Latest reviews

Amy reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"We had a brilliant day with Mat. We had never done any throwing before and I was surprised at the amount of pieces we produced, this was obviously down to Mat's superb teaching, he made it seem so simple. He was highly knowledgeable and passionate about his work and teaching, I highly recommend this course for anyone who loves to create."

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

"I had a really wonderful day yesterday creating my hare. The workshop took place in truly lovely surroundings and Jo was very welcoming. She is a natural teacher; making sure that everyone was comfortable at every stage, giving gentle encouragement and words of advice, or practical assistance if it was needed. I really did have so much fun learning a completely new skill and I am utterly besotted with with a few pieces of twisted wire that developed into the most characterful hare right in front of my eyes. I would absolutely recommend this workshop to others and can definitely see myself returning! Thank you so much Jo."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Rachel! I'm always amazed at how individual each sculpture ends up, even though you start with the same 'twisted wire' ?. Excellent work ? Jo x"

Lucy reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"A fantastic day from start to finish. The hosts and teachers were super welcoming, very knowledgable and happy to share the information. The products used were great, and oils smelled devine. So looking forward to using my melts and candles. The lunch was yummy, and very filling and lots of tea and coffee available. Highly recommend this workshop"

Ruth reviewed: A Critical Eye: Reading to develop your writing (Online) - Nottingham Trent University

"This was a really practical workshop for developing critical skills in reading which can be used in many situations, I think... Well structured, functional and useful. Thank you."

Jacquelin reviewed: Silver jewellery course for beginners in Exeter

"Anna, was so lovely and friendly. Great teacher!! I made a ring for the first time, which i thought wasn't going to be possible but it was! ? can't wait to get started myself. Thankyou Anna xxx"

Silver Jewellery Art responded:

"Jacquelin, thank you very much. It was very nice to meet you and work together. Gifted people like you can make everything not just a ring."

LJT reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"This was a very enjoyable and informative course with all the equipment and expertise to make it a successful day. Judith was incredibly welcoming. I would highly recommend."

print paper stitch experiences responded:

"Thank you, it was lovely to meet you and help you create your gorgeous prints. I hope you continue with your print making!"

Maggie harris reviewed: Weaving on a lap loom

"Didn’t go ahead Tunde had to cancel weaveing course ?"

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

"I had a great time at the basket weaving course with Marianne. The tuition was excellent and i came away with a basket I was really proud of. Would definitely recommend for basket weavers of all skills."

Alex Cook reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Having started with no leather work ability to coming away with two finished pieces. A totally brilliant and immersive two days of learning from an incredibly knowledgeable and patient 'Bill'. Absolutely recommended for anyone wanting to learn leather. Thankyou."

Bespoke Leather responded:

"Thanks Alex, thats very kind. Best wishes Bill"

Ged reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience in Grassington (3 hours)

"I was gifted the 3 hour session by my wife for Christmas and I have to say it was a great present. I'd like to say thank you to Richard for making this a really enjoyable morning and your patience! I would definitely recommend this."

Fi D reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"A group of friends for over 35 years we were looking for the perfect weekend activity with laughter and learning combined. What a find. Matthew was patient and the perfect host. Guiding us all to achieve more than we could have hoped for. The pace and support was fantastic. Setting for a days activity comfortable and opening up his home to us was an added bonus. It’s left us all wanting to do more. Thank you so much."

Corinne reviewed: Stained Glass Beginners Workshop

"A very rewarding course, learning a new craft and coming home with a lovely stained glass panel. David is a very good tutor, giving lots of useful tips that has given me the confidence to try some leaded stained glass pieces for the garden. I thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who would like to try the craft of stained glass."

David J Lilly responded:

"Hi Corinne, Thank you so much for the the lovely review. It was great to see you push your imagined limits and not only choose one of the most complicated designs to make up, but completely pull it off beautifully. Best Wishes David"

Tammy Joyce reviewed: Making a stained glass art hanging

"This was an excellent course. Caryl explained everything and suited her style for the different levels of experience, spending time with each person to make sure they understood the techniques. Caryl also let each person tailor their hanging to suit their preference which everyone very much appreciated. The lunch was lovely and Caryl created a very friendly atmosphere. Thanks Caryl!"

Caryl Hallett Stained Glass responded:

"Thank you for taking the time and effort to review my workshop Tammy- it's very much appreciated. Your tortoise creation is a triumph! I hope it's found pride of place in your home. Thanks, Caryl"

Jenny Farrer reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"A very absorbing day with excellent mentoring by Olivia. Gave the grey cells a lot of exercise."

Amy reviewed: Macrame - Plant Hanger

"An amazing course! Wendy is so welcoming and knowledgeable. All materials are provided (along with a tea/coffee/hot chocolate!) and the class is excellent value for money. Wendy also closes the shop during classes so you have her undivided attention which I’ve never known anywhere else to do. She has the perfect approach that makes even tricky knots seem simple and when you get stuck/confused she can always get you back on track and never comes across as patronising, she makes you feel great about what you achieved. Also, as someone high risk in the pandemic Wendy was so accommodating for my needs/concerns and I honestly couldn’t have asked for more! I’m back for another macrame class in a few weeks and I’m sure will be doing more in the future too!"

Craig reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"I booked this course with Claire as a gift for my partner who makes jewellery with sea glass and other materials. After the course she was absolutely buzzing with ideas and very excited to develop her Silverclay skills. The course delivered real practical insights and she came home with 2 amazing quality worked examples. My partner also came away with a complete shopping list of tools and a full method of how to get started as a beginner with Silverclay and pitfalls to avoid. It will certainly save a lot of time and effort in practice materials having invested in expert tuition. She had a great time and was very happy. Would definitely recommend as a gift to someone interested in jewellery making."

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"Thank you Craig for your review and I’m so pleased Jolanta enjoyed the workshop!"

Sally reviewed: Flamework (Lampwork) session for two - Making glass beads for beginners

"Did Toni's flamework session with my (adult) daughter. We both really enjoyed the morning, Toni went at our pace and we were able to get confident making basic doughnut beads then building on these with more advanced techniques. Can't wait to see our beads once they're out of the kiln and hope to do an advanced class. Thank you Toni!"

Elizabeth Holmes reviewed: Pottery/ceramics wheel throwing (full day)

"Spent a very fun day learning to throw pots with Lorraine. Lorraine explains things very clearly and is on hand to help and provide tips. By the end of the day we all had 5-6 pots that we left to be fired and glazed by Lorraine (although I understand you could do another session to learn glaze). I would definitely like to go back to do another day or two. Cannot recommend it highly enough, great value. With the added bonus of homemade cake and biscuits with tea."

Al. reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

"Had a great time at the forge - I’m a complete beginner and didn’t know exactly what I wanted to make at the start of the day (thought it would be either an axe or a crafting knife) but Gary and Jos helped massively in working out what could be done in the time and helped make it possible!! They’re super skilled and I only had to show them a couple of ideas that I googled in the morning and by the end of the day its there in your hand! Gary’s clearly really passionate about this work and making sure you have a great experience as well. If you’re a novice it’s definitely a great place to take your first steps with working with metal - I learnt loads, from the processes to different metals you can work with to all the different things you can make. I’m definitely going to be going again!! If you are brand new to this, here’s a couple of things I’d suggest: Do have a think about what you want to make in advance (maybe draw some sketches?) - I’m delighted with what I made, but if you’ve got a plan to work to it’s always that little bit easier right? Do wear boots if you’ve got them - I wore converse and whilst I didn’t have any issues, it is a workshop and so you wanna be wearing something workshop-y you know? Overall I thought it was great! Can’t wait to get back and get making the next thing."

Rachel reviewed: Frame Loom Workshop

"Had a fantastic time at this workshop with my daughter. Rebecca was a fantastic teacher and the time just flew by. Loved learning a new craft."

Dobby & Rose responded:

"Thank you so much Rachel! It was a pleasure teaching you both how to weave. Hope you enjoy your lovely wallhangings! Rebecca x"

Alexia reviewed: Beginners' pastel painting workshop at fabulous Glasfryn Hall, North Wales

"A wonderful day. Dave took us through the process he uses to create a picture, with hugely practical advice and feedback on our work. As a novice, I learnt the fundamentals of pastel materials and techniques, but was able to see how each participant still came up with their own interpretation of the basic image. I feel very well equipped to continue my practice with pastels. Dave and his family went above and beyond to make it a special day, with glorious location and 5* refreshments. Plus - a puppy! A unique, very special experience. Highly recommended."

Oriel Glasfryn Gallery Limited responded:

"Thank you so much Alexia. The pleasure was all mine and I'm just delighted to have played a part in encouraging you to continue your talent with the fantastic medium of pastels. Even if I was upstaged by the puppy!"

V Grant-Stewart reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"What a great informative course, we were taken through all the beginner steps clearly and concisely. Richard was a great tutor. Would definitely recommend."

Fleur Taylor reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Fantastic day, something different and made some great pieces.. Would definitely recommend and would love to come back with friends.. Thank you Mathew ?"

Sally reviewed: Training course in upcycling with pallets for beginners in Somerset: two days

"I absolutely loved this weekend and I'm so proud of the things I made. Not only was this a brilliant way to learn to make things of pallets but Scott was full of helpful advice about woodworking in general. It seems incredible do have learnt so much in such a short and enjoyable space of time."

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"thank you Sally for such a lovely review. I'm so grad you enjoyed the weekend"

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

"Had a fantastic day making my hare - watching it transform from wire to foil to plaster and then the paint finish all under the helpful calm tuition of Jo - thank you Jo for making me feel welcome and for your patience 'Hartley' Hare is in place in the garden already"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Diane - so glad Hartley is in his new home ?. It's always interesting to see how everyone ends up with totally different sculptures even though they start with the same wire armature! Really happy you enjoyed the experience. Jo x"