagined we would achieve as well as a heightened appreciation of the skill involved in quality work. Sebastian’s approach was ideal - he was very supportive: always willing to suggest or advise when needed and also leaving us to get absorbed in the work uninhibited. He got the balance just right. We would highly recommend this course without any reservations."

Louise Taylor-Steward reviewed: Fused glass day workshop

"Fantastic class! Hubby and I did the 2.5hour beginners class with Helen. Totally exceeded our expectations, we had a choice of things we could make from a curved piece to sit on a windowsill to a dish. We also had free rein to come up with our own designs, although Helen had lots of pieces on display if we struggled for inspiration. After some practice cuts and breaks, we started on our designs. Helen is a fantastic teacher, able to demonstrate and guide whilst ensuring we did the work on our own pieces. Her purpose built workshop is spacious, light and bright (not to mention clean and COVID safe) and she had a huge selection of materials for us to use. We had to leave our prepared pieces with Helen for firing and were delighted when we were able to collect them a couple of weeks later to see how they’d turned out. I would definitely recommend this workshop. I’m already sketching ideas and will be looking to return to make some more pieces soon."

Helen Rose Glass responded:

"Ah thanks Louise. It's so lovely to hear how much you both enjoyed the workshop...and are prepping mote ideas too...you're hooked lol"

Sue Laff reviewed: Beginners Upholstery Workshop in Warrington, Cheshire - Make a Footstool

"I attended the footstool upholstery course - the second time I have been because I enjoyed it so much! Jo is a fantastic teacher and the small number attending meant everyone could be guided individually as required. Everyone came away with a gorgeous footstool and I am now very keen to attend Jo’s furniture painting course. The venue is lovely and a plentiful supply of Jo’s homemade cakes made it a very enjoyable day indeed."

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you so very much for your lovely review Sue. It was really great to see you again. I’m so pleased you wanted to come again and I look forward to having more fun at a painting workshop in the future. X"

Katrin Werner reviewed: Greenwood carving at Sallerton Wood

"My third workshop booked with Craft Courses and certainly the best. Arrived the day before the course and camped in the woods. Such a beautiful and special environment, listening to owls, the stream and feeling totally relaxed and safe on my own. The workshop was unique in so many ways. Not only is Andy highly skilled and inspiring, his relationship to the woods, working with wood and the surrounding environment but also sharing his skills, knowledge and vision felt totally enriching to me. This course was an invitation to enter in a relationship with the wood I was working with and enabled me to create a Kuksa, which is personal and rather beautiful. Wholeheartedly recommend this course ! Very best wishes to the team, you are awesome."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you so much Katrin, for such a lovely review. We are very pleased that you enjoyed the course so much, and that you enjoyed the experience of camping in the woods too. We hope to see you back at Sallerton Wood again one day. Very best wishes to you from all of us, i.e. Andy, Jane & Alan."

Chris Cooper reviewed: Animal clay sculpture workshops with Jill Collier

"Jill is really good, puts you at ease and very informative and helpful. Seven of use there but she had time for everybody when we needed it. Thank you for a superb day."

Chris Bailey reviewed: Customisable Wooden Chopping Board Cheese Board

"Quick and friendly service. Well made, presented and wrapped. The cheese board was as exactly as shown on the website. Thank you"

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much. Glad you liked it. Thanks so much for the order. Rach ?"

Laura MacPhie reviewed: Creative workshop hub in Edinburgh's beautiful and historic New Town

"I recently attended a one-day workshop (lino printing on fabric) at Arienas Collective and cannot rate it highly enough for the entire process. If you are considering using it as a workshop venue, just do it! The venue itself is beautiful and airy, and is full of interesting and quirky pieces and couldn't be handier for travel. Lynn is lovely, friendly and welcoming and the admin was faultless despite so many Gov't Covid cancellations and restrictions: she kept us fully updated with when the course could go ahead, and juggled what must have been a nightmare timetable perfectly. It is just the right size for a small group workshop where everyone can get enough space to work and be safe (Covid again... aargh but necessary) yet still feel part of the group. As a participant, I'll definitely be back and as someone who knows artists who struggle to find the "right"place to lead courses I would totally recommend it. Loved it!"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hello Laura. Thank you so much for this lovely, considered review of our workshop space, and for your understanding of the challenges small creative businesses like ourselves have had to face this past 16 months or so. It has been a tough time for so many, but it's thanks to loyal and supportive creatives like yourself that we have survived, and found the will to keep going. Thanks for your personal recommendation: I can't tell you how much it means to me personally, and to all members of our creative Collective. We can't wait to welcome you back, and would encourage any creatives who wish to bring their workshop ideas to life here to get in touch. Lynn x"

Laura MacPhie reviewed: Lino-printing onto fabric

"Great workshop, perfectly pitched for the range of experience across the group. Suzanne is informative and made the learning fun and people quickly grew in confidence trying out various designs and techniques; my toadstool tea-towel has been well complimented at home! The setting is beautiful and airy and is a restful place to work in, and Lynn is doing everything humanly possible to meet the dreaded (but necessary) Covid guidelines with grace and good humour. This meant we could confidently and safely focus on the workshop itself. I look forward to coming back to Arienas for future workshops - loved it!"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hello Laura. Thank you so much for this lovely feedback. We really do appreciate it when people take the time to add a review of their course. We are glad you felt safe enough to enjoy your lino printing workshop to the full. We do our best to get the right balance between keeping the space and everyone in it safe, and being able to switch off and focus on getting creative. The compliments for your tea towel are very well-deserved! I absolutely loved your toadstool design and I could think of a few people I know who would love one (you could probably go into hand production with them!). We look forward to welcoming you back. With best wishes, Lynn and Suzanne :-)"

Fiona Kilburn reviewed: SAORI freeform weaving 2 day beginners' course

"I attended the 2 Day Beginners Saori Weaving course with Amanda and had a wonderful time. I had done a little bit of weaving before but was new to Saori. Right from the beginning Amanda made me feel relaxed and excited to learn. Her teaching style is relaxed and knowledgable. She had lots of examples for inspiration. She provided all the equipment needed which was all a high standard and a lovely selection of yards and treasures to experiment with. It was lovely to spend this time with like-minded people where the emphasis was on creating from the heart rather than the head. There are a few guidelines but no rules to Saori weaving so when we asked, is this right? Amanda would guide us to give it a try and see what happened and we were rewarded with producing individual and interesting art. I am now totally hooked on Saori weaving and have already booked another session with Amanda. I wholly recommend Amanda and this course if you want to give Saori weaving a go."

Viv reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I had previously sent my mum on a course with Mark as a present to help her build confidence with tools, and on her return I was amazed by how beautiful her box was. I had to do this for myself, and came along to a course last week. Mark is a great teacher and is good at seeing where someone needs a bit more support for a particular job. He helped us use his wonderful array of tools safely, including the power tools! By the end of the two days each of us had produced a wooden box, with each of us choosing styles and finishes that we liked, from different examples that he had ready in his workshop, and each of us left with a beautiful piece that will last through the years. In my case that meant an oak and walnut jewellery box with a brass hinge pinned lid, but each one was unique. Most of all, I had a lot of fun, and I would definitely go on another course with Mark."

Vikki Byron reviewed: Basic to advanced crochet workshops in Leeds City Centre

"Ann put me at ease and gave me the confidence to tackle a proper project. Went straight out after the course and bought some yarn and have started crocheting my first jumper and it's going well. Thanks Ann"

Leeds Central Faith and Light responded:

"Thank you Vikki, for your lovely review. I am so glad you found the workshop helpful; it provided me with a good start to providing workshops after the restrictions imposed by Covid. Hope your jumper continues to go well. KInd regards, Ann"

Cathy Palmer reviewed: Summer natural dyeing in Pembrokeshire

"A very interesting and fast paced day in a lovely woodland workshop. Susan certainly knows her stuff and is very good at passing her knowledge on. I came home with lots of samples of dyed wool, silk and cotton as well a set of clear course notes. A comprehensive introduction to natural eco-dyeing !"

Jane Bingham reviewed: Sun printing workshop in Devon

"Really fabulous and fascinating workshop. Lots of opportunities to practice and try out ideas. Plenty of useful resources. Gentle but straightforward teaching that gave great results. Thanks"

Bridget Arnold responded:

"Hi Jane Thank you for the lovely review . Glad you got home safely. It was a great day and you all achieved a lot in the time , it will be good to see what you do with your fabric pieces !! Enjoy and Thank you for coming on my workshop Bridget"

Carl reviewed: Glass Fusing and enamel painting on glass

"My daughter did the day course today and in her words “it’s was brilliant”. She had no glass fusing experience prior to today and is chuffed to bits with what she’s made. She loves crafts so this was a perfect day for her and can’t wait to do it again. Thanks for a fantastic experience!"

Yorkshire Fused Glass responded:

"It was a pleasure to teach her! She took to it immediately and made a brilliant piece. She learned to cut glass, grind glass and assemble it. Great day!"

Hanna reviewed: 'Fundamental Art Skills' 10-week live online zoom course for complete beginners with Artist Raya Brown

"I am very happy that I found Fantastic course “Fundamental Art Skills' 10-week live online zoom course for absolute beginners” This is course created by highly professional and very talented art teacher Raya Brown. It’s detailed and very informative. I’ve learnt a lot from it. It's easy to follow, and you get to join a very friendly community!"

Magic Wool Art and Craft Studio responded:

"Dear Hanna Thank you so much for your review. I am delighted that you enjoyed the course and found it informative and friendly! It was great teaching you and I hope to see you soon at my next courses. Raya"

Paula Corbett reviewed: Frame Loom Weaving Kit

"I love this loom. The instructions are clear and it's so easy to use. I loved the fact that it came ready warped so I could start weaving straight away."

Dobby & Rose responded:

"I am so thrilled that you are enjoying using your little loom! Lovely to hear, thank you! Rebecca x"

Lynne reviewed: 'Fundamental Art Skills' 10-week live online zoom course for complete beginners with Artist Raya Brown

"I want to thank you for all you have taught me in the last two courses. Thank you for your humour, your patience and your diligence in getting the best out of me. I look forward to doing more courses with you in the future. Lynne"

Marian Rowling reviewed: SCULPTURE UNLOCKED: The Portrait in Clay from Photographs

"I really enjoyed this live online course with Brook as it introduced me to a new way of approaching portrait sculpting and how to use and work from photos. Being a live course with other students was great as there was time to work with Brook and also alone and then follow up with any questions you have. Although no online experience could replace an in person course this is the second best way to study with a skilled sculptor and learn from their experience. I would highly recommend it for those wishing to advance their portrait skills and have the opportunity of benefitting from Brook's knowledge and feedback."

Studio 27A responded:

"Many thanks for taking the time to share your experience of the course, Marian, and for your kind and helpful comments - both during the sessions and in your feedback. It was a real pleasure to have you on my inaugural online course and I wish you every success with your sculpture. Best regards, Brook"

Yvonne Jeffcoat Dick reviewed: Brush lettering kit

"What a wonderful package to receive in the post! It was a Pandora's box of goodies, with clear, easy to follow guidelines, practice pages and sturdy card to gift to others with my new found talent! Jen inspires confidence in her step by step instructions and has provided a fabulous formula for beginners like me! It will take me a while to become truly proficient, but I have made a start and am thrilled!"

Paula reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"It was a real pleasure to attend the mosaics class. Jas and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it and came away with 2 lovely pieces of which we were extremely proud. Your bubbly nature and expertise at your craft was a joy to witness. I would highly recommend anyone thinking of attending to do so"

Liz wilson reviewed: Introduction to making mosaics (Beginner level)

"Absolutely loved this day! It is my first ever crafting course and it was great! Sally is so welcoming, friendly , helpful and of course knowledgeable. Sally creates a very relaxed atmosphere but we got lots done and we all managed to create some really good results and I must say, I was thrilled with mine and it has inspired me to do more at home and will definitely be booking other courses with Sally. The facilities are great and there were lots of resources to use with Sally on hand to give gentle advice and guidance. All round super day ?❤️?"

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank you Liz - I'm pleased you enjoyed the Workshop so much :) You created a fabulous mosaic and I am looking forward to seeing what you make next! Many thanks for booking with me and I look forward to seeing you in the Workshop again soon :)"

Ajahnii Lewis reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"As someone who had zero experience working with and using epoxy resin, I took a gamble on this class hoping to learn the basics of a new skill. And I must say I've come away feeling incredibly confident about starting up this new hobby and possibly turning it into a business venture. Richard went above and beyond with his engaging explanations and demonstrations and really did his best to make the afternoon as fun and interesting as possible. I love the fact Richard offered to give us advice in the future if we reach out to him, and I for one will be sure to do so! I might even be back for a river table class..."

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

"This was a great course and very professionally run by the DWSA, excellent Health & Safety and all Covid protocols observed. We all had a great time and were carefully guided through learning the skills of wall building in small teams with volunteer experts to keep us on the straight and narrow .The satisfaction of completing a stretch of dey stone wall that will probably last over 100 years is hard to capture in words .The organisation and instruction was first class and the venue of Ridge Farm at Diggle was fantastic .You do need to be reasonably fit as there is a lot of lifting and bending but well worth the effort .Highly recommended."

Roma Söderberg reviewed: Dala horse carving

"Lovely afternoon. Welcome CuppaTea. Super scones. Great teaching. Learnt safety! Carving techniques. Kept a watchful eye so no fingers lost ? Once techniques are learnt and practiced then no fear of this though! Alan is a patient teacher, obviously loves his craft. Very generous. Provides everything. Perhaps don’t wear black like I did! ? Give it a try and go home with a wee four legged friend."

David Saunders reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I was extremely fortunate to have the 1-day woodturning course as a surprise Christmas present from last year. I was looking forward to my workshop day which was booked in the August. It was definitely worth the wait and had a fantastic day learning about woodturning with Simon. I've learn't so many different wood turning techniques in a day and successfully made a honey drizzler and bowl. I couldn't recommend Blended Monkey enough. Thank you Simon and Louise for a fantastic experience. All the best, David"

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi David, Thank you for a lovely review. If you do take up the craft, do get in touch and let us know how you're getting on. All the best, Simon & Louise"