Latest reviews

Robert Berry reviewed: Guitar Strumstick Dulcimer 3 strings instrument

"I went on the Strumstick Dulcimer course and ended with a lovely instrument which plays a great sounding tune! Ted was very informative about all the techniques required and encouraged me to take these on so that I was able to work the wood to a level I did not believe possible. Ted was great company with many tales of music and musicians from the 60s 70s and 80s especially, and the day sped along happily. It was a fantastic experience, a lovely gift idea, and a refreshing break from my regular responsibilities. Many thanks Ted!"

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thanks Robert for those extremely kind words. I hope you have many happy hours with your new handmade strumstick. We did cover many things during the day and it was obvious that you have a lot of skills at your fingertips too. Look forward to seeing you soon in the near future my friend. Thank you again Ted 😉"

Susan Higson reviewed: Willow Highland Cow

"Excellent day and company. Victoria was warm and welcoming, gave concise and clear instructions. All five people sculpting the highland cow came away with a cow to be proud of. An excellent day "

The Willow Barn responded:

"Thank you Susan. It was a lovely day and I hope you had lots of compliments."

Julie reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"I had a great day! Feeling keen to have a go at lino cutting I found this day to be just right to get me started. Judith's skills and teaching are brilliant. A very thorough, friendly explanation and introduction led to a finished piece that I feel delighted to have produced! More than that, I feel inspired and have gained sufficient understanding to continue at home. The surroundings are lovely, great refreshments too. I enjoyed the company and chat - sharing ideas and learning along the way. A very pleasurable and informative day. Thank you so much."

print paper stitch experiences responded:

"Thank you Julie, it was lovely to spend the day with you, and your bird prints were gorgeous. I look forward to seeing what you produce next!"

Ros & Alison reviewed: Needle Felting Workshop - landscape pictures

"We had a lovely time, as 2 novices, learning to needle felt with Pip. A very warm welcome made for a relaxed time. Pip is an excellent teacher, very patient, and put no pressure on us, but guided us gently. We are both delighted with the two pictures we made, and would happily return. Cups of tea and chocolate croissants were enjoyed too. "

Linda Peifer reviewed: Willow Angels Workshop - COURSE FULL

"I did Jo Sadler's willow angel making course on 16 Nov and loved every minute of it. I have COPD; everyone I came across went out of their way to be kind and helpful as I have a struggle with breathing. Found Dillington House for the first time - what a wonderful estate and buildings! The workshop was fantastic, Jo very good, enthusiastic, and helpful. She actually did a couple of bits for me to keep me up with the class, and suggested I break early for lunch. So thoughtful. Refreshments and lunch were all high quality and staff were extra special. All the people on the course were nice- Dillington obviously attracts all the right people! Thrilled with my creation - I left 10 minutes before the end, exhausted, not having expected to last that long, with a angel that just needed her head securing and her wings! Devastated to find the place only to learn it's closing. I will be back before then"

Dillington House. Somerset County Council responded:

"Dear Linda Thank you for sending your lovely review of the Willow Angels workshop you attended this week at Dillington House, we are so happy you enjoyed your day. I have passed on your kind words to the tutor Jo and the staff at Dillington House. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. Kind regards Karen"

Keith reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"Excellent course for anyone who has tried to teach themselves welding and now wants to learn how to do it properly. Good mix of sensible advise, theory as well as time to practice at your own pace."

Carl and Sarah reviewed: Photography Days

"We're both quite experienced amateur photographers so we asked Sue to arrange us something that met our particular needs. For Sarah that was a session taking and processing flowers photographs in the style of old botanical prints. Though quite a specialised subject, Sue was as much a master of it as of so much else. Amongst other things, she demonstrated how to use a lightbox and studio lights, and then how to get the best out of those images in post-processing. And for me, she and Malcolm drew on other strengths and set up and talked me through the use of studio lighting for portraits. They even arranged for a model on whom to practice, and I came away with over 200 RAW images taken in various lighting setups. Well pleased. This was very educative time, and very enjoyable, too. It allowed us to get experience with professional studio kit, and to practice under the guidance of a couple who clearly know their stuff! A big thank you to Sue, Malcolm and Brian, the Terry Pratchett lookalike; and a strong recommendation to others to explore their photography training needs with Art by Camera."

Art by Camera responded:

"Thank you. I absolutely love floral photography and it was a joy to share it. It was good that we were also able to do some portraiture at the same time to keep both of you happy. Laughter of clients enjoying photography is always good. Thanks for coming."

Christina Davidge reviewed: Willow Flying Owl or Chicken

"Yet another wonderful day with Jo making an owl. Thank you Jo and I'll be back for another course. Christina"

Jo Sadler Willow responded:

"Thank you Christina, I look forward to seeing you again. Love owl too. "

Emma Reynolds reviewed: Beginners Ring Wax Carving Workshop

"It was absolutely brilliant. Emily is great fun and very knowledgeable. Really enjoyed it and very relaxing."

The Metalsmith responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely review! I’m so pleased you had a good time! The ring looked fabulous - can’t wait to see it in silver!"

Ruth and Jonny reviewed: Make Your Own Wedding Rings From Your Old Jewellery.

"Anna was absolutely fantastic! We had the most wonderful day together creating our dream wedding rings. There was plenty of time to learn about the art of jewellery making and Anna was so generous with her expertise throughout the day. We got to do all parts of the process and personalise our wedding bands as much as we liked. Having 6 hours to really enjoy creating bespoke rings was the reason why we chose Anna and we couldn't be more glad we did. Taurus crafts was a wonderful place to make the rings and we got to have time to have a lovely lunch there in their inclusive cafe run by adults with special needs, it was beautiful. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Anna for a bespoke, beautiful ring making day. Her work is amazing and she was the perfect host for us. Thank you Anna!"

Anna Mcloughlin Fine Jewellery responded:

"Thank you so much for choosing me to help you make your rings, and for the lovely review! :)"

Helen H reviewed: Make At Home - Fused Glass Spring Flower Garden Kit

"Fused Glass Spring Flower make at home kit - this was purchased by my son for my Birthday back in April and I've only recently got round to completing it while off with long-Covid. Absolutely over the moon with how the glass has turned out, an absolutely beautiful piece which I will treasure as I'm not particularly "crafty". I have a low concentration threshold but found it completely absorbing to do and it took my mind off being ill which was wonderful. Great communication from Natalie who kept me informed about the progress all the way through and my piece was returned promptly. Really chuffed with it and have other items on my Christmas wish-list, so fingers crossed! "

Rachael reviewed: Pottery wheel experience 4 hours for beginners

"Thank you so much Rachel - I thoroughly enjoyed the pottery wheel experience and really appreciated your clear demonstrations, encouragement and patience, particularly with my rather wobbly second bowl! I'll be back!"

RACHEL BYASS CERAMICS responded:

"We did have such a laugh with the others putting on aprons wrong and not able to reverses the name for the bottom of the pots 😂"

Claire Gardiner reviewed: Making a stained glass art hanging

"Great course. Caryl is an excellent teacher and the group is small enabling you to receive close support. Wonderful to be able to create your own glass and take home with you. Such an enjoyable day. Thanks!"

Caryl Hallett Stained Glass responded:

"Thank you Claire for your very kind review. So glad to hear you had a lovely time. All the best, Caryl."

Annie Davey reviewed: Explore 1 & 2 colour lino cutting and printing in Derbyshire

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day with Liz Welby. It was my first experience of Lino cutting and I have now bought some equipment so I can continue at home. Liz was a great host providing plenty of refreshments in a beautiful location. Thoroughly recommended"

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Annie, Lovely to hear from you and thanks for letting me know about your day. It was great to work with you and introduce you to lino cutting and printing. It’s such an interesting technique, with lots of potential to develop at your kitchen or studio table. Happy cutting and printing. Best wishes Liz Wellby "

John Pike reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"I went on a knife making course at Kerr Forge with a friend as a birthday gift from my wife. Jon Kerr is very knowledgeable and passionate about what he does, also fun and easy to get on with. We started the day around 9am and worked almost nonstop until 6.30. Jon was not prepared to let us leave without a finished blade. I enjoyed the day immensely as did my friend and we were both very pleased with what we achieved and the knives we produced. A good introduction into forging techniques and the chemical processes that take place in the metal when heated."

Sian Ryan reviewed: Glass fusing workshop - 1 day

"Very enjoyable, productive, and creative day. Jill made it easy to make some really lovely pieces and had so many possibilities we were spoiled for choice."

Fired Glass responded:

"Thank you Sian, Jill and I are pleased to hear you and Jo enjoyed your time with us being creative. Kind regards John and Jill"

christine oliphant reviewed: Woven bag workshop workshop with Rachel Davies

"What an enjoyable and creative way to spend a Saturday morning! Rachel is a fantastic teacher, clear instructions, very helpful and encouraging. It is a great, accessible venue. It was lovely to be able to personalise my bag which meant we all produced something unique and reflective of our different tastes and interests. I’m delighted with mine and so is the friend I gave it to. Would definitely recommend!"

Rachel Davies Studio responded:

"Christine thankyou so much for your review. Im so pleased you enjoyed it so much. I agree the bags were so personal to all of you! The studio is lovely isnt it , we are so lucky."

Sara reviewed: Pen making and wood turning introduction

"My woodturning course was just the most amazing experience. Philip Bradley was such a knowledgeable, patient and fun instructor. He made me feel relaxed and comfortable using all the different tools and machines, which, as this was my first attempt at woodturning was really important to me. I learnt so much and I made two beautiful pens, and a lovely spinning top. I enjoyed myself so much I will be going back for more sessions and would like to pursue this as a hobby in the future."

M reviewed: Silver jewellery making workshop for 2 people

"Really enjoyable day. Julie was very patient and helped make our ideas become a reality!"

Jewellery By Julie responded:

"Thank you Menna. It was a fun day and resulted with some spectacular rings."

Heidi reviewed: Zarzo Baskets

"Walk into a willow wonderland and soak-up the inspiration and atmosphere on this workshop. Brian and Nicki are great hosts who know a thing or two about willow, baskets and weaving and who are enthusiastic to share their knowledge. A very satisfying day with a glorious basket to bring home!"

Jeff reviewed: Lino Printmaking - An Introduction

"As I am not a naturally talented arty type it was with some trepidation that I booked this course. I need not have worried. Cathy is a natural teacher, friendly and supportive as well as very generous with her time and supplies. I thoroughly enjoyed the day, gaining new skills and increased confidence in my abilities. Would highly recommend "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for such a lovely review. We shall pass your feedback onto Cathy. Glad you enjoyed the course and we look forward to seeing you back at Stanwick Lakes soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Helen Houghton reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"What a brilliant day spent learning about block printing on fabric. Alison was the perfect host explaining everything really well and spending time with each person. Nothing was too much trouble. We all came away with some lovely pieces of artwork. We were also treated to home made flapjack and hot drinks to keep us all going. I really enjoyed this workshop and block printing is very addictive!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Helen, Thank you for your feedback. It was lovely to work with you ! You produced some great designs which hopefully you will take away and continue to develop at home. Block printing is a very addictive process and once you have the skills, the sky is the limit! Happy printing! Best wishes Alison"

Anita reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"What a lovely day, having fun learning new skills and making a design or two that actually looked ok. Thank you Alison for making a beginner actually feel like I’d made a master piece 😂"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Anita, It was lovely to work with you . I am glad you enjoyed the day and hope that you are pleased with your outcomes. Happy printing! Best wishes Alison"

Martin Gray reviewed: Mastering Pen Making.

"What a fantastic day! Derek, and his assistant Beth, were so welcoming and friendly. Felt relaxed and at home. Derek is such an understanding tutor, and has the patience of a saint; he is always on hand to make sure that you do all the work yourself but will jump in and make sure you don't make any major mistakes that would ruin your work.. I found the whole day a relaxing and enjoyable experience, and I came away having made 2 beautiful pens that are unique and can be used every day. I can hold them and look at them and say 'I made this'. I will be going back for more, and will be doing the bowl turning day next. Cannot recommend this course, and the people that run it, highly enough. Worth every penny and more! Thank you so much Derek (& Beth). First class experience!!"

Assynt Pens responded:

"Thank you for your kind words Martin. I am delighted you enjoyed the day, and very well done on the two ‘Made by Martin’ pens! "

Neil reviewed: Copper and brass Christmas decoration making, half-day course

"Had a lovely day, very interesting & Charlotte explained everything perfectly. It was lovely to get out and meet like minded Crafty people. would highly recommend & look forward to doing one Charlotte's other courses. "

Charlotte Tollyfield Contemporary Bespoke Silverware responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Neil. I'm so glad you enjoyed the course, and I look forward to hopefully welcoming you back to the workshop in the future. Best Wishes, Charlotte."