Latest reviews

Peter Smith reviewed: 2 day knife/axe making courses

"Just finished a thoroughly enjoyable 2 days of axe making at Friargate Forge with Gary, a man with a real mastery and love for his craft. The course struck just the right balance of hands on (sweat inducing!) experience with enough assistance and guidance to ensure that you leave with an axe to be proud of. Just got home and my hatchet made short work of splitting a partially seasoned cherry log. Would definitely recommend."

Friargate Forge responded:

"Thanks Peter was a pleasure having you at the forge and you did superb well done ?"

Jenny reviewed: Creative Fused Glass for beginners and improvers

"Quite outstanding, would recommend to anyone, Nadine is knowledgable and extremely helpful. The course was fun and the glassware is beautiful, would be great to repeat."

Lucia reviewed: Creative Fused Glass for beginners and improvers

"This class was absolutely fantastic - I would recommend it 100% It was such good fun and Nadine was a fantastic teacher who put all of us at ease and was very supportive and encouraging. I really loved my time there and what I made. I use my coasters everyday. Thank you Nadine!"

Mia reviewed: Creative Fused Glass for beginners and improvers

"My friend and I had a fantastic time at Nadine's fused glass workshop! We were total beginners to working with any kind of glass but she broke down each step in a very simple and fun way, and encouraged silly ideas and questions while still guiding you towards a wonderful finished product (that we get to keep!) She really knows her craft and is wonderful at keeping a relaxed and engaged vibe among all her students. Thanks Nadine!"

Mel Evans reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"Having completed the French Polishing course this week at OP Woodcraft, I can say that it was a fantastic learning curve. Ollie is an incredibly patient and knowledgeable teacher and because of this I feel I achieved far more than I could ever have expected. I now feel confident to use the skills I have learned during this French Polishing course in the future and can’t wait to get cracking!!! Can’t recommend highly enough! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"

Mel Evans reviewed: Contemporary Furniture Refinishing & Upcycling with Woodcare - 2 Day Workshop

"If I could leave more ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘S I would! An amazing course. With Ollie’s patient tuition I managed to learn so much, the outcome being I’ve more confidence in taking on more challenging projects in the future. Despite the 30+ degree heat the paint finish was beautiful and flat and even without brushstrokes (not something I’ve ever managed before). An all round great course, I would strongly recommend it to anyone!"

Elizabeth reviewed: Lampworking Workshop: Half Day Beginners Workshop

"Had a fantastic time with a very patient teacher learning the basics of bead making. We learned how to make a basic bead then added various decorations, building skills as we went along. The garden studio is lovely, well equipped and has a kettle (tea is essential for people like me). Suzanne took care to ensure we complied with guidelines relating to covid 19 and I felt safe and supported at all times. I’m already planning another trip because I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Highly recommended."

Louise O'Connor reviewed: Silver clay jewellery weekend / 2 day course at West Country Creative in Lifton, Devon

"I booked a last minute weekend workshop with Jo. I'd wanted to learn how to make silver jewellery for a long time and I was not disappointed. I learnt lots of techniques and was taught in stages of the process which helped. I came away with a ring, earrings and two pendants, one I'm using as a keyring, one as a necklace with other pendants. I thoroughly enjoyed the two days, especially as Jo is a patient and encouraging teacher. Her studio within the grounds of her garden is ideal with lots of light, space and tools. We enjoyed lunch outside in the garden (masks and social distancing of course during this time). In addition, I was able to stay in her B&B which made the experience much more relaxing. Jo's breakfasts are fabulous, very tasty. My room was very comfortable and peaceful. I enjoyed evening meals out at nearby locations. Thank you Jo for helping me enjoy being creative once again and inspiring me to continue. Much appreciated, Louise (Ely, UK)"

West Country Creative Ltd responded:

"Thank you for your review Louise - it was a pleasure!"

Rochelle Enticknap reviewed: Jewellery - carve a ring in wax, cast it and hey presto your own ring in sterling silver!

"Sue was a brilliant host. Knowledgable, personable and above all patient!!! The lunch was brilliant (as was the home made olive bread) and my partner and I felt relaxed and comfortable throughout the course. We would thoroughly recommend this course!"

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Thank you for the kind words Rochelle, it was a pleasure to have you both here and well done on persevering! I will be in touch soon. Thanks, Sue"

Chris Horwood reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"My husband booked 2 x 4 hour courses with Sarah on glass fusing as a Christmas present. I found that Sarah had a lot of knowledge and experience working with glass and was happy to share this with me. She helped and encouraged me to experiment with different kinds of glass and advised me on different techniques that can be used. It was a very interesting course and found that by taking it in two sessions with a few days between was very beneficial. It gave me time to think about my experience between the course days and to see on my return my finished items after firing. From this I could improve my technique and achieve a higher standard and quality of product. Thank you Sarah for your time and patience it was a very interesting and enjoyable course. I would like to recommend this course to all ages and I can imagine great for a family."

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"A fabulous review - thank you very much! It is always interesting to be able to spend more time with learners in order to try out different techniques and give a more in-depth experience. Also lovely to chat to interesting 'students'! Thanks very much, Sarah"

Annabelle reviewed: Amazing Mosaic Workshop

"I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this course from beginning to end, in fact I was sad when it ended. But it taught me so much and more! It encouraged me to try more mosaics at home and I knew I could contact Anne the course leader for any advice I needed, she was so supportive. Also everything was supplied for the course so there was no need to go out and get all the materials and equipment. Everyone was so friendly and we've all kept in touch. I'll definitely be joining again."

Gigi reviewed: Amazing Mosaic Workshop

"Am so happy to give this course an Excellent rating. It was everything I wanted and more! If you want to try mosaics have no hesitation in booking."

Chris reviewed: Lampworking Workshop: Full Day Beginners Workshop

"I have just had my second full day of training with Suzanne and it was fantastic. Suzanne is a super teacher, very patient and very observant. She carefully demonstrated each new technique before giving me ample opportunity to produce my own versions. I learned a lot and thoroughly recommend this course for anyone interested in making flame worked glass objects, beads and jewelery etc. For a full day this course is excellent value. Chris Sowden"

Lisa G reviewed: Being Nature: mindfulness & re-wilding days in the woods

"Thank you for the wonderful experience you gave in the woods. I was very moved by the day and I'm still carrying a great quietude and thoughtfulness with me."

Stephen Dobbison reviewed: Make a Welsh stick chair

"Thank you, Ben, for the course, your company and your patience in helping me produce a wonderful chair. I had an amazing week learning a new skill and really surprised myself in what I produced. This was entirely down to Ben’s skills and teaching techniques which were well thought out and delivered in a manner even a complete novice like me could understand. My family were speechless when I brought the chair in to show them and still think I bought the chair somewhere! Once again thank you Ben for a fabulous week in the woods."

Betty reviewed: Abstract Art Workshop with Jo Garden Art in a beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"Well I was completely out of my comfort zone even thinking about doing an art class especially abstract art and thought I would end up with something that my friends would look at and smile politely - instead they have looked at my finished work with disbelief and I have even had a few "Wows" ! I had an entirely enjoyable day with Jo who guides you through the process calmly and recognises when it's time for you to have a little walk around the lovely garden when you get an "artist's block" . A coffee and some chocolate (provided by Jo !) will soon get you back on track.Would thoroughly recommend this course especially for sceptics like me ! Thank you Jo x"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Betty ;-) really glad you enjoyed stepping outside of your comfort zone! Your work will brighten up the hallway you were planning to hang it. Hope to see you again, Jo x"

Anita reviewed: Ultimate guide to gift wrapping & gift basket master class - as seen on TV

"I was given the course as a birthday gift. What a great idea! I loved! Instruction was brilliant and professional. The course covered everything I wanted to learn.  It opened my mind to being more creative in wrapping. Thank you, Neelam you were so helpful, kind and patient. Anita Sharma"

Neelam Meetcha Gift Wrapping Course & Paper Flower Training Academy responded:

"Hello Anita Thank you for your review, it was a pleasure to have you on the course, look forward to seeing you again soon Warmest regards Neelam"

Freddie reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course with Afternoon Tea

"This course was great for me as I was just setting up my business. It’s obvious that Paula knows the candle making industry in depth and answered every question with great thought. Paula was very helpful with which wax I should use for my business, explaining the different types and talking about the newest waxes on the market. This course is suitable for complete beginners as well as people already making candles. Not only did I learn a lot from the day, it was also great fun! I’m very fond of the two great smelling candles I made and bought home with me! Lunch was lovely too! I would recommend this course to everyone!"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you very much for this lovely feedback. I wish you all the best in your candle business!. Paula"

Yvonne Hartley reviewed: Mosaic jewellery workshop

"The whole course was fabulous. Enjoyed every minute & learnt new techniques. Adela is a fabulous teacher and her studio where we were was an amazing space to be in. Stayed for another class with Adela that day and again, superb ?? Can't recommend highly enough ?"

Julie reviewed: Nettle Fibre Workshop

"Excellent workshop which leads you gently through the process of making a workable fibre from the common nettle. Brigitte has a fabulous knowledge of fibres and has created the day in a very logical way. Patiently leading you from picking your own nettles through the various processing stages so you leave with samples from each stage. Brigitte is so inspirational with her passion. She also brings a collection of items and fibres both made by her or obtained during her research. All of which left me wanting to learn more"

Kerry Martin reviewed: One day intensive traditional stained glass for beginners

"My aunt and I attended the one-day course, and what a fantastic day it was too! All materials were supplied along with easy to understand instructions packs. We started off by designing our panels, choosing our glass and then started the process under the supervision and great instruction of Angela. We learnt everything from start to finish. We are both absolute beginners who found the course really enjoyable, and ended up with some beautiful panels to take home with us. Oh, and the cakes were delicious too! ? We'll definitely be back for the two-day course next time ?"

Herston Stained Glass responded:

"Thanks for your lovely review. You both were great students, and were quick to learn all the techniques involved. The resulting panels were beautiful and I hope you are very proud of them. I look forward to working with you again.?"

Jill W reviewed: Beginner’s Silverclay Workshop-Day Long -Newcastle upon Tyne

"I've enjoyed working with silver clay immensely and Emine is very helpful and patient and great to chat with. I can certainly recommend her workshops which are now adapted to take account of Covid and take place in a light and pleasant space. I've completed a series of workshops and made pendants, rings, earrings and charms with silver clay and sterling silver clay. Christmas presents are sorted!"

Silverkupe Jewellery responded:

"Many thanks for the lovely review Jill. It was lovely to meet you and you made some great jewellery. Although we needed to have long break due to COVID-19 restrictions, eventually you have completed all your designs and you are all set for Christmas! Best Wishes Emine"

Heather Francis reviewed: Silver clay beginners course - Lori Ridgway

"Last week I joined Lori in her workshop for the 2 day beginners silver clay course. I became truly immersed, and the time flew by. I loved the pieces that I made, and the guidance and teaching from Lori was super. Lots of tea and cake... and a really relaxing and welcoming atmosphere.. It's magic when your creations start to shine! Can highly recommend."

Ian Davies reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners with Green Fox Wild Crafts

"I have just enjoyed one of the most relaxing, enjoyable, informative and useful days in a very long time. Nadine is a wonderful teacher who is so patient with us beginners but also inspiring. From showing how to select and prepare green wood , understanding the tools and how to slowly reveal the beauty of a handmade spoon, this was a fantastic day in a perfect location (Lupine Woods). If you are thinking of doing this course or indeed any by Nadine, stop thinking and book! You will not be disappointed. Very many thanks Nadine."

Dawn reviewed: One day leather bag making workshop

"I spent a very enjoyable 2 days with Rosanna in her studio designing, cutting out and constructing a really unique and lovely handbag. Rosanna is an excellent teacher, showing patience and understanding when dealing with a complete beginner to this craft. I was able to master the techniques of cutting and bonding leather then sewing my pieces together on a specialist sewing machine. I constructed a lining with pockets for cards or phone and an inside zip pocket for more valuable items. I came to the course with a rough idea of what I wanted to make and what colour leather I wanted to use and the finished handbag far exceeded my expectations. Rosanna gave clear instructions and I was able to work on construction mostly independently but she was always on hand to help where necessary. I will not hesitate to book another course."