Latest reviews

Cliff reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"I spent a thoroughly enjoyable day carving an acorn bowl under Nigel's guidance. It was a perfect introduction to woodcarving for a complete novice, giving me enough knowledge and confidence to start carving at home – but more experienced woodcarvers would also gain a lot from the course. Despite working hard for 4 or 5 hours, the day felt very relaxed, all helped by lots of tea, a nice lunch, a great setting, and just the right amount of support, encouragement and direction from Nigel."

Ian Kay reviewed: Intensive beginners silver jewellery weekend

"An excellent course. It is very intense but relaxed at the same time, you will learn a lot. Lucy is an excellent teacher and will guide you through all the stages needed to create your pieces, you will be busy for 2 days but will be given a lot of information and guidance. It has given me the confidence to further develop my own jewellery range....time to create some special pieces!"

Joe Basketts reviewed: Woodworking - Beginner/Basics - two days

"This was an excellent course. Steve managed a perfect blend of theory and practice, and made us feel that no question was stupid, answering everything clearly and patiently. I thoroughly enjoyed it and have already booked onto the workbench course. If you’re even considering this, just do it. You won’t regret it."

Liz reviewed: 2 day traditional upholstery workshop

"I absolutely loved my 2 days at Karen’s workshop! I learned so much and am delighted with the progress I made on my chair. Karen is warm and welcoming and very supportive. She shares her expertise and skills step by step, helping each person to work on their own chair to their own liking. I really liked it that I learned about processes not needed for my chair, from watching what the other people were doing. An added bonus is the delicious and convivial lunch we shared. I can’t recommend this course highly enough and I will definitely return. Thank you Karen!"

Rosemarie Cantrill reviewed: Weave an alpaca scarf in a day

"Had a great day weaving an alpaca scarf, I would really recommend this workshop. Caroline is super patient and a lovely host. I have never weaved before but proudly went home with a beautiful houndstooth scarf. A lovely lunch is included and refreshments throughout the day. The setting is beautiful and meeting the gorgeous alpacas was a real treat. Thank you Caroline :)"

Clivewood Alpacas responded:

"Thank you , enjoyed working with you and seeing what lovely scarves you made."

Alistair Beaumont reviewed: Beginners’ Dry Stone Walling Course

"Had an enjoyable time learning how to build a dry stone wall even if the weather wasn't great. The team were very helpful and on point directing us building the wall."

Sarah Lee reviewed: Private weaving tuition in Hampshire

"My 14 year old daughter and her friend did the course with Ellie and came back absolutely brimming with ideas and inspiration. They produced two beautiful pieces of weaving from a wide choice of yarns, and said that the time had flown by. They both felt that Ellie was very inspiring, encouraging and supportive throughout the day - a really successful and rewarding experience."

Elka responded:

"Hi Sarah, thank you so much for the review. It was a great fun having the girls in my studio for the day and i'm so happy they enjoyed the weaving! Best wishes, Ellie"

Connor Craik reviewed: Beginners’ Dry Stone Walling Course

"I really enjoyed this course. All the instructors were very friendly and very knowledgeable and clearly explained the reasoning for the various stages of dismantling and building dry stone walls. Even in the face of some wet and windy weather, everyone was really positive and they also made sure we had plenty of hot drinks to keep us warm. We also were given a guide pack at the end of the course with further information to refer to for building dry stone walls. It’s definitely worth doing as it is a lot of fun and you learn an awful lot about techniques, traditions and stone types."

Susan Hester reviewed: Animal clay sculpture workshops one day

"I have attended several of these 1 day sessions as I find it an excellent opportunity to create a piece in one go. The days always have a warm informal approach with the tutor on hand to give her excellent guidance as needed during the day. A great day for beginners or experienced artists alike. Would highly recommend this workshop to anyone :)"

Connie Fielder Ceramics and Crafts responded:

"Thank you Susan. It is always a pleasure when you attend one of my courses. Connie"

joan reviewed: Christmas decorations, dotting and decoupage workshop

"I really enjoyed the workshop I attended, I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to do some crafting"

The Whimsical Cottage Crafter responded:

"Hi Joan, thank you so much for your lovely review. We are so pleased you enjoyed the workshop and hope to see you again for more crafting ?"

Matthew Turner reviewed: Watercolour painting day - Floral & botanical - with artist Laura Andrew

"After attending the full day watercolour class I can highly recommend it to anyone, suitable for a beginner or someone with a bit more experience. Laura is available to help at any opportunity and gives some great tips to get you started. The studio is full of light and inspiration, and makes for a very relaxed and productive day. I look forward to visiting again for more classes very soon."

Ilona Coulson-Ashworth reviewed: Introductory soap making workshop

"I did the Natural Skincare and Soap workshop all in a day. Skincare in the morning and soap in the afternoon. The Village hall venue was a great space for hosting the workshop. Nic gives an informative introduction in the beginning which gives you knowledge you will use for the rest of the day when making your skincare and soaps. The skincare workshop has a lot of options to get creative and make the things you want. This was followed by a delicious lunch with Nic and Ben who are great hosts. Making soap in the afternoon was the most fun and both Nic and Ben are very attentive and helpful to make sure everything goes smoothly. They are both happy to answer as many questions as you have and since the workshop, I have been making soap at home and Nic cannot be more helpful via email with advice. Whether you are looking for a fun day to try something new and be inspired or want to start making your own products/soap but don't know where to start, this workshop is suitable for everyone."

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Hi Ilona, Thanks so much for the lovely review! Glad to hear you have been successfully making your own soap since the workshop. Best wishes, Nic"

Hilary hann reviewed: Crotchet Necklace with beads and wire (Jewellery making)

"Just returned from my second workshop with Jenny. Although I chose to make another necklace and earrings they are totally different to the ones I made last week. Really enjoyed the afternoon. I’m sure I will return again before christmas?"

Jane Roberts reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"Am proud and surprised at the quality of the lovely basket I managed to make as a total beginner which was totally due to the clear instruction and demonstration and patience of Julie. She shared lots of interesting info and her enthusiasm for willow weaving is infectious. A full day which was enjoyable and educational and oh yes good cake."

Lynn Bonner reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"I attended an introduction to pottery class to make an Owl plant pot. Louise was very easy to get on with & helped whenever I needed it. It was a lovely friendly class, I found it very relaxing & would love to do another class there."

PoppyRose responded:

"Thank you Lynn! Your owl planter is amazing, a very impressive first go. Well done! Welcome back any time. Best Wishes, Louise"

Hilary Sutch reviewed: Gift wrapping with the wow factor!

"What a fantastic day - I was so pleased with the results, they certainly had the wow factor. Thank you Arona for your patience when my brain failed, but made I it in the end!!! One happy lady who will be returning in the future."

James Stoddart reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"I joined a course at Poppy Rose to build my confidence in throwing on the wheel. Louise is a very encouraging tutor and she has encouraged me to explore different skills and decorative techniques. Poppy Rose is very welcoming and a great place to learn to throw on the wheel."

PoppyRose responded:

"Thank you James, lovely to hear you enjoying your classes. You are producing some fabulous pots!"

Ian whinfield reviewed: Linocut printmaking at Bull Mill Arts Wiltshire

"What an amazing weekend, did both days and it was well worth it. Olivia is full of knowledge and inspiration, everyone goes home with a finished article, and a happy feeling having had a relaxing but informative time. Thank you Olivia I will certainly be back. Ian."

Katie and Fergus reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"Had a super day! Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Thank you Jake! Jake is a patient teacher whose clear expertise helped us create some beautiful metal work that initially I thought would be beyond me. We left with smiles on our faces and some treasures. Would highly recommend the course to everyone and am very tempted to have another go."

Sue Wren reviewed: Animal clay sculpture workshops one day

"I have done two of these courses with Connie. I am a complete beginner, but I have two lovely animals. Connie helped me every step of the way, she has great patience! Thanks once again."

Connie Fielder Ceramics and Crafts responded:

"Hi Sue Thank you for your review. Your Panda is nearly ready for firing, then you have two pieces to glaze. See you soon. Connie"

Peter reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"What can I say. Absolutely brilliant course, tuition and great fun. Having completed both courses, in October, back to back it was the best 2 weeks I've had for a long time. The first course is meant to introduce you to the various tools used in the workshop and show you how to use them safely and effectively. This in turn gives you confidence to make your project for the week......although always under the watchful eye of both Richard and Mark...trust me they don't miss a thing and will ensure you stay on the straight and narrow! I made a 'Dumpy' which is a small 3 legged side table and the thrill at the end of the week to see it completed is of the scale! Having coming from the 4x2 and 6 inch nail brigade of woodwork to produce something like this was truly amazing. Week 2 was more about the wood itself. Looking at the history, types and origins of wood to how to work with various woods to. A trip to a wood yard was also included and it gives a great insight into how wood is prepared to the point of you buying it. On this course my project was a 3 drawer box made from 2 different types of oak and beech. As with the the table I was truly thrilled with my completed piece and still look at thinking "did I actually make that!". Apart from the obvious teaching of correct working methods both Mark and Richard are quick to part with their little tips and knowledge gained from experience...things you won't get from books or online videos. And Richards 45 minute workshops are ...well lets just say they legendary! I can wholly recommend these courses if you wish to take up woodwork. As I have said the tuition is excellent and the atmosphere is very relaxed. Thanks to both Richard and Mark for giving me a new direction...workshop being delivered in November and a fortune being spent on tools ready for it! Lol! I would also like to say thanks to the other 'students' who helped make the workshop a great place to be."

Helen reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course with Afternoon Tea

"A very well organised candle making course with a first class afternoon tea! The course is well prepared, carefully resourced and very inspiring. I had the most relaxing day learning a new skill with a lovely group. I can´t wait to get started at home. Thank you."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you so much Helen. Good luck with those candles for Christmas!. Xx Paula"

Bernardette Patrick reviewed: Linocut printmaking at Bull Mill Arts Wiltshire

"Olivia is a gifted artist and a brilliant teacher....works into being fantastic on her subject. All that we needed was supplied, even marvellous biscuits. The studio is perfect for a class of 10 and accommodates a mixed group of abilities. The teaching was excellent, and we completed amazing piece of work to take home/school. My daughter had a specific need to understand the method more and had to follow the school defined route. She got it and feels so much more confident that when she has to do again at school, Oliver will be standing behind, to give her confidence. Olivia got the group to mingle and that makes the day go with more ease. Thankyou Oliver and all in the session,."

Caroline Tite reviewed: Needle felting class, workshop, party - make a cute animal in Bristol with Elaine from The Woolly Rabbit

"A really lovely way to spend some time. Elaine guided my daughter and I through making some beautiful needle felted animals, a rabbit and a hare. Relaxing and creative crafting."

The Woolly Rabbit responded:

"Thank you Caroline, I'm really pleased to hear that you found the workshop relaxing and creative and it was a pleasure to guide you and your daughter through the process of making your needle felted animals. Best wishes, Elaine"

Luisa turner reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"John and Becky good ,patient teachers, let us all stay til we had finished our baskets which took some of us longer than planned, delicious food ,great day, thanks"