Latest reviews

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. "

Julia reviewed: Bookbinding kit for Miniature tiny books in blue

"This kit was delivered very quickly and the little books are very sweet and easy to make. The techniques would work well for making larger notebooks. Very enjoyable!"

Hannah reviewed: Christmas table centrepiece arrangement DIY kit

"The table centrepiece kit was excellent! Jenni accommodated the date I asked for the kit to arrive and it was sent on time. Everything was well packaged and labelled. The online tutorial was great and very clear. We had a lovely hour and a half making our centrepieces and now have them to enjoy and use over Christmas. Thank you!"

Jenni Wren Creative responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review. I’m so pleased the kit arrived on time and that everything was well-packaged and easy to follow. It’s wonderful to hear it was part of a mother-and-daughter craft day—that makes it even more special. I’m glad you enjoyed making your centrepieces and that they’ll now bring some festive cheer to your homes over Christmas. Thank you for sharing your experience! Jenni"

P reviewed: Wooden Christmas Decorations with The Woodland Haberdasher Fay Jones

"This was such a lovely course. The workshop was clean, tidy and well equipped and Fay was brilliant, explaining everything clearly and helping when needed but also allowing you to work quietly on your own. It was a very relaxing and enjoyable morning creating."

Cambridge Art Makers responded:

"We're so glad you had a lovely time, enjoy your decorations!"

Catherine reviewed: Willow Swedish star half day workshop with Joe Gregory

"We had a wonderful pre-Christmas workshop and were both really pleased with our stars! Thanks for such a fun afternoon Joe!"

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"Really glad you both enjoyed the workshop Catherine: ) Have a wonderful Christmas, Joe. xx"

Rafael faria reviewed: Blow a bauble at Chew Valley handmade glass

"Myself and my partner came for an early Christmas present and we both loved it. Steve and Angie were both so friendly and helpful, giving us almost full control of the rods and letting us use as much glass as we wanted for our colouring. We are so so excited to receive our baubles. We are definitely going to make it a yearly thing as it will be a lovely touch to our Christmas tree every year. "

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thanks for taking the time to leave a review for us Rafael, it was lovely to meet you both. Pleased to hear you enjoyed your time with us, It would be lovely to see you again next year. Regards Steve and Angie "

Fay reviewed: Christmas Mohair Teddy Bear Making Workshop

"We booked to make the Christmas bear but there was a mixup with our booking meaning we didn’t make a Christmas one. However we both made a fabulous different bear. The tutor, Jane, was lovely and so patient. It’s such a fun day and I am so proud of’Bertie’ my bear. We have already booked to do another workshop. Would thoroughly recommend "

Gennaro reviewed: One day stained glass workshop London for beginners and enthusiasts

"Me and my wife had an amazing day doing the workshop with Tejal. I booked this for my wife as a birthday present, and I was surprised how into it I got. If you book a class with her, know that you will be the only people on that class, which made the experience feel even more special. This really is a perfect gift for someone you want to give a wonderful experience too, can't recommend this enough."

Annette reviewed: Guitar Strumstick Dulcimer 3 strings instrument

"My son completed this course yesterday & has been playing his dulcimer today. Ted was lovely - friendly, patient, kind, & gave very clear instructions, including safety alerts & good practice. The workshop was really interesting & in a great location which was easy to find & had other interesting things to see while the workshop took place. There were lots of cups of tea & great conversation throughout the workshop. The techniques used to complete the dulcimer included using a band saw, belt sander, router, drill, gluing, handsanding, hand sawing, using clamps, hand tightening, oiling; careful measuring & marking, and more. It was a great introduction to lots of techniques and to instrument making. Thanks Ted! "

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thank you Annette such kind words indeed, Harry was a great student and will in future have skills at his hand. I had some great conversation with him and yourself and he is welcome to come back anytime. I will be reading some more books as Harry has fired my imagination in the philosophy principles. Thank you again Ted "

V. Holloway reviewed: One day blacksmithing course in West Wales

"Really great day. First time doing blacksmithing. I loved what I made and will return. Aaron is a really good tutor, explained everything, demonstrated, helped me when I found it difficult but allowed me to just get on with it as well. No hesitation in recommending this workshop. "

A and T Petersen Ltd responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review. We're very pleased that you enjoyed the day and thank you for the recommendation."