Latest reviews

Tim Stokes reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"Firstly Gavin has run a lot of longbow courses and is excellent at communicating what needs to be done. It also felt like we were joining him in his hobby , he was so enthusiastic and made the weekend great fun. I really liked the bit of history and especially the science behind what we were making , and why the shape is how it is etc. The people on the course had mixed capability but we all proudly came away with a superbly made longbow. I don’t know where the time went ! I loved every minute and I now have a wonderful longbow and a new hobby! Gavin is a great teacher, full of fun and it was a great weekend. I went with a friend, though it would be fine on your own since everyone was friendly. We all finished on time too. Our course was in Nailsworth, there is a good fish and chip shop next to a pub that brews its own beer, and they let you take your chips in! We also ate at Amalfi Italian restaurant which was very good. We stayed at the Amberly hotel , its a bit out of the way but v good freshly cooked breakfast, nice bar, friendly staff and pretty setting. There’s also a fish shop that does food, fish soup was excellent for lunch."

Alan Denison reviewed: Easel Weasel 1 day Saturday Art Workshops - Derbyshire Peak District

"I have attended Denise's course in painting for several months now and have benefited from her tuition and patient assistance. She is there when needed but does not constantly get in the way and lets my creative skill try to work it out no matter how little my talent. She inspires creativity and sometimes has a great biscuit or two."

ANDREA GAYE HYTCH reviewed: Create with a gel printing plate in Derbyshire

"This was a well planned, well resourced workshop session on Gel Plate printing. The facilities were excellent and 'The Slipper Studio' provided a lovely, airy and well lit venue, that was very conducive to creative work. Liz gave very informative instructions and preformed clear demonstrations, with plenty of samples available to see possible outcomes. Good one-to-one guidance was given, with practical suggestions as to techniques, colour choices, forward development etc. The workshop was well structured to make good use of the day and I felt that my knowledge had improved by the end of it. I came away with a variety of gel prints that I'm really pleased with. Gel printing is a process that offers a lot of creative freedom and is therefore suitable for anyone, regardless of skill. I loved the spontaneity of approach and the immediacy of the effects achieved. Highly recommended!"

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Andrea, Thanks so much for your review. Really pleased that you had productive day and hope this process is one you can continue with. Good luck with this new phase in your life. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Linda Whines reviewed: Watercolour painting afternoon workshop - birds, animals & nature - with artist Laura Andrew

"I went to Laura’s Birds and Wildlife Watercolour workshop. I am a complete beginner and was a little apprehensive but I needn’t have been. Laura was very welcoming and there was no pressure, I learnt so much in the 3 hours I was there and actually came away with some artwork I was proud of! Totally inspiring, I highly recommend it."

Jack Creed reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"Booked this day course for myself and my friend, we had an absolute blast! Jake is a brilliant teacher and walked us through each step with clear, easy to follow instructions. Highly recommend this course for a bit of a different day out, plus you get to take home your own fire poker and knife! Jake is a very talented blacksmith and if he runs anymore courses like this one I'll be signing up for them."

Jackie Knight reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"On Wednesday 18th September 2019, I attended a one day jewellery making course with Lucy at her studio. I thoroughly enjoyed my day with her and was put at ease from the start. I was able to make a silver bangle from start to finish myself, with lots of advice and support from Lucy. She is able to strike the right balance of help and encouragement which gave me a great sense of achievement and increased my self-confidence immensely. The day was very informative and enjoyable and I would recommend other people to try it."

Anon reviewed: Drawing from life with Jake Spicer

"Unbelievable that my first Portrait workshop was at this amazingly creative and peaceful centre. And more impressive, I was able to draw many portraits in a relaxed and comfortable way. Jake, the artist, was able to develop and extend my skill with much ease. Manko, the model, was superb with her striking poses which were held still as we drew with the most apt background music. The whole centre operated with much ease, love and creativity. Thank you. Anon."

Suki reviewed: Mandala hand lino print workshop

"Had a brilliant time with Diana and our group learning lino cutting and printing. Plenty of guidance but freedom to choose and came away with a Christmas card design and printed christmas cards that I love! I would recommend this to anyone wanting to create art or cards of their own, even if you think you can't do it. Wonderful!"

Heddfan From Narberth responded:

"Thank you so much. I had as much fun as you did. Mulled wine at the next one?"

Lindsay Lowe reviewed: Heritage teddy bear making - residential

"Fantastic two days. Met some lovely people and went home with a fantastic teddy bear and new skills. Can't wait to make the next one! Thank you Kathy x"

Crafty Breaks in the Lakes responded:

"Thank you for your kind review Lindsay. I am so glad you enjoyed our weekend. Do send me photos of your future creations. X"

Rachael reviewed: Mandala hand lino print workshop

"Had a fantastic morning lino-cutting and printing. Amazing what you can achieve with Diana's guidance. Looking forward to trying more at home."

Heddfan From Narberth responded:

"I had a great time with you and your team. I look forward to seeing your new creations."

Glenna Stephens reviewed: Introduction to table loom weaving, Fisherton Mill, Salisbury - Two day workshop

"This was a lovely introduction to loom weaving. The workshop for me was a success and I came away feeling that I had enough knowledge to try more at home. Ellie gave clear instructions and interacted with everyone individually whilst giving encouragement where needed. I would gladly recommend it!"

Elka responded:

"Hi Glenna, thank you so much for the review. I'm so glad you enjoyed the workshop and that you've continued weaving at home. Best wishes, Ellie"

Christine Wise reviewed: Easel Weasel Wednesday Art workshops - Derbyshire Peak District

"I’ve been attending an art group on a Thursday with Denise for about a month now. I thoroughly enjoy my time with the group and Denise is on hand to pass on a wealth of knowledge and encouragement. The environment is both peaceful and motivational and it’s a pleasure to share a few hours of creative relaxation with lovely people. I would wholeheartedly recommend Denise to anyone wishing to explore their creativity."

Sylvine Barriere reviewed: Make your very own Tote bag

"Fab day, would do it again. I learnt lots and impressed myself doing a better-than-you-would-find-in-a-shop- bag ;o)"

Karen reviewed: Learn to crochet - 3 crochet classes with expert crochet tutor Pam Barnell

"I just wanted to say a huge thank you for introducing me to the joys of crochet on the course completed last week, and for your endless patience. It can’t be easy being asked the same thing several times over! I hadn’t expected to enjoy crocheting as much as I did - think I’m hooked! The added bonus of your delicious home made cakes made it extra special, so thank you again for an excellent course."

Laura Watson reviewed: Introduction to Soap Making Workshop with Afternoon Tea, East Yorkshire.

"Really interesting and practical course, learned a lot about soap making and the history of it. Learned about a few different techniques too with swirls, layers, adding other ingredients on the top etc. Would highly recommend this course and the Yorkshire tea was an added bonus :0) great warm scones with jam and cream and I loved the prawn sarnies A+++++ Please do a shampoo bar course and a bath bomb one soon xx"

Celia Morris reviewed: Introduction to Soap Making Workshop with Afternoon Tea, East Yorkshire.

"Sharon’s informative and interesting approach made for a really enjoyable day. We learned the basic soap making and then applied our own choice of colour and aroma from a wide choice. Lovely lunch provided - It was a busy day and we had lots of soap to take home. All round it was a good day."

Christine Russell reviewed: Introduction to Soap Making Workshop with Afternoon Tea, East Yorkshire.

"Thank you Sharon, for a very interesting day. Excellent venue, lovely lunch, and a great atmosphere, totally conducive to learning. I've just arrived home after an evening meal, and the house smells wonderful. I can't wait to slice my soap. I'm already looking forward to making my next batch of soap, and experimenting. Thanks again, Christine."

Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving reviewed: Woven Heart Baskets

"What a fabulous course, would love a follow up! Very good instruction, we were allowed to proceed at our own pace and be as madly creative as we wanted. My older fingers found one or two things a bit hard going but got there in the end!! It is a very therapeutic and relaxing way to spend three hours. What was also lovely was that everyone got to take home a finished piece. Would highly recommend Ellie as a tutor. Thank you for a brilliant time."

Elka responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely review! It was an absolute pleasure to meet you and i'm so glad you enjoyed the workshop. Your weaving was just wonderful! Very best wishes, Ellie X"

Niall Macdonald reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"I've just returned home from this amazing course. Gavin was a superb instructor, knowledgeable, engaging and a consummate craftsman. The were eight of us on the course, some who were already archers and others, like myself, who just wanted a new challenge and to produce something amazing. From the outset Gavin had a way of teaching that was both instructive and entertaining, describing each stage in enough detail to allow us to carry out the work without being too prescriptive. The result was that by the end of Sunday everyone had an individual bow that looked fantastic and suited the maker perfectly. I cannot recommend this course highly enough. Thank you Gavin. Niall"

Kathryn reviewed: Candle making course (introductory) - in the heart of the Ashdown Forest, Sussex

"What a super course! Jam packed with information and hands-on candle-making. Thoroughly enjoyed it."

adam reviewed: Creative Fused Glass for beginners and improvers

"Really informative and fun glass - Nadine is really friendly and puts you at ease straight away - the final coasters are so beautiful, and it was lots of fun to make, the 3 hours whizzed by! Nadine’s studio is really cool, and she provides tea and biscuits - great value for money. Hope to come back with my mum! Perfect as gifts."

Susan Gregory reviewed: Easel Weasel Wednesday Art workshops - Derbyshire Peak District

"I’ve been having weekly 2 hour art lessons with Denise since May and a real novice but Denise has given me confidence to paint and understand the techniques and colours. It’s also a very social 2 hours. Totally recommended."

Lara reviewed: Screen printing beginners workshop

"It was a lovely way to spend the morning and I’m so glad I did it! The tea/coffee and snacks is a nice bonus as well as having an amazing teacher to learn screen printing. It’s a lovely location and great facilities. I highly recommend it, I’d love to do it again :)"

Stuart Weatherby reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"I was not sure what to expect but it is always nice to learn new things. How to cut the wood, split the wood, use a whittling knife correctly, safely. Then to be taught in such a relaxed informal atmosphere with such nice people. Then to discover that I really enjoyed the whole creative process and that the time seemed irrelevant. It was so absorbing. Really magical stuff that I would recommend to anyone. I will be back soon. Thank you so much Steve for giving access to people like me to such an ancient art."

Stella reviewed: Box making workshop

"This is an amazing course. I learnt many skills and brought home an exquisite object. Thanks to Jake’s patience with teaching, guidance and attention to detail, I was able to make a professional-looking box despite being an absolute beginner with this craft. Being taught by an expert maker of fine furniture was very inspiring."