Catherine reviewed: Half day mosaic workshops with Laura Barnes.

"We had a great time in the 3 hour half day mosaic workshop. My dad has mobility issues and also had recent surgery on his hand that hadn’t healed as quickly as hoped. Laura was able to support him to achieve a great finished piece with clever suggestions to simplify design and by offering to help intermittently, without making a fuss. The process is easy to grasp, with some fiddly bits that require good hand control but nothing is irreversible as cement takes a lot of time to set. Laura has carefully designed the session with a cuppa on arrival and guidance on what can be achieved in the time and has lots of ready made stencils to jump straight in on making without overwhelm. I’m confident in arty things and made my design more complicated using small pieces and I probably pushed the limit of what could be done in 3 hours but wasn’t made to feel rushed at any point and am really happy with the result. Laura is really friendly and open and there’s lots to look at and inspire in the studio and pictures of her work. Some practical notes are that the studio is upstairs in an old mill though apparently there is a lift somewhere. The toilet however is downstairs and a bit ropey so good tip would be to go before you arrive. "

Ruari Grant reviewed: Woodworking Machinery Techniques and use.

"A great day at teds workshop, he tailored the machine course to my exact needs. Very informative and friendly "

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thanks Ruari, That box you made was very cool indeed, You have some good skills and with practice you will be a great woodworker. Hope to see you again soon? kind regards Ted "

Ztoffers reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"Disabled? Here's my review for you. I have balance and walking problems due to MS, I use a stick or scooter to get around. I was a bit worried after booking because the workshop is in an old stables, so you can't expect a level floor. I was so relieved when we got there because Ricky already had an understanding of how best to make the workshop accessible to me. This is not my expectation because my usual experience is to need to compromise or only do part of something, otherwise I feel like I'm being difficult or making extra work for people. I found out later that Ricky has done the workshop for many people with different needs, from vision impaired to wheelchair users. I was able to fully take part in all the activities with Ricky carrying my hot glass iron between points and me using his arm to balance. I don't need to revisit all the other reviews because so much has been said, but for me 5 stars is not enough to express how special it was that Ricky had considered how to make it work for me. "

Jane Perry reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 pottery throwing workshop for 1 person

"I bought this experience for my granddaughter's 13th birthday and we both had a wonderful time. Right from the start we were made welcome with drinks and snacks ( Saffron loved the homemade cookies!!) We were both a bit nervous initially about using the potters wheel but after after a clear demonstration ( and with useful written instructions and lots of encouagement) we got stuck in and had a whale of a time . It was a really fun relaxing afternoon , and we didn't want it to end as we were having so much fun , and making so much mess !! Surprisingly we made some rather good pots ( particuarly Saffron who of course is now aspiring to have her own potters wheel !) Cant wait to see the pots fired and glazed in our chosen colours . Thank you Louise , "

Hannah reviewed: Lampworking Workshop: Full Day Beginners Workshop

"Fantastic day with Suzanne, very professional setup, great teacher and a lovely atmosphere - great way to spend a day"

Helena and Matty reviewed: 3 hour Silver jewellery course

"Had an amazing time learning about the intricacies of every part of the process of ring making. Loved making a truly personalised ring, which turned out beautifully under Richard's calm and humourous guidance. Found learning about his experiences really interesting too. "

Richard Whitelegg Jewellery responded:

"Many thanks, it was a pleasure to teach you regards Richard"

Victoria Seth reviewed: Glass Bauble blowing experience with Chris

"So much of this was fantastic. Chris and his partner were lovely and the glass blowing was great fun. My friend and I really felt like we'd achieved something. The baubles look lovely. We are already making plans to return to do some more in the summer. I only mark it as 4 stars rather 5 because they were running really late all day. We had to hang around for 30mins before we could start. Then the next group arrived soon after and stood to watch us, which felt very pressured and rushed. They were were apologic about it, but it did take the edge off the experience."

Martin Edwards reviewed: An Introduction to RAG RUGS - Creative Recycling

"This is a great book, and Jenni sent it really quickly. Comprehensive and easy to follow for beginners, with content on design, materials, tools & technique, with the bonus of a nice section on the history of textiles. We've made a start, and will have fun trying out all the different things..."

Jenni's Rag Rugs responded:

"So glad it arrived quickly and if you have any questions about rag rug making I am happy to help. I would love to see what you make. Raggily, Jenni"

Chris reviewed: Spoon Carving - Sloyd Workshop

"We had the pleasure of attending Max's spoon whittling workshop a couple of weeks ago and I can't remember having a more enjoyable or constructive day out for a long while. We were delighted and slightly astonished how well our spoons turned out, thanks to Max's relaxed, informative and thorough teaching. Lunch was great, the setting was great, there were mince pies, a wood fire - what's not to love. Max is one of the nicest people you could hope to meet - book this course, you won't regret it. A million stars."

Mary reviewed: Willow wreath kit

"Well presented kits with everything you need. The willow is a lovely shade. Good to plan and order a little ahead."

Ruth Wilkinson reviewed: Introduction to leaded stained glass

"Very late review from course I did in October 2024. Three of us on course. My friend and I were given lots of support, information and instructions and felt able to do our own leaded glass panel as we wished. Third person came late but was constructively helped in order to ensure also made full panel in time. Great day with tasty, relaxed lunch in middle which added to this experience. "

Kathy Rowden reviewed: Stained glass sun catcher lesson

"I had a great day creating something quite challenging. Graham was able to find ways of making a special frame for my design. It was good to be able to do the course individually...so many other courses only run with a minimum number of participants. As there was just me, I was able to progress at my rate & not have to wait for help. Graham was a knowledgeable tutor and friendly host. I'd recommend this course...for one or 2 people ideally as the venue is small."

GrahamsGlass responded:

"Thank you , I’m glad you enjoyed your day "

Mandy Bradley reviewed: Christmas Dec Fusing

"Fab morning, led by a lovely lady. She was informative and helpful. We created some lovely work. I would definitely return."

Jonathan reviewed: Beginners Knife Forging Day

"I recently did the beginners knife making course, I'm very proud of the knife I made and would definitely recoemend the course. Without any prior experience Alex helpfully guided me through the steps of turning a lump of iron into an amazing (and useful) kitchen knife. "

Monica reviewed: Prick and Pounce Embroidery Image Transfer Kit ( UK Postage only)

"The kit arived very quickly, beautifully packed. The quality is excellent and represents very good value for money. "

Maire Curtis Lakeland Studio responded:

"Thank you Monica, Maire"

Catherine reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for Two

"Fantastic day of learning. Chris is a great teacher, and puts you at ease; he is very interesting and passionate about his craft. And very talented at knowing exactly when to step in and give you subtle pointers and help, and when to step back and let you get on with it! Thoroughly enjoyed the day, despite not feeling well. "