Latest reviews

Sue Huxtable reviewed: Mixed Media Textiles

"Oh how I enjoyed the day - the setting the ambience and Dawns reassuring approach makes you feel you can do it and that what you do is ok! I am hooked on free machine embroidery and feel after all the years of doing various creative activities that I have found something that sort of combines them all and that I can develop this. Thankyou Dawn - am looking forward to the next one!"

Elaine Wattam reviewed: Introduction to making mosaics (Beginner level)

"This was a really enjoyable course. Sally is a talented and excellent teacher, and very patient and helpful, who also encourages you to use your own ideas, and supports you with these. The day went too quickly, and lots of ground was covered, I think Sally quickly picks up your level and works with you. She has a range of materials and tools and everything you need is provided. I thought the course was excellent value, and in a good venue. I cannot recommend the beginners mosaics course enough really. I will definitely go on another. I am now looking at a photography one, and the lino cutting looks appealing too. It was a very enjoyable way to spend a day creating in a very relaxed atmosphere. I came away with something I had made, and a clear inspiration for what I may do next, when I gain a few more skills. Excellent!!"

Jane Bailey reviewed: Needle felt your dog with Crafty Gal

"I love trying new crafts, but needle felting looked a challenge. With Denise`s excellent tutoring and working in her fabulous craft room I was amazed how quickly my Hare (Petunia) appeared before my fingers...…...I will definitely do more. The Christmas classes look interesting. I will also look into the list of felt suppliers Denise kindly gave. Those winter days will be busy."

Crafty Gal responded:

"So pleased you enjoyed making your brooch Jane, and hope to see you again. In the meantime, happy needle felting! x"

emma robson reviewed: The Annie Sloan complete chair makeover Workshop at La Di Da Interiors

"Steph gave us a great time. the course was well prepared with everything we needed to complete the project at hand - paints , tools etc . I learnt a lot and increased my confidence to carry with other projects that I had in mind. Steph had loads of patience and the calmness throughout the day made it a relaxing time out. I loved the fish and chip lunch - Steph please tell him that it was probably one of the better fish and chips I've had for along time! thanks for the great day . emma"

La Di Da Interiors & Gifts responded:

"Thank you for your review"

Donja Martin reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"Jolene is a fabulous teacher- just the right amount of help and stepping back to let you have a go yourself. We were given lots of ideas or free to use our own “creativeness” to make 3 bangles. The studio is lovely and relaxing and full of quirky items housing lots of pieces of Jolene’s lovely jewellery. Jolene kept us fed and watered and ensured we all had a really great time. I really enjoyed the day -especially the unhurried pace and my beautiful and unique bangles that I will treasure! Thanks Jolene"

Clare Smith reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"This course was a present from my husband for my 55th birthday. I had done a tiny bit of woodturning over 30 years ago, but nothing since, and was keen to "have a go" again. The day was fantastic. So much was covered. Mark was incredibly patient and thorough in his explanations. He was unfazed by all my questions and endlessly encouraging and reassuring when I couldn't seem to do what I was trying to do. I learned so much, but am keen to go back for another 1 day course once I have practiced all I have learned so far. Mark's "shopping list" is great for beginners looking to get started with all the equipment necessary and his hand-out is an invaluable aide memoir of everything covered in the day."

Carol reviewed: Upholster a chair seat or drop in top for a stool

"I attended this course with my two daughters & we had such a lovely day with Anne! Anne is a very experienced upholsterer who shares her knowledge & experience in a warm, friendly & positive way. The course was informative, professional & fun! The added bonus of having an ‘afternoon tea’ lunch included was a very welcome touch. Anne is a very encouraging tutor & it felt like enjoying a day with a lovely new friend whilst learning a new skill. The small group size meant we all got individual tuition, which was invaluable. I would definitely recommend this reasonably priced course to anyone wanting to learn the basic skills of upholstery, or to enhance their existing skills. Fab to go home with a new chair too! Thanks again Anne - we will return!"

The Little Vintage House responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to review today's workshop, and for your lovely comments. It was a pleasure to pass on my knowledge to you all and to spend the time with you today. I hope that you have many happy hours upholstering some more pieces of furniture in the future :)"

Deborah reviewed: Introductory wet felting incorporating 3d techniques to make toys, jewellery and decorations in the Forest of Dean.

"We had a very fun day creating some new friends with Chris. Chris was very friendly and really good at helping us convert our ideas into felted reality! The setting is also lovely and lunch and snacks very tasty."

Christine Waygood. Contemporary Textiles. responded:

"Dear Deborah, Thank you for your kind review. I hope Nutty ,Darius and Ellie are keeping well, and look forward to hearing from Frances about their exploits!"

Vicky Lockwood reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Just completed 2 days knife making course with Spike. What an absolutely awesome experience. Spike guides at every step of the process, explaining and demonstrating techniques on scrap metal so that your piece is entirely your own work. Spikes teaching style is calm collected and encouraging. He is incredibly knowledgeable about the history of his craft as well as the techniques and skills involved. I felt reassured and gained confidence quickly . And produced a gorgeous Damascus (pre-made pattern welded steel) Kriss Athame dagger. I thought perhaps i was asking too much when i first enquired about making one, however, Spikes tuition meant i was able to achieve everything i wanted in the knife in good time. I highly recommend his course and teaching and i fully expect to be booking again in the future."

Bev Popplewell reviewed: Mixed Media Textiles

"Lovely setting, very friendly and very well prepared. Small group, so very easy to get to know people and get help if needed. So many available resources to inspire and delight! Will definitely book again!"

Jacqueline Thompaon reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Fun, informative, quirky and productive. I totally recommend this workshop whether it’s to learn a new skill, develop an interest further or just to enjoy a different way to spend time with friends/family. Great venue and fantastic teacher. I left with a candle I love and loads of good ideas! Tea and cake was a nice touch. Thanks!"

Jeanine de Cock reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"I enjoy Beatrice Hoffman's sculpture workshops very much and look forward to start again in a few week's time - I need that "getting away from it all" time !"

Nicholas Nelson reviewed: Pottery throwing workshop Saturdays or Sundays

"My hubby and I spent the most fantastic afternoon with Nadia and 5 other students at the beginning of September. Our first time to throw, we knew nothing. Nadia’s calm and patient teaching had us moulding the raw clay, centering, shaping and creating. You’ll have your own wheel and tools and great opportunity to create something to take home, under Nadia’s wing. A beautiful studio, wonderful garden and delicious cake set the scene. We’re hooked and very keen to find ways to “throw” again - thank you Nadia for a wonderful experience."

Stella Lallement reviewed: Stained Glass Course for Beginners - 2 Days - Sat 7th & Sat 14th February

"Jude's encouragement and guidance throughout the course were great. She is very knowledgeable and skilled not only in the art of stained glass but also in teaching. Jude provided us with demonstrations, constant feedback and plenty of very useful information. We could choose from a variety of materials and tools to accomplish our task. And, at the end, I was very happy with the lovely stained glass panel I was able to make with Jude's support. I would recommend this course to anyone who is interested in stained glass making whether they are starting out like me or want to learn something new. Jude also offers longer more advanced courses and teaches other techniques such as fusing."

J Towndrow reviewed: Fused glass day course - beginners/intermediate

"I did a full day of fusing. Yes, the venue as a little tricky to find. Having got there, the workshop was such a pleasure. It was all peaceful and all about having a creative time. My coasters and window hanging are beautiful - they actually look vaguely professional - and a number of my friends have expressed a desire to attend one of Nicky's workshops as a result of seeing what I made. I will definitely book again. It really was wonderful to be in the presence of such creativity and allow some of it to brush off onto me."

Graeme Whittle reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Wow .... what a great day! Just got back from a full day, one to one blacksmithing course with Colin. It exceeded my expectations and I would strongly recommend it for anyone who is interested in iron work. Colin is old school, down to earth and straight talking, a great guy. He’s extremely knowledgeable and a great teacher. I wanted to make a handle for a wood burning stove I’m making and Colin was more than happy to help design it and teach me the skills to craft it myself. He teaches each stage of the project by building one alongside you and nothing was to much trouble to explain. This course was a birthday present from my kids and I had a great time .... thanks Colin."

Mary Birkby reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Thanks Jo for a brilliant day. The course was so much fun and incredibly informative. Jo’s beautiful studio overlooking The Green in Cavendish is the perfect place to be schooled in all aspects of candlemaking. At the end of the workshop I came away with a bag full of my fragrant creations and as if that wasn’t awesome enough I now have the knowledge and confidence to be able to make candles at home anytime I wish. I would wholeheartedly recommend this workshop, I had a splendid day."

Tina and Melwyn reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"We were a family of 4 with no prior experience in stained glass leading but we were looking forward to a different experience. It was an excellent day and we were extremely glad of having done this together. Jamal was extremely patient and encouraging and gave all of us some tips and tricks to make our panels look good. Jamal is an extremely talented artist himself and it was also fantastic to talk to him about his work."

Geraldine Williams reviewed: Stained Glass Mosaics Course

"Geraldine Williams Yesterday at 22:24 Had a fantastic time on Ann's two day course, could have spent a whole week there! Ann is such a wonderful teacher, in the most relaxing, welcoming and chilled out surroundings. It was honestly brilliant. The course caters for the beginner like me to the most gifted, Ann is fantastic and so encouraging (and Will too). Highly recommend Blue Sky Mosaics and definitely plan for a return visit."

Blue Sky Mosaics responded:

"Thank-you so much for your lovely review Geraldine, it was a pleasure having you on this course."

Jenny K reviewed: Mini photoshoot with frame or card craft activity

"Excellent photographer and event for both adults and children. We absolutely loved the concept and you get a lot out of it for the price, would definitely book again!"

RN Events Photography responded:

"Thank you so much, we hope to see you at our next session!"

barry reviewed: Denim jeans - be the designer!

"I just wanted to say what a fantastic time I had with Angela , the jeans that Angela helped me with are just so much better than anything you can buy , Angela was such a good teacher , the equipment second to none, the jeans of my dreams, I had a fab time , thank you Angela all the best Barry"

Gianna I. reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"We had such a good time! It was a present for my boyfriend and we did the course together. Alan was very patient, showed us all the techniques, we also had regular breaks with coffee - and an outstanding lunch cooked by his partner. And we did indeed create something that resembles a spoon! Such lovely people and a fantastic course we would recommend to anyone."

Sue Evans reviewed: Mindful Mosaic workshops with Dionne Ible - Bedfordshire

"I had such a lovely day with Dionne. She taught me the techniques I needed to use as this was my first attempt at mosaic. She gave me just the right balance of independence and guidance so that I felt enabled and supported. I was able to complete the project I had wanted to create and take the finished article home. Dionne is very professional and friendly so the whole experience was relaxing and absorbing and I felt I had accomplished something new. I would highly recommend her."

Sally Guild reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - one day course at Sculpture by the Lakes with John Davey

"I was gifted a place on John's one day beginners course at Sculpture by the Lakes as a complete novice. What a great experience in a magnificent setting. John is a patient and experienced teacher who brought the best out of all of our small and friendly group. We produced completely different compositions and outcomes under his excellent tutorage. We were so lucky to be able to work outside in the sunshine with all tools provided at individual work stations. An added bonus was lunch al fresco chosen from a very comprehensive menu provided by the on site restaurant. Thank you John for a brilliant and successful day and Monique for being such a good facilitator ! Sally Guild"

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Sally - thank you for a lovely review and so glad you enjoyed your day with John at Sculpture by the Lakes and I will pass on your kind comments to the cafe staff. You all completed excellent work and I think you should all be very proud of yourselves!"

Jean Martin reviewed: The spirit of Shetland knitting holiday

"Everything was very well organized and ran smoothly. Lynn was delightful and attentive to all necessary details. Great experience! Kathleen, Annie and Hazel we're fantastic instructors. They were very helpful and lots of fun. Non-knitting excursions were interesting and well planned. I'm ready to go back to Shetland again."