Latest reviews

June reviewed: Ladies craft social

"Lovely group which becomes more popular every session. Ladies and the organiser (Rachel) are very friendly so you will be made very welcome."

Melanie reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"Great value for money, lovely atmosphere and well organised. Linda takes care of the details so you can devote your time and attention to your crafting. This is my second visit and my only slight negative this time is that the lighting is poor in the main craft room when daylight fades. As Linda suggests, you must take your own table top lighting."

Emily Watkins reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"I had a wonderful weekend and learnt so much. The instructors were really helpful and I was amazed at what could be achieved in a weekend. Also a massive thank you for being so accommodating of having a vegan on the course. I appreciated the non leather apron and gloves and the amazing vegan cake. I hope to come on your other course in future. The only thing I would add is it would be useful to start a bit earlier on the Friday as I ended up getting home quite late and was a little tired on Saturday morning. Thanks again for a lovely weekend."

Steve Bailey reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"Thoroughly enjoyable and informative two days, great to get into the outdoors environment, even better to be shown what can be done with a shave horse...and then put them into practice...Andy demonstrates techniques such that even I had a chance of picking them up, well done Andy, and thanks. My horse has been at home a week and is still standing ?"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks for posting your review, Steve. Glad to hear that you enjoyed the course. Hope to see you back at Sallerton Wood one day."

Sara reviewed: Upholstery course - bring your own project

"Fantastic teaching, lovely atmosphere. Polly is hugely skilled and very patient. She has very high standards and helps you achieve them. Her lunches and teas are scrumptious too. Cannot recommend her enough."

Gilly Case reviewed: Skincare Workshops using Herbal Infusions

"Another wonderful course with Diane. I joined her and two other ladies previously for a soap making workshop. This time I attended a Skincare workshop which was so interesting and informative. I loved making the three natural products; my favourite is the balm which has so many different uses. Diane is very knowledgeable and an excellent teacher; I am looking forward to making more products at home for myself and friends."

Aroma Natural responded:

"Hi Gilly, thank you for taking the time to say these words, I really appreciate it. I'm glad you enjoyed your day and found it informative, hopefully, you will carry on making your own skincare. Thank you."

Mark Baird reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"Jamal gave me and my friend an exellent and enlightening course on making leaded stained glass panels. His extensive knowledge and experience with these materials is second to none and I would happily recommend anyone with an interest to him. An inspirational day."

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

"This course is great! It will take you from never having picked up hot steel, to creating delicate and intricate pieces you thought were only seen in shops! It’s amazingly well run and everyone goes above and beyond in terms of hosting this great course. I couldn’t recommend it more."

Lucy Allen reviewed: Introduction to Natural Dyeing, Mere, Wiltshire

"Really fun and relaxing day in a really peaceful and gorgeous setting. It was really easy to ask questions and open a dialogue about natural dyeing and the range of shades it can create. Nice small group so there's enough space in the workshop and time with the teacher for everyone. We all got to leave the course with a sample sheet full of different fibres, dyed with different plants in an array of colours. We also got given information sheets that we can refer back to in future for own practice."

Elka responded:

"Hi Lucy, thank you so much for coming along, and for the lovely review. Best of luck with your next term at uni, can’t wait to see what you create!"

Angela Whinfield reviewed: Linocut printmaking at Bull Mill Arts Wiltshire

"Olivia is both a gifted artist and a wonderful teacher....a rare combination. We were supplied with all the materials we needed, with plenty of space in the lovely studio. The teaching was excellent, and we all completed an amazing piece of work to take home, despite some of us having doubts about our artistic abilities! Really relaxing, supportive and inspirational. Highly recommended"

Aarti reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"I had a wonderful time at Kerry's workshop. She gave great instructions and lots of information in candle making. The setting was beautiful - in her lovely kitchen surrounded by lots of bottles full of lovely scents to choose from for the candles, along with fairy lights, many cups of coffee, and an amazing fruit crumble. I love arts and crafts and felt this was one of the best workshops I've attended - Kerry's very creative and shared her knowledge without holding back. It's something lovely to do on your own or with a friend."

Barbara Smith reviewed: Level 2 Advanced FURNITURE PAINTING Skills Workshop Intermediate/Advanced (1 Day) - Lancashire

"Another great day learning new craft skills from Joanne. Level 2 was brilliant, as was level 1. My shed is now cleared waiting to be painted and have my electrics re-connected. Can't wait to get started on my own projects!"

The Boho Shed responded:

"It was lovely to have you attend the workshops Babs, I'm so pleased you enjoyed them. I look forward to seeing what you create at home."

Gilly reviewed: Create beautiful animal portraits in workshops on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales

"I had another very interesting and friendly afternoon with Katie and a really lovely painting gang. I had never used pastels before and struggled a bit at first but with encouragement from Katie I ended up with a picture of a fox that was quite cute. I have already booked on another course with her."

Kate West responded:

"Hi Gilly thank you for this lovely review, it was great to work with you again. You were all a joy to work with and full of enthusiasm... Your Fox was definitely cute too! Looking forward to working and hopefully inspiring you on the next one, Kate"

Lawrence Kelland reviewed: Weekly morning stone carving sessions in Somerset with Sculptor Kate Semple

"Kate is a hugely talented sculptor and communicator, who can see and understand what you are trying to create and guide you through all the steps without pressure, so her courses are always very enjoyable. Lawrence Kelland"

Claire Saville reviewed: Heritage teddy bear making - residential

"I have just returned home after this fantastic Teddy making course. Having never made a bear before but with some sewing/dressmaking skills I found the bear great fun to make. Kathy gave us all the tools and skills required to produce a beautiful, jointed mohair bear. As you can see from the pictures above the bears all turned out very well each with their own personality - the day we made the heads and faces there were many cries of delight as the little bears started to gain their own very different characters. The size of the group was just right for such a course and I have made some great new friends. Kathy provided lunch and afternoon tea which were both fantastic and a great treat. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who fancies learning the skills needed to make heritage bears."

Crafty Breaks in the Lakes responded:

"Thank you so much Claire. I am so glad you enjoyed the weekend and it was a delight to teach such a lovely group of ladies and as you say, see the bears start to develop their individual personalities. (I think they enjoyed their first Teddy Bears' Picnic!!)"

Amanda Storey reviewed: One Day Pottery Throwing Course, including lunch - Hampshire

"From the ease at which the location with good parking can be found, to the feeling of being in a calm and creative setting this 1 day course leaves you with a feeling that you achieved more than you thought possible - A great day!"

Beth Lane reviewed: Christmas Wreath Making Masterclass

"Where do I start, Sarah and her classes are truly fantastic!. Sarah takes us step by step and is so patient (especially with us beginners), each class is so much fun. I can’t wait to do the next wreath class, I find them so relaxing not to mention you get to browse at all the wonderful things she has in her beautiful little shop."

Sarah Hobbs reviewed: Christmas Wreath Making Masterclass

"I wanted to do my own wreath for ages, and always struggled so I decided to do the wreath making course with Sarah. I must say she is so patient and helpful. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was delighted with my wreath. I would highly recommend."

Hazel Eyton-Jones reviewed: Natural soap making

"Had a fabulous day with Martin making soap (this was my second visit...I loved it so much I brought my daughter and her boyfriend back!) Martin explained everything very clearly, but made sure we did all the making ourselves so that we can make more soap at home for ourselves. Great fun choosing our botanicals and essential oils to personalise our soap loaves. Would definitely recommend Stable House and Martin & Dawn if you're thinking of learning how to make soap. You won't regret it!"

Paula Harmer reviewed: Create beautiful animal portraits in workshops on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales

"I am quite experienced with pastels, but learned something straight away! I came away knowing more than when I arrived and having had a very enjoyable time. Teaching was good .... a very mixed ability group! My only criticism - too short!"

Kate West responded:

"Hi Paula, thanks for taking the time to leave a review, it’s really appreciated. Great to know you learned something in spite of being accomplished in pastels... When you told me you could transfer the skills used to draw the Fox to any pet I knew I was speaking to a teacher... I used to teach mixed ability groups in FE and think the group as a whole can often benefit from this mix of skills. Following the group feedback I’m thinking of making a 5 hour workshop for next year ? Kate"

Richard Adams reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"I wanted a one day throwing lesson for my friend Rina who was visiting from Holland, I could not have made a better choice, Mathew was just perfect. Rina wrote her review (sic) “It was a wonderful gift. A few hours on Saturday, Mathew taught me basic techniques for working with pot turning + same relevant tools. At the end of the day I was able to make my own idea for a clay jug on the disc. It was a perfect day.” Thanks from both of us."

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Thank you Richard,it was lovely to meet you both. It was great to see Rina achieve her goals during the day and go away with the confidence to use her new skills. Best wishes Mathew"

Patricia reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"I recently attended Kerry's Business Candle Making Workshop and found it fantastic both in terms of presentation and content. Kerry is an excellent teacher and provided comprehensive notes to take away. I travelled from Ireland and found Kerry very helpful when making travel arrangements and that was very much appreciated. She also provided a lovely cup of coffee on arrival which was very welcome. Attending the course was very worthwhile and I now have the knowledge to start making candles. I would thoroughly recommend this course."

John Leahy reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"A really great experience in a beautiful setting. The tutor was very knowledgeable and a grand host. Learnt a lot, had a lot of laughs, and got to make a shave horse that I will treasure for years. Highly recommended."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks, John, for your review and recommendation. We're very pleased that you enjoyed the course and its woodland setting."

Denise Elliott reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"Wouldn't hesitate to recommend this workshop. There were only 4 of us which meant good individual attention and no waiting around for assistance. Alice is a very patient teacher and I learnt plenty. The location is fab. An all round great experience."

Sarah Bridger reviewed: Stained Glass Beginners Workshop

"Excellent day, and absolutely delighted with my stained glass. David was patient and explained things clearly. Would thoroughly recommend."

David J Lilly responded:

"Hi Sarah, Thanks for your lovely review."