Williams Handmade reviews

Imogene reviewed: One Day Small Leather Goods Workshop

"I did the 1 day saddle bag course. It was great! As a complete novice Sarah talked us through each step clearly and by the end of the day we had all made a unique item that we could be proud of. Thanks Sarah. I would definitely recommend any course with you."

Sally Rowney reviewed: Leather Workshop One - on - One

"I had a wonderful day with Sarah making a rucksack style handbag. I had great communication before the day (which was a Christmas present) from Sarah asking about likes and dislikes, colours, what kind of thing I was interested in making etc. Sarah even offered to get in leather of a colour that I wanted (if I knew what colour I wanted before the day) so that I could make in a colour of my choice. I didn't know what colour I wanted, so gave her my favourite colours and she had all of them available on the day. I can't remember exactly how many colours of leather were availbale on the day, but it was more than 10, probably closer to 20. Sarah was interested to learn what type of thing I wanted to make and asked me to email her pictures. So I sent her ones of the type of rucksack style handbag that I liked and ones I didn't like with some notes, so that she knew which bits I liked/dislisked and why. The workshop space was lovely, tidy, roomy and light filled. It was a lovely space in which to work. It was quite obvious Sarah was used to teaching people with a wide range of skills and quickly adapted her instruction and style to match my skill level. Her work as a university lecturer, combined with her nature, has given her the skills to set people at ease and take away any fears and make it a very enjoyable experience. Lunch was lovely - bread rolls filled by Sarah, cakes, fruit and crisps. Tea/coffee/squash/water. Biscuits available if wanted at morning and afternoon break times, along with drinks. I have already told my husband he can buy me another workshop with Sarah any time he likes as I enjoyed myself so much. I would highly recommend the 1:1 workshop day with Sarah. Sally"

jodie wingham reviewed: Leather Workshop One - on - One

"I attended a one to one workshop with Sarah recently and it was brilliant! I had been on a previous course with Sarah, the half a day course, which was also fantastic and decided I had to come back to learn more and the one to one course Sarah provides was just what I wanted. Sarah was very informative and helpful, her knowledge is immense but with this she does not make things overtly complicated ensuring you have enough information to make what you want and in the process learn what you want too. By the end of the day I had made a fantastic bag which I love, and the skills to practice myself with leather work. I would recommend attending a course to anyone."

Williams Handmade responded:

"Thanks Jodie, you did a great job on your bag, looking forward to seeing what you make next, thanks Sarah"

Kelly reviewed: Leather Workshop One - on - One

"I travelled from Scotland to do 2 days one to one workshops with Sarah and can honestly say it was absolutely worth the journey. Sarah was patient and really open when teaching. I feel like I've learned loads of new skills that I'll use at home as well as making 3 beautiful bags over the 2 days. The workshop is situated in a beautiful area. I'd definitely like to do come back for another workshop and would highly recommend Sarah's workshops to anyone from a total beginner or like me who has dabbled a little bit with making bags but wants to improve and learn new skills."

Williams Handmade responded:

"Thank you Kelly, it was lovely to meet you, I hope to see you again at some point, Thanks Sarah"

Anne Pascoe reviewed: Two day leather bag making course

"I attended the two day workshop with my daughter. This is the third leather course we have been on, but the first with Sarah. The workshop is bright and airy as was Sarah's welcome. The quality of Sarah's teaching was the best we have received. She is very generous with her time and her patterns. We were very surprised to be able to use the patterns for any of the bags she makes. Her teaching methods were such that you didn't realise how much you were learning and even when you were struggling, through no fault of Sarah's, she was instantly aware and eager to help you over any problems. She provided excellent refreshments and lunch. It was wonderful to come away with a finished bag. My only regret is that Sarah is a 6 hour drive away from where we live or I am sure we would both be regulars at her workshops. I can highly recommend this activity either as a solo student or in the company of friends."

Williams Handmade responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely review. It was lovely to meet you both and I'm so pleased you enjoyed the workshop :)"

Adrian Allan reviewed: Two day leather bag making course

"Wonderfully educational, very satisfying, beautiful workshop, delicious food and great fun. Sarah is an excellent teacher who will set you up to start making your bag and then step in to help out and advise if needed. She was really flexible when I asked if I could make a non-standard bag and was fantastically helpful to make sure I finished it. I couldn't recommend Sarah and the course highly enough - so much better than buying a bag."

Williams Handmade responded:

"Hi Adrian, thank you so much for your lovely review. I hope your daughter loved her bag :)"

Emily Allan reviewed: Two day leather bag making course

"I really enjoyed the course. Sarah's studio is light and peaceful . She is an excellent teacher and the course was very well planned. Sarah was able to be very flexible supporting us all to make different bags, teaching us all the necessary skills and assisting us when necessary. She was incredibly patient, had a good sense of humour and a really skilled craft's woman. I was so happy with the bag I was able to make and may choose to go on the course again as it was such a satisfying enjoyable weekend. There was tea, delicious coffee and biscuits when ever we wanted and a great lunch was also provided."

Williams Handmade responded:

"Hi Emily, thank you so much for lovely review. I hope you are enjoying using your bag. Please do come back again."

amy billings reviewed: Half day leather clutch bag / ipad case

"Really relaxed half day course, feel like it wasn't rushed, learnt heaps, great group size."

Helen Godding reviewed: One Day Small Leather Goods Workshop

"Very sociable meeting others. Didnt realise there were so many stages to making a bag. It was hard work concentrating . Didnt think i would remember the stitching sequence but soon got into the cycle and found it quite relaxing. Very pleased with the results. Love my bag. We were very lucky to choose any colour leather. Excellent instruction , friendly tutor. Sarah was extremely patient with us all. Nice food and drinks. Catered for all drinks. Great to have fruit teas and decaf drinks, appreciated. Great day. Thanks very much."

Alison reviewed: Two day leather bag making course

"I would really recommend this course. We made a small purse to get into the swing of things and then had a wide choice of pattern and leather for our main bag which meant we all had something completely different and personal to us. I thoroughly enjoyed learning the skills from Sarah who was an excellent teacher and I am absolutely delighted with the final product."

Deb Wilson reviewed: One Day Small Leather Goods Workshop

"Very enjoyable day. Sarah was a good tutor who explained things clearly and patiently."

Ellie Rush reviewed: One Day Small Leather Goods Workshop

"Absolutely loved this course. Sarah is a fantastic teacher and made the whole experience very enjoyable. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Sarah and her courses to everyone. I haven’t stopped showing off my new bag to all my friends and family! I will definitely be back to learn more skills, thank you."

Clare Blakeway-Phillips reviewed: One Day Small Leather Goods Workshop

"I loved this day course. Sarah was an excellent and patient teacher who had time for everyone and sorted us out if we got into difficulty. We learnt a lot in a day and the resulting bag was more professional looking than I was expecting. Sarah also had the shocking pink colour leather I was hoping for! My friends cannot believe that I made this bag and that I hand stitched it. Very proud of my bag. Would highly recommend the course."

Sarah Mayhew reviewed: One Day Small Leather Goods Workshop

"Sarah was welcoming, and allowed us to do what we were able too whilst being available at all times to help if needed. She explained everything clearly and had plenty of tools/equipment etc. I was really pleased with the result and my bag has been much admired"

Williams Handmade responded:

"Thank you for the lovely feedback and thank you for coming to the workshop. You did a great job on your bag :)"

Bruce Scholfield reviewed: Leather Workshop One - on - One

"A brilliant , well organised day. Very inspiring for me to do more leatherwork. Sarah is very knowledgable and happy to share her ideas and skill. Highly reccomended"

Emily Bott reviewed: One Day Small Leather Goods Workshop

"The one day saddle bag workshop with Sarah was amazing! It was such a full day of learning new skills. I am extremely pleased with the end product and it is definitely something I would like to have another go at. Sarah's teaching was clear and she has genuine expertise to share. Thank you Sarah."

Judi Bunn reviewed: Two day leather bag making course

"This was my fourth time of going to one of Sarah's workshop, but the first time I did the 2-day handbag course. It was just great, plenty of time to finish the bag, all the help and advice I needed, combined with a lovely lunch [in the sun] both days. It really is a fabulous venue and I highly recommend her courses [all of them!]"

Laura Hurds reviewed: One Day Small Leather Goods Workshop

"The course was really fun and informative. Sarah was a great teacher and really personalised her self to each persons skill level and way of learning. Although everyone made a saddle bag the flexibility of the day meant everyone got to personalise the final product to match their own taste in a multitude of ways which was a nice creative twist. I left with a great new bag ans have learnt a lot and will now no longer shy away from a material I would have never consider attempting working with before."

Elaine Bowles reviewed: One Day Small Leather Goods Workshop

"Absolutely loved it! Would like to come again. Liked the hand stitching but found punching the holes evenly difficult. Thanks for helping me. I have a really professional looking product and used it today in town. Had to buy a new purse as mine is too big for the bag. I'd like to do some machine stitching over the summer hols. I'll see what you have available. Many thx."

Gail Scott reviewed: One Day Leather Bag Making Workshop

"This is an excellent workshop - both fun and informative. Sarah is encouraging and nothing is too much trouble. She guides you through the process every step of the way in her beautiful studio and just seeing the work she produces and the wonderful coloured leather is inspiring. I came away with a fantastic two coloured business card case which has been well used and gathered many compliments. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone whatever your ability - you will have fun in beautiful surroundings whilst gaining a new skill from an amazing practitioner"

Judi Bunn reviewed: Half day leather clutch bag / ipad case

"The second course I have attended with Ms Williams. Really fun, very solid and simple teaching (always important!). Am already booked for two more. These are some of the best courses I have attended over the last 20 years or so."

Rob Hildreth reviewed: Half day leather clutch bag / ipad case

"My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed the leather workshop with Sarah. Sarah and Steve made us both feel very welcome from the moment we arrived. Sarah's knowledge of her craft was impeccable and shared in a really easy to understand format. The venue looked amazing, was clean, light and spacious and had everything we needed. The tools and materials we were using were excellent and kept in great condition which made working with them safer and easier. There was a great selection of leathers to choose from and Sarah explained all the processes in great detail. We were left feeling very enthused and inspired to continue developing our new skills and felt very proud of our progress and final pieces. We couldn't thank Sarah enough for that and we're looking forward to returning for another class in the near future. Highly recommended."

Karen Bunce reviewed: Two day leather bag making course

"This was a fab course and I have come away with a unique and very personal hand stitched leather bag. Sarah Williams made sure that everyone was supported to make an individual bag in style, leather and colour of own choosing. Great value for money and I will certainly be using the stitching techniques on other projects. Sarah was generous with her expertise, time and materials and lunch was lovely too! We worked hard, and some of the stitching was tough but with Sarah's help we all came away with bags that will be much loved and used... and envied!"

Ella Sibley Sparling reviewed: Half day leather clutch bag / ipad case

"This course was brilliant. Really informative and well led with every stage of the process explained clearly. Good use of tools and materials. I learnt a lot and had a very enjoyable morning. I would highly recommended it to others!! Thank you :)"

Sarah Helsby reviewed: Half day leather clutch bag / ipad case

"I completed the half day clutch bag/ipad course, there were five of us in total and the workshop was plenty big enough for all. Great teacher, good space, great choice of materials, not overloaded with students. I am thrilled with my finished clutch bag and I am now looking forward to moving onto one of Sarah's two day courses to make a bigger bag. One of the best courses I have done in every sense (and I have done a lot!) I would highly recommend Sarah's leather workshops to everyone."