Latest reviews

Sam Browne reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"My father Tom Browne was a stained glass artist and extremely familiar with leaded lights - designing them and making them. As a Christmas present our daughter booked the two of us in for a one day session with Jamal. An inspired choice because the day was simply superb, and we both enjoyed every minute of it. Jamal is highly skilled but guided us both well, taking into account our 'newness' to the task. It was a day to remember!"

Kathryn reviewed: Bring Your Own Upholstery Project - 1 day workshop - Week Days

"Along with other reviews I have read, Sarah was an excellent tutor of her craft. I thoroughly enjoyed my upholstery session on Saturday. Training environment is perfect and it was good that the class was small allowing plenty of time to explain. Lunch was another another perk allowing time to get to know others on the course. I would recommend this training to anyone think of this as a career or as a relaxing one off session."

Chris B reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"Excellent and flexible! I was totally happy with all aspects of the course. Dave and his assistant were very good indeed! *Review written at the welding facility on 19/01/19, hard copy kept at premises."

Stephen B reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"Friendly and informative. Perfect for a novice. *Review written at the welding facility on 19/01/19, hard copy kept at premises."

Lewis B reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"A great introduction to welding and the staff were very helpful and friendly. *Review written at the welding facility on 19/01/19, hard copy kept at premises."

Allen K reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"The course was absolutely fantastic! I would say there is nothing to improve on.Thank you very much, Dave. I have learnt a lot and had a great day. *Review written at the welding facility on 19/01/19, hard copy kept at premises."

Rob reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"Wow. What a wonderful day, I am still smiling about the experience two days after the event. Chris is such a great teacher that by morning coffee break I no longer cared if I messed up during the process, I was having such a great time just being there. I shouldn't have worried because despite my cack-handedness, with Chris' expert tutelage I produced a beautiful bowl that I can be proud of forever. I cannot recommend this enough. Chris' approach is spot-on - gentle, encouraging and of course knowledgeable. The task is challenging but achievable so the satisfaction of making something both useful and attractive is immense. Thank you Chris"

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

"What a brilliant day from start to finish. Jake's teaching style was very informative and yet relaxed, putting me at ease straight away. Looking around the forge at some of the pieces Jake has produced, I thought there was no hope for a complete novice like me, but by the end of the day I had managed to make a poker, amongst other things, that I was truly proud of. I've spent the last week saying to anybody and everybody I've met "Let me show you my poker". Jake is really easy to get along with, conversation just flowed all day, and he never tired of answering my numerous questions. Really keen to have another day's blacksmithing. I cannot recommend Jake highly enough, he deserves to go far. Many many thanks."

Gilly reviewed: Sandcast glass with wire inclusions

"This course is simply great! It may seem a little pricey at first glance, but it does include food for two days (which is all delicious) and you come away with not one, but three, pieces (unless they crack). There is a limit on the size of the class and it also includes the assistance of the local glass-blowing expert and his kilns. Jenny is an extremely gifted, calm and patient teacher and I echo the sentiment of another reviewer that she is generous and open to share her experience and knowledge. You can't fail to learn and the outcome is amazing. One of our group was returning for the second time and I am tempted to do Christmas scenes later in the year! I am going to look up her etching course anyway. Despite being able to do the process now (with all the help!) she does wonderful commissions too. Good luck Jenny, you're a star :)"

Jenny Ayrton responded:

"Thank you Gilly! All intact so far!"

Mrs Lott reviewed: Introduction to Soft Pastels 10-week face-to-face art course in Kidderminster West Midlands

"First lesson today! So excited! Started Fundamental Art Skills Course with Raya.......who knew there was so much to know about art equipment!? Who knew you could make so many different marks with a pencil showing movement, anger, passion, sensitivity, form, tone, etc? I will never call a pencil “just a pencil” again! This is the information everyone should be taught when beginning an art course .....so why have I never been shown? My favourite part of the lesson was releasing my “inner child” to enjoy and be free on paper! Bring on lesson TWO, but in the meantime for just a few minutes every day I will make lines……...?"

Rob reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"An enjoyable day with other like-minded types spent creating a small willow sculpture under the expert guidance of Kate at her workshop/home. From thinking I'd never be able to create anything at the start of the day, at the end I had a pheasant which actually looked like a pheasant!....It was a lovely space to work in, and we all enjoyed the lunch provided. All in all an informative and fun day, as well as producing a unique piece of craft to take home and display."

Rob reviewed: Creative metalwork and welding, scrap metal sculpture.

"As a total beginner this workshop proved to be just what I was looking for, providing a safe introduction to the type of tools and techniques available to use in creating metal sculptures. There was plenty of equipment and scrap metal raw materials to choose from, and advice, instruction and creative suggestions were provided when needed to help everyone achieve their chosen metal project. A very enjoyable and productive couple of days...."

Julie Anderson reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"This was great present from my son, giving me time out and a bespoke scented candle at the end of the morning. Kerry oozes with enthusiasm and knowledge in the course of the morning and we discover there is much more to making candles and specifically perfumed ones than you might imagine. Nurtured by all the lovely scents and delicious crumble it was a great way to start the day."

chris reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Enjoyable weekend , good company ,interesting oppurtunity to learn new skills in a relaxed atmosphere , Thanks to Mark , i went home with a good loking box."

susan clegg reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Beginners glass fusing workshops in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"Attended this workshop yesterday....never done glass fusing before. Had a fabulous time and made some great things. Melanie is the most lovely teacher and very talented.... she was so helpful throughout the whole of the full day workshop to everyone on the course. If your wondering or considering going on this course.. dont ... just book...you won't be disappointed.. great VFM too... you get to make loads of stuff ?"

Laurence reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I attended a 1 day course in Blacksmithing with Nigel as a Christmas gift only a couple of weeks ago. The day is full on forging right from the start making it great value. Nigel is a good teacher and you can work at your own pace and skill level. The forge is an Aladdins cave of presses and machinery used in the day to day running of the forge. Nigel has plenty of anecdotes to share with you as the day goes on too. It was not too cold on the day I went but the advice in the joining instructions to wear warm socks and footwear is a good tip. Hopefully be back for another session (with my other half she said) soon."

Mary reviewed: Needle Felting Workshop Owl Brooch

"Everything about the gnome workshop was wonderful, from feeling welcome on arrival. Our little group were friendly and cheerful. Milly was very sensitive to anyone needing a little help or encouragement. Lots of materials to choose from. Flowing coffee! This was my first craft course, and it was the best one I could have chosen, to give me confidence to do more. The two little gnomes I made are my pride and joy!! Thank you, Milly."

Mary Hollinshed reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"Such a brilliant course! Excellent teaching, well-structured and guaranteed to equip you with a good set of core skills and make you feel confident about undertaking projects of your own. Ciarán is so patient and has a wealth of knowledge and expertise, and clearly loves to share them. My fellow participants were also great - we bonded quickly and were soon cheering each other on as we progressed. Some of us (me) were slower than others, but that didn’t seem to be a problem, and I never felt as though I was falling behind - just going at my own pace. All that, and I now have a lovely table! I’m already planning my next course...."

julia lynn reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"just spent the most lovely day at Kates Willow Weaving day with my three Arty chums . We between us made Darwin the Duck, Hettie the Heron, Tilly the Tortoise and Ruby the Rabbit . Fabulous fun with a very skilfull and patient teacher. Kate managed with the four of us choosing to make a different sculpture each and guided and helped us all with a smile. Very friendly and welcoming, lovely lunch and many cups of tea ....just a perfect day out Thank you"

Helen Cooklin reviewed: Felt Pictures-Painting with fibres - intro to 2D wet felting/felt making

"I thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon with Heather learning how to make a 2-D felt picture. She is incredibly patient and made me feel very welcome in her home. The small group size meant we got a lot of individual attention and help. The course was well organised and the wools were beautiful to work with. I produced a piece that I am planning to frame and hang in my house."

Ann Richardson reviewed: Making a mosaic with slate

"This was my first time having a go at Mosaics, after wanting to try this craft for quite a while!! And I wasn’t disappointed!! Rachel was very knowledgable, patient and encouraging- I really enjoyed my morning, a real step out of routine for me & I am delighted with my own piece of mosaic which is happily hanging on my wall!! Thank you Rachel!!"

Natalie Cunningham reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"We’ve just got back from spending the most amazing day with Ian in his beautiful barn crafting our 2 Oak/Elm stools. As soon as we drove up to the farm, Ian was there welcoming us with a big smile and a wave and put us at ease straight away. We were complete novices and we still can’t quite believe we’ve managed to make real pieces of furniture, and that they actually look really really good! Huge thank you to Ian. It was brilliant to spent the day with you and Becky - we’ve caught the carpentry bug!"

Jo Hipgrave reviewed: Beginners candle making private workshop - Marlow, Buckinghamshire

"I was looking for something special to do for my mum's 70th Birthday, this course was absolutely perfect. 9 of us attended with a mix of ages from 8 to 70 we all loved it. Sarah makes the whole experience fun and we were delighted with all the candles we took home. Sarah is efficient and cant do enough to make your experience perfect, she's got me hooked. Thanks Sarah"

Candle by Events responded:

"Thank you Jo, it was a pleasure having you all"

Suzie Balazs reviewed: Felt Pictures-Painting with fibres - intro to 2D wet felting/felt making

"An excellent session on felt making. Heather is very well organised and had everything that was required at hand. She was very patient, calm and friendly. I managed to complete a piece of work that I am most happy with. I have also learnt a lot about the art of felt making. The delicious cakes were also a bonus! I highly recommend Heathers course as an introduction to felt making!"

Kelly reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"I had an absolutely brilliant day with Theresa, she's very knowledegable, let's you go at your own pace and was just a great teacher. Just be warned, you might come away wanting not only your own spinning wheel, but also your own flock of rarebread sheep!"

The Spinning Barn responded:

"Thank you so much Kelly for your lovely review. I had a fab day too and was so delighted to see how quickly you progressed to produce a gorgeous skein of yarn. I can't wait to hear about your progress and your sheep!!"