Latest reviews

Teresa reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"I loved the course and I feel confident now to make my own soap! Paula is a very knowledgeable instructor and her calmness and encouragement really made for a lovely learning environment. Thank you so much! All best wishes. Teresa"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you Teresa, we had such a nice group!"

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

"Having had no experience of jewellery making, I really enjoyed the afternoon making a lovely necklace and a pair of earrings. Jenny is lovely and helped with choice of beads etc but it is very much your own design. She takes her time to explain every step to make the experience really enjoyable. Would very much recommend this workshop"

Bizzy Beads Jewellery Making Workshops responded:

"Thank you very much for your review and I'm glad you enjoyed the afternoon. It's lovely that you have booked to come again. See you soon"

Angela Cass reviewed: Stained glass for beginners one day workshop

"I have just been on this course and would recommend it to anyone who has the slightest bit of interest in stained glass. An excellent teacher, run in a friendly and encouraging environment, nothing is to much trouble for Sharon (the teacher). Every step expertly explained and genuinely delivered, help is given if needed but advise on how to do it yourself given first. If you are thinking of doing the class I would recommend it 100%. Thank you Sharon for a wonderful weekend with a lovely stained glass panel I created."

Manchester Stained Glass responded:

"Hi Angela, thank you so much for such a glowing review. So pleased you had a good time making the panel and during the weekend workshop. I hope you are enjoying your panel hanging up in your home. Sharon :)"

Claire reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"Excellent course from Paula, she is so knowledgeable and such an experienced tutor! I had a great day with a lovely group learning everything I needed to know to start my soap making business, I gained confidence and Paula supported me in my learning all day. She is very friendly, approachable and thorough and explains everything in a way that is easy to understand. I really enjoyed the whole day, and Paula’s afternoon tea was the icing on the cake! Great value for money, highly recommended. Thanks Paula!"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thanks Clare! Keep me posted on your progress"

Ana reviewed: 2 Day Leather Practical Skills Course

"This two day workshop was amazing; you learn how to work with leather, the difference from Chrome or Veg leather, where to buy and the cost. As you start your projects you learn as well what tools you will need and the name of all of them. Richard shared with us the best websites if you want to start your business online. He is very patient and calm so you have time to finish your projects with no stress. I really recommend this course."

Gareth Lewis reviewed: Wood turning courses

"A worthwhile experience with knowledgeable tuition. I came away with an item that I enjoyed making and a smile on my face that lasted for days. I would highly recommend the experience with a man that was so polite and patient. His wife that provided our refreshments made us feel very welcome."

Alan Metcalfe reviewed: Corset making: Victorian / Beginners

"This was the first sewing course I have attended. I had sewn simple things before like square cushions and simple tote bags, but nothing technical. This course was brilliant! Lisa is warm and welcoming, easy to get along with and so calm she makes you feel you can achieve everything you set out to do. Her knowledge is top notch and any questions or problems I had she sorted and talked me through. Being the only man on the course I was worried that I would a bit of an outsider, but I needn't have worried. Lisa made everyone feel welcome and we were all chatting like old friends in no time. I am going to spend the next few months practicing what I have learned then come back for the more advanced course next spring. The inspiration and confidence I have gained from this course has made me think of looking into University courses around textiles and tailoring. Thank you Lisa for a great weekend and a possible new future. :-) I thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who is starting out on their sewing journey or wants to attempt something a little more technical."

La muse corsetry responded:

"Thankyou for your lovely comments ! It was an absolute pleasure ! Look forward to seeing you in the spring !"

Jan McColl reviewed: Needle felting course with FURZIE at Trumpet Corner Tea Rooms, Ledbury, Herefordshire

"Really enjoyable course. Michelle was calm and encouraging and I manage to produce a reasonable looking hare by the end of the day!"

John M reviewed: Bladesmithing experience day

"Steve ran a very professional and enjoyable day and my friend and I both learned a lot for a first introduction to knife making. We will return next year for the two day course to develop these skills further. Steve is very accomplished but still keeps a sense of fun and camaraderie which made for a great environment to start learning this interesting craft. Highly recommended."

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi John I'm really gald that you and Bruce enjoyed your one day class with me that much that you would like to come back on the two day course next year. Once I have these dates available I'll get back in touch, thank you both once again. Kind regards Steve"

Jane Gibson reviewed: Festive soap and cream making with The Scottish Soapworks

"A very well prepared course in lovely surroundings. We were very well looked after and had a chance to try out two soap-making techniques - including the complicated one! After Jenny's excellent tuition I now feel confident to have a go myself at both processes. Oh, and we went home with a selection of lovely soaps which I am now sharing with my friends!"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hello Jane. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your lovely review. The traditional, cold process method is a little more complicated isn't it! But it's lovely that you get to go on to make the simpler 'melt and pour' glycerine soap in the afternoon, which you get take home with you on the day. I hope you - and your friends - are enjoying their lovely soaps. And I hope you will enjoy your cold process soap as much when it arrives with you from Jenny. We look forward to welcoming you back to The Arienas Collective sometime soon. With best wishes, Lynn."

Annie Beatty reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"I treated myself to this course as a birthday present - what a great way to spend my birthday money. The course was so well organised, and Johnny's experience of running workshops and knowledge of willow weaving and basket making was inspiring. A passion for keeping traditional crafting techniques alive was clear. Spending a day with Johnny and his lovely wife, Becky, was like being in a warm family. I love their house and gardens. They manage to create a home that is full of lots of interesting things. I have a feeling that they both work really hard and love order and care, making the day a really relaxed mini-retreat. The lunch was a super treat, made by my friend Josephine, who used to own Josephine's Tarts in Malvern. I used to go there every Friday for a delicious tart and a chat, so it was great to enjoy her food again. And, of course, the basket is the prize. I am sure it will have many functions, but toys for the new grandson comes to mind. Definitely would recommend this in case you were wondering whether to go."

Basket Making Malvern responded:

"Thanks Annie, it's been uplifting to meet so many like minded people who are interested in willow baskets."

Andrea Baker reviewed: Painting and Drawing one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"I can't recommend this workshop highly enough!!!! Penny is warm and welcoming and you immediately feel relaxed. The tuition is brilliant - I managed to produce several items I was proud of! Wonderful coffee, cake and amazing soup at lunchtime just added to the experience. The day just whizzed by - I will be back for more."

Penelope Designs responded:

"Thank you Andrea. I'm so glad you enjoyed it and had great time learning new skills. I hope to see you again soon."

Susan Hulse reviewed: Letting go of watercolour @ Bullclough Art School

"Did this course plus a couple of others this year (2019). Tutor: Maggie is an amazing tutor and very generous about sharing her tremendous knowledge and experience with attendees. She gave plentiful, individual feedback which highlighted what was good and what needed improving in our work. Location: Gorgeous place just outside hamlet of Ford, near Leek. Surrounded by rolling hills so painting/drawing inspiration on all sides. Facilities: Purpose built studio stacked with boards, paints, brushes, easels, etc. Good for beginners as, because the school are generous with materials, dont worry about going wrong, spoiling paper, etc. All in all a fabulous course in a fabulous place which I highly recommend and will be going back to in 2020."

Andrew Charlton reviewed: Letting go of watercolour @ Bullclough Art School

"A great course for anyone who has already done the beginners guide to watercolour, or simply wants to develop their skills and techniques. Jackie was a great tutor who kept us all motivated throughout the 2 days with her wealth of experience and infectious laughter! The venue is stunning, great facilities, good food, and fellow students all thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I can not recommend this course enough and am already looking forward to the next level."

Jo Morris reviewed: Beginners guide to watercolour @ Bullclough Art School

"I can highly recommend this art school for it's professional teaching, organisation, materials and location. Nellie the owner of Bullclough is a bubbly, warm and accepting host and I can honestly say I felt very welcome. The location is breathtaking and I would challenge anyone not to find inspiration at Bullclough within the Stunning Peak District."

Bev Lyons reviewed: Corset making: Victorian / Beginners

"Would highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn about corsetry. Lisa's knowledge is amazing. Even though the class was about 10-12 Lisa still managed to help everyone. It's an awful lot of new skills to learn, especially for me as a newbie to sewing. Just wish it had been 3 days so I could of got my corset finished. I am an extremely happy customer and now need to see what other courses Lisa has available, so I can book something for next year ? p.s. The venue also had excellent facilties"

Katy reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Massive thanks to Mort for a brilliant day for me and my husband. Mort made it very special, he is a fantastic source of knowledge, help and support. Our day included a history of forging and loads of information about the current state of smithing which we really enjoyed. More practically, Mort is a great teacher and a really inspiring designer. He worked with the slightly scrappy ideas we came up with and helped us design practical but achievable objects. Then he showed us the skills we needed to turn those designs into reality, getting the balance right between showing us how and helping with the more challenging aspects. Mort was really ambitious for our designs and inspired us to make something really beautiful. The day was designed about what we wanted to make. We left with two lovely plant holders, uniquely designed and created. Mort never settled for second best, he helped us make something we will treasure and enjoy for years. Highly recomended."

Zoe Strong reviewed: Corset making: Victorian / Beginners

"Lisa was amazing and so was this course! She was very kind and patient and really good at explaining things for every level of ability. 100% recommend any of her courses, she's a brilliant teacher and really knows her stuff!"

Lou reviewed: Introduction to copper wire and bead jewellery 1 day course

"Where do I start...! What a wonderful day. The setting on Sarah and Martin's boat was just lovely - especially with the fabulous wood burner and Frobisher the cat for company (I hope I spelt his name right!). We were instantly made to feel very welcome, and Sarah took us as slowly as we needed through basic wirework to enable us to create some lovely earrings, pendants and necklaces. We had a great selection of beads and colours of wire to choose from, and, as we progressed, Sarah showed us some more complex wirework, and the day just flew by! I was so pleased with the items that I managed to create, and even took them to work to show my colleagues, who were also suitably impressed. We had such a good time, we have booked in again to have a go at making some wirework Christmas decorations, and I am already really looking forward to it. Highly recommended. :0)"

Crafty Boaters responded:

"Thank you! You really got to grips with wirework and made some lovely jewellery. It is always a pleasure to have people on board for our courses in our more unusual and quirky craft course venue."

Karen Williams reviewed: Felt Trilby or Fedora - Millinery Workshop

"I spent a wonderful day with Virna she is very talented and extremely passionate about her craft, her studio was very welcoming and the atmosphere was very relaxed. I learnt lots of new things at the workshop which has really helped me to improve my headdress and millinery skills. I would not hesitate to join Virna again at workshops in the future . I cannot recommend this young lady enough, she is amazing."

Linda Trigg reviewed: Corset making: Victorian / Beginners

"I had one of the best weekend workshops ever, I really enjoyed everything about this Corset Workshop, Lisa was a wonderful teacher and I came away with a corset that I had waited a long time to make. Thank you Lisa for a wonderful weekend."

Marie Turner reviewed: Furniture upcycling workshop - 1 day

"I really enjoyed the day. Hannah was extremely helpful and I was pleased with the transformation in my piece of furniture. Marie"

Tread Softly responded:

"Thanks Marie! I admired your attention to detail with the sanding, and the colour matching! It was a fab transformation ? Hope you get the other two done."

Rob Lane reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I was looking for a new hobby in retirement and I don’t need to look any further! What a great day I had with Mark. We spent over an hour at the start of the day talking about turning equipment, types of wood, authors etc. Mark was extremely informative and engaging, I’m not sure where the time went. When I did begin my first ever experience of turning Mark was a great instructor, letting me get on with it, but always there to advise and put me back on track. Mark is very easy company and relaxed about finishing times. I can’t recommend the course highly enough for anyone considering taking up turning. Thanks Mark."

Kay Barnsley reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"Had a lovely afternoon with Claire learning the basics of silverclay jewellery. I contacted Claire through Craft Courses and she kindly arranged a course at short notice that fitted with my availability. Claire is friendly, informative and very helpful. She explained all aspects clearly and I managed to make some lovely pieces with Claire's guidance. I would thoroughly recommend Claire's course to everyone. Claire sent me away with helpful literature and an offer to contact her should I have any questions if I do more silverclay work at home. Thanks again Claire."

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"It was a lovely afternoon and great to meet you Kay!"

Anne Branch reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"Excellent course. A full day but a beautiful fruit picking basket that you yourself have made. Excellent teaching with help whenever you need it. Very small group. Well worth the travelling to get there. Highly recommended."