Latest reviews

Matt Hawkins reviewed: "West Coast Chair" making course - Scottish Highlands

"I did the first chair making course Aaron put on. It was a really great few days. The location is lovely, set in the beech woods and working in a small group is really nice as the students all encouraged each other. Aaron has great teaching style, very laid back, calm and patient. It was so relaxing and satisfying and I learnt so much. I never felt hurried or stressed. All five students made a very professional chair to take home, this speaks volumes In itself. My chair is the best thing I have ever made from wood, and I love it."

Sue Spriggs reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"I had a very enjoyable time on Saturday. The workshop was just what I needed, I came away feeling inspired and much more confident with free machine embroidery. Dawn was able to tailor her help to the abilities of each person. She was encouraging and very helpful when problems arose. She had all the materials we could possibly need, even sewing machines for those who weren't able to bring one. She made us feel very much at ease and provided yummy biscuits and cake to help us along. Thank you very much for a lovely day."

Michael reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had such an enjoyable day, Alex is a knowledgeable, friendly and patient tutor. I highly recommend this course."

Charlotte reviewed: Beginners sewing classes on one to one basis

"I made a bag organiser and 8 couldn't believe how great it turned out Bridget was really helpful and kind, can't wait to learn more"

John Cater reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"The one day course was fantastic and Alex is an excellent teacher, I thoroughly enjoyed my day and learnt many techniques. I am very pleased with my ram’s head poker my friends and family were very impressed. Alex was very welcoming and I would definitely recommend it, it is a very interesting and rewarding course and exceeded my expectations."

John Knights reviewed: Woodcarving for beginners - two day course in Suffolk

"I have just spent a very enjoyable 2 days in the company of Gerry and the other course members. Everything was top notch, Gerry's instructions , the workshop and tools, the tea-break and lunch facilities and the fellow students were fun and good to learn with. I would highly recommend the course."

Zita & Tarik reviewed: Make your own wedding rings - Bristol

"We did the "make your own wedding rings" course with Lucy and had the most wonderful day! It was so much fun and will be a memory that we will always cherish dearly. Lucy was super patient and an excellent teacher - our rings came out amazing even though we had zero experience making jewelry. She was also super accommodating to our tight schedule. We definitely recommend her - thank you Lucy!"

James and Paula reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"We attended a one day course this weekend gone and were blown away by the experience. Nigel was incredibly welcoming from the onset and put us straight at ease, giving us a tour of the land and making us refreshments. The setting backs on to vast woodland, and felt like a pure escape from modern living and the stresses and strains of everyday life. We were provided with a lovely casserole lunch, with potatoes from Nigel’s garden, a real treat we weren’t expecting. Nigel’s gentle nature, coupled with his vast artistic creativity and experience, provides the perfect environment within this setting to learn the art of woodcraft, even as a complete beginner such as ourselves. We too thoroughly enjoyed the experience of carving, and with Nigel’s guidance, were able to produce a completed unique piece each, which far exceeded our expectations of the course, which we were able to take home to treasure forever. We would highly recommend this course to a range of ages and abilities who are interested in learning this craft."

Zoe reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"After receiving vouchers for Christmas myself and a good friend decided to give this a try. We had a super day, learning some new skills and creating something unique we were happy to take home. Jonathan was a friendly and patient teacher and the setting was cosy and very lovely."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Well done with your jewellery making and thank you for your kind words. You are always welcome back! Jonathan"

Janet Fearn reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Felted Pictures Workshop in Cragg Vale, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"Learning to felt has been on my to do list for a long time and I couldn't have picked a better course. Melanie is a natural teacher and structured the day perfectly. The teaching process flowed seamlessly, stimulating our own creativity and we all produced a beautiful piece of work. The venue is lovely and the refreshments and lunch were delicious. I would recommend this course to anyone and it would certainly make an alternative group activity for an adult birthday party."

Sue Todd reviewed: 1-day patchwork & quilting workshops in Watford with Green Man Quilts

"I booked a VIP 1day workshop on 15th September for a day of learning the skills and techniques of quilting. My VIP day did not disappoint! As there were only three of us (myself and two daughters), all totally new to quilting, we received lots of individual attention, so progressing through the techniques well. Sheena is a great teacher, explaining and demonstrating carefully. She’s also brilliant at ‘sorting’ it with humour, when things go wrong, which they did!!! (I had ‘wonky’ eyes as I’d had a cataract operation only ten days before!). I learned so much. I was inspired to continue and finish my practice piece during the week following the course and I now can’t wait to try some more quilting. Thanks Sheena - a brilliant day..."

Gini reviewed: Stained glass introduction at Blue Kite Stained Glass

"Thanks to Iain's expert guidance, tuition skills and patience I created my first piece of lead stained glass, which I am pleased to say that I am very proud of! The day was a thoroughly informative, relaxed and interesting introduction to the many skills required to make a leaded stained glass panel. I enjoyed the day and had a fantastic experience."

Maggy Flynn reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"This was my first experience of spoon carving, and I really enjoyed the whole experience. As a complete beginner, I found the teaching was the right pace for me, with good demonstrations followed by hands-on practice. Alan's teaching style is excellent - he taught us how to use the different tools and demonstrated different techniques clearly. He also explained all the safety procedures. Above all the day was fun, and has given me the confidence to continue to practice on my own. It was great to start with a piece of wood, and go home with a spoon! Also, it was great that we were so well provided with lovely nourishing food and drinks throughout the day. Thank you."

Pam and Kate reviewed: Create a ceramic animal sculpture with Twisted Earth Ceramics at Ilkley Manor Studio

"Just wanted to say what a great day we had making our donkeys. We were total begginers so not sure how we would manage to create anything that resembled a donkey. Sure enough with Richard's excellent teaching and support we each have a donkey to be proud of. Would highly recommend Richard's workshops, good fun,relaxed atmosphere and a great way to bring out your inner creativity. Looking forward to seeing the donkeys in a couple of weeks."

Liz reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"No idea how Sebastian managed to support us all so well. V knowledgable and with great people skills. Although no one in the group had carved stone before, our experience of thinking/working in 3 D was very varied. None at all in my case but that was OK. My 87 year old father's response? 'That was a fantastic weekend' - and it was. It's never too late to try something new!"

Gina Tanner reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Just the right balance of tuition and help. Planning to attend another course next year to build on experience gained. thank you Sebastion - a relaxing, but productive weekend."

Alison Marquand reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Many thanks for a super day, Dawn! It was lovely to meet others who are enthusiastic about machine embroidery too and to see the different interpretations and methods they used. Your help and advice was excellent and I picked up tips and ideas to try later. The plentiful supply of tea,coffee, delicious biscuits and cake was a perfect bonus! Many thanks."

Linda Sandison reviewed: Knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"My friend Joan and I spent a lovely 2 hours in Ann`s company learning to crochet. As everyone has said she was unbelievably patient with us complete novices! Joan and I were amazed to find we both had a granny square to take home with us and a new skill! Our session was on 31st August and we are both slightly obsessed _ I am currently trying to master holly leaves for Christmas _ there are so many free patterns on the intranet! Best £15 spent in a while- thanks again Ann"

Leeds Central Faith and Light responded:

"Thank you, Linda, for taking the time to write a review. I am glad you and Joan found the workshop useful and were pleased with the results of your hard work. It does get addictive!! Hope your holly leaves work out."

Kathryn Briggs reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Felted Pictures Workshop in Cragg Vale, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"A Brilliant day and thoroughly enjoyed meeting Mel and the other crafty ladies on this felting workshop. As a total beginner due to the excellent and patient tuition was guided through the whole process and came away with a lovely felted picture. A five star day."

Maria reviewed: Fascinator making millinery workshop Burton-on-Trent

"What an enjoyable day! An an instructor, Rachel is patient and delivers the course in an interactive and supportive way. She will provide 1:1 assistance if you need it and freedom to explore if you don't. I had such a lovely day, with a great bunch of ladies. I only wished I had booked more places and brought some friends / family. I can see how this would make an excellent birthday experience or alternative 'hen' party. I'll be looking to book on to the next stage course soon... if only you lived closer, Rachel ;-)"

The Quirky Quillers responded:

"Thank you Maria :-) I am always happy to have an excuse to return to Yorkshire! If you have a few people who are interested I can always look at tailoring something specific to you, with a mix of beginner and intermediate! I look forward to seeing you again soon."

Julie Fussell reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Sebastian runs a great course. His technique is to let you pick up the tools and get stuck in, but he is always there if you have questions or need advice. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve in 2 days, even as a completely beginner."

Judith reviewed: Stained Glass Nuno Felted Scarves Online Class

"I had a great day on this course Lena was a very good teacher she is very creative and willing to share her knowledge with a passion for her craft . Lena was very welcoming and her Apple pie was an unexpected bonus. I would recommend this course as it was a fantastic day and come away with feeling of achievement I will be signing up for another one of her workshops."

Susan Ennis Hutton reviewed: Woodturning Course in North Yorkshire with Philip Greenwood RPT

"I recently did a wood turning course with Philip Greenwood. I enjoyed the my day tremendously. Philip is a brilliant teacher, he made the day fun and informative and his ability to simplify the process put me at my ease. Wendy provided copious cups of coffee as well as a tasty lunch. I can highly recommend Philip and his courses and look forward to attended another in the near future. It was a lovely way to spend a day. Oh, and I got to make and take home a very impressive wooden bowl. Result!"

Barry Gait reviewed: Woodcarving for beginners - two day course in Suffolk

"I have just enjoyed the same course as Jim and can only reiterate what he has said. Gerry has taken a small group of likeminded people through an interesting introduction to wood carving that has included basic techniques, tool maintenance and wood choice. We have all come away with a finished introduction piece and our own piece almost finished. A fascinating two days that has also been a lot of fun with regular refreshments including excellent soup and buffet at lunchtimes. I can't recommend the course highly enough."

Guy Wood reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Sebastian is a fantastic tutor. He balanced tuition with experimentation perfectly. His interventions were always thoughtful and delivered with sensitivity . I thoroughly enjoyed the course and achieved far more than I thought possible within the 2 days. I would highly recommend the course, it was perfect ."