Latest reviews

Bella reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"Loved this workshop! Attended the beginners workshop with a group of 3 friends on our holiday on Anglesey. We were made very welcome by Anita and learnt all about candle making using different waxes. We all got to choose our own scents and colours and at the end of the session came away with our very impressive looking candles. We all liked that it was very hands-on, Anita is super friendly, and the old schoolroom studio is like something out of Beatrix Potter! Will be coming back in the autumn!"

Donna Murtha reviewed: Knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"This is an amazing workshop – well worth the money, and for such a good cause! Although I’ve been knitting for number of years, I’ve always wanted to learn to crochet. I’ve used numerous YouTube videos but just never been able to pick it up. Ann is fantastic. By the end of the session I could crochet (although I will admit, I still struggled with holding the yarn correctly, but that was simply because I could not wrap my head around it – no fault of Ann’s at all!). Ann took me through the basic stitches, and even provided written instructions to take home – amazing. She also gave me some really useful info about reading American patterns which I’ve always been confused by in the past. By the end, Ann had me crocheting a basic granny square – thanks Ann! I went home, had a practice and can even hold the yarn correctly now! ha I cannot say enough good things about this workshop – lovely, patient teacher, great venue, and I came away with skills I’d not been able to grasp for years. If you are thinking of learning to crochet or knit, you can’t go wrong with a lesson with Ann :)"

Leeds Central Faith and Light responded:

"Thank you, Donna, for your kind words. I am glad you enjoyed the workshop and found it useful. Good to hear you have found a way to hold your wool to your satisfaction. Keep up the good work with the granny squares. I will send you details of the Just Grand Crafters group. Ann"

Selwyn Runnett reviewed: Treatment free beekeeping in horizontal hives - Leo Sharashkin

"This is the second course I have attended where Dr Sharashkin was the Speaker and Trainer. Again, it was excellent. I started keeping some of my honey bees in horizontal hives last year. So this Course enabled me to learn some of the more detailed points of the techniques involved, whilst also providing a refresher on the overall principles. Dr Sharashkin's detailed practical and scientific knowledge is superb. I came away with a comprehensive list of improvements that I will be making to how I manage my bees both in horizontal hives and in conventional vertical hives. The techniques taught on the Course are the foundation stones for ethical and sustainable beekeeping for the future. I would recommend this Course to anyone who questions conventional beekeeping techniques and wants to learn about alternative bee-centred alternatives."

John and Deborah reviewed: Candle making workshops

"What a wonderful day! Angharad is a lovely person and an excellent teacher. We never dreamed we would learn so much in one day and make some beautiful candles of our own to take home with us. The day went at our own pace and Angharad’s instruction was straightforward but detailed and all our questions were answered and explained. Her enthusiasm has inspired us to start making our own candles at home. The beautiful location and lunch were a bonus. Highly recommended. x"

Paul, Lauren and Charlotte reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"This was a great experience. We were three complete novices but we were hands on within minutes, practicing and creating metal tools only a mother could love. Under Colin's gentle and patience tutelage he guided us through the basics of forming mild steel on the anvil. We made all the common mistakes like melting off the bits we'd just fashioned but thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Colin made the day, he was witty, chatty, generous with his knowledge and very self-effacing which hid an excellent artistic creativity judging by the various commissions and work on display. We left with a variety of implements whose construction gave an insight into not only how skilled blacksmithing is but also how rewarding and useful owning some of these skills can be. Excellent day and would thoroughly recommend it as either a group bonding experience or as an individual wanting to sample the profession. The small group numbers are very conducive to both these goals. Top marks from all of us."

Neil reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A fantastic day! I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of it. Thank you."

Pauline reviewed: A night (or morning/afternoon!) on the tiles: a 2.5 hour taster mosaic course

"My friend and I were given a evening with Fiona making a set of coasters, we had a brilliant time and so much fun. Thank you so much x"

Margaret Crook reviewed: Pembrokeshire Maddie Janes Mosaic

"I went to a half day workshop with my 2 daughters. A new experience for us and a thoroughly enjoyable one. Maddie is a lovely lady, great teacher with a wealth of knowledge and with her guidance and enthusiasm, we all achieved more than we hoped for. It was a great fun day, really absorbing and therapeutic. I'd thoroughly recommend going to one of Maddie's workshops to anyone who wants to try something different as well as those who want to improve their skills. I'll definitely be back to do more!"

Philippa Sibert reviewed: M

"Have recently spent a full day mosaic workshop with Maddie. Was very impressed with the studio facilities. With plenty of input from Maddie I felt confident about using all the materials provided and there was lots of inspiration that helped me to see what was possible. I was able to have access to a wide variety of materials which enabled me to work out my ideas without limitation. Would thoroughly recommend these courses for beginners to those who are more advanced. There is always something to learn whatever your ability and Maddie has all the skills and knowledge to enable you to achieve your goals and work through your initial ideas and make a completed project."

Helen reviewed: Stained glass sun-catcher workshop: Hampshire

"Fabulous day out. Skilled tutor with bags of enthusiasm and a great, supportive nature. Would thoroughly recommend attending one of Rachel’s workshops."

Swanwick Studio responded:

"Thank you Helen. I hope your panel is now in pride of place ? you did a great job with beautiful colours & have given a lovely & thoughtful review. Thank you"

Melinda reviewed: Percher hat making - blocking for beginners millinery workshop

"Fantastic facinator workshop, nice venue, lots of parking, excellent explanation and demonstration by a very experienced tutor, covering all techniques with a wide range of examples to inspire. I created a work of art and will be wearing my showpiece facinator at a wedding next week. Delighted I signed up and would recommend the course."

Paula Corbett reviewed: Fine felted neck warmer workshop

"I attended this class today and I have to say Lena is brilliant. She gives 1:1 tuition to each group member. The class is very informal and fun. Lena provides a lovely apple cake and unlimited tea or coffee. I would highly recommend attending one of Lena's courses, you will definitely learn lots of new techniques."

Kay reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"This was an amazing course. I went with no ideas about what it would be like, or what I wanted to make or how my lack of creativity would impact on the finished product. Amanda was amazing, very welcoming, friendly and encouraging. I cam away having made two beautiful pieces that I shall treasure, but the memories from the day will always stay with me."

Trevor Rymer reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a brilliant course. Ade and Andy keep an eye on you and I guess assess your needs. They only step in to advise/help where necessary. Quite frequent for me. It did seem that everyone on the course was well covered by the two mentors who did not seem to mind the diversity of talent and attended with great good humour. The food. Oh the food! Debbie makes great food. Debbie is used to feeding Ade and Andy. No small job! Both of these guys are built like blacksmiths. Beware at dinner time,you may not be able to move too well afterwards. Excellent course. Trev"

Lucy reviewed: Leather Crossbody/Messenger or Tote bag

"This was a brilliant day! Richard was extremely informative and attentive. It is a full on day with lots of concentrating but very satisfying and interesting. Fantastic workshop and a chance to make something truly beautiful and practical. Thank you for making the day so special! ?"

Jennifer Hoodless reviewed: Green Woodwork and Pole Lathe day

"This was an excellent day with superb tuition from Chris. I had my own project in mind and Chris had done his research and knew exactly the best way to achieve what I wanted. His teaching style was a good combination of theory, demonstration and hands on experience, he also allows you the to get on with it yourself which gave me a lot of confidence in the new skills I was learning. After the course Chris provided comprehensive course notes and links to tool suppliers and sources of further information. The food and refreshments provided were also excellent and I would definitely recommend this course."

Ann and Barbara reviewed: Group Soap-making Workshop - Soapology Studio - Nottinghamshire

"My friend and I decided that instead of buying birthday pressies we would do an activity together. The Soapology one day course was brilliant. We are both complete beginners Emma was great going through all the science and health and safety aspects of soap making.She gave good examples to explain the complicated stuff which really clarified the process.After lunch it was all hands on soap making and soon we were trying different essential oils and making different designs and textured soap. Very good value for money Detailed teaching and a takeaway handbook with everything you need to know to make your own soap. And at the end of the day you take home the soap you have made which in our case was three containers of sweetly fragranced soap each. Lunch was provided and Emma had catered for us as veggies. Would strongly recommend this course we had a lovely day and met some very nice people on the course."

Charlotte O'Driscoll reviewed: Saturday Mosaic Making - St Albans - Hertfordshire

"Absolutely loved this course. Audrey and her Mum were fantastic and really helped us all and I got so much out of the day. I have just booked myself on the next course as doing mosaic is very addictive ? Thank you so much for a very special day."

Rhys Schofield reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife and sheath course

"One of the best Christmas presents I ever had. After watching forged in fire I wanted a go and whilst they make it look easy on tv it certainly isn’t! Luckily Andy was on hand to show me the way. 2 days later I have my very own seax. I will be back again and would recommend this to everyone. Some are pics and videos (Andy is great at this too) are on my Instagram @rhysids"

Siobhan reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"I booked this course for a birthday present for my Grandmother, and we absolutely loved it! We ended up being the only 2 which made it so personal. Charlie was so lovely and kind and really made our day special. We also got to enjoy a lovely piece of cake made by her sister! We can't thank Charlie enough! :)"

Freya F-Smith reviewed: Pottery throwing course, Aylesbury

"A brilliant day learning! patient and friendly teacher with clear instruction, a great way to gain in confidence before going into other classes"

Keith reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"Excellent course. Four of us thoroughly enjoyed the 3 hour course run by Anita, takeing away a number of candles that we all produced and can enjoy at a later date. Would recommend to all and would definately go again. Thank you"

Helen reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I’ve wanted to try my hand at blacksmithing for many years, and so when a colleague recommended this course, I asked my husband to buy me a place on the course as my Christmas present. I was a little apprehensive when I walked into the barn to find myself the only woman (apart from Debbie) among a group of big guys with beards! But Adrian and Andy reassured me that I’d be fine, and it turned out to be a brilliant day! Everyone has their own anvil and tools to work with, so you can concentrate fully on your piece and get a real sense of achievement when it is complete. Andy was great - when I struggled he was always on hand to help out, fixing the occasional mistake, and encouraging me, to get me on track again. Debbie’s food was wonderful! My son was so impressed with my dragon coat hook, he now wants to do the course himself! I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to learn a new skill, do something creative, and doesn’t mind getting sweaty and dirty, even a 58 year old woman like myself!"

Pat reviewed: Percher hat making - blocking for beginners millinery workshop

"We had the most fantastic time at Rachel’s workshop. I learnt the different techniques used for using Sinamay and made a couple of facinators. Brilliant fun and we would both highly recommend the course to anyone interested and wishing to make a facinators. Big thank you Rachel"

Kerry reviewed: Group Soap-making Workshop - Soapology Studio - Nottinghamshire

"My mum and i went to the group course and thoroughly enjoyed it! During the morning session Emma went through the science & safety side of soap making. After a delicious lunch, Emma demonstrated how to make soap, using the cold process method, then we got to make 3 batches of soap, using different essential oils and natrual colours. It was a brilliant day all round. Highly recommended course for other budding soap makers."