Latest reviews

Amanda reviewed: Glass fusing with artist Patricia Lee - as seen on BBC1 Home Is Where The Art Is

"Really enjoyed the course, very relaxed, friendly and informal. Beautiful food at lunch time. I came away with enough knowledge to do it all again on my own. Great course, thank you Patricia"

Claire Wilcox reviewed: Beginner’s Soapmaking Workshop in Salisbury

"I Really enjoyed this course. It was well organised and Catherine is so knowledgeable about soap making, an inspiring lady! There was a good balance of demo's and practical and I now have 10 bars of soap curing nicely at home that I can't wait to use. The value for money is excellent and the location is idyllic."

VCA reviewed: Lampshade Making Workshop with Clare Cosens

"I had a lovely time on the course, Clare is very friendly and encouraging, and the course is run at a manageable pace in a well lit room. A small class size helps, and it was a relaxing morning. I was very proud of my lampshade. Oh and Clare serves delicious tea and biscuits!"

Phil reviewed: Pyrography Delites

"This course is ideal for anyone interested in this craft. It is aimed at beginners with no knowledge. Jane was so helpful, friendly and inspiring and we came away with some lovely items. Everything is supplied except your own imagination. Jane explained everything so well and within minutes we were making individual pieces - tea coasters and a lovely wooden spoon which was topped off with ribbon. The course is excellent (like me) who had always wanted to try this but never wanted to waste money on supplies and equipment not knowing whether I would enjoy it? Though only 2 hours it is enough time to complete all the projects Jane had laid out. Very inspiring. The coffee and cakes were wonderful too!!"

Kate Malone reviewed: Weekly classes at The Clay Studio

"My big treat of the week is my weekly afternoon class at The Clay Studio. After almost a term I have learned a massive amount already - and am undertaking a very large coil pot as my first big project already. I have made slab pots, thumb pots, slipped and glazed. The knowledge, gentle nudging and humour of the teaching team is fabulous. I have just booked onto one of their specific throwing weekend workshops too and am very excited about trying another new technique. I feel I am in expert hands and am loving every minute!"

Fiona Wynde reviewed: Beginners 2 sterling silver stacking rings jewellery course

"This was such an enjoyable course. The time flew by! Sarah is a fabulous teacher - patient, endlessly enthusiastic and obviously really enjoys teaching and meeting people. Her cosy studio creates a relaxed atmosphere to learn in. Having never worked with silver before, I learned a lot and felt supported through the whole process. I’m very proud of the results!"

Juliet Batten reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"Well, what can I say about this very patient and highly informative person; Jamal was a fantastic teacher and his knowledge is incredible. I had never cut a piece of glass or held a soldering iron in my hand previously, but his gentle guidance through the process was just what I needed to create my first piece of art. I would thoroughly recommend anyone to attend , I feel confident to carry on and create my own work positively. The other participant was great and the studio was relaxing to work in and didn't feel intimidated in the slightest. What a wonderful day, one I will remember for a long time with pride. Well done Jamal, I will definitely attend the glass painting course."

Pam Jones reviewed: Lampshade Making Workshop with Clare Cosens

"Did the lampshade making course with a friend and had such a lovely few hours. Clare was so nice, great teacher providing us with clear instructions and helpful tips. Can totally recommend for someone looking to escape a few hours! Location very handy being close to Cheshire Oaks ?"

Joanne reviewed: Glass fusing with artist Patricia Lee - as seen on BBC1 Home Is Where The Art Is

"My son was completing his BTEC art and design course at college but was frustrated by the lack of practical experience offered and this was affecting his confidence in his choice of future career so I booked us both places on one of Patricia's glass fusing sessions. I can honestly say it was the best decision I could have made. Patricia was so lovely and allowed my son to experiment with different techniques. By the end of the day he had regained his confidence and his passion for art ... And I had a great time too!"

Wen Gregson reviewed: Traditional Saddle Stitching with Armitage Leather

"I took a One-Day Basic Wallet Making Course with Nigel after reading all the outstanding reviews and recommendations from this site, and I can honestly say that every single review is absolutely true. Nigel is a true master with years of practical and theoretical experience whilst possesses the rare ability to communicate his knowledge in easily understandable terms. He is enthusiastic and methodical in his approach, patient in his instructions, and instantly put me at ease the moment I stepped into his workshop. I am a complete beginner but at the end of my course I have gained a thorough knowledge of fundamental leatherwork skills, and crucially I know I have learnt from Nigel the absolute correct techniques and methods which is going to set me in good stead. I have now in my hand a card wallet which I made completely from scratch, and I am going to continue to practise my new skills by making more items with confidence. I cannot recommend Nigel highly enough, and I will definitely be back for more courses."

Laura Cave reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Thoroughly enjoyed the 2day box making course with Mark and Jay. They were very patient and laid back, always happy to answer any questions. I was astonished how well my box turned out and now have the confidence to do more. Thanks guys!"

nigel mallinson reviewed: Pole Lathe Bowl Turning - Your First Bowl

"What a revelation! Having done 'electric' lathe wood turning before I found Ade's course inspirational, the feel and control you can achieve between your own foot power and the tool on the green timber is great. Ade's wonderful tuition and humour throughout together with the 'soupberb' lunch all made for a excellent day."

Wendy Gregory reviewed: Make you own fan bird

"In 6 hours managed to make a wooden serving spoon from a hewn block of wood initially using an axe then various knives. Steve explained and demonstrated each stage of the process and helped each of us as required. It was challenging but a really great day. The whole day was very well organised and I would recommend it to anyone who likes working with wood and want to be able to create something interesting and useful."

Evelyn reviewed: Introduction to English Willow Basket Making- Weekend Course

"My day of basket making was fantastic! Jonathan was a really brilliant teacher and gave everyone individual guidance. The pace was perfect and I really enjoyed learning a brand new skill. I’m proud of my handmade willow basket! I really recommend this course. Thank you very much.?"

Kryss Macleod reviewed: Upholster a chair seat or drop in top for a stool

"Really enjoyed this class. Anne is an excellent teacher, and we had an absolutely delightful day. Nothing phased Anne, even my very ambitious choice of chair!! She was very patient and helpful throughout. Brilliant company and a wonderful lunch. Highly recommended this if you would like to learn to upholster, or have a piece of furniture you want to give new life to, or also just a really lovely and productive way to spend a day. I would definitely book again."

The Little Vintage House responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review, it was great to meet you on Saturday and a most enjoyable afternoon. You did extremely well on a difficult project, and to get it to the standard you achieved in such a short time was a credit to you. I hope you have many more hours fun upholstering chairs. Best wishes, Anne"

Barry Pettitt reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"My daughters bought me this as a Xmas present - as I am least creative person and I think they thought I'd make a fool of myself!! I did worry that I might be useless (wasn't good at woodwork 40 years ago!) but Stephen shows how to do it all and I was delighted with my end result - it looked like a spoon!! It was a great way to spend a few hours and it was a great gift even for someone not good at "handicrafts""

Nancy Archer reviewed: Painting with beeswax & dyes - Batik Pictures

"Had a great day under the supportive and knowledgable guidance of Barbara, I can’t believe that I was able to produce such a piece on my first Batik course...I’m going to get it framed. Everything required provided in the course fee + Lunch, cake and drinks all through the day. Would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to explore Batik in a friendly and supportive atmosphere."

Alison Gordon reviewed: Beginners 1 Day Traditional Stained Glass Course

"A really fun day, thank you! We all learned so many new skills and thanks for all your help and patience!! Best wishes Alison, Abi, Jane & Marie-Claire"

Shirley Hill reviewed: Beginners 1 Day Traditional Stained Glass Course

"Absolutely fabulous day, wonderful teacher! Delicious food for lunch and a very special day!! Thank you xx"

Rupert Clement reviewed: Beginners 1 Day Traditional Stained Glass Course

"Amazing day! Gill is so encouraging and I am thrilled with my piece! Thank you Gill"

Sara reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"What a find! I’ve been looking for a workshop like this for a while. Dawn was a fabulous host; welcoming and friendly even though I turned up early! She was a super guide with all things machine embroidery and all six of the women who attended left with their own masterpieces. There’s a great sense of achievement when you walk away having, not only enjoyed the workshop but also having pieces of art you created to show to friends. I would highly recommend this workshop not only for Dawn’s expertises but also the delicious cake and beautiful white cat. I’m sure I’ll book again!"

Rosie Seville reviewed: Beginners 2 Day Traditional Stained Glass Course

"Fantastic course and a lovely environment to work in, Gill is such a very friendly and informative teacher! I am now hoping to set up a workshop of my own!! Thanks Gill x"

Tamsin Richards reviewed: Beginners 2 Day Traditional Stained Glass Course

"Thank you for a brilliant course, such a fantastic experience and I have leant so much! Would love to come back!! Best wishes Tamsin x"

Helen reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"What a super day. My husband bought this as a treat for me and my sister in law and we had the best time ever. Jake gave great demonstrations and explained everything really clearly. We got to make a poker and letter opener and they look brilliant, especially the poker in which you try different techniques to get the details and finish. Lunch was at a cute little cafe and gave the boost for the afternoon. Jake is a true artist, incredibley talented and a great teacher. I have a new appreciation for the hard work and creativity involved in being a blacksmith. I can’t reccommend highly enough."

Keith Seagrim reviewed: Beginner's Traditional Stained Glass 2 Day Course

"Thanks so much Gill, I really enjoyed the course a lot. I have learnt so much about stained glass, it's my new hobby!!"