Latest reviews

Sandra Wainwright reviewed: Machine made lined curtains

"What a lovely, amazing lady/teacher. I was quite nervous arriving as a complete novice and worried I was going to make a complete show of myself! I had no need to worry. Janet put me at ease as soon as I arrived. She felt like an old friend. She was so patient and explained everything in a way I understood. She provided all the equipment required and because I took my new sewing machine she checked it over and explained everything. Today she has sent me the instructions from the day together with an essential equipment list, which is invaluabIe. I learnt so much and Janet has given me the confidence to just have a go. Thank you for the most incredible day. If anyone is thinking of doing this - DO IT - it is well worth the money. Thank you Janet. Can't wait to get started!"

Caroline T reviewed: Saddlery and leather craft workshop day, with Cazzy a qualified saddler and Harness maker

"I had a most enjoyable time with Cazzy. Excellent, patient tuition, from an expert in her field. Cazzy was generous with her time and allowed me to make the item I wanted (leather headcollar). Highly recommended!"

Jenny Nelson reviewed: Beginner's Traditional Stained Glass 2 Day Course

"A great couple of days learning the techniques of stained glass making. I'm so pleased with the panel I was able to make in memory of my mum and my friend was chuffed with her glass panel and copper foil decorations too. Gill really helped us through each stage of the process and her knowledge and encouragement was outstanding. Many thanks for all your support Gill - I will treasure the panel forever."

Gill Rogers responded:

"Many thanks Jenny for your wonderful review, it was such a great pleasure to meet you and Lisa and so thrilled to hear you both enjoyed the course. I had such a lovely time with you both too and we’ll done you, your tulip glass panel looked so beautiful. Hope to see you and Lisa again sometime in the near future! All my very best wishes, Gill x"

Rachel Davies reviewed: Lampshade Making Workshop with Clare Cosens

"Ive just made a really proffessional lampshade! Cant believe it! And I used an cross stitched embroidered table cloth that was my Grandmothers , so its a vintage piece now with real meaning. I would never have tried this on my own. Started with tea and biscuits in Clares pretty white studio, and looked at previously created lampshades and we considered the pattern and how to keep it straight! More tea and biscuits while we worked through the process with music on and chatting to each other. There were tips Clare knew that would not have been in kit instructions, as she's made hundreds of lampshades. Im now very proud of my new shade and its on the landing! Thankyou Clare."

Clare Cosens Designs responded:

"I’m glad you enjoyed the workshop Rachel. Your lampshade is beautiful. I would never of thought of using a vintage embroidered table cloth, such a great idea and lovely sentiment."

Stephanie reviewed: October half term willow lantern making workshop (afternoon sessions)

"Great thing to do with the kids. The twins loved it and the staff were wonderful"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review. We are happy that you all enjoyed it!"

June Goh reviewed: Zarzo Baskets

"I wanted to try basket weaving and this course was perfect! Brian explained the steps clearly which made it easy and nothing can go wrong with his calm guidance which instilled confidence and a sense of achievement when it all came together with the finished basket. I highly recommend this course and will be coming back for their other exciting projects with willow. BTW the workshop is set within the forest and it was a lovely and peaceful getaway day too!"

Ruby reviewed: Beginners Woodworking: Make a Bread Board

"Such a great course and learnt so much in one day! Perfect balance of hands on practical experience and learning. Loved it and would highly recommend. Richard is such an engaging tutor, which makes it even more fun and easy to digest, no matter what your level of experience is! Will definitely be booking on one of the other classes. "

Hannah reviewed: Mini-Maker sessions - woodworking for kids at Ash & Co. Workshops

"My six year old loved it and can’t wait to come back. Thank you "

Ash & Co. Workshops responded:

"Hi Hannah, thank you for your lovely review that's great :-) We hope to see you again soon!"

Katy Brockbank reviewed: Fused Glass Lantern Workshop - New Design

"This workshop was brilliant and very enjoyable. Teacher was very knowledgeable and patient and was attentive . Cant wait to see my fused glass lantern when the panels have been fired in the kiln and it's all put together . Will definitely be booking more workshops. Thank you."

Sharon Jones reviewed: One-day woodcarving for beginners

"An excellent course, Will is really helpful & let’s you go at your own pace. I learnt what tools to use for what & came away with a carving I never thought I could do and I was very impressed with. Thank you, definitely recommend "

William Barsley responded:

"Thank you Sharon. It was a fun days carving and a pleasure to meet you. "

Catherine Muirhead reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"A wonderful course that was good for the soul. The experts were helpful, informative and fun, and all but left us to it, which made it feel all the more like ‘our wall’. My co-attendees were a great bunch, with no antagonism despite there being 20 of us. Everyone just got on, which I think might be a first in a group of that size. Everyone did their bit and contributed to what we all thought was an awesome piece of wall. This is a stand out experience in my life. Also special mention to Sharon and the lovely homemade soup each lunchtime. "

Rachel reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Best anniversary present ever! Simon is a fabulous teacher, explaining the tools and techniques and my husband Chris and I enjoyed every minute of the day. We each made a honey dipper and bowl and these now take pride of place at home, despite intending to gift one. "

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

"Hi Rachel (and Chris), Thanks for leaving a review - really appreciated! And so glad you enjoyed the day so much. Do get in touch if you intend to pursue the craft and I'll help in any way I can. -- Simon "

Jackie reviewed: Needle Felting course with FURZIE at The Barn Emporium, Petersfield, Hampshire

"Thank you Michelle for an enjoyable day. As a complete beginner you made it easy to understand and I am thrilled with the Hare I made. "

Marilyn reviewed: Residential Gyotaku Japanese NATURE printing in Pembrokeshire Wales

"An enjoyable course. Deborah made it interesting and fun. Learnt a lot. Took home some lovely prints."

Cheese + Pickles Design Studio / Henry Hedgepodge Academy responded:

"Thank you so and your monoprints are beautiful! Debs"

Susan Glendenning reviewed: Daytime glass fusing workshop with Paula Andrews

"Absolutely superb enjoyable morning thanks"

Alasdair R reviewed: Wild flower and copper foiling workshop

"Really enjoyed the course - Ffion was excellent and talked me through every step. I am very pleased (and so is my daughter) with what I made. Would recommend this course."

Jonathan Downs reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"I had a fantastic day with Jake learning to turn a beautiful oak bowl. Jake is clearly a very skilled woodworker, who imparts his knowledge in a clear and constructive way. As I already had some experience using the lathe, Jake was happy to let me experiment with some different finishes, meaning I came away with a fantastic bowl that also glows in the dark! A really fantastic experience. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend and will be going back for further instruction. "

Peter Samuel reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Great day as ever. My third time. Adrian and team all very friendly and helpful and very tolerant of our errors. Great lunch also and tasty cakes to finish the day."

dee reviewed: Ecodyeing with Natural Dyes and Indigo. An Intermediate Course.

"yes totally agree"

Michelle and Sienna Worn reviewed: A night (or morning/afternoon!) on the tiles: a 2.5 hour taster mosaic course

"A treat for my daughter and I - wonderful to be crafting alongside my daughter who was in the kind and attentive hands of Fiona. A wonderful studio full of inspiration, goodies and patience. Thank you for helping us make very happy memories. "

Jill Manning reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"Just had a fabulous day making a willow sculpture Stags Head on my second course with Kate. My stags head looks as impressive as the heron I made on my first course. Thank you Kate for your patience, help and sense of humour. Am planning what to make next time Kate. My siblings were so proud of the herons they made with your help too. Thank you"

Stephanie reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"just spent a great few days doing Jo's upholstery course, learning traditional upholstery techniques, and I am really delighted with my finished dining chair. People had brough a variety of projects, and Jo spent time with each individual throughout the course teaching and guiding them through the techniques required for each item. She is extremely knowledgeable, and patient and there was a lovely friendly atmosphere in the workshop."

What Jo did next responded:

"Hi Stephanie - you did well to complete your chair, considering it had to be dismantled first! Your work was impeccable and you fully understood my instructions. You have great focus! What a joy! x "

dee reviewed: Ecodyeing with Natural Dyes and Indigo. An Intermediate Course.

"I had absolutely enjoyed leaned about the Eco dying technique from a great tutor, Judy. I had also attended her course on Eco dyeing - a full day introduction to leaves, rust, heat and fabric alchemy! which was very informative and had given me a very good insight on the principles of Eco dyeing and the different types of leaves and dyes use and what effect could be achieved with various combinations. There was no limit to the use of various dyes and types of leaves she had provided. we had used the fabric and various leaves and dyes very generously. She is very passionate about her work as well as teaching us both basic theory and practical side of it. It was really useful to learn from her experience, where we could go wrong and how to mend or correct various techniques. She was very up to date with various techniques that others practice in various part of the world and even shared that and allowed us to experiment them in her studio. We had the opportunity to practice on various medium including various fabrics and even papers. I would love to learn some more on various dye methods and looking forward to attending few more classes with her. End of the day I did come out with beautiful scrves and may sample pieces which I could frame Also, the freshly made home made soups and deserts very absolutely amazing with unlimited access to teas and coffees. I have even suggested her to start some cookery/baking classes I absolutely enjoyed both the classes with her and would strongly recommend to attend her classes"

Judy P. dye - print - weave responded:

"Dee, Thankyou so much for your review. We all worked very hard didn’t we? So much to learn and such good results. Judy x "

Jennie reviewed: Tree kits - textile landscapes in a box

"I have only just started work on my tree kit. Having decided to sew it by hand, I find it very relaxing as I can sit in my armchair in the same room as my bedbound husband. I love the tree and look forward to more days when I can enjoy this activity. It will inspire me to do more collage work on my favourite subject... trees."

Alison Morris reviewed: Silver jewellery taster

"I absolutely loved this course and am trying to find a way to go back with my daughter-in-law. Louise was so helpful and informative, explaining everything and it resulted in a love necklace I am so proud of. I would not hesitate in recommending anyone to do this course."

Louise Anne Designs responded:

"Thank you - so glad you enjoyed the course ! "