Latest reviews

Val reviewed: Pyrography Delites

"Wow what an experience from start to finish. Jane is friendly and very helpful. She encouraged me to use my imagination to produce some great pieces. I wasn't disappointed. I would definitely recommend. B"

Sheena reviewed: Pyrography Delites

"I had a great time with Jane, she is a superb teacher who puts you at ease from the moment you start. She helps and encourages you to produce your very own master pieces with wonderful results. Thoroughly recommended."

Linda Pullan reviewed: Amazing encaustic art day course

"I enrolled onto the two hour taster course for Encaustic Wax Art with Phil on a one to one basis as I had no previous experience of using hot wax. I was absolutely delighted with the course. Phil is an excellent teacher. He gave clear instructions on how to go through each step and was on hand to give extra help and feedback. He made the course fun and really interesting. During the course I was able to learn all about how to use the wax and 5 different techniques. The examples that I worked on I was able to take away with me which will be very useful for when I practice what I have learned. I found using the hot wax wonderfully relaxing and there is so much more to learn. I will definitely return for further tuition once I have got some practice in and I would not hesitate to recommend this course to others. Thank you Phil for a great course."

Phil Madley responded:

"Thank you Lin. We certainly achieved a lot in only a couple of hours. Time does fly especially when learning is fun. See how you get on with your tools but if there is anything you want don't hesitate to contact me. Next time you come bring your iron etc so I can test it out. Cheers Phil."

Sahar reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"I attended Matt’s stained glass workshop in July. I had a wonderful time learning how to make stained glass work, which was my dream that became a reality. It was also a great experience to learn new skills, whilst meeting awesome people. Matt is an amazing tutor who has a passion for his job. He is very patient and approachable and could easily teach me how to make unique art works out of pieces of glass in just one session. He also supported us throughout the day and taught us all the required and necessary techniques. I would highly recommend this course if you want to become a master in this area."

Sam Bacon reviewed: maltese limestone carving at mount pleasant gardens

"We have been on 2 of Andrew’s stone carving courses and have thoroughly enjoyed both weekends. Andrew is a very laid back teacher and full of encouragement, enthusiasm and humour and knows exactly how to guide you so you feel comfortable with what you are trying to achieve. We are both really proud of our sculptures and amazed that we could create something out of a block of stone. Andrew was excellent at showing us how to use the various tools and the techniques we needed. We would highly recommend the course, we met some really lovely people who all encouraged each other and we are looking forward to going back again! The gardens at Mount Pleasant are also stunning to explore and it’s an added bonus to be able to eat your packed lunch in such a beautiful place."

Sandra Savage-Fisher reviewed: maltese limestone carving at mount pleasant gardens

"Having strolled past the exhibition of carving at Tatton Park Flower Show a couple of years ago, I signed up to go along to one of the workshops. I had a vague idea of what I wanted to create and by the end of the weekend was very pleased with my achievement. The only downside, it left me wanting to do more. Now two years later I'm signed up with a friend to make my next piece. Better prepared this time. So looking forward to the experience again."

Matthew Rogers reviewed: An introduction to wood turning with Gregory Moreton (2 Days)

"Gregory was incredibly patient, explained basic techniques in a way that gradually built into more complex ones and dispensed information above and beyond the techniques of the craft; I highly recommend his course. On top of that he is a excellent teacher, friendly guy and makes a mean cup of coffee - and I'm particular about my coffee. Not a single regret about the course, money well spent! Thanks again for your time Gregory!"

Maria Rossetter reviewed: Mosaics for Beginners - West Sussex

"I have done the mosaic workshop twice now and will definitely do more. I absolutely love it. Wendy is lovely and helpful and makes you feel at home. Mosaic making is very therapeutic and and it's so exciting to see the finishing piece. I would definitely recommend it."

Debbie reviewed: Portmeirion crafts retreats

"I have done a lot of weekends with Creative Stays and they have all been wonderful. The balance of fun and laughter, learning new things and meeting new people makes for such an enjoyable time. The planning and professional approach is obvious and the range of activities means it’s never boring."

Adam reviewed: Beginner's Weaving Class / Introduction to multi-shaft weaving (Weekend Course)

"I had a great weekend with Alan and the rest of our small group. Alan was welcoming, a great teacher and really helpful. The course gave us all an opportunity to learn different techniques and the fundamentals of 4 and 8 shaft work with a range of materials - it was thoroughly enjoyable and gave me more confidence to move forward with my own weaving."

Claire Adams reviewed: Learn to make either silver earrings or a pendant

"On a bleak March evening, in the midst of planning my wedding, having never attempted jewellery design before I decided I wanted to make my own bespoke piece of jewellery to wear on my wedding day - impossible I thought, but following encouraging emails from Rose, one week later I was in her pendant workshop. Terrified at first, Rose soon put me at ease and with her gentle encouragement and patience I got to grips with the tools. Rose was faultless as a tutor and a true joy to learn from, encouraging us to play with the different tools and techniques before commencing work on our final pendant design. Speaking of which, my final piece was just how I imagined - elegant and simple. I couldn't believe what I had achieved in just one day! Roll on five months and I got to wear my pendant necklace on my big day and received many positive comments on it, so thank you Rose! And to echo Catherine's comment below: do not hesitate to book on this course, you won't be disappointed!"

Form & Adorn responded:

"Claire, thanks for such a lovely review. I'm really pleased you not only enjoyed the course, but also managed to make something to wear on your wedding day, which by the sounds of it you were very proud of. Hope your wedding day was great! Rose :)"

Bill Quinn reviewed: Wheel thrown mug workshop

"We had a really great session with Jack. He was a excellent teacher, patient and very helpful. Great venue, had all the necessary tools etc. Our first time at throwing a pot and we ended up with 3 pots each. And they actually looked like proper pots!!."

Alison Gilbert reviewed: Handmade canes, beads and jewellery from Polymer clay in Bedfordshire.

"Thank you, Bernadette. I thoroughly enjoyed my creative day with you! I was chuffed with the first set of beads I made. But couldn't believe how professionally complex the beads had become by the end of the day! I can't wait to try out these new skills - I just hope I can remember all the steps! I would thoroughly recommend Bernadette and this course to anyone who is even vaguely interested - I guarantee you'll be hooked by the end! p.s. Thanks also for the yummy soup and bread."

Treasunique responded:

"Thanks so much Alison, I so enjoyed our day of creativity!! Also how enthusiastic your were in all aspects of the process, all the best as you move along in your new skill of designing jewellery!! You already have a customer wanting to buy your blue set!!"

Kristin Copeland Ramold reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"We had a wonderful, relaxing day on the boat. We learned a lot too. I would highly recommend the class!"

Jackie reviewed: Tapestry Weaving for Beginners with Fiona Nisbet

"I really enjoyed the 1 day introduction course, my piece of work I created from this event is on my wall! I have now booked for the 2nd day. The course teaches you the basics for weaving and provides you with the confidence to try new methods and materials. Fiona is a very knowledgeable tapestry weaver. I can recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn tapestry weaving. Great lunch too."

Shropshire Weavers responded:

"Thanks Jackie. So glad you enjoyed it. It was lovely to meet you and Barbara. Look forward to seeing you both again in October."

Vivien Newiss reviewed: Natural soap & cosmetic products workshop

"Well done crafters cottage team, what a excellent day, from the greeting at 10.30 to the farewells at 16.00, the day whizzed past. We made so many products, all carefully explained and individual help and assistance where needed, we all came away with professional looking bathing products. Julie followed up the day with the relevant paperwork and recipes, a better idea than handing them out on the day. I will certainly book some of the other courses on offer, at this amazing, quintessentially English venue, with its lovely afternoon tea."

sheridan haynes reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"Done a 2 day and a 3 day course recently with Jason. It was really inspiring and informative. Loved the knowledge and tips given throughout the course and the attention to detail. I thoroughly recommend it to all who want to improve their craftsmanship and learn hand methods."

Joanne Hunt reviewed: Silver clay boxes and beads workshop

"Fantastic course with Anna! I thoroughly enjoyed this class, my favourite part was learning to construct a more 3D pendant. Anna is a great teacher and demonstrates and explains the techniques in detail and has great tips on working with metal clay. The setting for the courses is great, just a short walk from Edinburgh Waverley if you are travelling, lots of space to work and a great lunch as well! It was nice to learn more about Arienas collective too and the other courses that they offer, I would definitely recommend taking a class with Anna and at this venue."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Thank you so much for this lovely review Joanne! It was a pleasure to have you join us for our first-ever silver clay boxes and beads class with Anna and we're glad you enjoyed it so much. The pieces you created were lovely, and we are delighted you were pleased with them. I hope to see you at The Arienas Collective again sometime soon. Keep creating! Best wishes, Lynn"

Trisha Raye reviewed: 1-to-1 tailored course with one of the UK's leading glass artists Jennifer Barker, at the Cheshire School of Glass

"I was recommended this course by a well known UK Glass Suppliers . It was the best creative thing I have ever done, Jenny is an authority in the fusing area and her ability to teach specific kiln worked glass skills is incredible. It was such good value for money considering the materials and information I have come away with. She is a star."

Jenny Bishop reviewed: Introduction to glass fusing at the Cheshire School of Glass

"I have done many creative courses over the last 10 years. Jenny is the most generous teacher I have ever been to. She is one of the UK's leading authorities in glass fusing and makes it hugely easy and enjoyable, effortlessly passing on huge amounts of knowledge and oodles of inspiration. The glass workshop is warm and instantly you feel at home. Jen let us all use our creative freedom but cleverly guided us without us even knowing. A wonderful experience. No wonder so many people rave about her."

Lami Buckley reviewed: Beginner's Weaving Class / Introduction to multi-shaft weaving (Weekend Course)

"I thought this was a really brilliant course. After having just bought a 4 shaft table loom on eBay, it was just what I was looking for. We learned how to use table looms, warp the loom, follow draft patterns and lots more. Alan was a great teacher. He is very relaxed and approachable. He provided the perfect balance of technical information and fun, freestyle weaving. The atmosphere in the class was a lovely laidback but focused vibe. The class size was small allowing for lots of individual attention if needed. Everyone was encouraged to experiment and explore in their own way. After the course I was able to warp my loom and start weaving at home!"

Anne reviewed: Jewellery School North, Ring Making With Luxury Afternoon Tea & Fizz-

"We attended the Ring In A Day with Rachel Elizabeth Wood to make our own wedding bands. My partner and I have no experience of design or making and Rachel made us feel so comfortable. She is a very talented professional jeweller in her own right and helped us to design what we really wanted. We went for the upgrade option and paid the extra metal costs to have them cast in white gold. On the day she showed me how I could adapt the contour of the wedding band to my engagement ring so it would sit nicely on my hand, something I hadn't even thought of. The day was excellent value for money and we couldn't of asked for any more. We now have something to keep for a life time. A must do!! Thank you Rachel & Team"

Rachel Elizabeth Wood responded:

"I am so glad you enjoyed the day. It was so rewarding to see you both make something so unique. Thank you so much for coming! Rachel x"

Liz reviewed: Jewellery School North, Ring Making With Luxury Afternoon Tea & Fizz-

"I had the most amazing day with Rachel at the stunning lake house at Wyresdale Park. I was blown away with the professional standard and level of hospitality we received. The afternoon tea was lovely and we had it served to us over looking the lake. I felt at home from the very beginning. Rachel loves her job and she was a fantastic tutor. She is funny and very friendly so the atmosphere was great.. I was a little nervous at the beginning of the day as I hadn't done jewellery making before and had booked to attend the day on my own (Which as it had turned out a few of us had). The class was mixed abilities and Rachel adapted the lesson to each persons level. I felt very supported by Rachel and made the most amazing item of jewellery that I will treasure forever. Highly recommended...will be going back!"

Rachel Elizabeth Wood responded:

"Liz- Your ring was stunning! We look forward to seeing you again for another great day. Best wishes, Rachel :) x"

Helen Burns reviewed: Glass fusing with artist Patricia Lee - as seen on BBC1 Home Is Where The Art Is

"Had a thoroughly enjoyable time at this workshop. Having not been sure of my 'artistic' skills, I came away feeling very happy and confident with my piece. Patricia completely put me at ease. She is extremely knowledgeable and above all patient!! Would definitely recommend this course and hope to have another go myself."

Gillian Rainer reviewed: Handmade canes, beads and jewellery from Polymer clay in Bedfordshire.

"I had a very enjoyable and relaxed day and Bernadette was a very patient teacher, as I was a beginner using polymer clay. I anticipated the process to be very complicated and was amazed to find how easy it was to produce a variety of canes and turn these into my beads. I soon realised that the only limit was my imagination.I am now looking forward to practicing cane and bead making and would certainly attend an another day with Bernadette to improve and expand my skill base. I can highly recommend Bernadette's home made soup and fresh bread."

Treasunique responded:

"Oh Gillian you are so kind!! Thank you for sharing such an enjoyable day with me, so happy you found it easier than expected. It was great to see how confident you were when the canes were ready to turn into beads and of your own compilation. I would be very happy to see you on a return visit (ChuffChuff) LOL :)"