Latest reviews

Stu Haysman reviewed: Green wood chair making in Suffolk

"I can highly recommend this course to everyone, whether or not they have done any green woodworking before. There were four students on our course, with varying degrees of previous experience, and we all managed to create amazing, beautiful and individual chairs. It was an amazing process to start on the Monday morning with a green ash trunk, complete with lichen and bark, and end on Friday with a finished chair. Stewart has a brilliant relaxed teaching style and helped everyone overcome the various obstacles we faced throughout the week. Shave horses and draw knives became like old friends :-) The lunches were great too and the overall atmosphere was superb. I can thoroughly recommend booking a place - in fact I loved it so much I immediately booked onto another course later in the year!"

Joanne Moss reviewed: Watercolour painting day - Floral & botanical - with artist Laura Andrew

"I went to Laura’s watercolour class (Florals and Botanicals) as a complete beginner hoping to come away from the class with some good advice and tips. I can honestly say that Laura has now given me the confidence to go away and put into practice what I learnt on the 5 hour course. The time simply flew and I loved every minute and the afternoon tea provided was absolutely gorgeous."

Beccy Hayward reviewed: Kayak making - build your own skin-on-frame kayak

"Amazing once in a lifetime experience of building my own custom Kayak at Shipshape Woodwork and Boatbuilding, at the beautiful Underfall Yard in Bristol Docks. Ant is an expert teacher who led us through each step of the woodworking, steam bending, lashing, stitching the skin on the frame and sealing with our own custom colours patiently. I can't recommend this experience enough and now I have a high performance Kayak of my own."

Lisa reviewed: Flower crown workshop & bubbly in Brighton

"I really enjoyed the workshop. It was relaxing and fun. I made a beautiful floral flower crown for my daughter as it was her birthday. Would recommend this workshop and Charlie is lovely."

Gill reviewed: Wet felting workshop: introduction to 3D construction for Bowls, Pods and Bags in Henstridge near Stalbridge, Somerset and Dorset

"This course is fantastic in all respects. Sally provided all materials necessary (and more) for you to be able to produce a really substantial piece of art. She is a talented tutor who guided me expertly through each stage, and insisted on supplying me with tea and coffee all day and wouldn’t even let me clear up. The premises were ideal and we had a lovely self contained room for us to work. All in all, an fabulous day, excellent value and I came away with a new skill I am thrilled about. Will be booking on another course soon! Thank you Sally x"

Alan Smith reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"First rate course. Had a fantastic day with Jake at his new location within the rolling hills of south Shropshire. I had the pleasure of one on one tuition with Jake who outlined the content of the day and the necessary safety measures needed to have a safe time whilst enjoying the full experience. The absolute best part of the day, not surprisingly, was just working with the metal. You have full instructions and demonstrations of the skills and techniques needed and then encouraged to just have a go. Jake was at hand to correct any errors but basically just get stuck in and have fun. There was the opportunity to have a go with the power hammer but in all honesty my preference was just the hammer against the hot metal and feeling the metal develop as you worked it. This is something I would certainly do again and in all likelihood will. Thank you Jake for a cracking day."

Sue Jones reviewed: Indigo Weekend -Shibori & Batik Workshop at Wild Rose Escapes, Highlands, Scotland

"I had a brilliant weekend doing craft just for myself, excellent teaching, lovely fellow crafters, great weather and some very yummy cake!"

David Limmer reviewed: Foraging

"We spent a very interesting and informative time on the foraging course led by Simon Birkbeck. The course was made enjoyable with Simon's knowledge and history of how certain plants were and can be used. Certainly practical with skills that could be used for your future adventures such as how to light a fire and using nettles in the wild. The food was also very good which was supplied by Talton Mill."

Gill reviewed: Beautiful, practical, functional, kindling, storage and plant pot baskets in the Surrey Hills.

"Thank you Nicki and Brian for such a wonderful day, you made me feel so welcome, and I had such an enjoyable time making the most beautiful willow baskets. I went home feeling so inspired and with such a great sense of achievement :)"

Ailsa from Worcester reviewed: Hand embroidered flowers - mini books- with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcestershire

"A lovely day. Your workshop is beautiful and inspiring. It was wonderful to spend a whole day sewing and go away feeling that I had learned so much and could finish my embroidery. Can't wait to come back and make a lampshade."

Val from Warwickshire reviewed: Hand embroidered flowers - mini books- with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcestershire

"Another relaxing and very enjoyable workshop. Learned new things and feel inspired to do more. Love Tigley workshops!!"

Anne from Milton Keynes reviewed: Hand embroidered flowers - mini books- with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcestershire

"An enjoyable and relaxing course, well thought out and planned. Inspired to take it further."

Rachel from Ross reviewed: Hand embroidered flowers - mini books- with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcestershire

"Most enjoyable and inspiring to do something so small and pretty in such a short time. Useful inspiration for making other small things!"

Rosie Wall reviewed: Weaving peaframes and hurdles at Usk Castle Chase

"This was my third course with Amanda and no doubt I shall be back for more! As I'd had my wrist taken out of plaster only the week before, she kindly let me bring my daughter to do the weaving work whilst I took notes and photos, ate cake and drank tea. We both thoroughly enjoyed the day, the venue and the convivial company, then took home a pea-frame and hurdle we were proud of. Both now have pride of place in the garden - my daughter's!"

Stephen reviewed: Wire Wrapped Jewellery Taster Class

"Great class, very knowledgable with glass techniques. I would recommend."

Stephen reviewed: Sgraffito Printed Fused Glass (1.30pm)

"Very good tuition, loved making glass art. I would recommend."

Christine O’Hara reviewed: Textile design one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"I did a sketching course one evening in Penny’s lovely studio. I was a reluctant participant due to my lack of knowledge and ability!! Much to my surprise I really loved it and my family were impressed on my return home with my sketchings - maybe there is a hidden Picasso in me after all!!! Penny was fab- patient, calm, inspiring - I didn’t feel intimidated at all. think I’ve found a new hobby! Would definitely return to do another course."

Christine reviewed: Wire Wrapped Jewellery Taster Class

"I so enjoyed this course . I can't wait for the next one .the instructions were clear and it was a nice laid back atmosphere"

Christine reviewed: Sgraffito Printed Fused Glass (1.30pm)

"I so enjoyed this course. I can't wait for the next one. The instructions were clear and it was a nice laid back atmosphere."

Alison Carter reviewed: Introduction to making mosaics (Beginner level)

"Such a great day learning to make a mosaic. Sally is very patient and informative and it was a great venue with everything to hand. I will be booking on some more courses and can thoroughly recommend them to anyone who wants to try some crafts!"

Julie reviewed: Soy wax container candle making workshop - morning

"A birthday treat for my friend’s 50th. It’s three weeks ago now and the candles still smell very fresh. My friend and I both had some personal worries and after admitted that we had not thought about anything except which fragrance to choose and which dry flowers to decorate the jam jar candle! A good escape for the afternoon. Lindsay is very helpful. The downside was that the premises are a bit grim on arrival."

Mount Cottage Crafts responded:

"Thank you Julie for your review, I am very pleased you enjoyed the afternoon. The venue is currently being repainted so will look less tired in the future. Many thanks Lindsey"

Brigitte reviewed: A complete introduction to wet felting

"I loved the experience of learning how to felt wool, Olga was an amazing teacher. She explains all the processes very well. I highly recommend if you are curious about felting."

Audrey Steele reviewed: Hand embroidery in the Lake District - Make a lavender bag using 3 techniques in 3 days

"Sarah Dennis is a true artist with thread. Be prepared to learn embroidery by a classically trained tutor. The course was fabulous and I feel I learned much more about the classical way to embroider and do goldwork. It was intense and close work, so really make sure you bring close work specs if you need them, or a magnifier. The venue is spectacular! Karen is a wonderful host. The accommodation is very comfortable with en suite facilities in every room. The bed was the most comfortable I've ever slept in. The rooms are very spacious so there is room for your family to come too if you wish. My break was respite so I thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful location, wonderful views and the glorious weather. The food was delicious, varied and thoughtfully presented. I cannot recommend this venue highly enough. There is a lot of thought going into the development of the venue as a "go to" location for recharging your batteries."

Swallows & Artisans responded:

"Thank you for your amazing review Audrey. So pleased you enjoyed it. It was lovely to meet you and I'm looking forward to seeing you again. x"

Sally Sherfield reviewed: Introduction to making mosaics (Beginner level)

"My first attempt at mosaic and I thoroughly enjoyed this class . Sally was an excellent teacher and made the lesson really enjoyable. Plenty of tea and biscuits too , the perfect way to spend a Saturday."

Amy Dinham reviewed: Experimental Monoprinting (includes gelli printing)

"Ruth's garden studio was the perfect backdrop for a super relaxed and creative day. Ruth's expertise in teaching was clear as she was very patient, concise in her instruction and provided us with a hand-out of all the different techniques we were able to develop. I had some prior knowledge of mono printing and with Ruth's expertise, I was able to develop my skills further and realise more potentials of this technique. Thank you Ruth, you were a truly magnificent host- delicious lunch and home made brownies, with free-flowing tea or coffee to boot."