Latest reviews

Steve Robertson reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"What a fantastic day! Mark's friendly and relaxed manner was apparent from start to finish making it a very enjoyable and fulfilling day. As a complete beginner to wood turning Mark took me through everything I needed to know, from all the different tools, sharpeners and Lathes to use, including which ones on the market were the best to buy and which ones to steer clear of. Throughout the morning, we focused on the different cutting techniques, which through Mark's clear and easy instructions were made simple. Mark walked me through sharpening tools and I was left feeling confident on doing so again on my own. During lunch Mark was able to share with me a fountain of knowledge that he has on everything to do with working with wood, including the cutting of bowl blanks from logs and wood drying techniques. He was also able to offer advise on courses I should take in which to pursue a career in furniture making. In the afternoon we went on to starting the bowl which I'd leave with at the end of the day. Through his excellent care and attention to detail I was able to produce something of professional standards. Even after the course was over I was contacted by Mark with all the information we had talked about throughout the day and a shopping list of all the best and most affordable tools and equipment to get me started. I definitely recommend this course to anyone with any interest in wood working and at any level! Thanks Mark."

Sonya Wratten reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"A good experience but I felt the group I worked in was too small and I was a bit overwhelmed as a beginner with the short time in which to create a finished piece. Food was wonderful."

Peter Carmichael reviewed: Pole Lathe Bowl Turning - Your First Bowl

"What an excellent event from beginning to end, from the excellent directions and signage to the venue to the warm welcome on arrival. The organisation although appearing laid back was first class, non bureaucratic, and functioned smoothly throughout the event. The instructors needless to say were all superb, representing as they do the pinnacle of the wooden bowl world. The pre-fest courses that I attended were well structured, super informative, helpful and most of all good fun. The event providers, volunteers, instructors and of course the participants were without exception friendly, helpful interesting people. I sincerely hope that this event runs again to help people along their journey with wooden bowls, to promote the craft, and to foster the companionship of the " woody" community as a whole."

Phil Venables reviewed: Make a Welsh stick chair

"Really good course-great woodland setting, excellent tutor who took the time to explain, demonstrate and assist with all the skills which we were introduced to during the week. It may feel a bit daunting at the start- you see examples of finished chairs , and probably think 'I can never make that ', but all of the different processes come together and you will achieve a lot of satisfaction from producing a really lovely unique piece of furniture by the end of the course. Whilst the course does involve hard work , it is also very relaxing and therapeutic - no-one will 'get left behind 'any stage. Many thanks Ben, I can highly recommend the course to anyone interested in green woodworking"

Jason reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"If it's on the floor or red it's hot and remember which end you put in the forge. I spent the day with Colin and learnt so much. Colin is very experienced and explained the hows and indeed the whys of the blacksmithing techniques I learnt. Turned a flat bar into a simple, beautiful leafed and rounded coat hook and two other items. Wholly enjoyable day. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend Colin / Anvilsring to anybody interested in giving blacksmithing a try!"

June Simpson reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"Better than excellent. What a fun afternoon with free reign to all types and colours of glass. I went with the idea of a wave of poppies, and I got exactly what I wanted and more. I love the visual texture created by the medium grade glass I used. Julie was so helpful throughout, and I loved the visit to the workshop be Callie."

Sarah Johnson reviewed: 6 week ceramic courses using hand building techniques, stoneware clay and coloured slips.

"I'm in week two of Jenny's six week ceramic course and can highly recommend this course to anyone looking for a totally immersive, relaxing and really inspiring introduction to ceramics. Each week has been very different, learning new skills under Jenny's excellent tuition and guidance. We've experimented with different techniques, slips, glazes and forms and have already made lots of exciting items. The location is really peaceful, nothing is too much trouble for Jenny and she is very open to people doing their own thing and following their own design styles. Really refreshing and a lovely way to spend a Wednesday afternoon!"

Steve Maund reviewed: Pole Lathe Bowl Turning - Your First Bowl

"This was to be my first attempt at wooden bowl lathe turning. Under the supervision from Ade, all safety and tool techniques were covered durning the day. Ade has a great happy and relaxed style of teaching, both being professional and fun. I was shown everything I needed to understand and continue with the more difficult processes of bowl turning. I had a enjoyable day and came away from the course with my own wooden bowl, what more can you ask."

Sally Hopkinson reviewed: Needle felt your dog with Crafty Gal

"A brilliant morning and I enjoyed every minute. Denise was a lovely teacher and I was amazed that I produced something so nice! I am definitely hooked (no pun intended). Thank you!"

Crafty Gal responded:

"You're very welcome Sally! SO pleased you enjoyed it and want to do more. You know where I am, would be great to see you on another workshop. Take care Dx"

Karen Gunn reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"What a wonderful day I had,after meeting the other girls on the course we started our very different projects.Lucy gave us all her undivided attention and I managed to come home with 2 finished items.We also had a lovely homemade lunch (soup and bread) plus plenty of drinks and cake supplied through the day. I have already decided to come again with a friend.Thanks again Lucy."

Susan Field reviewed: Saturday Mosaic Making - St Albans - Hertfordshire

"Thoroughly enjoyable and absorbing day. Audrey and her mother were encouraging and on hand with helpful advice so everyone could produce their best work. I was very happy with the finished result and I'm now keen to do more."

Jen reviewed: Jewellery Workshop ~ 3 Hrs ~ (Beginners & Refreshers)

"Thank you for today, I really enjoyed it. You are so knowledgable, welcoming and well organised. I learnt a lot and will be putting it in to practice ?"

JEWELLERY KITS & SILVER BITS responded:

"Thank you Jen for your kind comments. You created such wonderful jewellery from your day. I am really pleased the FREE handouts came in useful for you when you were home. It was so wonderful of you to let me know you and your friends had good fun together creating Wire Wrapped Crystals too, it is just great to be able to share my passion and see/hear others are enjoying it too! Thanks again! Nicky Gee AET"

Mollie reviewed: Learn to make either silver earrings or a pendant

"I had a fantastic day! Rose was an excellent tutor and allowed us to go at our own pace, none of us having made silver jewellery before. The items we made turned out brilliant and I would definitely participate in a course again!"

Karen Robinson reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"As a complete beginner I had no experience of throwing clay, However after just 1 day with Mathew I had learned enough of the basics to enable me to take what I had learned home and develop my skill. Mathew is a very experienced teacher, very knowledgable, patient and clear in his instruction. I made 5 forms during the day, 4 Bowls and a jug. I learned how to centre clay, cone up, open out , pull up the clay wall and use tools. Having dedicated tutoring time really makes a difference in how quickly you can pick something up and I would recommend this day without Hesitation to anyone who seriously wants to learn a new skill. The day is relaxed and friendly and you come away with a sense of achievement , Thanks again Mathew"

Pat Cracknell reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"A thoroughly enjoyable weekend course. Although I had some previous experience, it was so good to take things right back to basics and relearn. The projects that everyone else had brought were very diverse and I am sure that we all learned new skills like buttoning, which sounds straightforward until Philip explains about how the folds go and how to make sure that the balance is correct, all very technical and fascinating. I would have no hesitation in recommending this course, we didnt stop learning and it all went far too quickly."

Allison Mair reviewed: Two day needle felting a wired armature animal

"I attended Karin's 2 day workshop at the Clearspace studios in Hereford. We could make any animal of our choice. I made a hare, of which I am very proud of. Karin is a wonderful teacher, and I learnt all the skills needed to make any animal, bird etc. Needle felting is a craft I always wanted to learn, and I am so pleased I found Karin's workshop. Thank you Karin."

Jo-Anne McAllister reviewed: Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop.

"Lyn is a very generous with her knowledge on ALL things encaustic. Having spent the day working with her in her lovely little studio finding out about different ways you can use wax as a medium. I am now full of ideas I can;t wait to try out for myself. She is very patience and caters for your artistic vision whilst gently encouraging you explore the medium through her demonstrations. Even though I have used encaustic before it was good to get sound advice on technique and products to use in encaustic to improve upon my own work and give me the confidence to further pursue encaustic painting for myself. I highly recommend Lyn’s workshops to all levels from beginners to well establish artists, there is something for everyone. She also makes nice tea and cakes!"

Sue Wilson reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2 day Course

"A thoroughly enjoyable day and a half, I still have a grin on my face! Maggie was so enthusiastic, an excellent teacher. I created a peice of art work that takes pride of place on my wall, she unleashed a streak of creativity I never knew I had A beautifully run course, friendly and welcoming, Maggie is an inspiration, her imagination and enthusiasm has left me wanting more mosaic work. Thoroughly recommend this course, you won't be disappointed."

Sarah reviewed: Pyrography workshop, Keyhaven, New Forest, Hampshire

"I loved it, great way to spend a morning!"

Joanne reviewed: Introduction to Block Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"What a fantastic day! I thoroughly enjoyed this course, Judith made us all feel welcome & it was very relaxed. I’m so pleased with my print. I went in a nervous beginner, not sure what to expect & came out full of enthusiasm & can’t wait to get started on another design from home. Five stars"

Julie Card reviewed: One day stained glass workshop London for beginners and enthusiasts

"I had never attempted stained glass making before this course and thoroughly enjoyed it. Tejal went through and explained the process stage by stage in detail. Demonstrating each method. I feel that I learnt so much over the two days and am definitely going to book to do another project. I went home with a lovely butterfly that I have displayed in my conservatory. Tejal was a lovely lady and couldn’t have been more helpful. Thank you Tejal, a really enjoyable course.?"

Keeva Austin reviewed: Needle felt your dog with Crafty Gal

"My sister is a real crafter and I often wish i was more like her! But I have arthritic fingers so when i saw this course I was excited but rather apprehensive as to whether I could do it!!! I shouldnt have worried! I had a fabulous fun morning! The time flew, Denise is such an encouraging tutor on hand to help when neccesary. I came away wanting to book on another course - thank you. Highly recommended."

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you so much Keeva! Looking forward to seeing you again and taking it to the next level! All the best Denise x"

Martin "Tosh" Braithwaite reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"From the first minute the good humour and the banter encouraged by Dave gave promise of a good day ahead. Most of the eight attendees were in the same boat, not having made a stick before. We needn't have worried. Dave quickly put us at our ease and under his expert guidance we were soon all on our way to the end result of a simple stick. Lunchtime arrived all too quickly and I still had three bits of a stick but progress from there was rapid and by the end of the afternoon I came away with a completed thumbstick. Tea, coffee and biscuits were plentiful. Parking was easy even for "Lollo" my much travelled motorhome and all the staff and volunteers were friendly and helpful. I was reluctant to leave at the end of the day."

Jon Scragg reviewed: Pole Lathe Bowl Turning - Your First Bowl

"Adrian is a supreme instructor (notwithstanding his teaching background) and instills a real sense of empowerment and ‘can do’ attitude in his students - resulting sense of achievement in creating a new and unique bowl is priceless. Thanks again Ade."

zahra wahab reviewed: One day stained glass workshop London for beginners and enthusiasts

"Fantastic stained class workshop, clear instruction form Tejal who was very helpful and friendly. Definately want to do another course at some stage."