Latest reviews

Pam Harrington reviewed: Take raw fleece to finished fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"As a complete newcomer to spinning, this two-day course was a perfect opportunity to learn techniques and practice them. Elaine had lots of knowledge and advice to share, and also provided a delicious lunch. It was fascinating to learn how a raw fleece can be turned into beautiful yarns. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to spend a weekend learning how to spin in a fantastic Lakeland setting."

Laura Kelly reviewed: Paint The Tree of YOUR Life art & personal development

"Brilliant course! Learned so much from my painting and how what I painted reflected who I am and what I want for myself. Helped put me back in the correct direction for me. I never regarded myself as creative before but Kassi has shown me that I am. I am also no artist but that does NOT matter so don’t let this put you off if you are like me. This course is brilliant for just letting go and finding you, so go for it. ❤️"

Silvia reviewed: Sculptural Needle Felting in the beautiful Conwy Valley, North Wales

"I really enjoyed the course. The teacher was very helpful and friendly."

Paul Zivtins reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"What Mark does not know about wood turning is not worth knowing! An excellent tutor. He went through all aspects of the tools and equipment teaching and demonstrating. Only moved on to the next item once I had understood and practised a procedure. Such patience is rare to find. The day after I received more notes and advice that had been discussed during the training day. Excellent support. Mark is a true credit to the craft of wood turning. Genius."

Keith Middle reviewed: Wood turning courses in Dorset

"My wife bought me a voucher for my 70th Birthday last year. I had intended to do a pottery course but there were not any which fitted in with my plans. So as a last minute decision I thought I would try wood turning. Although I watch a lot of craft programs not something I have experience of. I never got use the school lathe. I therefore approached this with some trepidation. What a pleasant surprise. Mark made me feel really welcome and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with him which flew by. I managed to make two pieces in the time available and I have been boring friends and relations with my experience and I am now seriously considering taking this further. The only thing holding me back is the likely cost of even setting up a basic workshop. Anyone taking this up would be well advised to take a course or two and I would recommend doing this with Mark."

Tracey Cowper reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"I'm not very artistic, and presumed I would end up making something which would have no resemblance to a hare, but found Denise guiding us wonderfully and I manage to create an amazing hare, that I can't stop admiring! Time flew by, Denise was a great teacher, lunch, tea, coffee cake were spot on. I would definitely recommend the course. We were sent home with a pack for us to create another master piece and information where to buy more supplies if needed. Thank you for a great day Denise."

Crafty Gal responded:

"It was such a fun day, and your enthusiasm was fantastic - as well as your needle felting! Well done you."

Margaret reviewed: Willow Plant Supports (1 day) in the Peak District

"I enjoyed this course enormously, I had no idea what to expect but was made to feel capable from the start. The structures we produced were unique, attractive and useful. Eddie was endlessly patient- very relaxed and encouraging throughout. Although the weather did everything it could to dampen our spirits, the course was wonderful. The setting is beautiful, the refreshments and lunch were delicious, and fellow participants were supportive and friendly."

Zantium Studios Ltd responded:

"Thankyou, Margaret, for such positive feedback. You were an excellent group, full of enthusiasm. I will pass on your kind words to Eddie. We are thrilled to have him as a visiting tutor as he does such a good job. Enjoy your garden...and your willow. Best wishes Alison"

Carrie Ford reviewed: Kookie Cats Needle Felting workshop

"Heidi was a fantastic workshop host, kind, funny and very engaging making the workshop easy to follow. At time when I became stuck she was on hand instantly to demonstrate again the techniques. Heidi made a felt hound during the workshop which made the visual link to the instructions given. Heidi was also very good at answering questions about the workshop and facilities as I was attending with my mother who suffers from a chronic illness. She was great it making sure mum was able to take part and also comfortable. This workshop was definitely worth the money as I successfully made something, had refreshments all day and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Thanks Heidi!"

Heartfelt by Heidi responded:

"Thank you Carrie for your lovely detailed review, I am so glad you and your Mum enjoyed the workshop so much. My aim is to provide a relaxed, happy, fun atmosphere in which to learn, whilst making new friends and picking up new skills. I hope you and your Mum were inspired enough to carry on felting, both of your hounds were adorable! Your kind words have put a huge smile on my face! :) Heartfelt thanks Heidi"

Jane Lethbridge reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Lovely house to have a course in and a relaxed atmosphere to go with it. Lots of useful information about the process of making candles and making the best use of them. Lovely tea, coffee and cake to top it all off."

Lynne Millington reviewed: Shabby Chic Mosaic Workshop

"I had a fantastic time learning a new skill. Anya had a huge range of materials to use and gave excellent tuition along with the freedom to create anything I liked. I would definitely recommend this course."

Carole reviewed: Chop & Stitch

"An enjoyable and girlie evening in a small group lead by the lovely Ange who shares her time and experience so conscientiously between a complete beginner, an improver and a "I need guidance" sewer. A relaxing, rewarding 2 hours being guided through the stages of making your very own tote bag, teddy bear or sewing "wot not" that will ultimately lead to greater things. No previous skill needed. Definitely worth a few evenings learning something new at the same time as having valuable "me" time. Love it."

Liz Pickman reviewed: Improvers Hand Spinning - Next Steps in Hand Spinning - at All in a Spin

"I did this day as a follow on to the beginners day. It was full of new information with lots of samples of different types of fibres and yarns. More preparation techniques and spinning practice too. A fabulous day - highly recommended."

Liz Pickman reviewed: Beginners Hand spinning - 'From fleece to fibre’ - at All in a Spin

"I came as a complete beginner and went home with a plied spun yarn! We learnt so much in the day with lots of practical exercises to do. Lots to practice and think about. Highly recommended."

Christine reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"A fabulous course. Kerrylyn was both a wonderful host and great teacher. I would highly recommend to anyone looking to learn a great new hobby."

Linda Scott reviewed: Create a mosaic in a day in Yorkshire with professional mosaic artist Sue Kershaw

"Just to say thank you so much for our very enjoyable and informative day yesterday. We both loved it and are very proud of our mosaic 'masterpieces'!. Kind regards. Linda and Heather x"

Bev Popplewell reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Dawn. Thank you for such and inspiring day. (Sat 21st April 2018) So well prepared, thoroughly equipped and calmly supervised throughout. Really enjoyed learning a bit about this new skill and can't wait to do more!"

Jon Bailey reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork – Belt making workshop

"Outstanding day. Having no knowledge of leather craft I didn’t know what to expect. Clive and Wendy put everyone attending at ease and they both showed patience and understanding during the tricky bits (for me it was the hand stitching). This has given me a desire to try more advanced techniques and I will no doubt attend another course. The end result was pretty good as well."

Carol Bolton reviewed: Beginner's modern calligraphy at Swallows & Artisans, Lake District

"Really enjoyed my recent calligraphy course at Swallows and Artisans. The stylish new workshop was the perfect venue. Caron our tutor was really helpful and we were soon making lovely greetings cards and gift tags to take home with us. This course is a great introduction to the craft and I came home bursting with enthusiasm and ideas. The venue is in a truly stunning location and I look forward to returning for another event sometime in the near future."

Sarah Allsop reviewed: Stained Glass - Copper Foil (2 days) in the Peak District

"My husband and I had a fabulous 2 days learning the basic techniques of copper foil stained glass. We thoroughly enjoyed it and are contemplating booking onto the intermediate course now, to learn more. Lillian is a superb tutor, very calm and encouraging. Godfrey Hole House is a superb setting, and the studio is spot on. The food, especially the cakes, were delicious. Everyone was very welcoming and we had really lovely 2 days, thank you! I'd thoroughly recommend it to anyone."

Zantium Studios Ltd responded:

"Dear Sarah, I have just read your wonderful words...thankyou so much for sharing such a positive review. We are truly delighted to hear you enjoyed the course so much. I will be certain to pass on your kind feedback to Lilian. She works so very hard and is clearly passionate about her craft. Good luck with any future projects - of which I am sure there are many... Hope to see you again at some point. Best wishes Alison"

Kathy R reviewed: Garden Plaque or House Number

"We had a great afternoon learning how to cut and shape tiles, about adhesives, design & grouting. Adela is an excellent host and good tutor. There was a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of help and resources. I'd definitely recommend this workshop to others.. Good value, too!"

Kay White reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"After enjoying a 1 day glass workshop last summer in St Davids my husband bought me a 2 day glass workshop experience for my birthday. I would thoroughly recommend Steve’s 2 day workshop particularly if you have completed the 1 day one. It is 2 very full days, including 2 lovely lunches at local pubs in Ashprington (his new location). The first day we mostly made test pieces to fire overnight. Steve took me through different ways of applying the enamel and demonstrated mould making and glass cutting, I did a lot of glass cutting myself for my final piece. On the second day I made my final piece along with several other items using techniques that I had been taught. His enthusiasm and energy as well as his skill and patience is limitless. At the end of the 2 days I was able to take home not only the main piece, but also several other items which I had made including bowls, t-lights, small wall hangings and all the test pieces. Steve is very generous with his materials as well as his time and is an excellent teacher."

laraine shapley reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"A very patient man with excellent teaching skills. He is very health and safety conscious and I was provided with a special tunic along with full face protection. Amazing what you can do when you try and I produced a fine sycamore fruit bowl all on my own with one to one guidance from the expert. He also has beautiful work available to buy from his own collection. It is a full day and needs concentration, very enjoyable."

Melanie Louise reviewed: Half day willow bird feeder/hanging basket course with Joe Gregory

"I have been on a number of Joe's willow weaving workshops and have loved every minute of them. Her workshops take place in some fantastic venues including her lovely studio gallery in Todmorden. Joe is a great teacher, very knowledgeable, approachable and friendly. She creates a lovely atmosphere for therapeutic weaving time! I highly recommend all of her courses."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"Thanks Melanie-Louise that's really kind of you! loved weaving with you too and look forward to more in the future. Joe. xx"

Eamonn reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"This was a wonderful experience spent in great company and led by first-class instructors. The sense of achievement in dismantling the foundations of an existing dry-stone wall and re-building a healthy section of new wall was immense. The course is delivered at a fantastic pace to enable complete beginners to understand the techniques involved in this worthy pursuit. The instructors deliver a unique experience that enables learning to take place whilst having fun at the same time. Due care and attention is given to Health and Safety and it wasn't long before we were all partaking in the building exercise which provides a huge amount of satisfaction. If you are enchanted by the network of dry-stone walling that adorns the upper landscapes then this is the course for you......don't wait for someone to buy it for you as a gift! A word of caution.....it's a little bit addictive!"

Nick Clarkson reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"An absolutely fantastic course run by people who really know their subject and are eager to show others. Their passion for dry stone walling is infectious and over the two days we were introduced to the basics of building a dry stone wall, I'd like to add this is a real working wall, one that will help a farmer and be standing for a couple of centuries not one that is torn down again for the next group. There is a little "classroom" work lasting around half an hour each day and the rest is pure practical experience with friendly, concise expert guidance, which is the best way to learn anything. It's all done in a laid back friendly fashion - you work at your own pace and at the end of the two days you will be amazed at what you have achieved. I felt really proud of what the whole group achieved and it's made me want to learn more. I waited a few years before finally getting the resolve to do the course and if you're reading this I'd say don't think too much about it just get out there and do it."