Latest reviews

Fiona Kerry reviewed: Natural Vegan Cold Process Soap Making

"I attended this course with no prior knowledge of cold press soap making techniques but Lily explained everything so well the process seemed easy ... although I’m yet to try it on my own! Lily made the course enjoyable and was happy to answer any questions as well as being really supportive of our ideas for the soaps we were making and any intentions for future makes - she is not at all precious about her knowledge. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this course to anyone with any interest in soap making or who just enjoy learning new skills. Thanks for a great day!"

Liz McGrath reviewed: Making a mosaic with slate

"My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed this course. Rachel was very welcoming and gave as much or as little direction as each individual required. She is very knowledgeable about where all the different kinds of slate available came from. We were both delighted with the work we produced and can't wait to have it hanging up at home."

Jane worrall reviewed: Free Machine Embroidery

"This course was just what I had hoped it would be. Ruth is such a lovely person. Her relaxed manner enabled me to learn with ease. It's amazing how much my machine can do. Without the expertise of Ruth I would never have realised what it, and I, am capable of. Lunch and cake were a nice bonus. I’d certainly return for another day course to learn more."

Rev. Chris reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"I've done quite a few craft courses over the last few years and I can honestly say that this was the best one yet! Nigel is a superb teacher. His passion and enthusiasm for his craft is inspiring and it was a genuine pleasure to be instructed by him. Rather than railroad me down a particular path, Nigel asked what sort of carving I’d like to try my hand at (I went for relief) and helped me as I developed a design (I chose a curly-horned ram). He showed me the basics on wood selection and reading the piece as well as introducing all of the fundamental techniques that I’d need to know should I wish to carry on carving in the future. He was also kind enough to show me a little bit about how to sharpen the chisels. I had a fantastic time and look forward to doing more carving in the future. Cannot recommend this course enough."

Elaine Rowlands reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"An excellent day making bangles on Jonathan’s boat. It was blowing a gale when we arrived but we were soon warm and toasty with a hot drink and practising techniques on copper wire. Another cup of tea and a slice of Jonathan's home made Victoria sandwich cake later, and we were discussing designs for our bangles. Many of the courses we looked at were prescriptive about what you could make - not Jonathan, we were able to come up with our own design and then supported to make it. It was a fabulous day and I can’t wait to try one of the other courses on offer."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Elaine (and Sally). I love your bangle design! Jonathan"

Barbara and Trish reviewed: Embroidery for beginners

"Thank you so much for yesterday. We both really enjoyed it."

Half day copper and silver workshop reviewed: Half day silver/copper pendant and earring workshop

"Very enjoyable half day workshop making earrings with friends."

Daphne & Molly responded:

"Thank you, Katherine! Glad you enjoyed. And your earrings look gorgeous. Hope you all enjoy wearing your pieces! Look forward to seeing you again. Hawys"

ILIANA HRISTOVA reviewed: Introduction to summer millinery - 1 day - Newcastle NE1

"It has been a lovely workshop. Professional and friendly environment. I gained a lot of skills and I had a lot of attention from Margaret. Strongly recommended . Great experience."

Margaret Woodliff Wright Millinery responded:

"Thank you Iliana for your lovely review. This was your first ever millinery project and it was very successful. I am now really looking forward to helping you progress to the next stage - a brimmed hat. Well done!"

Bill Ashbee reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork – Belt making workshop

"This course is ideal for the novice. Tutors Wendy and Clive deliver hands on tuition which is both highly knowledgeable, sympathetic and they are both prepared to spend what time it takes with each student individually. They are both good fun too! To be able to make a great belt in the time is a reflection on their teaching skills. I'd never thought I would come away with such a stylish completed product! Excellent value and a wonderful day out. Which of their Courses will I go on next ????"

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Thank you for your review. We are really pleased you enjoyed tbe belt workshop. You could try our one day pouch workshop to make a pouch to hang from your new belt. We also offer atwo day bag workshop or if you want to let your artistic talents show our half day stamping, embossing & wet moulding workshop is good fun and we think good value for money!"

Lucy reviewed: Willow Plant Supports (1 day) in the Peak District

"I had a wonderful time making a willow obelisk then dragonflies and willow wind spinners. Eddie was brilliant as a tutor - really helpful, patient and clear and also very encouraging! The setting was lovely and we were all made to feel very welcome and the food provided was delicious, especially the homemade brownies! Thank you for such a memorable day - I loved it!"

Zantium Studios Ltd responded:

"Thankyou, Lucy, for this happy review. Glad to hear you had fun on the course...and liked my brownies (- I have finally discoverer the best recipe!) We are very lucky to have Eddie Glew teach here for us."

Kath and Keely reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Beginners glass fusing workshops in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"Had a brilliant day, made lots of items, great teacher and nice friendly group, also a very nice lunch. Can't wait to visit again."

Lynn Ellison reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"An absolutely amazing course, made even more special by the magical setting of being on board a narrowboat in a beautiful place. This is perfect for beginners; but I also feel that if I did it again it would be just as good as I now know the basic techniques and could work on a range of other designs. The group (maximum of four people, each with their own workstation) are taken through making an initial piece with copper. This will enable practice in the techniques of making jump rings, cutting wire and sheet metal, bending wire, filing, threading beads, closing jump rings, stamping, drilling and polishing. From there you have the basic techniques to choose from a range of items to make. Any extra techniques such as soldering are then taught as you go. It was lovely to see how four individuals can all be given the same starting point and the same tools, yet their own creativity produces such very different pieces. Things to know on a practical level: Parking is plentiful and good instructions are supplied. You will walk for a while over grass through a garden to reach the boat, so take good shoes and a coat. Tea and coffee is in plentiful supply and comes with a piece of cake about halfway through the morning. Take a packed lunch. Hygiene is great, there is a fully equipped kitchen right by the workstations and a fully equipped proper bathroom down the corridor. No knowledge is required, all materials are supplied. You will come away very happy, with a copper beaded keyring for your first piece and a beautiful piece of silver jewellery that you made yourself, whether a bracelet, pair of earrings, pendant or ring."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Lynn for your very comprehensive and kind review. Jonathan"

katy reviewed: Create a ceramic animal sculpture with Twisted Earth Ceramics at Ilkley Manor Studio

"I booked this course for myself and I was not disappointed whatsoever. Richard talked us through the making of an owl and he was an excellent teacher. Richard provided a great relaxing atmosphere which really encouraged everyone's engagement and creativity. I really enjoyed this course and would recommend it to anyone, even those who would never usually consider any arts and crafts workshops. Just a fabulous 'time out' workshop to take you away from your day to day routines."

Jenny Day reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"What a fantastic day! Thank you so much Mark and Jill for providing such an inspirational course. Your enthusiasm, thoroughness, patience and support gave me great confidence and I was so proud of what I achieved. And to be working in such magical surroundings in the middle of a bluebell wood. It was a very full day, so much excellent advice on techniques, types of wood, tools, health and safety.Thank you too Christina for a feast of a lunch and cake! I could not recommend this course enough. This would make a memorable and superb gift. Just loved it."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"It was a great day, so glad I held the class outside - the weather so much better than the forecast. Glad you enjoyed it all. All the best Mark"

Diane Holland reviewed: Seedheads, grasses & flowers, 1 day free motion machine embroidery workshop

"A fantastic course, very well run and with loads of instruction and tips. I really enjoyed the day and came away with a beautiful picture. Great value too."

Lida rouabah reviewed: Fascinator making workshop, Leeds

"Rachel is lovely and very good at presenting her workshop as well as providing extra tips for those who want to carry it further. A thoroughly satisfied customer here!"

Catherine Hingston reviewed: Creative pre-wedding workshops in Derbyshire

"I had a lovely time with Liz and my daughters. It was very relaxed, and great fun. I now feel I have learned a new skill. The time was just right and lunch delicious. I can really recommend this. Something very different."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Thanks for passing on your thoughts. It was lovely to work with you all. Hope you are getting on well with making your paper flowers - looking forward to seeing the photos in July. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Daniel reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"This course was great. It has a relaxed atmosphere with lots opportunities to get involved and make some cool pieces to take home with you. Aaron is very knowledgeable and is willing to help if you get stuck or have any questions about the forging process."

Steph and Helen Mobbs reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"What an adventure we have had. Excellent clear instructions for us first time jewellery workers. We have thoroughly enjoyed the whole day, from designing, making and stretching our creativity. We are reluctantly leaving the boat feeling very proud of our creations - many thanks. A fabulous day out thank you! Helen and Stephanie"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Helen - what a giggle we had too! A great day and lovely to meet you and Steph. Jonathan"

Jo McCann reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"What a lovely day and what a lovely lady Jo is. I had a great time and will be enjoying the items I made for a long time. Such great value for money. Would highly recommend ."

Adrian reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Excellent course. Extremely knowledgeable instructors who made the course interesting and enjoyable too. Ample drinks throughout the day and lunch was thoughtful too. Highly recommended."

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

"Excellent course. Extremely knowledgeable instructors who made the course interesting and enjoyable too. Ample drinks throughout the day and lunch was thoughtful too. Highly recommended."

Charlotte & Chris reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"My husband and myself had ourselves a fantastic day with Nigel in his workshop. Being a complete novice to woodcarving, I was delighted to take home a lovely relief carving of a leaf that now has pride of place in my living room. Nigel was an excellent and attentive teacher and we would happily recommend his sessions to anyone looking into trying out this fascinating craft. The lunch provided was excellent and we were able to sit out in the sunshine to eat, along with plenty of tea and cake to keep us fueled throughout the day. We even got to have a look at the sea of bluebells currently growing in the wooded area behind the workshop too. All in all, a cracking day and would happily attend again."

Amy Adams reviewed: Sewing retreat: patchwork magic with Charlotte Newland at Muncaster Castle

"What a wonderful retreat in a beautiful location!"

Carl reviewed: Mixed Media Painting Workshop in Brighton Seaside Home

"This was a great day of experimentation and play. It was great to use some mediums I had not used. The relaxed atmosphere meant that ideas and experience was shared well."