Latest reviews

Patricia Draper reviewed: Mosaic Birds 'n' Bugs with Lisa-marie from Creative Avenue

"Lovely way to spend an afternoon ,and so pleased with our results we just have to pluck up the courage to grout them now ! Lisa guided us all the way with skill, encouragement Lemon Drizzle cake and fruit ! Showed off our achievements to friends who all want to make a mosaic bird too.Not just for the female of the species I came with my husband who was throughly absorbed and captivated too.Looking forward to another similar session ASAP please."

Creative Avenue York responded:

"Thankyou so much Patricia. Only too pleased to do another bird workshop to bring all of your friends to! Now planning a bees and butterflies one too. You're welcome to bring your previous masterpieces back and grout them with me here."

VLM reviewed: Introduction to English Willow Basket Making- Weekend Course

"Great weekend, Jonathan was an excellent teacher and made everyone feel welcome. My daughters and I enjoyed it immensely. We produced 2 products which actually resembled baskets and learnt several techniques. I would reccomend this course to anyone who wishes to have a go at this craft."

Mandy Murphy reviewed: Fused glass workshop - Plymouth

"I thoroughly enjoyed the fused glass workshop. A relaxed atmosphere with friendly people. Sheena was so helpful and gave you inspiration to create your own piece of glass art. I had never been to anything like this before but would love to go again and would highly recommend it. Sheena even provided tea and cake, a lovely touch! Thankyou."

Papercutzglass responded:

"Ahh thankyou for the lovely review xx"

Ewa reviewed: Zarzo Baskets

"Wonderful workshop with fantastic tutor and great location. Very inclusive, creative and relaxing. Highly recommend"

Matt Ward reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel, Copper Matte & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshops 2025

"Alison and Abi have extensive knowledge of these types of firings and were happy to share their experience. There were 8 people on my course which seemed like an ideal number and a nice group. I brought my own pots and probably most people who would want to do this course would have some pottery experience to get the most out of it, However, it would be possible for someone with no pottery experience to complete the course using bisqued pots which Alison and Abi sell and have a nice experience and a few lovely pots to take home. It was really exciting to see each others pots emerge from the different firings-the results were fantastic! So pleased with mine, completely surpassed my expectations. The setting is picturesque and the lunches excellent I've already ordered an oil drum on ebay to try some barrel firings of my own! I would highly recommend this course."

Marja reviewed: Beginners 2 Day Traditional Stained Glass Course

"Great two day workshop …..thank you Gill for giving me such a great introduction to stained glass stuff"

Gill Rogers responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review and kind words, it was so great to meet you and hope to see you again sometime in the future! Best wishes Gill x"

Andy Mitchell reviewed: Half-day 1-2-1 sharpening (woodturning gouges) workshop for 1 person

"I have attended two courses which are run by Blended monkey, a 1 day turning instruction in lathe and tool use and 1 half day training on the sharpening of lathe tools. I found both courses of great benefit, well delivered by someone ( Simon )who knows what he's talking about. Both were one to one so felt more personal and beneficial. The venue was easy to find and well equipped with everything required, dinner on the day course was included with drinks coffee biscuits also available. Simon was a very down to earth guy very approachable and easy to talk to and thankfully had all the answers to my questions. If your a beginner like me and just finding your way around a lathe, then I cannot recommend these courses enough."

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

"Hi Andy, So glad you found the courses useful and I hope that you’re more confident in sharpening your tools now. I look forward to seeing some of your creations! :) Do get in touch if you have any questions. — Simon"

Harriet Sheridan reviewed: Jewellery Making & Beading - Treasure Necklace

"I absolutely loved working with Wendy and this class, she is a confident and lovely lady who provides great guidance and a warm and relaxing atmosphere I came away with a necklace as big as my arm! I booked another session while I was there, can't wait to come again!!!"

Christopher Spicer reviewed: Silver jewellery taster

"A fantastic taster morning in a lovely location with an excellent tutor. Louise explained everything clearly and concisely, and expertly answered any questions we had. We came away with finished pieces that we're all immensely proud of; more importantly, we left with the knowledge, confidence and desire to try silver clay for ourselves. If you're looking for an addictive new craft to try out, I can't recommend this highly enough."

Louise Anne Designs responded:

"Thank you - so glad you enjoyed the course and are rightly proud of your lovely pieces ?"

Victoria Vestey reviewed: Perfume Making in Norfolk

"We had the most wonderful day with Diane. Diane was warm and welcoming. We chatted through the day and processes of making perfume on arrival and then we began. It was fabulous .... and so informative. Diane was so gentle and encouraged us to follow our 'noses' . A wonderful experience that I can not recommend more highly.."

Aroma Natural responded:

"Thank you for such a lovely review. It was a pleasure to meet you and your sister Buffy and spend a day designing and making your perfumes with you. Must say they were both amazing perfumes, I hope you enjoy wearing them."

Laura Grainger reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel, Copper Matte & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshops 2025

"I really recommend this course and also feel it is suited to experienced potters, and those with no pottery experience. There were nice small numbers of about 8 students and we could fire 8-12 pieces. You could bring your own pots and good instructions were sent in how to prepare your pots. Or you could purchase pots. The course was well paced and in a gorgeous setting with lovely food served. I was so happy with my results. Abi and Alison are knowledgeable and helpful and I particularly liked how helpful they were in helping me select which pieces should go in which firing. I felt I received enough one to one attention to improve. My only feedback is that I wish I could have had a go at lifting my pots in and out of the raku kiln as I wanted to try this. Perhaps an advanced class could be made for those who have attended this course? Lovely location, be prepared for narrow roads if you are an inexperienced/city driver. Book accommodation ahead of time!"

Stephanie reviewed: Wooden mechanical toy (automata) making

"I can't recommend this course enough, it was just brilliant. The course was a birthday gift for my brother-in-law and he absolutely loved it. Stef was fantastic at communicating with me and organising the gift and Paul my BIL was so thrilled with the day and couldn't wait to show us all what he had made. Thank you Stef, we'll be back."

Penlan Crafts responded:

"Dear Stephanie and Paul, thank you very much for your kind review. It was a pleasure meeting and working with Paul, he is a very talended and commited student :) I am very happy that his baby grandaughter loves "Colin the Caterpillar" and I hope she will enjoy it also growing up! All the very best, Stef"

Julie reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"My sister and I did Jo’s wonderful course together yesterday. My husband bought the voucher for my birthday and it was a fabulous gift. Arriving a bit early, Andy made us a cuppa and we walked around the beautiful garden, admiring the different sculptures. The setting was so peaceful and Jo and Andy were extremely friendly. Jo was an excellent teacher; her explanations and demonstrations were clear and she gently encouraged, offering advice in a supportive way. The group of 6 of us all got along well and everyone ended up with a sculpture to be proud of - all unique, in spite of beginning with the same armature. We bought a couple of leaping hare kits which we are planning to do together in a few weeks, whilst we can still remember how to do it! (There’s a video in the kit to follow, though). I would definitely recommend the course to anyone who fancies trying something different. You’ll end up with something beautiful to bring home and have some fun along the way. Thank you, Jo."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much Julie ?. It was a great workshop! Have a lot of fun with the leaping hare kits - send a photo ? Jo x"

R. Tollitt reviewed: Mosaics workshop with Anne

"Interesting and I produced my own design. It was good."

Francis Best reviewed: Mosaics workshop with Anne

"Ann was very informative, explained things well. A very nice class."

Jane B reviewed: Linocut one day workshop for two

"This was a birthday present for my partner and a gift to myself too! We are both trained art teachers and had taught printing in primary schools for many years, but had not done any lino printing for decades. Annette led a relaxed day, adapted to our choices and abilities, with very helpful suggestions and introduction of new skills, tools and techniques, and we were so absorbed we never even stopped for lunch. We left with two folders of about 10-12 prints each, and of course our blocks which we can use again."

Helen reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"What a fantastic day making the most beautiful piece of jewellery ever! Wonderful workshop, equipment and lunch, with Lynette providing just the right amount of guidance / help when needed. Wouldn't hesitate to take another class with her."

LCEnamels responded:

"Thank you Helen for the lovely feedback. So glad you enjoyed your workshop. Looking forward to seeing you again sometime soon "

Jo Simpson reviewed: Fused Glass Lanterns with Crafts in the Valley

"Having attended a needle felting course with Melanie, I had noticed the lovely glass lanterns and told my husband, who said ‘that sounds fun’. So as a birthday surprise I booked for us both to attend the course. We both thoroughly enjoyed our morning decorating the glass sides (and all the treats)! Melanie was a very good tutor, and the studio has everything you could possibly need to create beautiful items. We were advised on a local venue for lunch, and climbed the nearby Stoodley Pike to complete our day! Thank you for a great experience"

Laura reviewed: Pottery course -hand building 6 week course- Saturday afternoons

"Such a good class. Jennie provides a relaxing but supportive atmosphere and each week we are given a new project to lose ourselves in for 2 hours. Cannot rate it highly enough"

Joan Anderson reviewed: Mosaics workshop with Anne

"Basic class is what I needed. Friendly class, great tutor!"

Gina Kontny reviewed: Mosaics workshop with Anne

"Friendly and informative, good fun. Thank you very much, would love to do again."

Julie May reviewed: Mosaics workshop with Anne

"I expected the class to be basic but I imagined I might bring something bigger home but I have learned the basics which is what I wanted to learn and took my piece home with me. I would have preferred more time to decide on type/colour scheme/design - had to make some quick decisions. But still I enjoyed the class and hope to come back."

Mary Owens reviewed: Mosaics workshop with Anne

"The full explicit lesson gave me the confidence to try something I had never done before. The tiles were varied and colourful."

Rhona Howe reviewed: Mosaics workshop with Anne

"Relaxed atmosphere, right pace, plenty of time for questions. This class is an ideal base for starting off, lots of scope for building on skills learnt."

Gary karmy reviewed: Powertex SteamPunk Top Hat -3D Fabric Sculpting Workshop - by Inky Escapades

"My day making the steam punk hat was a great experience and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Karen is absolutely great, she is very laid back, letting you do your own crafting but always there to help with her expertise. You do not need any special knowledge or skills as Karen shows you everything. I was totally absorbed in my own world for the whole day! I would definitely recommend this course."

Inky Escapades responded:

"Wow Gary what a lovely review it was so kind of you and I really enjoyed meeting you. Your Steam Punk Hat was fantastic you did a great job Your review tipped me into the Gold Award too so thats a massive bonus for me Thank You Kind Regards Karen Hewitt"