Latest reviews

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."

Luke reviewed: Natural soap and skincare workshop

"Booked the course as a birthday present for mum and we went together. We had a brilliant day and came away with a heap of Boo Cottage goodies which we'd made ourselves! Really informative and creative course, the owners/tutors are very welcoming and friendly. We're absolutely going to recommend the course and products to our friends."

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Thank you so much for leaving such a lovely review. Really pleased you both enjoyed yourselves!"

Miles Leach reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"Chris makes the course relaxing and enjoyable giving clear instructions and help and advice in a friendly and positive way. You get to make a number of things and decorate them. Great fun and a feeling that you have achieved something."

Chris Greening Pottery responded:

"Many thanks Miles. Lovely few hours exploring clay and what it has to offer. One or two of them may offer themselves up for eating your honey out of! Best wishes, Chris."

Kelly reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course with Afternoon Tea

"Although I am not new to candle making I thought this was a wonderful course and I learned lots. The set up was great, and Paula was very informative. It covered everything you would need to know as a beginner plus further information should you wish to turn your hobby into a business. On top of this, you are provided with a generous afternoon tea! I had a lovely day all round."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you Kelly. I can’t wait for your launch, good luck! Paula"

Jo Cox reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"I loved the glass fusing workshop I did with Sarah. She explained clearly what to do, showed me lots of possible techniques to use and encouraged me to be creative. I'm delighted with the pieces I made."

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"You created some fabulous pieces - so pleased you enjoyed it too! Thanks very much for taking the time to review!"

Peter Smith reviewed: Bladesmithing experience day

"I was put in touch with Steve as I needed assistance with a project I was undertaking. He was so helpful and spent so much time helping me I decided to take one of his courses . The experience was excellent...his knowledge of knife-making and the processes involved are encyclopaedic, moreover, the way in which he explains things and if necessary demonstrates them made the day a pleasure. I ended it with a knife I couldn't be more proud of. Thanks Steve!!"

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi Peter It was great to get to meet you in person rather than chatting on the phone. It was a full on, but productive day and the knives that you and Chris made were excellent. It was a pleasure to have you in the shop. Hopefully see you at some point in the not to distant future. ATB Steve"

Sara reviewed: Wild basketry- workshop in the woods, forage your materials

"Thank you very much for yesterday’s course. It was such a fun and rewarding day. Everyone loved my basket and I got lots of compliments. I loved the whole experience in the woods and the atmosphere and just came home happier than in the beginning of the day."

Lesley Chandler reviewed: Button making with Polymer Clay at West Country Creative in Lifton, Devon

"Jo is a brilliant teacher and explains everything succinctly. As I have no aptitude for craft, I was so surprised to produce some very pretty buttons. What a wonderful day, thorough enjoyed the whole experience."

West Country Creative Ltd responded:

"Lesley, thank you for that. It was lovely to finally meet you. Thank you for waiting for the course to finally take place!"

Barbara Ferris reviewed: Quilt in a Day, one-to-one course with Amanda Jane Ogden

"I really enjoyed my day with Amanda, her studio is in the beautiful surroundings of Ushaw college. All COVID precautions had been taken and rules observed at all times. This was my first time quilting but after Amanda’s excellent tuition I am confident in giving it a go myself. I was given lots of advice and tips to help with my future projects. The course was delivered in a comfortable atmosphere and led by my pace, as the course is one to one it could have been intense but it was amazing how quickly the day passed. I left with a completed quilt. I would totally recommend this course to anyone looking to begin quilting."

Amanda Jane Textiles responded:

"Thank you for your review, Barbara. I'm glad that you enjoyed the day at Ushaw. It was nice to have fine weather, so we could eat lunch outside in the grounds. I hope you continue to enjoy quilt-making in the time ahead. Amanda"

Annie reviewed: Polymer Clay Sparkle: jewellery making at West Country Creative in Lifton, Devon

"Jo's workshop was just what I needed! I booked the course with 2 other friends pre-lockdown and was so excited to be able to finally go ahead with it. Jo had made changes to her impressive studio to allow for social distancing and ensuring we all felt safe. The surroundings to her studio are beautiful and add to what was a truly relaxing day. It was lovely to be able to shut the world away and be engrossed in learning a completely new skill. Jo was accommodating to all of our requests and very patient as we all worked at varied speeds. She was able to offer her expert advice when needed and guidance and has a wide variety of resources and equipment at hand to use. I feel she should advertise these courses for mindfulness as I left feeling so refreshed and relaxed. If she ever considers a weekend retreat I'm there!"

West Country Creative Ltd responded:

"Annie, thank you for your comments. I'm thrilled you felt refreshed after your day, and hope you enjoy wearing your necklace. Thank you too for waiting for the course to take place when lockdown eased, your support is very much appreciated."

Adeola Ojo reviewed: Creative giftwrapping & Bow making workshop ( in person )

"It was very, very creative. Learnt a lot of new things and new ways I didn't know about. I would definitely tell my friends about it."

Zoliab Craft & Gift Wrapping Academy responded:

"Thank you very much for the good reference. I am glad you enjoyed the workshop and learnt new wrapping techniques. Continue to practice your new skills. I wish you good luck for the future."

Elizabeth Mary Bunney reviewed: Silver Fidget Ring Workshop

"Helen has a lovely spacious and well equipped studio. I had a wonderful day making a silver fidget ring. Helen is a very welcoming and calm teacher and we all relaxed and enjoyed the workshop. We had plenty of time to learn all the processes needed to make the ring. I couldn't believe that I managed to make one that looked like the one on the website! Thank you Helen for sharing your skills."

Briony Lee reviewed: 'Bag in a Day' Practical Leather Course - Mini Bucket bag

"I went on this course with my mum, and we absolutely loved it!! I am soo pleased with my bag! The course was great - Georgie was a great tutor and the day felt so relaxed! I have had so many compliments on my bag already!! We hope to come back to do another course soon! Thanks Georgie x"

Hands of Tym responded:

"Hi Briony, thanks very much for the lovely review, your bags were gorgeous. You and your mum were the perfect workshop guests and I would love to have you back anytime. Xxx"

Max & Barbara reviewed: Small leather goods workshop

"Small leather goods workshop: Really enjoyed the workshop and would definitely recommend to anyone interested in crafting leather goods. Richard was very informative and explained how to use the tools and work the leather really clearly. It was an excellent introduction to leatherwork. Feel like we learned so much during the afternoon and we came away with a belt and card holder that we were extremely proud to have made. Thanks Richard, with your introduction and the information pack that you supplied, we will try our hands at some more leather projects."

Teresa Healey reviewed: Natural skincare & wellbeing - make & take parties/workshops

"Well what can I say! A very warm social distanced welcome from Debbie! We had a great afternoon making lip balm, bath melts, soap and body whip! Can’t recommend this course enough! Thanks Debbie we loved it!!"

TimeOut4Me responded:

"Thank you so very much it was such a joy to be with you both. Enjoy your products."

Steve Barnett reviewed: Stained Glass Sun Catchers. One day class. Beginners welcome.

"We had a fantastic time , thanks Clare"

Clare Barnett reviewed: Stained Glass Sun Catchers. One day class. Beginners welcome.

"We had a wonderful day, learning so much from Clare. She made us feel so welcome in her home and we were so happy with what we made."

Woodland Crafts responded:

"Thank you so much for your review. I’m glad you are doing well with your stained glass. Xx"

Dave reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Excellent course. Taught me everything I needed to know to start my own projects. Richard answered all my questions, and the Covid precautions made me feel very safe."

The River Shop responded:

"Thanks Dave! Good having you this weekend. Richard"

Keith Knowles reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I am a recent beginner to wood turning and though I recently joined a club I need a course to help me improve. On my arrival Simon and his dear wife made feel at home, including their dogs. Simon explained what the day consisted of and the safety measures of his workshop. He was very patient and fully explained on... What type of chisels there were. How to hold the chisels. How to stand in front of the lathe. The speed of the lathe. And much much more. He allowed me to be creative and gave tips to improve. I was looked after throughout the day with refreshments and the lunch was very nice. I made a bowl, the best I have ever made (my own tries before though ok were not as good) it was smooth and great. The other item was a honey spoon and though simple, was indeed welcomed by my dear wife. I would recommend all beginners to attend a course like this one before you get into bag habits. Thanks Simon a great day was had and if there are more course you do to go beyond my present standard then I will book another in the future."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Keith, thank you for your lovely review. It was fab to meet you and we'd love to have you back in the future. Simon has no problem providing a more intermediate/next step up from beginner workshop for you, so let us know when you'd like to do it. You made a beautiful bowl :-)."

Gabriel Glynn reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"Bought as a present for my mum, we both loved it and were able to learn some of the basics while creating and decorating some pretty pots, lovely workshop, friendly and attentive guy, would recommend to anyone. Thanks again Chris"

Chris Greening Pottery responded:

"Many thanks Gabriel - really good, fun session. The espresso mugs and tapas bowls are making their way through the two firings and will be ready to enjoy soon. Best wishes, Chris."

Alistair Hindmarsh reviewed: Pewter Casting - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"The course was the most fun I've had in years. Right from the start Rachel had me pouring pewter into moulds, it was the full-day course so we had time to have a go at loads of techniques and ways of casting. Everything was explained fully and you were hands-on most of the time. The lunch was superb, constant tea as it says in the introduction but best of all lots and lots of time to spend making, for instance you cast a pendant then you drill a hole in it, then make a ring for it and select a chain to hang it from. I'm starting to make my own casts now and it's great."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"You did so well with your pewter Al. Can’t wait to see what you do at home. Thanks so much. Rach"

Reinaldo goncalves de araujo reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"It was an amazing experience doing this course. Richard was a great and very patient instructor, always ready to answer all questions. I would definitely recommend this course."

The River Shop responded:

"Thanks Reinaldo! Glad you enjoyed it. See you on the next course. Richard"

Ola Otuyalo reviewed: Creative giftwrapping & Bow making workshop ( in person )

"Fantastic session. Trainer was well informed and made the course enjoyable. We had loads of practice sessions and help was readily available . The atmosphere was welcoming and relaxing. I came out of the session with great ideas and inner skills I did not know i had. I am glad I went on the course and look forward to the next session. I will recommend to anyone."

Zoliab Craft & Gift Wrapping Academy responded:

"Dear Ola, Thank you very much for your positive feedback. I am glad you enjoyed the workshop and felt inspired. I am looking forward to seeing you again soon. Good luck."

Mosh reviewed: Creative giftwrapping & Bow making workshop ( in person )

"The teacher was very professional, friendly and informative. The environment was refreshing and the teacher was really encouraging and supported our ideas, uplifting us to unleash our inner creativity and even giving tips on how to grow our current businesses or upcoming businesses. Her techniques were impeccable, and I definitely gained a lot of knowledge. Overall, it was an outstanding experience. Looking forward to attending another one of her courses in the future. I’m feeling inspired and creative! Amazing course."

Zoliab Craft & Gift Wrapping Academy responded:

"Thank you very much for your honest feedback. I am glad you enjoyed the workshop and I wish you all the best. I am definitely looking forward to seeing you in one of our workshops very soon."

Lynn reviewed: Feltmaking OOH the choices!

"Really lovely day with my daughter, I made a picture and she made slippers. Barbara was lovely very knowledgable, would recommend!"

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you Lynn. It was a pleasure to teach you and Sammy. Love your felt creations :-)."