Latest reviews

Simon Morris reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day

"Les is extremely knowledgeable about wood turning and clearly is good at it himself. His background in teaching really came out as he was very strong in explaining and then showing me what was needed for each technique and then very supportive and encouraging as I have it a go myself. The day flew by and I had a great time learning (hopefully) lots. I even walked away with some very professional looking pieces that felt like they’d been largely my own work! A great day with a lovely man"

Pren responded:

"Many thanks Simon; I'm pleased that you enjoyed your day."

Laura reviewed: Introduction to Celtic Knotwork Drawing

"We had a great time on this course. Carrie is a welcoming and patient teacher who explained everything really well. I would have no hesitation recommending this course to other beginners."

Crafts for Wellbeing responded:

"I'm so pleased you enjoyed the course Laura, it was a pleasure meeting you both. Thank you so much for taking the time to review it. I hope to see you again on another course. Enjoy creating your Celtic knotwork!"

Clare reviewed: Stone Carving One Day Workshop at Oakraven Field Centre, Mitcheldean, Gloucestershire.

"This was a fantastic day course. The instructor was so knowledgeable and friendly. He handled all the different ability levels and gave everyone individual instructions throughout the day. I highly recommend this course to anyone with an interest in craft, history, or just wanting to try something new!"

Charlotte reviewed: Beautiful, practical, functional, baskets.

"A really fantastic course and so thrilled to leave which such a beautiful basket. Nicki is so knowledgeable and a great teacher and it was so lovely to be surrounded with such wonderful homemade baskets to give us inspiration for our own. Highly recommended!"

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

"A brilliant activity to do and I really enjoyed making my decorations. Charlotte was very helpful and explained everything clearly. We all made 2 decorations which was really good as only expected to make 1. I will definitely be looking at other activities that Charlotte advertises. "

Charlotte Tollyfield Contemporary Bespoke Silverware responded:

"Thank you so much for your review, Emma. I'm glad you enjoyed the class and hope you're proud of your creations. It was a pleasure to welcome you to the workshop. Best Wishes, Charlotte"

Daniel Ribeiro reviewed: Kitchen Knife Course

"This course was the best thing I have experienced in years. Being someone who is catching the knife making bug, and never having done anything creative with his hands before, what I learned from Dave will be invaluable. He is patient, precise, relaxing and a good laugh, you couldn't ask for better traits in a teacher. If you put in even half as much effort as Dave does passion, you will have a fantastic experience, some great knowledge, and a wonderful knife as a souvenir for your hard work. All in all, a really rewarding day I will never forget. Looking forward to the next time Dave."

Hand forged Yorkshire responded:

"Fantastic to hear you enjoyed the day so much Dan, thank you very much indeed for your kind review it is massively appreciated. Was a pleasure having you in the forge, you're welcome back anytime!! Kindest regards Dave"

Lisa reviewed: Furniture Painting Workshop (levels 1&2 techniques covered) in Warrington, Cheshire

"Had a great day, Jo is such a lovely teacher, learned lots of different techniques to create different effects. Definitely going to have a go myself with pieces of furniture I've got at home."

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you so much Lisa. 🙏 You had some great ideas and made such a lovely job of your unit. I’m glad to have started you off on your painting journey, 💕"

Jill reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"I joined this day course in free-embroidery as a complete beginner. I wasn’t even very confident using my machine. Dawn was very encouraging and supportive. She has an excellent supply of materials for course members to use and provides lots of examples of work that she has done for inspiration. I’ll need to practice much more before I can produce anything I’m happy with but I now know the basics and am looking forward to further experimentation at home. "

Dawn Ireland Textile Artist responded:

"Hi Jill, Thanks for your review. I’m glad you are looking forward to experimenting further with free-machine embroidery."

Marie Thomas (Anglesey) reviewed: Copper Wreath Making Course - Embossing Metal

"I bought this course as a surprise present for a dear friend. It was so worth the two and a half hour journey. Helen was very warm and friendly, put us at ease immediately. Others on the day were local and very much into their arts and crafts classes but we didn't feel we were treated any differently. Helen had time for everyone, it was a very enjoyable experience. "

The Art Doctor UK 2022 responded:

"Thank you so so much for coming. It was an absolute pleasure having you both, such warm, friendly and talented ladies!! Thanks so much for your kind words I am very grateful and I really appreciate you taking the time to share your positive experience. It means the world! X"

Kathlyn Riley reviewed: Beaded Snowflakes

"6 of us did this workshop with Wendy. It was amazing how different the stars turned out as we chose our own colour scheme. Each one of us was thrilled with the results. Other kits were bought to make at home. Wendy was superb at dealing with all our cries for help. Thank you Wendy. "

Jane reviewed: Pottery wheel & glass fusing private half-day

"I had a fantastic morning with Sarah & Chris. Really enjoyed exploring some new crafts and can’t wait to receive all my pieces . Both gave lots of support and guidance throughout the process. Great value for money, I made 4 glass pieces and 2 pottery pieces (the opportunity to make 3 but my last one flew off the wheel 😳) "

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"It was great to meet you - your glass pieces are already out of the kiln and looking fabulous! We'll get them in the post as soon as the pots are out too. Thanks very much for the kind review. Sarah & Chris"

Amanda Lewis reviewed: Wooden Pendant Carving with Giles Newman

"What an incredible day. I have no experience of wood carving and left the course with a beautiful hand carved leaf and armed with all the techniques I need to enjoy carving again. Giles is more than an incredibly talented carver - he is also an excellent teacher and a kind, wise soul. If you're even thinking about booking this course, do it -cannot recommend highly enough. Thank you Giles for a fantastic day that I will remember for a very long time."

Giles Newman responded:

"It was so lovely to meet you and to journey with you through your start in woodcarving. I cannot thank you enough for your kind review and I look forward to seeing where you go with the rest of your carving journey. Thank you Amanda."

Andrew Crook reviewed: One day welding course: an introduction

"A thorough and well taught introduction to MIG welding techniques. Julian taught with patience, an attention to detail and in an easy to understand manner. He also offered practical tips on equipment and ways to make the welding easier or to reduce cleanup. Thoroughly recommended. Thanks Julian!"

Julian Wadsworth - Artist Blacksmith responded:

"Thankyou Andrew for your review. We really did crack on and I am happy with the amount of welding and techniques we covered. When you get your welding machine there will be no stopping you! Come back to me if you have any little issues or snags. Apart from the machines I recommended to you, I do have someone coming in for a day mid December with a welding set I've never tried , and I could give you some feedback on this if you like if you haven't bought one by then. A good day had and nice to meet you. Julian"

Suzanne reviewed: Sculpture workshop two days with Jo Garden Art in beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"Absolutely loved the 2 day workshop - can’t thank Jo enough for her excellent guidance in helping me create my owl - it was an emotional journey with wonder and joy at every stage ending in something I really couldn’t believe I had created. A truly magical process and can’t recommend highly enough. My owl brings me a smile of pride and huge satisfaction every time I look at it - couldn’t ask for more."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Suzanne 😊 - your owl was gorgeous and looked stunning in the copper Verdigris finish. The extra movement you put in the wings and tail really bought it alive 🙌🙌🙌. A fabulous workshop all round! Jo x "

Gavin Shanks reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"My Daughter Claire organized a days blacksmithing on Saturday 12 th. November 2022 for5 of us. We had a brilliant day making hooks, an amazing Dragon multi hook under Adrian and Andy’s expert guidance. Great fun and very productive, wonderful to have tangible evidence to take home ! Lunch prepared by Debbie was very much needed and enjoyed after all the hammer wielding. Altogether a great day’s entertainment "

Claire Williams reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Absolutely brilliant Blacksmithing day, for my father's big birthday celebration. Adrian and Andy were so welcoming and encouraging, we all thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Delicious chilli lunch, we felt very well looked after all day."

Jackie reviewed: Beginner's mosaic workshop with Marie-Paule (3hrs)

"Had a wonderful few hours with Marie-Paule. My friend and I were the only ones on the course so had fantastic individual tuition. Thoroughly recommend Marie-Paule."

mppmosaic responded:

"Hi Jackie, thank you very much for your kind review. It was a pleasure to teach you and Lorraine, you were both very talented students. All the best with your future mosaic projects! Marie-Paule"

N S Gunn reviewed: Willow leaping hare sculpture - Studi0ne Bridport

"I had a really enjoyable day making a willow deer. Jo was clear in her instructions and helpful when one got stuck or couldn't quite manage to manipulate the willow. A patient and friendly teacher. "

Rupert reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Fantastic day with Ade and Andy. Such a great environment and so satisfying to make something cool. A brilliant experience all round. Food was also incredible! "

Lynne reviewed: Weave an alpaca scarf in a day

"Such a lovely day, yesterday! Caroline [a patient, knowledgeable tutor], Becky [ditto], Ian and the alpacas were very welcoming and friendly [none of them spat!]. Good coffee, biscuits and generous, tasty lunch all enjoyed in a comfortable, light, warm workshop area. I loved meeting all the alpacas and, especially, the 'introduction' to the individual [I found myself saying, 'Thank you'] animals that had provided the wool for each student's scarf. I would love to return for another class; don't need any more scarves but the day was just so great! Thank you all so much."

Clivewood Alpacas responded:

"Thank you Lynne, you are always welcome "

Lynn reviewed: Beaded Snowflakes

"Had a lovely crafting session making a beaded snowflake. Wendy is friendly, patient and ensures you have some fun and therapeutic time. Will definitely return to join Wendy for another crafting session."

r.cottee reviewed: Pottery 6 Week Classes

"Loved the first class of the 6 week course, really good equipment in the studio with clear instruction from Joan."

jccermaics responded:

"Thankyou for your review so glad you enjoyed it 😊"

Joan Currie reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"A warm and friendly welcome by Dawn which set the mood for the whole day. Dawn was patient and interested in each of our individual projects, supportive without being prescriptive. I loved the studio and there was everything I could possibly need available to use. "

Dawn Ireland Textile Artist responded:

"Hi Joan, Thanks for your lovely review of the workshop. I’m pleased you loved the studio. Best wishes Dawn "

Sharna reviewed: 2 day stained glass course

"What an amazing experience, Gillian is such a patient tutor. All the hints and tips needed are given just at the right time, and lots of help with the designs we chose. Just the right number in a class. All in all a very warm welcoming environment. Brilliant, thank you so much"

Myra reviewed: Beginners Stained Glass Xmas Decorations Course

"Absolutely fantastic, we had such fun and with help from Gill I had a beautiful collection of decorations to take home. New family heirlooms. "

Gill Rogers responded:

"Hi Myra Thank you so much for your wonderful review, it was so great to see you again and I had such a fun time too! Have a lovely Christmas and hope to see you again sometime in the near future. All my very best wishes, Gill x"