Latest reviews

Susan Francis reviewed: Circular sock knitting machine 'Sock School'

"Thank you Anne I had a lovely 1:2:1 training day. Your instructions were patient and clear, I really enjoyed hearing about the history of the machines and how you got started. The machine I used was running beautifully. Great choice of lovely wool and the result is a perfect pair of socks, thanks to Anne’s instructions and ability to pick up my dropped stitches. They have been claimed by my husband. Thanks again for the warm welcome, excellent instruction and delicious food. I would highly recommend signing up for this course."

Susan Lim reviewed: 2 day - Chicken wire sculpture - make a 3D hare at Swallows & Artisans, Lake District

"This was truly an amazing experience. I stayed at Swallow and Artisans which hosted the course event 3d Chicken Wire taught by Chris, a renowned artist and teacher in her craft. The location was superb.. nature, Lake Coniston, fabulous modern accommodations provided by Karen who hosted together with Chris, our gifted and inspiring teacher .. it was magic ... The studio, property, and views were gorgeous, away and in nature, but easily a walk into the lovely town of Coniston for dinner. I came away with a stag head and a hare. Under Chris’ attentive manner and love of nature she helped me create a realistic piece of art I will treasure forever... Planning to return first chance I get.."

Juliet reviewed: Make an 8” crushed glass tree with glass artist Matt Sorrell

"Loved the glass fusing with Matt, can highly recommend it."

Chris Fox reviewed: Make a Windsor chair

"Such a great course. I learned so much and Ben’s laid back approach makes it a really enjoyable experience. I can’t wait for the next course!"

Ashlene reviewed: 'Accelerate' 1 day course- Complete candlemaking business development and creation

"Zaga is amazing. She is professional, friendly, supportive and assists one through the journey of starting up a candle business. I was fortunate to come away with a beautiful signature scent and went on to take her fragrance course. Zaga has given me feedback since the course and continues to help me on my journey. Beautiful. Thank you Zaga."

Karen curry reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"The workshop was very well structured and Julie was excellent at explaining the process and friendly and welcoming I was very impressed with the set up of the room where the workshop was held and there was a massive amount of choice of glass, moulds, colours and textures. I feel it was well worth going and learning a new skill. Brilliant :)"

Susan McGahan reviewed: 2 day course to learn illuminated lettering at Swallows & Artisans, Lake District

"I attended this course earlier this year, it is very good venue, drinks available at any time, with cake and nice lunch. It was a good course for beginners and improvers, Sarah explained things well and everybody seemed very pleased with what they had achieved. All materials were provided."

Rosie McLaughlin reviewed: Spoon carving with Bobby Spooner at Cambridge Art Makers

"I had a great time on this course, it was such a fun day! Olly was a great teacher, very patient and encouraging. I would definitely recommend it!"

Leah Brompton reviewed: Bespoke Interlined Curtains

"I had previously purchased an on-line course and several books in the hope of learning how to make Roman blinds, but it seemed impossible to follow the instructions correctly. Last week, I travelled a round trip of 120 miles to attend Janet's course, but it was so worth it. I have since made 2 beautiful interlined blinds that would have cost me hundreds of pounds if I had had them made. I'm not very experienced at sewing but it was easy to learn from Janet, who patiently demonstrated every step and supplied me with informative easy to follow instructions and access to a spreadsheet that makes it so easy to calculate pleating the blind. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and cannot recommend this course enough. I have booked to attend the interlined curtain course already. Thank you Janet, you are a fabulous teacher, looking forward to seeing you again soon."

Evelyn Risner reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Really enjoyed the day and practised my skills on my own machine which was good. The cake was delicious as well."

Graham Phillips reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"I attended the one day Beginners French Polishing Course and I loved every minute of it. Ollie is a first class instructor with a great blend of instruction, demonstration and practical experience. The location and the studio is excellent too and containing the class to a relatively small number of participants helps to ensure great levels of tuition. I worked on a coffee table and it was astounding to see it come back to life in such a relatively small period of time. It has given me great help and confidence to work on some further items at home but I am also equally sure I may return for further tuition and help in the future. Thanks again Ollie for a great course!"

David Staniforth reviewed: Square Zarzo basket making

"Rachael is an amazing tutor - I have done the round Zarzo with her and would have done this course if I wasn't on holiday. She is so patient, gives time to every student and is incredibly knowledgeable about the background of this and many other baskets. I made a really great basket which my wife uses in the garden all the time (not for cheese making though which is what the basket was originally meant for)."

Carla Collins reviewed: Felt Pictures-Painting with fibres - intro to 2D wet felting/felt making

"A really enjoyable course with a great teacher - Heather is very knowledgeable and gives each student individual help and support in creating a great finished product. She has a huge range of wool colours to work with, and also provides delicious tea and cake to keep you fuelled throughout the afternoon! I had a great time chatting with the other participants and am very pleased with my finished piece. Thanks Heather!"

Jackie Pain reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"Every aspect of the day was inspirational and everyone made masses of progress and produced really astonishing work. We were shown every aspect of reinvigorating our individual pieces of furniture, transforming them from tatty, damaged bits of wood to elegant, polished pieces of art. I took in my Gran’s old side table and I think she’d be pleased. Ollie is an outstanding teacher and I look forward to attending further courses of his."

Alison Hood reviewed: Mosaic art day course at Ruby Button Studio Norfolk

"I spent a wonderful day working with mosaics. There were just four in our group, and we all enjoyed the hands-on guidance from Sophie and Lynn, who are excellent teachers. There were no restrictions as to how simple or intricate a design we chose, and the choice of coloured tiles was vast. They inspired me and gave me confidence to try further mosaic designs at home – however, I have realized that it can be quite messy and time-consuming! It would be great if they held workshops so you could work on projects over a longer period."

Jenny Harris reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"I had a really lovely day at Bonds with Denise at Crafty gal. The course was well organised, personal and most of all fun. I came away really pleased with what I had achieved and armed with enough knowledge to have a go on my own. Lunch, tea and cake were provided and delicious. Thanks for a great day."

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you Jenny for such a lovely review, it really is the icing on the cake after a great workshop. Your hare was SO good, I hope you keep it up, or indeed come back to me for more!!!! Dx"

Ruth Hawe reviewed: Willow 'sculpture of your choice' - one day workshops with Willowtwisters

"What a fabulous day! Thanks so much Sara and Hanna, I'd never have believed you could impart so much skill in such a short time. So thrilled with my dolphin! Add in the fantastic vegan lunch and ever flowing tea and coffee, and the sunshine, made it perfect."

Willowtwisters responded:

"Thank you Ruth! it was a great day...you did really well thank you for coming."

Laura Blyth reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"I initially booked one day with Bill to restore some Ercol dining chairs. The day was spent learning, in a very detailed manner, about the structure and work that went into Ercol pieces and how to restore them to their former beauty. Bill was extremely knowledgeable and helped me become confident in doing the work they required. I booked a second day and now feel capable of doing the work myself at home due to the teaching Bill gave me."

Manuela reviewed: Virtual Jewellery Making Workshops

"Most fun and unique workshop I have ever attended! Such a great opportunity to learn about ring making and the process involved. Would highly recommend this for anyone looking for a unique experience, birthday gift, corporate team building or just a fun day out with cakes, tea and great company!"

Pat Pilkington reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"The Crafty Gal felting workshop was a gift from my family for my 70th birthday. I had a most enjoyable day. Denise was an excellent tutor, her friendly patient and clear explanation of the different stages of the craft was very helpful for newcomers, enabling us to be very proud of our efforts and pleased with the result. I highly recommend this felting workshop."

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you Pat for the fabulous review - you were an absolute joy to teach, I had as much fun as you did I promise! I hope your hare is keeping well, and behaving himself!!!! Hope to see you again at another workshop, Dx"

Hazel Evans reviewed: Pottery throwing workshop Saturdays or Sundays

"What a fabulous afternoon in a lovely location. Having never done any pottery before Nadia who was extremely patient helped me produce a few pots which I will not be too embarassed to show to friends! It was lovely to meet other people and the chocolate brownie cake was divine."

Kitten Von Mew reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"Yet again a wonderful day with a wonderful lady. I cannot speak highly enough of Denise and her expertise, but I think I keep coming back because of the fun and relaxed atmosphere she creates too. If I could do it every week I would. Looking at the perfectly formed little animals on the table may feel daunting, but you end up creating something with its own personality in your own style. A challenge, but one that is pleasurable with an outcome you will be proud of for years to come."

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you so much for such another fantastic review Kitten, very much appreciated! It was so lovely to see you and your mum again, great fun to spend the day with you, Dx"

Vanda Groves reviewed: Level 2 Advanced FURNITURE PAINTING Skills Workshop Intermediate/Advanced (1 Day) - Lancashire

"Jo is so knowledgeable and patient. I would highly recommend the advanced painting workshop, I've learnt so much and have bern practicing my new skills on pieces at home. Such a relaxing time and so therapeutic."

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you for your kind words Vanda. I'm delighted you enjoyed this level 2 workshop and pleased you have continued painting at home. I look forward to receiving the pictures. I will let you know about the upcoming drop in 'paint with me' sessions."

Neil McGregor reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"Although complete novices we successfully deconstructed a poor section of wall and rebuilt a "Stock Proof" beautiful section of wall to last the next 200 years. This illustrates what a "well oiled experience" Carl and Sharon's introduction to Dry Stone Walling is. A wonderful and educational week-end!"

Eloise Bartlett reviewed: Dry stone walling course Lancashire/Yorkshire/Manchester/Leeds/Sheffield/North West

"I found this course extremely informative, useful and enjoyable. I feel able to take on my own project now!"