Latest reviews

Liz Venn reviewed: Explore drawing, print and collage

"Really enjoyed this friendly course. Lots of variety with mark making, drawing, mono print and collage. Lovely setting on the farm. Alison and Liz were always on hand to demonstrate and help throughout the day."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Liz, Lovely to hear from and thanks for letting us know about your day with us. There’s always a little trepidation with a new workshop, so we were really pleased with how the workshop ran and everyone’s responses. We think there’s lots of potential with these techniques for your work and we’d love to see the results in one of your gorgeous sketchbooks. Best wishes Alison & Liz "

Glen collimore reviewed: Introduction to Candlemaking

"It was an absolute pleasure to arrive at this course it was friendly, welcoming and Wendy was a fantastic host in giving us a fun filled two hours introduction to candlemaking. This is highly recommended to anyone who is a beginner or just wants a day out with friends or a partner So thank you Wendy we will definitely be booking a course with you again "

Betty reviewed: Half-day traditional basketry willow workshops with Pip Cottage in Lancashire

" A fantastic day . A very informative and relaxing day. Thank you for a wonderful experience"

Pip Cottage responded:

"Hello Betty, thanks for your great review. So glad you enjoyed the mini sculpture workshop in Lytham last weekend and it was a pleasure to meet you"

Simon reviewed: Pen making and wood turning introduction

"I’d been given this course as a present & I chose Philip at random. I went along with no preconceived ideas of what it would be like or what I would achieve, other than hoping to learn how to use equipment particularly the lathe. The whole day was an absolute joy & I can thoroughly recommend it for anyone who wants to learn a new practical skill set. Philip fully explained what we would be doing, the best way to achieve it & then guided me through the practicals. Working the wood was so absorbing and the end results extremely rewarding with 2 very attractive pens to show for it. Whilst a 1 day course can only ever outline the basics, I learnt enough to make me want to take this further. Thank you for a great day."

Ruth and Beth reviewed: Sterling silver stacking rings for complete beginners

"We had the best day! My friend and I did the stacking rings workshop and loved every minute. We made 3 bronze rings in the morning and then 2 silver in the afternoon. Viv was so lovely, encouraging and great to talk to. We came away with rings we love and are really proud of. We're already looking at which workshop to do next year with Viv. Also recommend pudding pantry down the road for breakfast and Crimson Tree next door for lunch. "

Simply Amazing Jewellery School responded:

"What fabulous company you two were - this is such a lovely review - thank you so much! x I like that you have included the local food outlets, there are plenty in close proximity to the workshop - I shall definitely look forward to seeing you both again, I am still amazed at how easily you acclimatised and how quickly you picked up the techniques, most impressed :)) "

Maelor Hughes reviewed: Damascus knife making in Grassington

"Cannot even put into words how good the experience was. Richard was great, patient, knowledgeable and very patient as it was my first time. He was happy to help when I started to go wrong too ha! I will definitely be back to forge another blade for sure. Would definitely recommend. "

Mary Eagle reviewed: Monday (Weekly) Bobbin Lace Making - Evening Mixed Lace Classes (Effingham, Surrey).

"I had a wonderful day, it has been a few years since I picked up my lace & had lost confidence, Tina was very clear, instructive & very supportive. It’s true it is like riding a bike. I am so pleased my husband bought me the voucher for Christmas & I will be making sure I join one of Tina’s classes near home. Thank you Tina."

Tina's Bobbin Lacemaking responded:

"Hello Mary I am so pleased that you enjoyed our session together. It was great to see you had not forgotten the stitches, as well as techniques that we recapped. I am looking forward to seeing the piece we worked on completed. Along with welcoming you to one of my classes in order for you to achieve yours goals to finish a piece your Gran started and learning Bucks Point lace. Hear from you soon Regards Tina"

Cath Rowson reviewed: Weave a scarf in a day - handloom weaving

"A great day weaving! The tuition was excellent and we were able to complete the weaving of a scarf from warping to finishing off without any sense of being rushed and with time for any questions along the way. The demonstration of each aspect was extremely helpful. A fabulous venue too! I would definitely recommend the course to anyone interested in or starting out on the weaving journey."

Cat reviewed: Upholstery and furniture restoration - Sessional 3 hour course

"I really enjoyed the session and Garry was very welcoming, as were the other people at varying different stages of work on their own projects at his workshop. 3hrs wasn't really long enough time to do very much, but it gave me a taste and I'm definitely interested in doing more. Thank you."

Andupholster responded:

"Hi Cat . Really pleased that you found your 3 hr session interesting and that it gave you an insight into what traditional upholstery is all about , also that this short introduction has given you taste for more. Looking forward to you joining our course Best regards Garry "

Andrew reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Chillington Hall

"Attended the two day wood carving course with my sister. We both thoroughly enjoyed the course and found the instruction to be excellent. Though we were total beginners we came away with carvings that we are really pleased with. Would highly recommend this course to all."

Sarah reviewed: Making Twined Rugs - Full Day Class - Brighton

"Elspeth was lovely, friendly and welcoming. She explained everything really well and was very patient. A lovely day. Thankyou Elspeth"

Ragged Life Ltd responded:

"You are most welcome Sarah, you were a joy to teach :-)"

John lealand reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Could not have had a better Christmas present. The morning wood turning experience with Simon was just great. Now planning to get turning equipment for this Christmas."

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

"Hi John, Glad the course met your expectations. Any help required with equipment, etc. don’t hesitate to get in touch. — Simon"

Syeda A reviewed: Resin Art Experience

"This was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. As someone who rarely does artwork or creative work I found Eunice to be extremely patient and hands on with her teaching and support. This was a birthday gift from a friend who also attended with me so we were able to share the wonderful experience together. Being part of a small group it was really helpful to gain insights from the others too. There was plenty time to observe, learn and create pieces of artwork within the day. Eunice’s studio is also a lovely place to see some of her artwork… she really is very talented. Overall a very enjoyable day. "

Eunice J. Friend responded:

"Syeda I am so glad you enjoyed the workshop. Thank you for your kind words Warm regards Eunice"

Katharine Sorensen reviewed: Ecoprinting with Bookbinding with Earthwise Ecoprints

"I'm usually a bit sceptical when I read rave reviews for things but in this instance I have to agree with the thanks and praise for this workshop as I think it is absolutely justified. Fiona made us all very welcome. Her teaching was well paced, and the ratio of tutor to attendees was ideal, affording sufficient individual support where needed. Time flew; I was delighted with the eco-prints and bound books that I took home with me (and have since been proudly showing to family and friends). I started the day as a complete novice, but ended feeling capable of continuing on my own at home. In summary it was fascinating and very enjoyable and I would highly recommend it!"

Beth and Sue reviewed: Pot throwing on the wheel for a Half Day

"We had a brilliant session with Richard on the half day pottery throwing workshop. We came away having learnt lots of new skills and made several lovely pots during the course. We are really looking forward to going back to glaze our pots once they’ve been fired and can’t wait to have a go at Raku next year!"

Potterydayz responded:

"Lovely to meet you both for throwing. Thank you for taking the time to put up such a great review, I am delighted you enjoyed the session. See you soon."

Carol & Neil reviewed: Two Day Stone carving course, Gloucestershire (Cotswolds)

"We have just completed a 2 day course with David and it was absolutely brilliant. Neither of us had tried anything like it before, but under David's expert and patient guidance we both came home with a completed and recognisable (!)sculpture each. The two days were extremely informative and relaxing and the company wonderful. This was all topped off by Kaye's amazing lunches and morning and afternoon snacks :-) We would highly recommend this course to anyone as all levels are catered for or if you just want a relaxing, fun weekend trying your hand at something different - great gift idea. Thank you both for a wonderful weekend and for the start of a new hobby! "

David King Stone Carving responded:

"Thank you very much for for your kind words, it was a pleasure to meet you both. Happy chipping! David."

Wanda reviewed: Stained glass one day course for beginners: one-to-one

"Wow! It was an amazing day! Emma was friendly. encouraging and patient!! She is a fantastic teacher!! The day was extremely enjoyable and educational. Managed to produce an art deco piece of stained glass in the time, which was brilliant, a s it was going to be a friend's 60th birthday pressie! Thankyou Emma! I would wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone who wants to try something new. I am not a crafter or artistic at all - but am starting on the journey of crafting- and was able to achieve a decent piece of work by the end of the session! Highly recommend this course!"

Martin Beckley reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Simon was very helpful and knowledgeable. Let me work at my own pace which was great"

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

"Thanks for the review, Martin. Hope you had a decent journey home! As mentioned, reach out if you need any further assistance. Hope to see you soon in Ely, perhaps at the Guild? -- Simon"

Rachel Bell reviewed: Mixed Media – seed heads (Morning)

"I spent the morning at the beautiful stanwick lakes and while I was there I attended an art class. I enjoyed so much! It was so nice to spend some time being creative without any distractions! Catherine is a great tutor and made me feel very welcome and relaxed! It was a great class!!"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for such a lovely review. We are pleased that you enjoyed the course and shall pass your comments on to Catherine. Best wishes, Nicky"

Marc Orlando reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"A brilliant experience that far exceeded my expectations to say the least. Jon is a great teacher who achieves the perfect balance between stepping in, and letting you get on with exploring your creativity and developing your skills. As as result, I am genuinely proud of the knife I was able to make under his guidance, and in his perfectly appointed forge. Thank you Jon for a great day. "

Jilly Colman reviewed: Mixed Media – seed heads (Afternoon)

"Stanwick Lakes is a super place with great facilities. I enjoyed Cathy’s workshop immensely, as I always do. She’s such an inspiring and delightful teacher. I would recommend her varied and fun classes as well as the visitor centre and its lovely cafe and helpful staff to everyone. "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely comments. We shall let Cathy know that you enjoyed the course. Best wishes, Nicky"

Matthew Birchall reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Had a great day with Bob and learnt some interesting things about forming steel. Bob is a very clear instructor and also allows just the right amount of freedom to try on your own. In the afternoon we made a toasting fork and an enormous poker! Highly recommended course!!"

Gillian reviewed: Mixed Media – seed heads (Morning)

"A relaxing morning with a great tutor. Always pleased with the results of classes and courses with Catherine."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you so much for your review - it is so rewarding for our tutors to receive a lovely review like this."

Jenny J reviewed: Bookbinding - Sketchbooks, Journals, Books - Beginner - 1 Day - One to One

"I have just had the most wonderful day crafting and creating my own notebooks. Rachel was so welcoming and a really great teacher. The studio was just full of creative inspiration and such a lovely place to work. I will definitely be back to try something else."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you Jenny. So kind. It was an absolute pleasure to meet you and your books were such a great quality. Huge well done. Look forward to seeing you again! All the very best. Rach "

Gustav Maskowitz reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"This was a gift and easily the best thing I’ve done in years. Thoroughly recommend it. Our teacher was super attentive and we felt very looked after, safe and helped. At some point I was scared I was messing up my knife, but received all the help I could have asked for. Very thankful for the true actual freedom to learn, but also the help when I hit the edge of my capability. I have a memory that will last forever. Oh, and a kick@ss knife!!!"