Latest reviews

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

"I attended the beginners course on on Saturday 28th September. I found the course to be really engaging as we got excellent hands on experience making a coat hook and a key ring, the guys are very helpful and friendly. The food was delicious with ample tea and coffee throughout the day. I would definitely recommend this course."

Bernardette Patrick reviewed: Powertex Stone Art Clay Hare (medium) Sculpture - by Inky Escapades

"Attended the course on the 28th September 2019 and it was absolutely brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. From arriving and over the whole session Karen and her team (hubby working away) were outstanding. We were both complete novices and managed to make 2 stunning pieces of work, that we took away with us on the day. Everything was provided and Karen made the time to explain clearly the steps that needed to be done and what to be aware of, if you did not do specific tasks. Karen is definitely aware of how Powertex works and is someone who passes on that knowledge willingly and with flare. Karen made us feel very welcome in her home and he workshop is a little haven at the bottom of the garden, which shows off her work with flare. The cake was too yummy to pass up. Definitely be back."

Inky Escapades responded:

"Thank You so much for your kind words and for taking the trouble to leave me a review - I am so pleased you both loved your workshop and your introduction to Powertex. Do let me know whether Asia managed to obtain extra credits based on the fabulous piece she created from her photograph Kind Regards Karen Hewitt Certified Powertex Tutor"

Liz O'Neill reviewed: Mosaic pendants for beginners

"I really enjoyed this workshop with Rachel who is so positive and enthusiastic about her craft. It was great to see the range of materials we could use, and to learn a bit about slate. Rachel's own work is beautiful...and it inspired us all in the class when we were working...with help and advice and encouragement from Rachel...on our own pendants. It was a relaxing, fun way to spend a Friday morning...with the added bonus of having produced two lovely pendants by the end of it! Would strongly recommend it."

Joanna reviewed: Felt making for beginners - learn how to make a beautiful piece of wet felted fabric

"This exceeded all my expectations. With no felting experience I was delighted that we just launched straight in, it was hands on within five minutes of entering the room. I attended on my own so was quite nervous but Kat was Uber friendly - feels like you’re meeting a friend you haven’t seen for years. The ladies in the group were great too. There was a lot of stimulus ideas and not being a creative person I worried. But wet felting is very forgiving and Kat showed and taught us loads of techniques. I wanted to create abstract and others created pictures - anything goes and everyone’s turned out brilliantly. Wet felting was a very soothing and chilled activity and is a perfect wind down after a busy week at work! Thanks Kat it was AMAZING!"

Ben Glazebrook reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"An absolutely brilliant day! My wife bought me this as a birthday gift and it was without doubt my favourite present in 34 years. The location is naturally really beautiful, and what Mark has done there serves to accentuate the surrounding environment. We spent the whole day learning around a campfire, under the canopy of a parachute that is nestled within a woodblock - I felt completely detached (in a good way) and de-stressed shortly after arriving. You couldn't ask for better instruction. Both Mark and Jill are incredibly talented, very personable and great teachers. The whole day was well paced, low pressure, fun and enjoyable, while still being highly productive. The training on the day, the advice given and the follow up information also set you in a great place to carry on spoon carving on your own. I must also mention lunch - a lovely home cooked meal, enjoyed around the table in Mark's home. Absolutely delicious and great of them to cater for me as a vegan. I can't rate this course highly enough! Ben"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Ben, Thank you for such a nice review. It was a great day spent with lovely people, so glad you enjoyed the day. ATB Mark, Cristina and Jill"

Karen Hyde reviewed: Handspinning - for beginners and improvers - Saturday afternoon Sessions

"Arrived a complete beginner and left feeling confident I have the knowledge to develop spinning skills taught by the two expert tutors today. Covered a wide range of material in four hours. Now I need to practise at home before booking another course to build on what I have learned."

Kate Harrison reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"My boyfriend booked this course for us as a surprise for my birthday, and I can honestly say it's the best gift I've ever received! Bob was an excellent teacher, with incredible skill, endless patience and a clear passion for the craft. He guided us in building a basic foundation of skills and tool use, which stood us in good stead for the crafting in the afternoon. We made bottle openers and amazing Viking style knives, and I can't stop looking at them, I can't believe I made that! I've had an absolutely fantastic day, Bob creates a lovely atmosphere, with lots of tea and banter and made us feel comfortable straight away. I really can't recommend this course enough. Thank you Bob!"

Kirsty Scott reviewed: Wire wrapped ring workshop

"Thoroughly enjoyed this course! Great range of materials provided and a lovely relaxed environment. So pleased with my end product thanks to the excellent demonstrations by the course provider. Will definitely be going back to more courses."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Kirsty, Thank you for your review! We are really pleased you enjoyed the workshop."

Fran O'Higgins reviewed: Contemporary bench making weekend course

"Fantastic weekend! I'd never done any wood craft previously and I was a little apprehensive about the course. However, I shouldn't have worried and I had a wonderful time. Ambrose was knowledgable and patient. The setting was picturesque and food amazing. Aiden was also massively supportive and helpful. I have a new woodwork obsession..... I would definitely recommend this weekend course."

Jean reviewed: Raku pottery workshop with Pris McGirr

"Really enjoyed this class. Thank you Pris. Love my little pots. Love the way they catch the light."

Julie reviewed: Fun with Felt Flowers

"I had an absolutely great time on this course. Nancy is an excellent teacher and explained all the techniques in a clear and simple way. I was delighted with the 2 flowers that I made and I am looking forward to trying to make more on my own."

Claire Trout reviewed: Can't crochet, won't crochet?

"Yvonne was brilliant. Patient and friendly. Was a few hours well spent ?"

helen blackburn reviewed: Wire wrapped ring workshop

"Absolutely loved this course.... Great tuition given in a friendly fun way with a lovely range of craft materials to use and choose from. Refreshments given throughout to keep us going and a lovely group environment for relaxed chat and sharing of ideas and creation. Would happily give a 5 * recommendation and was only sorry that it came to an end all too quickly. Thank you Wendy and Clive. :) x"

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Helen, Thank you for your review! We are really pleased you enjoyed the workshop."

Fiona scott reviewed: Wire wrapped ring workshop

"Brilliant course thoroughly enjoyed it."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Fiona, Thank you for your review! We are really pleased you enjoyed the workshop."

Justine Theobald reviewed: Screen printing beginners workshop

"Lara immediately makes you feel welcome as you arrive, by offering tea and introducing you to the other people in the class. Then Lara tells you about what her work entails and how our morning is planned out. We instantly get down to drawing our designs and cutting them out and sorting our designs ready to print. I had never done screen printing before and I had the most enjoyable morning creating and printing onto a tea towel which I sent to my Step Mum in Canada. I can highly recommend this class and I intend to return."

Julie reviewed: maltese limestone carving at mount pleasant gardens

"I cannot recommend a better antidote to the stress and hassle of daily life than to become absorbed in transforming stone for hours, lost in a beautiful setting. Andrew's guidance and support to explore the stone, in the way each person wants, works so well. Thank you."

Chrissie Harding reviewed: Fused Glass Lantern Workshops

"This was such a fun afternoon. Something different in the craft world and you don’t need to be artistic to achieve a result, although it helps! Basic level can be achieved by everyone and Tracey makes it so interesting. Thank you so much for broadening my artistic horizons Tracey! Will definitely be back."

Jan johnson reviewed: Glass appliqué mosaic workshop at Cakebread Studios, Central Manchester

"Extremely enjoyable day at Cakebread Studios with Tracey and Caroline making a glass on glass mandala. The ladies are both excellent tutors.Very clear and concise instructions and tips and on-going support throughout the day. All necessary tools and equipment were provided along with an extensive range of glass to choose from to make the mandala. I would definitely recommend this as a fun and creative day. You will learn a lot and have a beautiful piece to take home with you."

Tracey Cartledge Artist responded:

"Hi Jan Thank you for taking the time to write this lovely review and very pleased to hear that you found it a valuable experience. We really enjoyed your company and seeing your design come to life in gorgeous colours and textures of beautiful glass. All the best, Tracey"

Anthony Green reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"Bought the day course for my partner and myself for her birthday and the day exceeded my expectations. The day is packed full of learning and application. Unlike other courses you get to make multiple objects in increasing difficulty, and even get a choice of different options in the later glass pieces. Ricky was a fantastic teacher, was highly personable and very engaging. My partner absolutely loved this gift and the sculptures we made arrived in the post safe and sound. All in all, I can't recommend Ricky or his glass blowing classes enough!"

Clover reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - 2025 DATES

"It was a great weekend in Devon for me. Apart from two full days of learning a variety of alternative firing techniques, I also enjoyed excellent hospitality from Abi and Alison. It was like a craft retreat holiday for me! The course is suitable for a wide range of abilities, from total newbies to potters with some firing experience, we certainly had taken a lot home. Highly recommended!"

Alison and Abi Firing Workshops responded:

"It was lovely to meet you Clover, so much fun and laughter and potting talk, very pleased you enjoyed it so much. Alison and Abi"

Sabrina reviewed: Glass fusing workshop - 1 day

"Attended a fantastic workshop in March, where I learned new skills for making beautiful dichroic glass jewellery. Jill is a fantastic tutor; her workshop is a tardis of tools and materials and she spared none to help me design and create a beautiful pendant that I am constantly asked when I wear it: "where did you get that from?". I was made instantly at home in Jill's beautiful studio; it's a lovely space to work in and you'll see plenty of examples of this talented lady's artwork. The thing I liked most about the workshop was Jill's ability to facilitate and help me materialise the ideas I had in my head, using her detailed knowledge. I came away with not only a beautiful piece of art that I can wear and am proud of but also the feeling that a lot of knowledge was imparted and I felt I had really learned something by doing. And I must add, it's incredibly therapeutic to do an activity like this for a few hours. I'm definitely booking in for another workshop (when they become available, as Jill is very popular!) Thanks, Jill and hope you'll be running more workshops soon!"

Fired Glass responded:

"Hi Sabrina, thank you so much for your positive review and I'm pleased you are wearing your handmade jewellery with pride. We look forward to seeing you again in the future for more creativity. Kind regards Jill and John"

Hannah Rockey reviewed: Weekly dressmaking classes with Go Deer

"Saj is an excellent teacher with a wealth of knowledge to share. I attend her dress making class weekly and have been for a year. Starting as a complete beginner I have learnt a great deal and really benefit from her teaching style. I highly recommend Saj’s courses."

Janet murison reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Fabulous weekend course. Enjoyed every minute. Didn’t think I would be able to achieve what I did, or enjoy it so much! Relaxed course run effectively by Sebastian. Recommended very highly."

Jane Thomason reviewed: Weekly dressmaking classes with Go Deer

"I attended a Go Deer course and found it extremely helpful and enjoyable! Saj has a knack of pairing a calm and friendly atmosphere with hard work and concentration. So I would highly recommend Go Deer courses."

Go Deer responded:

"Thanks Jane! Your project was such a lovely one... hope he enjoys wearing the lovely dungarees!"

Jo-ann Harrison reviewed: Introduction to summer millinery - evenings - Newcastle NE1

"Comfortable surroundings, great company, excellent tuition and very relaxed atmosphere, highly recommended and have booked another course."

Margaret Woodliff Wright Millinery responded:

"Thanks Jo-Ann - I’m so pleased you enjoyed the course. You made a lovely tonal headpiece and I’m delighted it’s wetted your appetite to learn more Millinery and that you have signed up for The Introduction to Winter Millinery! See you very soon. Margaret"