Latest reviews

Penny reviewed: Pottery throwing taster on The Potters Wheel (temporarily suspended due to social distancing restrictions)

"Thank you Sharon for the taster session today in throwing a pot, you were generous with your time and knowledge, we both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, and surprised, with your expertise, to be able to make a decent Pot! Thanks again, will definitely have a go at weaving wicker next time."

Sharon Pottery Classes responded:

"No surprise once we registered your skills in other mediums! I am glad you both enjoyed the experience and it contributed to the ongoing birthday celebrations! Please do look at the willow courses I run here on craft courses or follow the links for my page and further information, it will be great to have you join in the weaving,.. thanks again for the kind review."

Hannah reviewed: Needle felting - woodland creature or bird, or other small animal: (beginners+)

"I attended the introduction to needle felting and had a great day. Salt was a fantastic teacher. She was really encouraging, friendly and made you at ease straight away. The workshop was really good value for money and I will definitely be looking at doing another workshop on the future. Thank you Sally"

Fiona Beveridge reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing and hand building full day

"We had a fantastic day learning how to throw and hand build pottery. Richard is a great teacher who was very welcoming, patient and explained everything clearly. We came away having made a number of items which we will be returning to glaze in a few weeks. We would highly recommend this as a great day's activity!"

Teresa Longlands reviewed: Lampworking Workshop: Half Day Beginners Workshop

"The course was challenging and fun. Suzanne was an excellent teacher; calm, patient and encouraging. The beads arrived very quickly, as promised. I would definitely recommend this course with Suzanne to anyone who wants to do something a bit different."

Suzanne Jewellery responded:

"Glad you had fun Teresa, thank you for taking the time to write a review."

Alex Dagger reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"Fantastic day spent carving with Dave at the Wood Yard near Tetbury. This was my second beginners spoon carving course, so I came with a bit of knowledge and hopes of improving what I knew. Dave instantly likeable and very relaxed and good fun to be around. He was also really knowledgeable about woodcraft and spoon carving and made time to regularly guide each individual on the course at their own pace offering advice and corrections to our techniques as we went along. He welcomed all questions as we whittled away the hours and gave us regular tea & coffee breaks to stretch our legs and chat amongst ourselves. On request Dave also gave us a really useful introduction on stropping & sharpening your tools which can be a bit daunting for a beginner, until you know how! Hoping to join one of his next monthly spoon club meetups too. Highly recommended for anyone looking to get into spoon carving or any spoon carving improvers too."

Julie reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course

"This is the second of Paula's courses I have attended (the first was the soap making which I really enjoyed). Paula is an excellent host and teacher. The candle making process was explained really well with lots of information re safety, regulations, suppliers etc given. I really enjoyed making the candles to take home, they look and smell beautiful. Am now looking forward to making my own soy candles. I totally recommend Paula's courses 100%."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you Julie! Such a pleasure to see you both here again."

Charlotte reviewed: Modern calligraphy (full day workshop) - Hampshire

"We had a fantastic day learning the art of modern calligraphy with Sunita! Everything was excellent - the tuition, the resources, the venue, the refreshments, the lunch and the lovely, relaxed, friendly atmosphere. I got thoroughly absorbed in the workshop that the time passed so quickly. Calligraphy is a very mindful activity and I will definitely use this new skill in the future. It was the best birthday present!"

Darren Palmer reviewed: Kookie Cats Needle Felting workshop

"My wife and I attended a felting course in September to make foxes as part of our wool anniversary celebrations. From the moment we arrived at the venue which was located in a beautiful rural location we immediately felt relaxed in the quiet, calming surroundings. We were met by Heidi who made us feel most welcome and introduced us to a few regular course attenders as well as total beginners like ourselves. Everybody was so friendly and helpful throughout the whole day and Heidi was especially sympathetic towards extra support I needed from being registered blind. The whole experience was something I never thought I would try but having encountered various physical conditions over the last few years forcing me to realise life’s far too precious and short helping me to appreciate everyday as a bonus and to try more things with an open mind. I thoroughly enjoyed the course as did my wife. I can’t say the foxes we made were the most attractive lol, but it was our first time and attempt which I am sure will improve with practice, but the pleasure gained definitely outweighed our lack of skills. A lovely touch was after the course we had a group photo of everyone holding their finished felted foxes which has since been emailed to us as a keepsake memory. Shortly after this review I will be booking another course and possibly many more after. I would definitely recommend the course. P.s. no shortage of refreshments and cake for cake lovers."

Heartfelt by Heidi responded:

"Darren, I am so glad you and Mandy enjoyed the Workshop and felt welcomed, relaxed and comfortable. It is a beautiful venue, which I am pleased to have the use of. As you probably gathered I have a regular little following of course goers, who have a passion for felting.....and cake ;-) I always try to make my workshops accessible, relaxed and fun and suitable for all, so I am thrilled that you would both like to join me on another workshop, I would love to have you both back. As I mentioned on my Facebook page, I was hugely inspired that although registered blind, you choose a Needle Felting workshop, kept up and made a fox that any newcomer would have been proud of! Heartfelt thanks for taking the time to write a review. I hope you both enjoyed the rest of your anniversary celebrations x"

Mike reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"For once the reviews are true! This course is a great introduction to stone carving and Sebastian is an excellent tutor, providing guidance when needed but otherwise stepping back to allow you to discover your creative side. Despite not having an artistic bone in my body I managed to create an animal sculpture with real personality, thanks in no small part to Sebastian's gentle but enthusiastic encouragement. I'm really pleased with the result and would happily recommend the course to anyone and everyone."

Diana reviewed: Lino Printing on Fabric Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops - Fabric Printing

"A really well planned workshop on fabric printing. All tools and fabric was provided, along with a leaflet to take home as a reminder. I learned a lot and feel ready to try the techniques at home to create my own fabric for soft furnishing in future. Claire was calm and reassuring and created a relaxed creative space. Such an enjoyable day."

Josephine Butler reviewed: Beginners paper cutting session at MAKE, Portsmouth in Hampshire

"I really enjoyed the paper cutting workshop with Aimee last weekend. Fantastic venue and very sociable atmosphere. The giant scones went down pretty well too! So pleased I opted for the cutting pack as well, as I went away inspired, ready to do some more!"

Bea B reviewed: Sgraffito Printed Fused Glass (1.30pm)

"Great - thank you. Do you do outdoor classes?"

Jeni M reviewed: Sgraffito Printed Fused Glass (1.30pm)

"Brilliant ! Encouragement to complete my work was just what I needed ."

Angela reviewed: Sgraffito Printed Fused Glass (1.30pm)

"Very well explained. Great choice of materials to use."

Trudy reviewed: Sgraffito Printed Fused Glass (1.30pm)

"A really enjoyable day - thank you ! Great help and support when needed."

Julie S reviewed: Sgraffito Printed Fused Glass (1.30pm)

"Excellent - very knowledgeable about the subject, very helpful ! Thank you."

Karen B reviewed: Sgraffito Printed Fused Glass (1.30pm)

"Loved the session. Plenty of choice of materials. Perhaps email in advance to bring a picture."

H Boothman reviewed: Sgraffito Printed Fused Glass (1.30pm)

"Excellent. Loved the session."

Libbi Hutchence reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Jo is very friendly and knowledgeable. Great surroundings and excellent materials. Lunch was yummy. I had a great day, learnt loads and took some gorgeous candles home. I would highly recommend this course. It would make a fantastic present."

Jon Stubbings reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"Had a fantastic weekend and came away very proud of my impressive longbow. Really never been very good at practical skills but with Gavin's help and taking it step by step it was all achievable and very enjoyable. All done in a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere with a very jovial host. Can't recommend highly enough :)"

Philippa Mitchell reviewed: Making a stained glass leaded panel

"What a fantastic workshop! I learned so many new skills and, with Caryl’s expert tuition and patient guidance, I created something really nice to take home. Lovely lunch provided, which Caryl kindly made vegan for me. Highly recommended. I’ll certainly be doing another of Caryl’s courses!"

Suzanne bailey reviewed: Sterling silver jewellery

"I really enjoyed this course! The venue is amazing and I was made so very welcome by George and Jo. The workshop is extremely well organised, I felt like I learnt so much from the day. So many skills were covered and I would not hesitate to recommend it. I left with the most amazing necklace that I still can’t quite believe I made ! The group worked really well and I think everyone would agree we had a fantastic day ! Oh and I must mention the food ! Yum! We were fed and watered throughout the day including a very tasty lunch Thankyou!!!"

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks for such lovely comments. It was great to meet you and look forward to seeing you again soon."

Julie Ware reviewed: Beginners Arm knitting workshop - make a chunky knit throw, Newbury

"What an amazing time... a warm September evening spent with the wonderful Sophie on her boat. We’d booked a private workshop to learn how to arm knit a chunky throw. Sophie is incredibly patient and none of us could believe we’d arm knitted our gorgeous throws in just under 2 hours! We’ve learnt a skill for life (just ordered yarn to make another!). Thank you Sophie... we had the best time ever."

Susan Huskie reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Our daughters bought my husband and I, a one day blacksmithing course. It was a fabulous day, found out a lot about the skills, tools, history - and made 5 brilliant items to take home and show all our friends. Nigel was extremely welcoming and knowledgeable. He was most interesting and supported each of us at the level we needed. Would recommend it as a wonderful day in magnificent surroundings. Thank you Nigel and the other students. Sue Huskie"

Rob James reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"Gavin obviously loves what he does and passes that on with enthusiasm. He created a very relaxed atmosphere where learning was enjoyable and made the weekend great fun and interesting by not only providing detailed explanations about Bow making and the science behind it but also throwing in a bit of serenading on the guitar and some Lonny Donnegan on the old wind up gramophone. If you think 2 days is a long time, think again. The time went rapidly with many people saying “is that the time already?” Gavin spends a lot of time and effort ensuring that what you end up with a very well made and beautifully finished Longbow. The facilities in Nailsworth are good with several good restaurants and some good places to stay, we stayed at the Amberly Hotel which was comfortable with a good breakfast and an easy journey to the course location."