Latest reviews

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 :)"

Bridget Lawrence reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"Brilliant day being introduced to spinning wool with Theresa and her wonderful friendliness and knowledge. Thoroughly enjoy the day learning the art of spinning from the fleece to the finished skein. Loved the environment, the barn is just a wonderful, as are the refreshments Theresa provides. Highly recommended, thank you so much Theresa."

The Spinning Barn responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Bridget. It was an absolute pleasure to meet you and to start you off spinning. You made a fabulous start and I was thrilled with the skeins you created. I really hope you continue. Best wishes Theresa"

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

"I arrived at Cowshed Creatives feeling a little apprehensive as I haven't done anything very creative for a very long time! I needn't have worried as Kate was an wonderful teacher with a very relaxed approach and the group was small which I felt worked well. It's in a beautiful setting which for me was very much a part of it and having been in 'lockdown' for so long it was all very well organised with socially distanced work spaces. The log burner added to the cosy atmosphere as for the end of August it was a chilly day. George's delicious food really hit the spot with a choice of 2 homemade soups for lunch followed by wonderful cakes! What more could you want? Overall, it was a lovely and very welcome day out and certainly fired up my creative juices after all these years. I'd highly recommend and am sure I'll be back!"

Cowshed Creative responded:

"So good to meet you Bridget. Thank for your lovely recommendations and hope to see you again."

Alice reviewed: Straw skep hive making course - with Bees for Development

"I had a wonderful day, a great group and excellent instruction by Chris - a fountain of knowledge and a pleasure to be around. I felt i gained enough practice and knowledge to complete the skep at home. The food was excellent and an all round great way to spend a day."

Kath Davies reviewed: 1 Day bag making course - 10 design options

"I did the tote bag course and can highly recommend. Bex is an amazing teacher and I learnt so much. She’s so patient and interesting. My bag has been very admired and looking forward to doing another course."

Jane Foley reviewed: 1 Day bag making course - 10 design options

"Had a brilliant day making a tote bag with Bex who was the most patient teacher. So well organised especially as it was only her second class since lockdown. We learnt so much that we are going to go back for another bag! Excellent value - Bex even stayed late so that we left with our bags totally completed thanks for an amazing day see you soon!"

Christina Robinson reviewed: Learn how to see through an artist’s eye and draw more confidently - Skipton

"A relaxed, informal and informative workshop with the emphasis on enjoyment. Lots of tools and tips to help beginners see a subject through an artist’s eyes. Kate loves teaching - and it shows. Highly recommended."

Kate West responded:

"Hi Christina, thank you for taking the time to leave a review it’s much appreciated as was your contribution to making it such an enjoyable afternoon (they are not always quite as good as this one as the artists themselves help make it, but shhh don’t say anything!) Kate ?"

Freddy Saben reviewed: Welding course: Mig, Tig, Stick, with the Iron Lady - Bradwell Blacksmiths

"I went on Natalie's - Stick,Tig,Mig - welding course to learn about the different welding machines and to get some experience of welding. The course was fantastic and I enjoyed every second of it. I ended the day having gained some understanding of welding techniques and how to use the different types of welding machines. Natalie was so helpful and explained everything before we were let loose in her welding booths and she gives you tuition throughout the day. This is a very good beginners course and I recommend it to anyone who wants to know something of the world of welding."

Dave Worrall reviewed: Two day -Fundamentals of leatherwork

"My partner and I did the course in early 2020, and as we're both into live action roleplay (LARP) we took the course thinking that it might be useful as we have leather bags and armour pieces. Happily we weren't disappointed with the course. Paul's course teaches you the fundamentals that you'll need to get into leather crafting. You won't learn everything, but what Paul does give you is the experiences that he's gained being bushcrafter, leatherworker and craftsman. He even gives a list of suppliers that he uses so you don't have to hunt everything down on the internet. The other nice thing about the course is that you're not just writing things down or following a list of instructions. Paul introduces you to some of the tools that you'll use, basic tools such as knives and hammers and then traditional leather crafting tools such as leather punches, stitch groovers and edge bevellers, you'll learn how to saddle stitch and dye your leather. We found it quite inspiring, and within a few weeks we'd took the plunge and started making bags, belts and leather armour pieces. If you have any interest in learning leather craft then I'd happily recommend it."

Beechwood Crafts responded:

"Thanks Dave It was good to have you on the course. I love seeing the great leatherwork you have done since Best wishes Cath"

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

"Attended the beginners fused glass course and thoroughly enjoyed it - never done anything like this before and felt well supported and encouraged to make some lovely pieces. Melanie was very knowledgable and accommodating throughout the day - would definitely recommend this course - fantastic !!"