Latest reviews

Ruth Miller reviewed: Saturday silver clay jewellery and adjustable ring workshop at Ransom's Pavilion, Hitchin

"Spent a great afternoon with Tuuli and some other lovely ladies. It was fun, informative and friendly. Came out with two pieces that I was really pleased with. Tuuli explained every step clearly and was very patient with us all! Thoroughly recommend!"

Zoe D reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Highly recommended, whether you are doing this for yourself or as a potential business. Jo is so lovely and friendly and puts you right at ease. She is so knowledgeable and explains everything simply for you, so it is easy to learn from her. Lots of helpful hints and tips too regarding, little tricks and websites to turn to for help and items. I came away totally inspired, and excited for my new venture. I am already working on my candle testing/Stock and am speaking to a designer regarding my logo and labels.. Excited for what the future may hold. Thanks Jo, I will be keeping an eye out for any future courses!"

The White Candle Company responded:

"Hi Zoe Thank you so much for this lovely review. I wish you lots of luck going forward and can't wait to see what you come up with. Do keep in touch and send me pics! Best wishes Jo xx"

Ailsa reviewed: Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

"I had a fantastic experience on this course. Wendy and Clive made me feel very welcome and their teaching style is second to none - they are patient but really focus on letting the student do the work, even the tricky bits. This means that not only do you leave the course with a really impressive end product (I have had countless compliments on my leather handbag), but you also leave with all the knowledge and a large part of the skills required to recreate the work yourself at home. This course is challenging for a complete beginner, but Wendy and Clive broke down all of the elements and none of the course felt rushed. You will learn how to cut leather for a pattern, mark it, hand stitch it and dye it. You can choose from a range of colours to dye your leather and there are different styles of bag to choose from. Wendy and Clive are also eco-conscious, and shared a lot of the knowledge they have on the industry and types of leather. I have attended workshops before (for other craft activities such as sewing) and this is by far the best course I have been on for (a) value for money, (b) the quality of the teaching and (c) for the end product (I wear my handmade bag with pride). I could not recommend this course more, its a great experience and you will learn so much."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"We are really pleased you enjoyed the bag workshop and that you are proud of the bag."

Dawn Rees reviewed: Wool processing workshop

"Had a great wool workshop with Lisa. She is very knowledgeable and personable. The workshop was informative and had a great atmosphere. I would definitely recommend these workshops."

Jane reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"Simply fabulous, loved every minute of it. Thank you Jo for a brilliant workshop, looking at dates for a 2 days one ??"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Jane ? - really enjoyed having you both here. Am preparing for a two day workshop for this coming weekend, so there will be more photos of crazy, wonderful sculptures to see for inspiration. See you soon. Jo x"

Trisha McGarry reviewed: Textile landscape workshop in Dorset

"Had a wonderful day with Imogen. Really enjoyed learning and came away with a piece I was very proud of. Imogen has some amazing pieces of work and I felt honoured to spend the day with such a wonderful artist. The course was relaxed, informative & fun and gave me some real insight to enable me to do more myself. Thank you"

Georgina reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"Fabulous day. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Jo was most welcoming, a brilliant teacher who took time to help us all during the processes used. I was so happy with my finished sculpture. Having regular tea and coffee all day was a welcome bonus!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Georgina Lovely having you and your sister at the workshop - many laughs were enjoyed ?. Well done on both your hare sculptures. Jo x"

Diana W reviewed: Felt picture making workshop in Rugby!

"A very enjoyable course, we all laughed a lot and had a great time. The cake made by Karen, along with coffee or tea, served mid-afternoon, was a lovely touch (and delicious too!)."

Karen Wyeth Contemporary Felt Artist responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review Diana, so pleased you had an enjoyable afternoon!"

Jane reviewed: Saturday silver clay jewellery workshop at Ransom's Pavilion, Hitchin 1.30pm - 5.00pm

"My daughter and I had a wonderful afternoon making silver clay jewellery with Tuuli. She is a really great teacher and has a lovely manner. She explains everything clearly and is very organised with a great choice of moulds and cutters to choose from. We made several pieces that we are delighted with. We would thoroughly recommend this course."

Tuuli Parker responded:

"Thank you so much Jane! I really appreciate you taking the time to leave such lovely feedback. You both made such great pieces! Kind regards, Tuuli"

Sue Adams-McMillan reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"I received a one day stained glass workshop course as a gift, and what a wonderful present it was. The workshop is in a lovely setting and there is plenty of space, light and glass of all different colours and textures for you get crafty with. You get your own workspace with all the required equipment to make a design of your own, or if you are not that way inclined there are designs that Matt can offer you. You get to learn how to do traditional stained glass windows, or the copper foil method. I opted for the copper foil method and I wasn't disappointed. After hearing all the safety info, and the techniques needed to cut glass ( which was really relevant) we all learnt how to wrap our fingers in insulation tape, to prevent all those minuscule pieces of glass from cutting your finger tips to pieces. We then got going. Matt was a great tutor, he moved around and helped people with all the different parts involved in making our designs, with a good mix of humour and lots of positivity and motivation. I would highly recommend this course, it made the non-arty part of me into an artist. I didn't have to worry about mixing paints, how to use a paint brush correctly, or trying to make clay into that correct shape. I just cut glass and fitted it together. If there were any negatives they may be: 1) you got glass envy when you saw what other people managed to find in the racks and use in their designs, 2) you got design envy when you saw what other people came up with in their design, some of them were fabulous and I wish I thought of that, 3) once you were in the 'stained glass cutting and compiling zone' you became totally unaware of the concept of time. My design had to be modified as it had too many pieces, but I finished it and when I finally held it up to the sunshine, well it was awesome. Thanks Matt, for a lovely creative day."

Tom lodge reviewed: Axe making course

"Really fun and interesting learning the process of how an age is forged, every step of the process is explained clearly. To sum up it's just an extremely cool experience."

Christine Ellis reviewed: Perfume Making in Norfolk

"I had a lovely day with Diane! I am so proud of my perfume, which met with the approval of my chums later that evening who declared it to be ‘gentle’ (a word Diane used), ‘warm’ ‘subtly spiced’ - just what I was aiming for. I had lots of different aromas and essences to work with, which was initially overwhelming, but under Diane’s steady eye (and nose!) I eventually developed a recipe which produce a beautiful perfume. Thank you Diane!"

Aroma Natural responded:

"Hi Christine Many thanks for your kind words and for taking the time to write a review for me, I really appreciate it. So very pleased you are happy with the perfume you created, you must have been very happy when your friends liked it to. I really enjoyed the day I spent with you. Again many thanks."

Victoria Grainger reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"Thank you Alison for a really brilliant day, you are so talented, skillful, professional and hospitable. Firstly, you looked after our every need with a few little surprises too to make it special. Secondly, everything was prepared and ready for our activities which were well staged to help us succeed with the technique. Thirdly, you were attentive to each person helping them in a relevant, encouraging and understanding way. I would love to come back to this beautiful setting for future workshops and would recommend this to friends too."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Victoria, Thank you so much for your lovely feedback, it was great to meet you and work with you yesterday.I am so pleased you enjoyed the day and I hope it has given you the confidence to develop your batik skills ! I look forward to seeing you again. Best wishes Alison"

Ella reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"This course was excellent. I was a complete beginner but have come away confident enough to attempt this in the comfort of my own home. Claire was friendly, helpful, informative and knowledgable. I would recommend this course and will look book further courses in the future. Thank you Claire."

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"Thank you Ella it was really nice to meet you. I look forward to seeing what you make in the future!"

Susan reviewed: Reclaimed Wooden Personalised Box Crate

"Love the product. Quick and efficient service. Good communication on order. This is my second order and will use again."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you Susan, so kind and so pleased! And thanks so much for the second order. All the very best. Rach"

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

"Loved learning to prog with Jenni. Good venue, excellent teaching and lots of inspiration and good company"

Jenni's Rag Rugs responded:

"A good day which I enjoyed too. Looking forward to seeing your seat mat."

Penny Henshaw reviewed: Weave a patterned scarf in a day - Harrogate

"As a person with not a lot of crafting skills I came away feeling quite proud of what I did. Anne was a brilliant mentor and always at hand to assist and answer questions. I strongly recommend the course and it was a day I shall not forget spent with friends who kindly bought me the day as a birthday gift."

Ian Ryder reviewed: Spoon Carving Course in sussex

"These two days really exceeded my expectations - largely due to the welcoming and relaxed atmosphere that Danny and his helpers and family have created in their woodland haven. A wonderful two days spent away from the cares of the world, with excellent teaching, help and advice at hand, and tasty food. I came away with a spoon and bowl that I'm really pleased with, and everyone on the course seemed to be having just as much fun as me. All I need to do now is find the time for that 5 day chair-making course..."

Sussex green woodworking responded:

"Thanks Ian . It was a great weekend . You showed a good understanding of the material and the tools and made some fine pieces ! The excellent weather was a bonus . I hope we can meet again in the woods ."

David Hamilton reviewed: Two day blacksmithing course

"I've been a hobbyist blade smith for about 3 years and decided I wanted to increase my skill set, everything I learned so far had been from YouTube and TV but there is only so much you can learn that way, so I booked in with Julian for a 2 day course. On arrival Julian immediately puts you at ease, runs you through a few basic safety things and then its into the work. I chose to make the poker, which sounds easy, but isn't. Over the next two days Julian taught me how to do many of the things I've been struggling with (upsetting, twisting, ring making, drawing, spreading and many other things) he also corrected my hammer work so that I can work much more efficiently. All the while putting up with my stupid errors with patience and understanding. Its a busy couple of days, but Julian lets you work at your own speed, encouraging without criticising and keeping good humour through it all. I cannot recommend this course enough; whether you have worked hot metal before or not you will enjoy 2 very instructive and fulfilling days and come away with a piece you will be proud to say you made."

Kevin Forth reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Really enjoyed the day - this was bought as a Christmas present after I expressed an interest in learning more about blacksmithing and I'm hooked! Adrian and Andy were really good and helpful explaining what we were there to make, and showing us step by step through the process - I never thought I would be capable of producing items that looked so good as a beginner! the pace of the day is perfect, at no point do you feel rushed and help and advice is always on hand (as is first aid if you manage to burn yourself like I did - turns out red hot metal burns if you touch it who knew?) I will definitely be booking on to more courses in the future!"

Liz reviewed: Explore printmaking

"I was given this course as a Mother’s Day present and having done no such thing before I thoroughly enjoyed it. I brought home my work and was extremely happy with my first attempt. Barbara was very helpful and answered all questions in an easy to understand way. Full marks for the course."

B Wagner Printmaker responded:

"Thank you Liz. I am glad you enjoyed it."

Michael reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"This was a fantastic course to learn woodcarving skills. Alan is incredibly knowledgeable of safe carving techniques and great at teaching them. Sim was also very welcoming and made sure we were well fed and caffeinated. I highly recommend this course and the spoon carving addiction that brews from it."

Liz reviewed: Throwing on the wheel for couples

"My husband and I had a couples throwing on the wheel course with Geri. She is an excellent teacher and firstly demonstrated, and then guided us through making our own pots. We had great fun, the time just flew by. We were also delighted that we managed to make some nice pots, even though as a novice the shape of the pot is whatever appears rather than pre thought out design! We even added some colour which made the pots much more professional looking. We had a great day and I’d highly recommend this course"

Geraldine Francis Ceramics responded:

"Thank you for your review. I am so pleased that you enjoyed your morning. I will be in touch when your pots are ready to arrange sending them to you."

Sue Hope reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"Wow what a fabulous experience in the most wonderful of surroundings with lots of hares for inspiration. Very relaxed and humorous at times. Jo is an amazing tutor, friendly patient and extremely knowledgeable. With step by step instructions and demonstrations it was easy to come away with a beautiful Leaping Hare that will take pride of place in my lounge. I cant wait to return in the future to make a larger sitting hare for my garden. Thanks for giving us all an amazing workshop/experience and keeping us hydrated throughout."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"My pleasure Sue ?. So glad you enjoyed the day creating your lovely leaping hare. I look forward to seeing you again! Jo x"

Marius reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"First experience with epoxy resin and I have to say Richard can share his knowledge in a easy to understand terms. Loved that we were given the freedom when mixing the pigments. Anyone who's interested in creating using epoxy, shouldn't miss Richard's courses."