Latest reviews

Rebecca Newbold reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day

"I bought the course as a gift and decided to attend too and I wasn't disappointed. Les was very welcoming and clearly had a great passion for what he does. The day started with a health and safety and covid talk which made us both feel very safe. The balance between teaching and practical work was perfect, Les has this down to a tea. We really appreciated that Les was happy to share his wealth of knowledge, and any tips and tricks he had learnt along the years he was keen pass on. What we managed to produce in the day was beautiful. We both came back with something we had no idea was achievable to complete novices in a day. I would highly recommend a course with Les and hope to return again. Thank you so much for a fantastic day."

Pren responded:

"Many thanks for the review. I'm really pleased that you enjoyed your day; I certainly enjoyed having you both as students and you did remarkably well for beginners."

Anne Maddocks reviewed: Private or private group silver jewellery making / silversmithing workshop half-day at Silver Designed Personally

"I was given a voucher as a gift and chose the private jewellery making half day course. I don't consider myself artistic at all and have some problems with strength and dexterity in my hands so I was fairly dubious about whether I would actually be able to make anything. I needn't have worried at all. Sara was friendly and welcoming from the start. I decided I would like to make a pair of earrings. Sara showed me how to use the tools and I was able to practice on copper wire to start with while I got used to everything. It was brilliant to have 1 to 1 tuition as Sara helped me through every step and I was amazed that I had a wearable item of jewellery at the end of the session, thanks to Sara. I had a very enjoyable morning."

Silver Designed Personally responded:

"Anne - Thanks so very much for taking the time to write me a review. Your did really well and that was not an easy solder job with all those joints - so well done! Your earrings were so cute that my sister has even asked me to make a pair for her for Christmas!! Sara"

Anna Northam reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"This course is not only value for money but is so much fun. I was able to put my own take on one of the really beautiful choice of box designs we were given, so I felt as though is made something pretty unique. I'm hoping to do the weekend again next year so I can have a go at another design. Highly recommended."

Annette reviewed: Mixed Media Painting Workshop in Brighton Seaside Home

"It was my first experience at using mixed media and thoroughly enjoyed the day experimenting. Laura was great in guiding us through the different techniques with so much enthusiasm. I would definitely recommend the day . Thank you Laura"

Creativity Takes Courage responded:

"Thank you, Annette! It was brilliant to meet you and I'm so pleased that you enjoyed your day. Stay in touch! Laura"

Gill Davies reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Thankyou Jonathan for a brilliant day and your excellent teaching. Jude and myself really enjoyed learning new skills in such a relaxing atmosphere and are very proud of our earrings."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"My pleasure! I'm really pleased that you enjoyed the day and well done with your new skills. Earrings can be fiddly! Jonathan"

Liz reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"A thoroughly enjoyable but very tiring weekend; I can’t remember the last time I came home so dusty, if ever. Sebastian chivvied me along when I thought I would never get anywhere in the given time, and it all worked out well in the end with a lovely ball-flower. A bonus is that the inside even looked like a rose! I sometimes felt that I was left to make a decision on how much more was needed to be done on a particular stage of the carving, when I personally would have liked him to tell me ‘do this till it looks like that’ but that may be because I’m not in anyway arty or crafty, where he is."

Alison reviewed: Short evening course in Copper Foiling Technique

"This short evening course in copper foiling was amazing!❤ Sharon is so welcoming and knowledgeable. The atmosphere was very relaxed and Sharon was always on hand to give expert advice and help when required. The studio set up was perfect and I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend a Thursday evening! A real sense of achievement with the beautiful pieces that we all created. ?"

Adrian Barnes reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"An excellent 2 days, course was set at my pace & covered everything I wanted and a bit more."

Malcolm Watson reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"After a 2 hour journey, I received an extremely warm welcome on arrival, followed by a much-needed coffee and an explanation of how the day was planned. Both the morning and afternoon sessions were very constructive and informative. Simon soon has you hands-on on the lathe, resulting in producing a "Christmas Tree" in the morning and a Bowl in the afternoon. Simon's workshop is very well equipped and his explanation of his various pieces of equipment was most thorough. The communication from both Simon and Louise, before the course and after, was informative and timely. I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to learn woodturning."

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Malcolm, Thank you for a very positive review; we're really glad you enjoyed your day and got the most out of it. Please shout if you need any more help. --Simon & Louise"

sue hennessey reviewed: Beginners Watercolours & Cream Tea Experience (minimum booking is for 2 people)

"I really enjoyed being able to take the time to chill and try watercolours. Amina was so encouraging and I loved losing myself in the different techniques. The mindful background music, freshly baked scones and real coffee made it perfect ‘me time’ Thank you for a wonderful afternoon Sx"

A.S.K Art & Pottery Gallery & Studio responded:

"Thanks for the lovely message Sue. It was a wonderful session and so great to meet a fellow globe trotter. I hope to see you soon x"

Anna reviewed: Double-Sided Lampshade Making

"I absolutely loved this class and learnt a huge amount of new skills. Wendy is a great teacher and makes superb coffee which is such a treat. Many thanks. Highly recommend!"

Jane reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Beginners glass fusing workshops in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"Completed the beginners fused glass workshop with Mel. Really enjoyed making several items of fused glass and 2 sets of dichroic glass earrings. Mel has a really lovely encouraging and supportive teaching style. Definitely be back to do more!!"

Jim Walker reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I’ve had a hankering to take up Woodturning for a few years now. I booked two consecutive days with Colin, what a wise decision. Fantastic, relaxed, friendly and patient tuition. I left with a lovely bowl and box, a head full of good advice and enthusiasm to build a workshop and fill it with the required machinery, tools and equipment to continue this journey. Thank you very much, Colin. I will be booking further improver courses in 2022 and appreciate your vast knowledge and shared advice, which has already saved me far more than the cost of the course in striking un-required tools and machinery from my shopping list. Will keep in touch and no doubt pester for opinions as my shopping list focuses further."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thank you for your review, Jim. Keep in touch and if I can help in any way in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me. Colin"

Andrew reviewed: Woodcarving for beginners - two day course in Suffolk

"Gerry has immense knowledge and skill of wood carving. His ability to teach is excellent. Really enjoyable couple of days."

June reviewed: Upholstery workshop afternoons - bring your own project

"I’d thoroughly recommend this class for anyone who wants to learn how to upholster. The tutors guide you through your project at your own pace, teaching the techniques needed for a professional finish. I’ve attended a few sessions and have already booked again, ready to start another project."

Jody Gray Upholstery School responded:

"Hi June, Thank you so much for taking the time to review the class. We shall see you soon. Graham"

jamie whittle reviewed: Woodcarving for beginners - two day course in Suffolk

"great couple of days, learnt a lot and had fun"

Gerald Adams Woodcarvers Ltd responded:

"Thanks Jamie. Glad you enjoyed it, keep in touch. Send pics of the chess pieces. Gerry"

James reviewed: Full Day Woodturning tuition from Registered Professional Turner in Dorset, South West

"Just finished my 3rd Lesson with Joe, great teacher and nice to work with a award winning woodturner."

David reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"I had a great day with Stuart learning the basics of woodturning and making a turned apple out of elm. Stuart is a great host and tutor. He makes you feel welcome right away and has a great knack for teaching the skills required to progress with this wonderful craft. We chatted right through the day about all manner of forms of working with wood. His workshop is warm and inviting with its wood stove, stuff full of wonderful hand tools, lathes and a lifetime’s hoard of amazing wood from all around the world. Tea and cake capped the afternoon. I couldn’t recommend Stuart’s course more highly. A thoroughly enjoyable day out in the wonderful Argyll countryside - and skills to take away and build on. Thanks so much for a great day."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks for your comments David. So glad you enjoyed your day. Hope to see you again soon when you get your new lathe. Stuart."

Peter Snowden reviewed: Blacksmithing experience - spend a day in the forge

"Richard provided a course that suited participants of all abilities. I was able to relive my experience of forge work that I acquired when I was at school in the early '60s and with appropriate guidance I was able to proceed at my own pace. I can recommend this course to anyone."

Boris reviewed: Beginner's Weaving Class / Introduction to multi-shaft weaving (Weekend Course)

"I took part in the 2-day weaving class that Alan offered and what a great weekend it was! Alan is an excellent teacher, and his course is structured to give you a solid introduction to the art of weaving. Even if you are a total beginner, like I was, rest assured you will be patiently guided through the whole process and provided with easy-to-follow instructions and hand-outs. The course is small, so the tuition is as personal as it can get. You will have access to a wide variety of yarns and will be able to experiment with those on both 4- and 8-shaft looms. Alan also demonstrates how to set up a loom and make a warp, explains how to read a weaving draft and offers recommendations on choosing specialist literature and all the necessary equipment should you wish to continue with your new skills. All the samples you produce are yours to take home at the end of the course. Alan’s studio is conveniently located a few minutes away from several tube stations, and you will be offered tea and biscuits throughout the day!"

Linda Cook reviewed: ‘Winter dream ' wool painting face-to-face textile art course in Worcestershire

"I took this course and fell in love with a therapeutic wool painting technique. I enjoyed learning the basic skills of painting with wool fibres. It was a great way of meeting different people in a relaxed workshop with helpful positive feedback from Raya. The course was excellent and I can't recommend this enough. I loved my finished wool picture and I look forward to my next course at the magic wool studio."

Magic Wool Art and Craft Studio responded:

"Dear Linda, Thank you for your review. I am delighted that you enjoyed the therapeutic course and created a lovely wool painting. I look forward to seeing you again at the Watercolour course starting in January. Kind regards, Raya"

Dr Carolyn Kus reviewed: Sewing Kit - Sew a drawstring bag with handles - sewing kit for beginners

"This is the second kit I have purchased first was the tote bag This small drawstring bag with handles was easy to make and looks amazing looking forward to making more I would highly recommend these kits"

Judy reviewed: Natural Cold-Process Soap Making

"I did this course with 2 friends. You do have to be very accurate but then making soap is a scientific process so it is to be expected. Wendy was very clear in her explanations and very patient with us all working at a slightly different pace. The time absolutely flew by and I am very pleased with the end product."

Zoe reviewed: Quilt in a Day, one-to-one course with Amanda Jane Ogden

"It was a very inspiring day and made quilting very doable even for a beginner - the fabrics were lovely and so were the flapjacks! Amanda was very patient and helpful with knowledge, experience and advice you just can't get in a quilting book. Thank you!"

Amanda Jane Textiles responded:

"Dear Zoe, Thank you for your review. You progressed so quickly during the day as you made your first quilt - you took to quilting like a duck to water! I hope you get lots of pleasure from this new craft. Amanda"

Pauline Hastings reviewed: Quilt in a Day, one-to-one course with Amanda Jane Ogden

"I had such a wonderful, fun, productive day learning to make a quilt with Amanda last week. Amanda is a very calm and patient teacher, with a wealth of experience and advice to offer. The fabrics that she had curated were lovely and I am so pleased to have come away with a completed mini quilt and the skills and enthusiasm to embark on my own quilting projects. The course was everything I hoped for, and more. Highly recommended to anyone thinking of giving it a go!"

Amanda Jane Textiles responded:

"Thank you Pauline for your review. It was a pleasure to teach you. This is just the start of your quilting adventure! Amanda"