Latest reviews

Gabi reviewed: Leather Crossbody/Messenger or Tote bag

"Richard was so knowledgable and gave a great introduction into the processes of vegetable tanning leather and different types of hides at the beginning of the course that was very interesting. The cross body bag workshop was a great way to learn many different techniques in one day and it was so satisfying to come away with a finish piece I could wear after just a few hours! The workshop was not restrictive and I was allowed to adapt the design of the bag along the way which made it feel very personal. I’m looking forward to practising my skills on my next project!"

Nish reviewed: Introduction to Glassblowing

"Just returned from a great afternoon at Ahava Glass. Fun, relaxed and informative. Highly recommended."

sian evans reviewed: Print Making workshops at the Ruskin Glass Centre

"Mike was a great Tutor and I learnt a lot about different styles of print making. I was able to produce my own piece of work which I am really proud of. Would highly recommend."

sian evans reviewed: Mixed Media Collage Workshop

"Tutor was excellent and explained things really clearly. I was able to use my creatively to produce a finished piece I was really happy with !"

N.Paine reviewed: Friday mosaic making

"This 2 hour workshop is so relaxing the time just flies by.....you get to enjoy good company and Audrey is so friendly and welcoming I have done 2 workshops so far and will be signing up for the next one I highly recommend this workshop."

Arthur reviewed: Make your own blacksmithing tools - 3 day course

"I would recommend this course to anyone interested in making their own blacksmith’s tools. You will make a series of tools; many designed to help make other tools on the course list, along with tools for bending and making scrolls. Peat’s relaxed teaching style and encouragement during the 3 days allowed me to improve significantly on past attempts at tong making and I am now equipped to continue building my tool collection. Peat, the food and the camaraderie all helped make this one of the best courses I have done in any craft discipline."

Jane Grubb reviewed: Woodcarving for beginners - two day course in Suffolk

"Spent two days on a beginners carving course with Gerald this weekend. The course was fantastic. I am an absolute beginner and Gerald took me - and the 5 other participants - through a complete range of basic skills and toolcare. We used the skills to make 2 small pieces - always good to have something to take home. Gerald tailored the course to each person's skills and was the epitome of patience. He is extremely knowledgeable. We enjoyed a fantastic meal on each day and regular teas and biscuits. I highly recommend the courses."

Claire reviewed: Stained glass summer workshop in Hampshire by Stardust Stained Glass

"Really excellent session. very accessible for the beginner and very clear instructions and ended up with a lovely sign catcher to take home. Thank you for a lovely morning"

Moira reviewed: A willow basket making day in Scotland

"Acharya Anna : thankyou for your patience. And thankyou for sharing your basketweaving passion. I'm hooked now. So will(ow) there be a 2 day course on the menu soon?"

Michael Kane reviewed: Spoon carving, 2 days with Steve Tomlin in the Yorkshire Dales

"This is a brilliant course! Steve is an amazing instructor and was able to answer any questions that were thrown at him. Everyone had a great time, the venue was lovely, Lunch was awesome, and the course was one we'll remember forever. The spoons came out great thanks to Steve’s guidance and I'd recommend the course to anyone interested in learning a fun new skill."

Lynda Morgan reviewed: Stained glass introduction at Blue Kite Stained Glass

"I attended this course with a friend in April 2018. It was her retirement present and what a fantastic day we had. The course is really enjoyable and everything is explained and demonstrated brilliantly. The small class size allows time to be spent with each individual as needed. The finished product is lovely and although we over ran, we didn’t feel rushed and our window/sample was finished on the day! A wonderful experience that I would HIGHLY recommended."

Margaret Archer reviewed: Friday mosaic making

"My first time at the class and really enjoyed it once I got into it. Looking forward to finishing my piece and starting another. Nice atmosphere with friendly people and with refreshments and biscuits kindly provided."

Jan Telfer reviewed: Pottery course for at home pottery

"I was a complete beginner and my daughter thought this would make a great Christmas gift for me. She was so right. Both Sue and Geri create a thoroughly enjoyable experience in a relaxed atmosphere, whilst sharing their vast knowledge and skills with patience (and a sense of humour). I’m hooked - wish I’d discovered Fired Thoughts years ago."

Hazel reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"This is a fantastic workshop! Alice is a patient and knowledgable teacher, and having 4 people per workshop works very well- everyone is able to have some one to one time (and there were a lot of laughs to be had!). The studio is beautiful and easy to find, very warm and lots of light, and full of creative pieces from Alice. I will definitely be signing up for another workshop. 5*"

Mel and Dean Pepper reviewed: Click & deliver pottery kits including kiln firings. Includes free chance to throw a pot once travel restrictions have been completely lifted.

"We had an amazing time on our pottery experience day bought for us as a gift. Lorraine is a brilliant teacher and we couldn't believe how much we achieved in a day under her friendly and knowledgeable guidance. It was a fun, inspiring and nicely-paced day which gave us a wonderful opportunity to be truly creative and productive with no previous experience. Thank you Lorraine!"

Sarah Gritt reviewed: Stained glass summer workshop in Hampshire by Stardust Stained Glass

"Great Course. Clear explanations and practical tutorials. Friendly environment. Really enjoyed the morning."

Barbara Brayshaw reviewed: Natural (cold process) soap making workshop with afternoon tea

"Thank you Julie for a lovely day . The course was very informative and really enjoyed the afternoon tea . It was all done in a relaxed and informal atmosphere and I'm looking forward to booking the course on candle making in the near future ."

Jane Wilson reviewed: Encaustic Painting (ancient and traditional techniques) on the Isle of Man

"I spent a fabulous day with Debbie learning all the techniques for encaustic painting. Her passion & expertise for her art was inspiring, opening up a new direction for my own creative journey to go in......"

Isle Be Creative responded:

"Thank you. I thoroughly enjoyed sharing my passion for this amazing art technique with you. I was really impressed with your ideas and beautiful work. I can see you have caught the ‘encaustic bug’- keep it up! Xx"

Lynn Thompson reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"My daughter and I had a fantastic morning with Julie - Julie made the experience very informative and relaxed. Making our pieces was so enjoyable (and I found it very therapeutic). When we picked up the pieces once they'd been in the kiln I couldn't believe that I could make something which looked so professional! Thoroughly enjoyable - would definitely recommend."

Diane Balcombe reviewed: Silver Jewellery making class at Sandra Kerns Jewellery studio, Little Sampford

"I attended this course with my friend a week ago and we both enjoyed it very much. We were both complete beginners and had no idea what to expect. Sandra very patiently showed us how to make a lovely ring and a beautiful pair of ear-rings. Very happy with our experience"

Sandra Kerns Jewellery responded:

"Thank you for your lovely comments Diane, it was a real pleasure to teach you both."

Lesley m reviewed: Learn to make Roman Blinds - Worcestershire

"This was my second session and I loved it. Judi explains things clearly and she makes sure she has time to help everyone. I don’t have my own machine yet and was able to use Judis which was great. I loved the fact I could make something I was proud of and take home to use. I am brand new to machine sewing and fully recommend."

Sew Make it responded:

"Thank you Lesley, your cushion looked lovely with the co-ordinating buttons , and so neat! See you again soon"

Jean Hall reviewed: Spoon carving, 2 days with Steve Tomlin in the Yorkshire Dales

"A really informative introduction to the skills needed to make a wooden spoon from a tree trunk. Steve is a very patient and friendly tutor demonstrating each step and helping when needed but at the same time allowing us to be creative and end up with a spoon that was unique to each. Broadrake is a fantastic venue and Rachel and Mike friendly and welcoming. Excellent home baking and substantial lunch contributed to an excellent and relaxing day (not good for the waistline!) Thank you"

Terri reviewed: Taster Pottery Session

"Lovely afternoon, returning to clay after a break of 16 years! Covered lots of teqniques I'd never done before, great fun! Joan was very knowledgeable and patient. Can't wait to go back and finish my pieces and learn more! Thankyou Joan!"

Lucy reviewed: Make a Windsor chair

"This is a great course, you learn how to use a range of woodworking tools and after just 10 weeks come away with a lovely chair. Ben is a patient teacher who clearly enjoys sharing his knowledge of traditional chair-making skills."

Sara reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"A really interesting and enjoyable morning at The Candle Alchemist. Anita is a lovely lady and very welcoming. I really enjoyed myself, it was nice to be able to bring the candles home. I will definitely be booking on to the next course. Also brought the starter kit, so will be practicing at home. A great location and a wonderful studio."