Latest reviews

Hilary Laidler reviewed: One day silver clay course at Gallery in Heswall, Wirral

"Really enjoyed the day I arrived with some ideas and, although the course leader shared lots of ideas and techniques, the class was small enough for us to each develop our ideas. Our hands were held throughout the day in producing what we wanted and I left with 2 really stunning pieces of jewellery. Thank you so much x"

Perfectcharm responded:

"Thank you Hilary! Would just like to point out that no physical hand holding took place"

Floss reviewed: Furniture upcycling workshop - 1 day

"The day flew by and I came away feeling confident in my new skills to be able to up upcycle any furniture in the future! I’m really happy with what I produced but a word of warning - you don’t only need to be able to carry your item, you need to be able to carry it quite a way through an old mill and surrounding car park!"

Tread Softly responded:

"Hi Floss, thanks so much for coming. Your piece was beautiful <3 I'm sorry you knocked it trying to get it back in the car. You're right, it is a large mill. I'd have suggested leaving it in the loading area and driving the car around. Sorry, if I hadn't still been teaching I would have helped you carry it down. It always gets a little hectic towards the end. It was so lovely having you along and I do hope you go on to do more upcycling!"

Pam Rastall reviewed: Craft Workshop: Learn to make silver art clay jewellery in a day (beginner)

"Another fun creative day with Sally Evans. Absolutely no worries regarding Covid-19 as she had strictly ensured our safety and made sure we adhered to the guidelines as we should. I made some lovely earrings and a pendant, I learnt a lot and feel more confident as this was my second workshop for silver clay. Already planning my third visit. Thank you very much lovely Sally."

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank you Pam, lovely to see you again! Really pleased you had a fun creative day - it was a fantastic day and I look forward to seeing you again soon :)"

Max Hoffman reviewed: Life sculpture in clay: 1 day course

"I received this course as a gift from family, who were looking to give me a unique experience. And what a wonderful experience it was! Poppy was passionate and kind, helping me understand both the theory and practice of sculpting. My final sculpture was even palatable enough to take home as a memento. I highly recommend that this course goes on everybody's bucket list!"

Elizabeth reviewed: ‘Sunset in wool painting' interactive online course with live tuition

"Dear Raya Thank you once again for a lovely course, I really enjoyed it and I am going to have a go at another sunset just for the fun. My husband was very impressed with the picture he could believe that it was just done in wool fibres. I hope to see you again soon and I will show my picture at the next SCCS meeting. Best wishes"

Melanie Dickinson reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A great day at The Forge with Adrian, Andy and Debbie. This was my first experience with 'hammer and tongs' and was certainly a day to remember. A very warm welcome, and just the right amount of time spent on an introductory briefing and demonstration before we all set to work on our own pieces. Although the work was quite physically demanding, it was immensely satisfying and Adrian + Andy were always on hand to advise and guide, whilst allowing us to try different techniques. I'm really proud of the two garden flowers I created - a great reminder of an excellent day! Thanks to Adrian+ Andy for their tuition and to Debbie for the fantastic + plentiful food. I'll be back!"

Clare Downie reviewed: Bees for Development Sustainable Beekeeping Weekend Courses 2024

"I loved this course. It was a great combination of biology, conservation, beekeeping skills, and meeting like minded people in a group. It broadened my perspective on beekeeping, and it was very interesting to learn about the work and ethos of Bees for Development. Beekeeping for bees, with minimum intervention, kindness, and real attention to their natural behaviour. Thank you. I was very inspired. I have a beehive, and all I need now are some bees!"

Tamsen Flack reviewed: Jewellery making with silver clay - one day beginners workshop

"I had a lovely day and really enjoyed making the pieces of jewellery that I made under Charlotte's instruction. I was so pleased to come away with 4 unique jewellery pieces that were personal to me. Thank you Charlotte and thank you Warwickshire Artisans!"

Felix & Reuben Jewellery School responded:

"Thank you Tamsen. The pieces you made were beautiful - well done :)"

Fiona reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Felted Pictures Workshop in Cragg Vale, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"Great workshop and we were made very welcome. Lots of materials / books to inspire you. A great way to escape and relax! Highly recommend! We will definitely be returning for another workshop. Thanks Melanie."

Trisha Nicholson reviewed: Carving & sculpture workshops

"I attended the course with Gareth on a 1-1 basis. Having read the reviews, I was hoping that what I read was not over exaggerated but can honestly say that the course surpassed my expectations. Gareth's knowledge of carving is extraordinary and he is not at all a "showman" in his manor. What a wonderful course in a wonderful setting. Thank you Gareth for helping me to think outside the box, for guiding me on techniques and for helping me to re-ignite my dormant passion, but most of all, for making the day a truly memorable experience."

Lolly Haywood reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"If you're deliberating over booking this course, do it! It was bought for me as a surprise gift and I'd never have thought of knife making as something I'd be into - I've just come back from the most incredible weekend working with Arian. Every person on the course came away with a beautiful object they could be proud of - Arian guides and teaches with patience and skill, ensuring you create something you'll feel proud of and walk away happy with - but also that YOU created - he never takes over or hurries you along. Class sizes are kept really small and Arian is attentive and ever-present meaning you always have the help you need. He makes every effort to accommodate the designs and materials that you want so that you feel like you've made something truly yours, and you learn three different crafts in one weekend: metal work, wood work, and leatherwork. Pam is lovely and makes the organisation of the course ultra efficient. Don't think we ever waited more than 5 minutes for a reply email! And Gavin, who runs the workshop and other courses there popped in a few times too and was incredibly friendly and positive. I have come away really inspired - genuinely can't recommend highly enough."

Tara reviewed: Linocut printing workshop in Warwickshire at Bonds Lifestyle

"Really enjoyed my first dabble at Lino Printing! Alix was a great teacher - friendly, helpful and encouraging. She supplied everything we needed and was very knowledgeable. Would recommend her workshop to anyone thinking of trying this out."

Alix Almond Art responded:

"Thank you Tara, I'm really pleased that you enjoyed your workshop. I really liked your butterfly print and look forwards to seeing what you make next. Thank you for your kind words. Alix x"

Francine Meaden reviewed: RAKU, SAGGAR, BARREL & HORSEHAIR FIRING WEEKEND WORKSHOP

"Amazing course! My mum and I attend a weekly pottery class at a local college but wanted to explore the world of Raku firing. This course couldn't have been better! Abi and Alison are both amazing potters and have so much knowledge and experience to share. We explored a range of firing techniques using various materials to bring out beautiful colors, designs and textures. The course was held in beautiful Devon with lots of open space making it easy to distance from the other participants. We all wore masks and I felt very comfortable that everyone else was being 'COVID safe'. Highly recommend this course, I will certainly book on again soon!!"

Rachel Crookes reviewed: Lino Printing Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"A peaceful and inspiring session spent with Claire learning linocutting. Covid measures were in place and people were neatly set up in their own spaces so everyone felt safe and happy throughout. Claire is a really clear teacher, well organised, and gave advice throughout our carving and printing that made the all finished pieces really lovely, even those done by a complete beginner like me! Her handy reference guide to take home with tips and recommended suppliers has already had me sketching our ideas with new tools on the way! Many thanks Claire - a highly recommended course for personal use or as a gift"

Keith Sloan reviewed: Make a Swallowtail Hay Rake - one day green woodworking course

"Great day and very pleased with the knowledge gained. Useful rake."

Liz G reviewed: Beginners Upholstery Workshop in Cheadle, Gr Manchester - Make a Footstool

"I thoroughly enjoyed the day at The Boho Shed in Poynton (The Centre) with Jo. It was just what I was looking for. I attended a Saturday workshop in September 2020, and was so pleased it was running. We were socially distanced as it was a small class due to Covid-19 restrictions. Jo showed us each stage of the process of upholstery clearly and empathized with any difficulties we encountered. All who attended were of a like-mind, and it was a delight to be an a relaxed environment. I am hoping she will run other classes from Poynton soon as it was a convenient hub for me to travel to and there was dedicated free parking space outside the building. By the way, 'The Centre' is a large village hall with plenty of rooms, a separate kitchen and good toilet facilities. An all-round excellent experience. Well done Jo."

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thanks so much for your lovely review Liz. That's much appreciated. I'm delighted you enjoyed the day and it was lovely to met you. I am running workshops in Poynton ongoing this year and will be organising more dates for 2021. I hope to see you again at some point for more creativity :-)."

Gill reviewed: Beginners paper cutting session at MAKE, Portsmouth in Hampshire

"I had a lovely afternoon paper cutting. Aimee was very welcoming and Covid measures were met and I felt at ease. Aimee was excellent at explaining what to do and I left feeling confident to continue paper cutting. I loved my creation! Thank you x"

Leigh Mason reviewed: RAKU, SAGGAR, BARREL & HORSEHAIR FIRING WEEKEND WORKSHOP

"This course was brilliant from start to finish. Abi and Alison were great facilitators and we all quickly went from strangers to a chatty, friendly group. It was certainly an action packed weekend but it didn’t feel at all rushed. We were all at different levels in our ‘pottery journey’ so it was nice to share knowledge and skills. Lunch was homemade and delicious and the setting gorgeous. Abi and Alison were extremely generous sharing all their knowledge and I learnt loads and some really good ‘hacks’. Thoroughly recommend this course whatever your skill level."

Stephen Williams reviewed: RAKU, SAGGAR, BARREL & HORSEHAIR FIRING WEEKEND WORKSHOP

"My second time doing this workshop. Not that I didn’t learn anything two years ago, it was just that it was so good the first time I was determined to return and introduce a friend of mine who was just beginning her pottery “adventure”. I can only say it was even better the second time around - and on top of everything we were blessed with lovely weather. Abi and Alison are not only knowledgable and experienced in their craft but are friendly and patient and always engaging. They had made strenuous efforts to keep everybody safe in these strange viral times and to put everybody at ease. The whole two days were a joy. Exciting, and inspirational. It’s given me so much more confidence now, to improve on the techniques and skills learned and to advance with a raku kiln of my own. I cannot recommend the experience too highly. No doubt I will be back for another ‘booster’ session in the not too distant future. It’s worth it for the food alone! Thanks to Abi and Alison."

Gavin Magenty reviewed: Asymmetrical basket making courses - two days with Joe Gregory at Creative with Nature Todmorden Yorkshire

"Absolutely fantastic course from an inspired and experienced teacher. The whole experience was very well thought through, with differentiation built in depending on ability/ confidence. I felt fully supported through the whole process and came out with a fantastic looking log basket and a sense of real achievement. It has inspired me to continue my learning journey in working with willow and will no doubt return for some more training at some point."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"thanks for the review Gavin! Really glad you enjoyed the weekend course. You're a natural basket weaver. xx"

Clare reviewed: Introduction to Tiffany stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"My mum-in-law and I attended the introduction to Tiffany stained glass day. We had a superb time. It's hard work (I'm not good at craft) but very rewarding. Kate was a great instructor, fun, very patient, and helped me out quite a lot. I would love to go back and try it again sometime. Sorry Kate ;-)"

Victoria reviewed: Introduction to Tiffany stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"I attended the Tiffany course with my husband as a birthday present. We both had an amazing and highly memorable day. We’d never done anything like this before but were absorbed from the minute the day began. We actually produced some not too shabby pieces of art which hang proudly in our house. Just the ticket to take our minds off other more challenging aspects of life at the moment. We thoroughly recommend you try it!!"

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

"A wonderful and fulfilling experience. Learned a lot about how stained glass is made into different objects and the important tools and processes used. My teacher was very helpful, hands-on, and very open-minded, she was also very experienced in her craft and gave me plenty of resources in order to pursue stained glass creations, such as suppliers and a list of tools. Overall the class was well worth the price and has made me consider doing more courses in stained glass."

GlassSeasons responded:

"Thanks Aaron, appreciate your feedback, look forward to seeing you again!"

Mel Gulliford reviewed: Beginners candle making workshop - Marlow, Buckinghamshire

"I attended the beginners candle-making course today and am absolutely delighted with what I made! Sarah is very patient and doesn’t rush you. I’d highly recommend going on one of her courses!"

Candle by Events responded:

"Thank you Mel, really pleased you enjoyed the workshop. Stay in touch and keep me posted on your candle-making journey!"

Angela Milner reviewed: Craft Workshop: Learn to make silver art clay jewellery in a day (beginner)

"I had a wonderful experience on the Learn to make Silver Clay Jewellery in a day for beginners. The tutor had planned the day out into the different stages of production. She had also put in place covid safe social distancing measures to enable me to feel safe. The room was set out with more than the recommended social distancing space, it was tidy, there was fresh air and ventilation, and a friendly welcome. Everything needed for the course was provided. I learnt the basic skills to go away and make pieces myself. I would really recommend this course as a excellent introduction to Silver Clay."

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank you Angela, I am so pleased you a wonderful day. I hope to see you again in the near future :)"