Latest reviews

stephen lambert reviewed: Woodcarving for beginners - two day course in Suffolk

"Very enjoyable introduction to carving. I learnt so much but now want more. Gerry made it both informative and fun. I would be interested in further courses, it's just a shame Gerry is moving further away."

Jenny reviewed: Bowl basket- 1 day course

"I have been on a number of one and two day courses with Jane in her beautiful converted barn. Jane is an amazing and very patient teacher spending time with each person on the course as needed. You are also treated to a selection of teas, homemade cake and soup at lunch time. I look forward to my next course with Jane and highly recommend her for all level of basket making skills."

Maria Palacios Mackay reviewed: 3 hour Silver jewellery course

"I came to York all the way from Chile to visit my daughter. One of the highlights of my trip was the jewellery making day-course I took with Richard. He went out of his way to meet my needs and provide me with an unforgettable jewellery making experience. Richard is extremely knowledgeable about his craft, but most importantly, kind, patient and an excellent teacher. His workshop is really well equipped; I was provided with everything I needed to make two beautiful silver rings that I got to take home. Both Richard and his wife Catherine were really friendly and generous. I was offered tea and coffee throughout the day and was welcome to use their kitchen to heat and eat my lunch. I recommend Richard with no reservations, and look forward to taking another course with him in the near future."

Allison Cowie reviewed: Glass fusing workshop - 2 hours (am)

"Jill was a great tutor, a very talented lady. I was quite anxious that my poor drawing and visualization of my end product would lead to disaster, but she listened well and suggested ways to proceed. Within 30 mins I was loving it and was so excited to complete my piece. I cannot wait to see it when it comes out of the kiln. I'm already telling my friends and hope to return for a full day. Fab cake too."

Fired Glass responded:

"Thank you Allison for your review and positive comments. We would love to see you again in the future. Glad you liked the cake! Regards John and Jill"

Jenny Cook reviewed: Make your own wedding rings at Brightsmiths Workshops in Rural Suffolk

"I had wanted to learn how to make jewelry for some time, but was unsure of my ability to execute a piece that I would be pleased with. From the outset contacting Rosie she was very patient, listening to my creative ideas and advising sensibly what she thought was achievable as a first project, as well as what was not. Eventually we agreed on me making a Triple Hare brooch/pendant in silver, which i drew out a design for. Rosie's expertise instilled confidence in me to give it a go and i learned several differing techniques in the process, such as sawing, filing, beveling, punching, soldering and polishing. For a first piece, it may have been a little over ambitious, but Rosie was generous with her time and knowledge. I found the whole process fascinating and am delighted with my finished piece, which i will treasure. I hope to do many more days under Rosie's guidance, exploring more creative ideas, techniques and finishes. If you are considering a course with Rosie, I highly recommend her, with friends or alone, there is so much to learn and its always a joy to get your creative flow going with something amazing to take home at the end of it all. The workshop is in a beautiful area of the Suffolk countryside too, lots of ancient trees around it and good energy lines flowing through it. Cannot recommend it all highly enough. Thank you Rosie!"

Michaela Fishwick reviewed: Layered lino printing

"I’m hooked. Karen is a mine of information and inspiration, she’s a very skilled talented artist and shares her expertise and techniques freely. I’ve learned more at Micklems Farm than on any other workshops, the tutors are amazing and it’s such a lovely place to be."

Micklems Farm Creative Workshops responded:

"Thank you - so glad you enjoyed it. Another hobby to keep you busy!"

Michaela Fishwick reviewed: Gel plate printing - inspired by nature

"So many ideas fell into place on this great course packed with techniques with Janina. Now set up to continue creating more confidently at home. Fabulous Micklems Farm was as relaxed and welcoming and spacious (huge individual desk areas are such a bonus) as ever, thank you so much."

Micklems Farm Creative Workshops responded:

"Thank you for coming! The big desks are a bonus on 'messy' workshops like printing and everyone seemed to produce so many beautiful prints."

Michael Barry reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I attended a one day course with George which I found to be very informative, this has given me the confidence to be able to operate a lathe to the standard I wanted. George's years of knowledge and passion for this activity were clear, his coaching techniques are direct and his communication is very well suited to give his students the skills they need (after just one day!) The pace of the day was perfect and lunch was great! I would strongly recommend George to anyone who would like to learn a new skill. I will be back for some more tuition soon! ?"

Jason French reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"I had the most fantastic 3 days which I enjoyed immensely, Lucy made us all feel welcome from the moment we arrived. The course was very informative and Lucy guided us through the carving process with her extensive knowledge, experience and talent, with great food to top it off."

Steve allum reviewed: Make your own Leather Apron for the BBQ, Crafting, Utility, Workshop

"Excellent setting and teacher. I was a complete novice who had never stitched anything or made anything from leather and was thrilled to have designed and made a great functional apron. Great cake as well!:)"

Sharon Salmon reviewed: Introduction to yarn dyeing at Peak District Yarns

"If you love yarn there is no better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than in Carries fabulous workshop. Having enjoyed the beginners course with my daughters in the summer, we quickly booked ourselves on to the second course and were totally addicted. Last month I took a party from Glossop League of Ladies WI and now they are converts too! From the conversation to the cake, you should not miss these courses- we will be back ?"

Helen Eke reviewed: Fun Afternoon Pottery Wheel Throwing Session-West Wales

"A wonderful afternoon with Jackie who took a complete novice and someone with a little experience and showed us how to throw pots in her lovely studio - we were thrilled with the results and look forward to receiving our finished work in a few weeks - Thankyou Jackie - we would recommend this workshop to everyone x"

Wayne Carroll reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Christine and I thoroughly enjoyed the one day traditional stained glass workshop we both attended on Saturday. Kate is an excellent tutor. She explained each process in detail and spent lots of time with each student when needed. Imagine our surprise to walk away with 2 finished stained glass pieces at the end of the day. We will most definitely come back to experience more and we would not hesitate to recommend this to anyone. Thank you again Kate for a great day."

Helen Eke reviewed: Lino and stamp printing workshop

"A brilliant afternoon with Diana arranged for us at short notice. Friendly, informative and fun! We produced prints that we were really pleased with. A great introduction to Lino cutting and printing. We had a great time ???"

Michael Newing reviewed: Screen printing beginners workshop

"Have just spent a wonderful morning at Lara's studio doing my first ever screenprint. The studio space is light and roomy, the coffee was freshly brewed, the cake and biscuits were plentiful and, most importantly, Lara is a friendly, patient, encouraging and inspirational tutor. Thank you so much."

Judy Grant reviewed: Glass fusing 1 day workshop

"Loved this course! I’d wanted to learn how to make images with fused glass for ages and in this course I found the perfect way to learn. Jane taught me the basics, stepped in when I was struggling and then left me to create my own masterpieces! I would highly recommend joining Jane to learn the skills of fused glass."

Andrea Buckle reviewed: Leather Clutch Purse Workshop

"I had a very enjoyable evening learning to do leatherwork with friends under Tracy's expert guidance. Everything needed was provided, and all explained brilliantly. I left feeling very accomplished and looking forward to doing more! Highly recommended for learning a new craft, making useful items and also for spending a fun few hours with a group of friends."

Kieth Rubery reviewed: Tool sharpening

"I arrived 10 minutes late but was immediately greeted with a smile and offer of tea or coffee. I found the course very enjoyable and informative. Dave and the team we’re very friendly and as you would expect knowledgeable about tools, sharpening and how to use them. Dave and his team explained all the various ways to sharpen tools and the equipment needed. Most of the other people like me on the course had watched various ways to sharpen tools on YouTube, but felt we needed to be shown one way, and the right way. Dave’s method which he’s used for years was shown and it appeared we all felt comfortable with his method. I would recommend this course to anyone who would not only like to learn how to sharpen their tools, but also maintain them to a high standard of sharpness. Excellent course, excellent venue, very friendly. I will be going again."

Sally Boyton reviewed: Leather Clutch Purse Workshop

"I had a lovely time on Tracy's course and having played around with small projects at home using leather offcuts, it was great be tutored by someone with experience so I could learn and apply the basics skills properly. The courses are held in a beautifully restored barn and you receive an apron and your own little tool kit for the duration. Tracy was friendly, professional and practical, taking us through every step of the make with great patience. We enjoyed a warm drink and a chat afterwards which is always a nice part of working together. I highly recommend booking an experience with her."

Anthony Levarelli reviewed: Introduction to ceramics- 7 week Tuesday course plus Raku day

"Nice diverse group of people on course. Joe and Bob are very helpful and great at encouraging people. I have already booked my next planter workshop. I will definitely recommend this course to others."

Sara Harpley reviewed: Mosaic taster session @ White Stones Studios

"Really enjoyed this course, great tutor, lovely environment and a gorgeous mosaic to bring home. Thank you David!"

Yvonne Jones reviewed: Machine made lined curtains

"Had a lovely morning with the lovely, knowledgeable Janet. Was made to feel at ease from the moment I stepped through the door. Feel confident now in having a go at making my own machine made curtains. I would definitely recommend this course"

Jill Phillips reviewed: Jewellery making course - Bracelets, Stacking Rings, Earrings & Pendants - New Forest

"I had a fantastic day with Natalia in her studio for the embossed earrings course. I was the only participant on the day so it became a one-to-one session and that meant I was able to make a bracelet as well as a pair of earrings. I really appreciated the way Natalia contacted me in advance of the course to discuss my ideas and materials costs. The day flew by because I enjoyed it so much. I had never done any silversmithing or jewellery making before but it didn't matter that I was a complete beginner - Natalia is an excellent teacher and explained everything fully. I was amazed at the number of different techniques I was able to learn and it was great being involved at every stage. The setting and Natalia's studio in the New Forest is perfect. I will definitely be back for more courses and I will treasure my new jewellery. Thank you Natalia!"

Tess reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"Denise, thank you for a brilliant day needle felting at Bonds! I really enjoyed the day, the time flew by. Your direction on making our woodland critters was great, we all came away with fantastic little felt characters. I’m already planning my next creation. The facilities were good and Bonds was easy to get to. All in all, a really worthwhile experience!"

Crafty Gal responded:

"So happy you had such a great day Tess. Good to meet you and see you needle Felting so brilliantly! Denise x"

Richard Driver reviewed: Woodcarving for beginners - two day course in Suffolk

"This was a fantastic introduction to wood carving. I thoroughly enjoyed it, lots to learn but Gerald is literally the most patient person I have ever met, and answers all your repeated questions like it's the first time. He had such a passion for the craft and that is really infectious...it makes you want to continue. Add to that the delicious food provided by his wife and the never ending supply of tea and biccies, it's a winning combination. Try for yourself....you won't be disappointed."