Latest reviews

Tony Redpath reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"What a great day! Mort was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, supportive and a store of great stories! He looked after us brilliantly and made sure we went home with something we can really treasure."

Tracey Smith reviewed: The First Cut - lino cutting for beginners & rusty printmakers

"Brilliant day. Relaxing, welcoming atmosphere and well-organised. Liz was a fab teacher and was very inspiring. As a 'rusty printmaker' it was a great way to rebuild my skills and confidence. Can't wait to play some more at home."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Tracey, Thanks so much for taking time to review your day and glad you enjoyed your workshop. A lovely way to start your half term break and lots of time to try some new designs. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Diane reviewed: Collagraph Printmaking with Megan Evans + self catered accommodation

"We had a really lovely morning with Megan at the Bromyard Lock Up. She is clearly experienced, and encouraged us to experiment for ourselves and simply engage with the process. We created some wonderful prints and felt truly inspired by the session, and look forward to spending time with Megan again soon. Her lovely warm personality shines through, so whether you are highly artistic or new to artwork (like me) I thoroughly recommend her workshops. Thank you so much Megan"

Megan Evans - Artist responded:

"Thank you Diane this is so lovely to hear! I will send across my Christmas workshop dates and see you again soon. So glad you enjoyed the session :-)"

Anne reviewed: Free Machine Embroidery

"What a lovely day! Ruth was a fantastic host and teacher. My friend and I learned so much in just one day and feel very inspired to go on with projects of our own. Definitely recommend this course."

Angie Hatchett reviewed: Japanese book making

"This is the third course I have done with Lynne - she is an excellent tutor, endlessly patient and it was quite an honour for me to be at her first Japanese book workshop with Jayne. I came home with three pretty little books, two softback and one hardback with a hinged cover and have already thought of so many uses for making more! I felt that the three of us overcame a couple of small technical difficulties by bouncing ideas off each other and it was a thoroughly enjoyable day which just whizzed by. I have already recommended Lynne's workshops to friends and hope to do another myself in the future."

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

"As fans of the TV series ‘Forged in Fire’ I thought this would make the perfect Christmas gift for my boyfriend and let’s just say it didn’t disappoint. Spike is extremely knowledgable in his field and clearly very passionate about what he does. He also makes a mean BLT! My boyfriend and I are complete novices, but with Spike’s teaching were able to make some great knives. What a fantastic day and a unique experience. Thanks so much Spike."

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

"What an enjoyable experience! My husband and I spent a very happy day making a candlestick and a bowl under Bill’s incredibly patient guidance and tuition. His teaching style was perfectly adapted for each of us - husband quite competent and knowledgeable about tools and making things by hand, me fairly hopeless! - and we ended up with two attractive pieces we are both rather proud of. It was relaxed, but definitely engrossing, throughout. A really good day I would definitely recommend."

Sue & Andrew reviewed: Introducing Macrame Knots and Intricate Designs

"My partner Andrew & I both had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon learning Macrame with Mary. Mary taught us some of her in depth knowledge of Macrame in a very relaxed atmosphere, she was extremely patient and made us feel very welcome with tea and biscuits throughout the afternoon. We both left feeling we had gained huge confidence in wanting to make more Macrame products and cannot thank Mary enough for her inspiration. Would highly recommend this course."

Tracy Hallett reviewed: Upholstery course - bring your own project

"had the pleasure of meeting Polly on a Tv show we did a few years ago, so when I found out she was running workshops at her fabulous studio in stunning Cornwall , I lept up at the chance of meeting up with her again . Wow how fortunate was I, totally blown away by the location with stunning views situated in the coastal town of Falmouth. Polliander was the studio of dreams with bundles of inspiration. Having never taken on nor having the knowledge of upholstery Polly gently reassured me with great encouragement that I would be able to upholster a chair within the few days I had planned to be with her. Well Polly was an absolute professional, so passionate and knowledgable , every class delivered emphasising the deep sense of understanding and patience required for each process one has to achieve before moving onto the next to achieve such an authentic craft. I was amazed at what I had achieved and thoroughly enjoyed myself, and to top it all Polly provided lunch. Polliander is a studio like no other, welcoming and inspirational, deliver by a true passionate professional , Polly is amazing, I would recommend anybody to visit Polliander , meet the gorgeous generous Polly and learn a new skill"

Mick Armstrong reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"An excellent introduction to dry stone walling. Carl is a patient and helpful instructor, who gives clear and helpful advice with humour and purpose, explaining in simple terms the rationale behind the advice. The lunch was very good and filling."

Carole H reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I was lucky to have two dry days in October for a bit of a break from work visiting Lucy to continue on my bangle project. It has two mounts for stones positioned between silver wire so there is a need for intricate filing, grinding and sanding. Lucy Introduced me to the benefit of riffler files and I decided that I needed these in my life! Her help was invaluable in choosing the correct ones from her suppliers catalogue and letting me order straight away for quick delivery to my home. The sanding was proving tricky until Lucy inventively devised a tool with plastic from an empty yoghurt carton and double sided sticky tape to stiffen the emery paper. This proved to be the answeer to getting into the nooks and crannies. Thank you Lucy for another two brilliant days."

India reviewed: Linen weaving Edinburgh

"Would thoroughly recommend this fantastic weaving course."

will reviewed: Linen weaving Edinburgh

"Great weaving classes right in the middle of town."

Claire reviewed: Linen weaving Edinburgh

"A super thorough introduction to weaving - covering all the steps and very flexible concerning what you'd like to learn - walk out ready to have a go at home."

Andrew Browning reviewed: Wood carving for beginners and improvers at Ness Botanic Gardens Cheshire

"I have now completed the beginners and the intermediate course and my only complaint is that there are no more to do! From absolutely no knowledge at all, John managed to extract two pieces of carving from me, which really are all my own work. This is due in no small part to Johns teaching style which gives everyone the confidence to have a go and with an emphasis on the fundamentals. Great teacher and a very relaxed and enjoyable course."

John White Woodcarving responded:

"Thank you Andrew, so glad you enjoyed the courses. We may well include an Advanced weekend course in the future. Kind regards John & Carol"

Katherine reviewed: Linen weaving Edinburgh

"A fantastic introduction to weaving!"

Emma reviewed: Linen weaving Edinburgh

"really inspirational"

Phil Ratcliffe reviewed: Stained glass for beginners one day workshop

"Enjoyable and practical weekend course, conscientiously delivered by Sharon Campbell. Inspired to the next level 9week evening course to learn more about this fun and rewarding craft. Recommended!"

Manchester Stained Glass responded:

"Hi Phil, thank you so much for giving such a nice review. Really glad it inspired you to the next level. I look forward to seeing you again and the design you want to make. Sharon :)"

Jane Hill reviewed: Silver jewellery workshop for beginners with Jude Karnon

"One of my best days ever! A really relaxed day with expert tuition - I’m thrilled with what I made! This was my first attempt at jewellery making and it certainly won’t be the last - I’m so excited and inspired! I thoroughly recommend this workshop - endless cups of tea, a delicious lunch and lots of information and help when needed - the day flew by! Thanks so much Jude!"

Jude Karnon Jewellery responded:

"Jane, what a lovely review - thank you. You did incredibly well for a first attempt and glad you have the jewellery making bug. I hope to see you again very soon for some more jewellery making. Jude"

Sarah Pendle reviewed: Fused Glass workshops at Bere Alston, near Tavistock, Devon

"Thank you Wendy! Amazing resources, very well organised and friendly tuition. I was inspired and thoroughly enjoyed the whole glass workshop experience."

Julia Bayly reviewed: Making a stained glass art hanging

"I bought this course as a birthday present for my 80 year old mum as something to do together; both of us loved it. Caryl's instructions were very clear giving us plenty of time to practise the techniques before choosing our project. She gave us useful advice regarding making choices on contrasting and complementary colours and glass textures and was generous in allowing us to use unusual glass in her collection. She was especially helpful to my mum, who has shaky hands, and we both came away with items of which we are both very proud and display at home. A lovely lunch, including vegan items for another lady on the course. I'll be returning for another project, with my mum! Thank you, Caryl."

Tracey Sutherland reviewed: Leather dog collar and lead workshop

"Had a fantastic day with the very talented Christina and two other lovely ladies booked onto the course. The course was brilliant, really informative and a relaxed friendly atmosphere.I had never tried leatherwork before but definitely want to do more, the collar and lead I came away with were top quality and well worth making. I would love to attend another one of Christina's courses in the near future and would thoroughly recommend one to anyone else."

Amy reviewed: Sea-glass pendant workshop

"I have made a few pieces of jewellery with Jo but this was one of the first workshops I went to. I vividly remember choosing the stone I wanted to make my pendant necklace with!! Jo was always there to guide us through, showing us techniques to use to help us create our own pieces. I thoroughly enjoy Jo’s workshops, such a friendly and calm environment to be creative. I can’t wait to book my next one..."

Joanne Tinley Jewellery responded:

"Thank you Amy, It's always lovely to have you in the studio! Your pendant was beautiful."

Amy reviewed: Spinner rings and bangles workshop

"I have attended Jo’s spinner ring workshop with a group of friends. We had a wonderful time creating our masterpieces. Jo was so helpful, using examples of her work to help us design our rings and was there to guide us every step of the way. I was so proud of my spinner ring, I love the fact I made my own piece of jewellery!!"

Joanne Tinley Jewellery responded:

"Thank you for your kind review! It was great to have you all in the studio - you all made such lovely rings and bangles!"

Marie Selby reviewed: Handmade cards in Hampshire

"June is such an excellent patient teacher. I have loved all the different methods of making cards and so look forward to spending time at workshops. ❤"

Cardinal Cards responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Marie. It's great to pass on new techniques to someone who is so enthusiastic. Hope to see you again soon x"