Latest reviews

Janet reviewed: Full day fused glass course with breakfast, lunch and all materials included

"An amazingly enjoyable, instructive introductory day to a craft I'd never tried before. Kim and Sharon were so patient and helpful. There was such a variety of glass to choose from. I learnt so much and managed to produce small Christmas tree decorations, pendant, coaster and picture. It was great to be so well looked after too with breakfast pancakes, a delicious lunch and even cake to finish. The course was a great Birthday present from my nieces and nephew and I'd fully recommend it."

Hot Fusion Glass responded:

"Thank you Janet, we had a wonderful day with you and can’t wait to see your creations fired."

Stephanie Wilkinson reviewed: Painting Restoration

"Absolutely loved this course led by Rachael! I took an old 1880’s oil painting along and she explained the methods needed to carefully remove dirt, old varnish and wax which then brightened the painting and revealed details previously hidden. I am now continuing with it at home, removing some old filler and will revarnish, retouch where needed and put it in a frame. She also demonstrated other techniques eg how to repair a tear, fill tiny holes, etc. Rachael is a fabulous tutor, highly recommend. "

Chris reviewed: Monthly Watercolour Classes

"I attended the watercolour class at Stanwick Lakes hoping for a welcoming, structured introduction to painting. What I got instead was a disorganised and frankly demoralising experience that felt more like accidentally walking in on a private art group than a beginner-friendly class. From the start, the location information was wrong, so I spent time wandering around trying to find the session. Once inside, there was no welcome, no clear structure, and absolutely no teaching. As a complete beginner, I was given zero guidance on what to expect, how to approach the activity, or even which materials to use — I wasn’t even given a pencil at first. The tutor gave no actual instruction beyond “sketch this” and “put a wash on the background.” Everyone was working from different images, so there was no way for consistent teaching to happen. I received about two minutes of vague advice in nearly two hours, while the tutor mostly painted her own work or refilled water jars. This was advertised as a structured, skills-based session focused on learning techniques — washes, layering, texture, tools — none of which were covered. Instead, I felt like I’d trespassed into a space I didn’t belong in, with no effort made to include or support beginners. Another attendee I saw looked just as upset and said they just wanted to leave (and for the same reasons). As someone who teaches professionally in other fields, I found this class shockingly lacking in preparation or care. I left feeling disheartened and completely unsupported. If you're looking to actually learn how to paint, I’d suggest starting with YouTube — you'll get more guidance in five minutes than this class offered in two hours. I did receive a refund this morning, but zero apology or feedback. "

Lindy Ruston reviewed: Monthly Watercolour Classes

"This week we did Still Life with Lou. Despite not being my favourite subject, I’m very glad I did it as it taught me shadows, tone and observation and I was very pleased with the result. As always the group is friendly and fun and I’ve just booked all of next terms watercolour, acrylic, and mixed media classes in one go. Roll on next term. Well done Lou - you can now have a restful summer break. 👏👏👏"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a lovely review. We are so pleased you are enjoying our art classes and look forward to seeing you here at Stanwick Lakes again next term! Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Val reviewed: Macrame Plant Hangers Workshop at Kirkstall Forge

"What a great way to spend a couple of hours, learning how to do macrame. Kim is an excellent teacher, knows her stuff and lives to pass that knowledge on"

Darn It! Workshops responded:

"Thank you Val! That's so incredibly kind of you. So lovely to see you again!"

Lynne Badger reviewed: Crochet Worshop - All levels at Tandem Crafts, Stourbridge

"Throughly enjoyable crotchet lesson. Learnt loads plus Tunician crotchet. Very friendly, fabulous time. Would highly recommend."

Neil Cowles reviewed: Introduction to Traditional Leaded Stained-Glass Course, 2 days

"I really enjoyed the course, Jo is a patient and talented tutor and I was very pleased with what I was able to make."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are very pleased you enjoyed the course and do hope to see you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Margaret reviewed: Learn to make a fabric basket using selvedges

"My second event here. A warm welcome, a relaxed environment, perfectly paced. Such a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Who'd imagine selvedge edges could be turned into such a desirable object? Do not throw away this wonderful resource! The amount of thought and preparation put into this activity was superb - all guaranteed to make sure everyone achieved. I am looking forward to my next visit in September with my granddaughter. Thank you, Tanya for all the above."

Nigel reviewed: Learn traditional upholstery

"Peter has been an excellent tutor, very supportive giving lots of very useful guidance. His workshop is really well set up and he is very organised and helpful when purchasing fabrics and tools. A memorable experience and met some really nice people."

Bernie and Carol reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course at Rhyd y Creuau Field Studies Centre near Betws y Coed in North WalesTaster

"At FSC Rhyd-y-creuau near Betws-y-Coed, repairing a drystone wall and learning how to take down it down and build it up again from the foundations. Big thanks to the tutors from the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain, Paul Smyth and Colin Brown. Two days of moving stones in high temperatures and we're exhausted and really happy with what we achieved as part of this small team. Hopefully the basic skills we've learnt will come in handy should we need wall repairs in the future."

Dry Stone Walling Association North Wales Branch responded:

"Thanks Carol and Bernie. It was a great weekend and thanks for your company. So glad Colin chose that shaded spot in all that heat."

Susan reviewed: Sculpture in a Day - Stone carving in Oxfordshire

"I had a great day, David was very supportive but did not take over. I was very pleased with my final piece, especially as I am not naturally creative. I can highly recommend this course"

Sculpted in Stone responded:

"Thank you Susan - you're more creative than you think! Your piece was excellent; inventive and beautifully finished. "

Linda & Becky reviewed: Wire Seed Head Stems

"Fabulous workshop! Judith is a wonderful instructor with a wealth of knowledge & patience in equal measure. Thoroughly enjoyed the day from start to finish."

Judith Brown Jewellery responded:

"What a lovely review, thanks so much and I'm so pleased that you enjoyed it. I hope to see you on a future workshop. Judith"

Arthur Carson reviewed: Beginners Woodturning

"Very enjoyable day spent learning the basics of Woodturning with Roger with some new techniques I had not come across before. A very friendly and patient instructor."

Lisa reviewed: Nettle Fibre Workshop

"Exploring the use of nettles, the facts and the folklore, to make fibres and fabric was fascinating. Brigitte explained everything clearly and we were able to produce our own cording and fibres. Brigitte was always available to assist individually, ably assisted by her equally knowledgable husband who entertained us with poetry and a folksong, all nettle related. Thank you both for a very enjoyable and educational day."

Janet Jones reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"A really enjoyable workshop. Lynne was very patient, with clear step by step guidance. Coming home with 2 completed books, I was delighted with the results. I hope to continue onto the intermediate course when available."

Lynne Friel responded:

"Hello Janet It was a good workshop and your books looked worked out really well. Thank you for coming. Best wishes Lynne"

Alison Levens reviewed: Chainmaille - Helmweave Bracelet

"Wendy is a great tutor. She gave clear instructions and demonstrations and had all the equipment we needed to make our bracelets. She had examples for us to copy and a good choice of materials. Just 5 of us meant she had the time to help and guide us individually. I’ll definitely be returning to do other workshops with her. "

Tracey Stevenson reviewed: Copper Flower Workshop

"Spent a lovely day learning all the techniques needed to make our own copper flower arrangements! It was a very relaxed session and was tailored to our requirements..drinks were available constantly and would highly recommend!…in fact would happily now do an advanced class!x"

The Metalsmith responded:

"Thank you for such a kind review! It was lovely to meet you both and I'm so pleased that you both had such a good time!"

Katy reviewed: Learn to make a fabric basket using selvedges

"Such a lovely afternoon. This is our second course with Craft Circle and it is such a great way to spend a few hours with lovely people. Tanya is very patient and informative and we came away with a beautiful bespoke sewn storage container. I cannot recommend the courses enough... we will be back. Thank you for a lovely day."

Liz Stevenson reviewed: Sun printing workshop in Devon

"I had a very relaxed & informative session learning about sun printing techniques last week. Bridget was very knowledgeable & explained the techniques very clearly. It was very enjoyable & I left with several pieces of work both on paper & fabric. The session inspired me to continue experimenting at home. I would thoroughly recommend the course to anyone wishing to try out a new craft."

Bridget Arnold responded:

"Hi Liz Thank you for the lovely review, I am glad you have continued with making some more Cyanotypes, its good to hear that ! Best wishes Bridget "

Wendy Harman reviewed: Microwave glass fusing and resin jewellery in New Romney, Kent

"Had a fantastic afternoon n learnt a lot always wanted to do microwave glass fusing and resin jewellery. Had good company and would like to thank Yolanda for the help she has give me. Will go back soon."

Frankie reviewed: Glass Bauble blowing experience with Chris

"It was really good fun. Chris was happy to take time in showing us slowly how to do it."

Bob Crooks reviewed: Blacksmithing experience - spend a day in the forge

"What a superb experience, much more difficult than I thought but really enjoyed watching Richard’s skill at the anvil !!! I hope that I will get the opportunity to return for another session and make something a little more useful 🤞"

Red Anvil School of Blacksmithing responded:

"That’s really great to hear Bob, it was good to meet you and see how you capably produced some pieces to be proud of. I’ll be adding more dates soon, so keep your eye on our site here. It’s always good to welcome people back. Thank you for your kind review. Richard "

Deana H reviewed: Art Fun Spinning - Squeegee - Adult Saturday

"Unfortunately although the organiser was very friendly everything was totally disorganised. If the tutor had ever done squeegee art she showed no examples and just talked about the fun of doing it - nobody was happy with the mess they made with everyone making telling eye contact but trying to be nice about it. Sadly a waste of money and also we were squeezed onto tables with no elbow room. V disappointing and first class I have gone to that has left me wanting to do a negative review. The lady I also treated to the class felt exactly the same."

Aztec Kreative Studio responded:

"Thank you for your feedback, and I’m genuinely sorry to hear that the experience didn’t meet your expectations. I always welcome the opportunity to address any concerns at the time, as my aim is for everyone to leave feeling inspired and encouraged. This particular class was held as part of a larger event rather than in a studio setting, so space was more limited than usual, I completely understand how that may have affected your enjoyment, and I’m sorry for any inconvenience it caused. Just to clarify, I’ve been practising squeegee art for several years and have delivered a number of workshops. While this style of art is intentionally loose and expressive, I do appreciate that it’s not for everyone. As a gesture of goodwill, I’ve refunded one of the bookings."

Ren reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Preston, Lancashire

"Jo was incredibly welcoming and brilliant at explaining every step of the process. I had such a lovely day - and came away with a beautiful footstool that I'm really proud of!"

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you for your very kind words Ren. I'm delighted you had such a lovely day and that you are so proud of your stool. You made such a lovely job of it. x"

Tom Lusted reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving at Steeky Meadow

"Great experience with Jack, he is clearly passionate about nature, the woodlands and enjoys sharing his craft skills with others. Beautiful setting to spend some time carving wood, I really enjoyed the day. Thanks Jack for your patience and welcoming learning environment. I would recommend."

Steeky Meadow CIC responded:

"Thanks for your kind words Tom, it was great fun carving with you! Hope your back continues improving! "