Latest reviews

Nicky Butler reviewed: Felted flowers workshop

"I have now done two courses with Lena. One on nuno felt, and eco/ botanical printing. Lena is a very thorough teacher, and you will learn correct techniques that work (although part of the fun of eco printing is experimentation!) The courses are "full on" but fun. Bring a notebook to record techniques and results for the future. A camera or mobile phone can be useful for before and after photos too. Lena's very good for answering any follow up questions you may have afterwards. Enjoy!"

Trevor Linkin reviewed: Woodturning courses in Norfolk

"I approached the course with an open mind ,not really believing i would be able to master the art of wood turning . Nick encouraged me from the outset his patience and excellent teaching skills built up my confidence .he never rushed me and answered all of my questions with enthusiasm and interest . I was given all of my work to bring home from the initial novice practice batons to my beautiful hand carved bowl . I would thoroughly recommend this course run by Nick to anyone interested in this craft and also those who are merely thinking about it,I thouroughly enjoyed my 2 days . Thank you so much Nick for sharing your skills and knowledge with me and in helping me to choose a lathe as well . Also a really big thank you to Jane for the lovely lunches as well ."

Gail reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"I have attended at least four of Martin’s courses, I think!! I’m not certain how many because it feels like a normal part of my week! I enjoy ‘crafty’ things anyway but had never tried stained glass before. The first few weeks were challenging and I can’t say some of my skills are much better now, but that is not to do with Martin’s skill as a teacher. As a teacher myself, for 40 years I can spot a ‘good un’ a mile off and Martin is one of these. He immediately puts you at ease, quietly and with humour leads you through the process of producing something magical. He never gets frustrated, however many times you need reminding about techniques, he’s supportive when you want to try something left of field and helps you achieve the ‘picture in your head’. He’s helped me produce pieces I never ever thought I’d be able to make and even improve my soldering - not an easy task. There is always a happy atmosphere in his well equipped workshop, with everyone interested in each other’s projects, I’ve signed up for another course in September - can’t wait!!"

Helen Morgan reviewed: Fascinator hat making - gorgeous spirals millinery workshop

"My friend and I had a truely wonder day with Racheal.she was very welcoming, she is an excellent teacher, and made us feel at ease. Racheal help us with lots of encouragment, helped us to try out new techniques and skills. I was so happy with my Fascinator!! I think I've found a new hobby. Thank you Racheal. Id love to do more workshops soon."

Pippa Shay reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I had such a wonderful weekend learning how to carve stone. We were blessed with amazing sunshine and it was so delightful carving in the shade of the orchard. Sebastian is such a relaxed, encouraging and inspirational teacher. He didn't interfere but was there with advice and his wisdom when needed. I learnt so much over the two days and actually left with a sculpture that looked like I had imagined it might. I wish I lived next door as I would be there every day chipping away at more stones. I highly recommend Sebastian's course and I will return to play with stones again soon amongst the magic."

Duncan Bell reviewed: Ceramic Studio Experience - Sunday Clay Day - Full Day Tutor Interactive Workshop

"Big thanks to Sue and Geri for an excellent introduction to Raku firing. We each glazed 3 pieces of bisque pottery, experimenting with a wide range of colours and designs. Observing the glazing and reduction process was very interesting, and then we all compared our surprising and pleasing end results. I now want to learn a lot more about Raku and perhaps set up my own Raku kiln. It was a fun day of learning which I can thoroughly recommend."

Sue Whelan responded:

"Duncan, we are very pleased that you enjoyed the Raku Workshop and want to continue exploring this method of firing ceramics. We are happy to give you advice and help as an when you need."

Gary McKillion reviewed: Bees for Development Sustainable Beekeeping Weekend Courses 2024

"My family bought me a place on the Sustainable Bee-keeping Weekend course in April 2018. I found the course really inspiring, not only in Bee-keeping but in my understanding of the natural world. The course facilitators were absolutely wonderful, so passionate, knowledgeable and friendly. The presentations were excellent and gave an in-depth guide into the world of bees, from the bee's minute perspective to environmental, economic and geopolitical factors and everything in between! The practical demonstrations with bees, hives, products and hive-making were very good. The opening of hives is weather dependent due to the harm this can do to the bees, thankfully the conditions were just about ok for our group. Our course was held at Ragman's Lane farm which is a wonderful venue with many lovely B&Bs and Inns nearby. The food provided was plentiful and delicious, I've taken a couple of the recipes to enjoy at home. I would highly recommend this course if you are currently bee-keeping or have an interest in doing so. Some of the attendees had been bee-keeping for several years but still found the course to be very eye-opening. I left the course feeling confident that I could successfully keep bees. Thanks so much to Nicola, Janet, Monica, Ingo and Donna."

Niall reviewed: Timber framing courses

"A truly excellent experience. Learned so much in a week. Alan, Mary and his team made us all feel so welcome. Alan is a rare combination of expert craftsman, story-teller, musician, and a true gentleman. Mary's cooking was unsurpassable. As a person with good intolerances, Mary made sure that I never once failed to thoroughly enjoy every meal!"

Philippa Halagan reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Had a fab day and came away with a fantastic bangle! Eat your hearts out Pandora. Thank you Jonathan for providing lots of refreshments on a very hot day. It was very relaxing being on the water and the day just flew. Will be recommending the course to my friends. My bangle has been admired by many."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Well done Philippa and thank you for the kind review. I'm glad you had a good day and are enjoying your jewellery. Jonathan"

Alexandra Green reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Seldom have I seen such glowing reviews as Jo has received here and I am delighted to add one more! I spent a joyful day learning all I needed to know about candle making and came away with a gorgeous bundle of my own creations. The class was small, relaxed and fun. Jo’s knowledge is vast and so generously shared. Lunch in the tea room was beautifully presented and delicious. Thoroughly recommended!"

Alison Chilvers reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Jo knows her stuff inside out and is extremely generous with her knowledge, covering everything you could possibly want to know about candle making - and her warm and fun personality makes it all the better! The lunch was delicious and the day was excellent value considering the amount of lovely items you make and take home. I would highly recommend this course."

Sarah MacAlpine reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"What a fabulous day! I attended this workshop with my Dad to celebrate his 75th birthday. I had never turned my hand to anything like this before and it was great to learn something completely new. Chris is a fantastic teacher and is clearly passionate about what he does. Thank you Chris for a very memorable day!"

Anna Dickens reviewed: Bring Your Own Upholstery Project - 1 day workshop - Week Days

"Sarah is a very patient , kind and meticulous teacher . l really enjoyed upholstering my french bed with her and was made to feel very welcome . Lovely surroundings and lunch just added to a lovely day . Would absolutely recommend and definitely will be going back myself ."

Sally hicks reviewed: Half day leather clutch bag / ipad case

"I want to go again, that says it all!"

Pam reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"Booked this course for a friend for her birthday and decided to join her. Although both of us had no experience working with copper and silver, Jolene guided us through the day, showed us how to use equipment correctly and safely and supported and encouraged us when we neeed it. We are now the proud owners of 2 copper bangles and a silver ring. Can't wait to show our friends and tell them about our fantastic day. Thanks again Jolene."

Stacey Clark reviewed: Make and decorate a ceramic bowl in one session

"My myself and partner did this course last weekend and had such a great time! Josie was a really great teacher - really knowledgeable and so friendly too (and patient!). The group was small so Josie was able to give us each enough assistance with making sure our bowls were how we wanted. The bowls we made were great and we had the freedom to make them how we wanted. Thank you!"

Josie Warshaw Ceramics responded:

"Thank you for your review Stacey ..I glazed your bowls today and their second firing will happen on Friday so they will be ready for pick up very soon . I'm excited to see how your slip and oxide decorations come out with the honey glaze . ..i'll be in touch again soon . Regards for now Josie"

Victoria Lowe reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"Such a lovely way to spend my Saturday! Alice was a great teacher and showed us some really helpful skills. Great introduction to weaving and a really relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Highly recommended!"

Gaye Easton reviewed: Ceramic Studio Experience - Sunday Clay Day - Full Day Tutor Interactive Workshop

"Really warm and friendly welcome with an interesting peek into the history of Raku, before discussing the order of the day. Plenty of help and advice throughout the workshop, ensuring we all had a good time and got the best results possible. Came home with 3 amazing pieces to be proud of and can’t wait to go back for more."

Sue Whelan responded:

"Thank you for reviewing the course, very pleased you enjoyed the session. The next step would be to make your own pots to offer to the "kiln Gods" See you soon Best wishes Geri & Sue"

RICHARD CHUCK reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"I recently did a four day course with Jamal, what a great course , jamals fluid and sensitve way of teaching was great, when searching for a stained glass painting course I felt I needed to have a solid grounding with a true professional and was pleased to find I'd struck gold. I would not hesitate to give Jamal a five star rating ..."

Dave McLoughlin reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Booked this course with Bob and had the best time ever, the course was delivered in an informal but professional manner by Bob, my course was one on one and i had a full day of trying to copy the techniques that Bob not only demonstrated but made them look so easy, as do all master craftsmen. After a full day spent between forge, anvil and hammer i produced a take home piece that i am truly hapoy with, thanks Bob for a wonderful day."

Zoe reviewed: Make silver jewellery using precious metal clay or silver clay

"Mum and I had a lovely time with Toni making our silver jewellery. Between the two of us we produced 4 necklace pendants and 2 pairs of earrings (and a Christmas present ticked off the shopping list already!). Really pleased with what we produced and have already had compliments on my two necklaces. Toni was very informative, friendly and supportive - and tolerant of my indecision. Would definitely recommend Toni to others for their first foray into silver clay jewellery making. Thank you Toni."

Wizz reviewed: Silver Clay Beginners Workshop

"Marianne is an excellent tutor. Knowledgeable, patient and encouraging. She taught us at exactly the pace we needed to go. She is very professional, and friendly The workshop is an excellent teaching space - well laid out and well equipt but also relaxed. I was astonished by the quality of what we achieved in one day. Its excellent value for money."

Margaret Horton reviewed: Encaustic Art Beginner with Michael Bossom

"Interested in the Newsletter"

Simon reviewed: Blacksmithing course with Longdog Smithy

"My wife and I attended the 1 day course and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Neither of us had any prior experience, but Toms expertise and patience soon gave us the confidence to use all of the equipment. We both achieved our aims of leaving with a finished piece of work, no rushing, no shortcuts and both had fun in the process. A hugely interesting day with lots learnt, excellent setting, facilities and refreshments. I can't recommend this enough and will certainly look to doing this again."

Bob reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"A thoroughly enjoyable weekend. Very satisfying learning to use new tools and techniques and being able to complete a shave horse. This will be a useful bit of kit at home to help with a number of green woodworking projects I have in mind. Andy is very patient and knowledgeable. Will consider another course in the future."