Latest reviews

Cindy reviewed: Double-Sided Lampshade Making

"I spent a relaxed Saturday afternoon making a lampshade with Wendy. She was really knowledgeable and I was able to make a shade that I'm really proud of. Loved it"

Sorin reviewed: Wooden mechanical toy (automata) making

"It was a really interesting experience. I had to measure, cut, sand and glue everything myself which was what I was looking for. Stefano is a fantastic person, lovely to have around a have a chat. It felt like I've sent the day with a friend doing something that I love."

Penlan Crafts responded:

"Dear Sorin, thank you very much for your kind review. I had a great time too and I am happy you were able to bring back home a nicely built and painted mechanical toy."

Bev Jones reviewed: Fused Glass workshops at Bere Alston, near Tavistock, Devon

"Wendy is highly qualified, some of her work displayed in the workshop (a beautiful converted old barn) is stunning. Only after completing the course can you appreciate the skill Wendy has. She is a great teacher, quickly puts you at ease and teaches so many aspects of glass fusion. It is obvious that Wendy wants you to, not only enjoy your course, but also the whole experience. The converted barn is in the most beautiful secluded spot overlooking a lake, so serene and just adding to the whole experience. This was bought as a gift for me and it's the gift that just keeps giving, as the wall hanging I made, I will give to my daughter as a huge thank you for having had a wonderful day. Thank you Wendy for making the course so special. I will be back in the summer."

Margaret reviewed: Micro Macrame - Beaded Bracelet

"3 of us were there and we really enjoyed the macrame bracelet making - and had a bracelet at the end! - wax paper making next!!"

Katrina Holmes reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"Absolutely loved it! Amanda was brilliant, explained everything so well and made it a fantastic experience. I came away with two pieces that I am so pleased and chuffed to have made! I will be going back to do another session with Amanda. Lunch was fabulous too!! Highly recommend x"

Pink House Glass responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Katrina, you should be justifiably chuffed with your gorgeous pieces! I look forwards to seeing you again and sharing some new glassy adventures and being part of your fused glass journey :) Amanda x"

Sharmila reviewed: Felted Soap Making Workshop

"What a fabulous craft to learn. Really enjoyable. Karen made me feel so welcome would recommend this to anyone."

Karen Wyeth Contemporary Felt Artist responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave a review Sharmila, so pleased you enjoyed it!"

K WEEDEN reviewed: Regular kiln fused glass classes Thursdays AM/Fridays PM - Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"Very full class. The tutor was knowledgeable about fused glass and the kilns. The time passed quickly."

Barbara P. reviewed: One day Traditional Lead Stained Glass Course

"I had an amazing time yesterday, making my first ever stain glass window. Cheryl was so patient and kind with us all. What a fantastic studio to work in and get lots of inspiration with all Cheryl’s own work. This course is suitable for beginners and for those who have done this before. I highly recommend this course. 6.2.22"

Cheryl Powling Glass responded:

"Thank you Barbara you were fabulous I’m glad you had a good day x"

Nicola Harrison reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"5 star review! Thank you so much for such a lovely introduction to Expoxy resin. I had such a great afternoon on the beginners course. Richard’s knowledge, experience and passion coupled with a desire to help others to develop their skills and craft make this really enjoyable, informative and relaxed. I loved your workshop and the shop area next next door. Well done for creating such a great space to deliver your courses and to share your experience. Everyone in the course was so lovely and friendly, it was great to share the workshop with so many nice people. I would love to attend part 2 to create the coaster. Thank you again. Your course has exceeded all my expectations. So grateful you could accommodate me. I would highly recommend this course to everyone. Kindest regards Nicola"

Trevor reviewed: Full Day of Silversmithing

"I am sorry to say I left the class with no completed pieces and I wasn’t the only one. The morning was very leisurely, lunch a highlight, but then only an hour and a half to complete a project. With all 10 of us being beginners and needing the help of the tutor it was impossible for all of us to get the help we needed. I tried to work independently but this was scuppered by having to wait for equipment . Some items were in very short supply. Having made a poor effort with my piece it was actually broken by Caroline when she tried to finish it off and she took it away to fix it. Far from floating out with a couple of completed items I left stressed, with a headache and nothing to show for the day. 1:10 is an impossible ratio for beginners . Too much time was spent practicing techniques with little time left to make your own piece."

Larkswold responded:

"Hi Lynne, Firstly, we are really sorry you didn't enjoy your special day. It matters to us that each and every guest has a little me time and comes away rejuvenated. We have taken all of your feedback and shall be reviewing the numbers we currently have per class. 10 has worked for us in the past, but we will try 6-8 going forward. We have updated our listing to make it clear that silversmithing is loud. You're right, those hampers are great for aggression, but a little overwhelming all at once. In terms of what you left with, I have spoken with Caroline, our tutor; she has the ring she is finishing for you and will give you a call as soon as it is ready. I am afraid I had not realised that anyone had left without something lovely they had made. I am sending an email to the group to check that everyone has got something and any other feedback that can help us to make this the best silver workshop it can be. Thanks for the kind words about the lunch and we hope you had a delicious vegan roast with your family Sunday evening. Once again, apologies this didn't meet your expectations, but rest assured we are taking action to get your silver pieces to you and to improve our workshop session in general."

Moe reviewed: Felted Soap Making Workshop

"Great atmosphere! lovely group and the instructor was amazing :-)"

Karen Wyeth Contemporary Felt Artist responded:

"Thank you for your kind words Moe, I'm glad you both enjoyed it!"

Carrick reviewed: Axe making course

"Fantastic day, and Andy was a brilliant teacher. Perfect pacing, excellent instruction, really good explanations of the 'why' as well as the 'how'. Thorough on the safety side without micromanaging or being over the top, and very happy to answer questions no matter how stupid they might seem! I thought at a couple of intervals I'd made a mess of the axe, but with some reassuring guidance it's actually turned out really nicely - definitely did, as the description text says, "go away with a very nice axe and a big smile on my face""

Abeda reviewed: Learn how to make a stained glass panel

"Brian makes being creative stress free and learning new skills fun. I am very pleased with the stained glass panel I made, and will certainly be going back for more!"

Alex mayland reviewed: Stamping, embossing & wet-moulding leather

"I attended with my two neices as a late Xmas pressie.Lovely welcome and location,great teaching with no major technical skills needed to produce some lovely items including bookmarks and keys rings. Definitely suitable for all and I would highly recommend."

Laura reviewed: Creative Fused Glass for beginners and improvers

"Nadine was a lovely, relaxed and helpful facilitator. It was good to be in a small group and we had time to make up to four items which was great. Really enjoyed it and would definitely book again."

Shaw Green reviewed: Bristol Bronze Club - 2 day lost wax bronze casting workshop

"I entered into this course without any real experience of practical crafting as an experience purchased by my sister. I found David the instructor to be a very easy individual to engage with setting a mixed ability group at ease and engaged with the process. My selected project a bronze carrot must have seemed odd and it ended up being quite a substantial piece nonetheless he guided me through the steps to produce what was in the end a better end result than I was anticipating. Overall I would definitely recommend the course to others regardless if your intent is skill acquisition for further projects or simply as a fun weekend doing something different. If I had a minor criticism it would be that the final stages of finishing and patination seemed a little rushed and I certainly feel there is more work to be done on the piece before I consider it 100% complete."

Claire Allam reviewed: Weave a scarf in a day - handloom weaving

"I really enjoyed this day-long course. Anne took us through the technical aspects clearly, and at a good pace. She gave lots of advice as to choice of yarn and everybody left with a lovely scarf. All the work was as different as the makers, and, as Anne had told us, the yarn was transformed by the warp/weft interaction. The venue (The Craft House, Bingley) was great too - lots of light space to work in, with great food and drinks on hand from the cafe downstairs. Highly reccommended."

Alex Feuchtwanger reviewed: Jewellery - carve a ring in wax, cast it and hey presto your own ring in sterling silver!

"Great course"

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Thanks Alex, I hope to have the rings back in a few days, but will email when they are ready. Thanks again, Sue"

Carole H reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I gain so much knowledge each time I visit Lucy.She is a great teacher who is always keen to encourage you to challenge yourself in technique and creativity."

Exclusive Jewellery responded:

"Thank you Carole. You determination and attention to detail will get you through this very demanding project. Looking forward to your next session when we can continue. Lucy"

Claire W reviewed: Felted Soap Making Workshop

"Really enjoyed the felted soap course with Karen. It was a really pleasant two hours to focus on something else which wasn't too difficult to get the hang of under Karen's clear instructions. The venue was in a good location and well-suited to the session; keeping the group small (8) was really nice too as it was easy for us all to chat as we worked. The session was well-structured with a break for tea and delicious home-made cake mid-way, and we came away with two lovely felted soaps. I bought several kits for family members as well. Thank you for a lovely afternoon Karen!"

Karen Wyeth Contemporary Felt Artist responded:

"Thank you so much Claire for taking the time to leave such a great review! I hope you enjoy the kits, any questions please feel free to contact me"

Julie & Dave reviewed: Stained Glass Sun Catchers. (Foil Method) One day class. Beginners and intermediate welcome.

"Clare, we thoroughly enjoyed our beginners course, and were delighted with the sun catchers we brought home - making something ourselves (under your excellent tutelage), felt like a great sense of achievement. You were exceedingly helpful and patient. Thank you."

Woodland Crafts responded:

"Thank you for your kind words. So pleased you enjoyed your day with me and hope to see you again soon. Clare"

Bob reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"If you want a balance between a challenge and totally relaxing experience, then look no further than spending a couple of days on a stone carving course with Sebastian! The course was absolutely brilliant, with just the right amount of advice, tutoring and guidance, coupled with fascinating conversations demonstrating Sebastian’s incredible lifetime experiences! The venue is peppered with stunning examples of what is possible if you’re new (or experienced) in stone carving. I guarantee you will come away totally pleased with your practical achievements and wondering why the time went so quickly. You will NOT be disappointed!"

Catriona reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Lovely interesting day which flew by! Just the right input for each person, and everyone was encouraged with whatever they wanted to try. Cake and coffee spot on too!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Catriona - it was a good day and you all did really well : ) Jonathan"

Lucy reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Fantastic day - variety of pretty things made! Really patient, knowledgeable tutor with a great variety of little projects to choose from."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Well done Lucy - and thank you for your kind words. Jonathan"

Caroline Stealey reviewed: Lino printing landscapes

"We did a Lino cut landscape workshop with Lee at Humble by Nature. Lee was fantastic at guiding us through the process, helping us make composition decisions and colour choices. I’m really pleased with my final print and will definitely try it again."

Lee Wright Artist responded:

"Thanks Caroline, I’m glad that you really enjoyed the day. It was great to meet you and well done with your excellent print. Lee"