Latest reviews

Chloe reviewed: Silver clay workshop: flower pendant

"I attended this workshop with my mum as a gift for her birthday. We both really enjoyed it - we learnt a lot about how to use the materials and are very happy with what we made. The finished pieces look really good and you wouldn't guess it was our first go! Julie was really lovely, she explained everything well and was very helpful and patient. She clearly knows a lot about the materials and process. The workshop was relaxed and we didn't feel rushed and overall really enjoyed the experience. We plan to join another in the future and would recommend to anybody."

Helen Webb reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at King John's Nursery, Etchingham, East Sussex

"My daughter and I had an absolutely fabulous day with Marianne in the beautiful setting of King Johns Nursery weaving our baskets. We learnt so much through Marianne's careful and considered instruction. She brings a wealth of experience to the course and her passion and enthusiasm are infectious! We both came away with useful and well made baskets which seemed unlikely at the start of the day and we both continue to reflect on the day fondly. Thank you Marianne"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"What a lovely review you wrote here, Helen! Thank you so much for that! I'm glad my tailored instructions worked for you. However, I won't take credit for the result, as that was down to your interpreting the instructions correctly and following them precisely, hence the fantastic result for a first basket! Well done to both of you, as they look amazing and you were such great students! Would love to teach you some more interesting techniques (I'm thinking perhaps a handle or two next time), so who knows, our paths may cross again. Many thanks and best wishes, Helen. Marianne"

Melanie reviewed: Beginners 2 sterling silver stacking rings Jewellery course

"What a lovely time I had making 2 stacking rings. Sarah is a very knowledgeable and attentive teacher, she explained all the steps carefully and kept an eye on what I was doing. This was my first experience of jewellery making and I am delighted with the results. The studio is well equipped and welcoming I will definitely be back for more."

Linda reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Excellent course. Covered all the basics and I now feel confident to carry on myself with some chance of success. Highly recommended."

Carole Watson reviewed: Throwing for beginners

"Charlie certainly knows his stuff as well as being extremely patient and super helpful. I really enjoyed the day, despite not being a natural..... If you're looking to learn about pottery, then Charlie is definitely your man!!"

Charlie's Pots responded:

"Hello Carole It was a pleasure to meet you and fun to teach you. Thank you so much for your comments. Hope to see you back at the wheel soon. Charlie"

B Griffiths reviewed: Quilting: Quilt-in-a-Day

"What a great way to spend a day! Jacqueline was knowledgeable and friendly. The venue was easy to find and ideal for quilting. A fantastic introduction to quilting. Recommended 100%!"

Bee-spoke Quilts responded:

"Thank you for your kind comments. I’m really pleased that you enjoyed your introduction to quilting. Keep sewing!"

Antonia reviewed: Stylish personalised keyring

"We had such fun. Charlie’s workshop is a lovely serene place, and Charlie is a very knowledgeable and engaging host. She makes a lovely cuppa, and ensured we left with some great keyrings. Thank you Charlie, we really loved our session!"

Kris reviewed: Mokume Gane - gift making, polymer clay

"What a lovely afternoon we spent with Helga! Booked as a group to celebrate a colleague’s retirement, everyone enjoyed making their fabulous colourful creations. We had lots of laughs and were made incredibly welcome, Helga was fun, supportive and inspiring. We came home with lots of lovely pieces of jewellery, perfect way to spend an afternoon."

Colourbuzz responded:

"It was lovely celebrating with you! the finished pieces were amazing!"

Debbie reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Hedgerow Basket Making for Beginners/Improvers - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden

"I’ve wanted to try willow weaving for a long time and this 1-day workshop was a perfect introduction. Marianne is the most patient and helpful teacher you could wish for. We were all beginners yet she made time for all of us with humour and care. I had a really lovely day out with my friend. It was quite challenging at times - I’m already booked on to my next course though!"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for the review of your basketry course, Debbie. So good to hear what you thought of it and that you'd had a lovely day. Looking forward to the next course we'll be doing and new things I will be teaching you then. Thanks again and see you soon. With best wishes, Marianne"

Margaret reviewed: Glass Fusing with David Humphreys

"David is an excellent tutor. Really enjoyed the course. Good value for money."

Pam Barr -Davies reviewed: Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

"An excellent 2 days spent with Clive and Wendy. The course was very well structured with excellent instructions and hands off supervision throughout. We covered all aspects of making the bag, cutting, dying, hand sewing and fitting attachments resulting in a lovely bag and a great introduction to leatherwork. All carried out in a calm environment with fabulous views and the cats to watch for additional entertainment. Thank you very much Clive and Wendy."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"We're pleased that you enjoyed it. Luna and Oberon were on form this weekend. (We do check that people are ok with cats before we let Oberon into the work area. Luna is a feral cat that spends a lot of time on our patio.) We are pleased you later ke your new bag as well."

Pippa reviewed: An Introduction to Glass Fusing

"Very friendly and relaxed environment. Absolutely amazing day creating four pieces using a range of techniques. We will be going back!"

All Things Glass responded:

"Thank you Pippa glad you both enjoyed your day, it was a pleasure to have your company & your are welcome back anytime."

Katrina Snowden reviewed: Resin art course for beginners

"Great for absolute beginners . Norman was a very relaxed friendly guy who explained everything well."

Reson-8 responded:

"Many thanks for your review Katrina very much appreciated"

Julia Wilson reviewed: Beginners Mosaics Workshops near Exeter, Devon

"We had a fantastic day ( myself and my two daughters) where we were given reign to our creativity but had all the help we needed from Denny. All materials are included in the price plus a choice of homemade cake!"

MosaicXandMe responded:

"Thanks, Julia, for taking the time to write a review. I’m glad you all enjoyed the day and I look forward to seeing you soon so you can complete your lovely kingfisher!"

Elena reviewed: Junior Art (5-12 yrs) taster session

"My 6 years old daughter had her tester session at Saturday and she was really excited after, so we book a class after Easter for her to continue."

The White Room Art Studio responded:

"So pleased she enjoyed her art lesson! Thank you for your review"

Kathryn Yates reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"I booked this course for my daughter, Christine for a bithday present. Very good website and easy to do. She had a fantastic time and learnt a lot from Richard, who was very knowledgable and patient. My daughter and i would thoroughly recommend this excellent course."

Tim reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had an amazing day with Alex. He was a brilliant and friendly teacher and I thoroughly enjoyed making my garden flower pot stand and paper knife. Such a memorable day and I would highly recommend the one day course. Thank you Alex."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Tim, thanks ? for the nice review, recommendation and kind words.. it's great to hear and very much appreciated. All the best Alex"

Mary Owen reviewed: Wood Carving Course

"I have never done any wood carving before and was really pleased with what I achieved. Our tutor, Pete explained everything thoroughly and was very keen to share the knowledge of his craft. The small size of the group meant that he could give us plenty of individual attention and I would certainly recommend the day. Thank you very much, Pete for a great day."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your review. We are really pleased to hear you enjoyed your day."

L N reviewed: Two day clay animal sculpture course

"I had the best time and would love to continue on a regular basis so will be booking again. If you're never done clay modeling before you will be learning in a tranquil environment and Miranda is a calm and intuitive tutor. I found this course excellent for all levels due to the tutorial guidance. Thoroughly enjoyed!"

Amerton Arts Studio responded:

"Thank you, so glad you enjoyed it."

Kirt reviewed: Art and craft of labyrinth

"This course was quite literally a highlight of my life. It restored my faith in humanity, my faith in goodness and right action."

Elizabeth Emmett reviewed: Throwing for beginners

"Such a fabulous day. Charlie was a great instructor, informative and patient, and made me feel confident with what I was doing. I would highly recommend this course and I can’t wait for my next session!"

Charlie's Pots responded:

"Hello Elizabeth Many thanks for your kind feedback. Look forward to seeing you at the glazing session. Charlie"

Daniel Constantin Mocrei reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Hedgerow Basket Making for Beginners/Improvers - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden

"I absolutely loved this course and it was worth the money. Marianne was a fantastic guide, explaining everything and helping when needed. It is not easy though - be warned! BUT definitely worth the effort and we all took away some beautiful and completely different baskets. Marianne was really sensitive at pitching things at the right level for each individual. The day is long and requires concentration but such a lovely skill to learn. I would absolutely recommend this course. I will be booking on the next one for sure. Emma"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thanks so much for your recommendation, Emma. It means so much to me, especially with your Occupational Health background. You know the importance of therapeutic occupation, first hand. Glad to pick up from your email that the length of the day was fine for you. Look forward to seeing you again soon at the next course. Thanks again very much. With best wishes, Marianne Angeloni-van Niekerken Crafty Basketry"

Vanessa Fisher reviewed: Traditional soft lampshade making at ShedLight

"Spent a great day with Vanessa learning lots of new skills and making a wonderful new lampshade. Vanessa is so knowledgeable, patient and lovely company."

ShedLight responded:

"Thank you Vanessa for your lovely review and I am so happy you enjoyed the day producing a fab bowed empire lampshade. ?"

Mike reviewed: Rag rug/rag wreath making day in North Herefordshire

"Enjoyable day learning a new skill and different methods to create the rugs and designs. Many thanks. Came away keen to do more. Jenni clearly has many years experience and explained things clearly and nicely."

Jenni's Rag Rugs responded:

"Glad you feel keen to do some more - we are keeping the craft alive. Your seat mat is really lovely."

Christine Hemingbrough reviewed: Upholstery workshop afternoons - bring your own project

"Loved this course. Really helpful and instructive, relaxed and friendly atmosphere, already booked again."