Latest reviews

Angela Corlett reviewed: Needle felting with Virginia

"Once again I had a really enjoyable time learning this addictive new skill. A clear initial demonstration was followed by knowledgeable encouragement and guidance and the provision of a wide range of fantastically coloured wools that inspired and enabled the completion of a needle felted picture that I can't wait to frame and hang on my wall. A relaxing, friendly and enjoyable morning. Thank you Virginia."

Michelle Foxall reviewed: Residential two day monoprinting and collagraph print workshop

"Thank you Ruth for a really inspirational and immersive printing course! I’ve been looking forward to doing this for a while and the weekend didn’t disappoint. Two days gave me enough time to learn new techniques and apply with some experimentation. Ruth is a very patient, calm teacher, she gently coached me to experiment and try things I wouldn’t have thought of. I’m really chuffed with the results and prints I came away with. Perfect studio setting and house, with great food (loved the mustard salad leaves from Ruth’s garden) and a very comfy bed for an overnight stay. I will be back !!"

Kelly Pritchard reviewed: Contemporary bench making weekend course

"Such a great couple of days learning a range of traditional hand-tool techniques and crafting a beautiful bench to take home. The group was small enough to ensure quality input from Ambrose (our instructor) and help was always at hand if required. Great fun and lots to learn in a relaxed and informal environment."

Emma Connor reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"Had a fantastic day yesterday making my first ever felt dog. Sophie is an incredible teacher who is very generous with her encouragement and in sharing her knowledge and tips. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble and the day passed by in a flash. I can’t wait to come back and learn some more about felting in this lovely, welcoming setting."

Peter reviewed: All inclusive artisan baking weekend in Devon

"I did the residential bread making course with my friend Hattie. We both had beautiful double rooms, all meals (proper delicious) included as well as the odd bottle of wine. It was just us. Wow it was great! A great break too, which is what I needed just as much. It's like going to the home of a friend's friend who really knows their stuff and has been persuaded to give you full on attention as a special favour. I don't know where else you can experience this. Frankly, I hadn't a clue where to begin and now I'm done with shop bought. Got sent home with an e-copy of their books, a boot full of different breads and crackers, a new love of pizza, my own sourdough starter and a grin as wide as a french bread basket. And oh! the memories. Cannot recommend highly enough. Unique and more than worth it. Peter, Selsey, May 2019"

Luke Mansell reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Right - I am reviewing this course having accidentally (and independently) decided to try spoon carving. I had already watched loads of YouTube videos on the subject and already purchased a basic tool-set; I had even beaten a couple of spoons into existence.... Luckily, I was still conscious enough to realise that I might not know everything about the subject and signed up for this course - and thank goodness I did. The setting is beautiful and entirely conducive to the job in hand (for an absolute beginner (which I really am) or someone pretending to have a clue (which I was). Mark and Jill are: a) lovely people, b) deeply, deeply knowledgeable and committed to the whole green woodworking movement/spoon-carving thing and c) lovely, lovely people - and I thank them both for a fantastic day from which I gained new knowledge and an affirmation that I had connected with something that is important and, for me, a grounding experience. If you have just fallen in love and want to share an amazing experience or if you are bored, lonely, frustrated and have indigestion or if you are young, old or anywhere in-between or, like me, just want to learn - do this course! If you only enjoy the walk in the wood and the veggie soup it will be money well spent; but I guarantee you will get much, much more from the day - thank you Mark and Jill !! Luke x"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Luke, Thank you for the review. Youtube vids can be great as long as you watch the right ones. Hopefully the links I sent you will help develop your technique further. Great spoon from you on the day, we have high expectations for you and look forward to seeing your next creations. TTFN Mark"

Cora Gartland reviewed: Introductory pottery wheel throwing taster sessions

"I recently attended a free short workshop on the Hey Clay day with my children. We really enjoyed the session, Lorraine was very helpful and patient. We came away inspired to try more!"

Woodsetton Art Pottery responded:

"Many thanks for the great review. Follow me on Instagram or Twitter to hear about more open for all ages and new evening courses coming up etc. Best regards Lorraine"

Heather reviewed: Woodturning Course in North Yorkshire with Philip Greenwood RPT

"An excellent day!! Philip was very knowledgeable and what we thought may be a hard day when turning your hand to something new was extremely enjoyable and rewarding. We were able to choose our own design for our bowls and were expertly guided throughout with lots of advice and top tips. We would definitely recommend this 1 day introductory course. A big thank you to Philip!"

Elaine Beale reviewed: Pottery throwing course, Aylesbury

"I had this as a birthday present from my son and daughter-in-law. I did not have a clue what I was going to do. I had a great time. Charlie was very patient and very good at explaining things. I managed to make 3 pots and can’t wait to go back and glaze them."

Charlie's Pots responded:

"Hello Elaine Thank you very much for that. It was a pleasure to meet you and Leeanne yesterday. Look forward to seeing you for the glazing. Charlie"

Craig reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"I really enjoyed my day of turning with Graham. He was very welcoming of a complete novice to wood turning, very patient in his instructions and always willing to help."

Freya Jacklin-Edward reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"Sophie is amazing! I’ve been on a couple of her courses and I have loved both of them. She is so clear in her explanations and encouraging throughout the day, I’ve learnt so so much! Her work is exquisite and she is so generous with her knowledge and time. I can’t wait to go back!"

All Things Felt & Beautiful responded:

"Thank you Freya - it's always a pleasure to see you and your mum! Such lovely people - and GREAT needle felt models xx"

Julia reviewed: Pottery Course in Orpington, Kent

"I did two terms at a different pottery, but learnt more in 5 weeks with Sophie. She is an excellent teacher with a lot of patience. I’m doing another throwing course with her in August, then I want to continue doing general pottery in the future with some hand building and sculpture as well as throwing."

Alison Lawn reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"This was a fantastic 2 day course in Edale. With just a small group of eight people it was friendly and fun. In two days we achieved so much, deconstructing an existing piece of wall and rebuilding it from scratch. Carl was an excellent tutor letting everyone work at their own pace. It was wonderful to learn with such an expert craftsperson. We've built a wall which will stand for 200 years and it was a pleasure. The wallers lunch was good too!"

Marta Tejerina reviewed: Leather Crossbody/Messenger or Tote bag

"You really have to do this leather workshop!!!!!!. It's so much fun, and you can almost do everything you want. You can really create the handbag that you like and you can choose the colour of the leather too, as the leather is included in the price of the workshop ,which I thought made the price very fair. Richard is a real master in doing handmade leather items and he will teach you all you have to know. He will also give you good tips and information on where to go and buy tools and leather as well as "a little present". The place is very, very nice and the atmosphere is really relaxed. I can recommend it to everybody and you don't have to be an expert to produce a really nice handbag. Just try and you will have so much fun that you will want to go to another workshop!!! Thank you Richard for such as fantastic time and for my bag!"

Juliet reviewed: Art & print club: a creative informal group meeting once a month to draw, design and print with graphic designer Jane West

"It was a fabulous day. Really enjoyed it."

Leanne reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"We had such a lovely morning creating our own candles and learning more about how to burn them properly!! Kerry was brilliant and made us all feel very welcome. Would love to come back again ?"

Denise Simpson reviewed: Willow Hare/Rabbit Workshop

"Another great workshop. Really enjoyed it. My hare is happily settled into the garden with my piglet and reindeer. Why buy when you can make your own. ?? Thanks Victoria"

Cat King reviewed: Pottery Course in Orpington, Kent

"Wonderful classes, held in a relaxed and friendly environment. Knowledgeable and approachable tutors with good class sizes. I would definitely recommend!"

Will reviewed: Leather Crossbody/Messenger or Tote bag

"Was bought a one day bag making course by my sister and wasn’t really sure what to expect. Turned out I really enjoyed it and came away with a super bag that my other half swore had been professionally made. Richard was a very patient teacher who had time for all of us and explained things clearly. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this course, particularly if you think you’re not very practical or crafty - if I can do it, you can, and I’m really really pleased with my bag."

Alison Deacon reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"Very relaxed atmosphere and in a great location. As it is only a small group Sophie has time to spend with you individually as well as in a group. Sophie is very encouraging and willing to share her knowledge. Would highly recommend."

Lucy Kelleher reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"I spent a morning with Julie creating my masterpiece! As a complete novice Julie quickly put me at my ease and made suggestions to help me develop my ideas. Nothing was too much bother and if I asked about a type of glass, she had all the options available to me advising how they would look once the item had come out of the kiln. Julie was very patient with me and I didn't feel rushed at all. I was absolutely delighted with the end result. Thank you for your guidance and I highly recommend a workshop with Julie."

Roger Harsley reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Thoroughly enjoyed my day thank you"

Philip reviewed: Dorset weekly pottery classes

"Dear reader, Just sign up for this course. Nothing beats the magic of making pots and ceramic sculptures in Rachel Fooks' classes. Rachel is a gifted teacher and inspires great creativity. Sometimes form leads to function. There is nothing more pleasurable than drinking tea from jugs, teapots, cups and mugs you have made yourself. Sometimes form leads to sculptural aesthetics. I have a number of pots on the bookshelf and in the garden that I just enjoy looking at. Rachel’s workshop is a lovely light space where you work in an artists community surrounded by inspiration and considerable talent. Dear reader you’ve read too much...sign up for the course!"

Valerie Campbell reviewed: Three day luxury felt picture making retreat

"Wonderful situation for a retreat.Everything required was at hand. I was new to feltmaking and learnt a lot surrounded by excellent teaching and company."

Sarah Yeomans reviewed: Landscapes in Wool - Painting with Fibres

"I found the Landscapes in Wool workshop thoroughly enjoyable. Emma was very welcoming and has a lovely studio/workspace in her garden. From a photograph, I learnt about how to create perspective when felting and how to mix colours by carding. There was a wonderful range of colours to choose from. I found Emma an extremely good teacher. She gave clear instructions and provided help when required. I am a novice felt maker and realised how much there is to learn and discover in the world of felt making. I hope to go to another workshop sometime in the future."