Latest reviews

Julie reviewed: Glass Experience Day: Try fused glass, stained glass and enamelling in 1 course!

"A lovely day and a great opportunity to try 3 different ways of working with glass. Sarah was very informative, supportive and patient. Lunch was relaxed and tasty - so much more than the ploughman's that was described! I would recommend this day for anyone who, like me, wanted to try different glass works to see what worked for me. There are separate sessions for fusion, stain glass and enameling if you know what you want to do."

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"It was great to meet you - I love running this course as it is a lovely way to share my passion for all things glassy! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review, much appreciated."

Charlotte Clabburn reviewed: Pottery throwing sessions on the potter's wheel in Norfolk

"Pat is lovely and a fabulous teacher. I booked this workshop as a present for my husband, and he loved every minute. As a complete beginner, he ended up with some really lovely pots. We can't wait to see them once they have been glazed and fired!"

Pat Southwood responded:

"Thanks Charlotte, it was lovely to meet you both, I think your husband may have discovered a hidden talent!"

Cary reviewed: Beginners Woodworking: Make a Bread Board

"This course exceeded my expectations. Great tutor, clear instructions and on the whole a very fun day. I will likely be returning to do some of the other available courses. Would definitely recommend."

Rosie Pearson reviewed: Natural Cold-Process Soap Making

"It was a pleasure to do this course with Wendy. Really good value, clear and informative and so well organised! Highly recommend."

Hilary Harris reviewed: Beginners Crocheting Course Learn at Home Live with Rachel

"I had tried to learn to crochet from books so many times but without success. I was a little apprehensive about doing the course as although a knitter, crochet always felt so far outside my comfort zone. My experience with Rachel was absolutely fantastic. She put me at ease from the very beginning and that allowed me to crochet ~ what a surprise! Rachel was very professional from the start with her pre-course contact the pack that she sends is great. She is so patient and friendly and each session, although obviously structured, is also tailored to the individual. I cannot recommend Rachel highly enough ~ she is a natural teacher giving both the skills and the motivation to her students. Thank-you so much Rachel I feel that I can now crochet ~ who knew that would happen!"

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time and such a lovely review Hilary. It was an absolute pleasure and you did brilliantly! I can’t wait to see what else you make! All the very best. Rach"

Lesley Allen reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"1 day French Polishing Course. I took two of my grandfather's mantel clocks to restore. Ollie patiently takes you through each individual step and checks that you understand and are following the process. There were 3 others attending, and it was great to see different techniques on these different pieces as they came back to life. Ollie shares lots of advice and tips and created a fun, supportive atmosphere. The end result was stunning - I'm really proud of the clocks. I would highly recommend this course."

B&E reviewed: Fused Glass Panel

"We had a lovely day with Claire; she provided lots of great advice, a brilliant selection of glass to work with and we love our first glass creations."

Dr William Gardner reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - 2 Day Beginners/Intermediate Workshop

"A superb course. Oliver Piepereit was very welcoming when I arrived and was a patient and careful teacher, always obliging and willing to answer all questions. I am delighted with the results on various piano components that I took for practise."

Ruby Westnedge reviewed: Pottery throwing in Huddersfield

"Fantastic introduction to pottery. Geoff is a great instructor and explained each step clearly. I would highly recommend a hour class with Geoff for anyone interested in pottery."

Earth Pig Pottery responded:

"Thanks for your review, Ruby. I'm glad you enjoyed the session. Hope to see you again soon."

Sian reviewed: Glass bead making/lampwork

"My husband and I recently did this workshop and loved it. Karen was very knowledgeable and made us feel very welcome throughout. We've previously done glass blowing so were excited to work with glass again and learn how it was different with lampwork - Karen was very patient answering our questions and we quickly begin making beads. We made several beads each over the five hours, using different glasses and learning techniques to add spots, stripes, etc. Karen was a great teacher, guiding us while encouraging us to experiment with different designs/colours and glass. Karen also kindly provided us with lunch, taking our preferences into consideration. We really enjoyed it and will definitely be going to another of Karen's classes in the future."

Georgina Sayers reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"So pleased I booked the plaster mould making course with Ed. I had a fantastic day. Ed was brilliant - I left at the end of the day confident re the mould making process and with a lovely professionally made mould; my project has been catapulted forwards massively thanks to Ed. Ed actively invites you to take a record of the mould making process which is invaluable to refer back to. Ed is a high end mould maker; to be able to learn from him was a real privilege. Thank you Ed."

Nigel Clews reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for Two

"A really enjoyable day learning the art of forging and shaping and long overdue having been a present pre pandemic that we could only redeem with certainty at the beginning of this year. Chris is an engaging and enthusiastic tutor, showing you the ropes and then giving you the opportunity to emulate what he has demonstrated, whilst making sure you do not stray to far from the brief and do end up with a finished product. (who would have thought steel could be so temperamental & our skills so rudimentary!) We (2 of us) undertook the course and made the leaf shaped key ring. This is an object of alarming simplicity in its finished state, but which involves 14 separate steps to get to the end project. The workshop is on a garden centre site which has an excellent cafe for coffees and lunch. Would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who wants to give 'smithing' a go."

Lily reviewed: Making It with Rocking-Horses by Anthony Dew (book)

"A compelling read, telling the story of balancing growing a craft business and pursuing a passion for making, with having a family. Fascinating insight into the craft of rocking horse making too… a must for any wooden horse lovers!"

Jo O reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"We spent a lovely morning glass fusing in Sarah's workshop. Sarah was very welcoming and explained everything we were going to do during the session, with enough health and safety to put us at our ease and make us feel safe! We were able to design and make several pieces with Sarah giving advice and suggestions without taking over! with a busy job, it was so nice to concentrate on making something. The time flew by and we both agreed how much we enjoyed ourselves. Thank you Sarah for a lovely morning (enamelling next I think!)"

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"It was lovely to help you both make your fabulous pieces! Thanks so much for taking the time to review!"

Karen reviewed: Spoon carving workshop with Fazey Woodcraft

"I loved my spoon carving day. I’d dabbled at home but wanted some hands on tuition and the day fitted what I wanted perfectly. I came away wishing I’d booked the follow up day as well."

Denise O’Brien reviewed: Create a willow obelisk/plant support, birdfeeder and dragonfly/butterfly for your garden (Chandlers Ford, Nr Winchester- Hampshire)

"Really lovely day. Very full and hands on. Jacquie offered help when needed.very pleased with the items that I made."

Willow and Crafts responded:

"Thankyou Denise it was a pleasure all the best Jacquie"

Thibault reviewed: Guitar Strumstick Dulcimer 3 strings instrument

"I have had an amazing day with Ted! I am so chuffed that I came back from the day with new skills, and a new instrument! Creating the Dulcimer was such fun and I learned so many new skills. Ted is full of knowledge, and really good company. Ted also had a day full of learning with practicing his French on me! ;) I can only strongly recommend the day course with Ted! Hopefully see you again soon! Thibault"

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Merci Mon ami you did have some great skills and I wasn't surprised that your instrument looked fantastic at the end of the day. Thank you for those macaroons Mon ami you are a top pastry Chef for sure. Kind regards Ted"

Debbie reviewed: Contemporary Calligraphy Introduction - Hampshire

"Very enjoyable course with just the right amount of tuition and practice. Thank you."

Linda Pennington reviewed: Joyous Dots: this will be your new relaxing hobby!

"A very enjoyable experience. Great way to spend an afternoon with friends learning a new skill."

Colourbuzz responded:

"Thanks Linda, I enjoyed it too! It was great seeing your minimalist interpretation of Joyous Dots."

Andrew BB reviewed: Beginners 1 Day Traditional Stained Glass Course

"My husband and I had an AMAZING day with Gill Rogers, completely 5 star all the way. From the moment we arrived on a very wet and windy day, we were made to feel welcome and could not have asked for more. It was so exciting learning how to cut, shape and fit the glass together, ending with a lovely stained glass panel to take home. Not only was the day delightful, the lunch at the café on-site was simply delicious, all included in the cost of the course. We will certainly try this again at some point I'm sure. I can't recommend the course enough!"

Gill Rogers responded:

"Many thanks Andrew for your fabulous review, it was so great to meet you and Pete and I had such a fun day with you both! Hope to see you and Pete sometime in the near future! All my very best wishes to you both, Gill xx"

Lexie reviewed: Joyous Dots: this will be your new relaxing hobby!

"Spent a lovely afternoon with Helga in this workshop. Left with decorated cards and the tools to make more at home. Helga was a delight to work with and provided guidance, hints, tips and encouragement."

Colourbuzz responded:

"Thanks Lexie, it was great having you all in my studio, making Joyous Dots your own with individual interpretations."

Jo S reviewed: Making It with Rocking-Horses by Anthony Dew (book)

"A sheer joy to read and so inspirational. I read it in two sessions as putting it down was the difficult thing for me to do."

Joe Schofield, Skywings editor reviewed: Making It with Rocking-Horses by Anthony Dew (book)

"What we have here is a very readable autobiography, tracing Tony’s art school beginnings, his life at sea, his struggle to get his small business gong, the importance of his family, the growth of his rocking horse business - ‘You don’t want to be the best of the best, you just want to be the only one to do what you do.’ Along the way he encounters setbacks, heartbreak, adversity, tragedy, chicanery, and more, but the way he outs these things behind him speaks of an unwavering determination to do things right. Rocking horses can be things of exquisite beauty, craftsmanship and not a little historical interest. His very well written, large format book is poignant, honest, unsparing, and full of insight."

Kate D reviewed: Making It with Rocking-Horses by Anthony Dew (book)

"I found this an interesting and honest account from someone who has faced the challenge of running a traditional craft business whilst raising a family. There are some heartbreaking moments but underlying all a humour that carries the story along. If you are interested in rocking horses, craftsmanship, family businesses, seamanship or paragliding... this will be the book for you!"

Harm reviewed: The Complete Rocking-Horse Maker 2 by Anthony Dew (book)

"As a keen woodworker, I find Tony's plans both comprehensive and easy to follow. The instructions are clear and there is a lot of good advice offered. A satisfying project - would recommend this book to any keen woodworkers out there."

Anthony Dew responded:

"Many thanks for your kind comments - keep on rocking! AD"