Latest reviews

Claire reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Thank you so much for a fabulous day. A new experience for us, learning something completely different - your patience with my novice skills was thoroughly appreciated!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Well done Claire - great to work with you two on your silver jewellery. Lovely to meet up again and thank you for your kind words! Jonathan"

Jo morris reviewed: Indian wood block printing work shop

"Great hosts, wonderful range of blocks to use, clear instructions. My daughter and I had lots of fun and came away with happy memories and useful items. The building was clean and airy, recommend this course for anyone."

Sumersata designs responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Jo. We’re so glad you and Laura enjoyed the course and hope you will consider taking another course with us in the future. Janet and Pauline"

Michael Franklin reviewed: Kitchen Knife Course

"My son and I had a great day making kitchen knives with Dave at Hand Forged Yorkshire. Dave is a great tutor and passionate about his craft. He explained each stage of the process clearly and was engaging, patient, and supportive. At the end of the day we both ended up with a knife which exceeded our expectations, which we are both proud of and which we had a great time making. I would thoroughly recommend the course to anyone thinking about doing it, don't hesitate, just book it!"

Hand forged Yorkshire responded:

"Thank you very much indeed for your kind review Michael, it is greatly appreciated. It was great to meet you both and you did a cracking job with your knives. Kindest regards Dave"

James Cumming reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"I would highly recommend this experience! A huge thank you to Jon Kerr, who carried out an enthusiastic and highly knowledgeable induction prior to a day crafting my own custom knife! A real mans shed day with all the kit!!"

su hampton reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Middleton Hall

"Thoroughly enjoyed this 2 day course, it was set at a great pace which worked for both the novice and those with a little woodworking experience."

Stephanie Jarosova reviewed: Reed diffuser making workshop

"Small, friendly, fun, and informative (plus there were delicious scones made vegan just for me which was much appreciated). The atmosphere was really relaxed and it was great fun experimenting with smells. Lots of information provided for those who wanted to add reed diffusers to their business proposition on how to do that, and lots of time for playing and smelling too. I really enjoyed my course and feel confident to go make loads of reed diffusers and home smells on my own."

Kate L. reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course

"Brilliant course, I learned a lot! It was a small class with personalised attention. Our lovely teacher Paula guided us through the basics of candle making in a fun and accessible way. We all received a booklet to take away with a lot of information to continue making candles at home. Thoroughly recommend this course for anyone interested in discovering candle making."

Deborah Judd reviewed: Inspired by Bloomsbury: exploring mixed media in Derbyshire.

"This was a really original and very educational workshop that introduced me to the Art of the Bloomsbury group. The pieces we produced were inspired by very colourful and highly patterned images from the amazing house of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant "Charleston" in Sussex. As always, Liz's highly professional, calm and encouraging approach, gave me the confidence to dive into all the tasks with aplomb, if slightly messily. (Sorry Liz! ) Using ink with gorgeous vibrant colours, we worked from life and Liz's beautiful samples as well as the sumptuous images of the artists themselves. The day passed all too quickly. I came away with several pieces including paint and jug designs and collaged compositions. All of which I intend to continue working on. I begun the day tired and stressed but left very relaxed and happy. Thank you Liz for a fabulous day. I look forward to my next visit to the Slipper Studio. A wonderful place to forget the world and to simply draw."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Deborah, Lovely to hear about your day at The Slipper Studio and thank you for taking the time to comment. I really enjoy teaching this workshop and you are so right about working with those vibrant colours - they are just beautiful. Combine this with images inspired from Charleston House, there’s so much to explore and be inspired by. Attending a workshop is a great way of stepping away from our busy lives and I know that you always benefit from focusing on something new and relaxing. I’m looking forward to seeing more of your pieces Inspired by Bloomsbury. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Alys reviewed: Silver Jewellery Bangle making workshop

"My daughter and I had a lovely time making our jewellery at Sarah's workshop. We are complete beginners and Sarah made us feel very relaxed and welcome. There was plenty of time to think about our designs and then carry them out without feeling rushed. I think Sarah was skilful in striking the right balance between being helpful, informative, giving good guidance when we most needed it and also allowing us to be absorbed in what we were doing! We both thoroughly enjoyed the experience and we both love the items we came away with."

Sharon reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course

"What an amazing day! Paula is an excellent teacher, and very friendly as well. All the materials supplied were top quality, and it was altogether a great experience. Relaxing, entertaining and I learnt so much about candle making."

Annabel Sampson reviewed: 1.5hrs Potters wheel throwing for beginners Dimbleby Ceramics Trentham Stoke-on-Trent

"Husband and I just did an hour and half lesson with Mathew which was just brilliant and exactly what we needed to get away from work and kids for a treat. Mathew is a great teacher, very patient and a lovely welcoming person. We learnt a lot and completed two pieces each. I would highly recommend taking a lesson or a course with Mathew (wish I lived in the area). His studio is cool and you can spot a squirrel or two! Book a session, you know you want to!!!"

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Annabel, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I had a great time teaching both of you and seeing the lovely forms that you both created throughout your time in the studio. Best wishes Mathew"

Vicky Adams reviewed: Fused glass workshop at The Butterfly Effect Studio near Halford

"I am so pleased I took this course. Ienjoyed exploring a new craft in a beautiful setting. Helen is an excellent teacher. She patiently demonstrated and explained the process while giving individual support to all of us. She is generous with her time and knowledge. I left wanting to come back for another course."

Louise leyland reviewed: Soy Wax Batik Class

"I had an enjoyable afternoon on this course .Chrissy was generous with her time and resources. I attended with my sister and we each came away with a sample /practise piece and 2 pieces of batik painting which we chose the design of from the many available . I recommend this course if you like to learn a new skill."

Debbie reviewed: Drum lampshade workshop - Saturdays

"Thoroughly enjoyed this course. Sarah's classes are relaxed and she is very patient, encouraging and knowledgeable. I am really pleased with my lampshade - Thank you Sarah."

Sandra Plackett reviewed: Glass Suncatcher Copper Foiling Workshop

"Very enjoyable experience. All the various stages were explained to us as we reached them. Jane very friendly and helpful. Would thoroughly recommend this activity."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you so much for your review. We are really pleased you had an enjoyable day."

Dina reviewed: Animal clay sculpture workshops with Jill Collier

"I took this class last Saturday and I am still under the impression of it! I had fab time, it’s been a while I wanted to learn sculpture and this full day of sculpting with Jill really opened up my eyes! Highly recommend it. It’s a lovely spot and Jill is a very warm person, you will definitely feel comfortable))."

Sara reviewed: Yoga Sloth Needle Felting Kit

"A lovely product and very good value for Money - would but again!"

Crafty You Crafty Me responded:

"Thanks for your review Sara, I'm so please you like the kit."

Jon reviewed: 2 day knife making course

"A really fun and enjoyable 2 days spent making an axe. Gary and Joss were both great throughout, providing support and advice to make a good quality piece even with no prior knowledge. They also give you enough flexibility to make it feel like you've made something truly unique and bespoke at the same time. Would recommend to anyone who wants to experience being a blacksmith"

Heidi Watson reviewed: Resin jewellery making workshop

"Had an amazing day at the Resin Jewellery Workshop yesterday with Claire, brilliant teacher explained everything really well. Made some lovely pieces of jewellery."

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"Thank you Heidi! You made some lovely jewellery! Claire"

Brig reviewed: Make your own shavehorse with Gedwood

"Really enjoyed the shavehorse course with Ged. Relaxed atmosphere and good ratio. Inspiring! Lots of learning and time to try and practice working with the different tools. It's been a great 2 days and I'm very proud of my shave horse. Would definitely recommend."

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks Brig. Thats a great shavehorse you made! All ready for some creative projects. Ged"

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

"First time wood turning since I was at school 50 years ago, really enjoyed my day, great venue one on one tuition, very pleasant people, Simon really knows his stuff. I am seriously looking at woodturning as a hobby for my retirement, highly recommend this training venue."

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Trevor, Thanks so much for your honest review and so glad you enjoyed your day. — Simon"

Eileen Williams-Sweet reviewed: Two day painting workshop in West Pembrokeshire with Kate Freeman

"My daughter and I spent a great afternoon in Kate’s studio. She is informative, helpful and totally encouraging. We both loved experimenting with colours and techniques and have taken new skills home with us. We had such a wonderful time, and learnt masses. Absolutely recommend Kate."

Coach House Studio responded:

"Thank you Eileen, it was lovely to have you both here and I'm really glad you enjoyed our session. I hope you have time to continue painting - stay in touch, I'd love to see what you do next!"

Lina reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Middleton Hall

"This course was a Christmas present for a friend who has always wanted to work with stone. He absolutely loved the 2 day course that was in a beautiful setting. Luckily the weather was good so he could work outside. He did say it was hard work but thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I benefitted from his hard work and was given the beautiful piece of art."

Helen reviewed: Diploma in Natural Soap Making

"This course was perfect to learn how to make soap from my own home, in my own time. If I had any questions I would write to Roxana and she would always help me with the answers. Excellent course."

Carolyn Shears reviewed: Green Wood Rustic Stick Chair

"Excellent day spent building a chair to take home. All equipment provided, great tuition and help from the course organisers. Very relaxing and not rushed, time to really enjoy the experience."