Latest reviews

Tom McGrath reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"What can I say that hasn't been said by just about everyone rating this course? Absolutely fantastic. You know the old saying--'those that can, do; those that can't, teach'. In this case you couldn't be further from the truth. I've taken the basic whittling course from Martin a few months ago and was very impressed with his teaching style. With the Spoon Whittling weekend I was impressed even more. More advanced knife work as well as hand axe work (that I was interested in, in particular) that as always starts with safety and good technique. But what impressed me the most was the clear progression of techniques that build upon previously taught and practiced ones. I feel much more comfortable in tackling my own spoons now, although it may take a few decades of practice to even approach the beauty of what Martin has already done! I won't even go into his home-made lunches--but if asking for (and receiving) copies of his recipes is any indication... If you want to spend 2 days learning a lot, enjoying the company of fellow whittlers, having a Master Class with a warm, humorous teacher, and ending both days with a smile plastered on your face, you can't go far wrong with this course."

Alan Monk reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"Fantastic day with John and his team at the forge - The day starts with a H&S briefing, then it's onto learning/re-learning some basics by making a simple poker, then it's onto the Viking-style hand-knife, using a combination of forgework to get the blade area thinned down , then shaping and bending of the handle, followed by the grinding and filling of the cutting edge. The class size is small 5-7 and sensibly-paced, so John and his guys can spend quality time with each student and ensure everyone goes away happy with a functioning knife (and poker!). A hearty pub lunch is included (plenty of options) and the tea and coffee are on the go all day. I thoroughly recommend this course!"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Alan thanks for review , I am pleased we get it right for everyone.you are welcome back anytime. best wishes John"

prue reviewed: Wet felting workshop: introduction to 3D construction for Bowls, Pods and Bags in Henstridge near Stalbridge, Somerset and Dorset

"A thoroughly satisfying and informative workshop. Thank you Sally for a great session wet felting. I had no idea how to do it before but Sally was patient, encouraging and a great teacher. The day went very swiftly and after as much tea or coffee as we wanted, plus all the materials we needed, we all were very successful with our final pieces. I loved the day and would definitely do another."

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank you for coming to the wet felting workshop Prue - really enjoyed having you in the group. The pieces which you went home with were lovely! Look forward to seeing you again soon."

Sue Huxtable reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"What an enjoyable day - I came home feeling really enthusiastic to practice the things I had learnt. I struggled with my machine as hadn't used it for a long time and it's quite a complicated one - however I got great support from Dawn and managed in the end to get going with a design. Lovely friendly people there and Sarah and I are looking forward to coming again"

Camilla reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I spent 2 days with Ed learning how to make a mould for a model I already had. He was a brilliant teacher and had so much knowledge. It was a friendly atmosphere and I picked up a lot of new tips. I had already been making moulds but I now have so much more confidence to make more complicated things. Thank you!"

Zoey Planjer reviewed: Make your very own Tote bag

"I was thinking of learning how to work with leather for years! Finally took the plunge and had a lovely day making my tote bag! Exceeded all my expectations. Richard talked us through the whole process from designing the bag to handcutting and hand stitching it. The products we used look and feel amazing. I would definitely recommend this course. I will even maybe join again to make an other unique piece!"

Jan Longworth reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"I went along with my partner for this course and we had a great time. Claire and Daisy gave us a lovely welcome and the session was relaxed and informative. We were very happy with our pieces and Claire was a great teacher. We had tea cakes and laughter, mixed with learning about working with silver clay. I would recommend Claire's course to anyone."

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"You both made some lovely pieces and I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!"

Louise Pugh reviewed: Half day: 3 Leather Accessories

"My husband and I did this for our third wedding anniversary. It was so lovely to meet Rosanna and spend some time learning from her...In fact I enjoyed it so much I’ve decided to get some tools and have a go at home! It was a brilliant morning, Rosanna is very welcoming and a great teacher. I was really happy with the lovely purses I made, as well as a card holder gift for my dad for Father’s Day!"

Tamahine Boyd reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"Great weekend away with lovely people, really friendly and welcoming The food is great and plenty of it Lovely comfortable rooms You can craft all weekend if you want to, the rooms are really spacious and you get a big table with plenty of space to spread out I would highly recommend this weekend to anyone that wants to craft with lovely people in lovely surroundings"

Luke Cross reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"This is a brilliant experience that i would highly recommend to anyone interested in blacksmithing, Spike is a brilliant tutor that explains every step clearly both verbally and practically. He is a genuinely nice bloke who is knowledgeable in his craft. I am definitely going to be booking another course with him."

Lesley reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Mark has the patience of a saint. This course was an unexpected Christmas present for me and accordingly surprising. I never thought I could make an interesting box but I have. Mark has an enormous attention to detail and could convey this without being intimidating. A great way to spend a weekend and I am impressed with my insight into what it takes to make a good wooden box. Thanks very much"

Mary Myall reviewed: Fusing glass - beginners - Witney, Oxfordshire

"What a fantastic day - I loved it! I had never done any sort of glass fusing previously so was a bit apprehensive. I didn’t need to be. Ros was so welcoming, supportive and explained things so clearly. Nothing was too much trouble for her. By the end of the day I was cutting glass with ease and felt as though I had learned such a lot. To top it all I made a beautiful glass coral bowl which I am really proud of. Thank you Ros. I will be back for more!"

Art of Glass Studio Ltd responded:

"Thank you so much Mary. I am thrilled you really enjoyed making your coral bowl. The colours you chose were fabulous. Very much look forward to seeing you again later in the year. Kind regards, Ros - Art of Glass"

Lisa hayes reviewed: One day silver pendant and earring workshop

"I had such a fab day, Jolene is so patient and such a lovely lady very professional and i could have spent more time there.. I'm definitely going back there at some point...thank you Jolene for your time and a brilliant day x"

Hilary South reviewed: Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop.

"We recently spent a wonderful day with the lovely, talented Lyn at her Encaustic Workshop. The method was entirely different to the Encaustic work that was familiar to us but Lyn talked us through the processes patiently sharing thoughts and ideas. Consequently we came home with two pieces of art work that we were so pleased to have produced. Don’t hesitate have a go you won’t regret it but beware Lyn’s cakes are so scrummy - make sure you leave room for a slice or two."

Contemporary Encaustic Wax Workshop with Lyn Kirkland responded:

"Hilary, it was a pleasure to have both your company for the day, I do hope that you continue to explore encaustic. Best wishes Lyn"

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

"Had a really enjoyable time doing this course. The time whizzed by and everyone managed to make something that they were secretly proud of! Who knew we would be so creative?! The group size was just right so everyone got help and advice when needed and lovely refreshments were provided. I would highly recommend this course and I will definitely be going again."

Madeleine Evans reviewed: One day silver jewellery designing and making workshop

"Yesterday my daughter and I had the absolute pleasure of spending a day with Bridget. We were complete novices in the art of silversmithing but Bridget's confident approach soon made us relax and begin to explore what was actually possible during our day. We both had ideas of what we hoped to achieve but had no idea whether any of it was possible. Bridget approached our ideas with enthusiasm and confidence and guided us gently through the processes required to create our end results which incorporated ideas from Bridget that enhanced our creations in an imaginative and creative way. We would both thoroughly recommend Bridget to anyone who would like to either dip a toe into the art of silversmithing or would like to improve and hone their skills. Tip top tutor!"

Manjulaa reviewed: Wet felting workshop: introduction to 3D construction for Bowls, Pods and Bags in Henstridge near Stalbridge, Somerset and Dorset

"My daughter and I went to this class yesterday for my birthday - and it was a real treat! Sally is a very caring and considerate course facilitator. She was in touch with us before the day and totally took on board all of our specific needs and requirements. During the day she made sure each participant understood what to do next - and was very supportive and encouraging at all times. There was a wide variety of materials available for us to explore and use and we had the opportunity to do a sample piece of felt before working on a larger picture. We received excellent instruction in a friendly and informal setting which created a really positive learning environment. The location was also great with good facilities. Over an hour from where we live - but this was totally worth the drive! It was lovely to see such different end results from each participant - all adding to the learning process which we can take forward to future projects. I would definitely recommend this course and look forward to doing other workshops with Sally in future."

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank you for sharing your Birthday with us Majulaa - it was lovely to have you attend the workshop day. Thank you for the wonderful review - I am so pleased that you enjoyed learning about wet felting, and the pieces which you made on the day were fantastic! Look forward to seeing you again soon."

Siobhan Balfour reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"A perfect course for stationery lovers or for crafters who would like to try something different. Lynne's fun teaching style encourages you to get creative and make a truly unique journal for yourself or as a gift. The leather I used for my journals was originally from leather coats from the 60s & 70s in an array of colours and styles. So, no 2 journals could possibly be the same. Lynne gave thorough explanations and provided hand outs so that I could work and learn at my own pace. There is no rush and if you can't get your head around a technique, Lynne will patiently go through it with you 1 - 1. I also made 2 journals on the one-day course I attended which I thought was real vale for money."

Eliana reviewed: Wet felting workshop: introduction to 3D construction for Bowls, Pods and Bags in Henstridge near Stalbridge, Somerset and Dorset

"Attended this class yesterday and completely loved it. Sally made the class completely accessible to beginners and encouraged our own creativity whilst guiding us with the technical side of things. With the chance to try a sample piece first we could try out some different ideas without committing to a final piece, which was a great aspect. Really pleased with how my final picture came out and this is definitely down to the excellent guidance and advice along the way from Sally. Would definitely return for another class! Thank you so much xx"

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank you for attending the Wet Felting course Eliana - it was great to meet you and I am very pleased you enjoyed the course. Your wet felted pieces were fantastic! Look forward to seeing you again soon."

Julie Gooddy reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"I travelled some way to attend this course, but it was well worth it! Lynne was very welcoming, hospitable and generous, and I felt very at ease in her home environment! There was a great exchange and sharing of ideas between tutor and students and it was lovely to be able to do that. I was really pleased with my achievements on the day, and now I love to pick up and handle the two leather journals that I made!! The helpful notes and list of suppliers for threads and tools is so useful, enabling me to carry on making!"

Liz reviewed: Sketchbook to Stitch Day - Mixed Media Textile Art

"It was an excellent day. Jess was a brilliant teacher in a non teachery way. We did and learnt so much. I cant believe I put together something worthy bur we did and that made the day even better. Jess is an inspiration and we cant wait for her first book to come out. We will definitely book with Jess again. The venue was very good too."

Jessica Grady embroidery artist responded:

"Thanks so much Liz! I'm so happy you enjoyed the day and you made some gorgeous work!"

Sylvia Raddon reviewed: Clay Day Workshop

"I had a fantastic day with Fired Thoughts, excellent guidance with pottery techniques, patient and helpful in every regards. Very happy with what I made, can't wait to see the finished result once fired. The buffet lunch was an added bonus, with great vegan menu."

Wil lloyd reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"I had a full day wood turning with Graham, and what a day, was perfect from start to finish a really relaxing environment, and a truly hands on approach to teaching, allowing you to really give it a go and try things yourself knowing that you have an expert on hand if needed. A great lunch, and somewhere I’ll be definitely coming back to. Out and out an excellent day"

Sarena reviewed: Beginner’s Soapmaking Workshop in Salisbury

"Really lovely day, well paced, clear instruction, informative and fascinating! There's something rather special about making your own natural soap, the chemistry and alchemy...can't wait to make more (and my two batches from the workshop smell divine and are about to be cut!) Catherine has a clear and relaxed style of teaching, and is generous in sharing ideas and recipes. Highly recommended."

James Buffery reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking - make a stool or small table

"I came down to Cornwall keen to learn a lot and build some skills that I could use in my own time and I was not disappointed!! Steve and Bob have a wealth of experience between them plus plenty of resource at their (and my) disposal. The course started with a very interesting insight into the biology of wood followed by learning and practising a series of techniques that enable you to build a stool, all of which would be transferable to other projects. We used a variety of tools and we're told all about their general uses as well as alternatives for the same objective. The physical take away from the weekend was the stool itself but for me, the real value of this course is the knowledge and practical experience that will stay with you indefinitely. They've created a great environment to work in and there is a lot to see in the surrounding area if you're planning on making a holiday out of it (I was staying on the coast, under half an hour away). Great company and even better food!!"