Latest reviews

Emily reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"My boyfriend and I recently attended a 3 day course, in which we worked exclusively with Bill to complete a project of our choice. The course was comprehensive and completely tailored to our needs. Bill worked incredibly hard to plan activities/tasks each day, ensuring that we were able to fit in as much as we could, whilst remaining flexible and allowing us to steer. Bill is incredibly knowledgeable and a fantastic teacher. The course offered far more than we could ever have hoped and we have come away full of knowledge and enthusiasm! Thank you Bill for such a wonderful course - we would book again in a heartbeat!"

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Thank you Emily and Craig for your positive feedback, it is much appreciated. I would welcome you back just as fast! We had a really enjoyable few days. If you need any help you know where I am. kind regards Bill"

Sylvie Jennings reviewed: Amazing encaustic art day course

"We had a really fun day with Phil today and surprised ourselves with the artwork we produced. Phil creates a very relaxed atmosphere and is a highly skilled artist and teacher. Can’t wait to do more encaustic wax work and look forward to making a return visit."

Mia Heath reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"I had a fantastic day. I wasn't totally sure what to expect except a flaming hot forge and new t̶o̶y̶s̶ tools to play with (which were definitely there! Somewhat vital...) but I also left with a new appreciation and understanding of the craft. Not only that but quite a collection of creations. I was happily surprised at what can be accomplished in a day. Jake is a very patient (thankfully!) and friendly tutor which made the day a lot of fun. It felt like a gradual build in confidence in the techniques so by the end of the day you're tending the forge and judging the timing. I left feeling like I had been given a real opportunity to experience blacksmithing, and that was just the tip of the iceberg i'm sure. I'd recommend anyone to, well, have a bash. Thanks Jake!"

Hedge Ironworks responded:

"Thank you Mia for the great review. You were a pleasure to teach and great fun to have in the workshop! Until the next time!"

Victoria reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"I highly recommend this class, it was a 5***** experience! Jo is a great teacher, she's friendly and fun, and makes everyone feel welcome and relaxed. Jo is very generous with sharing her knowledge and tips-and-tricks of the trade, so whether you're interested in starting your own candle business or just doing it for your own personal use, you will come away with lots of information to get started. You will also come away with a bag full of goodies that you make in the class - 3 x glass container candles, tea lights, wax melts and hanging decorations - plus helpful handouts to refer to when you get back home. Brilliant day, thanks Jo!"

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thank you so much Victoria. That was a lovely review and I look forward to seeing your candlemaking ventures in the near future. I hope you don't mind, but I've put a copy of this on IG. Take care and please do let me know how you get on. xx"

Kate Burns reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"A massive thank you to Julie and Rob for helping me create the best basket ever! They were both patient, kind and attentive to the whole group. Julie was very happy to answer plenty of questions, the knowledge and experience she had was extremely insightful and helped create our master pieces. I had no experience in willow or really any crafty bits and each different element of the basket making was broken up and explained beautifully. Please try basket making, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and I couldn't of asked for two nicer people to teach me how."

Vicky Bowater reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"I’ve just been to pick up my two pots that’s I made on the pottery wheel with Louise. I love them. The whole new experience was brilliant from the making of them to painting them. Highly recommend to anyone whose always wanted to give pottery a go. Louise is a brilliant teacher and very friendly."

PoppyRose responded:

"Hi Vicky, many thanks for your review and your support of my business. I'm so pleased you enjoyed your experience and I hope you treasure your lovely pots. Well done! Best Wishes, Louise"

Kate Macdonald reviewed: Introduction to mosaics / further adventures in mosaic workshop

"I enjoyed this one-day beginners' course a lot. All equipment and materials needed were there, and we had all the time we needed to finish two pieces, whcih was a surprise. Kate gave good advice one-to-one, and sent follow-up notes."

Kate Rattray Mosaic Artist responded:

"Thank you Kate for your good review. Best wishes, Kate"

Evie Wilkinson reviewed: Clay sculpture, painting : Art Spells Magic Kids Classes

"Hi my name is Evie and I love going to Lucky's Art Magic Spells classes. I have been going to them for two years now, and have learnt to draw, paint, mosaics, sculpture and paper mache. Lucky is very kind, patient and funny, and I love her very much!"

Greta Wilkinson reviewed: Sculpture, ceramics, painting at Lucky Studio - London

"Lucky is a great teacher! the studio has a friendly relaxed atmosphere. I loved learning about the wheel and ceramics. Thanks for a great course and classes."

Barbara Ruth Doyle reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"I have been attending Martin's class for a few years now as I love the relaxed creative environment. Martin is always supportive and gives great advice on ideas for the projects that I have carried out. I also love being able to see everyone else's projects and share ideas/get inspiration from them. The time spent in the class flies every week, and is very enjoyable - a great way to forget all of life's stresses."

Lynn Allardyce reviewed: Glass Fusing & Slumping Weekend - 2 Days

"I spent a very enjoyable two days learning all about the art of glass fusion in a lovely spacious studio in Vanguard Court ( also home to many local artist and studios in south London). The course is well structured, initially introducing technical information and a range of techniques for working in glass. We were then able to practice and experiment with test pieces on the first day. On the second day we built on these ideas and were able to complete our finished pieces ready for the kiln. I feel I was introduced to many design ideas that I could develop in the future. Jude is a an accomplished artist and enthusiastic teacher. Her own work is very interesting and is displayed in the studio. All in all, very enjoyable and highly recommended."

Kevin Goodenough reviewed: Beginners introductory pyrography course in Lincolnshire

"I just wanted to say a huge “Thank You” for your time and patience on your Pyrography Beginners Course. With no previous experience whatsoever, I found it a thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening day. From the insight into the history of Pyrography, through to the practical hands on sessions trying to grasp the basic skills, I thought it was excellent; the time went so quickly. My only concern now, is trying to pry myself away from trying to develop my pyrography skills on my daughter’s wedding project, in order to prevent my garden from becoming a jungle. I just know I will be engrossed. Thanks again for a great day; it was well worth the trip and would not hesitate to recommend your course for anyone thinking of taking up the hobby."

Roger BYRNE reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"I had a great day with a really experienced craftsman. I went along as a complete novice and Andy enabled me to use two special tools with which to learn the very basic techniques of gradually creating a bowl from a cylindrical block of monkeypuzzle wood. He was patient and gave me guidance at every point in the process forgiving my mistakes and stepping in unobtrusively to rescue me from potential disaster !! I went home with a lovely finished bowl."

Pete Baldwin reviewed: Make a Welsh stick chair

"Absolutely wonderful. As someone who has never done much woodworking before, i was amazed that i came home with a hand crafted heirloom that i suspect the kids will be fighting over when I've gone. May have to return to make another one! Setting was fabulous as you will see from the photos. Group size is limited so help always at hand. The best course I've ever attended. Thanks again Ben."

Carole reviewed: Split hazel basketry - two day course

"Dave the tutor is patient and very skilled - he makes it look so easy. Then you try yourself and find more strength and control is needed than you first thought. Dave takes the time to explain and find a way of doing things suited to different abilities - I have knee problems and needed another technique to split the hazel, and Dave came up with several. My finished basket looks lovely and is sturdy enough for use as a fruit basket. The cafe food was also great - thanks to Wayne and his team."

Wendy Harrison reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"My daughter and I had an amazing day with Denise making our little woodland friends ! This was a wonderful experience with a lovely lady who made us feel relaxed and comfortable throughout the day.It was a great opportunity to learn a new skill which we both thoroughly enjoyed . Lunch and a delicious afternoon cake and cuppa complimented the experience! Looking forward to the next time ! Thanks again Denise x ?"

Crafty Gal responded:

"It was a fun day with you two - I loved it and so pleased you left happy with your gorgeous Woodland Creatures, both stunning I may add! xx"

Stuart Ritchie reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"An excellent day of tuition in the well fitted out woirkshop with Andy. Covered all aspects of safety, sharpening and profiling of tools, turning and finishing. A good value course to enable a beginner to go away and start. Well recommended."

Janette reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"Lovely day very relaxed atmosphere, managed to complete my project with help and support from Lucy Thanks"

Sam Downing reviewed: Timber framing courses

"Thanks to everyone at Hewnwood for an amazing week! The course was extremely informative and well organised. The setting is perfect, and I came away feeling all round inspired! Alan and Connor are both extremely knowledgeable and fantastic teachers, and Mary's cooking was incredible! I will definitely be returning and would recommend to anyone. Thanks guys"

Vera reviewed: One day silver jewellery designing and making workshop

"Just arrived back home after spending the day with Bridget in her jewellery studio. It was a very interesting and fun day. I liked the fact that I could choose whatever piece of jewellery I wanted, and after discussing the basic design we worked out the details together, which ensured that my piece had enough challenges to teach me the basics of silversmithing. Bridget was very patient and very easy to talk to, I learnt a lot today and am very happy. I thouroughly recommend spending a day with Bridget to anybody interested in jewellery design and silversmithing"

Kate Coggins reviewed: Make a leather bag in a day workshop

"What an amazing day! Esther was very well organised and flexible enough to enable all of us to make a bag using our choice of pattern, colour of leather, handle type, etc. I learnt such a lot and am extremely proud of the bag I brought home. Thank you Esther for your tuition and encouragement - I have recommended you to a couple of friends. Kate"

Leather Needle Thread responded:

"Hi Kate, Thanks so much for your lovely review. I hope you are enjoying your retirement and your bag! Best wishes, Esther"

Katie Fiszman reviewed: Beginners Hand spinning - 'From fleece to fibre’ - at All in a Spin

"Where to begin! This was a fantastic day course covering all the essentials in enough detail to feel grounded in the beginnings of dealing with raw fleece, carding, hand spinning, and creating a 2-ply yarn. Since the course I have felt totally confident and able to card and spin on my own at home. I can only commend Dunja on her ability to teach - I have never learned so much in one day as I did on this course. There’s a good balance between information and practical experience - very engaging on different levels. And added to this is Dunja’s hospitality, I felt so welcome and I really enjoyed being at her farm and in the workshop. I intend to take more courses with Dunja as there is so much more to learn and experiment with. Thank you Dunja!"

Roslyn Leary reviewed: Forged in Fire Knifemaking for the Beginner Blacksmith/Knifesmith

"Had a fun time and nice to see the end product from a piece of metal. Good for us girls too. Recommended."

John Daly reviewed: Forged in Fire Knifemaking for the Beginner Blacksmith/Knifesmith

"Everything provided and no prior know how needed. Very good tutor - attentive and easygoing."

Dave Robinson reviewed: Forged in Fire Knifemaking for the Beginner Blacksmith/Knifesmith

"No knowledge need as taken through the basics. Really enjoyed the half day. Very good tutor."