Latest reviews

Jane Shaw reviewed: Bead and Wire jewellery: a Cowshed Creative workshop, in the Lake District National Park near Kendal and Windermere

"As an experienced silver smith just taking up making again after a long break I found this course a useful aid to help me re engage with the stages of making. I really enjoyed making the spinner ring and found the tutor Amanda to be very patient and helpful, showing how easy the whole process of making a spinning ring can be, and the endless design possibilities that there are. The Cowshed was was a really nice venue for the course and so tranquil and George was so accommodating with coffee and the food was superb! And the barn was so warm as the day was rather cool. I had a wonderful day and would definitely come on another course."

Cowshed Creative responded:

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

Wyndham reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"I had been looking for a course that covered the fundamentals of woodworking for a long time now and so was fortunate to find one both local to me but also as good as this one. For me the course had just the right balance of learning the basic skills, putting into practice what we have learnt and seeing tangible results. My thanks to Aiden and also to Mark for their patience and making the two days an interesting and wholly enjoyable course. I hope to attend future courses but for now intend on practising my new skills. I would highly recommend this course to anyone considering it."

Kate Palmer-Marshallsay reviewed: Needle felting - woodland creature or bird, or other small animal: (beginners+)

"This is one of the best courses I have ever attended! Sally is an inspirational teacher who clearly loves her craft and wants to share this love with others. I started the day with zero experience of needle felting and left with my very own small needle felted cat! Now I have the bug and want to create more and more animals. I will definitely attend another of Sally's courses :)"

Craft Workshops responded:

"Kate, thank you for your review. It was a truly wonderful day and I am really pleased you will be carrying on with needle felting. Look forward to seeing you again before too long :)"

Anne Branch reviewed: 💜 The Suffolk Silk Scarf Painting Workshops 💜 For FOUR People at The Arty Silkworm, Green Farm, Suffolk ~ Fabulously Creative

"We were the first post lock down group. Just three of us so plenty of space. Very relaxing day with no need to be 'arty' at all. Took lunch outside so good to be mask free for that time. Came away with 2 samples which will make 2 cushion fronts and a wearable scarf. Very productive day. A scarf is included in the price but it's a little extra for one you can wear multi ways. Thank you Ruth"

The Arty Silkworm responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review and I’m so glad you enjoyed the workshop Anne; it was a super day. Your lovely big scarf was really beautiful and so vibrant, I hope you enjoy wearing it in all its versatility. Best wishes Ruth"

Gail Wallace reviewed: Lakeland Landscape - gouache & mixed media at Cowshed Creative in the Lake District National Park

"Georgie was a wonderful hostess. She made us feel safe, warm and welcome. The food she provided was home made and delicious and the portion sizes were very generous. Karen was a capable tutor and gave plenty words of encouragement."

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks Gail! Great to meet you and Susan and hope to see you again."

Michelle Kent reviewed: Introduction to oil painting at Cowshed Creative, the Lake District near Windermere

"Loved every minute of this course! The place was amazing - a beautifully converted barn in stunning surroundings, providing plenty of space, light, warmth/ventilation for workshops. This was my first proper venture with oils so I wasn't sure what to expect, but Catherine was superb - guiding us through the tools and techniques simply without overwhelming us. Her experience, style and approach created a relaxed, creative atmosphere where you felt able to experiment. Whilst there was a range of styles and experience amongst our workshop attendees, everyone was really supportive and the variety added to the experience and discussions. I learned so much during the day and left genuinely inspired to develop my painting further. Thank you! On a more practical note, the booking process (and re-booking thanks to Covid) was seamless, with everything set up to enable social distancing and the operation of safe procedures. Drinks are available throughout the day, and food is delicious and plentiful - you definitely won't go hungry! The day was a great treat for me and my Dad and I would love to return for another (or more....) Hugely recommended!"

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks so much Michelle. Great to meet you both and hope to see you again."

Fiona Cox reviewed: Candle Making Course with Belisama Candles (A Peta approved brand )

"I have always loved fragranced candles and my house is usually full of them. I went on a candle making course at Belisama Candles and Sharon the owner was fantastic. She explained everything in detail and demonstrated how to make the candles of your choice . She has a wide variety of ideas, oils and many more items to make and also to purchase. These candles have a wonderful everlasting fragrance that burns for a long time. I would definitely recommend any purchase for gifts for your home and have a go at attending the course. It's amazing how they are made. From beginning to end, perfect. Thankyou Sharon. X"

Belisama Candles responded:

"Thankyou for your lovely words Fiona, so glad you enjoyed the course, the pleasure was all mine, Enjoy burning the candles you made ?"

Steve Tonkin reviewed: Dry stone walling at Cowshed Creative on our traditional Lakeland Farm, Lake District near Windermere

"Thank you Cowshed for a great Dry Stone Building course. The location is fantastic in the Kentmere Valley. Loads of walls to look at and discuss. The course itself was fantastically hands on. I learned so much and I have to thank Richard for his ability to allow you to learn whilst not stepping in too often. We worked on a real section of wall and all the tools and necessary safety gear was provided or made clear what we needed to bring and do. I've been inspired that I have already repaired one wall and now lining up a new long section to build. The food and drinks were delicious and right on time when we needed it. Thank you again. I thoroughly recommend this course for any one thinking of doing a course in dry stone walling!"

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks Steve for such a great review. Hope to see you again."

Hilary Rowley reviewed: Oil Painting Portraiture Skills with artist Cat MacDiarmid at Cowshed Creative, Lake District

"We were blessed with a lovely sunny day for the course and the venue looked spectacular in its remote setting. The measures taken for COVID avoidance were very good and I felt that it was a safe setting for the course. Catherine is a very accomplished and knowledgable local artist. She provided some excellent stimulus materials and taught some good sketching techniques in the morning. George provides a great lunch of soup and a variety of breads followed by delicious deserts. Tea and coffee are available throughout the day. In the afternoon Catherine discussed techniques for producing portraits and then we all worked on our own portrait. There were 5 on the course and every one chose a different method and medium to produce their work. A most enjoyable day."

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks so much Hilary for such a lovely review. Good luck with your portrait project and hope to see you again."

Charlotte Rose reviewed: Needle Felting Workshop - landscape pictures

"A fantastic morning. I'd never done needle felting before, but under Pip's expert tutelage we quickly picked it up. Lovely chatter, a delicious pastry, and beautiful finished pieces. It was really good to take two framed pictures home. Highly recommend!"

Pippaluk Crafts responded:

"Thank you really had a good time."

Paula reviewed: Silver Ring Stack - 3 rings in a day

"I thoroughly enjoyed the course we did making bracelets, Rachel gave us enough guidance to feel really confident and plenty of time and freedom for creativity. I’m just waiting to be able to do the stacking rings course in the future"

Rachel Hearne Jewellery responded:

"Thank you Paula it was so nice to meet you and watch your progression over such a short amount of time. You had such enthusiasm and energy its no wonder you made 2 perfectly sparkly bangles! I hope to see you again soon. Best wishes -R"

Maxine Taylor reviewed: Silver Ring Stack - 3 rings in a day

"A thoroughly enjoyable day. We covered so much in a short space of time but never overwhelmed. Rachel's knowledge is extensive and her teaching style is so inclusive and very well paced. Her enthusiasm is infectious and at the end of the day I walked away with a beautiful bangle that I have not taken off yet. I would heartily recommend this to anyone who would like to treat themselves and come away with a very clear idea of silver jewellery making without making a commitment to a set time beginners course. I am hoping to sign up to another making day."

Rachel Hearne Jewellery responded:

"Thank you Maxine for your lovely review. It was clear to me you really enjoyed the day and have a very creative spirit. You made such a gorgeous bangle I loved the texture you added and the long twist you added. I hope to see you again soon. Best wishes -R"

Rhiannon Norfolk reviewed: Have a go at kiln fired enamelling

"I really enjoyed this course! Lesley is a supportive and encouraging tutor, and adapted her teaching to meet the varied levels of experience in the class. This was the second course that I have done with her. It was great to try three different enamelling techniques, all well explained and great fun. Lesley has worked hard to ensure that she can safely offer courses in her studio following social distancing rules and ensured that each participant had their own set of all the required equipment so nothing needed to be shared. The course has left me enthusiastic to do more enamelling! Highly recommended."

jonny bilton reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I had an absolutely fantastic day trying out a totally new skill, it was great I will definitely be back for another course if not more. To be fair, better than the metalwork was the food, mmm delicious I would come back just for the bait. ?"

Olivia reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course with Afternoon Tea

"I came along to Paula's candle making class with my mum and sister for a nice day out, and we had just that! We came with no plans to start candle making at home afterwards, but just to have an enjoyable day and come away with a couple of lovely homemade candles (which we did!), but we are now thinking we could definitely give candle making a go at home, and make some Christmas presents for family and friends! Paula provided a wealth of information and shared so much experience with us all, but it did not feel at all like we were in a classroom being spoken to, which is a real art! Thanks so much Paula!"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Hi Olivia, it was so nice to see mum and daughters having a great time together, so pleased you enjoyed!. Paula"

steve reviewed: Bronzed Giacometti style figurative sculpture one day workshop one-to-one

"I am a big fan of Di's workshop. Her teaching is fun and simple to follow. She is patient and enthusiastic. I have done both courses and bought one for my wife. You will come away thrilled with your sculptue."

steve reviewed: Giacometti style bronzed animal sculpture one day workshop Suffolk one-to-one or max 4 students

"Bought this as a gift for my wife after lockdown as it's such a therapeutic workshop. My wife and I did the course together although I made a figurative piece. Very enjoyable."

val matthews reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"I chose to make a silver bangle on this course, which turned out beautifully and has been much admired by everyone. Jonathan was an excellent and patient teacher especially as this was also his first time in a new "Covid friendly" environment. I would definitely recommend this for a day out, or as a present for someone (buy two and go along yourself as well, you'll love it!)"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Val, for joining us on the day - and your very kind words! I'm so pleased that you enjoyed yourself. Well done with the jewellery making! Jonathan"

Rob Birchard reviewed: Weekend landscape painting in watercolours

"Just returned from a weekend landscape in watercolours course with Georgina. I’m a total beginner but thanks to Georgina’s talent and knowledge, I now have the confidence to put paint to paper and try different colours and techniques that I previously had no clue about. I can’t wait to go on the course again and would recommend the course to anyone whether they are a beginner or an experienced painter wanting to improve."

Georgina Rambton responded:

"Thank you for your review Rob. I'm so glad that you enjoyed the weekend and found the content useful, its always great for me to hear that learners feel more confident in their painting as a result. Painting and discovering our creativity is such an amazing gift to discover, it can be our best friend throughout our lives, particularly in times such as these! Thank you and I hope to see you again."

Diana Yates reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"An excellent and highly informative course. The course was well rounded and provided my husband and I, with all the knowledge and contacts needed to get started. I would highly recommend this course for anyone considering starting their own candle making business. Kerry is a wonderful teacher, we both thoroughly enjoyed the morning, and left with handouts, templates and email support should we need it. Thank you Kerry! x"

Kerri reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Had a fantastic day learning how to make candles with Jo, she’s so knowledgeable and friendly and I got to take home some beautiful products that she taught me to make. Her workshop smelt amazing too!"

Jackie Holley reviewed: Beginners watercolour taster day

"I really enjoyed the day. Liz is a fabulous tutor who I've met before and didn't fail to instruct and make sure I understood what I was doing!"

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"So glad you enjoyed it! Hope to see you back at Micklems soon!"

Charlotte reviewed: Small needle felted animals or pictures

"Had an amazing morning at Feltworld learning the basics of felting with Barbara. She is extremely knowlegable and really supportive helping you to achieve your desired outcome. Can't believe the result I managed to achieve in a morning. I would 100% recommend this course to anyone thinking about it. Will definitely be back to try something different."

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"You took to the technique like a duck to water :-) . Looking forward to teaching you in the future. Maybe at my new Studio in Stafford!"

Natalie reviewed: Small needle felted animals or pictures

"Barbara was a wonderful host and teacher. We had an excellent morning and have been suprised with how good the outcomes were! Tea and cake was a fabulous addition too! We will definitely return for another session."

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely reviews :-) . Looking forward to sharing my skills and knowledge with you again. Barbara"

Fiona Gruchy-Craven reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Richard was very patient and informative. The pace of the course was good and the information was relevant and useful. He gives you confidence in being able to use resin in any of your next projects. All and every questions answered, giving advice on a range of possible uses for resin. Would definitely recommend the course to anyone who wants to feel more confident about using resin."

The River Shop responded:

"Great to have you Fiona! Stay and touch and see you on the next course!"