Latest reviews

Sue Waddell reviewed: The Whole Table Loom Set Up - Dobby & Rose

"Having got ‘the weaving bug’ after the Beginners Workshop in May, I decided to get a table loom. Not having had any previous weaving experience, I quickly realised that warping was not going to be easy without some help, so, last week it was the Intermediate Workshop. What a brilliant course! Rebecca was patient and caring, explaining every step clearly and concisely. I am so happy to be let loose with my loom at home (and even made myself an extra stick shuttle out of a plastic ruler yesterday!) Thank you so much Rebecca - I can’t rate you highly enough."

Claire Walker reviewed: Make a clay chicken - New Brewery Arts Cotswolds Gloucestershire

"Who knew building a clay chicken would be so rewarding and such good fun? Peter was an excellent tutor who gave each of us the space to be creative while always on hand to help."

Sarah Heaton reviewed: Mosaic Workshop for Beginners, Broadstairs

"This was my first ever crafting workshop of any type, and I had a really enjoyable day. Linda quickly made my friend and I feel at home, and after showing us examples of her work, ran through the basics and a book stuffed full of ideas, and we were off. She has a lovely teaching way, and whilst always on hand if help or advice was wanted, she also left us to work under our own steam. Although I did not finish my piece on the day, Linda sent me home with a good supply of adhesive, tiles and grout (and good instruction leaflet) so that I can finish it off in my own time at home. I would thoroughly recommend this workshop, and my friend and I had a really different, but lovely day. Thank you Linda"

Creating Mosaics responded:

"Sarah it was my absolute pleasure. I am so glad that you enjoyed the day - I did too. I would so love to see a photo when you have finished your outdoor slate mosaic shelf / drinks table for your garden. I know your guests will admire your handiwork it is so full of colour. Definitely a conversation piece. Thank you."

Derek reviewed: Beginners 2 full days knife making courses

"Enjoyed the two days. Very friendly guys. The only thing that would have made it better was if the power hammer was working."

Edna reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I’m so excited. I got to Lucy with a vague idea of what I wanted to do and once again her magic happened and I made the most amazing pair of earrings. She even set me homework which I don’t mind as my confidence is just soaring after taking regular skills lessons from Lucy."

Diana reviewed: Botanical Contact [“Eco”] Printing: An Introduction

"Really enjoyed this introduction to botanical printing in the absolutely beautiful setting of the Palm House. The processes used were explained clearly and although this was quite a short workshop we were able to produce not just a very pretty silk scarf but a whole bundle of paper prints suitable for making into cards or framing."

By Maggie .. Naturally responded:

"Thank you Diana. Really delighted that you enjoyed it so much. Maggie"

Sharon reviewed: Pottery throwing workshop Saturdays or Sundays

"I had a brilliant afternoon with Nadia and her helpers. It was a wonderful, hands-on experience that was both a joy (I laughed a lot) and a delight (I made something - with a bit of help...!). If I lived closer I’d sign up for a course."

Roger Ferris reviewed: Forge a rustic blacksmith bushcraft knife

"Ideal for a beginner. Great tutor and nice to see a lump of steel transformed. Recommended."

Vicky Heywood reviewed: Women's handbag and men's pouch in the style of a leather sporran - Viking style pouch

"Great fun and easy to pick up. Thoroughly recommended."

Helen Robertson reviewed: Mosaic pendant making on Orkney

"I spent 3 wonderful days in Catherine's Airbnb room which was lovely, spacious, light, beautifully clean and inviting. Catherine did a wonderful job as my tour guide; we travelled all over the islands and took in all the sights. I also spent two days on two of Catherine's mosaic courses which were both thoroughly enjoyable. Day One I completed a terracotta pot and on Day Two I completed two necklaces with shells and crockery etc found on the beach nearby, and left with materials for a third. Thank you Caroline for your hospitality, patience and instruction and for giving me the total Orkney experience. I can't wait to come back for another visit."

Colin McDonald reviewed: "West Coast Chair" making course - Scottish Highlands

"Had a fantastic week at the ‘West Coast Chair’ course. A great group of people and Aaron’s teaching methods and style are perfect, all stages of the build well explained and demonstrated, then allowing you to carry out each stage adding your own style and ideas for the build of your chair. This is all at a nice relaxed pace in his tranquil outdoor workshop, with plenty of cups of tea and biscuits on offer!! Walking away out the woods with a fantastic chair at the end of the week is just awesome!!"

Helen Robertson reviewed: Aromatherapy workshop

"I spent 3 wonderful days in Catherine's Airbnb room which was lovely, spacious, light, beautifully clean and inviting. Catherine did a wonderful job as my tour guide; we travelled all over the islands and took in all the sights. I also spent two days on two of Catherine's mosaic courses which were both thoroughly enjoyable. Day One I completed a terracotta pot and on Day Two I completed two necklaces with shells and crockery etc found on the beach nearby, and left with materials for a third. Thank you Caroline for your hospitality, patience and instruction and for giving me the total Orkney experience. I can't wait to come back for another visit."

Ryan Jardine reviewed: "West Coast Chair" making course - Scottish Highlands

"This course was fantastic, can't recommend it enough. The small group was great and really helped with the learning process. Aaron's attentive and patient teaching style made the creation of our chairs not such a daunting task after all. I was delighted with the finished product and found the whole week to be a wonderful experience"

Neil Robinson reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"A great course in a lovely setting at Otley Chevin. Mike was both very knowledgeable and personable, with a small group of only 4 people, there was plenty of individual instruction and assistance, alll working at our own pace Having rarely if, ever used an axe or knives previously, we all went from a log, and finished with a great spoon. We learnt an awful lot over the day, with some great reference materials to take away and given the confidence to carve more spoons at home."

Kay Bisset reviewed: Upholstery classes at Sandra Fryer's Workshops

"Sandra is a great teacher and goes at a pace suited to your ability. I will be booking again as I take on a more complicated chair next time. Look forward to learning more new skills in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of her workshop."

Claire Abercrombie reviewed: A Practical Dry Stone Walling Workshop Central London

"Really enjoyable day. You could see our walling technique getting better as we worked up the wall!! Lots of new words and top tips. Some of my favourites - sheep creep, and cock and hen. I must remember to may stones into the body of the wall and ensure strong cheek ends. Thanks John for a great day."

London School of Dry Stone Walling responded:

"Hello Claire - Happy you remembered some terms and what they were, also build to the line, line blocks, batter frame, jumpers, face stone, on-bed, through stones, foundations and building up your cheek ends !!!! etc. Hope you are able to have a go for your own feature !! Take Care, Best Wishes John"

stuart wilson reviewed: A Practical Dry Stone Walling Workshop Central London

"Very informative day spent with John who is an excellent trainer. The number of trainees attending, at six, was just right and the relaxed atmosphere was great. We learned a number of rules for dry stone wall building and tried to put these into practise during the day. For me wall building was much harder than it looked and needs a great deal of practice and patience. Very enjoyable day. One other point: I would have thought that safety glasses and boots would have been required. Whilst safety was not an issue on the day and we were all responsible adults there is still potential for accidents. Many thanks and will recommend to others."

London School of Dry Stone Walling responded:

"Thank you your feedback Stuart, gets easier with practice !! In the past, we have provided a range of various sizes of new boots. Then we were faced with not the number of boots for the same size feet and some people do not like to wear boots already worn by others !! The safety googles were collectively in a polythene bag at the side of the bucket of hammers. In future, shall be more certain people are aware. I hope you find this helpful. Best Wishes, John"

Leo Brooke reviewed: A one day spoon carving course

"This was a fantastic course and I really recommend it for anyone interested in green wood working or even anyone that just wants to make something and have fun. Sharif is a brilliant instructor with a lot of experience and patience. I found I really learnt a lot about spoon carving and the techniques involved so I can develop them further as I keep carving. For ages I have wanted to start green wood working in particular spoon making and this course has really inspired me to use the skills I have learnt and give it a go on my own. I will definitely be doing other green wood working courses in the future. Thanks very much Sharif."

Michael White reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"An excellent introduction in a lovely setting. Mike was interesting and passionate about green woodworking and knows his stuff. We all got plenty of help and were able to work at our own pace as Mike was very good at getting round everybody. With tea and cake on hand and plenty of tools for all, Mike made the day a really good introduction to green woodworking and I'm sure that all who attended will go on to try more. Thanks Mike."

Christine Gates reviewed: Macrame craft day in Dorset

"Arrived for my craft day empty handed and left in the afternoon with a felted owl, a handbound notebook and a macrame decorated vase. The hotel looked after us very well with tea,coffee, biccies and lunch- all very yum. As we left Nicki presented us with flowers for our vases. It was a super day."

Linda reviewed: Make your very own Tote bag

"I attended the make a tote bag workshop and would definitely recommend it to others. Richard is an excellent teacher who is knowledgeable and encouraging. I am really pleased with my tote bag and am keen to further develop my skills in working with leather."

Ann reviewed: 💜 The Suffolk Silk Scarf Painting Workshops 💜 For FOUR People at The Arty Silkworm, Green Farm, Suffolk ~ Fabulously Creative

"My daughter and I had such a lovely day with you... We enjoyed every minute of it. My finished articles have been shown and admired by all around. The time went so quickly, the group were lovely and helpful. We intend to make another date with you in the future. Thank you for sharing your expertise."

Gemma Kettle reviewed: Introduction to screen printing

"Ria is such a patient and generous teacher! Her studio is an oasis of calm creativity, with a array of her work for inspiration. She guided our designs so that we could take home a finished piece that we were proud of. Her knowledge of what works and how to get to where we wanted our work to be was ace! We are looking forward to going back for another session to make something else. But first, I’ve got my eye on some of her table runners for Christmas presents.... Thank you for a lovely, creative day, Ria!"

Carolyn reviewed: Upholstery classes at Sandra Fryer's Workshops

"Over the last year I have attended four workshops. Sandra is an excellent teacher, very knowledgeable and patient. My chair has been transformed and I looking for my next project that Sandra can guide me through. Thoroughly recommend the workshops."

Clare reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"A comprehensive introduction to making stained glass. Matt is adaptable and approachable...no question is too silly and he will work with the designs you may already have or help you to develop something lovely on the day. Matt was willing to let the workshop over-run as his priority was making sure that everyone had completed a piece they were happy with. I would definitely recommend this one day course."