Latest reviews

Laura Stroud reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"This was my first experience at needle felting and I decided to create my late doggy Toby. He meant so much to the family so I wanted to make sure I did him justice in getting him just right! Sophie was excellent - patient, warm and friendly and not phased by all the questions I was asking. It’s amazing how just a few bits of wool can create the little face I remember and get his likeness so accurate. Sophie’s Mum made us a delicious lunch of quiche and salad and cherry pie and custard for pudd! Overall a lovely day and would definitely go back - Thankyou so much Sophie, your work is incredible x"

Rachel Harrower reviewed: Two day (consecutive) stained glass starter course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"A fabulous two day course hosted by stained glass artists Paul and Natalie. I attended with my friend and there was just the two of us so we were lucky to have the full attention of tutor Paul who was incredibly patient and encouraging. He is passionate about his work which was evident in the way he taught us. He and Natalie were very friendly and welcomed us into their home providing endless mugs of tea and a tasty lunch! At the end of the weekend we were both thrilled to have produced a lovely panel of stained glass. We are now both really keen to continue to make stained glass and have already been recommending the course to friends."

George lawrence reviewed: Introduction to silver jewellery making workshop with Diane Lee

"I went to the class with no previous experience of working with jewellery and thoroughly enjoyed it. I got a lot out of the day course and I feel Diane did a really good job of helping all of us individually. A great teacher"

Angela reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Bought the one-day course as a Christmas gift for my 14 year old son. He had a fantastic day - please pass on our thanks to Nigel. He has been buzzing about it ever since, and can't wait to visit again. He is thrilled with what he made... Particularly the Viking knife!"

Leanne Walker reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"Louise's classes are educative without failing to be good fun. Louise is patient and she can give you ideas on projects to carry out or will guide independent ideas. She harnesses the student's own creativity and problem solving skills interjecting only where necessary. The classes provide a relaxing environment for the students to 'bounce' ideas off one another. I personally am not very 'arty' but have produced beautiful slab work from trinket dishes to decorative bowls and plates. Whether it is sculpting or the wheel you fancy 'Poppy Rose' is definitely the right place for you."

Geoffrey Styche reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"I had a great day working with John and Olly at the workshop. I wish I'd had an idea of what I wanted to make before arriving but I still made a fantastic knife and even though it was work I thoroughly enjoyed my day, I will definitely be bookmarking this course and looking forward to another go. One point is the place isn't easy to find, look out for Unit 2 (right and right)."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Geoff i totally agree, i am going to improve signage this coming week thanks for coming along and nice to hear your coming back John"

Ally Caldecote reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"I’ve been on a two hour workshop and a full day one. I’m booked onto another in a couple of months. Ali warns that glass fusing is addictive and it’s utterly true. She is an excellent and talented artist and also a patient teacher. Perfect combo. If you’re not sure, book onto a shorter course and try it out. You’ll love it for sure!"

smARTsy responded:

"Thanks Ally, see you soon!"

Jim reviewed: A Dry Stone Walling Workshop Bedfordshire

"If you have some building experience/general DIY skills/are good with your hands then you'll do well, if not you may struggle through no fault of the course, not as difficult as you'd imagine for handy people and John was a good teacher. This is the kind of skill you need to practice to excel at but it's amazing after little tuition (more general tips & pointers) you can build a section of wall that's not too different to the sections already built (to the untrained eye at least). You can well imagine with experience you'd develop your own style & flair. This is a beautiful countryside skill that's far kinder to nature & durable (with deliberate considerations to birds, butterflies and other insects. The downside to drystone walls is that for many it would prohibitively expensive even if you consider your own time to be free but again this no criticism of the course or teacher. If you could go on to make a living from this then that would be a truly wonderful way to live (fresh air, working with a natural material, physical exercise) and one could well imagine there are people with enough money who'd be willing to pay for such a beautiful architectural feature."

London School of Dry Stone Walling responded:

"Thank you for your detailed feed back Jim. It was a great day. I hope you would be able to use the workshop experience in future projects you may undertake and wish you well for the future."

Jane Preece reviewed: Highland Cow needle-felting workshop

"I had never done any felting before and was a little apprehensive seeing the amazing work of others but the course was fantastic, Emma is a great teacher, very patient but inspirational too. The class size is just right and the venue (Bakers Table Talgarth) provided refreshments and a delicious lunch. I bought materials on the day and have continued with felting as a hobby."

Alice guy reviewed: Needle Felting Workshop Owl Brooch

"Had a lovely morning with Milly making owls? great instruction and quality materials. Will return for a further course some point in the future. Half way through we were served amazing cake and hot drinks. Fab people on course, great experience."

Alison reviewed: Introduction to silver jewellery making workshop with Diane Lee

"I really enjoyed the day and love the rings i made. The class was excellent. Everything explained really well and well coached. Loved meeting Diane she was great ."

Fiona reviewed: Introduction to silver jewellery making workshop with Diane Lee

"A great workshop for beginners. We covered a whole range of skills and ended up with two wearable pieces of jewellery so sense of achievement was really high. Diane was great at explaining, showing and encouraging. She is great fun too. I came along with my sister just for a fun and creative day which is exactly what we had."

les reviewed: Highland stool making course - Scottish Highlands

"Arron's woodwork day course is a great day out learning how to make a greenwood stool. The day is really worth the time and money as not only do you learn some new skills but you also get to take home your days work and have the family marvel at your handiwork. I would recommend this course to anyone whatever your age or experience. Arron's teaching style is relaxed and informal and packed full of woodcraft knowledge. Looking forward to booking up for a three day challenge when next available. Cheers Arron for a great day."

Raymond reviewed: Highland stool making course - Scottish Highlands

"Great day with Aaron learning amazing ways to work with greenwood. Aaron has a relaxed style when instructing and demonstrating which makes learning a pleasurable experience. At the end I was the proud possessor of a stool which was immediately claimed by my son as being "fantastic". Working with wood this way is almost therapeutic!!!! Highly recommended"

Mike reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Thanks George for a great day. I really enjoyed it and love the bowl we created together (I haven't yet given it to my daughter - that treat is yet to come!). I had a great day listening to you and learning from your experience - your style of teaching was very much appreciated and helped me especially as this was the first time I had ever done anything like this. The hospitality provided with teas, biscuits and lunch was first class, so many thanks to Susan! Thanks again for a great experience, I thought it was a brilliant day and I loved it! Cheers George!"

Heather Turnbull reviewed: Taster Pottery Session

"Fantastic afternoon. Joan created a fun and relaxed atmosphere from the start, she was really helpful and guided us through different techniques, helping us when we needed it and also allowing us to experiment ourselves. I would highly recommend her course!"

L b mort reviewed: Needle felted Seascapes or landscapes with 2 Inspire You

"Excellent course and guidance."

2 Inspire You responded:

"Thank you so much Jessica, I hope you are able to come and have some more fun soon!"

Stefan reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"Good time at the lathes, Andy is a patient teacher and pleasant company. Martine made a nice cottage pie for lunch to boot. I recommend asking to see Andys little "showroom" - the room is filled with outstanding pieces. Thanks Andy!"

Freya reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Bill is an incredibly knowledgable and talented craftsman. On the two day course he helped me understand many aspects of the leather crafts business, details about quality in products, all the while helping me to make a belt and a small clutch bag (which I am going to use a lot). If anyone is looking to develop your knowledge, craft skills or to just have a creative experience, I would thoroughly recommend this course to you."

Fiona Duncan reviewed: Stained Glass and Pique Assiette Mosaics course

"I couldn't believe my luck when I found Ann! Inspiring, enthusiastic and most of all - fun to work with. Fabulous countryside setting to work in yet just a short drive from the city of Aberdeen. I would highly recommend attending one of Ann's courses if you want to learn or improve your mosaic skills."

Jessica reviewed: Needle felted Seascapes or landscapes with 2 Inspire You

"I had never tried felting before but I had such a great day. It was very relaxing and I came away this a picture I’m more than happy to put in a frame and hang on the wall! Rachel is the perfect tutor - very friendly, knowledgeable and fun! I wouldn’t hesitate to book another course and I will recommend it to my crafty friends. Thank you Rachel (and lovely assistant who I cannot remember the name of, sorry!)."

2 Inspire You responded:

"Thank you so much Jessica! I am so glad you had a good day. Your picture was amazing and my photo doesn't do it justice. It is great to see how your picture developed through the course of the day. We look forward to seeing you again! I will pass on the review to Rhian as well."

Ellie Rush reviewed: One Day Small Leather Goods Workshop

"Absolutely loved this course. Sarah is a fantastic teacher and made the whole experience very enjoyable. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Sarah and her courses to everyone. I haven’t stopped showing off my new bag to all my friends and family! I will definitely be back to learn more skills, thank you."

Sinead Hands reviewed: Silver jewellery beginners' class - one day

"Great day, came away with the confidence and ability to make my own pieces back at home without any complicated equipment. Louise teaches you all you need to know to get started and I came away with some beautiful silver jewellery. Highly recommended"

Ruth Lambert reviewed: Book Folding Workshop

"Really enjoyed the Christmas Bauble Making workshop with my Mum and Daughter. A lovely relaxing way to spend time together. We are now totally addicted to making more baubles at home! Sarah made us feel really welcome, was patient when we broke our needles and her workshop is amazing! Can't wait to come back for another workshop in the near future."

Hedley Peters reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"I cant reccomend this enough. Jolene's depth of knowlege, workshop, and tea making are second to none. She is super patient too. On more than one occasion I found myself asking the same questions. My wife and i both would revisit this absolute artisan gem."