Latest reviews

Julie Burbidge reviewed: Wet felted picture workshop - Teesside

"Delighted to learn the beginnings of a new skill from such an experienced artist. Hellen welcomed everyone and made us all feel comfortable throughout the day. A wonderful way to spend time with a piece of work to bring home and work on at our own pace. Thanks to Hellen and all the other participants for making this a thoroughly enjoyable day."

Helga reviewed: Painting with wool & silk fibres - Feltmaking

"Nice day making felt landscapes. Good to learn a new technique!"

Katharina reviewed: Painting with wool & silk fibres - Feltmaking

"Really enjoyed learning something new and had fun making felt landscapes! Managed to get two A4 landscapes done. Barbara was really nice and helpful and it was a very pleasant workshop day! Thanks :)"

Fiona Buchan reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Attended the candle making workshop in the lovely village of Temple with my daughter and 2 friends last week. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Kerrylyn was a warm friendly person and welcomed us and the rest of the nice group into the kitchen of her home, where she taught us her art. It was fun participating also relaxed and I gained alot of knowledge from it. I would certainly recommend it to others. Fiona Buchan"

Cathy McCall reviewed: One day atmospheric landscape oil painting course aboard the narrowboat Peewit with Melanie Max

"I spent the day with Melanie to try my hand at painting with oils. She is a very enthusiastic teacher/mentor, and had set out the days aims and tasks very clearly on arrival. During the day we covered perspective, light and focal point. How to mix the paints and various techniques with brush and palette knife as well as discussing the materials themselves. Melanie did some demo pieces, and then I had the opportunity to try too. The ambience on board was lovely - a tiny studio with calming views along the river. Just shows what is possible in such a small space! I really enjoyed all aspects of the day and learnt a lot - especially about perspective - which sounds scary and dull, but Melanie has a clever and I feel unique way to explain that - and it makes such a difference to the success of the piece. I should definitely want to return another time to do more. If you want a day getting away from the rush of daily living and the chance to connect with the landscape and your inner eye, then this is the course for you. Enjoy!"

Alan Phillips reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"Neil is a patient and very capable instructor and the day was very enjoyable. There was a lot of one to one time because Neil takes a max of 2 trainees on the day. If I had access to a forge near my home I would certainly want to do this more often - it's extremely rewarding."

Maggie Erskine reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"Jonathan provided a superb grounding in silver jewellery and all the ntechniques were really well explained. It's very hands on which is brilliant, we did lots of activities that made the processes clear. Was really happy with the resulting pendant I made. A real 5 star craft experience!!!"

sharron thompson reviewed: Using a Sewing Machine for Beginners

"I was very apprehensive as I had not used a sewing machine since my teens and my confidence is non existent re technology. I needn't have worried, Donna was very supportive, understanding and patient with me. A wonderful selection of fabrics were provided along with comfortable surroundings in which to relax and learn. Not only did I succeed in creating some wonderful items I gained the confidence to start a sewing project at home which has lain dormant for some time. thank you Donna."

Anita reviewed: Knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"Had a two hour knitting lesson with Ann on Friday. In the short time she managed to get me knitting. A friend tried to teach me in the past without success, but Ann was patient and explained things clearly. The tea room where we met was a lovely environment to relax and learn, with the bonus of supplying great cake."

Leeds Central Faith and Light responded:

"Thank you Anita for your kind review. It was a pleasure to be able to teach you to knit. Hope you manage to make your cowl and I hope to see you at Just Grand Crafters sometime. Kind regards Ann"

Debbie Bennett reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"A great experience, a real break from the stresses of my day to day work. Ian’s workshop and approach to his craft is a real pleasure to be part of, his knowledge and passion make the day fly by, so much so that it’s not until the stool is made that you realise just how much your muscles ache! This would be a great team building experience, with the opportunity for developing both team work and a little healthy competition too!! Like many before , my stool has pride of place in our home, next stop garden bench !! Thank you Ian for a great day ?"

Katherine Phipps reviewed: Beginners silver clay jewellery class with Anna Campbell

"Very well presented course with all materials that are needed provided as part of it. We all made several items, Anna was extremely helpful and explained everything very clearly. Notes were made available to us afterwards to save us writing things down, and all questions were answered clearly. The location is fabulous, a really beautiful setting that was relaxing and comfortable all day. The refreshments were extremely good, lunch was fabulous and way more than I had expected being included in the price. Strongly recommend, and will be looking for other courses by the Arienas Collective myself!"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Katherine. We're so glad you enjoyed your day - the jewellery you created was fantastic! We look forward to welcoming you back to The Arienas Collective soon - perhaps on one of Anna's intermediate courses now you've mastered the basics so well! Best wishes, Lynn :-)"

Sarah reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"I had a super afternoon in Charlie’s garden flamingo studio. She is very helpful and showed me how to make my own candle. She explained about the different essential oils. I was welcomed with a drink and cake afterwards. I would recommend this workshop."

Lindsey Lloyd-Owen reviewed: Circular sock knitting machine 'Sock School'

"Fabulous day learning to use these great machines and knitting your very own socks. No pair will ever be as good as my own hand made pair! With no skill in craftwork I worried a little about the day - but my fears were unfounded- Anne and her team were wonderful, supportive and encouraging. A lovely lunch with plenty of tea breaks kept us all going. Highly recommend this course if you want to learn in an enjoyable atmosphere supported by skilled expertise."

Sian Mcdermott reviewed: Necklaces, handmade beads, ancient fresco-style, papiermache recipe

"A really fun day and managed to make two necklaces to take home. Not only that, I feel I have the knowledge to make some more at home. Eleanor is a great teacher and hostess- delicious lunch."

Mandy Ransome reviewed: Mosaic Workshop for Beginners, Broadstairs

"I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this course. It was a real tonic. It was exactly what I needed as the last few weeks in my life had been so difficult and I just needed some "me time". I was lost in the making of the mosaics that I forgot my troubles. I felt so refreshed afterwards. Thank you Lynda for giving me such an uplifting experience. Your enthusiasm was contagious."

Creating Mosaics responded:

"Thank you for a great review Mandy. I am so pleased that you enjoyed your day and found it a "real tonic" I know that you left that day so happy and eager to make more mosaics, so I hope you continue to have some more "me time." Best wishes. x"

May Philpott reviewed: Bees for Development Sustainable Beekeeping Weekend Courses 2024

"This course really enhances your knowledge and gives you a broader perspective on WHY natural beeping should be a consideration for beekeepers. The presentations were well thought through and the presenters used data from sources that are reliable. On reflection had I attended this course before becoming a beekeeper many mistakes could have been avoided. Upon returning from the course I completely changed my approach to what I was doing and this gives me confidence in taking a natural and sustainable approach to beekeeping in the future."

Stella Dower reviewed: Knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"Ann is a very patient teacher. I spent two hours being taught how to crochet. The time went by so quickly. I wanted to learn a new skill which I achieved. The setting was lovely in the Vintage tea rooms in the Grand Arcade. I enjoyed a tasty slice of lemon and blueberry cake. Thank you Ann for a wonderful time, once I’ve mastered the basics I’ll book for another workshop."

Leeds Central Faith and Light responded:

"Thank you, Stella, for taking the time to write your kind review. It was a pleasure teaching you and I'm glad you found the session worthwhile and feel you have gone some way to mastering your new found skill. Kind regards, Ann"

Hannah Wells reviewed: Natural skincare workshops at Touch of Beauty (full day)

"Had a great time at the full day workshop I learnt so much. Was a great mixture of information and practical and was in a beautiful surroundings. Sue was so lovely and so informative but made you feel relaxed and ease! Love the little goodie bag of products you make and take away! Would definitely recommend."

Touch of Beauty responded:

"Thank you Hannah for your comments. I`m really pleased you enjoyed your day. It`s great to share not only all the lovely ingredients with you but also the peaceful surroundings. Enjoy all the goodies you made during your workshop."

allan thomas reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Beginners glass fusing workshops in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"This was a very interesting and informative course, i booked this as a surprise for my Wife as she loves fused glass jewellery, but i think i enjoyed the day more than she did! Melanie is a great teacher, she took the time to make sure everyone understood the steps to move forward, and gave us creative freedom in our pieces. course pace and structure was excellent, we never felt rushed and each person on the course went through the multiple stages to create our own masterpieces! as an extra the lunch provided was delicious. we are already looking forward to booking the next course. highly recommended."

Daniel Eatock reviewed: Pole Lathe Bowl Turning - Your First Bowl

"I loved it I love my bowl Its still drying in my basement The first thing I will eat from it will be porridge It is a gift to myself for life – the bowl, and the experience The lathes are a joy to experience Adrian was a master at teaching, sharing, and passing his knowledge along The setting in London Green Wood was enchanting The weather was wetter than the wood Thank you to the Adrian and the group!"

Sara hill reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"My husband and I have just spent a fantastic day making a stool each with Ian. It was a birthday present which I didn't realise I even wanted to try. Can't thank ian enough, I really enjoyed the experience and found it very enjoyable and a complete break from everyday life. What an absolute treat. Thank you"

Pat Macfarlane reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"I was a complete novice before starting this course, however I was delighted with the two days I spent with Elaine. Elaine is an excellent teacher and has an abundance of patience especially when unraveling my first attempts. Having a small class is definitely an advantage and the other two ladies in the group were great company. For anyone contemplating enrolling in the course, do it! You will not be disappointed, I came away at the end of the second day feeling triumphant having achieved the end result albeit a rather rustic skein of wool. Elaine is a wealth of knowledge for all things about fleece and fibres, I am definitely going to develop this hobbie."

Bee Peak reviewed: Pole Lathe Bowl Turning - Your First Bowl

"This was an excellent day, splendidly run. The whole experience was very relaxed and I only realized at the end of the day when I produced my first time bowl how skillfully Ade had kept us all to keep up to speed with the various stages.He offered input and practical help at just the right time making everyone feel very valued.All done with a sense of humour and I would thoroughly recommend him as a teacher.What an excellent day I had.Thanks, Ade."

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

"Had a fantastic day! Tuition from Graham and his son was excellent. From forging to finishing you get to be fully hands on the whole way through the process. At each stage of the process Graham demonstrates to everyone and then you get to do it yourself. They’re there to guide you if need it or if they feel your doing something not quite right, but you are ultimately responsible for creating your own knife, so there’s a massive sense of pride in your creation. Would highly recommend! Thank you!"

Drew Baumohl reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Had a fantastic day! Tuition from Graham and his son was excellent. From forging to finishing you get to be fully hands on the whole way through the process. At each stage of the process Graham demonstrates to everyone and then you get to do it yourself. They’re there to guide you if need it or if they feel your doing something not quite right, but you are ultimately responsible for creating your own knife, so there’s a massive sense of pride in your creation. Would highly recommend! Thank you!"