Latest reviews

Jackie Storey reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"Sophie is very generous with her help and materials. The atmosphere in her classes is relaxed and friendly and classes are small. Sophie starts you off on your coach project and then she is on hand all day to help when needed."

Susanne reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"I have been on 3 of Sophie's courses and thoroughly enjoyed them all. It is a great way to spend a day and make a unique needle felted model. Very patient tuition from Sophie was greatly appreciated."

Marion Clark reviewed: Intensive 2 day mosaic course with Claire Cotterill Mosaics @ Martineau Gardens, Birmingham city centre, West Midlands.

"I really enjoyed this two-day course with Claire. The days were well organised, informative and productive, as well as relaxing. Claire generously shared her expertise with the group, and I am happy with the mosaic I produced. The indirect method is quite hard, detailed work but also very rewarding. And the lunches were lovely"

Scott McKenna reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"My friends and family chipped in to send me and a friend on this course after they noticed that I happened to be watching a lot of Forged in Fire lately and it was well worth the money. Working as a machine fitter who earns a living from a workshop, I had a small degree of confidence that I'd be going home with something that resembled a Viking kitchen knife and a functional bottle opener. This definitely would not have happened without Colin's guidance and wealth of experience and thanks to him the items came out better than I expected for a first timer. The experience was both enjoyable and educational which leaves you finishing the day with a sense of accomplishment (I had to get some beer on the way home to test the bottle opener). Colin taught us how to properly heat steel, work it using a wide range of different methods, while also explaining what colours to look out for, how to treat the steel and how to rectify any mistakes using the best possible techniques. Although Colin kept us supervised to make sure we weren't about to ruin our work, once you work yourself into a rhythm you also get a liberating sense of independence while working on your project. Overall, a brilliant day out, taught by a very experienced and down to earth guy. I would love to go back to make something else in the future and would recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in trying their hand at blacksmithing."

Maria reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"The course was fantastic! Paula is lovely and made us feel so welcome in her beautiful home! She was also very well prepared for her lesson and safety conscious as we had to work with Lye to make the soap. The session started off with an explanation of the theory of soap making, Paula then explained very clearly how to use the soap calculator and then we started with the practical part of the course, which was to actually make the soap. During the session, Paula was supportive throughout and answered all our questions clearly and accurately. The lesson then ended with afternoon tea. We took our beautiful soaps home and a sample soap from Paula. It was not only a lovely day out but I learnt so much on making authentic soap and it has also boosted my confidence! Highly recommend this course :)"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Hi Maria, thank you for the feedback. it is very appreciated!"

Angela Fuhrmann reviewed: Making a mosaic with slate

"Rachel is a patient and encouraging teacher. She gave comprehensive information regarding material and method and helped when needed. It was a super working atmosphere. I came from Germany to attend this workshop and I'm happy that I did it."

Leon Kramarz reviewed: Woodcarving Tuition in Cornwall

"I attended a one day private workshop with my son and his wife. Zoe was a great teacher, very attentive and knowledgeable, and it was impressive how much we could achieve and learn in just one day. We drove from London and stayed in the farmhouse for a couple of nights and it was a truly lovely stay. The location is beautiful and relaxing: a typical English countryside. Highly recommend it."

Claire hewlett reviewed: Upholstery course - bring your own project

"I had a really good week at Pollys studio! Very excellent teaching, she really knows her business and is also really helpful and supportive. A lovely atmosphere for learning and being able to reupholster beautiful chairs and have a good old chat!"

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

"I have just finished my day with Chris Foweraker, learning to turn a bowl. It was so informative with the tuition done in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. Chris also had some chisels I needed and was able to sell me a complete set. Now in his words, oil your bowl when you get home. Then practice turning blanks into sawdust and shavings. Thank you Chris for the continuous mugs of tea and the chocolate biscuits."

Barbara Weedall reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"I had a brilliant time on the free machine embroidery course, I am a beginner at this craft and Dawn was endlessly patient and encouraging, and provided delicious cake too!! My final piece has been much admired by friends and family and I would love to go on another course with Dawn in the future."

Dawn Ireland Textile Artist responded:

"Thanks for the lovely review Barbara."

Paul Ellis reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I can only agree with all the 5* reviews listed for Mark. I had a great day yesterday. Tiring - yes, but so rewarding. Mark is really easy going and he has a passion he wants to share. He answered all my questions and I too would have taken a bowl away with me except at 7.30pm it got missed and I drove away without it. Next morning Mark found it and will be putting it in the post for me! Can't thank Mark enough for the experience. The day was a birthday present but I think my wife already has an idea as to what to buy me for Christmas!"

Alison Rustead reviewed: Rag rug making workshop - Norwich

"I’ve been wanting to learn rag rugging for years and jumped at the chance to do this class after a fun start at the Forum with Victoria. Very friendly, knowledgeable and professional... came away very inspired! Do a class with her and you won’t regret it!"

Anne Blades reviewed: Enamelling - Flowers and Hearts

"If you’re looking for a basic taster course this was very enjoyable."

2 Inspire You responded:

"Thank you Anne It was lovely to see you both. I loved your little girl that you made. I hope your creative journeys continue an dthnak you for my lovely card. Rach"

Geoff Wilson reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"Fantastic course. I really enjoyed every minute of it Graham and David are very down to earth and clearly know their craft well. If you go on this course you will 100% forge and make your very own knife and David and Graham will give you a walk through and help you if needed. I'm looking forward to joining the extra club they do where you can join other people to use the shops equipment providing you take your own materials etc. Keep up the good work fellas."

Geoff Wilson reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Fantastic course. I really enjoyed every minute of it Graham and David are very down to earth and clearly know their craft well. If you go on this course you will 100% forge and make your very own knife and David and Graham will give you a walk through and help you if needed. I'm looking forward to joining the extra club they do where you can join other people to use the shops equipment providing you take your own materials etc. Keep up the good work fellas."

Paul Atkins reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"I received this as a gift and wasn't sure what to expect. Well I got a warm welcome at the door and that was how the day continued. The whole day was very relaxed. Each stage was clearly explained and Graham & his son were always on hand to offer guidance and help. They did not take over at any stage if things went wrong but patiently talked you through how to correct the problem. There was enough equipment at every stage so that you did not have to wait around. As you progressed throughout the day you went at your own speed. Nobody felt left behind or forgotten. The atmosphere was friendly and the group were all chatting within a short space of time. I came away with a knife that far exceeded my expectations, it is used regularly in the kitchen and I am proud to say I made it. If this is your "thing" I would definitely recommend it. If you are looking for something different to try I would definitely recommend it. Give it a go, its great value for money, good fun and very enjoyable. P.S It's not just for the men, ladies give it a go, patience is required rather than strength!!"

Paul Atkins reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"I received this as a gift and wasn't sure what to expect. Well I got a warm welcome at the door and that was how the day continued. The whole day was very relaxed. Each stage was clearly explained and Graham & his son were always on hand to offer guidance and help. They did not take over at any stage if things went wrong but patiently talked you through how to correct the problem. There was enough equipment at every stage so that you did not have to wait around. As you progressed throughout the day you went at your own speed. Nobody felt left behind or forgotten. The atmosphere was friendly and the group were all chatting within a short space of time. I came away with a knife that far exceeded my expectations, it is used regularly in the kitchen and I am proud to say I made it. If this is your "thing" I would definitely recommend it. If you are looking for something different to try I would definitely recommend it. Give it a go, its great value for money, good fun and very enjoyable. P.S It's not just for the men, ladies give it a go, patience is required rather than strength!!"

Michael Thomson reviewed: Make your very own Tote bag

"A fantastic course, well worthwhile. We learnt a great deal about the different types of leather, techniques, tools, suppliers, and it was a brilliant introduction to the subject. I came away with a very swish tote bag, which no doubt I'll make extensive use of for years to come. Definitely motivated to do more in the future. All in all, highly recommended."

Elena Cardoso reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"What a wonderful craft course!!! Love it all, the learning and the fun making the lovely soap. Thank you Paula I'm looking forward using my own homemade soap now. Highly recommend this course and your skin will thank you."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you very much, such a pleassure having you in the course."

Sue Cartwright reviewed: Personalised creative photography tuition

"I thoroughly enjoyed my lesson with David recently. Having just bought a new digital camera, I wanted to understand how to use it properly and was quite delighted to learn much more than the numerous settings on the camera. David explained very clearly the basic principles of photography so that I could better understand the workings of the camera, and I would highly recommend his tuition (or courses) to anyone looking for a thorough and interesting introduction to things like aperture, shutter settings, ISO, white balance, focus, ISO quality, and much more."

Jo Evans reviewed: Enamelling - Flowers and Hearts

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day enamelling with Rachel. We were made so welcome and the cabin we worked in had a lovely outlook over the garden and woodlands. I ended up making a few pendants and a pair of earrings over the day to take home with me. There was a wonderful selection of copper blanks and enamel colours (plus bits and bobs to add texture /detail) so you could let your creativity run wild! I was really pleased with how some of my pieces turned out and I have definitely got the enamelling bug now! Would highly recommend this course!"

2 Inspire You responded:

"Hi Jo, Many thanks for the lovely review. I am glad you had such a good day and I apologise that I gave you the bug. I hope the earrings look great now you have finished them and hope to see you back soon. The deck area is now finished so even more space to sit and enjoy the garden. Rach"

Vicki Ward reviewed: Pottery throwing course, Aylesbury

"Very good course - loved it"

Gemma reviewed: Do It Yourself DIY for Beginners Workshop at Trill Farm

"The course was very hands on, and we were able to have multiple attempts at each thing. The lunch was amazing, and Ruth was exceptionally patient and explained everything in detail. I would 100% recommend this course. It was brilliant, and Robin and Ruth were fantastic."

Mary reviewed: Willow Plant Supports for Gardener's

"Well paced. Clear instruction. Food lovely and tasty. Friendly learning environment. Thoroughly enjoyable - looking forward to making more at home."

Jane reviewed: Willow Plant Supports for Gardener's

"It was an extremely enjoyable day, and Richard was so helpful to each of us when we needed it. The lunch, course, location and overall feeling of being extremely welcome at Trill Farm made this a very memorable day."