Latest reviews

Daniel Luty reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"Chris was extremely helpful all day! It's nice to learn from someone who is so enthusiastic about his work and really wants everyone to get involved and enjoy themselves. The course itself was aimed at teaching the key skills behind turning and not just a copycat exercise which was very beneficial. I would recommend this course to anyone who is interested in turning!"

sue beavan reviewed: Candle and soap making with afternoon tea

"Tracy has great knowledge and has helped me massively with learning how to make candles. Thoroughly enjoyed the day, very relaxing Would recommend."

Claire Churms-griffiths reviewed: Individual 'Bushcraft blade in a day' course in Shropshire

"My husband and i had a very enjoyable day knife making. Jake was welcoming and put as both at ease from the start. He explained everything easily and we had a few laughs as well. We both got to use the power hammer and he showed us a lot of the various techniques used on the anvil to forge the knife. Would recommend this course to anyone and it was brilliant to see the finished knife knowing you had made it yourself. Thanks again Jake for a fantastic day."

Camilla reviewed: Fun with mosaic mix

"Excellent course - thoroughly enjoyed it. Wonderful workshop and teacher, fabulous materials, great support, lots of inspiration. Achieved much more than I thought would be possible and very happy with the end result!"

Yvonne Taylor reviewed: Felt Lampshades

"Another fabulous course with Emma! I thoroughly enjoyed the two Saturday mornings and was delighted with my lampshade when it was finished. Emma is always so warm and welcoming, and her studio is a lovely place to work. In addition, by keeping groups, she is able to give each person individual attention when they require it. Emma is such an inspirational tutor. She guides you through the process step by step with clear instructions and at the right pace. There is just the right amount of support, with a good balance between teaching new skills and helping students develop their own ideas. Clear written instructions, photographs taken during the process and a list of suppliers are all provided by Emma. More importantly, she gives you the confidence to 'have a go' at trying different techniques. I can't wait to make my next lampshade and try some of them out! A great course for beginners and those with some experience of felting. I can highly recommend this and other courses by Emma. Thank you so much! I look forward to seeing you again soon."

Mary reviewed: Create a mosaic in a day in Yorkshire with professional mosaic artist Sue Kershaw

"I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed today. I can’t believe where the 6 hours went, I was so engrossed. It was a step out of my normal life, a real treat for my birthday present. I’ll definitely recommend to friends. I’m really pleased with my tile."

Paul reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I was very excited to be going on this course and had been looking forward to it for months. It is obviously a very popular course, and with good reason. A wonderful workshop, plenty of space for everyone (4 pupils and two tutors), a great selection of tools and Mark and Richard are excellent mentors. I describe them as mentors because, although they are there to teach you the basics (and they do so brilliantly), they let you get on with it. They are watchful, mindful and step in at just the right moment to give you pearls of wisdom that are obviously years in the making. I am confident that the experience (and confidence) I have gained during the weekend will carry me forward into my own projects. A truly wonderful experience; thank you!"

Dezney Burrows reviewed: Needle felt your dog with Crafty Gal

"A day of crafting relaxation in an inspirationall environment with a fantastic host. Denise is a very talented lady who puts you at ease straight away. Even if you've never needle felted before you will leave at the end of the day with a wonderful creation."

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thanks Dez! It was so good to meet you, your dog was fantastic - as you know I was tempted to kidnap! Hope to see you again, but happy needle felting in the meantime! Dx"

Sue Waddell reviewed: The Whole Table Loom Set Up - Dobby & Rose

"Having got ‘the weaving bug’ after the Beginners Workshop in May, I decided to get a table loom. Not having had any previous weaving experience, I quickly realised that warping was not going to be easy without some help, so, last week it was the Intermediate Workshop. What a brilliant course! Rebecca was patient and caring, explaining every step clearly and concisely. I am so happy to be let loose with my loom at home (and even made myself an extra stick shuttle out of a plastic ruler yesterday!) Thank you so much Rebecca - I can’t rate you highly enough."

Claire Walker reviewed: Make a clay chicken - New Brewery Arts Cotswolds Gloucestershire

"Who knew building a clay chicken would be so rewarding and such good fun? Peter was an excellent tutor who gave each of us the space to be creative while always on hand to help."

Sarah Heaton reviewed: Mosaic Workshop for Beginners, Broadstairs

"This was my first ever crafting workshop of any type, and I had a really enjoyable day. Linda quickly made my friend and I feel at home, and after showing us examples of her work, ran through the basics and a book stuffed full of ideas, and we were off. She has a lovely teaching way, and whilst always on hand if help or advice was wanted, she also left us to work under our own steam. Although I did not finish my piece on the day, Linda sent me home with a good supply of adhesive, tiles and grout (and good instruction leaflet) so that I can finish it off in my own time at home. I would thoroughly recommend this workshop, and my friend and I had a really different, but lovely day. Thank you Linda"

Creating Mosaics responded:

"Sarah it was my absolute pleasure. I am so glad that you enjoyed the day - I did too. I would so love to see a photo when you have finished your outdoor slate mosaic shelf / drinks table for your garden. I know your guests will admire your handiwork it is so full of colour. Definitely a conversation piece. Thank you."

Derek reviewed: Beginners 2 full days knife making courses

"Enjoyed the two days. Very friendly guys. The only thing that would have made it better was if the power hammer was working."

Edna reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I’m so excited. I got to Lucy with a vague idea of what I wanted to do and once again her magic happened and I made the most amazing pair of earrings. She even set me homework which I don’t mind as my confidence is just soaring after taking regular skills lessons from Lucy."

Diana reviewed: Botanical Contact [“Eco”] Printing: An Introduction

"Really enjoyed this introduction to botanical printing in the absolutely beautiful setting of the Palm House. The processes used were explained clearly and although this was quite a short workshop we were able to produce not just a very pretty silk scarf but a whole bundle of paper prints suitable for making into cards or framing."

By Maggie .. Naturally responded:

"Thank you Diana. Really delighted that you enjoyed it so much. Maggie"

Sharon reviewed: Pottery throwing workshop Saturdays or Sundays

"I had a brilliant afternoon with Nadia and her helpers. It was a wonderful, hands-on experience that was both a joy (I laughed a lot) and a delight (I made something - with a bit of help...!). If I lived closer I’d sign up for a course."

Roger Ferris reviewed: Forge a rustic blacksmith bushcraft knife

"Ideal for a beginner. Great tutor and nice to see a lump of steel transformed. Recommended."

Vicky Heywood reviewed: Women's handbag and men's pouch in the style of a leather sporran - Viking style pouch

"Great fun and easy to pick up. Thoroughly recommended."

Helen Robertson reviewed: Mosaic pendant making on Orkney

"I spent 3 wonderful days in Catherine's Airbnb room which was lovely, spacious, light, beautifully clean and inviting. Catherine did a wonderful job as my tour guide; we travelled all over the islands and took in all the sights. I also spent two days on two of Catherine's mosaic courses which were both thoroughly enjoyable. Day One I completed a terracotta pot and on Day Two I completed two necklaces with shells and crockery etc found on the beach nearby, and left with materials for a third. Thank you Caroline for your hospitality, patience and instruction and for giving me the total Orkney experience. I can't wait to come back for another visit."

Colin McDonald reviewed: "West Coast Chair" making course - Scottish Highlands

"Had a fantastic week at the ‘West Coast Chair’ course. A great group of people and Aaron’s teaching methods and style are perfect, all stages of the build well explained and demonstrated, then allowing you to carry out each stage adding your own style and ideas for the build of your chair. This is all at a nice relaxed pace in his tranquil outdoor workshop, with plenty of cups of tea and biscuits on offer!! Walking away out the woods with a fantastic chair at the end of the week is just awesome!!"

Helen Robertson reviewed: Aromatherapy workshop

"I spent 3 wonderful days in Catherine's Airbnb room which was lovely, spacious, light, beautifully clean and inviting. Catherine did a wonderful job as my tour guide; we travelled all over the islands and took in all the sights. I also spent two days on two of Catherine's mosaic courses which were both thoroughly enjoyable. Day One I completed a terracotta pot and on Day Two I completed two necklaces with shells and crockery etc found on the beach nearby, and left with materials for a third. Thank you Caroline for your hospitality, patience and instruction and for giving me the total Orkney experience. I can't wait to come back for another visit."

Ryan Jardine reviewed: "West Coast Chair" making course - Scottish Highlands

"This course was fantastic, can't recommend it enough. The small group was great and really helped with the learning process. Aaron's attentive and patient teaching style made the creation of our chairs not such a daunting task after all. I was delighted with the finished product and found the whole week to be a wonderful experience"

Neil Robinson reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"A great course in a lovely setting at Otley Chevin. Mike was both very knowledgeable and personable, with a small group of only 4 people, there was plenty of individual instruction and assistance, alll working at our own pace Having rarely if, ever used an axe or knives previously, we all went from a log, and finished with a great spoon. We learnt an awful lot over the day, with some great reference materials to take away and given the confidence to carve more spoons at home."

Kay Bisset reviewed: Upholstery classes at Sandra Fryer's Workshops

"Sandra is a great teacher and goes at a pace suited to your ability. I will be booking again as I take on a more complicated chair next time. Look forward to learning more new skills in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of her workshop."

Claire Abercrombie reviewed: A Practical Dry Stone Walling Workshop Central London

"Really enjoyable day. You could see our walling technique getting better as we worked up the wall!! Lots of new words and top tips. Some of my favourites - sheep creep, and cock and hen. I must remember to may stones into the body of the wall and ensure strong cheek ends. Thanks John for a great day."

London School of Dry Stone Walling responded:

"Hello Claire - Happy you remembered some terms and what they were, also build to the line, line blocks, batter frame, jumpers, face stone, on-bed, through stones, foundations and building up your cheek ends !!!! etc. Hope you are able to have a go for your own feature !! Take Care, Best Wishes John"

stuart wilson reviewed: A Practical Dry Stone Walling Workshop Central London

"Very informative day spent with John who is an excellent trainer. The number of trainees attending, at six, was just right and the relaxed atmosphere was great. We learned a number of rules for dry stone wall building and tried to put these into practise during the day. For me wall building was much harder than it looked and needs a great deal of practice and patience. Very enjoyable day. One other point: I would have thought that safety glasses and boots would have been required. Whilst safety was not an issue on the day and we were all responsible adults there is still potential for accidents. Many thanks and will recommend to others."

London School of Dry Stone Walling responded:

"Thank you your feedback Stuart, gets easier with practice !! In the past, we have provided a range of various sizes of new boots. Then we were faced with not the number of boots for the same size feet and some people do not like to wear boots already worn by others !! The safety googles were collectively in a polythene bag at the side of the bucket of hammers. In future, shall be more certain people are aware. I hope you find this helpful. Best Wishes, John"