Latest reviews

Jackie from St Albans reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"A fabulous day. I never knew I had such a creative side. Thank you for a lovely day."

Bev from Redditch reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"A thoroughly enjoyable day- I've learned so much. I'm sure this piece will be the first of many."

Heather reviewed: Pottery/ceramics wheel throwing (full day)

"I attended a beginners pottery course which I received as a fantastic gift. I had an amazing day, it was very relaxing and I found Lorraine to be welcoming, fun and an excellent teacher! I suprised myself by producing 6 pieces of pottery that are fully dishwasher and microwave proof and in my opinion give Denby a run for their money ?! I collected them after Lorraine performed an amazing glazing job on them ( hence the Denby quality..). Lorraines mother was as welcoming as Lorraine and supplied us with homemade delicious cakes to go with our cups of tea. Highly recommend this setting and I will definitely be returning."

Matthew Hope reviewed: One day salt or pepper mill woodturning course one to one.

"I attended this one day course in the Summer and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'd never done any wood turning before, and don't count myself as a practical person, but I found it to be a great intro and I managed to take a great looking pepper mill home with me at the end of the day Bill is very accommodating and a fantastic teacher. He'll work with you individually to ensure you are happy and confident with what you're doing at all times. I would recommend this course to anyone that would like to give wood turning a go."

Valerie Wallace reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2-day Course

"Completed 2 day beginners class this week. Truly inspirational tutor and studio. Maggie extremely supportive and enthusiastic throughout the two days and happy to let me do my own thing too. Excellent soup and cake. Would recommend this course for complete beginners or even just for anyone looking for inspiration for their next project ...... I've started to collect bits and bobs for my first 'solo' project."

Bob reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"My oldest son did the one day course and on the back of that gave my other son and I the chance to do the same. Fabulous day, relaxed and educational as well as practical and we came away with all sorts of ‘stuff’ made during the day. Nigel is excellent company and adds something special to the day. Would recommend in an instant and have already done so. Will be back for more and so will my sons as all hooked now and looking for a forge for home ! Would be great in the summer as accomodation can be in one of Nigel’s Shepherds Huts in the woods that surround the forge. All in all a great day and would recommend to anyone. Girls included as you don’t , as Nigel demonstrated, need ‘strength of arm’ to form red hot metal. Rob - North Suffolk."

Carole H reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Hooked on jewellery making and back for another totally inspiring day. Lucy gives the opportunity to try so many techniques; I was happy to be doing etching again: one of my favourites. I also got some great advice for setting up a vice at home on a budget. All in all a fun day, as usual. With one to one tuition, you learn so much. Thank you, Lucy."

Rob Stephenson reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I have just completed this course and cannot rate it highly enough. Ciaran is a lovely chap with a real passion for his craft. His gun boxes are outstanding examples of his ability. The course is very intensive and we produced a very nice tall table. I have done basic woodwork with power tools but now know the difference between this and real carpentry. The facilities and equipment provided are great and the lunches at The White Lion very sociable. I have already booked myself on the intermediate course and am going to upgrade my tool kit. Thanks again Ciaran."

Rachel reviewed: Pewter pendant and keyring making at Manchester Craft and Design Centre

"Ella was fabulous - we got going really quickly - as Ella gave really concise teaching points to get us underway guiding us and rescuing the minor mishaps with our work. We produced an array of little objects using variety of techniques which were really pleasing. It was an immensely pleasurable day helped along with plenty of sustenance and some lovely company. Thank you! We are already looking forward to our next visit."

Kari Birch reviewed: Needle felt your Dog or Cat

"I'd been longing to have a go at Needle-felting for years. I couldn't have picked a better course. Josephine is a truly excellent tutor. She saw us through all of the difficulties and we came out with a meaningful end product! You couldn't ask for better. I'm going to continue practice on my newly acquired needle-felting skills at home. I will be looking out for more courses with Josephine."

Lucy reviewed: Give it a Bash! One day pewter vessel making workshop **ONLY TWO SPACES LEFT**

"Ella is a great teacher, straightforward, enthusiastic and lively. We all got stuck in straight away and surprised ourselves with what and how much we made in a day. There was designing and sawing and soldering and carving and molten pewter all going on at the same time and the atmosphere was friendly and creative. I hope to come back to make more in pewter again soon."

Lucy reviewed: Casting in pewter - making jewellery, decorations & keyrings: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Ella is a great teacher, straightforward, enthusiastic and lively. We all got stuck in straight away and surprised ourselves with what and how much we made in a day. There was designing and sawing and soldering and carving and molten pewter all going on at the same time and the atmosphere was friendly and creative. I hope to come back to make more in pewter again soon."

Michele Whyte reviewed: Fine Nuno Felted Scarf with 3D Embellishment Online Class

"Hi, just complete the nuno felting workshop and had an amazing day. Lena is very good at teaching . I enjoyed the history of felting then the practical, lena made sure that everyone got the help and guidance needed to ensure we got the most from the day.... I loved it and I'm looking forward to my next workshop"

Rachel reviewed: Casting in pewter - making jewellery, decorations & keyrings: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Ella was fabulous - we got going really quickly - as Ella gave really concise teaching points to get us underway guiding us and rescuing the minor mishaps with our work. We produced an array of little objects using variety of techniques which were really pleasing. It was an immensely pleasurable day topped off with a really yummy lunch, plenty of nibbles, drinks and some lovely company. Thank you! We are already looking forward to our next visit."

Phil Tanebrne reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"Highly recommended I thoroughly enjoyed the one day course run by Ollie. His knowledge and passion combined with an easy going style made for a very good learning environment. I wanted to learn more about restoring old wood to its former glory and feel very well equipped now to do that."

Janet Hammerton reviewed: Introduction to Off-Loom Weaving Workshop, Crawley, Hampshire

"An amazing class enjoyed every minute, I learnt so much in just 3 hours, Thanks Elka. P.s. The homemade madeleines were to die for, an added bonus as no one ever caters for celiacs."

Elka responded:

"Hi Janet, Thank you so much for the lovely review. It was great to meet you and i'm so glad you enjoyed the weaving and cake! Have a wonderful Christmas :)"

Ed Green reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"What a fantastic day! Chris is an outstanding teacher, passionate about his craft and amazing at sharing his knowledge and helping to develop skills - and a really nice guy! Chris has clearly put a lot of work into making the course fun, productive and safe. I had a great time, learned loads and have mementos to remind me of it. I can see why he is booked up so far in advance, and it is totally worth the wait. Thanks so much Chris, I had a brilliant time. Ed"

Liz reviewed: Make a live-edge bench or table

"I loved this course and I am so proud of my beautiful new bench. Ben was an excellent teacher guiding us carefully and giving detailed instructions as we went. I have never made anything out of wood before and am delighted with the result. Will definitely be doing another course with Ben."

Jo Phillips reviewed: Needle felt your Dog or Cat

"Had a brilliant time last Friday on needle felting course with Josephine in Hebden Bridge, great course, good atmosphere, lots of fun and laughs. It's inspired me to have a go at needle felting at home and will maybe go back for another course in the near future."

Lucy W reviewed: Small Leather Goods Workshop

"I had such a great day at the belt making workshop! Richard is a wonderful, patient teacher, and really knows how to work with each student at their individual paces. The size of the classes is also really perfect to come out of the class with the confidence that you can continue to experiment and work on your own. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this class to anyone who is keen to learn! Thanks again Richard!"

Sarah Dinnick reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"THe Setting was lovely, as was Denise. Very patient and such a good teacher. The course is very good value for money and unlike some courses it is something that you can go home and carry on creating without too much expence. Denise gives good information on where to souce materials for your next creation. I purchased some while I was with her, (at a very reasonable price) so that I didn't have to wait for more materials to be delivered. Thank you for an excellent day and a new craft for me to further my creativity."

Crafty Gal responded:

"SO pleased you're carrying on Sarah, look forward to seeing what you do next! Great to meet you and fun to needle felt with you. All the best Denise x"

Martin Clarke reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Really satisfying having a whole weekend to work at a larger piece of stone and seeing the sculpture develop from it. Atmosphere was really friendly with everyone on the course being supportive and interested in what each person was doing (and how we had got there). Sebastian was good at making the sculptors take their time to make decisions about their work looking at the overall piece from all angles, I think we all made small mistakes but it was part of the learning process to look at how they could be fixed/incorporated into the final piece. I had done some carving before with soapstone and other soft stones so once I was set up I was happy to simply lose myself in the process with Sebastian giving the occasional pointer. My only suggestion is that if a piece isn't going to be finished (not a problem for me) it is not always a bad idea to show the person how to finish one part of it in fine detail so they know what to do if they have to take it away."

Theodora reviewed: Make your very own clutch bag/small tablet device case/sleeve

"Had such an amazing day! Learnt so much Richard is a star was so patient and very knowledgeable about leathers and making. Going to book for another workshop ?"

Dee reviewed: 4 day course in upholstery, soft furnishings or loose covers

"Having done a basic loose cover course I really wanted further teaching to help me feel more confident dealing with different style chairs and fabrics. Angie’s course was fantastic. She showed me how to make a loose cover in 2d fabric on a winged armchair and also how to make a loose cover for a small sofa using the existing cover as a template. I also learnt how to make box cushions properly and was able to use her industrial sewing machines in her workshop. Lunch was all homemade and organic with both a vegetarian and vegan option. We were also kept well fed throughout the day with homemade cakes. I highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn or extend their knowledge in upholstery and loose covers."

Jane Macdonald reviewed: Silver clay beginners course - Lori Ridgway

"I did a fantastic two day course with Lori and was absolutely thrilled with the results. Lori is patient and explains things clearly, a lovely lady. I would highly recommend her courses."