Latest reviews

Charli and Tim reviewed: Mead Making with Chris Park and Bees for Development

"Had a lovely time with Chris in and around his home, collecting spring water, picking botanicals for the mead and of course making the mead from the honey. We found the talk on the mythology and history of mead especially fascinating. Though they were not active we also got to see several of his hives and the bees therein. Chris was a great host and teacher, was engaging and personable. The location was beautiful and also steeped in history. Would recommend to anyone interested in mead, regardless of their experience in brewing or bee keeping. "

Jill reviewed: Sterling Silver Spinner Ring Workshop (Merseyside)

"We had a lovely afternoon making silver spinner rings with Carol. We were all novices but Carol was very patient and helpful and made sure that we had a great experience. "

La Jade responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review it was a pleasure to meet you all 🤗"

Alison Humphries reviewed: Stained Glass - Tealight Holders (1 day) in the Peak District

"This 1-day course provided a lovely introduction to stained glass and resulted in a very attractive tealight holder. Our tutor Kate was extremely enthusiastic and knowledgeable and carefully supervised cutting, grinding and soldering techniques. As always, hosts Alison and Peter were welcoming and provided a lovely environment and fabulous food! Thanks again "

Zantium Studios Ltd responded:

"Thankyou, Alison, for coming back for more and for leaving this wonderful review. Always a pleasure to have you on board. Enjoy your new skills and beautiful stained glass lantern."

Jude Macpherson reviewed: Woven bag workshop workshop with Rachel Davies

"Rachel’s woven bag workshop was very good, the instructions were very clear and easy to follow. Rachel had thought of every little detail and took us through the steps to make the bag at just the right pace for us all to follow and keep up. Everything we needed was provided and there was loads of recycled fabric to choose from. In our group we all chose really different combinations, so each bag was completely unique and individual to the person who made it. The finished bag is lovely and it was very satisfying to learn a new skill and be able to make a complete item in just one morning workshop. Now I know how to do it I will definitely make another. "

Rachel Davies Studio responded:

"Hi Jude, thankyou for the review Im really pleased you felt it was clear. Your bag came out really well , and I hope that you will make more (you have the instruction sheet to refer to if you forget any of it.) "

Deb reviewed: Woven bag workshop workshop with Rachel Davies

"I had a lovely morning making a woven bag. Rachel is an excellent teacher and gave us step by step instructions which it made it very easy - so we could chat and relax and enjoy weaving and some time out. Loved it & I have a gorgeous and unique woven bag using fabrics which mean something special to me. I’ve already recommended the workshop to friends who have admired my bag. "

Rachel Davies Studio responded:

"Hi Deb, thankyou so much for the review! And also thankyou for the recommendations to your friends who have now booked already! Your bag looks fabulous, youv'e inspired me to make some more out of old sacks and garden string!"

Rachel reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Had a great time doing this course. Jonathan was great at showing us how to practice some techniques using copper, then make our chosen piece in silver. There's a max. of 4 on the course so it's not too busy. Thoroughly enjoyed it and now want to have a try at home! "

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Rachel. Having a good time is the main aim and I'm very pleased that you want to continue with you jewellery making! Jonathan"

Midge reviewed: Woven bag workshop workshop with Rachel Davies

"I had a wonderful time, learning how to weave in the round, and am so pleased with my bag. Rachel is a brilliant teacher and we really couldn’t fail to produce something gorgeous. It was a lovely escape from the chaos of everyday life and there was coffee and cake!! Thank you, Rachel. You are amazing!!! "

Rachel Davies Studio responded:

"Hi Midge, thankyou so much for your review! Your bag is lovely, using your own skirt and some other scraps from my stash you created a little master piece! Yes there's got to be cake!"

Rose Norman reviewed: Weave an alpaca scarf in a day

"My daughter and I had a wonderful day together. Caroline and Becci were the perfect hosts, making it an enjoyable and relaxing experience. We both have a lovely scarf to remind us of the day. Thank you Caroline."

Clivewood Alpacas responded:

"Thank you, lovely to see you"

Andy reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"Had this pottery day for my 60th this year. After being addicted to the great british throw down on the tv, but never having the chance to actually have a go, I was so excited to receive the gift. The actual day surpassed my expectations. Louise was great company and a natural born teacher, very patient and encouraging. I can't wait to see how my creations look after the final touches and to have another go. Thank you Louise. "

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

"It was great having you in the studio Andy, and I hope this was a fitting 60th birthday present :-). You took to all the elements easily and you evidently found throwing on the wheel to be a very natural process. Thanks for the lovely review. I'm so pleased you enjoyed your experience :-)."

Rachael reviewed: Woven bag workshop workshop with Rachel Davies

"I really enjoyed Rachel’s workshop. As a complete textile novice I found it very creative and achievable. I enjoyed choosing the different fabrics and found the teaching really clear and helpful. It is a lovely way to spend a Saturday morning! Tarporley is a great destination to visit before or afterwards as the studio is right on the high street. I would definitely recommend going to this 😊"

Rachel Davies Studio responded:

"Hi Rachael, Thankyou for the lovely review! Im so glad you enjoyed it...and yes you are right about Tarporley! So many places to go for lunch after the workshop!"

Sarah reviewed: Take raw fleece to finished fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course. It was a fantastic learning experience with a high level of interaction and support with a degree of knowledge and skill, provided by the teacher, to match. It was a friendly, welcoming and relaxed learning environment, providing an open and safe space to make mistakes and learn from them. Well worth every penny!"

Cartmel Handspun Spinning School responded:

"Thank Sarah for your thoughtful review. I'm so pleased you enjoyed your course and found it helpful. Happy Spinning!!"

Jo Bean reviewed: Glass Artist's Studio Experience Day - Fusing (Open group)

"What a fantastic day we had yesterday. Dawn is friendly, patient and full of knowledge. We absolutely loved it and can't wait to see our masterpieces! I'm sure we will be back. Thank you 😊"

Dawn Turner Designs responded:

"Hi Jo, thanks for your lovely feedback, it was a pleasure to welcome you and Adam to the studio; your enthusiasm and delight were heart-warming, and it was lovely that you were both so open to learning new ideas. I am so glad you both had a lovely time, and I will be in touch in a few days when your makes are ready! Thank you "

Lia reviewed: Glassblowing for Two

"Utterly brilliant! Samantha was warm and welcoming and an excellent teacher. My sister and I really enjoyed the course- Samantha helped us to feel confident while learning the techniques and made the process fun at the same time. A lovely way to spend a few hours!"

Sam reviewed: Shabby chic skills for beginners

"Really enjoyed the course. Scott and his team were really friendly and fun. Lots of hands on opportunities to try stuff out as well as hints and tips on all the various techniques available."

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"thanks, Sam I had fun too"

Pauline Rowe reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners/Improvers - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden, Kent

"A wonderful course, very informative. I definitely feel I learnt techniques that can be further enhanced with practice. Marianne’s knowledge and nurturing mentoring encouraged me to produce a wonderful basket 🧺 "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thanks so much, Pauline, for this wonderful review and sharing your bread recipe with us! Will try it out the minute the new kitchen is in. Was lovely to have you on board. You really lapped up the knowledge and this was visible in the quality of your basket. Beautiful! "

Wendy reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - Brighton

"Elspeth is a great host, the techniques are explained well and she walks round giving you tips along the way. We made a tote bag using various techniques, for us then to apply to the rug. It was a great day, nice small group and plenty of refreshments. Thank you Elspeth. Best Wishes Wendy"

Gavin Dupee reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"Just fantastic in every way. Jon was very friendly helpful and knowledgeable, and his workshop felt like home! Super pleased with my knife and the experience. Great day! Lunch was also top. All power to Kerr Forge!"

Janet reviewed: Line and wash

"A lovely studio and excellent tuition."

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"Great to meet you and I’m so glad you enjoyed the day!"

Sheona reviewed: Green Man clay sculpture course

"Great course. Really good teaching for all skill levels."

Amerton Arts Studio responded:

"Thanks for the review Sheona"

Lesley T reviewed: Tiffany stained glass wild flowers workshop

"A great day at the studios and a friendly group to work amongst. I made 8 flowers that I was happy with being the first time I've done this course. Would like to do the same course over 2 days so I can make a better job of the flowers now that I know how they're done. Clear instruction, and help when needed, given by Kate."

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the great review :)"

Dan, Rob, Jack and Emily reviewed: Sword making for two - two days in the forge

"We attended a Forging Day at the Old Forge and were met by enthusiastic instructors who taught us how to make a Gladius. Having never been to a forging day before, we were surprised to find how relaxed and welcoming the environment was and to meet instructors who were as excited to make a Gladius as we were. Our main instructor was Joe who despite having multiple demands for his attention always made time to help us along with the forging process. Joe's patience with complete novices and willingness to go the extra mile for us made the day a complete joy and the resulting sword is something that we hope he can share pride in. We will definitely return and would whole heartedly recommend the experience to anyone who is interested."

Rachel White reviewed: The First Cut - lino cutting for beginners & rusty printmakers in Derbyshire

"This course was excellent. The teaching was brilliant. Not only were we told how to do it, but we were also given constructive criticism and suggestions for improvements, in the kindest of ways. I found it hard to believe what a high quality of prints were made in such a short time. I shall definitely carry-on printing and I hope to encourage my friends to come with me for another tutorial."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Rachel, Thanks so much for letting me know about your time at The Slipper Studio - I really appreciate your feedback. It was lovely working with you and seeing you progress and gain confidence throughout the workshop. I’m so pleased that you are keen to continue with lino cutting and printing - it’s a lovely process which will give you lots of pleasure, plus a bit of head scratching! Until we meet again - happy printing. Liz Wellby "

Jayne Cassidy reviewed: Large ceramic hare sculpture

"Fantastic value for money. Linda is a great teacher, and I came out far more knowledgeable than when I went in. It was a great 2 days with great company along with much fun and laughter. A homemade dinner was provided which was delicious, can't wait for my next course"

Green Man Ceramics responded:

"Thanks Jayne, it was nice to meet you, see you in January 😁 "

Michelle reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"We had a really lovely day learning new skills and being creative. Jonathan was really helpful and accommodated the ideas we had for making, resulting in three beautiful pieces to bring home. An enjoyable birthday treat for my friend. Thank you 😊"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Michelle - I'm really pleased that you had a really lovely day and are enjoying your jewellery. Thank you for your kind words and well done - both of you! Jonathan"

L Baker reviewed: Full day mosaic workshop for beginners - Meriden, West Midlands

"Stunning setting for a relaxed day of mosaic creations. Anne is a wonderful teacher with patience and a great eye for colour, detail and style. As beginners, myself and two friends were guided expertly through the wonderful art that is mosaics. The choice of materials to use was tremendous, I have never seen so many tiles, baubles, crockery & glass pieces and the colours we could work with were too many to count. Anne kept us topped up with hot drinks, biscuits and delicious mince pie cakes. The day flowed flawlessly, at no stage did we feel overwhelmed with the work, Anne applied the perfect blend of coaching & teaching to support us all to complete our works. I would absolutely recommend this for a peaceful day of crafting in a stunning location. We will be going back. Thank you Anne"