Latest reviews

Sue Anderson reviewed: Upholstery and soft furnishings 2 day course

"Any time on Angie's upholstery courses is time well spent. Angie is a knowledgeable teacher, who takes care to make sure everyone is happy with what they are doing whether beginner or someone with previous experience. Classes are kept small, I've made some lovely new friends and would recommend a course at Peak Upholstery to anyone."

Gallia Young reviewed: Make a spindle-back chair

"This course in Greenwood Chair making allowed me to deepen my understanding and appreciation of woodworking and the art of 'going with the grain'. I came to the course with no previous experience in woodworking, but the pace and intimacy of the course accommodated my skill level, and I was able to absorb as much learning as I could. The location was peaceful and green, and the quiet of the surroundings made for a heightened level of awareness, as we were fully immersed in the tasks at hand. Peter is a clear and responsive teacher. He offered good direction, whilst allowing room for the creativity of each student. The course allowed me to develop craft skills and to take a step outside of my routine to see things differently. And I also made a beautiful chair!"

Ali Clark reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"I really enjoyed the stool making course with Ian Varley and another 'student', Helen. We were picked up from Loughborough rail station, which made the whole thing possible for me, which was great. We spent alot of time learning to use tools such as a fro, a side axe and a draw knife. We first practised by making a mallet, to learn how to use the draw knife, which we got to take home as well as the stool, so that was great. Ian was very friendly and encouraging and helped boost our confidence during the learning process. Ian reinforced the learning through repetition which really helped. The whole day was very informal, and we were able to take breaks when we wanted. Tea and biscuits were provided too. we also learned alot about Ians work and the place where he works which was interesting. It was a great day out, which I would repeat again at some point, to make a different object and learn how to use some other tools."

Clare reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"My Mum and I had a brilliant day with Jo. We immediately felt welcomed and relaxed as Jo is so friendly, and we learnt so much! We came away having made an amazing set of candles, and we feel inspired to give it a go at home ourselves since Jo was such a good teacher. Thank you so much for our experience!"

Sam Horne reviewed: Fabulous fused glass jewellery for beginners

"I spent a wonderful Saturday learning how to cut glass and then turn it into lovely pieces of fused glass jewellery via Eleanor’s kiln. Eleanor is a fantastic teacher - she gives very clear instructions and is generous with her encouragement and ideas. She made everyone in the class feel relaxed and positive with her warm friendly attitude. I look forward to joining Eleanor for another class soon! Thanks again Eleanor :-)"

Tamara Morris reviewed: Standing Wool Christmas trees and baubles

"Sue is such a creative talent and shares her passion and skill with complete perfection. I never knew just how much you could do with old blankets (in fact any old textiles) to recycle them into something really beautiful and unique. I've attended several of her workshops at Denmark Farm near Lampeter which is a lovely comfortable venue. Thank you Sue, look forward to learning more with you soon."

Gill Geach reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"A fabulous course & worth every penny. Mark & Richard are excellent patient tutors and explained things very well. I have never done any type of woodwork before & was very nervous by Mark & Richard soon put me at ease. I came home with a beautiful box which I am so proud of. Many thanks Mark & Richard for a great experience."

Lynton Wakeham reviewed: Basic throwing with Jon French

"I enjoyed the two days with Jon French learning how to throw a pot from someone with a great deal of knowledge and experience. The class room was well lit, clean and spacious. All the staff were very helpful and made me feel welcome. The cost of the two day course was very reasonable. When I have practiced throwing at home I will be booking the intermediate workshop. Thank you to all Potclay staff and Jon French."

Caroline reviewed: Wire & mixed media sculpture courses with James Ort

"Great weekend with a lovely mix of people. Fab tuition and well resourced with all kinds of bits and pieces. Just as good for beginners as for artists...always something new to learn. Great fun, great creativity, great cake!! Will be returning again and again and would recommend."

Graeme Turner reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"Booked the 1 day workshop course for me and my wife's 3rd wedding anniversary. We had a brilliant day Rosanna was a laid back yet hands on tutor working with everyone at there own pace and giving guidance when needed. The range of items you could make was excellent along with the vast quantity and colours of leather so you could tailor make things to your want. If you are wanting to do a leather course then I would highly recommend hers"

Peter Styles reviewed: Basic throwing with Jon French

"I have to say that Jon French was incredibly supportive despite me being very much the novice amongst a class who with a few exceptions were all reasonably experienced potters. It was great fun, the staff at Potclays were very pleasant and helpful and all in all a very worthwhile two days,. A nice lunch was provided and as much tea and coffee as you wished and as much clay as you could get round to using although some efforts went straight to recycling. Jon is an awesome thrower which rather left me feeling very incompetent but he encouraged and helped directly when necessary. A very nice course"

Pat Robinson reviewed: Introduction to Block Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"This was one of the best workshops I've ever attended. Judith's enthusiasm, patience and encouragement in explaining the process and then helping with design ideas was very constructive. The group size was perfect and it was very inspiring watching everybody's creations emerge! The coach house is a lovely setting and we were all made very welcome. I would definitely recommend this course."

graham butcher reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Outstanding experience exceeded my expectations. Nigel is a natural teacher - and story teller! Minimal, but sufficient, tell and show - maximum hands on learning, just what I wanted."

Suzanna reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"A highly recommended workshop for those interested in learning about the process of stained glass making. Jamal provided a brilliant one-day workshop for two of us, during which he clearly explained and demonstrated the steps for producing a piece of stained glass art. Furthermore, it was very enjoyable for us to try new practical skills like glass cutting and soldering. We were very pleased with our final pieces. Thank you!"

T Tyack reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"Had a great day with Jamal. He was informative, interesting and shared all his experience in stained glass making."

Glenda reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"I decided to do something totally different to my career, Jo was very welcoming, her knowledge in candle making is exceptional, she is a truly wonderful tutor and an expert in her field, I am more than happy to recommend Jo's course to the novice. Well done Jo..and thank you for a lovely lunch. Hope to see you in the future. 22.Feb 2018."

Amanda Norris reviewed: Needle felt your dog with Crafty Gal

"An incredible day, learning something new and meeting like-minded crafty people. Denise was a fabulous tutor and was able to guide us through making our creations in such a relaxed, laid-back but busy manner. I loved the fact that all of our creations had their own personalities. The lunch was delicious, as was the constant top up of coffee, cakes and elderflower water. Thank you so much Denise, I have learnt so much and look forward to making more. I would recommend this course to anyone, without hesitation x"

Hilda Tattersall reviewed: Christmas Pudding - needle felting workshop with The Lady Moth

"This was my first attempt at needle felting. I have done a tiny amount of wet felting previously. I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon making a duckling. Zenia is a very patient and creative teacher. My duckling now takes price of place on a glass shelf in my kitchen - there is space on that shelf for the items I hope to make with Zenia in the future."

The Lady Moth responded:

"Thank you!"

Rachel Read reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Felted Pictures Workshop in Cragg Vale, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"Having never done a craft course or worked with felt before i did a day course with crafts in the Valley rather hesitantly. Melanie put me completely at ease and i overcame any shyness or self doubts really quickly. Mel is a fantastic, warm, engaging and friendly teacher. I felt completely included and at ease with the other women in the group. I enjoyed felting and found myself inspired and absorbed in the work. I am really proud of the piece i made and got a lot out of the whole day. I felt looked after and nurtured, I learnt a lot, met nice people, ate good food and laughed. My felted picture is now in a frame at home and i am happy to think i made it :) I wouldn't hesitate to go on another course and would completely recommend to anyone considering trying it."

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

"A brilliant course that i would recommend to any budding upholsterer or furniture upcycler. Steph is a brilliant teacher and provides everything you need to produce your own unique chair. A constant supply of tea and cake plus a lovely fish and chip lunch keeps you going but the day goes so fast and before you know it you've finished!"

La Di Da Interiors & Gifts responded:

"Thank you for your review"

E J reviewed: Pottery Slow Down One day Pottery handbuilding and throwing

"Really enjoyed a 2-day course with Jo & Sophie - they're lovely, talented and very patient. Great to have a wheel each and to create some unique pots. I would recommend that anyone who goes on the 2-day course does try to finish their thrown pots on the first day (even if you stay a bit longer that day), as otherwise they won't be ready for trimming etc. Penny's lunch was lovely too - didn't expect 3 courses! Remember that it will take around 8 weeks til you pick up your finished pots. May be back at some point for another course!"

Lynne Gilbert reviewed: Christmas Pudding - needle felting workshop with The Lady Moth

"My first ever needle felting workshop could not have been better. Zenia is not only a very impressive and inspirational artist but also a tremendous and patient teacher. She generously shares her talents and works hard to ensure everyone gets satisfying results. Zenia carefully explained and demonstrated all the steps involved in making a really cute duckling and. She made the afternoon very relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable. Thank you."

The Lady Moth responded:

"Thank you :)"

Jenny reviewed: Art & Craft Days - Make a Willow Basket in a Day

"Thanks for a fantastic day yesterday making a willow basket with Karen Lawrence. Brian and Julie are superb hosts, the whole experience at The Butterfly Studio was a pleasure and the lunch, pastries and cakes delicious. I have been wanting to try this new craft for a while and this was a fantastic introduction to the world of willow, Karen is a fantastic tutor and I hope to come to another of her workshops later this year."

Judith Malcolm reviewed: Lampshade Making Workshop with Clare Cosens

"Excellent course. I had a really enjoyable morning. Clare is very helpful and a brilliant teacher. I was really impressed with the lampshade I made and would feel confident to have a go at one on my own. I would highly recommend the course."

Steve crisp reviewed: Woodturning courses in Norfolk

"What an amazing day with a really nice guy and his good lady wife. Food excellent the course was awesome, everything I wanted to know about was no problem for Nick to show and explain. Learnt loads I thought i knew but it was clear i didn't But nick was a great teacher putting me right in a great way. I will be doing this course again. If you're new to wood turning this is the course for you. Thank you Steve Crisp"