Latest reviews

Nicola reviewed: Individual 'Bushcraft blade in a day' course in Shropshire

"I would recommend this course to absolutely everyone! It’s such a wonderful experience. Jacob welcomes you into his workshop and gives you an insight into the highly skilled work of a blacksmith for the day. I booked this course for my partner as a birthday present and I knew he’d love it but I was surprised how much I loved it myself! Jacob is amazing and the work he does really inspired us. We made craft knifes for our course and now we want to arrange another trip to make more! Thank you Jacob you’re a legend!"

Fiona Plane reviewed: Leaded stained glass course

"I really enjoyed this course and with Sam's expert guidance and encouragement was very pleased with the panel I produced. Great range of different glass available, four people in the sessions and four very different but all lovely items produced by the end. I'd happily recommend this course."

Elizabeth Shepherd reviewed: Mosaic workshop at Jackie Nash Art

"I requested this course as a birthday present and was delighted with it. Jackie’s positive, encouraging approach and wealth of expertise was inspiring and she gave excellent advice which made my project achievable. Her generosity, kindness and the calm atmosphere she created meant that I learnt lots and was pleased with my finished owl mosaic! I would thoroughly recommend this for anyone - even those who, like me, feel that they are not naturally artistic - for a brilliant day, pleasing results and some toothsome cake. I hope to come back for another course soon."

Jackie Nash Art responded:

"Hi Elizabeth Thank you for such a lovely review. I really appreciate all feedback. It was a pleasure working within you and I look forward to seeing what you make next. Keep in touch and message me if you need any further advice. X"

Anne Flanagan reviewed: One day beginners mosaic workshop

"I enjoyed my day at Judy's mosaic workshop very much...very interesting informative and enjoyable course. Judy is a master of her craft, her mosaics are wonderful...very inspiring. You get a very warm welcome too..lots of tea and home baking. I would definitely recommend a visit to Judy's to anyone interested in learning a new skill in lovely surroundings."

Jessica Powell reviewed: Mosaic workshop at Jackie Nash Art

"We came to Jackie for something a bit different as a present for my Nan's birthday. As someone who’s not particularly arty I can say that this workshop is so much fun for people at all levels and Jackie is so helpful and clearly shows a high level of skill in her trade. We were all really impressed with what we had managed to create in the end and I would definitely consider taking part again."

Jackie Nash Art responded:

"Thank you Jessica. I’m really glad you enjoyed the course. ?"

Warren reviewed: Portmeirion crafts retreats

"Really well organised weekend lots of activities planned that everyone can easily do."

Richard Perham reviewed: Leaded stained glass course

"Excellent and very enjoyable. Well and enthusiastically taught. Good locations for sessions. All round fun and a nice item to take away with you. Intermediate course next?"

Rosie Hancock reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery at Cowshed Creative in the Lake District near Windermere and Kendal

"A perfect and wonderful way to spend a day with like minded people. The setting was wonderful and the weather was glorious. I think I was glad I’d put a little thought into my creation but still felt like I couldn’t commit when the time came to it! Not sure whether I’d gone with too many ideas and going with a more clueless approach would have been better(?). Love the fact we left the session with a finished piece. Nothing seemed too much bother for Jo. She worked around the group expertly supporting everyone. I enjoyed the explanations she gave around how to work with the clay, why things would and wouldn’t work. The session ran over expected time but this didn’t seem an issue. No feeling of being rushed. Obviously there was a little time pressure as we couldn’t stay all day and night! Although I didn’t need it, Jo provided a sort of after-course service to help people get their desired finished for pieces. I thought this was an exceptional service from a tutor. Definitely inspired to do some more creating of my own. Would look into doing another silver clay knowing what I know now! Have booked another course for this summer at The Cowshed already!"

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks so much for such detailed feedback. I have passed your lovely comments on to Jo and look forward to seeing you again."

Mary Savage reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"Most fabulous weekend away. I only make it once a year but love the friendly atmosphere, useful advice and all in comfortable surroundings with good food and such good value for money. You must keep them up Linda!"

Celia Cadywold reviewed: Mixed media workshops in Staffordshire

"Spent a lovely morning making Christmas cards. This was my first time with Mandy and I thoroughly enjoyed the friendly informal atmosphere in which she conducts her workshops. Her cards are very professional and she is extremely knowledgeable about her craft. Looking forward to the next workshop."

John Samworth reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"What an amazing way to spend a week with a truly beautiful piece of furniture to show for it at the end. The local wood is well stocked with native hardwood trees ample to make a chair (or two) from coppiced wood, the traditional and sustainable method. The staff are very experienced and patient with all attendees, especially those like me with limited experience. All hand tools are available and kept in good condition with keen edges. The team have worked hard to create a self sufficient working environment with minimal impact upon the land and environment. If you enjoy working outdoors then this is the place for you. If you spend your time indoors then its vital you need to join in too!"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed, John, for posting your review, and we're glad to hear that you enjoyed the course and the environment of Sallerton Wood. Yours is the 50th five-star review that we have received for our courses, and CraftCourses.com have now awarded us their Platinum award as a course provider; their highest award category. We hope to see you back at Sallerton Wood sometime in the future."

Annie reviewed: Needle Felting Workshop Owl Brooch

"I really enjoyed this workshop, not only do you get to come away with two dotted items, you also get lot's of tips & tricks to try in the future. Lots of tea & biscuits as well, the time just flew by. I will definitely be going back to do another workshop."

Richard Parker reviewed: Turn a wooden bowl on a traditional pole lathe

"I can heartily recommend doing one of Steve's (Northern Wood Monkey) courses. I have done two courses with Steve . The first was a spoon making day with my wife and a few others. This was great fun and we came away with two serviceable rough spoons which we have since finished off at home, with guidance (and some sand paper) from Steve. Throughout, Steve gave good guidance and helped out when we agreed it was needed (quite often in my case). Steve also provided refreshments and soup / bread at lunch time from wooden bowls and spoons of his making. Drinking soup from Steve's bowl prompted me to do an individual day's course, turning a bowl using a pole lathe in Steve's little workshop in the Tyne Valley. We started with a half log (!) which Steve helped me axe down to a good shape to then turn on the pole lathe. Again, Steve gave just enough help throughout - leaving me to work (slowly!) away for most of the time and provided refreshments and more soup and bread. Having started with the half log, I went away with a bowl I could finish with a little hand carving (smoothing the internal and external bottom) and then removing the rough bits before sanding and oiling. I am very proud of my lovely bowl (and spoon) and look forward to using them for years to come. However, the main thing is I had this massive sense of achievement - completing something of beauty with my own hand and muscle and using a lovely simple set of tools to do so. Many thanks!"

Annabel williams reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery at Cowshed Creative in the Lake District near Windermere and Kendal

"Stunning location, inspiring and relaxing. Jo is an excellent teacher, she made it very easy for us all to produce great pieces. George is a great host and she looked after us with the most amazing healthy lunch plus fabulous cake! Highly recommend Cowshed Creative as a location and Jo Dix as a teacher. Will definitely go again."

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thank you for your lovely comments Annabel. Look forward to seeing you again."

Roger Mills reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I did a one day course with Alex as a birthday present from my wife. This was right up my street. It was hands on right from the start. Alex showing me what to do and me trying my best to replicate it. Alex is very patient and clearly demonstrates what has to be done. He monitors how you are doing and helps when necessary. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who fancies dipping their toe into the world of being a Blacksmith."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks Roger, really great to hear that you enjoyed the experience and found it worthwhile. Many thanks, Alex"

Ann Kilvert reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"Hi Julie, a big thank you from myself and daughters Jackie and Liz who had the pleasure of joining your candle making course on July 20th. Your welcome was so warm and friendly, putting everyone at ease, felt I had known you for ages! The thought, details, and little extras that Julie puts into it all is outstanding. Special thanks to Janet also for fabulous lunch, Betty's teashop better watch out !! And not forgetting Julie's husband for lift to the station. Many thanks. 10/10"

Jacqueline hutton reviewed: Hand-Spinning & Natural Dyeing Retreat, Highlands, Scotland

"From the time I was picked up from Inverness I was looked after. Rosie and her family welcomed us with warmth and kindness. Rosie is the most gentlest person sharing her amazing skills in a very relaxed calm and patient way, amongst this amazing scenery. I felt that the week was very balanced, giving time for sightseeing as well as learning about preparation, drying and then spinning. Rosie's home-cooked meals were very tasty and left me very contented. Nothing was too much trouble, the week was amazing I came home buzzing. Can’t wait to return."

Samantha Jones reviewed: Powertex fabric sculpted figure/Angel/Masai

"Annette is a fabulous teacher. Very patient and explained everything really well. This is the third workshop I have done with her and each one has been brilliant. I'd recommend Powertex as a wonderful medium for anyone of any ability. I would say I'm rubbish at art but I've been delighted with all 3 pieces. Latest one a European figure, worth every penny and a super day. Great cake too!"

Annette Smyth responded:

"Thank you for your review Sam. I’m so glad you enjoyed the workshop and hopefully see you soon. Ax"

Jackie reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"I attended this course with my mum and sister and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. Jools was an excellent teacher - she is friendly, funny and approachable. We learnt how to make several different candles and we took everything we had made home in lovely packaging. The afternoon tea was wonderful - there was lots of it and it was delicious - thank you Janet! I cannot recommend this course enough - it was a lovely day out and we are all keen to book another course. Thanks also to Ian who very kindly took us the train station at the end of a superb day!"

Abi reviewed: Stylish personalised keyring

"My experience with Charlie was wonderful! Before we even got to the little studio in the garden, I was offered refreshment, and as it was my birthday she asked if I would like a glass of bubbly! The studio was in a lovely private setting in the back garden. It was small and comfortable with a friendly atmosphere, and glass doors letting the natural light stream in. Mounted on the walls were a few of the things she had made and the different art and craft sessions she held in there which included things like candle making. She provided everything we needed, and as there were only two of us attending it was a nice, small group and her attention to detail, and to us was impressive. I made a couple of things, a pendant with a musical band logo on, and a key ring with some musical notes on, and left very happy with my personally made products. Charlie has hundreds of books that you can use to get your image, from maps to musical scores to children's books. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my couple of hours in Charlie's company and would recommend going to one of her art & craft sessions."

Stephen Trant reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"A very enjoyable course led by a friendly instructor who showed a real interest in the knives produced and had a genuine desire for everyone to make a good knife. The level of instruction was tailored to each person on the course and never felt overbearing which allowed everyone to create their own designs and resulted in individual unique knives. I came away from the course with a real sense of achievement which is repeated each time I look at the knife I made."

Debbie Ottway reviewed: Discover your jewellery palette: polymer clay workshop

"My sister and I attended Elizabeth's course yesterday and had a really enjoyable day. Liz is a warm, knowledgeable and inspirational teacher, the course is held in the workshop looking out onto the garden of her beautiful home and there were plenty of refreshments provided (courtesy of Liz’s husband, Robin) - we couldn’t have asked for a better day. Most importantly, we both came away, having started the day as complete beginners, with necklaces and pendants that we have been proud to show off. Highly recommended!"

Elizabeth Sadler Jewellery responded:

"Thank you so much, Debbie, for your kind words. It was great fun to meet you and show you the wonders of polymer clay. I loved the beautiful necklace you made."

Carol Shorrock reviewed: Discover your jewellery palette: polymer clay workshop

"I had a really enjoyable day, learning a new skill in beautiful surroundings with a very creative and interesting teacher. Highly recommended, thank you Elizabeth and thank you to you and your husband for the hospitality in your gorgeous home."

Elizabeth Sadler Jewellery responded:

"Carol, thank you very much for your nice review. I really enjoyed meeting you and introducing you to the fun of polymer clay. The necklace you made is lovely and really suits you."

Sheila Firth reviewed: Natural dye and ecoprint course - a magical introduction to using plant dyes and leaf contact print

"An excellent workshop. The tutor had clearly spent a lot of time researching and experimenting with Eco printing and had considered how best to impart her knowledge to the course participants in a way that encouraged and enabled us to learn for ourselves and from each other. The two day workshop format with a break in between and a chance to read her pdf information works very well. I was grateful for the opportunity to reflect on the process and think about what I wanted to do in the second session. I also really appreciated being taught how to tie a non slip knot!"

Amanda Duke Artist responded:

"Thank you so much Sheila. I am so glad you enjoyed day 1 and are looking forward to day 2. Your flexibility, enthusiasm and sense of fun are just what any course leader wishes for to make a course run so well. I look forward to revealing your Ecoprint results on Wednesday and hope to see you again sometime. Best wishes, Amanda"

Angela Whitehead reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"Wonderful weekend when I can relax and craft with likeminded ladies. Lovely setting, fantastic food and short classes if you want to attend but no pressure. Been going for years and am already booking next year"