Latest reviews

The Walkers reviewed: Stamping, embossing & wet-moulding leather

"My wife and I were given two places on the course as a gift - we both absolutely loved the course!! Wendy & Clive were both extremely welcoming and the atmosphere for the class was relaxed. The class was well paced and structured brilliantly so even as complete beginners, you could make progress quickly. Would highly recommend (and we’ve already recommended it to friends). Proper tea, great biscuits and some of the best views around from the workshop are an added bonus ;-)."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Thank you for our 50th five star review! Great to hear that you both enjoyed the workshop, tea and view! We're off to polish our new Craft Courses Platinum Award! :)"

Tracey reviewed: Create a ceramic animal sculpture with Twisted Earth Ceramics at Ilkley Manor Studio

"Loved the highland cow course and the fact it was step by step which enabled us to come out with a very respectable clay cow! Richard was a great instructor and helped us only when we were stuck. I would highly recommend this course to everyone, even those who think they have little pottery skills. Thanks Richard for a great day!"

Kevin McHale reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"I bought the stained glass workshop experience for my wife’s birthday and attended with her. Booking and information was very easy and clear. Jamal was very welcoming and soon made us feel relaxed and ready for the challenge ahead. He started with a short and most interesting history of stain glass making in Britain and showed us examples of his recent and current projects. Jamal is a very organised and precise tutor. He took us through each stage with great patience and helped us achieve without ever having to take over, himself. At all times he emphasised good practice and safety, was encouraging and congratulatory. The day flew by. We took a picnic lunch but couldn’t wait to get back to the task in hand. We left, at the end of the day, with a small but very attractive panel and a reminder of our fascinating and rewarding time in Jamal’s studio. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who feels in anyway artistic of who loves English stained glass and would like to get a fuller appreciation of this magnificent art form. With many thanks, Kevin."

Stained Glassic responded:

"Dear Kevin, Thanks very much for your lovely review! And Thank you for booking a course with me. I am so happy that you enjoyed your course!!!"

Jayne McHale reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"I spent a fascinating day learning about Jamal’s work with Stained glass and the amazing projects he has worked on. He helped myself and my husband to make a small plaque which now hangs proudly in our hallway. We both learned new skills and I wholly recommend the experience. It is always lovely to learn new skills from someone who has such amazing talent! Thank you Jamal."

Stained Glassic responded:

"Dear Jayne, Thanks very much for your lovely review! And Thank you for booking a course with me. I am so happy that you enjoyed your course!!!"

Clare reviewed: Rustic oak garden bench - one day course

"This was a surprise trip for me, no idea what I was getting myself in to. But Ian was a fabulous teacher. His knowledge and patience is fabulous even when I was being very heavy handed. This sort of wood work is far more delicate than I could have imagined. The day made all the better by finding a kindred spirit in climbing, sharing stories of bear encounters in Yosemite and life without responsibilities. Fabulous day, can’t wait to go back and do another course."

Karen May reviewed: Beginning Watercolour......a day workshop for absolute beginners

"Wendy is a welcoming and friendly tutor, giving plenty of time to ask questions and see demonstrations. Her instructions regarding what to bring, directions etc were clear and I didn't have a lot of the equipment, but Wendy had everything I needed, at no extra cost. An information sheet was given, suggesting equipment needed if we wished to carry on which was very helpful for a complete beginner like myself. A very enjoyable day."

Alexandra Stevens reviewed: Knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"Ann was really friendly, enthusiastic about what she does and had the patience of a saint. I really enjoyed my first session with her and feel more confident about my first crochet project making a flower. Thank you :)"

Leeds Central Faith and Light responded:

"Thank you Alex for your kind words. You tried really hard to follow my instructions and were very successful with your little project - keep up the good work and I hope you make lots of flowers. Kind regards Ann"

Dave Hardy reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"I spent a great day with Bob and learned a lot. A wonderful friendly atmosphere and Bob has great practical skills which amazed me all day. I came away with some amazing things I'd made with Bob's help. I cannot recommend this day highly enough."

Malcolm Leeves reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"I did not know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised. The facilities, surroundings, course and teachers were excellent. It was such a pleasure and honour to be amongst and guided by renown experts in Peat and Eamonn, true experts in the field of black smithing. Richard Quinnell made us all so welcome and worked hard to ensure we were attended to. A fantastic course that I would highly recommend to all ages. Malcolm."

Eileen Kettle reviewed: Lace pattern porcelain ceramics in Kendal, South Lakes

"I recently had a wonderful day with Nik, an inspirational teacher, and like-minded people. With expert tuition and help I managed to create some lovely pieces. Loved it!"

Nicola reviewed: Make a live-edge bench or table

"Really enjoyed and looked forward to our evening sessions. Ben took us through the process step by step and managed the class well allowing us to progress at our our pace but all finishing with a lovely piece of furniture for our homes. Would like to do another course with Ben in the future. The course was more physical than I was expecting but definitely beats a session in the gym!"

Gail Greenwood reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"I took part in a half day workshop with my mother, i have once made glass pendants and my mother no experience. Julie explained the process and materials then we were free to make our items with Julie to guide us when neededed. We thoroughly enjoyed the workshop, Julie was so friendly. We will be booking another workshop session again."

Angela Pollard reviewed: Lace pattern porcelain ceramics in Kendal, South Lakes

"The workshop i attended was well planned and Nik managed to keep us on track throughout the day. There was lots to learn and make. There was a mix of totally new students and those with some experience of working with Porcelain. I enjoyed it so much I've booked on another workshop!"

Tor McKay reviewed: One day beginners mosaic workshop

"I had one of the best days I’ve had in a while at one of Judy’s mosaic workshops - thankyou so much! Your patience, creativity, clear instruction, openness to any question, sense of humour was just the perfect mix...plus I now have a lovely mosaic which I am very chuffed indeed with. Your fruit loaf was also very much appreciated...tasty! Highly recommend Judy’s workshops for anyone wanting to learn the craft ?"

Leslie reviewed: Millinery Classes - Learn Hat Making like a Professional

"This is truly a wonderfully interesting and therapeutic course to take up. Silvia is a wonderful teacher, full of millinery knowledge and I only wish the course was longer than four weeks. I loved every minute of it. If you’re looking for something different to try, this is definitely the course for you."

Gillian reviewed: Learn how to create 9 different unique Xmas decorations in glass, ceramic, wood and paper using different fluid art techniques

"I had a wonderful time - thank you for your patience ?"

Jean reviewed: Learn how to create 9 different unique Xmas decorations in glass, ceramic, wood and paper using different fluid art techniques

"Fantastic morning, thank you."

Liz Flynn reviewed: Lampshade Making Workshop with Clare Cosens

"I spent a lovely morning with Clare making my first lampshade. Clare is an excellent teacher who explained clearly what we needed to do. She demonstrated everything first step by step and was on hand throughout the morning ensuring that we got everything right. I'm delighted with my lampshade and feel confident to make more myself. Clare is a very nice, friendly person and it was a pleasure to spend the morning in her company."

Sharon Radley reviewed: Furniture Painting Workshop (levels 1&2 techniques covered) in Warrington, Cheshire

"Today I had the privilege to attend Jo’s Boho Shed studio and learn how to paint a piece of furniture. My best friend bought me this experience as a surprise and it did not disappoint. I had a dark wood table that looked very unloved and with Jo’s great knowledge, passion for her craft and Enthusiastic enthusiasm for us to enjoy learning a new skill, I produced an amazing rejuvenated piece of furniture in Swanky Pants colour edged in distressed silver. Highly recommended and thank you Jo xx"

The Boho Shed responded:

"I'm delighted you enjoyed the workshop Sharon and that it was a good surprise! Lovely of your friend to do that for you. Thank you for your kind words. x"

Georgina Fisher reviewed: One day Mosaic Workshop with Ruth Wilkinson

"I have been on Ruth's course twice now, with friends & family's. Ruth is very welcoming and provides lots of options for your project. She is very patient and supportive and the whole atmosphere is very relaxed and creative. Her lunches are delicious and the whole day is a fantastic experience."

Ruth Wilkinson Mosaics responded:

"Ah thank you Georgina............ really pleased you enjoyed them :-)"

Ben Cave reviewed: One day salt or pepper mill woodturning course one to one.

"The wood turning course with Bill was Amazing!! As a design teacher it is always good to improve my skill set but also to see how someone else would teach a particular technique or skill. The course was well structured and it is clear from the start that Bill is very skilled and knows his subject. Bill creates a very relaxed and calm environment in which to work and allows students to build on experience through doing, with guidance on how to improve. I decided to make a bowl having already had some time learning to turn a cylindrical shape. I found Bill very understanding of my prior knowledge and the aspects I found more challenging, providing help to improve my overall skill. The day was so enjoyable and I left with a far better understanding of wood turning and for my skill set, how to turn a bowl shape. I would recommend Bill’s course to anyone with a desire to pick wood turning up as a hobby but also for those that have already some experience of wood turning wishing to further their skills. A wonderful day with Bill who clearly is passionate about his work! It’s hard not to be enthusiastic after!!"

Kiara Dixey reviewed: Pyrography Basics – Woodland Winter Wonderland

"I really enjoyed the course I took at Denmark Farm with Claire, learning how to do pyrography. It was well explained in a friendly relaxed atmosphere and everybody ended out with something lovely that they had made... beautiful pictures burned into wood using specialised equipment that was supplied by the teacher. I highly recommend this course."

Denmark Farm Conservation Centre responded:

"Thank you for your wonderful review Kiara. We are so pleased that you enjoyed this workshop and look forward to seeing more of your beautiful pyrography soon. Mara"

Catherine and Nick reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"Slightly apprehensive having never done this before, however Jake’s clear instructions, calm demeanour and an obvious passion for his craft made it such an enjoyable day. We enjoyed making our pokers and knives and look forward to our next challenge. Give it a go! It is certainly value for money and Jake is fantastic teacher ???"

Mike Hawkes reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - 2 Day Beginners/Intermediate Workshop

"An excellent 2 day course, with an experienced and very effective teacher. I took a Pembroke table that was in need of a lot of TLC. Although it became a bit of a rush towards the end, we got through the entire process and I now have a wonderfully restored table. Oliver is an excellent teacher, who clearly has a wealth of knowledge and experience - and has the ability to teach it well. I’m confident now to work on my own on other pieces."

Mike Hill reviewed: Spoon carving course - from log to spoon with Jeffrey Hart

"Jeffrey made sure that everyone knew the safest and most effective types of cut for each section of the spoon, making an otherwise potentially dangerous pursuit (the knives are really really sharp!) very safe and very satisfying. His approach is warm and encouraging, and the atmosphere he created was relaxed, fun and attentive. The whole process feels beautifully cathartic and calming, the more you work with the wood the more you understand it and how it will react to various types of cuts and techniques, and with so much depth to the craft I found it fascinating, and pretty addictive! At the end of the session, I ended up with a spoon of my own that I was proud of, and a new hobby/slight obsession."