Latest reviews

James Crawshaw reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Absolutely brilliant. From start to finish the guys were friendly and engaging. Their setup is perfect for the size of the group with plenty of fires and gear. Having never done anything of the sort before I was surprised just how quickly we could get stuck in and start hammering. We made two really cool items to take away and nothing felt rushed or pressured. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to try something different and will definitely be returning for another course in the future. Thanks very much to all involved. James"

Ranak reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"Ian's workshop was amazing, we took my father for his birthday and we were blown away by how much fun we had. Ian was very patient when showing us the different ways to create the stool and the day was paced really well. The stools we made were amazing quality and it was a really enjoyable experience! It was also really interesting learning more about woodworking and the different techniques involved, I would highly recommend this course! Thanks for an amazing day, we really enjoyed it!"

Dee Gemmell reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"What a day!! Venue and catering were brilliant, but the course itself was even better!! Lucy is so knowledgeable, helpful and supportive. I could not recommend this course enough!!"

Jane Austin reviewed: Fascinator making in Wellsborough nr Nuneaton

"What a fantastic day. Rachel is an amazing tutor,friendly,encouraging,helpful. She explained and demonstrated the techniques brilliantly and once we had grasped the basics we created our own designs with Rachel there to give advice. I would highly recommend this workshop."

Hazel and Paul reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"This was the absolute highlight of our holiday. Jake is lovely person and a superb teacher - he makes the day relaxed and fun. He paces the introduction of different techniques perfectly - we were busy but never rushed and achieved so much more than we expected to. He is great at assessing and adapting to each individual’s ability and level of confidence. I was certain that I’d need loads of help with the hammering and twisting the iron but, with Jake’s guidance, I actually ended up with pieces that were over 90% my own work. We are so chuffed with the pieces we have made. We’d have no hesitation in recommending the ‘Have a Bash’ day to anyone."

Chris B reviewed: Letter and Relief Carving in stone with Pip Hall ~ a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns north Lakes & Cumbria

"A brilliant introduction to what will become a new hobby! The wide variety of stones brought along by Pip allowed an equally broad range of ideas to be realised. Pip's skill ensured that while the designs remained 'ours' the ideas both matched the style of lettering and the shape of the stone. Three days were gone in a blink of an eyelid. Many many thanks"

Jane Shergold reviewed: Sculpture in stone for beginners - 3 day course

"A really great experience and was amazed by what we all produced at the end in such a short period of time. On the first day we all produced a model of what we wanted to make and this provided the blue print for the carving. What I liked about it was that it was completely practical and we just got on with it. Kate is a wonderful teacher and provided excellent one-to-one tuition in a small group setting, helping everyone and offering advice on every stage of the carving. Over the three days we learnt to cut out the basic shape and gradually create the final piece. I was really surprised how close to the original model the final sculptures were and it’s certainly inspired me to do more. I learnt such a lot and the hours just flew by. I would really recommend this course whether you are a beginner or have done stone carving before."

Lynda Clinton reviewed: Textile still life workshop

"Imogen is an enthusiastic and patient tutor - with her guidance I made a fabric collage 'still life' and I'm really pleased with it! The whole day was so relaxed and enjoyable that I felt as if I'd had a little holiday. The lunch that Imogen provided was excellent - so was the venue. I would highly recommend this workshop."

Imogen Bittner Studio responded:

"Lynn's image was impressive. Using vibrant fabrics and strong design, she created an amazingly unique and interesting image that glowed and attracted from across the room. An incredible first!"

Nigel Ames reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"A thoroughly enjoyable course run by Ambrose and Eamonn. We were shown the basic techniques and were able to put them to use on the set pieces. There was quite a lot of flexibility in the projects which meant that on Sunday I was able to work on my own project. Ambrose helped me to develop my ideas and suggested options for achieving the results I wanted. Eamonn helped me to complete the different stages with tips, suggestions and guidance. The organisation and logistics were clear and the refreshments were timely and wholesome. An excellent course"

Neil Atkinson reviewed: Sculpture in stone for beginners - 3 day course

"Excellent!"

Katherine reviewed: Weave a willow coffin

"I really enjoyed the course. Amanda is so patient, kind and encouraging. She stepped in to help when needed but also judged well when to allow us to complete parts of the coffin weaving ourselves, as after all it’s only by doing it yourself that you can learn this kind of skill. The venue was lovely - peaceful, clean and accessible - and Amanda kept us well fed with plenty of cups of tea and treats! As mentioned already the course is quite intensive and it’s probably quite helpful - but definitely not essential - to have a bit of prior willow weaving experience. Definitely recommended!"

Monika Jones reviewed: Glass Fusing with Enamels - Two Day Course

"My second two day course proved as wonderful as the first - probably better. The reason is the host Steve Robinson who is enthusiastic, humorous, patient and incredibly generous with his knowledge. He wants you to have fun and enjoy the experiences so shares not only his ideas but his enamels and Glass to enable lots of work and all helped by numerous cups of tea or coffee. I want to go again as I had such a good time and came away with a plethora of glass items. On the Sunday, the big reveal is very exciting as he opens the kiln to show the results of the second day’s work. A wonderful experience heartily recommended!"

Naomi reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Spent a day at the forge for my husband's 40th and could not recommend more! Mort is a natural teacher with plenty of patience, enthusiasm and skill. We were able to bring our ideas to fruition and come away with the Gothic candlestick of my dreams and a pair of door handles. We were trusted to work on our own pieces but the support was always there if (when in my case!) it was needed. Overall, I highly recommend this as a way to explore a craft you might not usually have access to, it's a hard-working day and you will come away feeling like you have achieved something."

Damon Ma reviewed: Leather Crossbody/Messenger or Tote bag

"Richard is an excellent, patient and knowledgeable teacher whose approachable manner is, I feel, very important for the attendees. I felt free and encouraged to ask any leather craft related questions - without being ridiculed despite my inexperienced. He was very willing to share his leather craft experiences, provided good tips and awareness of potential pitfalls. I would recommend it to anyone who are interested in dipping into leather works, (particularly those whom might feel intimidated by the skills required). Throughout the day course I felt at ease and was able to produce a bag that I am extremely proud of."

Kate Walchester reviewed: Easel Weasel 1 day Saturday Art Workshops - Derbyshire Peak District

"A wonderful workshop! Denise provided excellent tuition and guidance with a relaxed and friendly environment. The surroundings of Denise's beautiful home were perfect and we enjoyed a delicious, home cooked lunch. Denise did a great job in raising confidence and encouraging her students. Altogether a fantastic experience."

Jan reviewed: ‘Winter dream ' wool painting face-to-face textile art course in Worcestershire

"I had a great day learning an amazing technique of painting with wool fibres! What a great therapeutic experience! I am a complete beginner and I never knew I could create such a lovely work just using coloured strands of wool. Very enjoyable process and a beautiful result. Thank you Raya ! I will be back to learn more about wool painting."

Alistair Brook reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"Fantastic and enjoyable course. Relaxed pace, but produced more items than I expected (7 separate items of metal work). Aaron is a knowledgeable and an encouraging teacher. I am definitely considering signing up for the other courses he runs."

A and T Petersen Ltd responded:

"Thank you so much for your positive review. Really glad you enjoyed the course."

Debra reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"All 3 of us thoroughly enjoyed our half day workshop with Julie and are very pleased with the finished products. We chose to make earrings, coasters, small plaques and a wave picture. Julie talked us through the different types of glass available and encouraged us to use all forms. There was so much to choose from and we are hoping to book again so that we can learn more and add to our current collection."

Claudia reviewed: Screen printing using paper stencils onto fabric

"This was a fabulous course. I learnt so much from Liz. She's a fine teacher - approachable, hugely knowledgeable, and hands-on. I didn't know anything about screen printing before the day, and I came home with great results. I'm hooked and have now ordered some equipment to try printing at home."

Carrie N reviewed: Sgraffito Printed Fused Glass (1.30pm)

"Excellent amount of materials to use and I was impressed that there were enough tools for everyone . Good tuition. Could do it all day !"

Nancy C reviewed: Sgraffito Printed Fused Glass (1.30pm)

"I really enjoyed the course . I have never worked with glass before. All the materials and tuition provided me to produce a piece of work on the day."

Marion w reviewed: Sgraffito Printed Fused Glass (1.30pm)

"Great ! Very good explanation, loads of glass to play with. Tutor very knowledgeable."

Chris, Chris and Leila reviewed: Taster sessions – throwing on the potter’s wheel

"This has been such a fun and energising experience! Pris is such a gentle, patient and calm teacher (she has to be with me!) and I have learned so much as well as laughing and enjoying what we've done. Thank you Pris and Alford Craft Market"

Dawn reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making - Ely

"Totally agree with Harriet's recent review - thanks again Jonathan for your generous spirit and such an informative and fun course - a great intro. into the world of silver jewellery making!"

Ursula B reviewed: Beginners Freehand (freemotion) Machine Embroidery Workshop

"Brilliant workshop - very relaxed and enjoyable. We soon got into creating master pieces we were proud of."