Latest reviews

Vicky Ingram reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop

"Learning about different scents and the products used to make the candles was very interesting. Pauline and Olga were so welcoming and myself and my daughter really enjoyed our day. The candles we made smelled beautiful. Thank you both so much xxx"

Bonita Candles responded:

"Thanks Vicky for your kind words. You were so creative and I could see you were really enjoying yourself. Dont give up the candle making! x"

Stephen Tate reviewed: Polytunnel grow your own: productive, organic, year round food growing

"Really enjoyed this course. Kim was great and full of knowledge and inspiration. The course ran at our pace so nothing was rushed and every question we had was answered in depth. The practical side was fun which made this even better. Kim offered loads of advice regarding setting up green houses and poly tunnels which was very useful. Thanks again Kim."

Rachel Leach reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop

"The introductory course experience with Bonita Candles was incredibly informative and interactive. Pauline and Olga were so lovely and welcoming. I would highly recommend. Thank you both for such a lovely day xxxx"

Bonita Candles responded:

"Thank you Rachel. It was a pleasure to have you with us. We had so much fun. Thank you for being a fab participant! x"

Helen= B-S reviewed: Patchwork and quilting week with Dawn Cameron Dick

"A fantastic relaxed week at Lilac Barn with Dawn, in the bright airy spacious studio at Lilac Barn. Lots of one on and one and group tuition, a relaxed atmosphere and an open hours policy meant you can spend as much time sewing as you wanted. I learnt lots, and have come away brimming with new techniques and inspiration. Cherry is an excellent host, providing delicious homemade lunches and hands on help (she unpicked lots of seams for me as well as helped make a pressing mat) and has a wealth of local knowledge to help you get the most out of your time Will be rebooking for next year!"

Lilac Barn responded:

"Dear Helen Thank you for the excellent review, your work was inspirational. It is always good for Dawn and I to hear that the week works well and that the students leave having achieved their goals and more. We look forward to seeing you again Take care Cherry"

Alison Langton reviewed: Wire Jewellery

"A totally absorbing full day workshop making a fab necklace under Judith’s excellent tuition. The learning environment was great , light and airy and the refreshments including lunch and cake were delicious. It was good to do something new and feel safe in the current COVID-19 times ."

Carly Lawrence reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"This course was absolutely fantastic - I'm so amazed with the beautiful items I came home with. Who knew clay would turn into silver?! Even now, I still can't believe I made them! They get so many comments! Nothing was too much trouble for Rachel in terms of extra supplies or guidance on what to do/how. We tried so many different techniques over the course of the day and I'm so glad I decided to stay over at the campsite in one of the bell tents. I will DEFINITELY be booking on her other courses as soon as I can."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much Carly. And well done for your beautiful pieces. Looking forward to seeing you again."

Carly Lawrence reviewed: Pewter Casting - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"The course was fantastic - I came home with some beautiful pieces. I'm not sure if I can bear to give them away as Christmas gifts though, which was my intention! Everything was laid out so simply and Rachel's instructions/guidance were superb all throughout. We tried so many different techniques - I actually can't believe the items I made. Homemade bread and shortbread for lunch topped the day off perfectly! I will absolutely be doing some of her other courses soon."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"A huge well done and thank you. Your pieces were definitely too lovely to give away!"

Jane Jackson reviewed: Wire Jewellery

"I have just spent a day on Judith’s workshop and would like to highly recommend it. I haven’t been on a jewellery workshop before and wasn’t very confident but I came home with a lovely necklace after a very relaxing and productive day. Lunch and cake were excellent and Judith has taken every precaution with regard to Covid so I felt very safe. An excellent day, thank you Judith."

Mrs Yassmin Sanders reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"A great course in lovely surroundings. The tutor gave just the right amount of tuition, leaving the student to proceed with their own designs but always on hand to help and answer questions. I chose a piece of stone which was too big to finish in two days so maybe this could have been pointed out to me. Having said that, I do now have the basic skills needed to finish on my own. I would definitely recommend this course for anyone interested in stone carving."

Fiona reviewed: Introduction to glass painting (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"A great day of learning how to paint on glass. Martin is an excellent teacher. He had gone to great lengths to ensure his studio was Covid-secure. He supplies all the materials and there was opportunity to complete a number of pieces by the end of the day. He is very good at explaining the techniques and demonstrating the skills, and good at providing individual help and suggestions during the day. I have been on a number of Martin's Glass courses, and would readily recommend them to anyone interested in trying something different."

Emma Pinchin reviewed: Lino Printing Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"This workshop was exactly what I was hoping for. It was fun and informative. Claire is an excellent teacher, who explained the process of Lino printing clearly and succinctly, in a safe and socially distanced setting. I was able to complete two Lino blocks and print two sets of cards, which I absolutely love. I came home and ordered a set of tools and some Lino straight away. I loved that Claire provided a list of resources to take home, so I knew exactly what I was looking for. I had a thoroughly enjoyable time and highly recommend Claire and her workshops."

Susan Hall reviewed: Candlemaking for Beginners

"Thank you so much for a brilliant morning attending the candle making work shop. Fun and informative and being able to be your creative self , learning from the master himself , Rob. Rob explained the different steps of candle making at an easy pace of understanding. How the process comes together, from choosing your moulds, types of wax, wicks , fragrances, melting , calculations, poring and leaving to set. Having the confidence came away with five different types of candles . Thank you again."

The Wax Studio responded:

"Hi Susan, Great to meet you at the weekend- thanks for the very kind review, all the best Rob"

Henry Haines reviewed: One to One Ceramic Workshops - half day

"I first enrolled in a one to one course with Kate when I was doing A-levels, when she helped me bring my "newspaper in the hedgerow" fantasy to life through imprinted plants and old letter plates. More recently, since graduating from a BA course in design and looking to move onto the next stage, she has mentored me towards launching my ceramics career with a series of half day sessions. We have worked on slip casting technique, surface decoration (onto both greenware and bisque) such as sgraffito/inlaying, glazing/glaze testing and image transfer application. Having known Kate for many years I can attest to her wisdom and patience as a teacher, as well as her lovely nature and general enthusiasm. She is generous with her knowledge and experience, and keen to help you realise your ceramic ambitions. I would recommend her workshops to both beginners and intermediate potters looking to refine technique or expand their knowledge."

Kate Schuricht Ceramics responded:

"Thank you, Henry. It is a pleasure working with you and seeing your skills grow and refine as you respond to new techniques and suggestions. Your creativity and graphic ability are so strong and your originality will take you far in the ceramic art world."

Matt Middleton reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I had a one on one day tuition with mark and it was worth its weight in gold. Mark is an excellent teacher with tremendous patients and his way of explaining turning methods are so practical and easy to understand that it made the day truly enjoyable and very beneficial. I feel that the days teaching coupled with the very in-depth notes will benefit me for years to come as i progress on my turning journey. Thanks Mark Cheers Mark"

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to write and post a review on the Craft Course web site. I really appreciate it and the comments you made."

Les Sturgeon reviewed: Log to tumbler with Gedwood

"I had a great day with Ged in his well equipped outdoor workshop. This is the third course I have done with Ged and it won't be my last. Ged is a friendly and enthusiastic teacher who is very willing to pass on his knowledge of green woodworking. Knew skills are learnt and you walk away with a unique handcrafted piece."

Gedwood responded:

"Hi Les, thanks so much for your kind words. Hope to see you again soon?"

John Jackson reviewed: Leather Possibles Pouch Workshop

"A truly enjoyable and informative course. The instruction was clear and concise. The arrangement of all tools and materials was in such away that it was easy to use. The instruction by two excellent craftspeople was wonderful and you were treated as a family friend. I was on this course on 10th Oct 20 and would highly recommend it."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"We're really pleased that you enjoyed the workshop. Good luck with your future leatherwork."

Mary Carmichael reviewed: New - More Tea Vicar? Create beautiful paper sculpture in Hampshire

"Stunning location, friendly, clear tuition and satisfying results. Excellent all round."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Mary, Lovely to work with you, pleased you enjoyed your day. Happy creating ! Best wishes Liz and Alison"

Darren Angrave reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking with Gedwood

"My day started when I received a gift voucher from my wife for christmas. Due to the Covid lockdown I wasn't sure if or when I would be able to attend a course. I contacted Ged and he told me about some courses he was running and I booked the introduction to Green wood working. It was great!! from the pre-arrival email noting all the current precautions in place and a brief insight to the day to walking away with my days project, Ged had thought of everything. The working areas were all set out with full sets of tools at each station and a brief talk on each stage of working the wood. Ged is not only knowledgeable about the subject at hand but also very passionate about not only the traditional woodworking but the countryside and it's management and use by everyone also. He is a very friendly amiable man who will help you and offer any ideas to make your experience one to remember. Thank you Ged."

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks for your feed back Darren. Glad you got a lot out of it and enjoy using your lathe turned mallet in your workshop!"

Martin Allison reviewed: Discover linocut printmaking at Brockhole on Windermere

"We spent an enjoyable morning producing and printing our lino cuts. Rosie was an excellent tutor explaining and demonstrating everything in a very simple way. It was a really fun time and everyone on the course produced a number of very presentable prints."

Brockhole on Windermere responded:

"Thanks for the lovely review Martin, it was great to meet you and Edwina, and I'm so pleased you enjoyed yourselves. Your beautiful prints were very impressive! Best Wishes, Rosie"

Caecilia Levraut reviewed: Knife making in the bladesmith's forge

"I booked myself in for a "Just for Fun" day and "Forging a Knife" the next day. It was purely, simply brilliant. I had the time of my life, left with a herb chopper (never used one before, but that's about to change!) and a Gladius, and I couldn't be happier. The team was exceptional, all of them: Ben, Theo, Joe, Bobby, Aaron, and last but not least Henry, are clearly passionate about their job - and about quite a few other subjects too, which makes for great conversations while the steel's heating. They're happy to help and answer any questions, and are really working as a team to make sure that your object turns out good, but without taking away the feeling that whatever it is you've decided to forge, it is your own work. They show you how it works and explain the process, and then it's your turn! There is a great variety of objects you can choose to make, even with the knives (wasn't expecting the gladius to be a possibilty, but I am glad it is!). Loved it, will definitely try to come back to extend my new collection, and will recommend to any and all (already have, in fact, to a couple I am met just the day after - I hope they were able to get a booking!)"

Caecilia Levraut reviewed: Forging for fun! 5 hours at the Blacksmith's forge

"I booked myself in for a "Just for Fun" day and "Forging a Knife" the next day. It was purely, simply brilliant. I had the time of my life, left with a herb chopper (never used one before, but that's about to change!) and a Gladius, and I couldn't be happier. The team was exceptional, all of them: Ben, Theo, Joe, Bobby, Aaron, and last but not least Henry, are clearly passionate about their job - and about quite a few other subjects too, which makes for great conversations while the steel's heating. They're happy to help and answer any questions, and are really working as a team to make sure that your object turns out good, but without taking away the feeling that whatever it is you've decided to forge, it is your own work. They show you how it works and explain the process, and then it's your turn! There is a great variety of objects you can choose to make, even with the knives (wasn't expecting the gladius to be a possibilty, but I am glad it is!). Loved it, will definitely try to come back to extend my new collection, and will recommend to any and all (already have, in fact, to a couple I am met just the day after - I hope they were able to get a booking!)"

Lynn reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course with Afternoon Tea

"Hands-on, informative, and enjoyable beginners class for quality candle making! I booked the course several months ago.  The classes are continually booked months in advance, which speaks volumes about how good they are. Paula is a wonderful host and teacher.  The venue is beautifully presented, and arranged safely in these COVID times, for a 10 am start on the day.  A comprehensive handbook is provided, and Paula talks through the process of candle making and legislation (if you wish to turn this into a small business). You then make two amazing smelling candles after the process is explained.   It is fun choosing the signature scent and understanding how wick and glass size, scent or colour, as well as the type of wax used, can all affect the outcome of the candle.  Paula is clearly an expert, as she runs her own business selling candles, soaps etc., and she imparted clearly and honestly that it does take time to test candles until you find your perfect one.  For the class, though, you are supplied with a tried and tested mix for the wax, so the end product is perfect.  I am hugely excited to start experimenting making my own candles in the coming months, and not spending a fortune on shop-bought ones as I previously was!! The day is topped off with a tasty afternoon tea (inclusive of the most divine scones), and she kindly caters for dietary requirements.  So not only did I come away with a recipe of how to make candles but also one for vegan scones - thank you, Paula!!"

Wendy reviewed: Snowy Owl - needle felting with The Lady Moth

"Excellent class! I have never had such a good teacher. She also has beautiful designs to learn!"

Brenda reviewed: Beginner’s Soapmaking Workshop in Salisbury

"Attended the one day course earlier this week. Very enjoyable. Felt comfortable and relaxed. Learnt a lot in one day. Would recommend to anyone else who may like to experience making their own soaps."

ALLISON FOWLER reviewed: One day leather bag making workshop

"Throughly enjoyed myself. Rosanna was extremely helpful in explaining how to do each stage of my tote bag. It turned out a lot better than I thought I was capable of producing. I have had a few complimentary comments from friends too. I shall be booking another course in the future."