Latest reviews

Dave Pickering reviewed: An Introduction to Spoon Carving

"This was an excellent day, Ade certainly knows his stuff and was able to explain and show techniques very clearly. The day was relaxing and informative, refreshments and lunch was top notch too. I will be back at some point in the future to raise my game once I have mastered what I was shown on this intro day."

Samantha Lawson reviewed: Oil painting day - In the artist's studio with Laura Andrew - Lincoln

"I had a lovely creative day at the oil & acrylic painting workshop - Laura was very welcoming, friendly and a brilliant tutor - she was always available to give guidance but allowing us freedom too. Laura had prepared various still life setups for us in her gorgeous studio and went through the great range of materials available to us. It was a treat to see Laura's art and to paint in such a calm & beautiful spot overlooking the park. Lunch was great and I really appreciated Laura providing vegan/gluten free options for me. I was travelling by train so Laura offered to post my painting which was very kind; she also followed the course up with useful feedback and details on materials. I came away with a painting I'm proud of but most importantly the course inspired me to get painting again! Thank you Laura!"

Guy Robinson reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"I very much enjoyed this course, and have wanted to do something like this for a very long time. The tutoring was of a very high standard, I really felt the tutors loved and knew what blacksmithing is all about. After some basic exercises, there is plenty of time to work on your own designs. So it is a good idea to think about this before the course! Even whilst I am not very artistic I can say that I'm proud of what I produced on the w/e. Thank you Ambrose, Eamonn and the other students for a good w/e far exceeding any a city break!!!"

Tony Ridley reviewed: A Practical Dry Stone Walling Workshop Central London

"JH provided a good overview of what needed to done how to go about doing it. All the equipment and materials were provided. The majority of the day was taken up with actually building a wall, with JH on hand to oversee progress and offer suggestions / advise on work completed and improvements that could be made. The day was very relaxed whilst being focussed on getting the wall built and the end result looked pretty impressive."

London School of Dry Stone Walling responded:

"Hello Tony - Thank you for your feedback. It was a great active day building, despite the heat. Another requirment being a shade hat and suncream ! The wall was completed and looks a really well engineered feature. I hope you can use the experience for your own garden feature or other building works."

adrian stew reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"My wife and I attended on the 26th of May at Tetbury, lovely location and peaceful. Very relaxed and enjoyable teaching from Dave. Even as a complete novice, there was something for everyone. Group size is ideal which gives very personal attention. Lots of tea and homemade goodies. i'm sure we'll find excuse to return. p.s apologies for the late review"

Sylvia Fogg reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"Excellent workshop! Good fun and surprisingly easy to pick up, -even for a novice-, thanks to Denise’s clear instructions and friendly manner. The pace was just right, my friends and I managed to each create our very own little woodland creature and were able to take home our needles and some additional material, in case we wanted to personalise them even more. (The options are endless!) It was really lovely to meet Denise, who is great company, and the calm, almost serene, workshop environment left me feeling very relaxed."

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you for the fab review Sylvia - the three of you were great fun and the detail on your hare was amazing. Hope to see you again soon. Denise x"

K. Imrie reviewed: Felting and natural dyeing craft holiday in the Highlands of Scotland

"Came from across the pond for the express purpose of taking the May week-long session in dyeing and needle felting and I was not disappointed. Instruction was excellent, as was the accommodation and the wonderfully delicious and nutritious meals. Even the bread was homemade. Week was packed full of activities without being in any way rushed. Very much enjoyed the opportunity to get away from the big city and savour country life. We even went for a day long hike in the ancient pinewoods in Glen Affric. Kudos to Rosie for making this week a holiday to remember!"

Sam reviewed: Pottery course for at home pottery

"Hugely enjoyable ! Something I'd always wanted to try and was bought as a gift for me. Sue and Geri are really friendly and knowledgeable have helped me try new techniques and encouraged and inspired me. I've made lots of different pieces which are functional and it makes me proud to use them. I love coming to Fired Thoughts, always fun and the time flies by!"

Alice Ellis reviewed: Table Loom Weaving Workshop - Dobby & Rose

"I was so excited about spending the morning with Rebecca and having a taster of what loom weaving was like. The workshop did not disappoint! I had a great time and learnt so much. Rebecca patiently walked us through the technicalities of loom weaving (the set up of which is way more complicated than I imagined) and then we had lots of time to get weaving! I would highly recommend this workshop and am now excited to learn more and have another go!!"

Alison Chantrey reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"What a great day! I'd never tried needle felting before. I didn't think there was much chance of producing such a cute animal as Denise had in the images, but it's a testament to her skills in needle felting and teaching that I am now the proud owner of a pretty cool Frankie Fox. It was a really relaxed atmosphere and we had lovely food too. I'm wondering what excuse I can come up with to book another session in soon. Thank you Denise."

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you SO much Alison, I loved how your confidence grew as the day went on, and your fox started to appear to you! He was SO cute. Denise x"

Avril Finnie reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I had a fantastic day yesterday at Lucy’s 1-2-1 tuition workshop. Even though I am a complete beginner I was able to produce a silver ring and earings to a professional quality thanks to Lucy’s tutoring style, expertise and motivational encouragement. I will definitely be going back."

Sarah Hobohm reviewed: Oil painting day - In the artist's studio with Laura Andrew - Lincoln

"The Painting Day was a great experience in the lovely art studio setting. Laura's expertise and encouragement meant that everyone produced a painting and learnt a lot along the way. I have been inspired to continue with art and drawing and would highly recommend the course."

Penny Trinder reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Booked a course for myself and my husband way back in October last year. As Chris is so popular we had to wait till June this year for our days training. We were not disappointed. The forge is in an idyllic countryside setting near to Birmingham and looked just how you would expect a Blacksmith’s workshop to look. Chris is very welcoming with a quiet assured manner. He is young and enthusiastic but also very knowledgeable and patient with newbies. Having never lifted a hammer in anger, let alone held onto red hot metal, under his tutelage I managed to turn out a hand forged keyring that was suprisingly like the example shown. My husband went on to also produce a poker of which he is extremely proud. We would definitely recommend Chris’ course to anyone who wants to have a go at this fascinating craft. You would be amazed at what you can make out of metal and fire."

Lynne Shields reviewed: The Annie Sloan complete chair makeover Workshop at La Di Da Interiors

"Had a smashing day. There were only a few of us as it clashed with the Royal Wedding, but it was a real treat as well as an opportunity to learn a new skill. I will have more respect for the chairs I sit on now I know just how much work goes into making them comfortable. Steph was helpful and knowledgeable and it was lovely to see the old chairs turn into such lovely items."

Lois reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"This is an excellent workshop. Julie is a clear, thorough and patient teacher, a good communicator and a really nice lady! We were six beginners with varying levels of dexterity and confidence, but by the end of the day we had all made really good baskets, and I think we all feel we have learned well enough to carry on the craft at home. There was practical demonstration; lots of hands-on-help;teaching about good,safe practice; discussion of varying styles of basket work and the different willows and how they should be worked. I learned so much, am thrilled with my basket and had a super -fun day. Thank you Julie."

Angela Inglis reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Had a lovely morning with Kerry and learnt so much! Looking forward to putting what I learnt into practice at home."

Fran reviewed: Weekend Pottery Throwing Course - pottery class

"I had a great time at the clay studio making pots both on a wheel and by hand, very proud of my creations. You don't need to be that arty go give it a go have some fun Imogen is so friendly and will helpful."

Pam Wilson reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"I have just left Claire's house after a brilliant afternoon learning all about silver clay, I made a pendant necklace in a heart shape and textured and two other pieces to add to further lessons. Claire is very welcoming, friendly and can translate her enthusiasm to you so you come away wishing you could have stayed longer and made more. Thank you Claire"

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"Thank you so much Pam I had a great afternoon showing you all about the basics of silver clay. You made some lovely pieces!"

Marie reviewed: Print Making workshops at the Ruskin Glass Centre

"Spent a few hours away from it all in Mike's peaceful studio. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and would highly recommend this workshop to both beginners and established printmakers. Mike is an excellent tutor."

Sandra Watson reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"Brilliant, informative course. Content was excellent . Kerrylyn was a patient tutor . Thoroughly enjoyed this and would recommend her to anyone"

judith gray reviewed: Willow weaving - a square lidded basket - with Wyldwood Willow

"Really enjoyed the course - enough challenging content for the 2 days and yet achievable. Loved the venue with delicious lunch outside under the tree - very civilized."

Helen Bradley reviewed: Sword making course

"Andy was very welcoming and talked through the process in detail. It was thoroughly enjoyable and I'm very pleased with the end product."

Annabel Faraday reviewed: Wild pottery workshop - dig your own clay in the woods, bonfire/clamp kiln firings

"Thank you again for two such wonderful days of creative discovery, earthing and connectedness. I especially appreciated your careful pacing and clear explanations of the whole process, with time also to just stop and take stock, reflect and celebrate. I just can't wait to do Level 2."

Michael Warman reviewed: Piano Lessons

"Laura is very patient and calm, gently encouraging one to keep going. Lessons have changed and adapted according to the mood of the moment and we have mixed up practice and theory. I needed some help to get back into playing the piano for pleasure after years without having one. Have definitely improved within and between lessons. Some of her suggestions were really helpful. Very relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere. Would definitely recommend!!"

Julia reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"Booked a morning candle workshop with a friend and we both found the class very interesting. We were taught how to make a variety of candles and were able to choose the colours and fragrances for ourselves. Anita gave us lots of great candle making tips and I would now feel confident about making my own candles at home. Very enjoyable and highly recommended."