Latest reviews

Karen Riley reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"We spent the day with Jonathan on the boat and loved every minute. We learnt so much and had lots of fun as well. The setting was beautiful and the drinks and cake were delicious. We all made gorgeous bracelets which Jonathan made sure we were happy with. It was the perfect birthday present! Thanks again Ali, Yvonne, Karen and Beckie x"

Lorraine reviewed: Kiln formed glass day workshop

"Had a great time making Christmas decorations, Helen was brilliant with her instructions and advice, a very enjoyable morning!"

John Hewes reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Great one to one tuition, taught me a lot in one day, and Mark didn’t stop until he was happy he had covered everything I wanted to learn. Highly recommended. John Hewes"

Bill hutchinson reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Fantastic day, Mort is inspiring, cannot wait until our next day. Really proud of what Mort supported us in making, never believed as a total novices we could achieve so much. Cannot recommend a day at Firebird forge enough, whatever your age or skill level."

Jean clark reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"First off newly retired I wanted something crafty to do and came across Julie and her glass classes,I booked a half day and thoroughly enjoyed it making earrings and a necklace and decorative plaque, Julie is so easy going and full of knowledge of her craft,so I thought my friends would love the Xmas class and we weren't disappointed,definitely worth a try,excellent."

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

"I’ve just spent a most enjoyable 3 days learning how to turn wood. Andy is hugely experienced and is an expert teacher who sets a perfect balance of demonstration and supervision. I can’t believe how fast the hours swept by and how completely immersed I was in this magical craft. The other thing that left me awestruck was the workshop and the tools. Andy’s lathes are simply the best! And he has every tool you ever need – all of which are first class and exceptionally well maintained. I wholeheartedly recommend Andy to all potential and practising wood turners. I will be returning to learn how to make a turned box."

Felicity Newsome reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"Had a great day and learnt a new skill. Found the day very relaxing and Denise was a great teacher who was very patient. Also lunch was delicious and I was very happy with my end product. I may have found a new hobby! Highly recommend, thank you x"

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thanks Flic, much appreciated. It WAS a lovely day, fun to spend time with you and your mum and so happy you were both so pleased with the results of your work. I hope you keep going, and I see you again soon, you have the fox and the badger to do yet!"

Ann Cowell reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"Have just completed my second course with SallyAnne this time making a stag. Had a wonderful day and yet again came home with something I am very proud of. It was only three weeks age since I attended making an obelisk. I am sure this speaks volumes how much I enjoyed the course. Thanks again SallyAnne Ann Cowell"

John Poulson reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"Really useful and informative course from Dave, I learnt so much in such a short time, excellent knowledge of the subject. Although I have done a very small amount of carving previously, Dave helped me so much with technique, position, knife grips and how to actually enjoy the process, really was a fantastic day. Second only to Dave's excellent teaching was the superb flapjack, I can now confess in having had at least five pieces, sorry Dave its just too good, ; )) Many thanks again for a very informative course, can't recommend Dave and his knowledge highly enough!"

Clay Animal Weekend reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"Book it, book it, book it! You won't be disappointed. You will forget everything outside the studio and be totally immersed in learning new techniques and sculpting. I sculpt regularly anyway, but you never know it all. You can always learn new things and still be inspired. It's very refreshing to learn from a different angle and James and Alison are brilliant at what they do. It's also lovely to chat to others on the course and watch their creations come alive. If you fancy treating yourself or even someone else, just book a course. You will definitely have fun and enjoy yourselves."

Jenny Redman reviewed: Fine Nuno Felted Scarf with 3D Embellishment Online Class

"I am relatively new to felting but am completely hooked. Lena is an excellent teacher she took us step by step through the process and I produced (with help!) a really knock out scarf! I was absolutely thrilled. A really terrific but quite tiring day. I would definitely recommend a day with Lena. Seeing her own work on display in the workshop was a real treat. I look forward to another day soon."

Maynard Haverly reviewed: A General Leatherwork Skill Day

"I traveled from the Pacific Northwest part of the U.S.A. to spend a full five days under the instruction of Nigel. It was time and money well spent and I would not hesitate to do it again. Nigel is a very amicable and multi-talented individual with a great sense or humor and human sensibilities. His knowledge and expertise in the art of leathersmithing is impeccable, and his passion for what he does shows through in his non-intimidating manner of instruction. In our present day and time, where technology has all but erased a great amount of knowledge and skills of once necessary crafts that have all but disappeared, Nigel is one of those rare individuals today who is attempting to carry on and revitalize skills that have a history as far back as has been recorded by humankind. If you want to know how to work in leather, create items of quality, then Nigel Armitage is one who you should seriously consider to guide you into your goals."

Ian Prior reviewed: Furniture making course: Traditional Dovetailing - 4 day course in Surrey

"I’m a mature, amateur woodworker looking to improve my skills and pick a few brains on the way. Aidan’s course more than met my aims and ambitions, by providing insight, guidance and encouragement in this most traditional of woodworking disciplines. Initially I was concerned that four days working with dovetails would be too much for me; it soon became apparent the combination of the environment, the company and, not least, the tuition made it a safe place to land. With sufficient interest we can learn the principles and variations involved in dovetail joints from the myriad publications and media available to us; Aidan takes the time to make it a reality, adding useful hints, tips and more general background information along the way – a very valuable addition. Past the theory, the emphasis is on practical application and we were able to complete a number of joints, from marking out to gluing-up and finishing, and even had homework to complete. Lest you are concerned that the only thing you come away with is a pile of scrap for kindling I can confirm that an attractive Dark Oak and Yew ‘project’ now graces my home. In summary; time very well spent."

Charlotte Duerden reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"Had a amazing day on sally anns willow weaving stag course. Felt like i really learnt something and achieved my own masterpiece. . Would highly reccomend it to anyone. Thanks sally ann"

Lynne Horton reviewed: Beginners introductory pyrography course in Lincolnshire

"Very professionally run, but still enjoyable. Learnt loads and made some lovely items. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to give pyrography a go. Brilliant"

Lynda Marven reviewed: Kiln formed glass day workshop

"Really enjoyed the course with Helen making Xmas decorations. Look forward to seeing the results. Will be back for another course in 2018."

Paula Wild reviewed: A relaxing day of clay making

"I was rather anxious about the Pottery Day....but Trisha's welcoming character and gentle reassurance made me feel relaxed and confident. I thoroughly enjoyed making the pots and also the visit 2 weeks later to glaze... The delicious lunch and homemade cakes were an added bonus...I really recommend this course! Thank you Trisha! From Paula Wild"

Hugo Foster reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"What a great day! Mort is an inspirational teacher and a font of historical knowledge. Definitely coming back for more and building my own forge."

Paul and Pei (Singapore) reviewed: Beginners introductory pyrography course in Lincolnshire

"I signed up my wife and I for Susan's workshop as a surprise birthday activity for my wife. We had both never done any pyrography before (prior to the workshop), and I thought that it would be interesting to learn something new. We do not regret it the slightest: The workshop was very well-planned and informative, took place in a very cosy and relaxing environment (Susan's home-based studio), and it went at a very comfortable and manageable pace. Susan has structured her workshop in a way that by the end of the workshop, you would have had the opportunity to try out several pyrography techniques, and experimented with pyrography on both wood and leather. My wife and I both worked at different paces, and it was good to note that Susan's workshop was able to accommodate our different paces of learning extremely easily. My wife worked more quickly than me, for example, and Susan was happy to let her try out new skills and media. Both my wife and I are unable to draw anything decent to save our lives, and were initially concerned that we would not be able to benefit fully from the workshop. Surprisingly though, we managed pretty well! We focussed more on creating simple and complex patterns and symbols, and the results were really nice (we think so, anyway). Susan showed us several examples, though, of animals and natural objects drawn using pyrography techniques. Not a level that my wife and I can attain yet, I'm afraid! Susan was extremely patient and so willing to share her wealth of experience and knowledge, and we had a wonderful time at her workshop! We were unable to attend the workshop on the original dates (on the website), but Susan was accommodating enough to arrange a separate session for us to fit our schedule. Susan replied all our emails very quickly, and that was a very big plus for us: it made communication and arrangements a lot smoother. My wife and I live in London and do not drive, but instead came up to Lincoln by train. Susan's workshop starts in the morning and takes up a full day, and so what my wife and I did was to take the train to Lincoln one day before (and enjoyed exploring the city centre), and put up at a local B&B for a night (we stayed at the Loudor B&B opposite the Forum). Susan's workshop area is actually closer to North Hykeham station, but we felt there would be more to do in Lincoln. This is a matter of preference though. Either way, there are a number of buses (that also thankfully run regularly) that will take you to Susan's workshop location. All in all, this has been a great workshop to attend, and we had a lovely time spending the day with Susan. We would highly recommend this workshop to anyone who are keen to learn pyrography, or simply to dabble in something new."

Jaykishan reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Had a great time with Mark. Highly experienced and a good guide in the minefield of tools and equipment available in the market. He’s a great teacher so be ready to soak in as much as you can. Would definitely take a add on course. I already miss being in the workshop."

Sue Matthews reviewed: Make a Wave - Glass Fusing Class

"Sarah is a great teacher and is so helpful in getting you to bring out the best of your talents however meagre they are. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. I have learnt a lot still I started her class and will continue to enjoy the wonders of glass."

T woodside reviewed: Micro Macrame - Beaded Bracelet

"Intimate location. Instructive and fun. Happy and proud of my bracelet. Will be going back to try different classes x"

Stefan Batorijs reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I am intending to turn sculptural shapes and needed specific tuition for this. Chris was brilliant in adapting his training to meet my needs. He was patient and also prepared to push me along, not dumb things down. the day was challenging, but I came away with what I needed, and a very beautiful wooden object."

Pamela Harrington reviewed: Fine Nuno Felted Scarf with 3D Embellishment Online Class

"I have my own business as a feltmaker but I still like to do workshops to learn new techniques from other experienced feltmakers. Lena is an excellent feltmaker and an excellent teacher. Her work is also stunning. She is very enthusiastic and passionate about her work and is a huge inspiration to those who meet her and learn from her."

Nina Simmons reviewed: Cold porcelain flowers for beginners

"I returned to Jill's studio after completing the one day sugarcraft course but this time for two days. on this occasion i wanted to create a poinsettia display for my Christmas cake and I must say, what was achieved in two days surpassed my expectations. For me, (and as a novice), working with cold porcelain allowed me to be more creative and I found it more easier to handle than sugar paste. I will booking onto a third course in 2018 as I have found the experience incredibly relaxing, fun and I must say, incredibly enjoyable, thank you Jill."