Latest reviews

Lynne Smith reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing and hand building full day

"Richard created a relaxed environment where we all felt comfortable to do our own thing and enjoy the day. It was great fun and I made a vase and 2 dishes. Definitely recommend giving it a try."

Shay Thomas reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery for Beginners

"This course is great for beginners or anyone wanting to learn a new hobby. Jo is very patient and welcoming. Easy location to find. Would highly recommend. Thank you again Jo"

Inka reviewed: Creative self discovery

"I met Sandra at a networking event and I was immediately drawn to her wonderful personality. I always wanted to up my creativity, but I have learned that I am better with tuition, so I have joined Sandra at one of her 1 day Creative Experience Workshops which gave me an insight on how Sandra works! Signing up for the creative self discovery course was a total no-brainer. I loved my time with this fantastic lady, the course is well structured and there is a different topic every time - and best of all, a lot is upcycling. You get some homework, which gets you into the habit of continuing your journey of self finding at home and I certainly replaced some bad habits by sitting down and colouring instead after only two sessions. Sandra gives you a lot of time and support and also gives you the freedom of implementing your own ideas. All materials are included and you do not only take 7 projects home, but several! I consider myself as pretty self aware already but I still had several light bulb moments through this course and I highly recommend it - it will change your world! This is money very well spent and super value as you get soooooo much out of it!!"

Margaret Staker reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Lovely day on Saturday being taught by George how to produce a lovely sycamore bowl. Really felt that I had made something of excellent quality - very nearly - all on my own. My friend and I had a great day. Lovely soup too Sue."

Lesley Gordon reviewed: Lino-printing onto fabric

"I really enjoyed this workshop. It was my first time Lino Printing but with Suzanne’s guidance I produced some lovely cards. There is plenty of time to complete each step and Arienas Collective provides a homely setting and a lovely lunch. You take away all the materials so I’ve been able to give it a go at home. Would definitely recommend."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hello Lesley. Thanks for taking time to leave us feedback, and I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed your workshop. Our courses are designed so that people learn a skill they can continue at home if they want to, so it's lovely to hear you've carried on with your lino printing! Best wishes, Lynn"

Charlotte Robinson reviewed: Powertex fabric sculpture introduction session

"I had a wonderful time on this introductory course. I attended knowing barely anything about powertex and with no firm idea about any designs i wanted to produce. Annette was wonderfully informative and the class split between instruction and practical was spot on. The atmosphere was great and there was loads of choice to make something really creative rather than making a prescribed design. I would heartily recommend."

Michelle Du Maurier reviewed: Two day Free Machine Embroidery workshop

"Such an amazing opportunity to have a tutor to yourself ! Ruth was very welcoming and I felt instantly at ease working in her studio. The 2 days flew by and they were well planned, I came away with new skills and confidence to continue creating on my own . The 2 day course is enough for any level to attend and come away feeling like they’ve developed new skills . Thoroughly recommended"

Denise Cook reviewed: A day of enamelling on copper

"I really enjoyed my day spent enamelling with Gen. Gen has a large range of resources to work with and is really enthusiastic and encouraging with her students, which was perfect for me as a newbie to enamelling. Thanks Gen for making me feel welcome in your studio and keeping me fed and watered throughout the day."

Pip Hall reviewed: Mixed Media Textiles

"Dawn provides an abundance of ideas and materials to use in her workshops along with encouragement and advice. A nurturing and enjoyable day in a well equipped studio complete with cake! Thanks."

Mandy Davies reviewed: Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop.

"I wanted inspiration and insight into this art/craft and a day with Lyn Kirkland gives you exactly that. Open to sharing her knowledge and skills freely, I had a fabulous day learning the techniques associated with this art form under Lyn's patient and inspirational guidance. You will not be disappointed by choosing this intriguing course. Go away with your created project, inspired to explore this craft further and a list of items to set you on your path. Free tea and coffee and scrumptious homemade cake together with Lyn's friendly, warm personality and charm will leave you hungry for more and a yearning to return again. Thank you Lyn. It was a great day!!"

Contemporary Encaustic Wax Workshop with Lyn Kirkland responded:

"Mandy, thank you so much for your review of the day. I am so pleased that you enjoyed it. Hope you give it a go! Thanks Lyn x"

Alison reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"I loved the workshop and with Dawn's friendly and clear guidance was able to produce some great pieces to take home. In fact we enjoyed it so much we've already booked for another workshop in the spring!"

Sue Owen reviewed: Experimental Monoprinting (includes gelli printing)

"I thoroughly enjoyed being able to experiment with print techniques in this well run and informative course. Ruth is an excellent teacher who inspired me to produce some interesting work. Thank you Ruth."

Inki reviewed: Experimental Monoprinting (includes gelli printing)

"Fab day and a fab location! Beautiful garden setting and a great place to learn about printing. Ruth is an amazing tutor (and makes great cakes to boot!) Couldn't have asked for a better day."

Sue Owen reviewed: Residential two day monoprinting and collagraph print workshop

"Ruth was an inspirational teacher on this exciting course. I was able to progress at my own rate with expert guidance and encouragment. The course was very well organised and I was thrilled with my results. Thoroughly recommended."

Syd reviewed: Experimental Monoprinting (includes gelli printing)

"Keen to do some monoprinting, so spent a load of time surfing the web to find out about it. Thought I knew it all and fell at the first hurdle! There is no substitute for one on one tuition and Ruth soon put me on the right track. Charming studio and delightful host!"

Mark Hill reviewed: A Practical Dry Stone Walling Workshop Central London

"It was a great day of learning a new skill. John was a great teacher. He introduced the day well, gave a good historical context to the skill of dry stone walling, went through the safety requirements and introduced the tools and techniques really well. We got the work in good time and had a great time. John shared his time well with the students and got us going quickly. Before any time at all we were cutting stones and laying them in place. The target of finishing the sheep creep in the day was a tough one but we got to it and worked hard led by the pace of John to achieve the goal. The outcome was good, the feedback honest and critical but very supportive and clear and I came away with the wonderful feeling of having learned some good skills that i can use in my life and of having a good positive day of work. Thank you John.. you are a fine chap!"

London School of Dry Stone Walling responded:

"Hello Mark - When i met the group, i thought it was going to be a 'tough call' completing the SC in the time. The weather was favourable, which enabled us to get going. Before long, i noticed, you were getting your 'eye in', 'juggling stone' hammer trimming and 'internal pinning'!! Building up the 'Cheek Ends', 'crossing joints', standing back and 'eying up' ! The group worked well together making good progress. Three hours disappeared and after lunch, i felt the team energy and excitement growing to completion. It is a great, permanant feature of engineering skill, and testiment to those determined to stick with it on their, 'day out' !! Thank you for your feedback Mark and taking part. Take Care, Best Wishes - John"

Digger Harris reviewed: Green Wood Chair Making - 6 Day Woodworking Course in South Devon

"I have just attended Peter's spectacular course on chair building. Along with my five fellow participants we have returned home with a much greater understanding of working in green ash and each of us has a beautiful chair which we know intimately as we personally transformed the green ash logs into objects of craft and beauty. Peter was our guide through the process, he explained the plan and the way we could succeed, the priorities and the pace we needed, he helped us understand and avoid pitfalls, make the right decisions and understand why they were right. He encouraged us to make creative decisions to include in the design. I was very impressed that he was able to naturally give the appropriate level of support to each member of the group so we all arrived at the end with a tremendous personal success."

Hadassah reviewed: Glass blowing for beginners with Jon Lewis

"My sister and I had a fantastic day at Parndon Mill with Jon blowing glass. The day was extremely enjoyable and with Jon’s help we made a number of original items including my dream vase! He was tremendously helpful, motivating and encouraging and enabled us to experience all areas and aspects of glass blowing. I would definitely recommend this course to others! Thank you Jon "

Jeremy Wyman reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"We have just returned from the Saturday course with Jonathan, clutching the silver jewellery we have made. We have done a lot of Craft Courses through Craftcourses.com and this course is in the very top tier. The instruction was excellent with time to practice on Copper before moving to Silver in the afternoon. There was no time pressure to rush the completion of our pieces as we were using some new skills learnt in the morning, this is very welcome and there was no clock watching. We were very impressed that Jonathan could move us from a state of being completely unskilled to a level where we could produce something that we value. The lunch was excellent and the home made ginger nut biscuits are to die for (as mentioned by others). Overall an excellent day. For the record there were three of of us on the course (my wife and I and one other) and that was perfect."

Sue Wilsher reviewed: 1-Day Jewellery Making Silver Copper Workshop for 2 people

"What a fab day! My daughter and I attended a full day workshop yesterday and we're both thrilled with the jewellery we made. Linda has loads of ideas but is also open to suggestions and has loads of patience to help overcome snags. Would love to go again."

Linda Sandeman Jewellery responded:

"Thank you for such a wonderful review. It was so lovely having you there. You bought so much lovely energy to the group. Thanks again."

Someone else reviewed: Residential two day monoprinting and collagraph print workshop

"A memorable experience full of creativity and great company. I'm amazed I what I produced at the end of this course. Big thanks to the amazing Ruth Blackford."

Embroidery is like pudding reviewed: Residential two day machine embroidery workshop

"A wonderful experience on every level. Brilliant tutoring by Ruth and great company. I was very pleased with what I produced. Thoroughly recommend."

Embroidery fan reviewed: Free Machine Embroidery

"A thoroughly enjoyable course and so much packed into one day. Leaves me wanting to attend another course by Ruth Blackford."

Creative bod reviewed: Experimental Monoprinting (includes gelli printing)

"Thoroughly inspiring workshop run by fantastic tutor, Ruth Blackford. Without a doubt I got more than my money is worth. Going to have to book another one!"

aspiring print maker reviewed: Two day Monoprint and Collagraph Print workshop

"Never thought I was capable of creating beautiful images. Superb direction by Ruth Blackford!"