Evancliffe Leathercraft reviews

Andrew McQuillen reviewed: Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

"I had only made one thing with leather (a wallet) before going on this course I walked out of Clive and Wendy's home on Sunday night with a fantastic handbag my wife loves. Let's backtrack a bit though. The course should have been in July and was cancelled due to covid. But all through I was kept up to date from Clive or Wendy and never thought for one minute the course wasn't going to happen. From the moment you draw up outside their house their attention to covid requirements is fantastic. It also never dropped over both days. Enough on that. Safe to say you are well looked after. The course itself is very well structured and takes you step by step in bite sized chunks through the bag making process. From doing a test stitching piece (a purse for the bag) through cutting out dying leather, cutting straps, attaching straps, decorative sewing. The list goes on. This course is no picnic you work hard for two days, but with the good humour, dedication, great teaching and obvious love of leather making from both Clive and Wendy the weekend flies by, and you leave with a beautiful piece you can truly be proud to have made."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Hi Andrew, Really pleased you enjoyed the workshop. Thanks for commenting on the Covid-19 measures. We have put a lot of thought into how we run the workshops with this issue in mind, including reducing the student numbers, our new demonstration area with screen etc. etc. We're also really pleased that your wife likes the bag. It's a new bag of our own design offered for the first time on last weekend's workshop so you're the first student to complete it. We're hoping to add some of the photos we took of your bag to the Craft Courses listing later today. Great to meet you and enjoy your future leatherwork."

Shelagh Carter reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork – Belt making workshop

"Thoroughly enjoyed the day. Very pleased with my belt and my second lot of saddle stitch! Wendy and Clive are good teachers and leave you to get on with what you're doing without standing over you all the time. Definitely recommend this course. Thank you. Shelagh"

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Thank you and well done. We are pleased you enjoyed the day. It was great to be back up and running again."

Catherine Youngs reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork – Belt making workshop

"Great day with Clive and Wendy. My son and I learned a lot and really enjoyed the experience. Wendy and Clive are great teachers and have a perfect approach, being supportive but not taking over. We were really pleased with the end products. We are both wearing our belts as I type :-) Thanks very much! PS. Clive and Wendy were great with covid arrangements and we felt very comfortable with the hygiene and distancing and it did not detract from the course. Thoroughly recommend Gil and Tom"

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Great to hear you both enjoyed the workshop. It is fantastic to be up and running again. We're really pleased that you thought the measures weve put in place kept you safe as we have put a lot of effort into working out the best way to deliver the workshop. Thank you."

Michelle reviewed: Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

"I have attended a course with Clive and Wendy. From the minute I walked through the door I felt comfortable and relaxed with them both. Because of the covid situation I was a little nervous of what to expect but in my opinion they couldn't of done anymore from wearing the mask, to taking my temperature before entering. There was a screen to separate us for tutoring and all tools were cleaned continously, and social distancing when the screen was not been used 10/10. The bag I made with the help of the couple was lovely, I enjoyed it that much I've enrolled in another course for wet moulding and stamping, so see you guys soon, thanks for teaching me some great skills."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"As this was the first workshop since the Covid-19 lockdown and gaining our Visit England "We're Good to Go" accreditation we are really pleased to hear that we did so well with the extra measures. The bag you produced was excellent and we're really pleased that you enjoyed it. There is no better recommendation than someone booking a place on another of our workshops. Thank you."

Stuart Jackson reviewed: Stamping, embossing & wet-moulding leather

"I would like to thank Wendy and Clive for the recent wet moulding course I attended, leather work courses are few and far between and it was a shame only two people turned up for this course as although only a half day course there is still enough time to cover different aspects, and come away with some quality items, it's a very enjoyable old craft, and a lot can be learned from a hands on course, I hope to make the journey for more of their courses in the future"

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Thank you for the review. It was a shame that the course was not full, however we are currently in challenging and strange times. The afternoon workshop was full and we actually put on an extra workshop in the evening for two health workers looking to do something crafty. We were very pleased to help out there, that is for sure. We have currently postponed our next workshop (Hand Bound Jouirnal) and will advise on other workshops in line with the advice we are being given nearer to their scheduled date. Any bookings made will be transferable to another workshop. We do expect high demand once this is over. So if you like thelook of something, just book it safe in the knowledge that if we have to postpone we will simply move the booking to a later date and anyone already booked will be first in the queue. Keep enjoying your leatherwork and it was great to see the photos you have posted on our facebook page!"

Ruth C reviewed: Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

"I have just attended the bag making course. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone. Clive and Wendy are excellent at imparting information to their students. The course is split into manageable sections and because of this you never feel overwhelmed. They are always there to help you if you need it. The bag I produced is really beautiful and it is nice that you can choose what style you want and the colour as well. An excellent course which teaches you a traditional skill which has been around for centuries."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"We are really pleased to hear that you enjoyed the workshop!"

Stuart Jackson reviewed: Leather Possibles Pouch Workshop

"I would like to thank Wendy and Clive for the pouch making course I attended recently, it was a great introduction as a beginner to leatherwork with a lot of processes and techniques covered, saddle stitching, dyeing, riveting etc , and good practice with a variety of tools. I learned a lot in a short space of time, and feel more confident to continue with my own leatherwork projects, and would recommend the course to anyone that's looking to get into working with leather"

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Thank you for this excellent review. We are really pleased to hear that you enjoyed the workshop."

Duncan Wise reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork – Belt making workshop

"I’ve had such a good day and learnt so much from Wendy and Clive, who were great hosts and excellent instructors. The atmosphere was very relaxed and everyone was given one to one instruction when required and plenty of time to complete their belt. I can’t believe what we achieved and now have the bug to do another course. Thank you again"

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Thank you for this excellent review. Great to hear you enjoyed it."

Sue Lawson reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork – Belt making workshop

"One of the best workshops I’ve attended. Professional teaching, delivered in a very relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. No pressure, just lots of advice and encouragement. I feel inspired to try my hand at something more challenging. Thanks to Clive & Wendy for a very enjoyable day."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Sue, Thank you for this excellent review. We are really pleased to hear how much you enjoyed the workshop."

The Walkers reviewed: Stamping, embossing & wet-moulding leather

"My wife and I were given two places on the course as a gift - we both absolutely loved the course!! Wendy & Clive were both extremely welcoming and the atmosphere for the class was relaxed. The class was well paced and structured brilliantly so even as complete beginners, you could make progress quickly. Would highly recommend (and we’ve already recommended it to friends). Proper tea, great biscuits and some of the best views around from the workshop are an added bonus ;-)."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Thank you for our 50th five star review! Great to hear that you both enjoyed the workshop, tea and view! We're off to polish our new Craft Courses Platinum Award! :)"

Jemima reviewed: Leather Possibles Pouch Workshop

"Because of how much i loved the belt making course, i was back the next weekend to learn how to make a cute pouch! Wendy and Clive taught this so perfectly that if you were a complete beginner you could still keep up whilst having fun, as well as if like me you had some knowledge they would push your skill a bit further and factor in your weakness' to improve them efficiency. I thoroughly enjoyed coming back again, and can assure each visit gets even better ! On this course we got to fully personalise our pouch and im truly proud of mine. Thank you so much again ! Im so happy i joined your leather workshops !"

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Thank you so much for the review. It is great to get feedback and know that you have enjoyed the workshops so much!"

Jemima Puckett reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork – Belt making workshop

"I cannot find worthy words of describing this course! The teachings are perfect for first time crafters and / or social hobbyists. Theres plenty of information you can take home to continue your own separate crafts. All of the tools are explained at a pace that is comfortable for you. The hosts / teachers Wendy and Clive are like family to me! They are very welcoming, funny and friendly and youll generally feel like your friends are teaching you. Also I'd like to point out that both Wendy and Clive are very talented with leather and their crafts will inspire you to try to make your own at home !"

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Thank you so much for the review. It is great to know that you have enjoyed the workshop so much! Good look with your leatherwork and it would be great to see some of your work in the future."

Chris W reviewed: Leather Possibles Pouch Workshop

"I'd highly recommend this course, absolutely fantastic. Both Wendy and Clive were super helpful and very patient with our onslaught of questions, which they always had an answer for! I've done craft work in the past and meddled with leather before but I still learned a vast amount of new skills and got an opportunity to try new tools I'd not be able to without investing in them myself. Worth every penny!"

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Thank you for the review. Great to hear you enjoyed the workshop and learnt new skills even having had some leatherwork experience before."

Tracey reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork – Belt making workshop

"5 stars are not enough! Wendy and Clive are fantastic tutors, the knowledge and skill they past on during this course was brilliant. I'm a complete novice in leather work, yet came away with a belt that looks amazing, looking forward to making more. The beautiful surroundings also helped make this a memorable day. Would definitely recommend, and look forward to booking more courses with them. Thank you for such a great day,"

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Thank you for the reveiw. It is great to hear that you enjoyed the workshop. New 2020 workshop dates for tbe first quater are up on Craft Courses and our own website. Hope there is one there to suit you!"

Nathan reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork – Belt making workshop

"Can’t rate the course high enough, excellent learning environment, relaxed and friendly. I learned so many skills and techniques more easily than I thought, instructed perfectly and produced something amazing, testimony in itself to the teaching style and ability of a Wendy and Clive. Has left me eager and excited to continue learning leatherwork and practicing myself. Incredible, thank you."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Thank you for the review. It is great to hrar you had a good time."

Rob Butler reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork – Belt making workshop

"Wonderful learning experience in a great workroom with glorious views led by really good tutors in a very friendly environment. What more could you want? By the end I felt confident in the skills required and had a really good quality belt to show off."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Thank you for tbe review. We are really pleased you enjoyed the workshop and the view!"

Maggie reviewed: Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

"I thoroughly enjoyed my two day bag making course. It was a completely different approach from my recent course in Florence and feel it really rounded out my skills. Clive and Wendy are a great team, and run the course with skill and patience, keeping a close eye on us as we acquired and practiced new techniques. I would highly recommend it, and the setting, overlooking the North Pennines is amazing"

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Thank you for the review. We are really pleased you enjoyed the workshop."

Dorothy Lilico reviewed: Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

"Excellent tuition in a lovely setting. Clive and Wendy are tireless in their support, making sure you are comfortable with your work- very positive. I had no experience at all, but came away with something I feel proud of. I recommend this course wholeheartedly."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Dorothy, Thank you for your review! It was great to see your new bag take shape over the weekend. We are really pleased that you enjoyed the workshop."

Fay Birtwistle reviewed: Wire wrapped ring workshop

"Wendy and Clive are a lovely couple who greeted us with a warm welcome. The venue, their beautiful house, was just as warm and welcoming and I cannot express just how fantastic the course was. Wendy models techniques so clearly that you feel like you could master anything by the end of it. I loved it and can’t wait to sign up to the next Christmas course. Thank-you for a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon!"

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Fay, Thank you for your review! We are really pleased you enjoyed the workshop."

Kirsty Scott reviewed: Wire wrapped ring workshop

"Thoroughly enjoyed this course! Great range of materials provided and a lovely relaxed environment. So pleased with my end product thanks to the excellent demonstrations by the course provider. Will definitely be going back to more courses."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Kirsty, Thank you for your review! We are really pleased you enjoyed the workshop."

helen blackburn reviewed: Wire wrapped ring workshop

"Absolutely loved this course.... Great tuition given in a friendly fun way with a lovely range of craft materials to use and choose from. Refreshments given throughout to keep us going and a lovely group environment for relaxed chat and sharing of ideas and creation. Would happily give a 5 * recommendation and was only sorry that it came to an end all too quickly. Thank you Wendy and Clive. :) x"

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Helen, Thank you for your review! We are really pleased you enjoyed the workshop."

Fiona scott reviewed: Wire wrapped ring workshop

"Brilliant course thoroughly enjoyed it."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Fiona, Thank you for your review! We are really pleased you enjoyed the workshop."

Stephen Hyde reviewed: Stamping, embossing & wet-moulding leather

"Attended this course with my 11 and 16yr old daughters - they absolutely loved it. It was about a month / six weeks ago we did the course and still they are proudly showing off what they did to anyone who will look at it and telling me I must arrange days like this one."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"We are really pleased that you all enjoyed the workshop and thank you for the review. Great to hear the work is still being shown off! :)"

Sarah reviewed: Hand Bound Leather Journal Workshop

"Wendy and Clive are highly skilled leather workers in their own right and their enthusiasm for the craft is infectious. This was my third workshop with them. We started by discussing possible designs, after which we set to, tearing beautiful water colour paper to our chosen size. Then Wendy taught us how to join the pages into a journal, using traditional bookbinding techniques. After lunch it was time to plan, cut and dye the leather covers before final assembly. Each stage was explained clearly and we made steady progress. I was delighted to end the day with not one but two beautiful handmade leather journals, one with stitched pages and the other loose leafed. This was a very affordable one-to-one course, arranged at a time to suit me. If you are looking for enthusiastic and skilful tutors who will show you how to make very professional looking leather journals, this is the course for you. Thoroughly recommended.."

Elizabeth Grisdale reviewed: Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

"This course was amazing. I was a complete beginner and achieved a beautiful bag under expert guidance. Wendy and Clive, have such good knowledge and really instil confidence. The spacious work room has a stunning view, and coupled with the peace and tranquility, you come away feeling renewed and rewarded. I can not recommend this course enough, you will learn so many new skills, meet interesting people. The biscuits and coffee are good too."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Thank you for the review. We are really pleased you enjoyed tbe bag workshop."