Latest reviews

Carolyn Fowler reviewed: Footstool making workshop - weekend

"Jacqueline is highly skilled and talented in her craft and was willing to share her knowledge. This course is well worth every penny - highly recommended. I was making the stool for a gift so a lot was riding on it! Jacqueline helped me all the way with her patience and uncomplicated style of teaching and was very encouraging when things didn't go quite right! The class size was small and personal which added even more value to the course fees. I'm very tempted to come back and make one for myself! This would make a great gift experience too. Big thank you Jacqueline for a brilliant course and experience A*"

The Bespoke Home - Furniture Maker responded:

"Thank you Carolyn :-) Was a pleasure having you on the course and I look forward to welcoming you again. Maybe stay a bit longer this time and tick off a few more fells!"

Peter Latimer reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Great course, great location. Amazing how much can be achieved in 2 days with expert guidance and with a sense that it would be a lifetime to master. Go with a vision and be ambitious."

Amanda Morgan reviewed: Footstool making workshop - weekend

"I was looking for something totally random and new to try. I found this course, it sounded interesting so took the plunge. I'm so glad I did... being a complete novice, Jacqueline made me feel at ease straight away, she showed us the how, where, what and why and was very patient with any questions or help required. I'm so happy with my new upholstered footstall, it looks great in my living room, I'd recommend this course to anyone looking for something different!"

The Bespoke Home - Furniture Maker responded:

"Thank you so much Mandy, I'm thrilled you enjoyed it and are loving your new footstool :-)"

Katharine Francis reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"A lovely day spent learning to spin in beautiful surroundings. Elaine explains everything clearly and helps you understand the what and why rather than just the how. Would thoroughly recommend if you are thinking of giving spinning a go."

Anita Hamilton reviewed: Silversmithing Jewellery One Day Tailored Workshop at Brightsmiths: One to One tuition

"I booked two days with Rosie in March 2019 and it was such an enjoyable experience that I booked another two days in May 2019. Being in Rosemary's workshop is a unique experience to work alongside one of the region's most talented and knowledgeable silversmiths. Over my four days I made two beautiful bowls - one in copper and the other in silver (this one with handles). Rosemary's knowledge about working the "bright metals" is vast and she is very generous in sharing it and her time. Nothing is too much trouble for her and she makes one feel very comfortable in her workshop."

The Brightsmiths Workshops responded:

"Dear Anita Thank you for your kind words, I am still blushing :) It was an honour to teach you Copper and Silver bowl making . You are an excellent student and the beautiful bowls that made are testament to your own tool skills and the work that you put into making them. I am sure they will bring you much pleasure for years to come. Thank you again for Choosing the Brightsmiths Workshops and for permission to put a photo of you at work on my course page. I hope to see you again soon Kind Regards Rosie Price"

Juliet reviewed: A fun textile workshop with Nicky Dillerstone making Batik Book Covers, notebooks and folders

"It was a lovely class. Really recommend it."

Sas Smith reviewed: Embossed Pewter Notebook and Pen

"Fantastic day with Mel, learning about pewter embossing. A great studio equipped with everything you need. Mel's teaching is just the right balance of guidance, knowledge and demonstration. She's very organised and really encouraging. I left the course with a pewter covered notebook I'm really proud of, plus a burning desire to continue with the craft! Thanks again Mel, a smashing day!"

Richard Salisbury reviewed: Beginners introductory pyrography course in Lincolnshire

"Very good day. Susan is very talented and it was a great day with a lot learnt. As I'm a beginner I was worried I would be out of my depth, but Susan really helped me come on a lot."

Clive Hickman reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Really great course. I was amazed by the finished box that I made, having never tried working with wood before. I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to try their hand at working with wood."

Dave reviewed: Discover the vibrancy & versatility of watercolours in a 2 hour workshop in Skipton

"Great workshop, learnt a lot"

Kate West responded:

"Hi Dave, thanks for taking the time to leave a quick review, it is very much appreciated! Kate"

Dale Cherry reviewed: The basics of spoon carving alongside the River Pulham in Exmoor national Park.

"This course is a great introduction to the tools and skills required to produce artisan wooden spoons. Starting with selecting a wooden log Peter teaches the art of Cleaving and shaping the raw timber through to the more delicate art of carving and whittling to produce a beautiful wooden spoon to take home."

Caroline Jaycock reviewed: Discover the vibrancy & versatility of watercolours in a 2 hour workshop in Skipton

"I really enjoyed this workshop as I learnt some basic tips and it has encouraged me to start painting again after a three year gap."

Kate West responded:

"Hi Caroline, so good to know you are encouraged to start painting again after a 3 year gap! You and the other artists were a joy to work with and it was one of the most enjoyable sessions with wonderful trees created - these will now be added to images advertising this course... I have taken on board the suggestions you all kindly made."

Marianne Saulsbury reviewed: One day stained glass workshop London for beginners and enthusiasts

"I really enjoyed the course. Every step was explained and demonstrated well and I felt able to complete each task following this. The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed. I would definitely recommend the course and do another myself. Thank you"

GlassSeasons responded:

"Thanks! Much appreciated."

Mandy Benton reviewed: Straw skep hive making course - with Bees for Development

"Inspirational teacher! Great insight into historical bee keeping. The day went too quickly. Great to take home the knowledge and equipment to finish the skep. Lovely group of people and superb lunch! Many thanks to all involved."

Jan smith reviewed: Sew an individual rainbow picnic blanket in Derbyshire

"I’m not a sewer. I have had the best time. I cannot believe I have made this lovely picnic rug. Louise is a very good teacher, she has inspired me to carry on and hopefully make beautiful items, with her guidance of course."

Sew Need a Drink responded:

"Thank you Jan!"

Nigel Parratt reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"A thouroughly enjoyable day with Chris in his spacious, light, superbly equipped workshop. From the time that he offered me a warm welcome and a hot cup of tea, to the time I left, clutching the beautiful bowl that he had helped me create, I felt well supported as a learner and met like a friend. Chris has a wealth of experience and knowledge that he offers generously with a good balance of challenge and support. His passion for wood, his belief in the value of right technique and his focus on form and finish are all underpinned by a delightful intention for the day to be enjoyable as well as productive. Highly recommended. Many thanks."

Julia reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"I did a half-day session with a friend and wished it could go on for a week! It was quite a meditative experience for me, wonderful to be able to focus on the task, yet with Sarah’s lovely supportive company and expertise on hand. Highly recommended."

holly brown reviewed: One day silver jewellery designing and making workshop

"Me & my new husband spent the day with Bridget making our wedding rings. She made the day one to remember for life for us, down to every last detail. We even had time to make our mother’s presents. The jewellery we have made with her is finished to a very high standard. I would highly recommend her."

Jitka reviewed: Indigo & Arashi Shibori workshop

"I enjoyed every single bit from Lisa’s indigo workshop: history of this method, trying different techniques, happiness from our “little masterpieces” after final unfolding, yummy cake and tea:-) You can feel the passion Lisa works with! She supports and encourages everyone in the group, shares her amazing knowledge and at the same time celebrates your own creativity! Can’t wait to wear my new cotton scarf."

Julia Smith reviewed: Sew an individual rainbow picnic blanket in Derbyshire

"What a fabulous course. I came away with something that I still can’t believe that I made. Louise is such an amazing teacher and her ideas and flair with fabric colours and fun projects is second to none. I am so proud of my picnic rug, although it will never be sat on on the dirty ground!!!! I love it too much."

Sew Need a Drink responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Julia! You should be proud - your mat was gorgeously made."

Berni Ashworth reviewed: Glass Fusing and Slumping for Beginners and Improvers

"A fabulous day practising skills learnt last time and plenty of encouragement to make pieces that I thought were above my skill level. Good clear instructions, reminders when needed, lots of pieces around for inspiration and lunch in the garden. A perfect day of crafting. Eagerly awaiting collection day and next course is already booked. Thanks Jean and Janice, I had a great day x"

JJ Fused Glass responded:

"It was lovely to see you again Berni. We’re pleased you were happy to give new techniques a go! Your leaf should be lovely. Good cutting. Thank you so much for your review. Kind regards Janice"

Andrea Boardman reviewed: Glass painting taster day

"What a great way to spend a Saturday! Derek has a wonderfully patient way of teaching the tools and techniques of painting on glass, skills he has in abundance judging by the beautiful examples displayed around the studio. All very inspirational to a complete novice! I’m really looking forward to being able to return later in the year."

Derek Hunt Artist responded:

"Hi Andrea Thank you so much for your very kind words; it’s really great to know you enjoyed the Taster Day and even nicer to know you want to come back again ! Hope you have lots of fun with your new found glass painting skills and I look forward to seeing you again ? With best wishes, Derek"

Kathryn Price reviewed: Blacksmithing course with Longdog Smithy

"I attended this course recently with a friend and had an amazing day, coming away with a hanging basket bracket I'd made - I never thought I'd be able to do that in a day! Tom was very encouraging, showing us what we needed to do and then giving us the space to try it, make the odd mistake and try again. With only two on the course you can get so much done. Tom's enthusiastic about his craft and passed that on to us as well as being enjoyable company. I'd strongly recommend this to anyone who fancies trying their hand at blacksmithing - you won't be disappointed and may be hooked. Next one for us is to go again and make a knife."

Maureen White reviewed: Footstool making workshop - weekend

"I absolutely loved this course and am thrilled with my footstool, it looks so professional! Jacqueline was a very hands on teacher and was very patient with me. I was a bit out of my comfort zone as this is not something I would usually do but Jacqueline really made me feel at ease. I would highly recommend this course to anyone and it is perfect for a beginner like me!"

The Bespoke Home - Furniture Maker responded:

"Thank you Maureen! I'm so glad you had a good time and love your new footstool! :-)"

Marie reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"I really enjoyed Dawn's course. She was very welcoming and was always available to help, give advice without pushing you on before you felt ready and she gave you confidence to try things. It was great to be able to spend 5 hours just getting used to what my own machine would do. Dawn had a great range of materials and resources which she encouraged us to use. It was a lovely day with such a nice group of people. Thank you for a very enjoyable day."