Latest reviews

Claire reviewed: Springtime painting

"Wonderful night, wouldn't miss it!"

Olivia reviewed: Springtime painting

"A very enjoyable experience..."

Helen Jacobs reviewed: Make a Swallowtail Hay Rake - one day green woodworking course

"This is a fantastic course! I cannot recommend it highly enough. I was not expecting to come away from a day in the woods quite so full of joy, energised, full of life and thrilled with what I had made. It was, I think, a wellbeing day as much as a green woodworking day. I had no experience at all with green woodworking, and now can't wait to do some more! The tutors were highly skilled, gentle and encouraging, and very kind hosts. The opportunity to use so many different tools was much appreciated. I would say that it probably helps being a tool-user already, since you use your arm muscles a lot through the day. Thank you Peter and Jacqui for a wonderful day, the delicious soup and all that you are doing to further woodland craft and care."

Mandy reviewed: Architectural homage freehand machine embroidery or drawing with thread workshop

"Architecture buildings what is the subject Stacey Was very encouraging And helpful a lovely teacher she gave us confidence in what we were doing and also learning new skills. I would recommend Stacy’s classes highly and hope to go on another one soon"

Robin reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Just wanted to say thanks again to George for a really fun and informative day. I was totally new to wood turning but George's patience and expertise meant that we all went away with not only a fantastic object that we could be proud of (a beautiful sycamore bowl in my case) but also the knowledge and confidence to continue and hopefully progress with it. Robin Lapworth"

Jillian Sanders reviewed: Bespoke Interlined Curtains

"I had a lovely day wit Janet who is a font of knowledge. She made me feel so welcome and able to ask anything. I am looking forward to getting started and feel inspired."

Suzanne Hedges reviewed: Needle felt your dog with Crafty Gal

"What a fabulous day I had on Saturday. Denise had thought of everything, Name-pebbles, a huge jar of delicious cookies, coffee on tap and afternoon tea. And this was before we got down to making our own dog in felt. I believe all of us thought we would never achieve the desired result, but with Denise's guidance and example dogs to work with, the results were fantastic Thank you Denise, cannot wait to do some more!"

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to write a review Suzanne, much appreciated. It was such a fun day, you all created such a brilliant atmosphere and your dog was SO good. I’m really pleased you’re going to do more. Dx"

Bev Jamieson reviewed: Clay Animal Sculpting

"Came on the sculpting day course with a friend for her birthday. We both made a very cute hare!! Sharon was lovely. She guided us through each stage and made her instructions very easy for us to follow. Neither of us had done this sort of thing before but we loved it and can’t wait to go back and make something else. We both loved our little hares. Thanks Sharon. We’ll be back!!"

The Crafty potter responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review.Your hares where fabulous. Cant wait to see what you make next. Sxx"

Chris Downing reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"Jason is a fantastic instructor - both knowledgeable and passionate about his craft. As well as having a fun day, my wife and I left really feeling like leatherworking was a hobby we would be keen to keep learning together. We'll definitely be back next year for the 2 day course."

Suzanna Falshaw reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"Mum & I spent a wonderful few hours with Anita (& Poppy!) learning to make a selection of different candles. Neither of us had done anything similar before but Anita explained everything so well that we felt quite the experts by the end! We both thoroughly ourselves and would definitely recommend this course to anyone passing through North Wales."

B Collins reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"Had a really enjoyable day on this course. The finished result is beyond what I thought would be possible as a beginner, mainly due to Kate’s patient guidance and expertise. I imagined going home with a small willow animal, but came home with a full sized standing duck! My sister created an impressive full sized heron which looks amazing next to her pond. Kate is very welcoming and has such a calm nature which puts everyone at ease. I was lost in the moment for most of the day so as well as being productive it was also a very relaxing day. Lunch was delicious, with homemade soup, sandwiches, flatbreads and a delicious slice of homemade cake. Kate made sure everyone received 1:1 attention and guidance as well as instructing us as a group. I would definitely recommend this course, it was beyond my expectations."

Carol Gartly reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2 day Course

"Definitely the best course I've ever been on. Came home with a mosaic that exceeded my expectations. Maggie has so much patience with you and so much knowledge and experience. My head now buzzing with ideas, definitely won't be my last piece."

Pretty Rubbish Mosaics responded:

"Thanks Carol for your kind words. I really enjoyed your company and the interaction between the 3 of you .Your piece is fantastic and you simply have to carry on!"

Sarah Westbury reviewed: Natural skincare & wellbeing - make & take parties/workshops

"Highly recommend an afternoon with Debbie making body butter, soap and bath bombs I had a great time and will definitely be making my own in future - thank you Debbie!"

TimeOut4Me responded:

"Thank you Sarah, really enjoyed the afternoon being with you and hearing about all your hobbies. Enjoy your lovely products ? Debbie X"

Stephen Powell reviewed: Raise your own copper bowl, two day course

"I had an extremely enjoyable 2 days with Charlotte. She guided me through the full process in a way only a true expert could, whilst ensuring the finished bowel was all my own work. This was a great experience, fun, interesting and productive leaving an immense sense of achievement."

Janet Holdsworth reviewed: Christmas willow wreath workshop Hemel Hempstead

"I have been to many of Helen’s garden workshops which have all been packed with fragrant colour and style. Helen’s horticultural expertise shines through with her sunny smile and ‘can-do’ attitude. I am very much looking forward to the wreath-making Christmas event again this year. Helen’s natural style and respect for sustainability ensures that plants used are local, healthy and freshly harvested. Home-made mince pies and mulled wine sweeten the atmosphere even further. Just perfect, thank you Helen."

Helen Reeley Gardens responded:

"Thanks Janet for such a glowing appraisal! You're always such fun to have in class, see you in December again."

Laura Hickinbotham reviewed: Conscious Interior Decor; For holistic living

"I thoroughly enjoyed this day. I booked in as I have a renovation project on my hands and wasn't really sure where to start. After spending the day with Lucy I am looking at everything around me in a new light! I feel I have a basis to begin and much less daunted and very excited! I am sure I will be in touch with Lucy again but the day was an excellent beginning. Thank you very much."

Lee Scott reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Spent a fantastic day at the bearded pig forge with Spike. Decided to male a knife which went way better than i expected. Spike is a great teacher and extremely informative. If you looking for something a little different as a present or a day or so learning this amazing craft i couldnt recommend Spike highly enough."

Susie Horder reviewed: One day fused glass

"Brilliant one day starter course into the world of glass, I’m hooked already. Lots of information, nothing too much trouble and the opportunity to create something beautiful and lasting . Melissa is absolutely lovely and has a wealth of knowledge and experience , I felt very privileged tone shown into her amazing world. Will defiantly e going back for more"

Andy Blackburn reviewed: Photography Days

"We went on a portraiture course (my partner as the model) earlier in 2019. Sue and Richard explained everything in a clear and 'non jargon' manner and took me through the process of photographing a model in studio step by step without hurrying my ageing brain at all. They are friendly and welcoming people which, at least to ourselves, is as important as their technical knowledge which they have in abundance. I (we) learnt a great deal over the 2 days. Thanks Sue and Richard. Highly recommended!"

Art by Camera responded:

"Thanks for that, Andy. Hope everything is working well for you with your choice of new camera."

Emma reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"I would highly recommend this fantastic course to anyone interested in spoon carving. Martin’s tuition was clear, thorough and methodical, providing a comprehensive introduction to the craft with an emphasis on safety. After expertly demonstrating each technique, he described the required holds and movements in a way that was simple to understand. He was both patient and approachable, encouraging us to ask questions as we went along. The small group size of 4 students meant that we were closely supervised and Martin was on hand to offer extra help if and when it was needed. By the end of the weekend, we had covered lots of useful topics including sourcing, selection and storage of wood, tool options to suit a range of budgets, finishing techniques and tool maintenance, plus we were given detailed course notes to remind us of what we had learnt, so we came away well equipped to continue practising our newly acquired skills. Most importantly, the course was great fun. Martin made us all feel at home and his delicious homemade lunches definitely deserve a mention!"

Natalie reviewed: Rings and Things - Soldering for beginners at Simply Amazing Jewellery School

"I booked this workshop for a friend and I. We had such a great day and learnt so much. Great facilities and excellent teacher. She was very knowledgeable, clear and patient. We hadn't done anything like this before, and now we're hooked. Would highly recommend."

Simply Amazing Jewellery School responded:

"That's very kind of you to say so, Natalie - thank you - I am so pleased you both enjoyed the day! I found the group a real pleasure to work with xxx"

Steve Pearson reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"Didn’t really know what to expect but it turned out a most enjoyable afternoon. Started by splitting a willow log, and whilst learning about the tools along the way, ended up with a spoon....of sorts...but I was a beginner. Recommend this course"

Chris Weekes reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Had a great day with Spike. Made a bracket for a hanging basket in the garden. Learnt lots about blacksmithing, both practical and theory. Great guy to learn from as he has a very wide knowledge and is happy to answer all your questions. Also a wood turner which I didn't know in advance and pleased me no end. If you are interested in something new and quite different I would recommend this course. As someone else said, he makes a lovely BLT sandwich!"

Meg Chater reviewed: Architectural homage freehand machine embroidery or drawing with thread workshop

"Stacey is a brilliant teacher, inspirational, full of encouragement with a great ability in believing you can achieve so much more than you thought possible."

Tommy Mason reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Our leather craft course with the magnificent Bill was absolutely brilliant. In no time at all, we had skills to saddle stitch and make a product on the first day. The second day, albeit somewhat ambitious on my part, was even better. With his help, Bill taught me how to expertly make a design for a product I'd seen on the internet. He then coached me into making it, and we even stayed later than planned to finish it the same day. I am so proud of my creation. Bill has a modest workshop and a vast array of specialist tools. However, this is nothing in comparison with his incredible knowledge and huge quantities of tea and biscuits. I'm now tooled up and ready to make some of my own creations, and will be considering an advanced session with Bill in the future. A highly recommended course and worth every penny."