Latest reviews

Susan Wiles reviewed: Beginners Free Motion Machine Embroidery Workshop in Buntingford, Hertfordshire

"This was my first workshop with Sue. She was very welcoming, friendly. All the way through the day she was interesting and knowledgeable about her subject. I learnt most of the things I wanted and came home with a sample that I was proud of, and would continue to improve on. The cabin that we were in was full of Sues brilliant work which was encouraging. We were given lovely home made cake and lots of coffee to add to the fun day."

JJP reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"What a great guy, and wonderful course. I arrived as a total novice and found this fully hands on experience very informative. I left with a great idea of how to explore the next stage of leather making and would highly recommend Kingsley!"

Andrew Whewell reviewed: Wooden mechanical toy (automata) making

"What a truly brilliant course. Really enjoyed every minute of it and it helps that Stef is such an interesting guy to talk to whilst learning about his techniques and creations. Was very pleased with the end product and it will take pride of place in our daughter's room. I feel I learned enough on the day to be able to make creations of my own in future which is all I could have hoped for. Great stuff Stef. Keep going and look forward to seeing what you create in the future."

Penlan Crafts responded:

"Dear Andrew, Thank you very much for your nice review! It was a pleasure working (and chatting!) with you, I really hope your baby girl likes the toy daddy made for her! All the best, Stef"

Tia reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"We booked as a surprise for Mother’s day, we were all beginners and the experience was fantastic! Chris is extremely knowledgeable and friendly, he helped all four of us to make lovely sets of pottery. I would highly recommend to anyone who’s ever considered giving it a go, it’s extremely therapeutic and a good experience with others - we had our own pottery throwdown!"

Chris Greening Pottery responded:

"Many thanks for the lovely review Tia - it was a lovely session and yes, you all made some great pots and then gave them some really good decorating with the slips. Your pots are drying nicely in the kiln and will be ready for collection in a few weeks time. Best wishes, Chris."

Charlotte reviewed: Tailor-made one-to-one textile print workshop

"Earlier this year I did a Tailor-made one-to-one textile print workshop with Kathryn. It was absolutely fantastic, I learnt so much and tried so many different techniques. Kathryn was a really patient and knowledgeable teacher. Who kindly shared extra information before and after the workshop so I could carry on printing at home. I would definitely recommend taking a course with Katherine for a thoroughly enjoyable and interesting day."

Kathryn Green Textiles responded:

"Thank you for your review Charlotte. I am so pleased you enjoyed your workshop with me. I really enjoyed our day together. It was very productive and relaxed. You have real talent and great ideas, producing some wonderful samples. I hope you were pleased with them and it has inspired you to carry on printing at home."

Terry reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel, Copper Matte & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshops 2025

"The course was absolutely wonderful. Abi and Alison were so kind and generous with their time, their hospitality and sharing their knowledge and skills. We were all able to produce some fabulous results thanks to how hard they worked to ensure that the course was great fun, successful and safe. I have already recommended it to a number of people. My partner bought me the gift of the course for my birthday and it was the best gift ever. I learned so much too. Thank you so much Abi and Alison."

Alison and Abi Firing Workshops responded:

"Hello Terry Many thanks for this lovely review. It was great to meet you and delighted to help you on your pottery journey. Hope you can join us for another weekend sometime. Happy potting and experimenting! with best wish Alison and Abi"

Alison reviewed: Ukulele build (assembly from Kit)

"Under Ted's expert supervision, I managed to make a great tenor ukulele that I was really proud of whilst my husband was busy constructing an awesome electric guitar. Ted made sure that we had just the right amount of support and understanding each step of the way. This was such a fun and interesting experience day which we both loved, especially as Ted was happy to combine these two courses so that we could attend together."

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thanks Alison you were both a treat to be with and I hope you do get to come on another course soon. let me know how the ukulele sounds too? Kind regards Ted"

Richard Gilbert reviewed: Electric guitar (6 String) Building day course

"I had the most enjoyable day with Ted constructing a Telecaster Thinline which he especially ordered in for me. He explained every part of the construction stage by stage allowing me to do everything hands on line creating, cutting and sanding the headstock using the machinery, soldering the electrics and then setting up the guitar. Full attention to detail was offered including fret filing and getting the intonation correct. I learnt so much and as a keen guitarist it was great to be able to create my own to add to my collection. I have a bit of homework to do now as I want to reduce the chunky neck and apply a finish but Ted pointed me in the right direction giving me some great tips. Ted is such a great person and teacher. He made me feel very comfortable and though I am a novice when it comes to this sort of thing I actually felt very confident. I can’t recommend this course enough."

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thanks Richard you certainly did enjoy the day indeed, glad to be of help too! the telecaster thin line was a nice build and I hope it makes a decent sound when you plug her in at home. Remember those strings do need changing my friend. Take good care and hope to see you and Alison on a bandsaw box course very soon. Kind regards Ted"

Jenny reviewed: Stained Glass Traditional Leading Workshop for Beginners

"A thoroughly enjoyable day. We did exactly as described bar eating our lunch in the workshop rather than at the nearby tearooms! At the end of a very long day we did all go home with items of which we were all justifiably proud and could legitimately say we pretty well did it all! We were encouraged to proceed and complete and both Mike & Jenny would encourage us to do, make mistakes and learn! They were very patient and prepared to repeat whatever was required to get to the end! As we all exceeded the course time, they still did not try to take over to speed the proceedings and I would like to thank them for their diligence. I would certainly recommend giving this course or any of the others a go if you fancy it!"

Vitreus Art responded:

"Many thanks for your review Jenny - we’re pleased you enjoyed the workshop! Mike"

Maria Grass reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Spent a wonderful day with Jo. The course was excellent and covered everything I needed to know. Jo was friendly and extremely helpful and answered all the questions the group had. Made three different size candles and wax melts with different fragrances which we able to choose from. I would highly recommend."

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thanks Maria. It was lovely to see your again and I really cant wait to see your own creations. Take care xx"

Kathy Taylor (aka Katie Flutie) reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Warrington, Cheshire

"A fabulous day making a super gorgeous footstool. The workshop tutored by Jo was excellent - great tuition, support and guidance at a good pace. I was so pleased with my new skills that I’ve ordered equipment and materials to make another, slightly bigger, footstool for another room. My return journey was nearly 200 miles but well worth the trip and I hope to do more of Jo’s courses. Very highly recommended!"

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you Kathy, and for driving all that way. The fact that you’ve bought stuff to make more at home tells me the workshop was a success! Perfect. Shout me if you need any more guidance. ?"

Sharon naylor reviewed: Create a beautiful needle felt portrait of your dog with Sophie Wheatley of All Things Felt & Beautiful

"Sophie wheatly, course is excellent, she is a brilliant teacher, gives you lots of encouragement and confidence, she explain sthe course in full how it works , worth every penny, thank you sophie"

All Things Felt & Beautiful responded:

"Thank you so much! I’m thrilled that you’re enjoying the course."

Caroline O'Brien reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Warrington, Cheshire

"My daughter and I had a fabulous day yesterday at Grappenhall Heyes, learning to upholster a footstool. Jo was such a great teacher, so helpful and because the group was only 6 lovely ladies, there was lots of one to one time available and nothing too much trouble. Delicious cakes and bottomless tea and coffee! And the best is we all came away with beautiful footstools ?"

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you so much Caroline. I’m so pleased you and Izzie enjoyed the day. What a lovely group you all were. Thanks for your lovely company."

Nic reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"What an amazing day! Siobhan is a brilliant teacher and we had so much fun creating our glass pieces. I would highly recommend it to anyone!! Thanks Siobhan"

Siobhan Jones Designer Glass responded:

"Thank you Nic! It was lovely to see you again, and an absolute pleasure to have your energy here in the studio! :o)"

Louise Livingstone reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"My husband bought me this stone-carving experience for my birthday as I have always wanted to carve stone. The weekend exceeded all of my expectations. Sebastian was a wonderful tutor, always on hand to ask for advice, yet he was not controlling or intrusive. His approach enabled me to trust in my growing relationship with the stone, and the design that wanted to emerge from it. I am really proud of my sculpture which is now sitting in pride of place in my lounge! I am already planning my next weekend and my next design! Thank you so much for a wonderful experience, Sebastian."

Emma Bates reviewed: Giacometti style bronzed animal sculpture one day workshop Suffolk one-to-one or max 4 students

"I absolutely adored this course! Diana was a fantastic teacher, and it was wonderful to learn new skills through the course. She has inspired me to get more creative, and I will treasure the memories of the day for a long time!"

Art on the Edge responded:

"Oh bless you Emma. Glad I inspired you. You made a fantastic hare. Thank you so much for leaving a review! Di"

Debbie reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"this was something I have always wanted to try and it totally lived up to my expectation. Simon is an excellent teacher and i was amazed at what i managed to achieve in such a short time. Very enjoyable day."

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

"Hi Debbie, So glad you enjoyed your experience. If you need any help in the future, please get in touch. -- Simon"

Emma Whittingham reviewed: Willow sculpture workshop at Usk Castle Chase

"A really great course. Amanda is a brilliant teacher with so much knowledge to share and so accommodating of everyone’s different sculpture project. I felt very inspired by what I made and what everyone else made!"

Matt reviewed: Pottery/ceramics wheel throwing (full day)

"Really enjoyable day. Lorraine has a great teaching style that is relaxed yet attentive putting you at ease whilst imparting a good level, and range, of basic pot throwing skills that enabled us all to produce some very nice looking items. Her studio is clean, well equipped and had plenty of room for all of us to work comfortably. There are also facilitates to make plenty of cuppas and the cake and biscuits were lovely. Great day all round, definitely excellent value."

Jeffrey Hall reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day

"I took a four day course with Les Symonds. I would start by saying that communication prior to the course was brilliant, I was asked what it was I wanted to learn so that it was bespoke to me. Upon arriving at the workshop, I was greeted with a cup of tea and welcoming smile. I was then shown to the workshop where we went through all health and safety briefing. This then lead straight on to producing a bowl. Les was very personable and proffesional. With his guidence and impeccable teaching I was able to progress quite quickly. Les was very easy to talk to and happy to share his knowledge with me; I was encouraged at all times and happy with everything I was learning and producing. I got to make some incredible pieces; such as a Scortched Bowl, live edged bowl and trinket boxes, to name but a few. The equipment there was excellent and plenty of different tools to use. I did have to travel from Manchester to this workshop, but this did not put me off as the route taken was very scenic and idealic. There was a cafe located very close by which came in handy. Overall I would say that my experience was exceptional and I would very much recommend to anyone thinking of taking a course. I would suggest that taking more than just one course because when you get to the end of day one you are just finding you feet and have the urge to continue and learn more! Once again I would like to thank Les my tutor and I am undoubtedly going to be coming back for future lessons to learn more of this art/skill."

Pren responded:

"Well, what can I say! Thank you Jeff for such a favourable review, it is much appreciated. You were an excellent student and it was great to experience two very important skills, a delicacy of touch and quickness to learn - it all makes my job so much easier. Added to this, I enjoyed your company and the relaxed approach that we were able to adopt. Many thanks and I look forward tom seeing you again. Les."

Liz Dearsly reviewed: Now Fully Booked An exciting way to paint in acrylics. Splash it on

"A wonderful and very enjoyable day spent in a relaxed atmosphere, with good company and beautiful surroundings. Shirley provided expert guidance and tailored the day to meet individual needs and objectives. I learnt a lot including some new techniques (my objective). All that I need to do now is get painting and put my new skills into practice. I have no hesitation in recommending this workshop."

Shirley Davis Dew. Art 4 All responded:

"Hi Liz Thank you for your lovely comments. The day was great as everybody went along with what I tried to do and the results were great. I hope to see you on another workshop when ever you see one you fancy. I hope you got the photograph. Shirley"

David Holt reviewed: Woodcarving for beginners - two day course in Suffolk

"Very enjoyable. A small group of us in a well-equipped workshop, and excellent tuition from a professional. Traditional woodcarving with a mallet and chisel can seem daunting, but the chosen projects enabled us to make progress and built confidence to enter a new hobby. Thanks Gerry."

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

"What a talented guy Alex is and has the patience of a saint! A fantastic course, I learnt so much and can't wait to do more. I highly recommend this course, I had such a great day! Thank you again"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks Ben, very kind words. It's nice to hear and much appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed it! Alex"

David reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Chillington Hall

"This was an excellent two day course with a very experienced and patient tutor - I learned a lot and came away with a finished piece that came out pretty well! Definitely recommended! Bring a hat/sunscreen if the weather's good, working outside is lovely but even in March was a bit hot."

Amerton Arts Studio responded:

"Thank you for the review David, glad you enjoyed it."

Bianca reviewed: Potter's wheel pottery - half day course Siramik

"Yoka is as wonderful a teacher as she is a host. She was on hand to help us over the phone with directions to her studio and there to greet us on arrival to her charming , comfortable and cosy accommodation which we made use of the night before our half day morning pottery course. As a result we were able to make the most of the delicious continental breakfast in our room before strolling next door to her charming, light and airy studio. The pottery course exceeded our expectations and left us wanting more. The four of us worked side by side on our wheels with one to one patient, expert teaching which was very well equipped for every eventuality. I would highly recommend this accommodation and course and can’t wait to return for more. Thank you Yoka."

Siramik responded:

"Hello Bianca, Thank you for all your kind words about the course and the accommodation. We here at Siramik try to make the experience for our participants one that gives an initiative to do more and to show that with the right technique, you can make great pots. Many thanks. Now it is waiting for the pots to be fired and glazed!"