Latest reviews

Ben reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"The course was very enjoyable, the amount of products you come away with seems great value for money and Jo's knowledge and experience was excellent. Jo was super friendly and answered all my questions and has been very helpful since. The village location is beautiful and the lunch was really tasty."

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thank you for your Review, Ben. It was great to meet you and I wish you every success in your candlemaking journey. Remember to send me pics!"

Katherine Craig reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing and hand building full day

"I booked a day's course for two people with Richard of Pottery Dayz as a surprise birthday gift for my husband. What an amazing day we had! Richard was a welcoming host and patient, knowledgeable teacher. The chance to have such individual attention was one of the main reasons for booking Richard's course, and I'm so glad I did. Whilst my husband had made some pottery whilst at school (a long time ago!), I was a complete beginner and neither of us had thrown on a wheel before. We were absolutely thrilled with the results and can't wait to go back after our pots have been fired, to decorate and glaze them. The day was paced perfectly, right down to the break for a lunch of homemade soup. I can't recommend Richard's course highly enough!"

Lisa Ann Saggers reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"I had the most fantastic time here yesterday. Jo is a really lovely lady, so helpful and an absolute inspiration. I purchased the starter kit and I honestly cannot wait to get started. Highly recommended. Thank you for all your help and guidance Jo x"

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thank you Lisa, it was really lovely to meet you. What a lovely little group you were! Keep in touch and best of luck. x"

Ashleigh reviewed: Mother's Day Workshop for Two

"I love Mad Lilies! I went to a Mothers Day Spring bouquet workshop with my mum, where we learnt how to create a bouquet from a beautiful range of flowers. We were taught how to spiral, to get the flower stems to sit together in a spiral fashion and then arrange their height to create an arrangement. The Mad Lilies team are great at teaching and supporting everyone in the workshop and one to one, so it's perfect for novices right the way through to people who have an interest in floristry. My mum has never taken part in a floral workshop before and she loved it, it was such a lovely present. Their store is also beautiful!"

Petina Simner reviewed: Introduction to table loom weaving, Fisherton Mill, Salisbury - Two day workshop

"A really lovely way to spend an evening. Right from the start the atmosphere was welcoming and relaxing which made learning fun. Ellie's care and attention to detail (such as the baskets with resources and equipment) indicated that the course was well thought through and professional. There was no pressure to finish the weaving which enabled everyone to work at their own pace and to their own level of satisfaction. I left feeling inspired to learn more."

Elka responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review Petina! It was great to have you on the workshop, i'm so glad you enjoyed it. Very best wishes, Ellie"

Sue reviewed: Full day mosaic workshop for beginners - Meriden, West Midlands

"This was a treat for myself and a friend. We both wanted to learn something new, but don't feel very confident artistically or creatively. What a fab day! We really had a great time, both produced a really lovely piece of work, with which we were very pleased, and had a great time into the bargain! Anne pitches the whole day just right. The welcome, level of instruction and support, the on tap refreshments, the beautiful, peaceful setting, the great lunch. It was all an amazing experience, and, although we went purely to enjoy the day, we are both keen to get some tools and have a go at home. A whole hobby world is opening up to us that we never would have tried without Anne. Thanks so much, Anne. Anyone wondering if it's for them, definitely give it a go. Great fun, great value."

Sue Bishop reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"I had a great day at Alice's Hotwalls studio on the weaving course in February. We were a small class of 4 where Alice gave us lots of 1-1 help to think of ideas for the wall hanging and was always there if you got stuck. I was so inspired that I have just attended the Advanced day. Again Alice was so attentive to make sure we mastered the new techniques and got what we wanted from the day. Such an enjoyable time. Looking forward to my next project and taking advantage of one of Alice's 1 hour evening sessions to keep inspired and get ideas. Thanks Alice!"

Margo reviewed: Japanese stab bound book workshop and Japanese lunch

"A great course to learn the techniques of making a notebook. Diane is very skilled in her subject and makes the course interesting. A 'hands on' course with all materials provided - you come away with examples of notebooks you have made yourself. Highly recommended."

Kathy FLITTON reviewed: Full day mosaic workshop for beginners - Meriden, West Midlands

"A faultless and enjoyable day. We all had a rewarding day and Anne looked after us all with great instructions and exceptional hospitality. Highly recommended, even for a craft phobic like me."

Christine Svenson reviewed: Mosaic class

"Second time on this course last week with Dawn. Each time has a been very enjoyable as Dawn is so friendly, approachable and a fantastic course tutor. There was such much choice with regard to materials and colours. On both occasions Dawn provided lovely home-baked cakes and lunches. Thoroughly recommend this course. It was very relaxing and therapeutic, all down to Dawn's hospitality and social nature. Can't thank her enough!"

Jigsaw Mosaics responded:

"Thank you for your amazing review, it was great to meet you all xx"

June Svenson reviewed: Mosaic class

"Lovely mosaic class with Dawn last week, she is so friendly and helpful. As a first-timer I was worried about how I would manage but Dawn was great at advising me on my design and choice of colours. There was a very wide choice of materials and designs and we were all spoilt for choice and enjoyed rummaging around the different colours and pieces to use (tiles, buttons, beads etc.). Dawn provided a wonderful home-made quiche for lunch with salad and dressings, as well as a fantastic home-baked carrot cake and lots of tea and coffee as needed. I had such a lovely day and can thoroughly recommend Dawn's classes."

Jigsaw Mosaics responded:

"You are very welcome, thank you for your brilliant review xx"

Mark Steven reviewed: Make a chef's knife

"Having now done two course with the team at Anvil Forge, I can highly recommend them. Wonderful guys working in a great environment. The courses are paced well and interesting, this is a working forge and it is the real deal. What John, Spencer and the team produce on a daily basis is outstanding, and under their guidance you will produce a fantastic piece of work. I have managed to produce a herb cutter and a chef's knife and both have become firm favourites in the house. The easiest way to compliment them is to say I will be back to create any great blade. Thanks for a few great days. Mark Steven"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Mark Really pleased that you had such a great time and looking forward to seeing you again in t6he near future on one of the other courses. The course list is growing and will have some new interesting classes coming up soon. thanks John"

Karen Dearn reviewed: Wet Felting a Picture at Kings Heath Tearooms

"Penny is a wonderful teacher. This was my first wet felting course and I loved every minute of it. The group was made up of 4 pupils who were all more experienced than me but very lovely people. Lunch was great and delicious. I will return for another course, even though I travelled 40 miles to this venue.... A real treat for any crafter... Thanks Penny"

Jennifer reviewed: Rag rug making day in the Cotswolds

"I attended a Rag Rug workshop course run by Jenni Stuart-Anderson 5 - 7 April held at Huntlands Farm, so the course and accommodation were at the same place - excellent. Jenni's teaching and coaching were excellent and has given me the skills to continue with the craft with confidence."

Rhi reviewed: Silver Clay Workshop - Taster & Intermediate - Exeter Jewellery Studio

"I always thought I was really not artistic at all and could not do a metal clay class but Becky and Andrew totally put me at ease and I ended up with a stunning set of jewellery. If I can do it anyone can! I highly recommend Monty’s!"

Sharon Waring reviewed: Lampshade making workshops

"I enjoyed a great few hours last week attending this course in Jane's lovely studio space. Not only did Jane teach all the areas she had previously outlined but she went above and beyond in giving many tips and suggestions in how to improve our lampshade making skills. Jane is a very patient and calm teacher and is clearly very experienced. She has given me the confidence to take my lampshade making to the next level. I only wish I lived closer as I would be booking myself on to all of Jane's courses. Would highly recommend this and any other course that Jane is running."

Hanna Appleyard reviewed: Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"Very good and enjoyable course. Lynne is very organised (everything was laid out before our arrival) and a great teacher. The class was small and tuition was shared equally amongst the participants. Not only did we learn how to make professional looking mounts but also how to professionally position and secure artworks within the mounts for long term protection. There was discussion on choice of materials, mounting styles and we received a comprehensive set of notes to take away. Most importantly, I now feel confident to make my own professional looking mounts."

Sophie McIntyre reviewed: Professional soapmaker business course

"Excellent course from a passionate, knowledgeable, experienced tutor! I had a great day with Claire learning everything I needed to know to start my soap making business with knowledge, confidence and support. She is very honest, friendly, approachable and thorough and explains everything in a way that is easy to understand. She will go over anything that doesn't make sense until you are happy that it does. I really enjoyed the whole course, there is a good balance of theory and practical work and for me the best thing is that I left at the end of the day with a clear idea of how to get going with the paperwork and process involved in starting up a soap making business. Great value for money, highly recommended. Thanks Claire!"

Dorothe Jansen reviewed: Shave horse making at Orchard Barn, Suffolk

"This course teaches you to create your own shaving horse. In three days you collect a wide and varied amount of knowledge to work with green wood and all kinds of tools. This is also a special historical site where traditional building techniques are used to restore and rebuild. The site is run to have a low impact on the environment and has all kinds of interesting add-ons like the vegetable garden and the orchard. It is really enjoyable to work in this environment and the course leader was extremely knowledgeable and supportive."

Kate Westcott reviewed: Linocut printmaking at Bull Mill Arts Wiltshire

"Olivia is a very inspiring teacher and it was wonderful to be able to engross myself in this workshop, supported by her wide and in-depth knowledge, which she very generously shared with all of us."

Sian Roberts reviewed: Basket weaving for beginners - make a round basket

"Me, my gran and sister attended this course with Emma last weekend and we just had the most amazing time. The farm is a completely relaxed environment where you feel at one with nature and the animals, from Willow the Springer, Tibbles the cat and the 14 alpacas that we got to meet too. Emma is such a patient lady, helping and teaching us every part of the way through our basket making, I couldn’t believe what I’d made by the end of the day. The workshop is hands on so you really get to do it all, from start to finish. Equally Emma will help you with anything you need her to - her small classes allow very personal tuition. All three of us spent quality time together in a brilliant setting and we enjoyed Emma’s company and learning a new skill so much. I’d go back to do another course with Emma (and to see Willow again!) in a heartbeat!"

Bird Farm Alpacas responded:

"Thank you Sian it really was a pleasure to have you all here and show you around the farm too. Hope to see you all again soon =) xx"

Carrie Simms reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"On Saturday we attended Sophie’s course feeling slightly apprehensive as we didn’t really know much about felting and had chosen it as something new to try. Sophie immediately put us at ease and welcomed us to the class. She is a friendly and very approachable tutor. As well as class demonstrations she spent individual time with each of us. She was encouraging and helpful. I was very pleased with my first attempt at felting and felt that I had learnt loads. I will be having a second attempt at home. We have a sheet explaining what we need to buy to continue and the offer of continued help. It was a fabulous way to celebrate my daughter's birthday, in a beautiful setting with lovely people . I would highly recommend Sophie’s class."

fiona reviewed: Silk painting workshops

"I took my mother along as a Mother's Day present. It was a wonderful day and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Bridget's teaching encouraged us to be adventurous and we were pleasantly surprised by our efforts. The lunch of homemade soup, bread and cake was delicious.I'd definitely like to return."

Bridget Arnold responded:

"Hi Fiona Thank you for the review , I hope you have both been wearing your scarves and I hope to see you again sometime soon."

Leah reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"We attended Lucy’s studio to make our wedding rings. What an absolutely fantastic set up, very professional, well equipped and set in beautiful surroundings. We felt very at ease and in capable hands. Lucy guided us throughout the day to produce a design we had chosen. We are delighted we managed to produce our unique rings for our happy ever after. Thank you Lucy."

Julia Thompson reviewed: Glass painting taster day

"Derek's glass painting course was a fantastic experience for the senses, I would wholeheartedly recommend it. Derek’s studio is full of inspiration and he shares his vast knowledge on the ancient techniques of glass painting with enthusiasm and patience. Thank you so much for a hugely fun and informative day :)"

Derek Hunt Artist responded:

"Hi Julia, So pleased you enjoyed the experience, you were great company and helped to make the day fun. Really liked your experimentation with the medium and hope to see you again on future courses. Best wishes, Derek"