Latest reviews

Debbie Evans reviewed: Christmas decorations, dotting and decoupage workshop

"Lovely relaxed workshop and lots of fun. I was a bit nervous as I attended by myself but everyone was so welcoming and I actually went home with a finished piece I'd made myself!! Really pleased, thank you :) Will definitely book again and take advantage of the lunch option, hopefully with a friend or two and make a real day of it :) Just fab!"

The Whimsical Cottage Crafter responded:

"Hi Debbie, thanks for the great review. We look forward to seeing you at another workshop soon ?"

Rosemary Field reviewed: Silver clay jewellery course in Shaftesbury, Dorset

"I spent a happy morning learning what silver clay is and how it behaves in the process of being shaped, dried, zapped in the kiln and finally, polished up. Fiona knows her stuff and is good at explaining it to a total beginner. I'd recommend the workshop to anyone who loves beauty and wishes to get away from the mass-produced, and by the way the silver is purer than you buy as normal sterling. The fee for the class is very good value: add the cost of equipment, the venue, Fiona's training and her time, the processing materials and the fact that you take home a piece of silverwork to use or give, and it's a nifty bargain. Fiona is also very pleasant and practical; and she will say if something really won't work, which saves you wasting your precious blob of silver! Go and enjoy."

Edna reviewed: One day silver clay course at Gallery in Heswall, Wirral

"I spent the day with two lovely ladies and Georgina. I have done metal clay before but have not quite grasped it enough to practice at home. I was so inspired that I immediately dug out my stuff at home. The venue is easy to find and park nearby. I highly recommend it as Georgina explains in a methodical way and demonstrated in such a practical way. My friends have been so impressed by the results they have put their orders in"

Perfectcharm responded:

"Thank you for your review. I am glad you found the course useful. Look out for some specialised course next year if you would like to learn some more techniques."

Diane Willmott reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"Thanks for a great day Adela. Where did the time go?! Really enjoyed the day and very pleased with my mosaic tile. Thanks for your relaxed but informative and helpful approach. Would definitely recommend a day course. Bye for now. Di Willmott."

Linda F reviewed: Bird sculpture - clay, paper, mixed media craft workshop

"I really enjoyed this workshop and I would recommend it to my friends and family too. The venue was nice and suitable for the purpose. Nikki's guidance and instructions were clear and helpful. She was always at hand to give support to everyone who needed it. The size of the group was appropriate too. I took home a finished product which I love. For the price Nikki charges, you get over 5 hours of workshop time, all supplies and refreshments and you get to work alongside other friendly crafters."

Abbie Griffiths reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Thank you for a fun filled day of jewellery making. A great experience which I'm sure to tell my friends about. Thank you for your patience - the tea and cake was scrummy too."

Hannah Brand reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"A really fun day - very therapeutic and I learned loads of new skills - even soldering! Jonathan is very very patient and encouraging, and has created a lovely warm environment in his boat. Highly recommended for an unusual day out - you'll be hooked!"

Charles Thomson reviewed: Bladesmithing experience day

"Completely outside of my comfort zone, not something I've ever done before. Steve made us feel right at home, explained absolutely everything in such a way that we understood exactly what was going on, guiding us through the process and giving expert advice throughout. He's a professional through and through, and you can tell from the second you walk in that this is his passion. Would recommend wholeheartedly."

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi Charles Thank you for your kind words, I'm glad that you and Katie enjoyed your bladesmithing day so much. It was a pleasure to have you both working in the shop. The days are always long and full on and I was impressed with your determination and dedication working through the blisters and all to create two beautiful knives, well done. Kind regards Steve"

Michelle Leake reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Fantastic day, lovely surroundings and hospitality. Really please with my keychain and bangle - very satisfying to be able to learn in just one day!"

Holly Poncini reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Excellent day, very chilled out and relaxing. Jonathan is a great teacher, host, and a very skilled artist. Brilliant day. : )"

Graham Wilkie reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"The day spent with Adrian and Andy was well worth it. Very knowledgeable and helpful without being intrusive and taking over. The guidance they gave enabled us to make the key ring and coat hook to a high standard. Hospitality was spot on with tea / coffee and cake on offer throughout. Lunch was delicious as well. All in all a fantastic day with great instruction by two decent guys - thank you!"

Angela Whitehead reviewed: Candlemaking workshops for beginners in Hastoe, nr Tring

"My first candle making course, really enjoyed it. Anne was an excellent teacher, everything was simply explained, I found it easy to follow. We were not rushed at all and made several different types of and colours of candles. They turned out very well, my husband was extremely impressed with the final product. I will certainly book in again for another session."

Jules Holland Oxbrough reviewed: Ceramic slip casting workshop

"Enjoyable and informative. Friendly atmosphere, good fun with lovely people. Excellent tutor. A marvellously creative and productive day. I would highly recommend this course!"

Katrina reviewed: Large ceramic hare sculpture

"Linda is an amazing teacher and shows you step by step what to do. Linda encourages you to create what you envision or what you may have seen and supports you in being able to achieve this. Linda’s sessions are always fun and enjoyable and laughs are always had. I very much enjoyed making my hare and really can’t wait for it to come out the kiln and also hope to make another one it is a very addictive craft. Thank you Linda you are fab, and Owen the cook also makes lovely homemade food, very good value for money ?"

Vivienne Moghal reviewed: Ceramic slip casting workshop

"Marvellous, marvellous, marvellous. Knew nothing about slip-casting at the start and left having made two brilliant pots, one of which I painted with coloured slips. Atmosphere - as alway, so relaxing and therapeutic. Teacher - well, Alison is second to none. Nobody is a a good as she is at instructing you in all the intricacies and answering all your questions (very patiently). Recommendation - go, learn, enjoy, love and of course, return."

Paula reviewed: Fused Glass Lantern Workshops

"I really enjoyed this course - all the other students were friendly and Tracy was very helpful and knowledgeable."

Jill Glover reviewed: Mixed Media workshop with Clare Cosens

"Wow! what a great morning I had. No clue what to do before I got there. Clare had so many options for us to use. She showed us so much to generate our own thoughts. Once I got myself together with my thoughts, Clare helped me put my own slant on things. My piece was a Parisian type of theme with some text, now I can go home and have the inspiration to do something again. Clare is so friendly, helpful, kind, knowledgeable and wanted us to go home knowing that we could try something again at home on our own. Will definitely definitely being attending more of her workshops again. Thank you Clare for giving me the confidence I needed."

Janet Viner reviewed: Mosaic workshop in Hornsea coastal town

"I had never done this before but from start to finish I was shown and helped! A really good day. Lunch was supplied and fabulous! Many other crafts on offer too!"

Mosaic Mosaic responded:

"Thank you Janet. Glad you enjoyed your day. It was nice getting to know you all. Thanks for coming."

Nancy Sexton reviewed: Mixed Media workshop with Clare Cosens

"So much food for thought. I know I will be experimenting with the techniques that were taught. Clare is an excellent teacher. She is very knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to constructive ideas to make your work better. The tips on what makes a composition strong were particularly helpful to me. Very easy workshop to attend because she provides so many and so varied supplies——you can just show up."

Zena adhberry reviewed: Raku pottery at Cowshed Creative in the Lake District National Park near Kendal and Windermere

"An exceptional and magical experience at Cowshed Creative. From learning how to form pinch pots to glazing, firing and smoking our Raku pieces, our tutor guided us with gentle humour and much considered kindness. Our hosts provided a delicious lunch including pudding and cakes on both days. The barn was warm and we could cosy up by the wood burning stove when in need of refreshments. A wonderfully engaging course, enhanced by the idyllic setting of the Kentmere Valley... thank you Cowshed Creative."

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thank you Zeena for such lovely comments. Hope to see you again soon."

Susanne reviewed: Christmas candle making & mulled wine (Friday mornings)

"Charlie’s workshop was a gift to a friend and it is the perfect present. Charlie’s friendly, relaxed, engaging style means you feel able to experiment with the scent you want to create and style of candle. We were completely inspired to do more, Charlie couldn’t be better - bubbles and cake too, what more could you want. A really enjoyable experience."

Paul Eslinger reviewed: Private jewellery tuition with Joanne Tinley Jewellery

"I started my silversmith journey a while back and shared some very enjoyable time with Jo developing my skills initially and refining them later. In the early days Jo was very much my teacher, providing me with step by step guidance and insights into the intricacies of the art, craft and science of silversmithing. As my skill moved forward Jo became a mentor and many a puzzle was solved with some exploring of the challenges of designs that were nebular and required multiple techniques and strategies to reach the finished piece. In some of my later sessions I would arrive with two or three gems, an idea and a day to produce something. On others Jo would have a session prepared around particular challenge like hinges. In every scenario Jo had the patience and understanding to draw out the best results. Did every idea work out? Well not entirely, some needed simplification, but we ended up with a piece at the end of every session. Jo and I enjoyed working through new techniques, tools and challenges. In latter sessions Jo and I would approach the very difficult area of how to make a piece aesthetic and wearable. I am an engineer at heart and Jo helped me understand that battleship proportions were not always as beautiful as I perceive them. She helped me work with better proportion and make more balanced pieces. Novice, intermediate or advance Jo will be one of the milestones in anyone's silversmith journey. I learnt a lot, shared a lot and enjoyed every second of the time that I shared with Jo as I continue my silversmith journey. Looking forward to my next challenge..."

Joanne Tinley Jewellery responded:

"Thank you for such a wonderful review Paul! It is an absolutely pleasure to teach you and help you on your silversmithing journey - and I enjoy the challenges you bring to the studio! Looking forward to having your company in the studio again."

Renate Bolenz reviewed: Beginners Free Motion Machine Embroidery Workshop in Buntingford, Hertfordshire

"Really enjoyable workshop in which I learned a lot! Small group worked very well and the lovely atmosphere creates inspiring ideas. Sue is very friendly and knowledgeable. I will be back for a follow up workshop soon."

Sue Nicholls Designs responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review Renate. It was a pleasure to teach you - look forward to seeing you again soon."

Sharron French reviewed: Memory bear and mohair bear making classes

"Had an amazing day here on Thursday (07/11/19). The course takes place in a teddy bear and doll hospital... Oh my the bears and dolls... just adorable...Rikey who's business it is... looks after you wonderfully and Jo, the course leader is brilliant... patient and helpful in equal measures... I had taken two different items for my memory bear... and we agreed to use the lesser important sweatshirt for my first bear... which turned out perfectly... the more important baby item I felt confident to do at home... but Jo, bless her heart, worked out the best way to place the pattern for me and wrote extra instructions for my next bear. The whole day... from 9am to leaving just after 5pm was perfect... cannot recommend this course highly enough... Thank you so very much for the wonderful day... As promised I'll send a photo of my completed 'Danny' bear once done...."

Alice's Bear Shop responded:

"Hi Sharron It was a pleasure having you here with us. Your bear turned out GORGEOUS and we're so happy that we could help you learn this new skill. Rikey and Team Teddy"

Pamela Rushton reviewed: The Pottery Cave - Evening beginners classes

"What a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours a week being creative and meeting some lovely people. Caroline is there to help at any time and lets your creativity come to the forefront and everyone produces such amazing work. Inspirational! I really look forward to these classes."