Latest reviews

mandy jackson reviewed: Fascinator making Birmingham millinery workshop

"We all had a great day last Saturday (7th Sept) in Leeds. Rachel, is a fantastic instructor and created a lovely cohesive, relaxing atmosphere to learn and create. I have never worked with sinamay before, or made flowers. But on the day I was able create a finished fascinator, which I am happy to wear. I now have the confidence and information to create many more, knowing Rachel is on hand by email. Thank you Rachel. I would recommend this course to anyone who is interested."

Jennie jones reviewed: Paint your own piece - furniture workshop - North Wales

"Had a fabulous day! Charlotte was an amazing teacher, we learnt so many techniques and everything was explained so clearly at each step of the process. More then pleased with how my rocking chair turned out, it looks amazing and has been given a new lease of life!! I now definitely got the confidence to try this at home now! I've so many ideas in my head now :)"

Lynne Cunningham reviewed: Paper Marbling Class Full Day at Portsmouth Museum

"I recently enjoyed a 1 day workshop with James at his Ebru Studio to experience the basic Ebru marbling technique. It was an excellent day, great fun and very absorbing. James is a very friendly, very patient and encouraging teacher and I was amazed and delighted - even as a complete novice I was really thrilled at what I achieved! It's a very forgiving craft - I made mistakes, or at least I thought I had, but with James mistakes don't really happen - he happily encourages and shows a way of converting those 'mistakes' into a creative success! Relaxing, fascinating, absorbing - I would highly recommend doing a workshop with James - and his studio is also in a lovely location!"

James Mouland Ebru Studio responded:

"Thanks Lynne, I really enjoyed teaching you and you produced some lovely results you should be very proud of your achievements!"

Alison reviewed: 3 or 4 stone set silver stacking rings

"This was my first experience of making jewellery and I am hooked. Sarah is a fantastic teacher, very clear with her instruction and demonstration of every step. My 71 year old mum came too and we will definitely be returning to do more. Thank you Sarah for a great 2 days"

Heather Johnston reviewed: Natural (cold process) soap making workshop with afternoon tea

"I had a great day. I have wanted to make cold process soap for a while, but found the thought of using lye a little scary. Julie walked us through each step and given me the confidence to try it at home. There were so many oils and fragrances to try, as well as colours and botanicals, we were spoilt for choice. I've already made 3 batches of soap since getting home."

Evelyn Baxtet reviewed: Enamelling Taster Session

"What an excellent course! I have learnt lots of new skills and have had a wonderful time. Melissa is a very patient and helpful teacher with lots of exciting ideas to explore. I can't wait to have another go."

Vashti Mayne reviewed: Millinery Classes - Learn Hat Making like a Professional

"Silvia is a very knowledgeable millinery tutor who creates a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere on her course. She skillfully guides you through the creation of whatever hat you wish to make, encouraging you to design it yourself, whilst teaching you how. I would definitely recommend this course to people of any skill level and experience. You will come away with your new favourite hat, having had a great time and learnt new skills."

John & Sue Robinson reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"We completed a 3 day course with Alex and thoroughly enjoyed it. At the end of the course we came away with a completed lily sculpture and a hand rail for the garden and of course many new skills. Alex was very welcoming, encouraging and accommodating, we had to change the course days at fairly short notice. He was very patient, easy to get on with and he provided us with good instructions and explanations and, although absolute beginners at blacksmithing, neither of us felt that we were ever going to fail with our projects. The days were long and it was hard physical work but it was rewarding at the end of each day to see our progress. Both of us are in our mid 60s and I am hoping to continue doing some similar work at home."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi John and Sue, Thanks very much for your great review. Glad you enjoyed your time in the forge. Alex"

Judith Anderson reviewed: Introduction to summer millinery - evenings - Newcastle NE1

"Pleasant company and excellent surroundings and tuition from Margaret. Repeat customer so must be happy. Highly recommended."

Margaret Woodliff Wright Millinery responded:

"Thank you Judith. I enjoyed the “craic” as they say, your latest piece is beautiful and I have added its image to the gallery of images for this course. I will also look forward to seeing the wedding photos shortly as I know your new headpiece will compliment your special dress beautifully. All best wishes - Margaret"

June reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"I would definitely recommend this workshop, I found it really informative and Kerry, with all her knowledge and experience had tailored it towards my requirements to ensure I got the most from it. The content delivered totally against the description provided, and lots more as she took time to answer all my questions. Really worthwhile, and very enjoyable too!"

Edna reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Today I made earrings in silver similar to the ones I had made in copper. It was great to experiment with a project using different metals. With Lucy’s tuition we were able to work in tandem with her showing me what to do on one earring whilst I worked on the other. I’m feeling like a proper crafts person now all down to Lucy’s expert guidance. I feel one of her strengths is assisting me through the design process as what I may think would work isn’t always the case. Another great day. Going to Lucy is always a highlight in my calendar."

Janice Dalboth reviewed: Fun with mosaic mix

"I did this course with my sister and I have to say we had a wonderful time. Kate was great, she was there when you needed her but happy to let you get on with it at the same time. Learnt lots more beyond the basics of mosaicing as the butterfly we made was for the outside. All explained coherently and lots of different materials to choose from. Would highly recommend for a relaxing day out. In a lovely setting too, I will be back."

Kate reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"A really exciting introduction to spoon carving in the beautiful Otley Chevin. Mike's teaching style is relaxed and extremely informative, led by our individual needs and the questions asked. Mike managed to accommodate different skill levels within the group. Refreshments provided (even GF!) and hot drinks made with a Kelly Kettle which is always fun. I felt completely safe using tools I never have before, and have received all the information I need to purchase my own so I can carry on practising. A fantastic day, highly recommended."

Amy Godfrey Arkle reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Beyond expectations! Jonathan is a fantastic and empathetic teacher. Gives supporting advice and listens to ideas. We will be back!"

Kathie Godfrey reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"What a marvellous day! I felt nervous at first as my hands not good, but Jonathan was very patient and reassuring. Lovely boat and a really peaceful setting."

Alister Harpur reviewed: Wood turning courses

"An enormous thank you to George for a most enjoyable day to re-introduce me to Woodturning (50+years since early attempt at school). He provided so much information (not all remembered) on various interesting techniques, tools, materials and finishes. His relaxed and jovial manner was very engaging, with a strong emphasis on safety and a hands on approach, he very comfortably oversaw two of us stepping in as necessary to correct minor issues throughout the day. Much inspired, Woodturning is now set to become my new retirement hobby and I hope to meet George again for further guidance on suitable equipment and perhaps a further course.? Many thanks also for Sue’s hospitality keeping us well watered and fed throughout the day with regular supplies of tea/coffee/cold drinks, biscuits and a very welcome lunch sat out in their sheltered garden outside the workshop."

Paula Bedford reviewed: 6 hour introduction to frame loom weaving at Whitchurch Silk Mill

"This was an amazing course and we learnt so much in a short time. There were loads of threads for us to try and Ellie gave us loads of individual time and ideas. Explanations were clear as were demonstrations. It was a lovely theraputic thing to do and although I didn't finish my piece I didn't mind as I had the confidence that I could finish it off at home. Plenty of tea and coffee, plus the Silk Mill at Whitchurch was a lovely venue to be in. Plus it was lovely to be with such a nice crowd of people. A great day out and worth every penny."

Elka responded:

"Hi Paula, thank you so much for the lovely review. I'm so glad you enjoyed the day. It was a pleasure to have you on the workshop. Best wishes, Ellie"

Carol Haselwood reviewed: Introduction to mosaics / further adventures in mosaic workshop

"I have done several courses with Kate, and they have all been excellent. I started as a complete beginner, and she explained things in a simple and straightforward manner, sending me home with a mosaic picture to hang on my wall. Since then I have done several more courses, learning different techniques, and each time I left with something to be proud of. The classes are generally small in number, which means she is able to give one-to-one attention as required, but will leave us to our own devices if that is what we prefer. A lovely lady who knows her craft, and she is generous with tea, coffee and biscuits! Definitely recommended."

Richard Perry reviewed: Forged in flames (Forged in fire experience)

"This course was fantastic. I enjoyed every minute. Andy was great. Very friendly atmosphere. Instruction was clear and supervision was at just the right level. Andy allowed me to work independently and gave a true bladesmithing experience and avoided any over explanation or prolonged demonstration. This was truly hands on! Perfect experience!"

Patricia Reilly reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"I really enjoyed my pottery classes. Louise gives you excellent guidance whatever your project. I can't wait to go back in October. Warning, it is addictive!"

PoppyRose responded:

"Thank you for your kind review Pat! it was lovely to have you in the class and you made some fabulous pieces, particularly your wonderful queen sculpture! Best wishes, Louise"

Caroline Haydock reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"Amazing weekend spent with Elaine in the new studio. As a knitter I knew little about the preparation and production of the yarn I buy and use. As the course title suggests Elaine took us from the preparation of a raw fleece through washing, carding and on to spinning in a friendly and informative fashion. There was plenty of time to develop and practise new skills and I came away with a skein of yarn which I was quite proud of - enough to knit a hat. I now want to search out my own wheel and develop the ideas buzzing round my head. Lunch was delicious."

Cartmel Handspun Spinning School responded:

"Thanks Caroline. So pleased you enjoyed yourself and found the course worthwhile. It was a privilege to teach you . Elaine"

Jackie Epps reviewed: 6 hour introduction to frame loom weaving at Whitchurch Silk Mill

"Ellie Fisher's introduction to frame loom weaving was first class. She covered all the basics of getting the loom ready for weaving, introduced some different techniques and had an amazing array of fibres for us to experiment with. She also demonstrated that it is possible to enjoy simple weaving without a big cash outlay - using a fork as a beater, for example. Most of the class managed to finish a small wall hanging or table mat in the day, which was very satisfying and it was interesting to see how different each piece of work turned out. Ellie's passion for weaving shone through and it was a thoroughly enjoyable day."

Elka responded:

"Hi Jackie, thank you so much for the lovely review and thank you for coming on the workshop. It was great to meet you. I'm so glad you had a good day. Best wishes, Ellie"

Frances reviewed: Wet felt flowers

"A really fun session! Tuition was excellent, with a lovely selection of resources for making our flowers. I came away with a beautiful finished product and lots of ideas. I thoroughly recommend felt flower making with Cath!"

Beechwood Crafts responded:

"Thanks Frances I really enjoy making and teaching about felt flowers. You were such a fun group Thanks Cath"

Ron Eden reviewed: Whittling course

"The whittling course was held in a little cottage in the pretty Village of Great Barton. And it had the envy of all men - a man shed/studio. Martin greeted the four of us with coffee and tea and a display of handmade spoons, his speciality, plus a collection of completed whittling projects to inspire us to bigger things. The morning started with a display of the knives available to a Whittler. He also demonstrated the do’s and don’ts when handling knives. Each equipped with a very sharp knife and a sack full of one-inch diameter hazel sticks we then practiced several knife and material hold techniques to achieve the bulk removal of material, pairing, controlled chest cuts and thumb pairing. Recognising the safety aspects of each and the avoidance self-induced wounds. Our morning project was to make a butter knife. This was performed in stages with Martin starting to create this item, we then followed stage by stage using the holds we had been shown. With four people in the class it was possible for Martin to give individual advice and encouragement as the project progressed. A lunch of soup and Martin’s home-made bread was consumed swift and lively. The afternoon session started with the talk on the type of wood that could be used for whittling and where it can be found. We then proceeded to project number two, a fork, with more confidence. Martin has a very relaxed way in imparting information and very inspiring with his skills. The day was wound up with a demonstration of sharpening a Mora 120 knife. Where did the day go? Very enjoyable, I thoroughly recommend this course. I have spent the last couple of days reworking each project piece so that they now resemble what they were supposed to be and loved every minute."

JANICE reviewed: Private or private group silver jewellery making / silversmithing workshop day at Silver Designed Personally

"A lovely and interesting day in Sara's workshop to make a silver pendant. The setting is superb, so tranquil. Sara was very friendly and patient with us. An enjoyable day that my friend and I will share memories of in the future."