Latest reviews

Sue Cramb reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I was given a one day course with Mark as a wedding anniversary present. I'd wanted to have go at woodturning for a few years but have little experience with woodwork in general & was nervous that this lack of experience would hinder my progress. I needn't have worried, Mark was very patient & encouraging. He has a wealth of knowledge & experience & like all good teachers makes you feel you can succeed. I produced a beautiful bowl & he has made me feel that I should carry on improving this new skill. I will, but hopefully attending one of his longer courses first. Thank you Mark for giving me the confidence to pursue a new hobby."

Helen Robertson reviewed: Stained Glass Mosaics Course

"My two day course was wonderful. Ann is very knowledgeable and was very patient and helpful, and Will did a fantastic job of cutting pieces with his power tools and also had lots of useful hints and tips. The surroundings are so relaxing, I felt really at home. I'll be returning soon to finish another piece, I can't wait. Thank you"

Blue Sky Mosaics responded:

"Thank-you for your review Helen, I so enjoyed having you on the course."

Chris Almond reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day at the Forge with Nigel, With his help & advice I amazed myself at what I was able to achieve. What topped the day off was the night spent in the shepherds hut, a fantastic experience and I would recommend this course to anyone considering it"

Clare Hickson reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Kerry welcomed us into her lovely kitchen and offered us tea or coffee. The workshop was very well organised and very informative. Kerry is very passionate about her candle making and her enthusiasm was passed on to the group. Everything was explained well and at a good pace. Homemade cake was available with our mid morning coffee. A very enjoyable morning!"

Mykie Leong Chadwick reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"Brilliant course! Great mix of knowledge and hands on skills, the day flew by! Jason and Louise are so passionate and helpful. We left the day with an awesome item we made ourselves and the confidence to consider trying our hand at leather working at home. Best craft course I’ve attended!"

Suzi Springfield reviewed: Oil painting workshop at Back Room Art Stourbridge

"Heather is a super teacher; knowledgeable and supportive. Had a lovely time rediscovering the joys of silk painting.... in a much easier way than when I first had a go some 15 years ago! The workshop is well equipped and has a homely, relaxing atmosphere - mainly due to Heather’s kind nature and the appearance of the rather handsome cat (Chewbacca) All in all a super session; definitely going back for more! If you’ve never tried it, I’d urge you to give it a whirl... you won’t regret it! Thanks again Heather! Sue Springfield X"

Ann Millers reviewed: Introduction to wet-felting: handbag, iPad case or something else!

"Had a lovely day with Cathy and family learning the wet felt process and was very pleased with the bowl I made. Cathy is a great teacher and had lots of ideas and suggestions. Beautiful location, generous hosts and a very productive and enjoyable day. Highly recommended!"

JILL CONNELL reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Fab workshop, lovely lady, wonderful candles & she makes cake too! Thanks again Kerry !"

Deb C reviewed: Stained glass panel

"Enjoyed the day at Parndon Mill learning the art of stained glass with Margery. We all took our colourful item home. We learned the basics of cutting glass, how to deign and prepare a pattern for our designs and successfully assembled our small panes. Hope to have another go now I have a better idea of what can be done and my ability."

Helen Moore reviewed: Mixed Media Textiles

"2nd time i have beeen to Dawns course , calm informative guidance loved the day and most of my work . cant wait to go again , delios cake , very friendly"

J Hunte reviewed: Needlefelted Piglet Workshop in Leicestershire

"Wonderful workshop! Great teaching and I finished my piece which was great considering this was my first try. Will definitely do this again."

Marie-Claire reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"My 13yr old son Conor and I had a lovely day yesterday on the spoon carving course. Mark was a great, patient teacher who has a wealth of knowledge about carving and wood. We had a lovely walk around his woods which was very informative and a great homemade lunch of soup and cake. A great day that I’d highly recommend to anyone interested in outdoor activities."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Thank you very much. I'm glad you both enjoyed your day. Lots of tool shopping next, I guess. ATB Mark"

Beth Yates reviewed: Half day: 3 Leather Accessories

"We had a great morning with Rosanna! Has definitely sparked a new hobby, such a relaxing and forfulling activity! Love the look of our hand stitched items, beautiful quality and so much choice. Definitely considering getting Rosanna’s book, she’s a great teacher and host!"

Anne Fitzgerald reviewed: Beginner's Spinning in Newcastle

"Spent the day with Cathy and het mum yesterday at Ovis Yarns in Liverpool. Lovely day, very relaxed but informative teaching. I came away with a useable hank of yarn and enough knowledge to continue practicing at home. I would thoroughly recommend Cathy as a tutor for spinning."

Sophie Robertson reviewed: Feltmaking OOH the choices!

"Lovely day making felted slippers. Barbara was really friendly, helpful and patient with my newbie felting technique!"

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you Sophie for the encouraging review. It was lovely teaching you and your Mum felted slipper making. I forwarded the leather sole information to you mum :-). Barbara"

Karen Shields reviewed: Piano Lessons

"My Daughter has been having piano lessons with Laura for 2 school terms now and has progressed so well. She loves going so i have no probelms getting her there! Lauras approach is really friendly yet proffesional, and my daughter wants to practice for her next session. Highly reccomend her for piano."

Suzanne Elliott reviewed: Willow Chicken / Duck / Pheasant Weaving Workshop

"Thoroughly enjoyed the course. Aims were made clear, and equipment, refreshments and friendly atmosphere all provided. Plus I came away having made a willow sculpture I'm proud of! Highly recommended."

Michelle reviewed: Willow Chicken / Duck / Pheasant Weaving Workshop

"A great course and Victoria was very welcoming. The instructions were really easy to follow and everyone had a great time with the willow. My chicken is already in the garden."

Sue Huxtable reviewed: Mixed Media Textiles

"Oh how I enjoyed the day - the setting the ambience and Dawns reassuring approach makes you feel you can do it and that what you do is ok! I am hooked on free machine embroidery and feel after all the years of doing various creative activities that I have found something that sort of combines them all and that I can develop this. Thankyou Dawn - am looking forward to the next one!"

Elaine Wattam reviewed: Introduction to making mosaics (Beginner level)

"This was a really enjoyable course. Sally is a talented and excellent teacher, and very patient and helpful, who also encourages you to use your own ideas, and supports you with these. The day went too quickly, and lots of ground was covered, I think Sally quickly picks up your level and works with you. She has a range of materials and tools and everything you need is provided. I thought the course was excellent value, and in a good venue. I cannot recommend the beginners mosaics course enough really. I will definitely go on another. I am now looking at a photography one, and the lino cutting looks appealing too. It was a very enjoyable way to spend a day creating in a very relaxed atmosphere. I came away with something I had made, and a clear inspiration for what I may do next, when I gain a few more skills. Excellent!!"

Jane Bailey reviewed: Needle felt your dog with Crafty Gal

"I love trying new crafts, but needle felting looked a challenge. With Denise`s excellent tutoring and working in her fabulous craft room I was amazed how quickly my Hare (Petunia) appeared before my fingers...…...I will definitely do more. The Christmas classes look interesting. I will also look into the list of felt suppliers Denise kindly gave. Those winter days will be busy."

Crafty Gal responded:

"So pleased you enjoyed making your brooch Jane, and hope to see you again. In the meantime, happy needle felting! x"

emma robson reviewed: The Annie Sloan complete chair makeover Workshop at La Di Da Interiors

"Steph gave us a great time. the course was well prepared with everything we needed to complete the project at hand - paints , tools etc . I learnt a lot and increased my confidence to carry with other projects that I had in mind. Steph had loads of patience and the calmness throughout the day made it a relaxing time out. I loved the fish and chip lunch - Steph please tell him that it was probably one of the better fish and chips I've had for along time! thanks for the great day . emma"

La Di Da Interiors & Gifts responded:

"Thank you for your review"

Donja Martin reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"Jolene is a fabulous teacher- just the right amount of help and stepping back to let you have a go yourself. We were given lots of ideas or free to use our own “creativeness” to make 3 bangles. The studio is lovely and relaxing and full of quirky items housing lots of pieces of Jolene’s lovely jewellery. Jolene kept us fed and watered and ensured we all had a really great time. I really enjoyed the day -especially the unhurried pace and my beautiful and unique bangles that I will treasure! Thanks Jolene"

Clare Smith reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"This course was a present from my husband for my 55th birthday. I had done a tiny bit of woodturning over 30 years ago, but nothing since, and was keen to "have a go" again. The day was fantastic. So much was covered. Mark was incredibly patient and thorough in his explanations. He was unfazed by all my questions and endlessly encouraging and reassuring when I couldn't seem to do what I was trying to do. I learned so much, but am keen to go back for another 1 day course once I have practiced all I have learned so far. Mark's "shopping list" is great for beginners looking to get started with all the equipment necessary and his hand-out is an invaluable aide memoir of everything covered in the day."

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

"I attended this course with my two daughters & we had such a lovely day with Anne! Anne is a very experienced upholsterer who shares her knowledge & experience in a warm, friendly & positive way. The course was informative, professional & fun! The added bonus of having an ‘afternoon tea’ lunch included was a very welcome touch. Anne is a very encouraging tutor & it felt like enjoying a day with a lovely new friend whilst learning a new skill. The small group size meant we all got individual tuition, which was invaluable. I would definitely recommend this reasonably priced course to anyone wanting to learn the basic skills of upholstery, or to enhance their existing skills. Fab to go home with a new chair too! Thanks again Anne - we will return!"

The Little Vintage House responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to review today's workshop, and for your lovely comments. It was a pleasure to pass on my knowledge to you all and to spend the time with you today. I hope that you have many happy hours upholstering some more pieces of furniture in the future :)"