Latest reviews

Martin Hayward reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"3 day course. I decided to book the course after watching a blacksmithing feature on Countryfile. Alex was nearest to me down near Arundel and the setting of his forge was lovely. He was a great teacher, asking what ideas I had, then breaking down the process of planning and construction into simple, easy to understand chunks. He showed me the processes and then watched over me completing them - and telling me how to alter what had gone wrong! I made a six hook coat rack, fish shaped bottle openers and a twisted ammonite key ring. I really enjoyed the whole process and hope to put some of the techniques into practice before too long. I would 100% recommend Alex's courses. What a fantastic experience!"

iain hobbs reviewed: English Longbow making in Cumbria

"A top weekend in a magical location with a top bloke guiding my clumsy hands and busy mind to a point where I actually made a functioning and in my eyes quite beautiful long bow Tony is a skilled, knowledgable, understanding teacher and guide with a true feel for his craft and with a patient relaxed approach which put all of us at our ease. He is a genuine woodsman and artisan with a sensitive and deep connection to nature and his environment with an extensive knowledge of the history of the British long bow and its significance to this land. The weekend was not just about learning new skills though. It was also a great opportunity to slow right down,to be quiet, to listen to the birdsong whist meditatively shaving, rasping and hewing a piece of ash into a working bow. It was also about spending time in an ancient wild environment amongst interesting fellows of the woods and leaving the cares and troubles of the modern world behind. Tony makes you feel right at home in the camp and workshop he has created in the woods. A couple of days spent there focused on a good and noble craft under skillfull tutelage with a band of brothers, will cast a subtle spell that cannot but make you look at life with different eyes. And you get to bring a bow back with you too along with some magical memories. Cheers Tony and to all the other guys who spent the days in honest graft and nights around the fire shooting arrows into the starlit skies. Highly recommended."

Happy crafter reviewed: Copper Foil Technique Stained Glass

"What a lovely day we had! This was a birthday gift from my daughters, it was a great day! We were made very welcome, had lots of choices to choose from when it came to making items. I went home with a blue tit and a hen, both turned out well thanks to the excellent tuition. I felt the day was good value and would highly recommend it, even to non-crafters!!"

Tricia Boateng reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"A very relaxing and immensely rewarding day with Lucy in her workshop. Lucy took us step by step through the process of making our bangles encouraging creativity and confidence. We are both very proud of what we achieved in such a short time and our children are delighted with their presents. What a special gift to be able to make for loved ones! We’ve booked another day to further our skills and make something for ourselves. Highly recommended."

Emma reviewed: Wild basketry- workshop in the woods, forage your materials

"Ruby- thank you for being such an inspiring teacher. It was the best medicine to be in the woods, making for the weekend and a most welcome meditation. I’m already busy spreading the word and loving my basket. Lovely to meet lots of inspiring and like minded people- thank you also for your good energy. Will keep an eye on future courses :)"

Amy reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"This is a great workshop! Jo is warm, welcoming, full of knowledge and an all round brilliant teacher. Thank you for such a great day and the confidence to start creating. Xx"

Carol Byrne reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"Had an absolutely fabulous day. I learnt so much and Theresa is an amazing teacher and so friendly, I felt relaxed straight away. Everything about the day was just brilliant and at the end of the day I took home my first skein of wool. So thank you again Theresa and a big stroke to Ted for his company. I would not hesitate a moment in recommending Theresa’s course to anyone."

The Spinning Barn responded:

"Thank you so much Carol for your lovely review. I really do appreciate it. It was such a fun but busy day and you made a fabulous start with your spinning obviously aided by your gorgeous wheel too!! Do keep up the good work and I shall await pictures showing your progress! Well done."

Tracy Ridley reviewed: Aromatherapy workshop, both fun and educational by The Divine Hag

"Had a one to one with Margaret who helped me to create my own bespoke fragrance. Within minutes of meeting Margaret it felt like we had known each other for years. I can’t recommend this course highly enough and am looking forward to becoming a regular visitor to her shop"

Emma & Graham reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"We both had a great day and learnt so much. Ian was a really good tutor, very encouraging and helpful. I would highly recommend this course for its therapeutic effects as much as for the finished products which we were really pleased with. Thank you Ian!"

Nicki Hartley reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Overall an excellent day. Everything was clearly explained and help was at hand whenever needed. Really chuffed with what we managed to achieve making a key ring and dragon coat rack which involved learning various techniques. The food and refreshments are all homemade and are delicious. Big thanks ?"

Trish & Evie reviewed: Make silver jewellery using precious metal clay or silver clay

"My daughter and I have just had a really enjoyable day jewellery making with Toni. We made 2 pairs of earrings each and are chuffed to bits with them. Course very suitable for teenagers. Thanks Toni!"

Bev reviewed: Fused glass day course - beginners/intermediate

"We had a brilliant day with Nicky. A very good teacher, with patience and ideas. She taught us lots of different techniques. She allows you to be as reative as you want. There was a vast amount of material that you can work with. The morning session went by so quickly and we were all eager to get back to her lovely studio in the garden studio after our lunch. We are looking forward seeing our finished pieces."

David Graham reviewed: English Longbow making in Cumbria

"Brilliant course and a great weekend taking a rough ash stage and carefully working it down with traditional tools into a beautiful longbow, then making the string (an art in itself) and trying the bow out in a beautiful natural setting. Tony is a wise and feelingful guy managing this woodland with a wealth of knowledge of nature and traditional wood working. He guides you with his knowledge gently and to your own pace until you are the proud owner of a functional thing of beauty."

Charlie Dayson reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Fantastic course. Enjoyed the freedom to choose rather than making the same thing. Clear guidance and support."

Gemma Withers reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"A really fantastic day out. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I feel like I've learnt a lot about soldering, bending and manipulating the silver. I will definitely recommend to others."

Angie Woodward reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Excellent informative day. Nicely paced course and I was thrilled with the pieces of jewellery I made. Thanks for all your help in making the lovely bangle."

Nancy Gould reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Fantastic day. Fantastic location. Jonathan is an excellent teacher and very patient. Highly recommended."

Anne Coulson reviewed: Powertex Decorative Notebook Cover

"Loved the session. Working with a medium that was new to me. Powertex is so creative but easier to use than I thought it was going to be. Beverley gave a sound introduction and display initially, very thorough. Worked with us through the morning offering guidance and artistic advice. So pleased with the completed result that I brought home with me. Bought a starter pack to give it a go at home. Brilliant!"

Anon reviewed: From fleece to fibre

"The small group tuition was great. Ann was very friendly and it was definitely worth travelling from Manchester for this course."

Anon reviewed: From fleece to fibre

"I really had a lovely day trying stuff. The company, the format of the course, Ann's attitude and humour were all great."

Alwyn Raney reviewed: Two day (consecutive) stained glass starter course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"Hi Paul Sorry I have not got back to you before now as we have just arrived home at lunch time today and during our road trip through the EU there was very little WiFi available. Well where do I start, firstly what a fantastic course I had with you. You meticulously went through all aspects regarding stain glass and gave me the opportunity to learn from the master; learning about lead work, soldering, using a glass grinding machine and what the process was to cement and black lead my work. I must say that anyone who is planning to go on a stain glass course would fully enjoy and learn all that's need from Paul. Throughout the two days the tea and coffee flowed and a good lunch was provided. I am now looking forward to booking two more courses, thanks."

Caroline Darrell reviewed: Oil Painting for Beginners and Intermediates

"A wonderfully inspiring teacher & studio. Lee is a very observant teacher who managed to guide my first attempt at oils right through to a finished painting in spite of my sometimes erratic daubing. He always knows how to transform what looks like a mess into what you want it to be! The studio is so atmospheric- a 19th century atelier- previously a Victorian village school, easels, plaster busts & amazing paintings all over the place also the old playground is rapidly turning into a beautiful garden. I really enjoyed my time here & think I have got a good grounding in oils."

Sean Young reviewed: Clay portrait weekends with Karin Ort

"A very enjoyable weekend with excellent tuition in a very pleasant environment. The course is extremely good value and the major surprise is just how good a head you have created."

Sean Young reviewed: Clay portrait weekends with Karin Ort

"A very enjoyable weekend with excellent tuition in a very pleasant environment. The course is extremely good value and the major surprise is just how good a head you have created."

judith shelley reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"A really enjoyable day. Claire explained everything with examples. She was welcoming, friendly and informative. We made our designs and Claire helped when things didn’t quite go according to plan so we left with our own designer jewellery. Really pleased."

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"It was great to meet you! So glad you are pleased with your beautiful jewellery !"