Latest reviews

Roger reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"Brilliant day. Great instruction and instructors. Superb lunch. Thoroughly recommend the day."

Natasha Winter reviewed: Drawing classes. Bringing drama and life with charcoal- all levels welcome!

"Really excellent teacher with a sympathetic, can do, hands on approach. Lovely location, beautiful materials. Generous sharing of knowledge and expertise. Cannot recommend highly enough."

Sarah Stokes responded:

"Aw thanks Natasha. It’s been a joy to see your work develop to a fantastic standard! You’ve created some really beautiful artwork. Thank you for the lovely review and see you very soon! ?"

Justin Smith reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Nigel is a great teacher. Everything is demonstrated in a relaxed manner with hilarious stories from his wide ranging experience. I did two days as a complete novice and ended up being hooked! Worth the travel if you are not local. I would find it hard to believe there is a better atmosphere anywhere else in which to start to learn this craft."

CAIN LEWIS reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I had a great day yesterday with George teaching me the art of Wood Turning. It was a very good day, I learned a lot, he has a lot of knowledge and is happy to share it with you. Went home with a lovely ash bowl. I would just like to thank George and Sue for the hospitality. Hopefully will be going back again in the future."

Helen Weaver reviewed: Weave a Scarf Workshop

"Cathy set a perfect balance between support and letting us get on with it! Her wools are beautiful and I think everyone was really proud of our weaving projects today. Thank you Cathy"

Lazykate Textiles responded:

"Thank you Helen, this is very kind of you. Your enthusiasm was infectious, it was a lovely day"

Lin reviewed: Mohair Robin bauble

"Lyn is an excellent and patient teacher full of encouragement and and advice. Highly recommend any of her classes and I was really pleased with my finished Robin - family and friends were also very impressed"

Boo Bears Cumbria responded:

"Thank you Lin, looking forward to seeing the Mohair Westie dog come together. Lyn"

Mrs Linda Ratcliffe reviewed: Drawing classes. Bringing drama and life with charcoal- all levels welcome!

"Thoroughly enjoying this course, Sarah is inspiring us all ,and encourages us with her great skills and knowledge, with great results."

Sarah Stokes responded:

"Thank you Linda for the lovely feedback. Really glad that you’re enjoying the course. The hares and the bees that you have created are fabulous!! Really well done! ?"

linda reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course with Afternoon Tea

"Paula was amazing! I loved every minute of the course. Paula was very detailed and gave us so much information about how to make a candle and everything behind it! thank you so much Paula! Afternoon was good too, sandwiches were not stale and scones were very tasty!!"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Hi Linda, thank you very much. I am so pleased you enjoyed the course. Good luck in your candle making journey. Paula"

Fran Isaac reviewed: Beginners Glass Fusing 6 Week Course

"Loved it..Sarah has a very relaxed teaching style..nothing in the studio is off limits. Enjoyed learning techniques and met some lovely people. Have booked on to a further course! And she makes cake!"

Sara Mitchell reviewed: Annie Sloan Method with Chalk Paint for Upcycling Furniture at La Di Da Interiors - The Basics

"I thoroughly enjoyed the Annie Sloan courses I did with Steph. We covered loads of different techniques and Steph was very knowledgeable. We had a laugh too. Thank you."

Laura reviewed: Furniture upcycling workshop - 1 day

"I really enjoyed getting creative at this fab upcycling workshop. Hannah is a great guide and provided helpful tips and demos throughout the day. Would definitely recommend. Looking forward to my next project with my newfound skills!"

Tread Softly responded:

"Hi Laura, thank you! I can’t wait to see your future projects as I loved the colours you used and the design ? thanks so much for coming!"

Siobhan Gascoigne reviewed: Mohair Robin bauble

"If you want a unique Christmas bauble to hang on your tree this year then this is definitely the course for you!!! Lyn has a huge range of mohair for you to choose from to make your robin your own and her skill in helping you to achieve your work of art is second to none. She welcomes you into her own home in a very friendly manner and has lovely refreshments to keep you going. You are sure to be really pleased with your creation!"

Boo Bears Cumbria responded:

"Thank you Siobhan, Looking forward to welcoming you back for a 3rd year, Robin, Owl and next a Penguin?"

Kate reviewed: Tree stump planter workshop - sculpture workshop using Pal Tiya Premium

"A fabulous course in all respects! Joe and Bob are knowledgeable, kind, enthusiastic and patient. They made us feel we could have a go, and achieve a quality creation to take home. They demonstrated and stepped in to help when we needed it. We felt they really cared that we were happy with our day and with our creations. Thank you chaps! We loved it (and we all love what we made. Excited to cure and finish our pieces!)"

Robert reviewed: Silver jewellery for beginners - 2 day workshop

"I took part in Alison's Silver jewellery for beginners - 2 day weekend workshop. This was an absolutely fantastic course and I learnt an enormous amount from Alison and her many years of experience in the industry. Upon arrival Alison welcomed me to the centre and her studio then we discussed my aspirations for the two days. I was introduced to tools and techniques as well as the materials we'd be working with. I started on a practice ring to begin with where Alison demonstrated the technique and I copied under her guidance. Completing the practice ring we then went on to develop some more complex pieces with gemstone bezels, one of these I'd go on to present to my partner as a promise ring (which she loved). The whole two days went very quickly as it was busy but extremely enjoyable informative. I think this course would be perfect for anyone who wants a really good through introduction to the world of silversmithing, or alternatively, anyone who is interested in doing some crafting and wants to learn from an experienced tutor in a relaxed and well setup studio."

Alison Flanders Studio responded:

"It was a delight to have you attend the workshop. I'm so happy you enjoyed it. I hope it inspires you to go on to other projects in the future. best Alison"

James Dobie reviewed: Jewellery making course - Bracelets, Stacking Rings, Earrings & Pendants - New Forest

"I had an amazing day with Natalia in her fabulous studio in the New Forest. I made a silver bracelet and a ring (birthday gift for my girlfriend!). As a beginner, I was surprised at how much I achieved and the quality of the finished pieces. It is definitely a bonus having such a small group as everyone had lots of attention and could choose a different project. Natalia is a very knowledgeable, encouraging and patient teacher. Many thanks! I will definitely be back!"

Lightwave Jewellery responded:

"Thank you very much James! It was a pleasure sharing the studio with you and helping you to create your beautifully made pieces. Looking forward to having you back!"

Rachel Evans reviewed: Enamelling Taster Session

"Melissa’s workshop was my first go at enamelling and she facilitated a warm, relaxing environment where I felt supported along every step of the process. She is knowledgable, approachable and passionate about her craft. And kept her cool when my piece got stuck in the kiln! ? Thank you Melissa!"

Liz reviewed: Paint pouring with tea & cake

"Best course I have even been on. Price is extremely reasonable, small group allows for lots of help from Dina and her mum. The studio is lovely, light and spacious. We were very happy with our canvasses and it is a project you could carry on at home."

John Devries reviewed: Drawing classes. Bringing drama and life with charcoal- all levels welcome!

"Charcoal drawing may not be as appealing as other media such as watercolour but I thoroughly enjoyed this course. Sarah is convinced that she can teach anyone to draw and judging by our class's results she appears to be correct. Everybody went away with an image worthy of framing. Sarah is a very patient and capable teacher and I would thoroughly recommend the course."

Sarah Stokes responded:

"Thank you John! The pieces that you have produced have been fabulous and I’m so glad you’re enjoying the course. See you on Tuesday! ?"

Abi Chantrey reviewed: Leather craft for beginners and improvers

"Had such a great Sunday with a very welcoming and funny man! I've never done leather crafting before, but it was so fun, creative and really got your mind focusing! I loved the colours, the workshop had so much character! Slim, the teacher was friendly, easy to talk too and intelligent! Me and my other half will definitely return! Loved it so much and I'm so proud of my result of a coin pouch! ? 10/10!"

Sue Field reviewed: Introduction to traditional Calligraphy - foundational hand

"An excellent course when I learnt a lot but didn't feel overwhelmed with information. A good balance between the amount of verbal tutoring and time for practical application. A comfortable, friendly approach and some excellent exemplars together with pen, ink and practice sheets to take home. It was a lovely bonus to have lunch included which allowed time to look at the books and examples Sunita had provided."

Bradley Levin reviewed: Leather craft for beginners and improvers

"Just got back from a brilliant day with Slim. Excellent teacher, great guy, fantastic product at the end!"

Diane Whiteley reviewed: Hand sewn mohair teddy bear making course in Cumbria

"Fantastic watching the magic as your bear appears. Lyn is so patient and helpful. She is definitely the bear lady. Wished we lived nearer so we could join Bear Club. Thanks again for our lovely bears xx"

Boo Bears Cumbria responded:

"Thank you Diane, always welcome if up this way to bear club, see you in Nov to make your Robin bauble. Lyn"

Tracey reviewed: Furniture upcycling workshop - 1 day

"Really enjoyed the course with Hanna. I learnt a lot from her. Hanna is very good at what she does and makes you feel very at ease. I would definitely recommend this course. I already plan to do another course with Hanna."

Tread Softly responded:

"Hi Tracey, thanks for the lovely review ? would love to see you again. Hope it’s encouraged you to do lots more upcycling in the future ?"

Leanne Bowness reviewed: Jewellery from reclaimed copper

"I loved the copper jewellery workshop. It was excellent value for money and really good fun. Lesley is extremely knowledgeable and very patient. She has great facilities and resources. She also demonstrated and explained each step so well, repeating them when we needed it. The pieces we all produced (there were 4 of us in this workshop) looked really professional. I can't wait to do another class. Highly recommend."

Jenny reviewed: 1to1 airbrushing for beginners

"I booked on this day workshop after receiving a airbrush kit for Xmas. I wanted to learn how to use my own airbrush and Jamie was great at showing me how to use and clean my kit, plus loads of other little titbits of information to get me started. I really enjoyed my day, it was very informative and good fun. Thank you Jamie."