Latest reviews

sharron thompson reviewed: Using a Sewing Machine for Beginners

"I was very apprehensive as I had not used a sewing machine since my teens and my confidence is non existent re technology. I needn't have worried, Donna was very supportive, understanding and patient with me. A wonderful selection of fabrics were provided along with comfortable surroundings in which to relax and learn. Not only did I succeed in creating some wonderful items I gained the confidence to start a sewing project at home which has lain dormant for some time. thank you Donna."

Anita reviewed: Knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"Had a two hour knitting lesson with Ann on Friday. In the short time she managed to get me knitting. A friend tried to teach me in the past without success, but Ann was patient and explained things clearly. The tea room where we met was a lovely environment to relax and learn, with the bonus of supplying great cake."

Leeds Central Faith and Light responded:

"Thank you Anita for your kind review. It was a pleasure to be able to teach you to knit. Hope you manage to make your cowl and I hope to see you at Just Grand Crafters sometime. Kind regards Ann"

Debbie Bennett reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"A great experience, a real break from the stresses of my day to day work. Ian’s workshop and approach to his craft is a real pleasure to be part of, his knowledge and passion make the day fly by, so much so that it’s not until the stool is made that you realise just how much your muscles ache! This would be a great team building experience, with the opportunity for developing both team work and a little healthy competition too!! Like many before , my stool has pride of place in our home, next stop garden bench !! Thank you Ian for a great day ?"

Katherine Phipps reviewed: Beginners silver clay jewellery class with Anna Campbell

"Very well presented course with all materials that are needed provided as part of it. We all made several items, Anna was extremely helpful and explained everything very clearly. Notes were made available to us afterwards to save us writing things down, and all questions were answered clearly. The location is fabulous, a really beautiful setting that was relaxing and comfortable all day. The refreshments were extremely good, lunch was fabulous and way more than I had expected being included in the price. Strongly recommend, and will be looking for other courses by the Arienas Collective myself!"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Katherine. We're so glad you enjoyed your day - the jewellery you created was fantastic! We look forward to welcoming you back to The Arienas Collective soon - perhaps on one of Anna's intermediate courses now you've mastered the basics so well! Best wishes, Lynn :-)"

Sarah reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"I had a super afternoon in Charlie’s garden flamingo studio. She is very helpful and showed me how to make my own candle. She explained about the different essential oils. I was welcomed with a drink and cake afterwards. I would recommend this workshop."

Lindsey Lloyd-Owen reviewed: Circular sock knitting machine 'Sock School'

"Fabulous day learning to use these great machines and knitting your very own socks. No pair will ever be as good as my own hand made pair! With no skill in craftwork I worried a little about the day - but my fears were unfounded- Anne and her team were wonderful, supportive and encouraging. A lovely lunch with plenty of tea breaks kept us all going. Highly recommend this course if you want to learn in an enjoyable atmosphere supported by skilled expertise."

Sian Mcdermott reviewed: Necklaces, handmade beads, ancient fresco-style, papiermache recipe

"A really fun day and managed to make two necklaces to take home. Not only that, I feel I have the knowledge to make some more at home. Eleanor is a great teacher and hostess- delicious lunch."

Mandy Ransome reviewed: Mosaic Workshop for Beginners, Broadstairs

"I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this course. It was a real tonic. It was exactly what I needed as the last few weeks in my life had been so difficult and I just needed some "me time". I was lost in the making of the mosaics that I forgot my troubles. I felt so refreshed afterwards. Thank you Lynda for giving me such an uplifting experience. Your enthusiasm was contagious."

Creating Mosaics responded:

"Thank you for a great review Mandy. I am so pleased that you enjoyed your day and found it a "real tonic" I know that you left that day so happy and eager to make more mosaics, so I hope you continue to have some more "me time." Best wishes. x"

May Philpott reviewed: Bees for Development Sustainable Beekeeping Weekend Courses 2024

"This course really enhances your knowledge and gives you a broader perspective on WHY natural beeping should be a consideration for beekeepers. The presentations were well thought through and the presenters used data from sources that are reliable. On reflection had I attended this course before becoming a beekeeper many mistakes could have been avoided. Upon returning from the course I completely changed my approach to what I was doing and this gives me confidence in taking a natural and sustainable approach to beekeeping in the future."

Stella Dower reviewed: Knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"Ann is a very patient teacher. I spent two hours being taught how to crochet. The time went by so quickly. I wanted to learn a new skill which I achieved. The setting was lovely in the Vintage tea rooms in the Grand Arcade. I enjoyed a tasty slice of lemon and blueberry cake. Thank you Ann for a wonderful time, once I’ve mastered the basics I’ll book for another workshop."

Leeds Central Faith and Light responded:

"Thank you, Stella, for taking the time to write your kind review. It was a pleasure teaching you and I'm glad you found the session worthwhile and feel you have gone some way to mastering your new found skill. Kind regards, Ann"

Hannah Wells reviewed: Natural skincare workshops at Touch of Beauty (full day)

"Had a great time at the full day workshop I learnt so much. Was a great mixture of information and practical and was in a beautiful surroundings. Sue was so lovely and so informative but made you feel relaxed and ease! Love the little goodie bag of products you make and take away! Would definitely recommend."

Touch of Beauty responded:

"Thank you Hannah for your comments. I`m really pleased you enjoyed your day. It`s great to share not only all the lovely ingredients with you but also the peaceful surroundings. Enjoy all the goodies you made during your workshop."

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

"This was a very interesting and informative course, i booked this as a surprise for my Wife as she loves fused glass jewellery, but i think i enjoyed the day more than she did! Melanie is a great teacher, she took the time to make sure everyone understood the steps to move forward, and gave us creative freedom in our pieces. course pace and structure was excellent, we never felt rushed and each person on the course went through the multiple stages to create our own masterpieces! as an extra the lunch provided was delicious. we are already looking forward to booking the next course. highly recommended."

Daniel Eatock reviewed: Pole Lathe Bowl Turning - Your First Bowl

"I loved it I love my bowl Its still drying in my basement The first thing I will eat from it will be porridge It is a gift to myself for life – the bowl, and the experience The lathes are a joy to experience Adrian was a master at teaching, sharing, and passing his knowledge along The setting in London Green Wood was enchanting The weather was wetter than the wood Thank you to the Adrian and the group!"

Sara hill reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"My husband and I have just spent a fantastic day making a stool each with Ian. It was a birthday present which I didn't realise I even wanted to try. Can't thank ian enough, I really enjoyed the experience and found it very enjoyable and a complete break from everyday life. What an absolute treat. Thank you"

Pat Macfarlane reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"I was a complete novice before starting this course, however I was delighted with the two days I spent with Elaine. Elaine is an excellent teacher and has an abundance of patience especially when unraveling my first attempts. Having a small class is definitely an advantage and the other two ladies in the group were great company. For anyone contemplating enrolling in the course, do it! You will not be disappointed, I came away at the end of the second day feeling triumphant having achieved the end result albeit a rather rustic skein of wool. Elaine is a wealth of knowledge for all things about fleece and fibres, I am definitely going to develop this hobbie."

Bee Peak reviewed: Pole Lathe Bowl Turning - Your First Bowl

"This was an excellent day, splendidly run. The whole experience was very relaxed and I only realized at the end of the day when I produced my first time bowl how skillfully Ade had kept us all to keep up to speed with the various stages.He offered input and practical help at just the right time making everyone feel very valued.All done with a sense of humour and I would thoroughly recommend him as a teacher.What an excellent day I had.Thanks, Ade."

Drew Baumohl reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"Had a fantastic day! Tuition from Graham and his son was excellent. From forging to finishing you get to be fully hands on the whole way through the process. At each stage of the process Graham demonstrates to everyone and then you get to do it yourself. They’re there to guide you if need it or if they feel your doing something not quite right, but you are ultimately responsible for creating your own knife, so there’s a massive sense of pride in your creation. Would highly recommend! Thank you!"

Drew Baumohl reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Had a fantastic day! Tuition from Graham and his son was excellent. From forging to finishing you get to be fully hands on the whole way through the process. At each stage of the process Graham demonstrates to everyone and then you get to do it yourself. They’re there to guide you if need it or if they feel your doing something not quite right, but you are ultimately responsible for creating your own knife, so there’s a massive sense of pride in your creation. Would highly recommend! Thank you!"

Michelle reviewed: Mosaic Bird Bath Workshop

"I really enjoyed the course. There were 5 of us and the range of ceramic and glass was extensive so everyone could find the colours and styles that reflected them. Sarah is a natural and the tuition was clear and friendly, but our own preferences and choices was encouraged so nobody ended up with the same as anyone else and it felt genuinely creative. I am so pleased with what I have made. The slate background with the mosaic feels substantial and artisan in quality. I travelled a distance for this course and it was worth the effort and worth every penny. The café was lovely for lunch and cake and it was reassuring to find a large carpark and nice toilets on site. I am booking to make another as soon as I can as Sarah had a wonderful seagull that would look great in our bathroom!"

Clare Davie reviewed: Introduction to Off-Loom Weaving Workshop, Crawley, Hampshire

"Ellie provided an excellent introduction to frame loom weaving for beginners. A super selection of natural materials was available for the class to use, and help and encouragement was given when needed. There was an option to buy equipment at the end for those who wanted to continue with their piece of work. Three hours went very quickly (as did the delicious lemon cake!) Thank you for an enjoyable morning Ellie, I would recommend this for beginners to weaving."

Elka responded:

"Hi Clare, Thank you so much for the review. It was great to meet you and i'm very glad you enjoyed the workshop. Best wishes, Ellie"

Alice reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners with Green Fox Wild Crafts

"I booked this one day course for myself and my partner at Longshaw Estate in October 2018 as it is something he always wanted to do (me - not so much!). Nadine was great as a teacher, she was so open and welcoming and made us all feel completely at ease right away. She was thoroughly knowledgeable on everything you could need to know as a beginner, and explained things clearly. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day for all of us and I am very proud of my spoon!"

Elizabeth Lamb reviewed: Pottery Tuition ~ Learn how to Throw on the Potter's Wheel, Slab-build and Coil in 1 Full Day's Attentive Teaching

"I absolutely loved my time learning from Sonya! I made three pots, and a mug over my sessions with her... and I particularly enjoyed and benefitted from the 1:1 help to find throwing techniques that suited my hands (rather than just learning a one-size-fits-all-method which I'd found hard before meeting her). Her style of teaching gave me new confidence and enjoyment in working with clay and I'd highly recommend Sonya as a teacher for anyone interested in learning more about the joy of clay!"

Sonya Ceramic Art responded:

"Elizabeth, thank you for your review...it has been a pleasure teaching you and helping you perfect your throwing style. It can be difficult to gain a personal style when taught in a group setting so I'm pleased my 1:1 approach has helped enrich your experience with clay and helped you gain in confidence. Your work has certainly reflected this! Keep up the good work and I hope to see you again soon. Best Wishes, Sonya."

Stuart reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"As a novice wood turner I decided to attend a course with Mark to get a feel for wood turning and learn from an experienced turner. Mark was great throughout the day, very informative and he provided great notes for future reference. The day was long, but we covered a lot of techniques and what to watch for when buying turning tools and equipment. Mark's workshop is large enough for probably 4 people at once, but I would recommend a 1-2-1 course to get the most out of the day. On the whole this course was well worth it. I don't think I could have chosen a better suited tutor or course."

Damon Courtier reviewed: Basic throwing with Jon French

"A real good fun, hands on, clay throwing course with Jon French. I enjoyed the whole experience from the friendly staff, who provided the tool kits to the turning down of the more successful throws, of which there were more than I thought would be possible. Very reasonable price for the amount we accomplished. Jon was very helpful and has so much knowledge to pass on to willing students. I have already encouraged friends to have a go and will be going on future courses too. The lunch provided was also a tasty treat."

Potclays Ltd. responded:

"Thank you for your comments Damon! We're very glad to hear you enjoyed Jon's course and we will pass on your feedback. We look forward to seeing you at Potclays again soon."

Jill reviewed: Free Motion Embroidery Landscapes in Buntingford, Hertfordshire

"I am not yet very confident with machine embroidery but Sue was so reassuring and encouraging that I was soon getting the hang of things. I had a great day experimenting with paint, colour, different fabrics and stitching techniques and went away with lots of ideas to work on. We were well-supplied with drinks and homemade cake and made to feel very comfortable in Sue's inspiring workshop. After the course, Sue sent us an email with a list of suppliers for the materials which we were using from her plentiful stocks; nothing seemed to be too much trouble."

Sue Nicholls Designs responded:

"Thanks Jill for the lovely review."