Latest reviews

8 May 17'

Patricia reviewed: Patchwork and quilting week with Dawn Cameron Dick

"A great thank you Cherry for your kind and warm welcome and all the delicious meals you prepared for us as well as the special treats every afternoon. It was lovely to meet you and I could not have hoped for more from this 5 day retreat. Our group got on very well and we all learnt from each other. The studio was bright and very spacious and ideal for spreading our fabrics and equipment. Dawn provided me with many new skills and very good refreshers. Her extensive knowledge and passion are fascinating and very addictive. I have returned home refreshed but also with many new goals and ideas for my patchwork. Thank you. Patricia"

8 May 17'

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

"Absolutely loved the course. An excellent introduction in to the world of Stained Glass. Matthew is a great and enthusiastic teacher. Having already been on a glass fusion course last year, I feel that I picked up so much more from my day with Matthew. In particular, thanks to some great tips I am now so much more confident and accurate at cutting glass. I left the day with a lovey piece and I am now truly hooked. I can't wait for another day of stained glass and I'll be booking my wife on to the next course. I recommend this course for anybody with an interest in glass. Thank you Matthew"

8 May 17'

Paul Tait reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"This was the first woodworking i had ever done, never really used tools, or even knew the names of some tools. Mark was an excellent teacher, i learnt so much over the two days, he was also very patient and answered every question i had, no matter how stupid the question was! I used a variety of hand tools and power tools, and had a lovely box by the end of the weekend. I found this course as a great introduction to working with wood and would absolutely recommend this course to anyone who asks, and would definitely take any future courses that Mark puts on."

8 May 17'

Lisa reviewed: The Pottery Cave - Evening beginners classes

"Carolines classes are excellent, not only are they creative & fun, they are very relaxed & there is no pressure or judgement on what you make. She has a lovely calming manner & always has ideas if you are struggling with what to make. I really look forward to going & seeing how all of our creations have turned out - every class is a surprise!"

8 May 17'

Nick Godley reviewed: Timber framing courses

"Where to start about this course...... From start to finish, the course was excellent. Alan, Mary, Connor and Sid made everyone feel very welcome and even though some of us had less experience with hand tools than others, everyone was treated the same and nobody got left behind in a haze of confusion! By the end of the course i felt as though i could happily crack on with my workshop framing.... although i am going back for the advanced course for sure! All in all, the week was great. Good people, great instruction, excellent tools and amazing food! Cant wait to return!"

7 May 17'

The mad hatter reviewed: The Pottery Cave - Evening beginners classes

"Initially my main reason for joining pottery was to get myself out of the house as I'd been struggling with depression and anxiety. The thought of walking into a room full of strangers terrified me but i had no need to worry. Caroline was so warm and friendly i felt so at ease around her. The other members are friendly and supportive. There is no pressure to join in conversations. Caroline plays classical music and i often sit quietly and work listening to the music and the general chit chat from the others. At times i have struggled with inspiration but Caroline is always on hand to offer suggestions or will point you to a folder of potential ideas. I wouldn't say my work is fantastic, but i believe it is improving (slowly but surely). I love the pottery classes they have played a huge part in my recovery and i hope to continue them."

7 May 17'

Phil Argyle reviewed: Pole-lathe turning taster days: spindle turning

"I recently went on the pole lathe turning workshop at Brockhampton and found the entire day totally absorbing. We created 2 tools from the raw cleaved wood, and Maurice skillfully guided us throughout the process. It was a great day and thoroughly enjoyable. I have impressed many friends already with the implements created on the day!"

7 May 17'

Elizabeth Harvey reviewed: Powertex fabric sculpture introduction session

"Annette was absolutely lovely, patient & encouraging. The workshop was lots of fun & it was amazing to see what can be done with Powertex. Our creativity has been reignited & we've been inspired to play some more with Powertex!"

7 May 17'

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

"Big thanks to Emma for a soaptastic day! Interesting, informative and thoroughly enjoyable. I was nervous about the maths and chemistry and working with lye but Emma made it really clear. Great to go home with a guide I will refer to again and again. The first half of the course was the necessary theory, then after a tasty lunch, we experimented with fantastic oils, butters and techniques and came out with varied soaps I'd happily pay a lot for in a shop! Not bad for a first try. Can't wait to try my own recipes with more confidence. Overall, I can't recommend this course highly enough for anyone interested in natural soap making."

7 May 17'

Mel reviewed: Introducing Macrame Knots and Intricate Designs

"What an excellent course have learnt have to do a sampler.. will highly recommend this course"

7 May 17'

Greer Jones reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"My sister and I thoroughly enjoyed our day course with Rowena. She is a really good teacher and we were surprised that we were able to throw five pots each. The decorative work in the afternoon was fun too. The day passed very quickly. Lewes is an interesting town and there are plenty of places to get lunch. I would definitely recommend this course"

7 May 17'

Claire Owen reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"An absolutely fantastic day, Nigel is truly inspirational his enthusiasm is infectious.I had a brilliant day making my poker,shovel acorn key ring and a bowl , Nigel guided us without interfering with patience and energy .He has so many funny stories from his life he shared throughout the day.Ican not recommend this course enough I haven't ever done anything like this before but Nigel makes it excessible for everyone. Thankyou Nigel."

7 May 17'

Simple Stained Glass reviewed: Weekend Workshop and Retreat - Curvaceous Railfence

"This course was very inspirational, taking me from a 'I can't do that' feeling to a 'look what I made!' one. Sheena is an excellent teacher, patient, extremely skilled, and a great motivator with terrific focus. Anyone doing any course with her will come away with much more than expected. I hope to be back for more! The venue was very suitable for the occasion - food was plentiful and delicious and accommodating different dietary needs."

7 May 17'

Ben reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I would like to start by breaking this honest review into three parts. That will be the course, the venue and finally the tuition. To start with the course Nigel got us to make a poker and coal shovel to try out basic techniques. I should add we were both total novices. After this we made a small pot, an acorn key ring and a very delicate leaf necklace. These were the pre-planned so to speak but we had the option at any point if we had something in mind we wanted to build. He taught us not just how to work the metal but also some history as to why. Now the venue. This place has it all, and I mean all. It has a workshop that has every tool you need for whatever task you need whether it is small work like we did or big forges and power hammers. Not only is the forge well equipped but at lunch there's a small forest to walk around where he keeps some of his art, shepherds huts and some lovely old engines and not to mention a little bit of wildlife to boot. It is only short ride off a main road so easy to get to. Finally we get on to the tuition. All I can really say is this is a top class bloke. Once your working he is not over bearing but will not let you struggle and if you do cock up he repairs it in no time. The lessons were informative but more important fun and when everyone was doing ok he rocked out with some pipe instrument. I'm 30 and was in there with an old boy so this course is for all ages and I am already trying to think of what I can make next time. So to finish this off I would say fantastic price for a day where you learn, have fun and even take home some items you made. Thank you Nigel."

7 May 17'

Gillian C reviewed: Rag rug class - Surrey

"Very pleasant day spent with Elspeth, learning how to rag rug. Enormously satisfying starting our own projects and the first thing I did on returning home was to go in search of old clothes to chop up! Would thoroughly recommend this Worksop. Yummy cakes made by Kate at MakeCreateCraft too!"

6 May 17'

Gavin Pike reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"What an awesome day ... loved every minute of it! Neil was instructive and hands on all day whilst giving us plenty of time and space to learn and experience the craft of the blacksmith! We made some great pieces and will go back to learn more!"

6 May 17'

Barbara & Amey reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"Just home from a brilliant day making our willow animals. Mum made a star gazing hare and I made a heron. The course is really relaxed and Kate is a fantastic tutor and host with so much patience. Would really recommend this course to anyone whether you have never done willow weaving before or a complete amateur like us. I am so proud to put my handy work on show and can't wait to attend another course."

6 May 17'

Vivien reviewed: 1 day basic shoe making course

"Great way to spend a day. Judi was very helpful and informative and I went home with beautiful pair of slippers . I would recommend this course to anyone with an interest in crafts and learning something new."

5 May 17'

Sonia reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"Nothing but praise for this wonderful day. Lovely food. Would definitely recommend it to anyone who wanted to give needle felting a go!"

5 May 17'

Lisa B reviewed: Conscious Interior Decor; For holistic living

"Amazing day. Lots of great ideas and inspiration given in a short space of time. A very relaxed and pleasurable day given by a great tutor. The cake and soup was also very good !"

5 May 17'

Stephen Illman reviewed: A Longbow Experience

"Tony’s knowledge covers not only the craft of bow making but also the history of the longbow through the centuries to the modern day which makes this is a great course to learn about the longbow as well as learning the skills needed to make one by traditional methods. During the weekend he also shares his knowledge about the natural world while relaxing around the campfire drinking unlimited tea and coffee. I can thoroughly recommend camping in the woods to make the most of the experience."

5 May 17'

Chris G reviewed: Green Woodwork and Pole Lathe day

"Just want to say how much I enjoyed my day with you, really made me realize how difficult these crafts actually are. Thank you for making it so worthwhile. I would definitely recommend this as a gift/treat to other like-minded friends."

5 May 17'

Selina reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"I only have praise for the most perfect workshop day! The setting is a wonderful bespoke studio with Sophie being on hand through out the entire day to guide and teach you all the skills you need to learn or improve your knowledge of this incredibly addictive craft. A gorgeous homemade lunch is freshly prepared by Sophie's Mum and the entire day fly's by! Every participant completed a project (dogs or rabbits) and I have already signed up to another day - can't wait! I have no hesitations in recommending Sophie's workshops to all."

5 May 17'

Martin McGloin reviewed: Wood Machining in East Sussex

"Structured and detailed walkthrough of all the main machines I will encounter in a workshop. Size of group was perfect - would have been difficult if it was larger."

5 May 17'

S Leitich reviewed: Wood Machining in East Sussex

"Learned loads! Felt engaged. Thank you!"