Latest reviews

Ann Goddard reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"My daughter Hannah and I booked onto the course for Hannah’s birthday and had such a great day. Jonathan is friendly, welcoming and a very patient tutor. The boat is well equipped and comfortable- and Jonathan even moved it to a shadier spot in view of the recent hot spell. We had great fun working with the copper wire and trying out new techniques ready to start on our rings after lunch. We at both really pleased with what we achieved and inspired to try more. A great find and one we would both recommend"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Annie, it was a good day. Well done to both of you. I hope you both enjoy further jewellery making adventures! Jonathan"

Bronwen Shepherd reviewed: Feltmaking OOH the choices!

"My husband and I both had a fabulous day with Barbara, making Nuno felt scarves....! My husband hadn't planned to come along - long story! - but was pleased he did. Barbara is a superb tutor - she inspires with lots of samples and ideas, and explains the process very clearly; she's very professional and very welcoming. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending this course/workshop - if you're on your own, with a friend of in a group, I'm sure you'd have fun...and you get to leave with a stunning Nuno felt scarf, too!"

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Hi Bron. Thank you for your lovely and very encouraging review. At times this business can be difficult but I like you love to teach and inspire. Best wishes Barbara"

Jan Russell reviewed: Sunday afternoon watercolour painting florals - with Artist Laura Andrew

"I had the best day with Laura, having dabbled with a little bit of watercolour, and a little acrylic, and went along to begin to build my skillset, knowledge and approach, and to have some fun. Laura is highly talented, extremely student centred and I felt really encouraged and bold enough to try new things. Lovely feel in the studio, and lunch was tasty with a little indulgence. Excellent value, and I am going back again in a month, treating my sister as I think she will enjoy it too! I thoroughly recommend Laura's course."

Sue Stow reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - one day course at Sculpture by the Lakes with John Davey

"I did the two hour workshop with John during Dorset Art Weeks and was so inspired that I signed up for the four hour course three weeks later. I now have two stone carvings in Portland stone which have pride of place in my garden. John is an excellent teacher who manages to get the best out of his students. I am really disappointed that I won't be able to do the one day course at Sculpture by the Lakes as I would really like to develop my technique. Here's hoping for more courses!"

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Thank you so much for letting us know about your course with John and so glad you enjoyed it. Although you can't make his one day course on 2nd September, we will certainly be holding another stone carving day with him, so please do keep in touch with us via our website or through Craft Courses."

Chris Allin reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"I can only re-iterate what the reviews point out. A very enjoyable, instructive and productive day from Simon, who is very patient and encouraging to a student with no previous knowledge of woodturning. A new enthusiasm is born !!! Highly recommend !!"

Jack Armitage reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Fantastic day ( flowers ) my 4 th course Adrian and Andy are on hand to solve any problems. Debbie provides fantastic food from home made cakes and biscuits to a fabulous vegetarian lunch followed by cheese and a gorgeous pudding. I can't believe what can be created under the expert tuition of Adrian and Andy Brilliant Brilliant day . Be warned you lot I'll be back along with Dax . You have been warned lol XXX"

Lyn Jones reviewed: Eco Printing and Dyeing at Sweet Nothings in South West France 7 day Rural Retreat

"A fabulous relaxing week. Natalie and Lawrence are the perfect hosts-nothing is too much trouble for them. Excellent food, comfortable beds, rooms en suite, lovely bathrooms . House and gardens full of rustic charm."

Sweet Nothings Arts and Craft Retreat responded:

"Thank you for your kind words, we are thrilled that you had a good experience at the retreat and look forward to seeing you next year!"

Debra F reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"Brilliant course. I have some experience with candle making but was able to fire loads of questions at Charlie who was very informative. Very personal and would highly recommend!"

Edward reviewed: Make a Welsh stick chair

"I think the other reviews here cover things nicely - I'll only add that I've done a few woodwork courses and this wins hands down - in terms of setting, teacher, and finished product!"

Ginette reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"What a truly fantastic day! I highly recommend attending this workshop. Its fun, informative, interesting and above all very enjoyable. Jo is not only a wonderful person, she builds rapport quickly and puts you at your ease before imparting a wealth of knowledge borne from her own experiences. You will come away armed with a bag full of your own beautiful homemade candles, a reference sheet full of useful information and a head full of ideas. I also purchased a bag full of gifts for special occasions plus a treat to help remember a fun packed day. Thank you Jo and have a super time at the markets selling your beloved Christmas candles! Am sure you will sell out fast!"

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thank you so much Ginette. It was really lovely to meet you - what a great "first class" I had with the 3 of you. I hope you don't mind, but I've put a copy of this on IG, about time we all celebrated positive things I feel! Take care and best wishes for the future. xx"

Monika Jones reviewed: Glass Fusing with Enamels - Two Day Course

"I had been looking forward to this course for months since booking last year. The course not only lived up to my expectations but exceeded them. Steve Robinson apart from being a brilliant glass artist is generous with his knowledge and experience and can make comparative beginners feel as if they have achieved something amazing , which of course we did. Mistakes notwithstanding, I was very pleased with my glass pieces, which certainly would not have been achieved without Steve's help, advice and enthusiasm to keep going when mistakes were made - he has a wonderful vacuum nozzle which can transform an error into something of which to be proud. I would advise anyone to try his courses and when one realises the cost of materials, the course costs can be very acceptable. I loved it enough to consider going again"

Rachel Glasgow reviewed: Table Loom Weaving Workshop - Dobby & Rose

"Excellent course, I can well recommend it. Rebecca is lovely and the setting is idyllic."

Karen Russell reviewed: Copper Foil Technique Stained Glass

"We had such a lovely time with Amanda who was patient and helpful with complete beginners. We came away with beautiful glass window catchers and inspired to do this again."

Adele Edgar reviewed: Needle felted Dogs and Cats in Hebden Bridge

"Lovely relaxed atmosphere, loved my felt dog, great to spend a day in Hebden too."

Jayne Towndrow reviewed: Silver jewellery beginners' class - one day

"Two days of making jewellery - fab workshops. I though I had died and gone to heaven. Arts clays and cabochons, all really interesting. Christmas gifts in the bag! Thank you, Louise."

Louise Anne designs responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review. I certainly had fun teaching you and sharing the fun of creating. Louise"

Di Hinchley reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Dawn was an excellent teacher/host and having only a small group made it friendly. Learnt lots on the day as I was a complete beginner to free machine embroidery. All materials were provided-not forgetting none stop coffee and water (very welcomed as a hot day) plus lovely homemade cake. Took home 2 finished projects plus one that I will finish at home. So good was the seaside theme worksop, I've booked onto the Christmas theme worksop. A big thank you to Dawn."

Janet reviewed: Full day mosaic workshop for beginners - Meriden, West Midlands

"Absolutely loved this course - not only is Anne a wonderful host but is very knowledgeable, helpful and attentive during the full day. The day starts with croissants and nibbles, and the all important cuppa, then introduction to tools, choice of medium and instructions to help get started. A group of 6 on the course - a good number to work amongst as you have enough room but also the company to get to know and work with. Wonderful craft room filled to the brim with loads of options to create that masterpiece! Lunchtime and a superb setting overlooking fields, with a top 3 course meal. Back to work on the piece for the afternoon session and again Anne is the host with the most! Anne couldn't do enough to help during the day, and we actually created multiple pieces. Honestly can't fault Anne and the days course - absolutely loved it, and will definitely be looking at booking again in the future! Thanks so much for the experience Anne!!"

Ellen Bell reviewed: Photography Days

"We had a fantastic day in the studio with Sue and Richard, and the lovely model they arranged. They managed to fit us in and find the model all with less than 24 hours notice, and we had a thoroughly enjoyable day, and learnt a lot. We will definitely be back!"

Art by Camera responded:

"Thank you so much, Ellen. We enjoyed having you both. Our model really enjoyed the day too, it was quite unlike and other shoot she had been invited to do! I will email you about a return visit. Our portrait sessions with camera clubs or small groups are very cost effective, giving informal tuition as and when needed during the session allowing more camera time."

Jo M.A. reviewed: Candle making course (introductory) - in the heart of the Ashdown Forest, Sussex

"Simon was super knowledgeable. He also adapted the course as we progressed to be in line with our interests. Plenty of tea and biscuits, too! When we realised we’d left without our scented jar candles, the team were happy to post them. Fabulous customer care. Highlight of the day: hand dipping!"

Simon reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I was bought this taster day as a birthday present. It was an excellent experience. Many have commented already about the food on offer and that starts as soon as you arrive with the homemade biscuits and flapjacks, then continues with a tasty and large portioned lunch and even ends with cake. All of this is well earned in the rare uk heat wave spent at the forges. The sessions were pitched perfectly building confidence and slowly developing the skills to make the two items to take home. It was tiring but I really did leave wanting more. I really can’t recommend these folk highly enough both in patience, skills and relaxed personalities. Many thanks Simon"

Dax Hewitt reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This is the 4th time I have been out to play with Adrian, Andy and Debbie. Once again what a fantastic day. This time was the flower course. We made 2 flute Lilley, one with more traditional petals, a fantastic rose and some curly bits as accent pices. As always Adrian does a demo of each step then he and Andy walk round the room pointing out hints and tips and helping where needed and partaking of a good bit of banter. I have done a lot of different "experience" days and these guys run the best of the lot. In fact I am going to go one further, you don't come here to experience what it would be like to be a blacksmith, you come here to be a blacksmith. Thank you very much guys, I am looking forward to my next visit."

Paul Robson reviewed: forge a Rustic knife with a Hamon ( Temper Line) /antler handle or wooden handle knife making / Blade smithing

"Many thanks for a bril couple of days. Good tutor. Happy with the result."

Cory Reeves reviewed: forge a Rustic knife with a Hamon ( Temper Line) /antler handle or wooden handle knife making / Blade smithing

"Had a blast. Good tutor and nice piece to see emerging from the metal. Many thanks."

Rory Lee reviewed: forge a Rustic knife with a Hamon ( Temper Line) /antler handle or wooden handle knife making / Blade smithing

"Great couple of days. Hands on and nice to see the finished knife. Recommended."

Joe Morley reviewed: forge a Rustic knife with a Hamon ( Temper Line) /antler handle or wooden handle knife making / Blade smithing

"Highly recommended. Had a really good time. Nice piece to take home."