Latest reviews

Emma reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"I attended the wax flower candle workshop. It was excellent and I learned a lot of new skills. I can't believe I much such beautiful and unusual candles in one day. Thank you!"

Andrew reviewed: 2 day blacksmithing courses

"Simply brilliant. Everything about the place, the people and the experience is fantastic. Do it."

A and T Petersen Ltd responded:

"Thank you so much for your review - you have given us PLATINUM status. We love meeting our course attendees and we love what we do.....thank you"

Edna reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"My reviews are becoming a blog as I am still learning from Lucy. If I ever wanted to work within my comfort zone I have been well and truly moved beyond what I thought was possible . Every day a new stretch of my brain and a new technique presents itself. Time well spent and I come back for more each time"

Emma reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"If you love crafts and want to try something new, this is an unforgettable day’s course. The skills Mark and Jill have are incredible, they taught me (a complete novice) to carve the most amazing spoon. I’d thoroughly recommend you to sign up, I would definitely return to learn something else. Carving is so good for the soul."

Linda reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"What an excellent way to spend the day for anyone interested in crafting or learning a new skill. It was great fun and the day went so quickly; I met some lovely people and lunch was delicious. Denise is so patient and supportive and I learnt a new skill that I have been enjoying since. A fabulous day for anyone, young or old. I would definitely recommend it."

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you for the great review Linda, I'm so pleased to have introduced you to such a lovely craft - looking forward to seeing what you go on to next. I hope "Ginger" has pride of place on your mantle piece!"

Laura reviewed: Cold porcelain flowers for beginners

"A thoroughly enjoyable workshop in the comfort of a beautifully clean and relaxing studio. Jill is an excellent tutor, with a calming nature. She makes you feel at ease and is full of encouragement from start to finish. For someone who enjoys craft, but is not particularly artistic, I have created a piece of art I am proud to put on display ?"

Nicki reviewed: Portmeirion crafts retreats

"A thoroughly enjoyable weekend in a relaxed & supportive atmosphere. Came home feeling inspired & rejuvenated. Will book again!"

Julie Ford & Dave Ball reviewed: Making riven ash hurdles in Court Wood, Llanvihangel Court

"This was a great course in a fantastic setting. We were given a warm welcome by lovely people, and thoroughly enjoyed our day in the woods, as well as learning new skills!. Thanks to all concerned"

Kirsty Bell reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Book now! It's such a lovely day. The whole event was wonderful, from a cosy farmhouse style kitchen, which you will want to move into, the information sharing and assistance offered to ensure you have an amazing day,it's all considered. I arrived looking for a bit of creative knowledge and fun, wanting to try something new and escape the small people for a morning. I left feeling inspired, creative and relaxed. I absolutely recommend this course. Kerry shared all her knowledge, even secret tips which must have taken years to learn, she makes you feel like an old friend after 5 minutes. It was such a lovely day. I hope you have as much fun as I did x"

Richard Philp reviewed: Whittling course

"A fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable day. Martin's relaxed teaching was a joy and I can now confidently tackle more projects. The Spoon Carving course has been added to my birthday list and I shall tackle the clearing of my shed with renewed enthusiasm so I can have my very own whittling corner."

Hannah reviewed: Whittling course

"Fantastic day. Lots packed in to the day but it is well structured with great tuition and a small group so plenty of individual attention. We finished the day with a great sense of accomplishment and with the basic skills to practice at home and continue improving. Hospitality equalled the teaching with fabulous homemade lunch. Highly recommended."

Kate Maidment reviewed: Flamework (Lampwork) - Making glass beads for beginners

"Toni is knowledgeable and welcoming, encouraging you and giving you tips as you go along. Had a lovely morning making different kinds of beads (think I made about 6) - would thoroughly recommend !"

Robert Corner reviewed: Longbow experience

"This course was excellent. I'm totally hooked on bow making. Tony was an excellent tutor with fantastic knowledge and ability. What I was really impressed with was how he gave excellent guidance but still never touched my bow, the work that I did on it was 100% my own which was very important to me. I have been shooting my longbow all day today and its just perfect. Thankyou Tony!!!!"

Sabrina reviewed: Cold porcelain flowers for beginners

"I was really curious to try something totally different in terms of crafting, as a way to de-stress and I have to say, this course was absolutely fantastic in ticking those boxes and more. Not only did I de-stress by immersing myself in the wonders of cold porcelain!! But I really felt I learned something, building confidence under the expert tutelage of Jill, and had something truly beautiful to show for it at the end. Jill is a great tutor and host. She instantly made me and my coursemate feel relaxed in the unique environment of her workshop. It was well set-up and well equipped and was bright and clean. Her teaching style was really natural and she was always there to help us when we were stuck (or recognising when we were!) without being intrusive. You can see how much she enjoys her craft and how experienced she is in the way she teaches. The enthusiasm and passion is brimming and it's infectious. She was really positive throughout, even when I made mistakes and always helped to minimise the impact. She shared her knowledge of botany too and I learned things and looked at flowers in a way I never did before! I have so much respect for this discipline, and the beauty in living things, having had this introduction to cold porcelain flowers. I recommend it to anyone wanting to learn the craft but also to anyone wanting to de-stress. Great therapy: it should be available on prescription! Thank you, Jill :)"

Terry McCormack reviewed: Chalk Paint furniture workshop for beginners

"Many thanks to Sue for her teaching, patience, skill and calm demeanor. It was an excellent and productive day. The five hour class has given me the confidence to tackle pretty much any furniture painting. I am now even considering doing the doors, might be a bit much but you never know until you try. Sue gave me that ability. The icing on the cake of the day was having a lovely piece of upcycled furniture to take home and of course being given a chocolate reindeer at the end, a very welcome energy boost."

doug & angie reviewed: Rustic oak garden bench - one day course

"spent a brilliant day with Ian at his workshop being guided through the process of making from scratch a beautiful green oak garden bench, if you want to learn and soak up a little knowledge about real woodwork Ian is your man, very patient knowledgeable teacher. Thank you for brilliant memory, Doug&Angie"

Mal Weightman reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Great course and I came away having learned so much. Made a lovely dovetailed box with a feature Australian silky oak lid, which was brass pin pivoted and the inside was leather lined.. all over a weekend. With 2 students to one instructor (Mark) there was never any problem in asking for advice or questions. Worth every penny!"

Clare Cumberland reviewed: Group Soap-making Workshop - Soapology Studio - Nottinghamshire

"A very enjoyable day learning how to make cold process soap. Emma comes across as extremely knowledgable about the art of soap making. The handout is easy to follow and contains all you need to know when starting out making your own soap. The course consists of theory in the morning followed by actually making your own soap in the afternoon. I have since made several batches of soap at home, using the handout as a guide. I would strongly recommend the course to anyone wanting to learn how to make their own soap."

Clare Hills reviewed: Needle Felting - 3D Cats

"Most enjoyable course with all materials and clear teaching."

Lisa Jenkins reviewed: Group Soap-making Workshop - Soapology Studio - Nottinghamshire

"Fantastic day learning the art of cold processed soap making. Emma was a great teacher and very knowledgeable. Lots of lovely soaps were made, so i will be enjoying what i made on the course for months to come!"

Ian Brentnall reviewed: Group Soap-making Workshop - Soapology Studio - Nottinghamshire

"Very busy and enjoyable day with Emma. A good blend of knowledge imparted on the maths, chemistry and aesthetics of making soap. You then get supervised practice to make your own batch, a nice lunch and then round two to make more. I’d recommend the course to anyone."

Marylyn Hofmann reviewed: Glass Fusing for beginners

"My friend and I had a ball. A thoroughly enjoyable day. We came home with several excellent Xmas Decorations. Gigha was exceeding good. Her demonstrations were clear and she was happy to demonstrate again or to help out, but left you alone to get on with it. I can thoroughly recommend to anyone like me who isn't particularly crafty or to people who have a greater knowledge. The equipment and resources were plentiful. On top of that we had an excellent simple lunch with Jacket Potatoes and Salad and a few nibbles with plenty of tea and coffee and biscuits available at all times. I shall book another course shortly. Thank you very much. Marylyn"

Karina reviewed: Private One to One Stained glass by Le Breton Traditional (near Exeter/Crediton/Tiverton)

"Absolutely loved doing the course with Matt yesterday. Matt was great and explained techniques and offered loads of encouragement. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to have a go. Class size was just right and the entire day was very inspiring! My piece is already hanging in my window!"

Julie Williams reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"I would recommend anyone who has a crafting bone in their body to book a day of needle felting with Crafty Gal. I arrived on a sunny, windy morning with storm Brian hot on my tail, to be welcomed with a mug of tea, and a warm friendly smile from Denise. Denise is a very knowledgable lady with a table prepared with everything we needed for the day. A short chat about what we were making, advice on needles and wools before we were felting like experts! A beautiful lunch, tasty afternoon tea with home made cake. A wonderful way to learn new skills, make new friends, relax and leave feeling great achievement, and many many felting project ideas in my head. A friendly email from Denise followed with all the information and felting suppliers we had talked about on the day. Can't wait for my next visit to Crafty Gal."

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thanks for taking the time to review the workshop Julie, it was a fun day and your sheep was AMAZING! I'm really looking forward to seeing pics of your next piece, Happy needle felting!"

Linda Bickley reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"What a fabulous day, good company, lovely lunch but above all great encouragement and tuition from Kate. My daughter and I are now very proud owners of two stag heads. Dave assisted us in providing the wire to wall mount them and even a set of lights for their antlers to show them off in the Christmas spirit! We have been complimented many times by family and friends on our artistic efforts but also on Kate's skill and eye for detail that makes them so realistic."