Latest reviews

Susan Howell reviewed: Christmas Wreath Making Masterclass

"Recently had a wreath making class with Sarah at Bishton Hall. I couldn’t believe from the beginning how it would turn out, but it turned out fantastic. I was lucky to sit with informative ladies who had been before. Sarah was very helpful, informative with her knowledge. It was a very enjoyable experience, I look forward to doing again."

Ferntastic Flowers responded:

"You make my work so worthwhile Susan, I knew you could do it, I’m so proud of you. Enjoy your beautiful creation & I hope to see you again soon x"

Melinda reviewed: Christmas Fused Glass Workshop in the Lake District

"Thoroughly enjoyed this activity. Learnt a lot and looking forward to seeing the fired results. Marilyn was an excellent teacher with fantastic creative ideas and I came away feeling energised and relaxed. Vanda is an wonderful hostess and amazing location. Thank you"

Hare Hill Barn responded:

"Thanks so much Melinda. Hope to see you again in the future. Best wishes Vanda "

Vicci reviewed: Key skills for converting vans into campervans 1 day course

"Amazing day spent with Scott. My husband and I learnt so much, gained insightful advice and even had the most delicious cake from Sue. I have never understood electric circuits but we both got to set up a loom and I now get it! We now have the confidence to wire our own van. Scot was so helpful, patient and a great teacher. Definitely do this course if you are starting out on your van conversion journey. "

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"thanks for a great review. you were my best type of students. you got stuck in and asked lots of questions. which made it fun for me as well. good luck with your van build and remember have fun. Scott"

Mike Dowson reviewed: Welding with confidence

"Great course with lots of hands-on time welding pieces of metal together. Great equipment to work with and good instruction from Nigel. Might have liked a little more feedback on my “work” but it was an enjoyable and very useful day."

Ria reviewed: Lampshade Making Workshop in The Cotswolds - Gloucestershire/Wiltshire/Oxfordshire Border

"This workshop was better than I expected! I thought we'd all be making a drum shaped lampshade, but was happy to find out we were able to choose the shape, size and whether it was for a table lamp or the ceiling. The group of ladies were lovely and as there were only six of us, it meant that we were able to get the individual help we needed as we progressed through the stages of making our lampshade. Karen is patient and took care not to rush us if we were not finished bang on time. I'll definitely be coming back for more workshops in the future. Tea and coffee was provided and even a mince pie. Thanks Karen, looking forward to the next workshop! ☺️"

Lechlade Craft Barn responded:

"Hi Ria It was lovely to meet you both at the workshop last week and I'm so pleased you enjoyed it. I love to teach lampshade making, it's a great workshop for you to make something for your home without having to sew. I look forward to seeing you again. Many thanks Karen "

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

"A very enjoyable day. Amanda had planned it well with a selection of fabrics in my choice of colours and equipment to accommodate a left hander. She patiently took me through the various stages of quilting and I went home with a completed mini quilt. Would thoroughly recommend to anyone wishing to start this craft. Thank you Amanda."

Amanda Jane Textiles responded:

"Thank you for your review Jacqueline. It was a pleasure to introduce you to quilt-making. Amanda"

Liz reviewed: Resin Cheeseboard & Coaster Workshop

"I had such a brilliant time on this course! I’d never worked with resin before, but Eunice was a fabulous tutor and explained & demonstrated everything clearly. I’m over the moon with my creations and have already booked a place on another of Eunice’s workshops. I highly recommend giving this a go! "

Tony McDiarmid reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I throughly enjoyed my day at Firebird Forge. Mort shared his knowledge and experience throughout the day. His in-depth knowledge of his art made the day even more enjoyable and brought the craft alive. I can not recommend this course highly enough, working with a master craftsman was great. Thank You Mort for a great day and ensuring that I left with a great bird feeder!!"

Firebird Forge responded:

"Cheers Tony. Thanks for coming along and for the review. It was a good day and I’m sure the birds will appreciate all your hard work this winter! Thanks again, Mort."

Kathryn Pasco reviewed: Glass Fusing and Slumping for Beginners and Improvers

"What a fantastic day. We were made so welcome and taught well with everything explained so that beginners could experiment and learn different techniques. For someone who is not very arty I found this course inspiring and Jean and Janice were always on hand to help out. Our lunch was amazing and the day went far too quickly. Thank you special ladies for a day of fun, facts and fusion"

JJ Fused Glass responded:

"Kathryn, thank you so much for your kind review. You and your family were a pleasure to teach, so interested and amusing. You made our work easy. We’re looking forward to fusing and slumping your pieces. "

Ann swan reviewed: Glass Fusing and Slumping for Beginners and Improvers

"Have just had a fab day learning about how to cut glass, make many different glass coasters, plates, candle holder… different paints , colour techniques. Janice and Jean were on hand for any questions to be answered. A lovely lunch and can’t wait to see my creations once they’ve been in the kiln etc.. brilliant day "

JJ Fused Glass responded:

"Hi Ann. Thank you so much for your kind words. It was a pleasure to teach you and your family. You were so ready to listen and learn some new skills. We’re looking forward to fusing and slumping your pieces. "

Tracey Morris reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"What a fantastic time we had. Jo and her husband were great, so organised, relaxed and welcoming. We were 7 friends having a few days away and we were all amazed at the process and what great hare sculptures we took away with us. We are already planning on looking at a 2 day course. Could not recommend Jo highly enough - you will not be disappointed by this course at all, Jo was brilliant at communication from the very start to the end of the process and even said if the manage to break the sculptures afterward she can offer a repair kit!. 4 of us bought other kits to make at home in different poses - but there is absolutely no pressure to buy anything else we just loved the sculptures so much."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Tracey - it was lovely having your group here. A really nice buzz to the day. Hopefully you will never need a repair kit 😆. Enjoy making your leaping hares and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Jo x"

Andy White reviewed: Router Day Class

"Great course : A Day with a Router. The whole day went very smoothly and I was not disappointed in the slightest. Full of content and quite a tiring day. We covered all aspects of routing with particular attention to safety - a huge must! For me the routing table and free hand was excellent. Full hands-on with every question answered clearly. I would certainly go back for another course. Congratulations David and Thank-you. Andy W "

Christine reviewed: An Introduction to Weaving with a Table Loom, Oxford

"I had a lovely day learning how to weave. The day was well organised, and everything set out in a lovely studio. Jeremy was very patient, and I could work at my own speed. Having started with no knowledge or experience I am now a convert and eager to do more"

Jeremy Uden Designer/Handweaver responded:

"Thanks Christine. I'm really glad you enjoyed the day and that you're a new convert to weaving! Jem"

Claire Parker reviewed: Fused glass at the Stratford School of Jewellery

"Really enjoyed this workshop, small numbers so plenty of help when needed. Would definitely recommend Thanks so much Helen "

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Claire, great meeting you &your sister and thank you so much for taking the time to leave a positive review👍🏻I especially loved the jellyfish sun catcher you created and the drape candle holder Jackie designed so meticulously, I hope you are both happy with your fired pieces.🦋🙏🏻"

Annemieke reviewed: Full day pottery experience, Heskin Chorley

"Fantastic course, friendly staff, took great care to teach me one on one, would highly recommend. "

The Crafty potter responded:

"Thankyou for your lovely review, it was a pleasure having you join us in the studio. You did awesome x"

Anthony Lupson reviewed: Sword making course

"This course is wonderful. Andy is great teacher. I have a huge respect for blacksmiths, and this course has only deepened that. This three day course is worth every single penny. The one-to-one teaching was excellent."

Veronica reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"Really enjoyable day. Jon and Becky were excellent teachers and so patient! Can't believe that I brought home such a big basket! Great to learn some baskets techniques. Would recommend this course. "

Kath Busfield reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"Fab 1 day course. We had a great day... it was very relaxing and good fun. We have all come away with a hare.... all very different but all really impressive. Would definitely consider a 2 day course or doing the 1 day one again!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Kath - I often have people return for another 1 day workshop as they know the process in advance and have worked out what they wish to do. As you saw from the photos, the 2 day course is just bonkers fun!!! Jo x"

Val Murphy reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"This was a lovely day making hares. Jo is a great friendly tutor explaining and demonstrating in a clear easy to understand way and we all came home with sculptures that exceeded our expectations."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Val! I keep on tweaking my explaining & demonstrating, so it's lovely to hear the delivery works 🙌. Jo x"

ANNIE reviewed: Beginning spinning

"A very interesting course in a small group with a supportive atmosphere. There is a lot to learn and we all gained a lot of skills with Caths guidance. I was pleased to bring home some lovely yarn and hope to develop my skills further in future"

Beechwood Crafts responded:

"Thank you Annie, it was lovely to meet you and see your skills developing so well. Your yarn was beautiful. best wishes Cath "

Hannah reviewed: Beginners Woodworking: Make a Bread Board

"I chose this course as a taster to see if I wanted to invest more time and money into woodworking. I’m glad I did! The class size was just right with everyone getting enough time to complete the steps and use the machinery. Richard is a very balanced tutor, there to offer support and advice but also allowing you to explore your own ideas and find your own way with the tools. I’m currently looking at Richard’s other courses as well as ones more focussed on joinery and hand tools. Thanks for a great day. "

Carole H reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"After my one-and-a-half-hour drive, Lucy welcomes me with a relaxing hot drink – especially useful as winter approaches. We then review the project, agree on a plan and proceed to a wonderful day of jewellery making. Lucy is a great teacher with lots of patience, keen to encourage creativity, and I continue to learn a lot."

Caitlin reviewed: An Introduction to Weaving with a Table Loom, Oxford

"So fun, so interesting! I agree with the other 5* reviews; Jem is patient, clear & generous with his time & expertise. High calibre of biscuits, too."

Jeremy Uden Designer/Handweaver responded:

"Thanks Caitlin. I'm really glad you enjoyed the day. Jem"

Nat reviewed: Beginners Woodworking: Make a Bread Board

"The course was good and Richard was an amicable and thorough instructor. I really recommend it if you want to get a taste of working with wood and to see if it's a hobby for you. My only gripe was that everything was done with machines, which is not a bad thing, but it does mean I can't really take the things I've learnt on the course and try myself as I don't have access to a fully kitted out woodworking studio! Also, it's advertised as 7½ hours duration (10:00am to 5:30pm), so I was really surprised and disappointed to find myself being done and leaving at 2:30pm. That was 3 extra hours I thought I'd paid for that I wasn't getting. I'd almost spent longer travelling to get there than I did on the course. "

The River Shop responded:

"Hi Nat, Thanks so much for your feedback. Our course times have been a tough one to get right for some time now. We are now currently we running a 5 hour course rather than 7.5. Although when the winter cold arrives we will go back to 7.5 to allow more drying time for glue. The workshop tasks don’t vary at all. Noted re machining. We do offer the facilities of our workshop to students who want to embark on bespoke projects although this might not be suitable for those that travel further. If you’d like any input on best tools to buy starting off, do not hesitate to get in touch. Thanks again for coming today and we appreciate your input. Hopefully we have you back for another course soon. Look out for your breadboard in the post! Richard "

Ben reviewed: Beginners Woodworking: Make a Bread Board

"Fantastic course to dip your toes into woodworking! Richard was a great teacher and I’ll certainly be looking into some more advanced courses with him."