Latest reviews

vanda Broadbridge reviewed: Beginners Freehand (freemotion) Machine Embroidery Workshop

"I travelled nearly 100 miles to attend this course because i felt the course information was exactly what I wanted to learn. I was more than pleased with the course and it was well worth the journey. Meg was very friendly and supportive to all the students concerning our varying needs which included problems with tension of the threads, machine embroidering text, colour and applique ideas. The length of course was just long enough to achieve some good pieces of work to get us started on our own ideas at home. An excellent teacher who had lots of varying examples of her own work to inspire us."

Matt reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"A fascinating course in a wonderful setting. The day flew by and I learned so much from Alex who is a very patient teacher. I’m really pleased with the rams head bottle opener I made."

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

"This was an amazing day. I had never done any glass work before and neither had my husband who I badgered into coming with me. We both had a really brilliant day and can't wait to try out more courses. My husband keeps on talking about it and has been converted to crafts! Melanie was really patient and helpful with lots of advice and encouragement throughout the day. On top of this we enjoyed an excellent lunch with wine and cakes & coffee. Truly fantastic value and a course that I wholeheartedly recommend to all."

Stephanie Higgs reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"So glad I heard about this course and could join my friend for a relaxed day of varied but well paced instruction from Jonathon into the basics of silversmithing techniques - from wire work to soldering and polishing. Would thoroughly recommend. So pleased with my silver pendant I am wearing as a reminder. Well equipped barge, moored in tranquil setting, but sensible footwear required to access after rain."

Elaine Perry reviewed: Hand spinning Advanced Level 3 accredited course at All in a Spin

"An excellent course which is really challenging me to develop both my knowledge and understanding of a range of spinning fibres as well as different spinning and plying techniques. Dunja is such a knowledgeable tutor who really intervenes well to help us as a group to improve, even though we are all at different ability levels. I always come away feeling that I've worked hard but have practised to improve an aspect of spinning and learned something new about spinning. I appreciate her calm, patient and supportive approach."

Peter Gilroy reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A very enjoyable and constructive day. Excellent instruction from Adrian - even I could follow. Good assistance if needed. Very pleased with my creations in iron woohoo!!! The food was excellent. Thank you Debbie. Well worth a visit."

Colin Winn reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I was lucky enough to have been bought this experience day and really lucked out with the expertise and knowledge which Mort provided all day - particularly as I had not been near a forge since school days and am not great with heat! He instilled confidence in me such that the modestly designed items I had gone along to create came about. Good company from a co-working guest and a joy to watch end products coming alive from inert materials! Recommended - highly!"

chun kwok reviewed: Knifemaking Bladesmithing courses UK Learn to forge a Wooden or Horn handle Rustic knife

"Had a great time at the forge! I had made a wonderful Knife and this was very interesting and enjoyable. Highly recommended."

Chris Lofthouse reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Absolutely brilliant day on the blacksmithing course everyone was incredibly friendly and the help received from Adrian Andy and Debbie was great! Would definitely recommend to anyone who has an interest in metalwork or art! Even if they don’t feel particularly practical or artistic. The course will help them massively."

Coline reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"A lovely way to spend a Saturday morning, starting with a delicious cup of coffee in Kerry's beautiful country kitchen. I didn't know that there was so much involved in making a good candle and I'll be looking suspiciously at the very cheap ones from now on! Kerry had everything prepared, and has a friendly, relaxing manner that makes one feel at ease immediately. She explained everything involved in making a candle, in terms that were easy to understand. Choosing the fragrance for my own candle was fun, and later on we mixed our own fragrances too. The instructions on how to burn a candle properly were very illuminating and I'm looking forward to burning my own now it has cured for a week. A highly enjoyable workshop (with cake and coffee halfway through - Kerry is also an excellent baker!)."

Tim jones reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Thank you for a great time Mort. I really enjoyed the days experience, even overheating my metal and leaving some in the furnace.. bit more practice needed I'm sure ... you are a great guy and very patient with us as green novices ... I can only rate this as high as poss. Thanks Mort."

Yvonne Taite reviewed: Garden Plaque or House Number

"Very interesting to learn about the difference in construction between mosaics for indoors and outdoors. Lots of ideas again!"

Sarah P reviewed: Glass Fusing for beginners

"I found the workshop on line, I booked two places for me and my husband. Never been on a stained glass workshop, cutting glass was not easy. Having spent some time doing the glass cutting, I chose my designs, Gigha has pieces made on a table and patterns in a folder. So many designs to choose from. There is plently of choice of glass, and other bits to add to your work. Lunch is included,plenty of drinks. Its a mixed ability group, some people on their 3rd workshops. Gigha comes around and explains when you need to move on to the next stage. I would book again,we both really enjoyed the day."

Bernice O’Reilly reviewed: Candle making course (introductory) - in the heart of the Ashdown Forest, Sussex

"I lucked out today as the other people on my course had cancelled and I ended up having a 1-2-1 with Simon. He explained everything thoroughly and was happy to share all the tips and tricks of candle making at a great pace. I came away having made a range of candles and the course more than lived up to my expectations! Definitely recommended for the beginner."

Estelle reviewed: Furniture painting workshops / Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

"Perfect workshop for the beginner! Thanks to Nyree I now have the confidence to tackle lots of pieces of furniture that I would like to paint, distress, white wash etc. We practised on smaller pieces and got information and our trial pieces to take away with us. Nice small group of 6 and all friendly. Highly recommend!"

Liz Kenny reviewed: 1-to-1 Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"I booked on this course after being criticised by a judge at my photographic society for surface mounting a photo I entered into a competition. I wasn't sure whether it would be worth the trip down to Chichester from Cheshire, but the whole day was so informative and enjoyable that I have no regrets. Lynne took us through the whole process step by step, with clear instructions (backed up by notes to take away) and lots of advice on how to avoid mistakes and, just as important, how to put them right when we made them. Lynne's methodical approach taught us good habits that will, I'm sure, stand us in good stead in the future. I got everything I wanted from the course, and more besides, as Lynne showed us how how to "look for the picture" in our image. I would recommend the course to any photographer wanting to mount pictures for competition, or for framing. The cherry cake was good too!"

Maxine clark reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"Absolutely loved me day willow weaving with Kate, she is a great teacher and provides the perfect guidance to help you make your sculpture! I made a heron and I love it!! An amazing course, Definitely worth doing!!"

Chrissie Planchak reviewed: Weave a scarf in a day - handloom weaving

"An amazing one day course! Anne was a perfect instructor - she was patient, calm and managed the class beautifully even when a few student-created problems arose. The small class size was excellent - enough students to have a lovely chat, but small enough that Anne could give us all the help and guidance that we needed. Having a nearly complete project at the end of the session was great. Highly recommend this course and have in fact booked another course with Anne already!"

Mel reviewed: Taster Pottery Session

"I've not done pottery since school over 30 years ago so this introduction was a great way to have a go and see if I would like it. Had a great time. Joan is a fab teacher and showed me a number of different techniques using the clay. The potters wheel was a bit scary but Joan was super-patient and gave really clear instructions which helped calm my nerves! I highly recommend this to anyone wanting to give pottery a go and I've now booked more time to go back and hopefully improve my skills. 10 out of 10!!!"

jccermaics responded:

"Thanks MelI, I really do think you have found your new hobby ?You did so well at whatever you tried and this was after 30 years!"

Joe Pitt reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I was given a days introductory course by my wife as a retirement gift - probably in the hope it would get me out of her way! I had always loved wood as a material but prior to the course had no experience of turning and only collected wood to add to my log store. But I have become an enthusiast thanks to Colin. His style is very much “let’s crack on and make something” so it is from the start a hands on no nonsense practical approach. He was a very effective tutor and had no end of patience with, at times, my rather stupid questions. I took away not just a very presentable bowl but an understanding of the basics which has only encouraged me to pursue things further. Highly recommended."

Gillian Barrett reviewed: 💜 The Suffolk Silk Scarf Painting Workshops 💜 For FOUR People at The Arty Silkworm, Green Farm, Suffolk ~ Fabulously Creative

"Although I have been doing Watercolour painting for a few years, I have never painted on silk, and imagined it to be very difficult. Therefore it was with some trepidation that I struggled through the snow to Ruth's house. However, there was absolutely nothing to worry about. Ruth was such an enthusiastic and patient instructor that whatever technique we used we all seemed to produce something wonderful. We had a really lovely day and I, for one, found the whole experience very therapeutic. All those who have seen my finished scarf have been very impressed and interested in trying it for themselves. Thank you Ruth, not only for all the coffee, but for a wonderful experience. I hope to be back again soon."

Jessica reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"I had a great day with Ricky, he's very easy going and is really clear in his instruction. He helps with colour choices and helps put your piece right when it goes awry. The studio is set in the most gorgeous location, I was a bit dubious driving up the track, but it's like a trip back in time and really easy to find. My sat nav had no problem. I made 4 things all of which I'm really happy with, even my paper weights I thought I'd have no use for I completely love Many thanks for a great day, I will surely be back!"

Andy Hardwick reviewed: Woodturning Course in North Yorkshire with Philip Greenwood RPT

"Philip and his surroundings were very good, he and his wife made me feel at home and we quickly got chatting about what I wanted to get from the course. Phillip was very accommodating and allowed me to explore the skills needed to work on at my speed and for me to jump between subjects. It was a good balance between actual practical wood turning and theory."

Susan reviewed: Natural Perfumery

"Really enjoyed the day as it was informative without being too technical and we got the chance to smell such a wide variety of essential oils. Blending my own perfume was the highlight and involved quite a bit of change but I ended up with a product that I am happy with ... Sarah is passionate about what she does and this comes through in her sharing. Plus Great Cake! All in all a great way to spend a day."

Mrs Rhona Jermyn reviewed: Photography Days

"What a fabulous day ... Sue and Richard took obvious pleasure in helping my son and I reach our potential with our cameras. Using a practical session on the lakeside and their studio it was a brilliant day. They coped admirably with my 14 year old son, making it interesting and informative with his much more modern camera. Their wealth of knowledge is incredible. Many thanks for an amazing day."