Latest reviews

Selina reviewed: Powertex fabric sculpture introduction session

"I cannot recommend this introductory course highly enough. Annette is generous with her time, knowledge and materials. I did not expect to achieve a completed piece in such a short amount of time. Beware this craft is highly addictive and I'm already excited to sign up to one of Annette's full workshops."

Jacki Brigden reviewed: Learn traditional rag rug techniques at Wool@J13

"I attended the one day course held by Jenni Stuart-Anderson at the Blue Ginger Gallery, near Malvern on 31 August. We were shown how to work both techniques and were soon given the chance to have a go ourselves. Were able to see examples of Jenni's work which helped us decide which technique we wanted to attempt first. The lunch provided by the Blue Ginger Gallery was a lovely home-made soup with freshly baked bread and the course itself took place in the small Summer House which provided a very friendly atmosphere. I enjoyed the day very much and found it very useful."

Jenni's Rag Rugs responded:

"I enjoyed the day too Jackie and I look forward to seeing your finished seat mat photo which I can put on the students' page of my website. Keep on progging!"

Biddy reviewed: Leather craft - returners follow on course

"A really good introduction to working with leather, I learnt so much in just two days. Thanks very much Bill."

Ian Watkins reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"I did this course with my son (15yrs) and nephew (16yrs) and we had a wonderful day. Top marks to John, Spencer and Mark for pacing the day just right. The tuition was superb. Help was there when you needed it but we were all allowed to make progress with our projects at a pace to suit our skill levels. The team were very welcoming and there was not a minute of down time from the moment we arrived. In fact the tutors stayed late to let us fine tune our new creations before we left. The atmosphere is very much 'working forge' rather than 'classroom' and this suited us down to the ground. I would DEFINATELY RECOMMEND this course to anyone with an interest in blacksmithing. You wont get a more friendly atmosphere, you wont get more knowledgable tutors, and you wont get a better organised course anywhere else. We are all very proud of our new creations (two swords and a Viking knife) and we returned home to much admiration from the rest of the family! Top marks to Anvil Forge for a great day!!!"

Claire Hayes reviewed: One day introduction to glass fusing in Medway, Kent

"My mum and I had a wonderful day on the Beginner's course with Beverley. Both of us were brand new to glass fusing and what we were impressed by was how Beverley explained the science behind it in such a fun way. We were able to be very creative, both making three pieces each. We were incredibly impressed with the results and I'm looking forward to booking myself on an improver's course. It was a really enjoyable and artistic day and I'd recommend it to all."

Beverley Bunn Glass Art responded:

"Thank you Claire! It was lovely to meet you and your mum - so pleased you both enjoyed yourselves and even the 'science bit' was fun lol You both did amazingly well considering you'd never picked up a glass cutter before!"

Jayne reviewed: One day introduction to glass fusing in Medway, Kent

"What a great experience! Not only can you make beautiful items but you are in the hands of a true expert who helps you all the way. From complete beginner you can create your own, on-off masterpiece. Great guidance and training. There are some good idea prompters for those, like me, who weren't sure where to start. These are small classes and you really get a great deal of help and support but it is your work. I've attended two courses now. They are great fun as well as very rewarding. If you feel creative, give it a go! Bev is brilliant!"

Beverley Bunn Glass Art responded:

"Thanks Jayne, I'm glad you had a lovely time - well I guess you wouldn't have come back otherwise lol! I told you it's addictive!"

Annie Rust reviewed: One day introduction to glass fusing in Medway, Kent

"If you thinking about doing a glass fusing course you could find no one better than Bev to start you off. Bev is a wonderful lady, so friendly and who will put you at ease whilst working with the glass to make exciting beautiful glass artwork. I’ve been very lucky to attend two of her workshops and enjoyed every minute. This course comes highly recommended. ?"

Beverley Bunn Glass Art responded:

"Aaah thanks Annie! That's really kind of you x Bev"

Stephanie reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"I have never done my own candle before so wasn't sure what to expect. It was super fun and really cosy to make the candle in Kerry's kitchen. Can definitively see myself making more candles by myself in the future. Recommend this workshop!"

Emma Patrick reviewed: Silver Jewellery Workshop

"I was amazed how professional looking my earrings turned out. I thought the course was good value, after all we were there for nearly five hours and came away with silver earrings. I’d like to do it again to make some more. Definitely cheaper than buying the equipment and sheets of silver."

Alex Thornton-Smith reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"Andy is an extremely talented wood turner but has an enormous amount of patience with beginners. He provided excellent tuition to me and my nine year old son and we came away with a lovely pair of bowls to remember our day. He definitely gave me the bug for wood turning and is also an extremely nice chap! I was also extremely jealous of his fantastic workshop! Definitely recommended."

Armel reviewed: Small Leather Goods Workshop

"Great course by a passionate guy. Richard gives a lots of tips and informations if you want to enter the hobby on top of guiding you through the process of making your belt. If you want to make your own leather belt it's definitely a great place to go."

Sue reviewed: Paper Making - Hand Made Recycled Paper

"I loved this course! In the space of 2 hours I learnt enough to go home with 4 sheets of my own paper and the inspiration to start shredding and pulping more junk mail at home for future projects. I've already ordered a creative paper making book and lino roller so watch this space!"

Jackie Andrews reviewed: Clay sculpture workshop

"Had a brilliant time at the workshop Jan is a fantastic sculptor and shares a wealth of information. She clearly explains the techniques helping you to produce some great first models. I learnt a great deal and look forward to developing my skills further."

Margaret Woodliff reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"I contacted Claire via CraftCourses.com after seeing a post for her course on Instagram, as a couture milliner I wanted to explore the relevance that this interesting craft has for my work. We very quickly arranged a 1:1 session - when setting up a mutually convenient date I found Claire very easy and flexible to communicate with. On arrival Claire greeted me warmly, and armed with a cup of tea, seated in her studio we started with the technical explanation of the processes involved in silver clay jewellery. It’s quite an involved process, but Claire is clearly very passionate about her craft, and guided me through the process gently, ensuring I understood everything. Then it was time for the hands on experience, and some three hours later I had three exquisite completed pieces, all finished using slightly different techniques. Once back at home I decided that one of the techniques I had used would enhance further the main piece in my three piece silver clay collection. I contacted Claire again and she offered to finish off my dragonfly for me with the specific polishing technique I had fallen in love with. Imagine my delight yesterday on opening the package and viewed the finished piece which she had kindly worked upon further for me. This dedication confirms again that Claire is very committted to both her craft and her students, and I can only sing her praises. My beautiful silver clay butterfly is now destined to grace one of my new Autumn Collection hats, so I will be looking forward to posting about this on Instagram with a tag for Claire & CraftCourses.com of course!"

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"It was lovely helping Margaret create a beautiful piece for one of her hats and she also made further pieces of jewellery which also turned out really well. It was so interesting learning about her millinery work and I really look forward to seeing it on display on her finished hat! Great afternoon was had by both of us! Lovely to meet you! Thank you for booking me !"

Anne Lockley reviewed: Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"Before attending this course I was a complete novice and had little idea of what it would involved. I turned up with some of my grandson's artwork, feeling apprehensive but was quickly put at ease by Lynne's friendly manner. Her instructions were clear (excellent paperwork was provided) and she demonstrated each stage which was good for a kinaesthetic learner like me. Nothing was too much for Lynne and she was quick to help when I made a mistake, offering advice on how to deal with this, keeping me calm. As the day progressed I grew in confidence, eventually taking home beautifully framed pictures; my grandson is delighted with them! I now have the equipment and am enthusiastic to use my new found knowledge. I would wholeheartedly recommend Lynne's course."

Chris G reviewed: A General Leatherwork Skill Day

"Doing It Right The First Time. Over the past seven years I have been a making leather goods by myself. Through the direction of a few young teachers and YouTube videos I’ve learned how make a few leather items. I’ve always enjoyed making things by hand however, the quality of my workmanship has never been to my satisfaction. My work has always lacked the consistency that I’ve always found with professionals. Last week I had the opportunity to visit the U.K. and I thought that I would take the chance to visit Nigel Armitage`s workshop. Fortunately, Nigel had a window of time available and I dropped by for a lesson. This ended up being the highlight of my trip. :-) Nigel initially audited my skills and gave me clear explanations to resolve my problems. Calm instruction was evenly paced avoiding any feelings of confusion or being overwhelmed. He explained that the fundamentals of cutting, measuring and sewing are crucial to not only create an item to be proud of, but to do it with confidence and speed. Nigel demonstrated his methods and I copied them under his careful guidance. The day after the lesson, a follow up email was sent reviewing the points of what we had done. Nigel didn’t actually mention this phrase but I felt that it encapsulates a philosophy that I walked away from his lesson. “Doing it right the first time”. Arriving back from my trip I eagerly returned to my own little workshop with much enthusiasm and I can immediately see the positive results from my work. Mr Armitage is instructor who not only has the workshop skills to create beautiful goods but also the demeanour and interpersonal skills of a great teacher. I felt like I have walked away from the best leathercraft course in the world. I`ll definitely be making another visit. Chris G"

Susan John De parra reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"Well what a brilliant day! Whether you have no idea ,or, think you have, Jake gives hands on tuition, encouragement and guidance on every aspect of what is involved! Relaxed, informative and insightful ! I had reservations of not being up to the job! Well, there is far more to the art. Finesses, precise and so so engaging! I am thoroughly hooked on this ancient yet current art form. Definately an experience that I feel enriched to have had. The history of tools and finishing on this work , left me privileged to have shared with my other half. We both would recommend this unique opportunity! Thank you Jake ! A true gent of your profession and Artistry. Sue and Andrew."

Hedge Ironworks responded:

"Wow, thank you so much for the kind words. It was an absolute pleasure having you both in the workshop!!"

Esther reviewed: Drum Lampshade making at ShedLight

"I attended the course today with my niece and we both had a fab morning making our lampshades. The end results looked quite professional ( a surprise to both of us!!) Vanessa was absolutely lovely, very helpful and supportive throughout. Would recommend to everyone ?"

ShedLight responded:

"Thank you Esther! It was lovely to meet you and your niece Amy and I really enjoyed the morning too :)"

Vaughan Aitken reviewed: Sword making course

"Just completed the course and it was epic. The fact you could taylor your sword to your own taste was brilliant and not just a standard template."

Lilly reviewed: Learn to make either silver earrings or a pendant

"Had the most lovely, crafty and relaxed time, and am most pleased with my jewellery. Would highly recommend!"

Caroline Lee reviewed: Learn to make either silver earrings or a pendant

"Thank you so much for a really enjoyable workshop. I was amazed I could make anything wearable but I really love my pendant. It was a lovely day. Your informative and encouraging approach - and patience! - helped me feel inspired to have a go. I hope to come along to another workshop soon - and I'll try not to break any blades!"

Lisa reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Myself and best friend did the silver ring course. It was brilliant. It was really relaxed and Jonathan is a great teacher. Really patient and totally puts you at ease. We both made beautiful silver rings and came away feeling very happy with our day. We had coffee and cake too always a bonus! Thanks Jonathan."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Lisa You both did really well and it was a pleasure to meet you both.And your tip about the wire supplier was very helpful! Jonathan"

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

"Charlie is such a positive, patient, lovely woman, I am happy I got to meet her. I have never made candles before so this was a completely new experience for me. You get to pick the type of object you want your candle wax to be in, you also get the option of making it scented or coloured. In between the session there is a tea/coffee break which is amazing because I got to learn a little bit about the people in the group, what they do, their interest and share some laughter. You get great tips of museums and galleries to go visit, places to eat, top 5 things to do or see. I loved my experience and my candles, so I highly recommend this workshop !"

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

"We had so much fun making candles with Charlie at the Flamingo Studio. It was so informative as you actually learnt how to make candles without being pressured into buying extra products. Charlie was very knowledgeable about the scents and what would work and what wouldn't while also letting you be experimental. The cakes that her sister made as well were the perfect touch after 2 hours of candle making fun!"

Peak Upholstery reviewed: 4 day course in upholstery, soft furnishings or loose covers

"I have had the pleasure of spending three glorious weekends in the company of Angie, amidst her endless knowledge on both traditional and modern upholstery and soft furnishings. My first project (an Edwardian winged-back chair) was by no means modest and I knew just by speaking to Angie it would be completed in the traditional way that I wanted. I am so happy with the result! The workshop is set in the most beautiful surroundings and very easy to reach from Matlock Town. On the 4 day course we were offered lunch which consisted of locally sourced and homegrown produce and it was food to die for. I haven't quite finished with Peak Upholstery yet so I will be returning very soon with another project. Which ever course you decide to do it will be full of laughter, learning and a weekend you won't want to end!"