Latest reviews

Chris McGuire reviewed: Mosaic class

"This was a very enjoyable day course. There was a very friendly atmosphere amongst the other course participants and Dawn was very good at helping us through the stages and steering us to a finished piece that we could all feel proud about. The cake and sandwiches were delicious!"

Amy reviewed: Full day card-making & scrapbooking classes in Portsmouth area

"Really enjoyed the class on Saturday with Debbie, Claire and Clare. Booking was quick and straightforward and the venue easy to find. The demonstrations in small groups were excellent and simple to follow. All 3 Squirrels were keen, friendly and very knowledgeable, help was on hand throughout the day for questions, hints and tips (thanks very much!). So many different types of stamps, die’s and paper to experience. Hot drinks and yummy cakes in plentiful supply all day. Highly recommended."

Clare Knight reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"What a brilliant day. Chris is an excellent teacher with the patience of a saint! Went with two friends. We all managed to make a beautiful bowl learning a variety of techniques. Even when we made mistakes Chris managed to save the day with amazing skill he has gleaned over 50 years of woodworking. Can I come again please ?"

Matthew reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"Was a great weekend and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone who is interested in crafting. Not only is it fun but you end up with usable and practical items at the end of it. We ended up getting the bracket zinc coated and painted with Richard and now it is outside in full display with an appropriate light hanging off it and it looks perfect! Make sure you follow the recommendation of strengthening your hammering arm before you go though as you will definitely need it!"

Meryl Richards reviewed: Needle felted Seascapes or landscapes with 2 Inspire You

"Had a wonderful day, this was the first time I have done a wet felted picture which I was so pleased with, the company was great and the tutor Rachel was superb, I wouldn't hesitate to book another course. Thank you very much Rachel, hope to see you again."

2 Inspire You responded:

"Thank you so much we are glad you had such a good day!"

R Morton reviewed: Stained glass for beginners | Lead lights

"Had a brilliant time at the beginners stained glass course with David. He was very good at explaining the diverse processes and kind enough to show me again if I messed up! Excellent course - pace just perfect. The finished panel was beyond my expectation. Wish it was longer!"

Neil Jackson reviewed: 1-to-1 Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"An fantastic day spent with Lynne at Studio Tuesday in Haslemere. I arrived as a complete novice but by the end of the day I felt completely comfortable with all stages of picture mounting. Lynne demonstrated all aspects of the process and ensured, step by step, that I understood and was able to work competently on my own. The course also included 'finding the picture' and considering different mount sizes and borders. She showed patience and understanding and passed on lots of tips and suggestions to make the process easier. On the day I mounted two photographs and framed one of them. Very pleased. Thank you Lynne"

Gray reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"Brilliant weekend learning craftsmanship skills, building green wood furniture with hand tools. A holiday for busy minds to drop all distractions and focus on a physical and creative activity. Excellent, clear tuition, accessible to all. Highly recommend."

Steven Terenzio reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I purchased this as a Yule present for my partner. The two day course was in a lovely setting and the studio was a good size with lots of room to work in. Sebastian was friendly and has a relaxed and informal approach to teaching but always on hand should you need him. It's amazing what you can achieve working with this soft bath stone even if, like me, you're not artistic! We were in a group of eight people who all seemed to enjoy their weekend and produced a little work of art! Just a great weekend"

Darren reviewed: Small Leather Goods Workshop

"Arrived and was immediately offered a cup of tea with a selection of biscuits. Enjoyed the tea while having an in-depth discussion about the different types of leather and dyeing techniques. Then it was belt making time; learning how to cut and stitch leather, practising on small scraps before committing to the actual belt, all under the careful supervision of Richard. Every question was answered, every detail explained and at every step I was given the time to get it right and walk away with my own handcrafted belt. If you want to try leathercraft for the first time, I can highly recommend Richards' class. It's friendly, relaxed, informative and well structured."

Susan Verwey reviewed: Embroidery kits with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Hereford

"Very enjoyable and relaxing day. Julie was welcoming, very organised and patient. She gave me great confidence and the kits provided were lovely, with everything necessary included.5"

Philip Champion reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"It was a great course in a lovely location. I have always wanted to learn about stone carving and this course gave me the knowledge to start a new craft. Many thanks for a wonderful weekend"

Ange Martin reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"What a great way to spend a morning time went so quickly , now i must buy my nippers and get started thanks Adela.5"

Steve Davis reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I decided to take up a new hobby and found Ciaran's website offering woodworking courses. I booked the 4 day beginners course and it was the best introduction to woodworking I could have hoped for. Ciaran takes you through some basics, such as tool sharpening and the correct and safe way to use the tools and marking out the cuts to start with. The class size is a maximum of 6 which guarantees plenty of personal tuition time and there are as many tea breaks with biscuits as you want. The course is fairly intense and physical but the rewards are worth it. In 4 days I made a small side table using American Black Walnut and Ash and I was very proud of the result."

Rachel Cousins reviewed: Group Soap-making Workshop - Soapology Studio - Nottinghamshire

"Husband and I had a truly enjoyable day at Soapology. Emma is a fantastic host and is obviously passionate about her soap making. The morning was spent learning about soap which Emma kept very interesting and answered any questions (regular refreshments offered). A delicious lunch was then provided before heading into the workshop for the fun part :) there were five of us on the course and Emma was very patient in taking us through each step of the soap making process advising on which essential oils work well together and the correct way to blend all ingredients. We made three batches each that we got take home. We also took a starter pack each. Thank you Emma for a fantastic day we thoroughly enjoyed the whole day and learnt so much!"

John lowdell reviewed: Stained glass sun-catcher workshop: Hampshire

"We booked the stained glass workshop as Christmas gifts , very impressed with the organisation , we were provided with beautiful gift vouchers to give on Christmas Day , Rachel who runs the course kept in touch with informative e mail too beforehand The actual day was great ,we all thoroughly enjoyed it , so much so that I am sure we will be back Rachel is an excellent teacher and communicator , providing enough instruction but also giving a good deal of freedom on individual approach We all agreed it was the most excellent Christmas present"

Swanwick Studio responded:

"Wow, thank you so much, that review is very much appreciated this end, all the detail really tells others about the whole experience & is very thoughtful of you J :-) So glad we 'all' had a great day. See you in Port Solent :-)"

Kyla reviewed: Micro Macrame - Beaded Bracelet

"Great fun, small group and friendly. Looking forward to booking another workshop."

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

"Brilliant- would highly recommend!"

Sarah jones reviewed: Weekly pottery/ceramics classes

"Alison is a fantastic teacher, she imparts her considerable knowledge of ceramics in a way that makes you feel as if it is the most natural thing! Her teaching style is so encouraging, warm and gentle so even the most green novice takes their pottery home with pride. It is a joy to attend these classes every week."

Kate reviewed: Weekly pottery/ceramics classes

"I love coming to pottery class every week! Alison is a great teacher and is always encouraging. The atmosphere is very friendly and relaxed. If you fancy giving pottery a go this is definitely the class for you!"

Lou & Rob reviewed: One Day Bladesmithing Course - London Border

"Excellent day. Owen was a great tutor and kept a sharp eye on progress, helping out where needed. Everyone completed their knife and took it home. All tools and safety equipment was provided, small group size (7 on our day) meant we could all see the demo and get the required amount of attention. Owen is a master craftsman, he showed us some stunning examples of his work. The detail he can get on a blade is amazing. I would recommend this class to anyone."

Sarah Ashworth reviewed: Needle felted Seascapes or landscapes with 2 Inspire You

"Fabulous day on the welt felting course! Rachel was really friendly and i learnt so much on this one day course! Lots of tea , biscuits and fun! Looking forward to needle felting in the near future x"

2 Inspire You responded:

"It was great fun and lots of laughter involved!"

Melanie Kanz reviewed: Needle felted Seascapes or landscapes with 2 Inspire You

"Loved every minute of the course — really enjoyed it. Rachel is a great teacher. I will be coming back for more... I think I am ‚hooked‘ to the art of felting."

2 Inspire You responded:

"Thank you, it was a great day!"

Nikki Alexander reviewed: Basket weaving for beginners - make a round basket

"Lovely days spent rekindling basket making skills last done over 45 years ago as a child. Emma has only small groups and gives excellent tuition. I went with my husband and he had never done it before. We both came away with baskets we were proud of and use at home. We have done 2 courses and recommend Emma highly. Whatever your ability, you will really enjoy the courses. The location is lovely and peaceful and it's a great way to get away from the day to day. You just relax into basket making for a day."

Bird Farm Alpacas responded:

"Thanks Nikki glad both you and Tony enjoyed basket making again! =)"

Mike twigg reviewed: Weekly pottery/ceramics classes

"I've been going to Alison's studio for just over a year now and love it more and more. Fantastic atmosphere and really friendly people too. Whether your a beginner or a veteran there's always something new to learn and Alison guides you and helps you to enjoy your experience to the full. Highly recommended. Excellent class."