Latest reviews

Deano reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"A great course with a great tutor, very knowledgeable and keen to share this. Clearly very passionate about wood turning. It's not just about spinning a piece of wood, it's all the detail behind it, the use of the correct tools, how to care for the tools to ensure you get the best finish and results for your effort. Detail about how to work the wood, why things are done a particular way and some of the history of wood turning. An all round great day in a relaxed atmosphere where you learn at your own pace."

Kathy Bournes reviewed: Beginners Stained Glass Course, Copper foil work

"We had a great time learning this craft, Brenda is brilliant and made it really fun. The excellent food was a bonus. We will definitely be booking again."

Julie Watkins reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Felted Pictures Workshop in Cragg Vale, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"I'm always a little out of my comfort zone on craft courses, being convinced I don't posess an artistic streak .. but I am very impressed with my wet felt creation, even if I say so myself ? great location, just a shame we had to cut the day a little short due to the ☔? weather Melanie Louise's guidance and instructions were clear, and she is very encouraging a lovely way to spend a Sunday .."

Sara Mehrabi reviewed: Woodturning for beginners: 2 day course

"An absolutely lovely weekend! This was my first ever try for woodturning, and it went better than I could have wished for. Stuart started by asking me exactly what I wanted to get out of the weekend and designed the two days to match my requirements. He was super flexible and very generous with his knowledge. I felt comfortable and confident with the tools really quickly and started enjoying myself within the first hour! Of course, the lovely pieces we made (I can't possibly take credit as the sole crafter!) were an amazing bonus. We made a bowl (Oak), a mushroom (Yew), and an apple (Elm). So, if you're there to pick up a new skill, you get to work with different woods and various tools. If you just want to have a fun weekend, he will adjust the activities to your desires, but you still go home with a lovely souvenir or two. I'd recommend this course to anyone who likes to have a go at something new or those who have some experience but like to upskill."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Hi Sara, Sounds like you had a great time. I'm glad I was able to show you some of the fascinating sides to this wonderful craft. Hope you get a lathe soon. Stuart."

Victoria reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"This one day course was very enjoyable and we all accomplished a lot in the time available working with both copper and silver. Jonathan adapted what he showed us to fit our ideas and level of previous experience. Welcoming and approachable with any questions."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Victoria. It was good to meet you and help you with your fab earrings - well done! Jonathan"

Justin reviewed: Wood Carving Course

"Under Peter's guidance I feel confident approaching my own wood carving projects now. My family were really impressed with what I was able to achieve in one day. Peter gave very useful insight into how to get started, what sorts of tools to use, and how the different carving chisels work. He also explained perhaps the most important part of any woodworking: how to keep one's tools sharp. Overall a fantastic day (even though the weather was pretty grim)."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to provide feedback. It's great that you feel able to continue woodcarving with your newly acquired skills."

Jed reviewed: One day silver pendant and earring workshop

"I bought this for my Mum for Christmas and went with her to Jolene's lovely studio workshop today. We have a lovely day and made a copper and silver pendant each - Jolene was lovely and warm and took us through all the processes and we were both very chuffed with what we made! A lovely way to spend the day (and Jolene makes excellent brownies!)"

Jennie reviewed: Seaglass jewellery workshop at Sea & Solder, Dorset.

"Had an amazing day doing this course which I received as a present. Jules was so lovely, patient and explained everything so well I felt confident at each stage. Absolutely love my finished piece and would highly recommend this course to others."

James Warburton reviewed: One day Wood Carving Experience

"This was a great course Pete was an amazing teacher. It is a lovely workshop with a really friendly atmosphere where you can just enjoy your new skill. Lunch was very tasty and the kettle was always on for a brew. It was a fabulous course my wife and I can't recommend enough. We have never done this before and after 6 hours, left with a woodcarving we can each be proud of."

Rix & Co Rocking Horses Ltd responded:

"Hi James Thank you for such a great review. It was really lovely to meet you both - you guys were an absolute pleasure to teach you. You should both be really proud of your pieces - you did a super job - you are very welcome back any time :)"

Jinny reviewed: Wood Carving Course

"Excellent! Peter was extremely knowledgeable and helpful - loved every minute. Thank you"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you so much for your feedback. We're so pleased you enjoyed the course."

Jacqui reviewed: Masking Tape Box Masterclass

"Hannah was very friendly and welcoming on arrival at the workshop. She offered clear methods, guidance and support in all aspects of achieving a beautiful finish and design on our boxes. We were given an opportunity to choose from an array of colours, attempt Hannah's designs or try out our own. We were a group of seven and our finished boxes all differed but not in the overall standard and beauty. It was a great introduction to the art of upcycling furniture and a great start for a beginner. The boxes make beautiful gifts but the actual workshop would too. Looking forward to learning more and increasing my skills through Hannah and her workshops."

Tread Softly responded:

"What a wonderful review. Thanks so much Jacqui! I'm really pleased to hear that you got so much out of the day. I was very impressed with your masking tape design, which you made your own. It looked fantastic the way it came onto the front of the box. And now you have the perfect memory box :)"

Lucy Platt reviewed: Pen making and wood turning introduction

"I booked the 1 day wood workshop with Phil as a Valentine's Day gift for my husband, and it was the best present I could have bought - for both of us! Phil is so passionate and enthusiastic, and this made the day really special. We loved working on the wood and transforming it into a beautifully carved pen. I've kept one of the pens and am giving the other as a gift. A woodturning workshop is a brilliant experience and there's something really satisfying about working with your hands and applying such precise movements to mould the wood. It's also the longest I've spent away from my phone in a while - this in itself is a huge bonus! Thanks so much, Phil."

World of Woodcraft responded:

"Hello Lucy, Thank you for your kind words. Working with you and your husband was brilliant! I love to share the things I am passionate about with people who get a buzz from making new things and learning through making. This defiantly happened and the results include one-of-a-kind items and memories of a top experience. By the way, you two are defiantly one of the nicest couples I think I have ever met."

Clare and Libby reviewed: Winter Birds - Fused Glass with Crafts in the Valley

"Loved doing the 3 little birds course with my daughter when we were visiting her. Can't wait to see the results. Melanie was so friendly and helpful and it was lovely to chat as we worked. We felt like we had a fantastic wellbeing session and felt so relaxed by the end. Just what we needed. The venue was excellent as was the flowing supply of tea and cake. We will certain be back again. Delighted to have found this fab centre so close by. Thank you."

Marjo reviewed: Seaglass jewellery workshop at Sea & Solder, Dorset.

"Absolutely brilliant day. Thoroughly enjoyed it and with the patience and tuition I, and the rest in the group, were able to make a stunning piece of jewellery. Excellent facilities and Jules, you were amazing reaching us something completely new. Will definitely recommend you to my friends."

Mike Clark reviewed: Kiln fired Enamelling with Katie Sanderson. Full day workshop

"Just three on this day course, which was ideal for both beginners and those with a little experience of enamelling on copper sheet and foil. Katie is a great teacher and we covered a lot of ground, with both opaque and transparent enamels, wet packing and the use of flux. Katie provided a a variety of copper blanks, all enamels and ancillary equipment and we all made items with which we were delighted. I came away much more confident in my techniques and abilities. Thank you Katie."

Katie Sanderson, enamel artist responded:

"Hi Mike, thank you so much for your kind review, it is hugely appreciated. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the day. Many thanks Katie"

Jade reviewed: Pottery throwing in Huddersfield

"Went for my sisters 18th birthday present and we had a great time! We were both complete beginners and Geoff explained and demonstrated everything really well and was always on hand to help us when we got to making our pots. Great experience can't wait to go pick them up!!"

Earth Pig Pottery responded:

"Thanks for your review, Jade. Glad you enjoyed the session."

Kate reviewed: Masking Tape Box Masterclass

"I absolutely loved this workshop. As a beginner I learned so much from Hannah about prep and painting techniques and love my finished box. Hannah also kept the tea and coffee flowing which was much appreciated as well as supporting us all as we worked on our boxes! I definitely want to sign up for the full furniture workshop now! A great introduction from a super welcoming and friendly teacher. Thanks Hannah :)"

Tread Softly responded:

"Thanks so much for coming on the course Kate! I'm so pleased you enjoyed it. Your box was fantastic and I love the colours that you chose. You definitely had a lot of patience to persevere with a more complex design. It'll be fab to have you along to the full day course too! :)"

Sue reviewed: Woodcarving with sculptor Jason -handtools -gouging and whittling

"I had a fabulous time. Jason is very skilled and with a pleasant manner. I have booked more sessions. Sue Peak District"

Helen Swain reviewed: Book binding - Zoom Saturday Morning Workshop

"This online course was lots of fun. The kit sent out ahead of the course contained everything we needed. Lorna guided us through the whole process in easy to follow steps and was willing to repeat instructions for the tricky knots in a straightforward way until we were successful. I also enjoyed all the interesting comments about the history of the technique we were using. I cant wait to start using my little notebook and am already planning on making some larger sketchbooks with watercolour paper for journaling. Highly recommended!"

Crumps Barn Studio responded:

"Thank you so much for joining us - very glad you enjoyed the workshop! ~ Crumps Barn Studio"

Paul Galloway reviewed: Introduction to Arc or Stick Welding, with award winning metal artist, Roger Russell

"I really enjoyed my day. Roger greatly helped me to develop my understanding of working with different materials, and power settings. And I enjoyed learning about MIG welding too. I found the whole experience quite inspiring and definitely worth the money. Thank you Roger"

Gwen reviewed: Book binding - Zoom Saturday Morning Workshop

"Great workshop. The tutor, Lorna, explained everything clearly. Made a lovely A5 notebook and look forward to making many more. Well worth the money. Really enjoyable."

Crumps Barn Studio responded:

"Lovely, thank you. So glad you enjoyed the workshop! ~ Crumps Barn Studio"

Thomas reviewed: Silver jewellery making workshop for 2 people

"Stella and I had an amazing time at the workshop. Julie was super warm and friendly, and made us feel really welcome in her workshop. We arrived with a few ideas, and Julie talked us through the making process and helped us take our designs to the next level. The class itself was a blur of sawing, hammering and welding (my favourite!), and I completely lost track of time. We made great memories and I have to smile every time I see Stella with one of her new earrings. Definitely one of the best Christmas present ideas I ever had!"

Jewellery By Julie responded:

"That's a lovely review Thomas. Thank you. I really enjoyed the session and was impressed with yours and Stella's jewellery making skills."

Bex and Luke reviewed: Damascus knife making in Grassington

"Richard was incredibly welcoming and a truely down to earth guy. The day was very personal with only 2 of us on the course that day. Full of knowledge and life experiences. It was an amazing day and we appreciate Richard making it so persin centred. We both hope to be back again in the future."

S Churchill reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop

"A genuinely fab afternoon learning all about candles & how to make these gorgeous crafts! Pauline, the tutor, makes it fascinating with her knowledge, passion, experience & fun delivery! Wonderful!"

Bonita Candles responded:

"Thank you for your super feedback. I could see you were really enjoying yourself. Well done on your very pretty candles. I loved the pink! xx"

David Kightley reviewed: Wood Carving Course

"Really enjoyed the woodcarving course. Peter gave good instruction, he made things clear how to use tools etc. We were also told about all the different tools, and wood that is used. Came home with a carved flower and a carved dolphin. I would definitely recommend this to other people. I shall look into buying some tools and continue woodcarving. I am considering booking another woodcarving course."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed the woodcarving course and feel able to continue to carve once you have the tools required."