Latest reviews

Mark May reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"My wife bought this as a birthday present as something different to try my hand at and quite simply what an excellent day, well worth every penny. ? Graham and David were excellent tutors and as we were only a small group we all had plenty of their expert guidance and tuition every step of the way as well as helping out with anything that we were struggling with if necessary. I can highly recommend this course, as well as Graham and David. Thank you both very much for a great day at Vlakvark Forge.?"

Mark May reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"My wife bought this as a birthday present as something different to try my hand at and quite simply what an excellent day, well worth every penny. ? Graham and David were excellent tutors and as we were only a small group we all had plenty of their expert guidance and tuition every step of the way as well as helping out with anything that we were struggling with if necessary. I can highly recommend this course, as well as Graham and David. Thank you both very much for a great day at Vlakvark Forge.?"

Gill (West Midlands) reviewed: Embroidered landscape with words, with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"A great day. Didn't think I'd achieve a completed framed piece in time!"

Diana (Worcestershire) reviewed: Embroidered landscape with words, with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"What an inspiring day! Julie is a superb teacher and I actually finished my picture on the day. Loved every minute of it!"

Heather Burley reviewed: Expressive painting in a gallery adjoining an award winning tearoom

"I am new to this group but was immediately made to feel very welcome by everyone. The courses are run in a relaxed manner which made me feel comfortable from the start. I am a total beginner and Caroline accommodates all levels thereby giving me the confidence I so lack. Thoroughly enjoying it."

Theo Webb reviewed: Wood turning courses

"It was such a great day wood turning, thank you. It was great to learn the art of turning from such an expert teacher and to come out of it with such a beautiful bowl. It was so interesting to see the different techniques of using colour and texture too. Very unique. George and Sue looked after me so well. With such a good lunch too! Thanks again and I hope I get the chance to do more soon."

Pippa Andrews reviewed: Amanda Hislop Workshop - Developing Sketchbooks as a Rich Resource

"This course was fantastic. I learned so much about how to loosen up and quickly fill up page after page of a sketchbook using collage, inks and dry media. Amanda is an excellent tutor."

Jenny Crawford reviewed: Paper Making - Hand Made Recycled Paper

"Took me a while to get into paper making but with Wendy's help I got there and she is such a good tutor."

Jenny reviewed: Jewellery Making - Floating Necklace

"I really enjoyed the jewellery making course, another style of necklace and earrings that I can make. Wendy is a good tutor in all crafts."

Doreen Sadler reviewed: Powertex figure sculpture

"I had an amazing day on this course. Alison was a brilliant teacher, so helpful and made it all easy to understand. It is a very friendly workshop and great value for money. Everyone went home pleased with what they had made. I love mine and can't wait to put it in pride of place in my garden. Everyone who has seen my angel cannot believe it was possible in one day and they all think it looks so professional. All due to the great guidance from Alison. Would recommend this to anyone - great fun."

allison turner designs responded:

"Hi Doreen, Thank you much for you lovely words. It was a great day- I am so happy that you love your sculpture- She IS Beautiful. I would love to see a picture of her in the future when you put her outside in your garden.x"

Hugo reviewed: Joinery for Furniture Making Evening Class in London

"I really enjoyed the course - Tom is passionate and extremely knowledgable and I loved the informal, relaxed environment, with only a small number of people in the class. Highly recommend!"

Rachel reviewed: Weaving the cosmos: sacred geometry and hexagonal weave basketry

"This hexagonal basketry and willow 'celtic knot' course far exceeded my expectations ... Daniel and Vija were terrific teachers, so patient and knowledgeable; the incorporation of principles of sacred geometry (a core focus of this wonderful Sacred Art of Geometry studio) was fascinating. I highly recommend this course and look forward to attending further courses at SAOG Studios. (Note: Be sure to book an 'Emerson lunch' - Delicious!!)"

caroline Salt reviewed: Beginner's Papercutting at Swallows & Artisans, Lake District

"This is the first time I had been to Lanehead and it won’t be the last. I went on the course with a friend who like me hadn’t done papercutting before. It was an opportunity to relax, catch up and seek out my crafty side which I had forgotten I had. The paper cutting course was a real joy. Melissa was a great teacher who is clearly very skilled and passionate. Her enthusiasm was catching-so much so I bought one of her lovely packs and have since been converted to paper cutting! The venue is absolutely stunning, Karen has such a great eye for style and her fabulous work shop where the course was held was perfect. Calming, cosy, yet practical and modern. The food was great, simple but hearty and informal. The accommodation is ideal. Immaculate, comfy, home from home atmosphere and you can’t fail to be taken away with the breathtaking views surrounding Lanehead. I had 24 hours at Lanehead and left knowing that next time, I will definitely be taking more time to appreciate what is on offer there and learning new skills with new friends. Thank you Karen!"

Colin Ackerley reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"I spent 2 days with Dave on this course, and I've found a new passion for carving. I was a total beginner at the start of day 1, but under his expert and patient tuition I managed to carve both a spoon and a butter spreader. At the start of day 2, we had a discussion on what I felt were my areas for development, and he focussed on those for that day. This resulted in me taking home much improved versions the second day. I would recommend this course to anyone starting out in carving, and if you can do 2 consecutive days then do it. Plus the flapjacks are as good as everyone says. Amazing course, great teacher, memories for life, thanks Dave."

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

"I have never tried Silk painting before and Ruth made it a wonderful experience - you could not ask for a better instructor. She explained everything clearly and concisely and nothing was too much trouble. She allowed me to be creative and allow my artistic side to run free with her beautiful colours and wonderful silks. I have a lovely scarf that every time I wear gets wonderful compliments. I am planing to return with my daughters for a course in the summer and I would totally recommend The Arty Silkworm to anyone who would like to try a new craft and have a beautiful hand made item to take home and wear. You will truly have a one off item."

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

"I wasn't sure about doing this as I hadn't had any previous wood working experience, but I loved my two days. It was so peaceful and I love my new stool. I was really proud of making it . Steve and Bob were really good teachers. Hilary V. Cornwall"

Rob R reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking - make a stool or small table

"I loved this course! I'd only done woodwork with power tools before and I can't believe how much I enjoyed letting my tape measure and my inner control freak go! Rob R - Bristol"

Emily, Exeter reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking - make a stool or small table

"Cannot recommend it highly enough! Bob and Steve are both so knowledgeable and such great teachers, that after a weekend that was thoroughly relaxing and enjoyable, I'd both learnt a lot and made a stool that I am genuinely proud of. They really went the extra mile to make sure everyone on the course came out with a unique piece of furniture that they loved. PS. If you want to make even more of a holiday of it, there’s a gorgeous Shepherd's Hut on site that you can book to stay in. Also highly recommended! Emily, Exeter"

Ian Forbes reviewed: Metalwork Craft weekend with The Iron Lady - Bradwell Blacksmiths

"What an amazing weekend. The time went so fast. Natalie and her team are fantastic. Very clear instruction and patience with the students. Would highly recommend this weekend . If you are a complete novice or have some experience you will have a great time and grow in confidence. I was amazed at how much hands on work we did and we all managed to build and fabricate something from scratch. Hoping more weekends will be planned so I can go again."

Janet Edsall reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"The highlight of my calendar is escaping to this crafting residential. The food and friendship are exceptional! The chance to spread out all your equipment and leave it out to work any time, night or day, is invaluable. As is the chance to share ideas, test out new equipment and challenge yourself to try new things. Once you have attended, you will want to schedule to attend every year... as I do!"

Carol Preston reviewed: Quilling for Mother's Day with Learn to be Crafty

"Most enjoyable day, meeting new friends over a cup of tea and having the most lovely crispy chocolate/lemon drizzle cakes. This was followed by a tutorial on how to make your own choc's by Helen and Fiona who took us through the recipes step by step before taking home our goodies. Most impressed and looking forward to more ideas on cake decorations. Really nice get together. Thanks :)"

David Cox reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"A really enjoyable day, lots of interesting things to learn plus, because Ian is very passionate about his craft and the importance of maintaining these rural skills, that adds value to the time he puts into teaching them. There is also the bonus of walking away with your own stool. If you need to find someway to break free from the pressure of a hectic work schedule, spend a few hours in Ian's workshop, it may help put things in perspective!"

Joy reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I can only repeat all the good things said about Chris in other comments. I had a wonderful day woodturning in a wonderful setting on the edge of Dartmoor. Chris very carefully and patiently explained every step to this complete beginner, including correct and safe use of tools and equipment. By the end of the day I managed to produce a beautiful sycamore bowl, admittedly with lots of help! Would thoroughly recommend."

William McDermott reviewed: Learn to bookfold

"Great workshops run by The Folding Fairy. I went to a folded flower workshop which I enjoyed and found easier then I expected. A clever craft and taught so that it doesn't feel daunting. Would definitely recommend going along and learning something new."

Jane squires reviewed: Rustic Furniture Making – 2 day course

"This is the second course I have been on at Trading Places, both excellent. Mark was a great instructor, very patient and had time for everyone in a very relaxed atmosphere. I thoruughly enjoyed my weekend and came home with a lovely table. :)"