Latest reviews

sylvia french reviewed: Watercolour on canvas

"I really enjoyed the day yesterday and it was great to try something new with using watercolours on canvas. Liz's instructions were all very clear and delivered with great enthusiasm and knowledge. We produced two pieces of work and came home with a prepared canvas for our own project. It was interesting to see how watercolours reacted to the canvas and to work on the technique of layering. I would thoroughly recommend Liz's courses."

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely review, and I’m pleased you enjoyed it. I hope you use your canvas to paint something at a more leisurely pace! Hope to see you again soon."

David Connelly reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"It was a beautifully sunny but cold day as I meandered through the beautiful English countryside to arrive at the working farm which housed the course. A very warm and friendly welcome with hot coffee available was a great way to start the day. Adrian, Andy and Debbie welcomed the course and made sure that we were comfortable and suitably clad. Time was taken to explain what was going to happen on the course and what we were expected to achieve. We were then shown a beautiful rams head poker, a copy of which was our goal for the day. There followed a practical demonstration of the first part. In my view, a great way to go. Small chunks at a time. Easier to follow and remember. We all worked at the same pace, each new part demonstrated prior to us having a go. After the first demo, it was straight in and literally poker in the fire time. They say that patience is a virtue. Adrian had this in spades.  Clearly a very experienced Smith. He talked and demonstrated throughout the day, gentle hints here and there when we weren't quite getting it quite right. Practical positive encouragement was the order of the day. The break for lunch was welcomed, it's hot at the forge. The food was outstanding, and lots of it, including local bread and cheeses which were wolfed by all. The afternoon flew past, clearly everyone was enjoying themselves and at last we were done. A sense of achievement, a feeling of happiness and altogether a great course. I would highly recommend trying the course. I will be going back for another."

Graham Tunstall reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"The ram's head poker course is an excellent course. Ade and Andy are excellent and very patient tutors. The poker I made will very useful for BBQs! The catering was also excellent; with veggie chilli, jacket potatoes and local cheese and bread. A thoroughly enjoyable day that I would definitely recommend. Thank you"

Helen Abbott reviewed: Felt Making Paintings

"Jo was really welcoming and patient with 2 complete novices. We both left with pieces we were very happy with and a desire to learn more."

Jane Chadwick reviewed: Furniture upcycling workshop - 1 day

"Thoroughly enjoyed this course. Hannah was very attentive and explained everything clearly. Had a lovely day, painted my piece of furniture, which turned out great. My family were very impressed. Met some lovely people. Can’t wait to book another course soon."

Tread Softly responded:

"Hi Jane! So pleased that you enjoyed the day. It really was a fantastic group. I loved your commode - so unusual!! Your design was excellent and lovely choice of colours. Glad your family approved. I think we must have similar tastes. Thanks so much for coming along :)"

Sue Chambers reviewed: Tree of Life Pendant and Earrings Workshop

"Great workshop and Pat is a brilliant and patient teacher, she makes good coffee, cookies and brownies too. Highly recommended."

Pat Miller Jewellery responded:

"Thanks Sue! Looking forward to seeing you in January. Pat"

Susan Burton reviewed: Get started with Dot Painting - relaxed, friendly sessions

"I enjoyed a fabulous day learning how to do Mandala Dot painting. Sally is a great teacher and I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants to learn a new skill. It was a very relaxing day with superb teaching and coaching. I came home with lovely piece dot work. I didn't get to finish within the session, but Sally gave me paints so that I could continue at home. I am really happy with what I achieved. It was quite a meditative experience. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would highly recommend not only this course but the tutor as well, she is outstanding!"

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank you for coming to the workshop again Susan - we had a lovely chilled day dotting and I look forward to seeing you again soon :)"

N.Torres reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"OMG, I can’t recommend this course enough. Whether you are interested in just trying soap making or if you are serious about it this course is perfect. Paula brings a great combination of theory and practice in this 5hr programme. The price is amazing and I couldn’t find anything like it online. I now feel super confident I can try it by myself. Also, you get to spend a great and relaxing day. I’m so happy I found this course. I’m definitely coming back for others. Thanks, Paula."

Cath reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Fantastic course and teacher! Ended up with a wonderful bangle. Would highly recommend."

Katherine reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Fabulous day making some lovely jewellery under the excellent tuition of Jonathan."

Nell reviewed: Throwing for beginners

"A really brilliant day. Charlie was so very patient as he explained everything (quite a few times!) and really encouraging and positive about the end results. Really great to spend a day with new people, all learning a new skill together. Looking forward to returning for the glazing. Thank you."

Charlie's Pots responded:

"Hello Nell & Kristina Many thanks for your lovely comments. Look forward to seeing you for the glazing. Best wishes Charlie"

Liz reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop Part Two - Resin Finishing

"My husband and I had already done the first ‘resin river place mat’ workshop and enjoyed it so much we were really looking forward to the second part. We had a really good day and learned so much. I was apprehensive before I started about using the larger machinery but after Richard’s expert demonstration, advice and encouragement I was able to complete my work and even enjoyed myself. I now have new skills! I was delighted by my finished pieces of art. I was really quite pleased with myself. We would highly recommend these courses to anyone interested in art and crafts wanting to try something different. Thanks so much, Richard. Liz"

Denise reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"Spent a truly delightful morning with Anita making containers and tapered candles. The workshop is so informative and fun, and the candles I came home with are so beautiful and smell utterly divine! Anita talks you through everything you’d need to know during the workshop and to carry on at home on your own. The candle alchemist studio is a wonderfully comfortable space and Anita makes such a welcoming atmosphere, you can’t help but fall in love with candle making!"

Jane Gilbey reviewed: How to use essential oils with your dog - with Living Naturally Loving Life

"Really loving this course. Very well written, packed with information and lovely imagery making it very visual and easy to follow. Love the aromatherapy recipes too. I’m looking forward to exploring the accompanying videos. I think this course is a good value and the author has taken a lot of care and thought to produce it."

The English Herbalist responded:

"Hello Jane, Thank you so very much for your lovely review of my workshop. I'm really thrilled to hear you love the recipes, along with the imagery. Enjoy the videos too, you'll be creating effective canine aromatherapy products safely in no time. Thank you once again. Niki."

Judith reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"What a great afternoon going home with Candles of wonderful colours. Anita is a good teacher and the workshop is a delightful building - tbh I did not think this was going to be my thing. I SO enjoyed it, so if you are in doubt Go and have a fun afternoon."

Jackie Britton reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Fantastic course, really enjoyed it and it was clear that with Bill we were learning from someone with incredible knowledge and experience. I was delighted with what we were able to both learn and make over the course of a weekend. Highly recommended!"

Bespoke Leather responded:

"Thanks Jackie, glad you enjoyed yourself. I will keep you informed about future courses. All the best Bill"

Anna Filactou reviewed: Full Day Mosaic For Outdoors on slate with Laura Barnes.

"Myself, mum and my daughter did the full day mosaic with Laura for mums birthday. We had the best day! Laura was fab and we made some masterpieces for our gardens too! I can’t recommend this day course highly enough. We’ve never tried mosaic before, we all had such an amazing time learning, singing and chatting. Fantastic day!"

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"I'm so glad you loved my course! Your work was fabulous and so much learned in a day. I'd love a picture or 3 of your pieces in their final places. Keep them indoors for a few days and let them set fully. Thank you for a lovely review, Laura"

Judy Kirkby reviewed: Scrap glass mosaic workshop (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"My daughter and I did this course and thoroughly enjoyed the day Kate was a great teacher with the right balance between teaching and encouraging us to be creative with our designs. Everything for the day was included in the price and it was an enjoyable and fun day. We will certainly do more classes with Kate."

Richard Pope reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Had a great day a couple of weeks ago. Having done some workshops and minor forging many years ago, I really enjoyed the chance to learn a few more basic skills. It was hard work but Mort made things look so easy and really helped the struggling students especially staying on to finish my planned piece of work that now adorns my inglenook fireplace - it was a wine bottle warmer that hooks onto the fire. Thank Mort."

Firebird Forge responded:

"Thanks for the review and the photos Richard. Enjoy the warmed wine this winter! Cheers, Mort."

julia white reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"What an excellent day, from the tea and homemade flapjack on arrival, right up to the end of the day. Jon and Becky were friendly and attentive teachers who helped us get the most out of the day. The whole day flew by and I am thrilled with the basket that I made. I would be more than happy to join them for another day in the future and would certainly have no hesitation in recommending their course to anyone. Thank you so much, very much worth the journey from Leighton Buzzard!"

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

"I was one of 4 complete beginners in the Sea and Solder studio, and it was an amazing day. Julia was an enthusiastic and brilliant teacher guiding us through the various techniques with clear instructions and demonstrations. The small group allows for very individual teaching, and unlike many other courses I’ve been on, we all completed something quite different and original. (One ring, one bangle and 2 very different pendants.) Everyone came away with a huge sense of achievement and a good understanding of basic silversmithing techniques."

lucy thomson reviewed: Blacksmithing day courses: making garden flowers

"Really interesting, if hard work! Loads of help and instruction readily available. I came home with two lovely flowers on garden stakes and was extremely satisfied with the day. A very good 2-course home-cooked lunch was provided, thank you, Debbie! Not rushed to finish in good time either."

JOANNE KENNELLY reviewed: Make silver jewellery using precious metal clay or silver clay

"I've just had a brilliant day with Toni on her silver clay course. I was a complete beginner but Toni soon put me at ease with her very warm personality. She is an excellent teacher and very generous with her knowledge. I really feel I learned a lot from the day. I will definitely book another course with her and would not hesitate to recommend her. Thank you x"

CG Crafts responded:

"Aww thank you Joanne, that’s a lovely thing to say. I’m so glad your daughter liked her necklace. I look forward to seeing what you make next. Toni :-)"

Prue Curtis reviewed: One day introduction to stained glass for complete beginners (copper foil method)

"Another wonderful day with Sally, this time making a dragonfly with the copper foil stained glass method. There were 2 of us in the class which really helped give us both individual attention during the day so that we were able to complete each stage of the process with time and excellent tuition. This was my first attempt at the copper foil method and although there are several complex processes I was able to focus on each step without feeling hurried, and thoroughly enjoyed each step and am so proud of what I managed to achieve. So thank you, Sally, for your infinite patience, excellent teaching, and for such a fun, happy and successful day."

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank you for coming to the workshop again Prue - a delight to see you as always. I'm very pleased you enjoyed the stained glass day and your dragonfly is wonderful! Look forward to seeing you again in the workshop soon :)"

James Harris reviewed: Mindfulness clay workshop - relax and recharge with clay 'I need clay'

"I really enjoyed this session. It was something new for me. Sarah was a great teacher and very patient with the group. Moulding the clay with eyes closed was a great experience! Would certainly recommend you give it a try. Thanks!"

Sarah Core Arts responded:

"Thanks so much for taking the time to post a review: I am delighted you had a good experience. Keep making :-)"