Latest reviews

Chris Vardy reviewed: Create with a Gel Printing Plate - Mono Printing Without a Press

"Fascinating and enjoyable course with endless, unpredictable pieces of work. Great tuition. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Chris, Thanks for taking the time to tell us about your day with us - it’s much appreciated and it was good to work with you. Gel plate printing is fascinating, with so many possibilities for development. It takes a bit of thinking about, but with a few sessions under your belt, you’ll have the experience to predict your outcomes. Happy printing. Alison & Liz "

Autumn reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"I absolutely loved this full day course for beginners. The workshop is large and it was nice to kick off with cake and a brew, but the best bit was being able to make a huge basket using a variety of different techniques. I came down to the area just for this, and I wish I lived closer, because I'd definitely do further courses. "

Marga reviewed: One day stained glass workshop London for beginners and enthusiasts

"Great course and an amazing tutor! Highly recommend :) "

Francesca reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"We had a fantastic day and came away with much more than we expected. A really full day, learning new skills. Colin is brilliant, an experienced teacher who gives easy, straight forward instructions and has the patience of a saint. We'll definitely do it again!"

Corinne Knight reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"I bought this course for my other half, Colin. In his words he says ‘What a Great Day. As a total novice I was a bit nervous about the course, but Andy made me very welcome and taught me so much. How to sharpen all the different tools, and what each one was used for. He is a mine of information and puts it across in a way that everyone can understand. Once we had sharp tools Andy went on to explain and demonstrate how to cut shapes from coves to beads and beyond. Then it was my turn. Andy was patient and encouraging and I ended up with a set of beads and coves that I was proud of. After lunch we transferred details from a picture to a blank and I had to use my new skills to cut the profile. After a couple of struggles and a bit of help we had a passable example of a table lamp. An excellent teacher. Then it was on to bowl turning, and again superb teaching enabled me to produce a smart bowl that I will cherish.’ A Brilliant day with Andy, Mary and Angus, Very Highly Recommended "

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thanks for your company Colin , I really enjoyed our day and I’m glad you did too You have a lot of talent so keep turning !! Andy mary angus xxx "

Philip & Debra reviewed: Spoon carving taster session

"Great afternoon with Dave Instructive, entertaining and enjoyable The time flew by Inspiring us to do more Highly recommended, loved it - have a go! Many Thanks"

Rosemary Hampson reviewed: 'Sunset' wool fibre painting kit

"Arrived promptly, clear instructions, very good quality materials provided. I really enjoyed making this picture."

Magic Wool Art and Craft Studio responded:

"Dear Rosemary, Thank you very much for your review. I am so pleased that you enjoyed making the sunset wool painting and found the instructions and the kit very helpful. Just to let you know that we also sell Poppy field wool painting kit which you could order via craftcourses.com or via my website: www.magicwoolbyraya.com Kind regards, Raya Brown"

Pete reviewed: Stained glass taster day in Worcestershire

"10 out of 10 for the day, Vicky was very skilled and made every effort to put us at ease. The lunch was very good with a choice of different dishes, I managed to make several items some of which are hanging on a tree outside my house. If you are thinking of trying this course just do it you wont be dissapointed."

Kingcot Gallery responded:

"So glad you enjoyed the day, and good to hear that you're displaying your art - as you should be!"

Colin Holt reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"I enjoyed a brilliant weekend learning the craft of Drystone walling. The beginners course is a great introduction to walling. Learning the skills taught by Carl and Ed in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Sharon did a great job keeping the team fed and watered.I shall start to volunteer on the practice weekends repairing the walls around Derbyshire "

Corinne Wilkinson reviewed: Enamelling jewellery private workshop

"Lovely lady and fabulous course, will definitely be going back for another one, actually made something I can wear ?"

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"So pleased you like your finished pieces - always great fun exploring the different colour combinations! Thanks very much"

David Hepburn reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"5 stars all the way. Thanks to John, Aidan and Spencer. All great teachers who had the right balance of enthusiasm, skill, passion for their work. All of this came across in a very friendly and inclusive manner. I have no problem in recommending this day at Anvil Forge as I thoroughly enjoyed it through out. I came away with having made a poker, viking knife and managed to squeeze in a dragonfly in my day. I was amazed by how much knowledge all the guys had and the science behind knife making particularly was mind blowing. I now have so many projects I want to make and hope to get back to make a chef's knife and possibly a hunting knife in the not too distant future. Again thanks to all of you at Anvil Forge, I left with a great sense of pride in what you guys helped me achieve. 5+++ stars "

Katy Day reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"We loved this day long course, what fabulous course tutors and amazing surroundings. I felt that we couldn’t have learnt from more patient and knowledgeable people, Alison and Liz were the absolute best. We were taken through the different stages in an easy to understand way and given a chance to try everything along the way. I came away with various pieces on paper and fabric along with recommendations on where to buy supplies if I want to try batik at home. A perfect way to spend a Friday "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Katy , It was lovely to meet and work with you both . Thank you so much for your feedback , so pleased that you enjoyed the day so much. You both produced some beautiful work and I hope that you both feel confident to continue at home ! All the Best, Alison and Liz"

Samantha reviewed: Bunny hoop needle felting kit

"I purchased this little bee making kit as a birthday present for my niece. She is the daughter of a Brentford fan (hence the mini-bee!). She opened it and we made it together - it’s turned out beautifully . I didn’t think it would turn out as good as it did, but the instructions were so easy to follow and the size etc were exactly as described, so we now have a perfect little mini bee picture to hang on the bedroom wall of my brother’s perfect little mini-bee! Thank you so much! ? "

Natural Craftings responded:

"What a lovely present. I’m sure her father will treasure it as well. ?"

Rachel reviewed: Pottery throwing sessions on the potter's wheel in Norfolk

"Pat met us on the morning in her cozy workshop heated by a lovely wood-burning oven fire. Although my husband and I were both novices, Pat did an excellent job of not only explaining the basics of pottery-throwing but also the reasons behind each step. We found her manner of explanation really helpful to better cement our understanding of what we were doing. It was a lovely way to spend an anniversary as a couple."

Pat Southwood responded:

"I'm so pleased you could celebrate your anniversary at Cossey's Yard and that you enjoyed the cosy atmosphere. You both worked hard and your pots are now drying nicely. Thank you for your kind words. Pat. "

Lucy reviewed: Beaded Jewellery Making Classes

"This is a great course for beginners, Renata is a brilliant teacher. I would highly recommend!"

Juli reviewed: Acrylics with Laura Donaldson

"Excellent course , really gave me the confidence to give it a go ! Had tried watercolours a few times and just hadn’t had any success, but I found acrylics much more forgiving and easy to work with. Laura was brilliant as a tutor, would recommend. "

Created By Hand responded:

"Thanks for the fabulous feedback Juli All our tutors are passionate about their art and skills and are keen to impart their knowledge on to others. We hope to welcome you back to another one of our courses in the future Dave"

Carol reviewed: Lino cutting for Beginners and Rusty Printmakers

"Fantastic, informative and relaxing course learning the basics of lino cutting, with the emphasis on continuing & developing at home. Liz, who tutored this course, was the perfect teacher; extremely knowledgeable & passionate in sharing her experience to enhance our learning. Alison was the perfect host, supporting this course, while the barn, amenities & location... not to mention the yummy treats during breaks, all led to a brilliant, enjoyable day. Many thanks, Alison & Liz. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Carol, Thank you so much for your kind words - we are feeling slightly overwhelmed! We love sharing our skills and passion for the processes that inspire us and hope the lovely folks attending our workshops want to carry on making. We are really fortunate to be able to work in such an inspirational setting and it’s equally lovely that everyone feels buoyed up from a day working in the barn. Happy printing. Best wishes Alison & Liz"

Valerie Cunningham and Josh McCarthy reviewed: Beginners 2 sterling silver stacking rings Jewellery course

"Purchased this course as a birthday treat for my son. We had a wonderful and very fun time with Sarah. She was extremely patient and encouraging. Josh and I each have a beautiful pair of stacking rings and enjoyed our first jewellery making experience. "

Sharon reviewed: Felt picture making workshop in Rugby!

"Making a felt picture with Karen is a great way of doing something creative. This was my third workshop; I really enjoyed it and was plesed with the results. I am looking forward to finishing my picture with some needle felting and machine embroidery. "

Karen Wyeth Contemporary Felt Artist responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave a lovely review Sharon! Do let me know how you get on with embellishing your lovely picture"

Paul Southworth reviewed: Cleft ash gate making with Gedwood

"I had no previous woodworking skills but I really enjoyed this course - a great balance of learning new skills while also coming out with a beautiful product at the end. Fun, relaxing and engrossing!"

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks Paul. Glad you enjoyed the process of making a cleft ash gate?"

Angela Raval reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Such a super course. No experience necessary. Martin is really patient and explains things really clearly. We made several pieces each with different techniques. Highly recommended. "

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you ?"

Corinne reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"Wonderful course. Very informative & fun. Lunch was delicious too"

Crafters Cottage Holmfirth responded:

"Hi Corrine Thank you so much for your lovely review and so glad you enjoyed the course. Happy Candle making!"

Martin Sitton reviewed: Mosaic taster session @ White Stones Studios

"Great introductory course to creating mosaics - would definitely recommend. Davids enthusiastic & informative approach leave you feeling well equipped & wanting to do more "

David Nicholls Art responded:

"Thanks for the kind review Martin. Well done on the work you produced."

Donna reviewed: Log to tumbler with Gedwood

"Truly fantastic experience. I haven't done anything like this before and absolutely loved the day spent making tumblers. Ged is a great teacher and his passion for his craft shines through. I can't wait to make more and I highly recommend this course! "

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks very much Donna. Was great working with you and look forward to seeing yiu again on a course?"

Adrian Wheeler reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"A really fabulous experience! - Fulfilling and very worthwhile activity, under excellent instruction and guidance, in a beautiful rural setting and with great company. Whats not to love? Carl and Ed, our instructors for the two days were brilliant - full of knowledge and expertise and able to direct and support participants of all abilities, and Sharon who looks after everyone and organises everything is an excellent host. Would highly recommend this experience to anyone! "