Latest reviews

Sheila and Paul Child reviewed: Beginners half-day pen turning experience (woodturning) 1-2-1 or pairs

"We had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon with Simon on a pairs pen-turning workshop. We have already participated in Simon's bowl making workshop which was great, so we had an idea what to expect. However, we were thrilled at the beauty and functionality of the pen each of us made. Simon is such a patient, helpful, understanding tutor and if you want to lose yourself in another world and think only about wood grain and crafting skills, we would certainly recommend this workshop. You come away from the session, completely enthralled, with a made-by-you, totally unique, item to show for your efforts. What is there not to love about that?"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Sheila & Paul, Thanks for a lovely review and recommendation. Look forward to seeing you again for the bowl turning workshop. -- Simon"

Carole Longmire reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Another wonderful workshop run by Martin who is patient, gives clear instructions and makes these sessions so enjoyable. I thoroughly enjoyed the fused workshop and was extremely pleased with what I made. I would recommend attending, whatever your skill levels."

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review."

Jayne G reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Felted Pictures Workshop in Cragg Vale, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"Had a wonderful day felting with Melanie Louise at Crafts in the Valley. We had organised a private lesson for four of us and we had a great day. The Studio was bright and airy and full of inspiration, Melanie was a very knowledgeable tutor and making the felted pieces was pure joy. I was extremely pleased with my results having never tried wet felting before, we will certainly be back for more. Thank you. "

Ruth Bruins reviewed: Domestic Machine Knitting for Beginners (Weekend) - Nottingham Trent University

"Excellent course for beginners on the use of a Domestic knitting machine. Lauren the tutor was very helpful. Learn a lot which I’m hoping to put into practice! Would highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in learning how to use a knitting machine."

Nottingham Trent University responded:

"Dear Ruth, Thank you for your great review, we're very glad to hear that you enjoyed the Domestic Machine Knitting course and that you'll be able to put your new skills into practise! Best wishes, Ali "

Stephanie reviewed: Quilting weekend for beginners and novices - near Salisbury

"Absolutely loved this course! So helpful, especially as an absolute beginner. So many useful tips and tricks. Will sign up again next time!"

Bee-spoke Quilts responded:

"Thank you for your comments Stephanie. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the weekend and I look forward to seeing you again sometime. Send me a photo of your completed quilt! Jacqueline "

David Pye reviewed: Green Man stone carving in Yorkshire

"Helen presents a brilliant experience - all tools/materials/advice freely given in an old mill workroom. Everyone carved slightly different 'Green Men' from Maltese Limestone, each to his/her own interpretation of the pattern supplied, Lovely stone to work; firm and smooth. Everyone went home with a fine result. Highly recommended for friendliness, good instruction and value for money. Brilliant course."

The West Riding Stonecarving Association responded:

"Thank you David . I am pleased that you enjoyed the weekend and appreciate the time taken to write a review. I hope your Green man settles in well in your lovely garden. Kindest regards Helen"

Colin Ogden reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I wouldn't hesitate to recommend one of Adrian's blacksmithing courses. The day was excellent, so interesting, informative and enjoyable from start to finish. I was really delighted with the garden flowers I made. Adrian & Andy were helpful, friendly and always on hand to give support where required and Debbie gets a special mention for the delicious home made lunch, cakes & biscuits! "

Louise reviewed: Beginners Mosaics Workshops near Exeter, Devon

"Fantastic course. Thank you so much Denny for accommodating us and enabling us to learn something new. Extra bonus of great cake, company and friendly doggy. "

MosaicXandMe responded:

"Thank you Louise for taking the time to leave a review - one gets asked to review virtually anything these days so much appreciated. Glad you enjoyed yourselves. Do get in touch when you’re next visiting Devon. Best wishes Denny x "

kristofer williamson reviewed: Lampworking Workshop: Taster Workshop

"She is great at what she does, lovely work. Shows you step by step how do them. It was great to do, good parking as well there."

Dan reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"Quite possibly one of the best experience days I've ever attended! Jon is a top bloke who delivered an amazing session and has now got me wanting to return for another go. I loved learning the techniques required to craft my own knife and it was great to use some new, exciting tools as well as some familiar ones too. It's great to have brought home something truly unique that I have crafted myself - even the blisters from hours of hammering are a treasured reminder! This is an extremely enjoyable course and I would most definitely recommend it and I'm already sketching ideas for my next piece. Thank you, Jon, for an amazing day."

Glenda reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"Excellent workshop with an extremely talented trainer! The results achieved in a mornings tuition are fabulous, far exceeded expectations. Very skilled and patient craftsman, thoroughly enjoyed the experience. "

Bill Woods reviewed: Building and weaving a side chair at The Quiet Workshop

"This five day course was excellent. Splendid environment, company, tutoring and catering. You also end up with a very nice chair. I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone. "

The Quiet Workshop responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Bill. It was lovely to have you on the course. Your chair looked very pretty. I hope it’s a place in your home. Best wishes, StJohn & Bryony"

Angela reviewed: Make paper from wild and garden plants

"A relaxed, fun and informative day. It is very much an outdoor experience so a good pair of boots is essential as is a good packed lunch! With Bryans's expert guidance I was thrilled to be able to make and take home my very own paper and possibly make my own at home too. "

Wild Plant Paper responded:

"Thanks Angela - it was a good day, if a bit chilly! All the best making some paper of your own."

Keith Powell reviewed: Stained Glass Leading Garden Panel Workshop for Beginners

"Thanks for a great day. I really enjoyed the course, which as a beginner, I found very informative, taking me step by step through the process, and ending up with a piece of glass art that I'm very proud of. Thanks again Mike & Jenny."

Vitreus Art responded:

"Thanks for your review Keith - it was a pleasure having you in the studio. KR Mike"

Suzanne reviewed: Make paper from wild and garden plants

"Bryan is welcoming and very knowledgeable. The venue is rustic, with basic facilities, and the course was nearly all outdoors, so dress for all weathers and you'll be fine. I really enjoyed the course itself and have already made a small piece of plant paper at home. Very enjoyable course that will reconnect you with nature and creativity."

Wild Plant Paper responded:

"Thanks for your kind review Suzanne. Let me know how your papermaking journey continues."

Sandy reviewed: Woodturning Absolute Beginners

"Great introduction to woodturning. Paul is very knowledgeable & experienced. Came away knowing enough to have a go on my own. And very pleased with my bud vase!"

Paul Hannaby Creative Woodturning responded:

"Thanks Sandy, good luck with your own creations!"

Belinda Delany reviewed: Willow Plant Supports

"A great course expertly taught with all materials provided. Very pleased with my creations. "

Windrush Willow responded:

"Hi Belinda, Glad you enjoyed it - hope to see you again on another course. Regards Richard"

Wayne Kingston reviewed: Landscape oil painting

"I enjoyed the course very much. Laura was very helpful and I was pleased with the end result. Even more important was that my wife was impressed with the results."

Laura Donaldson responded:

"Thank you Wayne. It was lovely to meet you and I’m thrilled that your wife likes your paintings! They were both great pieces of artwork with such fantastic stories behind them. It would be lovely to see you in the studio again if you fancy making the trip. "

Maralyn Fraser reviewed: Mosaic Workshop Mixed Media Mosaic Class

"I with two friends spent the morning making mini mosaics in Eva's lovely and inspiring craft room. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and we're thrilled with what we made. Eva was welcoming, friendly and helpful, and the coffee was delicious. I would recommend the course even if you think you aren't creative - I doubt you will be disappointed; it's fun and relaxing. Thanks to Eva for a lovely birthday morning!"

The Mosaic Tutor responded:

"Thank you Maralyn for your review, it was a real pleasure meeting you all. I’m glad you enjoyed the workshop. Eva x"

Matt Barber reviewed: Leather Bound Bookbinding Workshop in The Cotswolds - Gloucestershire/Wiltshire/Oxfordshire

"Great course with clear guidance and advice - resulted in a beautiful object that I'll now try to recreate as soon as possible before all the processes drop out of my head. "

Teresa Threadgold reviewed: Willow Weaving 'Trug' Workshop

"Really enjoyed the course. Great tutor too."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are happy you enjoyed the course! Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team. "

Charlie Palmer reviewed: Pole Lathing Course

"Steve was excellent and a thorough teacher, teaching us about several aspects of woodworking, not limited to lathing but beyond. The product I got to bring home reflected what I had learnt and will be a great keepsake."

Jack Raven Bushcraft responded:

"Hi Charlie, thanks for the review and glad you enjoyed your day with us."

Irene Davies reviewed: One day fused glass course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"As with other courses, Paul was gracious, patient and attentive. His skill, and the atmosphere he creates, makes for a pleasant learning experience."

Miranda Jane Hudson reviewed: The Ethnobotanist

"I had a fabulous day on this Ethnobotany Course at Denmark Farm on Sunday. Beginning with a spot of plant ID with a cuppa, we then went on a little foraging expedition through the woods, practicing the ID we'd just learned and collecting some tasty morsels for lunch. Course leader Ryan was very knowledgeable, and patient, encouraging us all to try and identify different plants and pointing out some great little differences to look for and remember for future reference. Lunch was cooked over the open fire, followed by making charcoal then drawing with it, whittling some greenwood and making a skin salve from plantain leaves. The day was thoroughly enjoyable and I've already ordered a couple of the recommended books (2nd hand of course) and made a Ground Ivy tea for my poorly husband, who incidentally is now much better!! Tonight I'm foraging for willowherb and nettle for a quiche. I highly recommend this course for both beginners and those who wish to build on their current knowledge. We learned from our fellow students too!! "

Denmark Farm Conservation Centre responded:

"Thank you for taking your time to write such a great review. We're delighted that you enjoyed the Ethnobotany course so much. We look forward to seeing you at Denmark Farm again very soon. Mara"

Bev reviewed: Monthly Pottery Classes

"I did a pottery class in March with a friend and we both really enjoyed it. We were surprised how much we made. Catherine, the teacher, was brilliant, she is very enthusiastic and helpful. We’re looking forward to attending another class."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave a lovely review. We are so pleased you enjoyed the course and shall let Cathy know too.. We do hope to see you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team. "