Latest reviews

Liz Goodman reviewed: Silver Jewellery - Sea glass workshop

"This course was interesting. It was far more expensive than others I have seen but I thought it suited me better although it probably didn’t. I didn’t have any sea glass and thought there would be plenty available on the day and there wasn’t. I ended up with a Rose Quartz ring, not really what I wanted, looked up prices they are only a few pound to buy cabouchens and this was an extra. I’ve since sourced on eBay sea glass packs are very inexpensive to buy if you don't have time to go and find it. I also didn’t realise I would have to pay for materials, extra £20 requested in total! Lovely lady but other much more competitively priced courses available."

Jill Douglas reviewed: Deep Buttoned Stool - One Day Workshop

"Emma was very patient and kind. She demonstrated really well the techniques needed for the course and helped when necessary. Fantastic ! ?"

Julie Turner reviewed: Deep Buttoned Stool - One Day Workshop

"A truly fantastic day learning the basics of upholstery whilst engaged in a project to construct an attractive and useful storage crate - which you get to take home with you at the end of the day! Great support throughout the "build" with plenty of time to allow progress at your own pace. Booking the course was easy with great online comms, and I must say that Emma was particularly helpful when it came to re-booking as a result of the pandemic. If you will excuse the pun, the icing on the cake was a slice of Lemon Drizzle served at lunchtime - absolutely delicious! Top tip: the converted chapel can be a little cool, so do take warm clothes with you."

Tessa Lewis reviewed: Creative writing course, 5 hours, live online, one-to-one tuition. Beginners to advanced.

"Deana, Many thanks for the new knowledge, tips and confidence that your course has given me. You're a warm, friendly and supportive teacher and the flexibility with which you structured and scheduled each session around my needs made the course fun, useful and really relevant for me. I feel able to go on now with the novel that I'd given up on, and that's all thanks to you! Very best wishes to you and yours, Tessa."

Deana Luchia responded:

"Thank you so much, Tessa. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the course and found it useful. I’d love to read your novel when it’s finished so keep going!"

Nick Morris reviewed: Deep Buttoned Stool - One Day Workshop

"I went for an upholstery workshop with Emma. The workshop space is super cool and even though it was very chilly (you could see your breath in the air!) we survived thanks to the fire. Emma demonstrated what to do really clearly which was good as I had never done any upholstering before. She also showed me what tools and equipment I would need to start doing it myself at home so I really feel I learnt something. Emma answered all my many questions in a friendly and supportive manner and I had a really good time. I would recommend this course to anybody interested in a new creative hobby, and also to anybody who is interested in making upholstery part of their work or business. I am proud of the footstool that I made on the course and have included a picture of it in its new home. Thanks Emma for a great day and thanks Ian for the cup of tea!"

Rosamund Spiers-King reviewed: Deep Buttoned Stool - One Day Workshop

"I attended the one day Storage Crate Workshop at Semper Hopkins and had a simply wonderful day. The setting in the old chapel is lovely and we had such a nice group of people too. Emma is a fabulous teacher, everything is explained so well and you don't feel rushed at all, all safety aspects are taken into consideration as well, both for working with tools and Covid which was very reassuring. I had chosen to do the crate for our spare room and Emma was really helpful helping me select the right colours and materials. We had such fun being creative and all the while knowing we would be walking away with a piece of furniture we can keep, I even got to make my own buttons. Every time I walk past my crate I cant help but smile at what I achieved. I would highly recommend this wonderful relaxing and fun way to spend a day. Its given me a real insight into how much work goes into making proper furniture but also given me the confidence to give other projects a go. Cant wait to return and make a bench or a stool soon! PS The lemon cake was yummy!!!"

Tom reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"This the second time I have taken this course and my fifth time to the workshop having done other courses that Mark & Richard offer. The course was as enjoyable as the last time I did it. Mark is a superb teacher and anyone who does this course will benefit greatly from his knowledge and experience. If you are interested in woodworking and want a good way into trying it then this course is for you."

Sue reviewed: Small needle felted animals or pictures

"What a lovely way to spend some time learning a new craft. Barbara let us choose what we would like to make in our half day class for beginners, she was very patient with us and we all went home happy with a recognisable felt animal!"

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Hi Sue, your needle felted mouse, penguin and robins were so cute. Well done and maybe a large hare next time :-) :-)!"

Amanda Cooper-Cocks reviewed: Christmas Wreath Making Kit on Eco-friendly Willow Bases

"I now have a fabulous wreath on my door for christmas ,thrilled with the whole service.The instuctions were all very clear and easy to follow.thanks jenni and team for your attention to detail."

Jenni Wren Creative responded:

"Thank you so much, always so lovely to receive a glowing review. I am sure it looks amazing on your front door. Seasons greetings, Jenni"

Kay reviewed: Candlemaking workshops for beginners in Hastoe, nr Tring

"This is the second workshop with Anne that I have attended, as I enjoyed the workshop earlier this year so much, that I booked a space on the Christmas candle-making workshop as soon as I could. A friend saw what I had created at the first workshop and asked if she could come along too and really enjoyed it herself. Anne is very knowledgeable and gives very clear instructions, which are very easy to follow. She also has a great selection of scents and colours and glitter for that extra bit of Christmas sparkle. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who likes candles. Hastoe Village Hall is a great venue too."

Robert Simpson reviewed: Photography Days

"I had an enjoyable day with Richard and Sue. They are both welcoming and very knowledgeable. I learned a lot and felt like it was a good step towards getting me off of the 'auto' setting! Would definitely recommend."

Sandra reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Had such a great day with Ade, Andy and Debbie - so friendly and an experience I'll not forget in a hurry. Lovely welcome with hot drinks and homemade flapjacks. We were very well looked after by Ade and Andy when the forges were going, and then by Debbie at lunchtime and at the end of the day with delicious homemade cooking and amazing bakes. The whole experience was great, really good fun. The care and attention from all involved was second to none :-)"

Lucy reviewed: 1 to 1 Beginners Crochet and beyond - East Grinstead

"I really enjoyed my 1 to 1 crochet lesson with Nicole - I was a complete beginner and she explained the stitches etc very clearly. She was very patient and gave me time to correct my own mistakes which made learning faster :-) and she kept the tea flowing!"

Just My Cup Of Crochet responded:

"Thank you so much Lucy, It was lovely to meet you. You picked up crochet very well and I’m sure you’ll be making lots of beautiful items in no time. ?"

Gaynor Gravestock reviewed: Christmas Wreath Making Kit on Eco-friendly Willow Bases

"I thoroughly enjoyed the wreath making. It was all beautifully packaged and a delight to open. The instructions were easy to follow and I’m thrilled with the result. Thank you!"

Jenni Wren Creative responded:

"Thank you so much Gaynor and even a bigger thank you for sending the pic of the wreath in situ. Wow! I have door eny.? You have done a fantastic job and love the fact you have added some birch for a whimsical feel to a beautiful natural wreath. Well done.?"

Beth Carswell reviewed: Christmas Wreath Making Kit on Eco-friendly Willow Bases

"Absolutely brilliant! I have been wanting to make my own natural wreath for years but have never had the opportunity. Jenni sent everything i needed and i got to work whilst being guided by her thorough tutorials. Now i have a beautiful wreath this Christmas. Thanks Jenni!"

Jenni Wren Creative responded:

"Always a pleasure ?. Yes you should be very proud as you have created a beautiful wreath, weaving the base, then binding the greenery and finally decorating with Christmas loveliness.? Well worth the wait I'm sure, as your woven base can be reused and your door will never be bare at Christmas again.?"

Robyn reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"I was gifted this class for my birthday and what a great gift! I really enjoyed learning all about how resin works & how to work with resin and then made my own mini river block. Great environment to learn in and nice to be surrounded by people excited to learn as well. Richard made this class fun and educational and will definitely be booking another class! Would highly recommend - 10/10"

SILVIA VILAR reviewed: Felt Making Paintings

"Excellent hands-on workshop to beginners with a wealth of materials and techniques to choose from. Jo was very insighful, kind and supportive and I loved it very much. I will be back soon for more! Silvia"

Beth reviewed: Damascus knife making in Grassington

"What an amazing experience! Bought as a birthday gift and it was so much more than we could have hoped for. Richard is so knowledgeable and great company (makes a lovely brew too)!! The pictures taken throughout the day were an extra special touch and turned out brilliantly. The booking process was really straight forward and all communication was clear. I would highly recommend this experience and will be purchasing more in the future for other family members. Thank you so much for everything Richard!"

Kate reviewed: Silver Jewellery Making Workshop

"It was my 1st time making a ring and I went with some ideas but after chatting and working through ideas with Juile we came up with a better design which I love. It was challenging but very satisfying. Juile was wonderful to work with and learn from as she has patience and a real love of jewellery making to pass on."

Jewellery By Julie responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review. It was great fun making the ring with you. As you said challenging but satisfying. Hope your ring has been greatly admired."

Anisa Khan reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"I thoroughly enjoyed the class! Great for someone who wants to learn the basics of using resin. I now feel inspired to try and make my own coasters."

Andrea Honsalek reviewed: Fabric printing with dyes.

"Esme is not only an amazing artist and expert, she is a great teacher and wonderful host, too. I had a fantastic day, learned a lot and produced a lovely piece of fabric. Thank you, Esme!"

Esme Cooper Design and Print responded:

"Many thanks Andrea for your super review. I'm so pleased you had a good time and printed a beautiful length of fabric too! I thoroughly enjoyed your company too."

Sai Keerthana reviewed: Master of Sourdough Special Offer Bundle 2 extraordinary events on Zoom

"Learn Sourdough was a lovely experience and a course that is truly a guiding light to someone trying to find their way on their sourdough journey. Sharon is a powerhouse of information and her exuberance makes for a lively interactive session of stimulating conversation and learning. Though miles away and in different time zones, she ensured I had an enriching experience and left no stone unturned in making sure I understood the core science behind the beautiful process of sourdough making. Thank you so much. You really are an amazing teacher and I am so happy to have had the opportunity to meet you and learn from you even if it was just on zoom for now. I will definitely be keeping in touch."

Learn Sourdough responded:

"Thank you sincerely Keerthana for taking the time to write such a heartfelt review. I'm truly delighted and humbled by your feedback. You are a keen student and it was an absolute pleasure teaching you. Your enthusiasm at every stage was a delight. You have the pernicity to evolve beyond your wildest dreams."

Anne reviewed: Fused glass workshop with Helen from The Butterfly Effect Studio in Halford.

"A great day with Helen, clear explanations, support when needed and suggestions of what would work well, but it is my work and I am so happy with the results. Relaxing, fun, laughter and tools that were easy for beginners to use, which is not always the case. I will go again."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Anne, I really appreciate you taking the time to submit your review at such a busy time of year. I’m delighted you enjoyed it as I know you have attended several workshops at other venues. Both you and Marion created some beautiful items, I imagine they have pride of place in your home. Thanks and it would be lovely to see you again at future workshops."

Ernie Willey reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Had the best day with you guys at the forge, my masterpiece has pride of place by the log burner, I'm well chuffed. Great tuition from Adrian and Andy, excellent food and AWESOME biscuits and cakes from Debbie. I would certainly recomnend this as a treat for anyone, no special skills required, all taught on the day. Thanks again to the team, I really did enjoy it."

Ernie Willey reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Had the best day with you guys at the forge, my masterpiece has pride of place by the log burner, I'm well chuffed. Great tuition from Adrian and Andy, excellent food and AWESOME biscuits and cakes from Debbie. I would certainly recomnend this as a treat for anyone, no special skills required, all taught on the day. Thanks again to the team, I really did enjoy it."