Latest reviews

Amelia Howe reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I had a fantastic time on the day's woodturning course. I was a total beginner but was given lots of support and so happy with my pieces. It was great to be given the right amount of time and freedom to explore the tools, but also know that I had support there whenever it was needed (quite a lot!). Lunch and snacks were also of the highest standard! Simon has been really helpful in advising about tools and I can't wait to develop my skills further in the future."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Really glad you enjoyed the day and that you got the course notes afterwards. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you need any help or advice."

Kate reviewed: Live leatherwork tuition

"brilliant!"

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

"Highly recommend this course very informative and very enjoyable."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Thank you for your review Alex. It was a pleasure teaching you and you made some lovely pieces! :-)"

Keri reviewed: Learn to Love your Sewing Machine

"Jen is a knowledgeable and lovely person, generous with both her time in teaching and resource materials. I have gained both enjoyment and skills on the courses I have attended and can fully recommend her."

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Thank you Keri, it was lovely to get you started on your sewing journey. Enjoy your new hobby! Kind regards, Jennifer"

Miguel reviewed: Solid silver precious metal clay jewellery making courses

"Hannah was a lovely, friendly, welcoming person who made us feel comfortable right from the start. She is such a fantastic teacher, very patient, explained things very well and made things simple to follow and understand. Couldnt have asked for a better tutor! Wonderful experience all round and very pleased with our final products. Thoroughly recommend thos course"

Sally Joan Ross reviewed: One day stained glass workshop London for beginners and enthusiasts

"My partner and I loved this two day course. Tejal was an excellent teacher and her enthusiasm shone through. Our heads were buzzing with all of the skills we had to learn to complete a butterfly and boat. We are hoping to continue to learn about stained glass and can't wait until Tejal offers another glass course."

GlassSeasons responded:

"Thanks, take care.It was lovely meeting you and training both.Love to see again!"

Niyamat Mehta reviewed: Life sculpture in clay: 1 day course

"Poppy is incredibly hard working and committed towards her work, which (I think) is one of the most inspiring qualities for a student to look up to. She is a very passionate sculptor and has the profound ability of making learning a joyful and rewarding experience. Anyone who has a chance to study and learn under Poppy is very fortunate."

Liz reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"An excellent course, well instructed and paced, really enjoyable with a knowledgeable and friendly instructor. I did the course with a friend and each of us came away with a beautiful poker and hook to display it on that we made during the day; great mementos of an amazing day."

Hedge Ironworks responded:

"Thank you so much Liz for your kind words! I look forward to seeing you both again if you decide to come back for the Rose making course. All the very best, Jake."

Alison Quigley reviewed: Shibori & indigo dye at Cowshed Creative, the Lake District National Park, near Windermere

"?????Wonderful Shibori course - I definitely recommend Cowshed Creative if you would like to be inspired! Our lovely group experimented with indigo and cotton fabrics, the course arrangements and resources were great, the studio space is idyllic and all arranged with social distancing in place. Fabulous teaching from Kate and excellent lunch and cakes from George - Thank you, I will be back!"

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks so much Alison for your lovely comments. Your scarf was beautiful and we look forward to seeing you again."

Matthew Pendlebury reviewed: 2 day knife/axe making courses

"What a great experience forging with both Gary and Joseph. Both lads masters of their craft who will help in any way necessary to create the perfect blade. Had a great time creating my damascus blade and it is exactly what I expected after watching Forged in fire. A lot of hard work and timely advice in how to go through the whole process from start to finish of forging and grinding a knife. Thanks lads"

suzanne robinson reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"I had a lovely day with Lucy. The course was fabulous, I was a novice in upholstery but Lucy made me feel confident enough to start to tackle the chair I brought it. Definitely would recommend and will attend another course when I have time."

Keely Mann reviewed: Pottery wheel & glass fusing private course

"My daughter and I spent a really enjoyable few hours on our half day pottery/glass fusing course. We were both complete beginners but Chris and Sarah took plenty of time to guide us through the techniques needed to make a variety of different pieces in both of the classes. Chris knew that I was a cake maker so suggested that I have a go at making a small pottery cupcake stand, I can't wait to pick it up to see if it survived the kiln or not! We made so many different items in the glass fusing class and are both looking forward to picking them up tomorrow to see what the finished items look like. I would highly recommend both the pottery and glass fusing course to anyone that would like a few hours to relax and get creative. Thank you Sarah and Chris."

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"So pleased you both enjoyed the half day course! Looking forward to handing over your finished pieces tomorrow! Thanks very much for leaving a review for us too."

Alex Glen reviewed: Two day -Fundamentals of leatherwork

"This was a fun 2 day course with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable tutor covering foundation skills for working with leather. Paul discussed different types of leather and how they are processed and different cuts and types of leather and how to select a suitable leather for your project. The different tools for working with leather, from basic to more advanced were explained. Pattern making, cutting, edging, stitching, riveting, dying, tooling and finishing were all covered with plenty of hands on practice of the techniques. An excellent introduction to leather working in a relaxed friendly group giving with plentiful supplies of tea and cake to keep us going. A good starting point for a new adventure."

Beechwood Crafts responded:

"Thanks Alex It was good to see you on the course Cath"

Tom & David Paxton reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"The blacksmithing day during Covid was fantastic. All necessary safely precautions were in place but they never impeded our enjoyment. Chris is a brilliant communicator; very patient and very personable. We felt welcome right from the start, everything was explained and nothing felt rushed. Can't recommend him highly enough!"

Hazel reviewed: Nettle Fibre Workshop

"I can wholeheartedly recommend BeeKayMakes workshop. It was a well organised and extremely satisfying day, with the right amount of intervention to ensure that everyone was able to succeed and produce some nettle fibre."

Lisa reviewed: Creative Fused Glass for beginners and improvers

"I have never had any craft abilities or any previous experience with glass, but Nadine instantly made me feel comfortable. Her creative passion and ability to break down the instructions into simple steps gave me confidence to experiment. The relaxed environment she creates means you feel able to explore the materials and she has lots of examples to copy in case you do not have your own ideas. I thoroughly enjoyed this class and was amazed and pleased by the quality of the glass work I produced with Nadine’s supportive guidance. Couldn’t recommend this course enough!"

Tony reviewed: Small leather goods workshop

"I attended the course that was given as a gift, I really enjoyed the time with Richard. He gives you personal attention and talks you through the "history of leather and how the different leathers are used and tanned for different products"; this was a real eye-opener as it puts into perspective some of the very expensive fashion brands. You are given a choice of what you can make in the time available, and then can select the materials - leather, buckles and studs etc as you work through. At each stage Richard talks you through the correct use of the tools, giving you the opportunity to practice and become competent, before committing to your own product. I really enjoyed the time making my product, a belt for my wife who bought the course for me; the belt I made is made from quality leather, and if I blow my own trumpet a good match for something that I would have bought. Thank you Richard for passing on your skills and introducing me to something that I believe that I will continue to develop as a pastime."

Susan Hayes reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Beginners glass fusing workshops in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"We went as a family group for the day class. Had a great time. Highly recommended. Going back for another session."

Jeanette Crompton reviewed: Fused glass Xmas decorations: morning workshop YOU MAKE YOUR OWN GROP UP

"My daughter and I spent a lovely morning at Julie’s workshop. She was so friendly and helpful, and despite the necessary “Covid” measures, we felt relaxed and safe. We were delighted with our wave picture and coaster set, me especially as I am not ‘arty’ in the least. My picture is now in pride of place in my lounge. Thank you Julie xx"

Julies Handcrafted Glass responded:

"You say your not arty but that didn’t show your works is beautiful . Glad you had a good time. Thankyou ."

Rebecca reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing and hand building full day

"Beginners luck. I have wanted to try pottery for quite some time and I'm lucky I came across Richard. Especially with this pandemic he was very careful, with social distancing and lots of sanitizer, while still being able to teach me how to throw clay. I managed to make two well centred pots in a two hour session. Would definitely go again."

Potterydayz responded:

"Well done Rebecca, I look forward to seeing you again. Richard"

Carolyn reviewed: Small leather goods workshop

"Absolutely brilliant! I wanted to make a brightly coloured card holder (as my current one is black and it always gets lost in my handbag). Richard was fabulous and has extensive knowledge about the history of leather and the suitability of it for various projects. Using his expertise I managed somehow to create a beautiful travel card holder which will last many years. I had no idea of the work involved; and really enjoyed it. Great stuff Richard..see you next week for the tote bag class."

julie charlton reviewed: Sea Glass Jewellery at Cowshed Creative, the Lake District

"The barn was great - a huge woodburner and plenty of light, a great space to hold the course. The other course members were good company. George was very welcoming and the lunch was first class - particularly loved the herby scones and the raspberry brownies, then cake came out in the afternoon! Amanda was very patient in teaching me the skills needed and I learnt most of the techniques I expected. She is clearly very skilled herself and it inspired us to make some lovely pieces. It was good fun all day and a great chance to be creative. Thank you so much!"

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks Julie for such lovely comments. Great to meet you and hope to see you again."

Lesley reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"This was an amazing day. I was gifted a voucher by good friends and chose a craft that I have previously watched, but never thought I would have the opportunity to have a go. Ricky's teaching, explaining and patience was the perfect combination and with his help and guidance, I have created my own beautiful glassware. I would thoroughly recommend Ricky Keech's glassblowing course whether for the first time or with previous knowledge. Wonderful experience!"

Alison Coles reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"We had a fantastic time on the one day leading workshop. We left with a lot more knowledge and a piece that we were pleased with. Thank you, Jamal, for sharing your skill and love of this fascinating subject with us!"

Diana Abernethy reviewed: Beginners candle making workshop - Marlow, Buckinghamshire

"I cannot recommend this course highly enough! Sarah really made this a very enjoyable and informative session and I am now very keen to go onto her Intermediate course. If you are concerned about keeping social distancing etc, it was laid out to a very high standard - there were clear divisions between groups/face masks/visors and loads of hand gel etc. Course was followed up with an email with all the information you need to continue at home and there is continued support if you need it. Thank you Sarah"

Candle by Events responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review, look forward to seeing you at the intermediate workshop :)"