Colchester

4.8 (283)

The largest arts and crafts retailer in the UK, passion for crafting is at the heart of everything Hobbycraft does. This is reflected in the creative and knowledgeable colleagues you’ll meet in stores, as well as the vast range of carefully selected products for all types of crafting.

Throughout the year, Hobbycraft host a variety of workshops in stores and online, designed to give everyone the opportunity to master a new craft or refine a long-time favourite. Whether you want to enjoy crafting from the comfort of your own home or you’re looking to meet new people as you get making, these craft workshops offer something for everyone.

Most of our workshops are led by colleagues from Hobbycraft stores across the UK, including craft experts from our Hobbycraft Artisan programme. They use their expertise in specific areas of craft to create workshops that show participants new skills and inspire future projects.

Classes

Beginner's Guide to Acrylic Paint Pouring

5.0 (4)

Your choice of time

Colchester

2 to 5

£30

Beginner's Guide to Crochet

4.9 (24)

Your choice of time

Colchester

2 to 5

£22

Beginner's Guide to Brush Lettering

5.0 (20)

Your choice of time

Colchester

2 to 5

£25

Reviews

(283)

Anne Heard • May 2024

She was very helpful and gave me some really good tips. Lovely lady
I will definitely attend again. And a fabulous store

Judith Park • May 2024

My teacher Louise was excellent. She went at just the right speed, and answered all my questions almost before they were asked. We were doing a basic Cricut workshop, but it included the many different ways in which the machine and materials could be used. A tour of the Cricut section in Hobbycraft was also very useful.

Patricia • Apr 2024

Lovely person helping us and the information received was given in a very friendly and understandable way. Highly recommended.

Sally Ransom • Apr 2024

The friendliness and having faye there to advise us what to do. We learnt how to crochet and were given wool and crochet hook. Very good for money

Emily Jeavons • Apr 2024

Lovely small class with only 4 kids. The teacher was lovely and friendly. Loads of supplies to choose from, you could make what every you wanted and take home at the end. Will be looking for more classes.

Hannah • Apr 2024

Helen who ran the group was just lovely and so helpful to my daughter and her friend. The girls loved the end result of the flowers. We will definitely do other classes

Sarah Skeet • Apr 2024

Instructor was lovely and nice products. Very enjoyable we would come back again to a workshop.

Ti Gizelis • Apr 2024

A crafts class for young children during easter break. Nice activity, maybe it could have been 40 minutes, but overall well structured and educational. Great for fine motor skills.

Miss K Wiffen Birch • Apr 2024

As a total beginner to crochet I thought a class would give me some confidence. It was so worth the money, my teacher was wonderful and patient and I would definitely recommend it to anyone tempted to try a class.

Margaret Hewitt • Apr 2024

Fay is an absolute legend she’s so talented and amazing very passionate about crochet
She definitely knows what she’s doing
She is very patient with people wanting to learn about crochet and should be given a medal for her dedication

Cheryl Wardle • Mar 2024

It was just me in the class - so had a one to one session. Teacher very good & patient - changed wool & hook for larger after a while not getting on with thinner - Beings I am a total beginner I learnt a lot. Feel a bit conscious on the shop floor when customers stop & watch - but only for a few mins. Look forward to continuing crocheting at home & maybe book another workshop(offer price as I did today-as a bit expensive really.

Melissa • Mar 2024

Helen at Stanway was fantastic. She was so kind, patient and knowledgeable and explained everything simply. My Daughter was so proud having been taught a new skill, and putting it in to practice coming away with a blanket and pillow for her bunny. Helen is an absolute asset to Hobbycraft, and we can't wait to get another lesson in the diary! Thank you Helen.

Margaret • Mar 2024

Fay was great very patient and she will keep trying to help until you get there
I am now able to crochet

Hil Reeve • Mar 2024

Lovely hour spent with Helen. Nice little workstation all set up and listened to me and then gave me some fantastic tips and tuition in the areas that we discussed. Then for practice provided me with materials to make a lovely quilt and pillow mini size for granddaughters doll.

Joanne Clark • Mar 2024

Faye had a lot of patience and I thought I would not get it being left handed but surprised myself by the end I got it!

Kerri-Anne Carruthers • Mar 2024

The workshop was so helpful. I learned a lot and came away feeling so enthusiastic about creating something on my Cricut!

Kelly • Mar 2024

My boys loved this class. Lots of resources to choose from, friendly and helpful staff. A lovely, creative hour.

Karen • Mar 2024

Very enjoyable session - very friendly and relaxing!
Just wish we had more time!
Will be booking another course!

Denise Sanders • Mar 2024

Lovely teacher - relaxed and enjoyable. Good value. Good end product to take home thank you

Denise Chaplin • Feb 2024

7 year old would have given 5 stars but the pipe cleaners wouldn’t stay in the clay

Catherine Carter • Feb 2024

Such a great evening learning the basics of crochet. Fay was so patient with me and took a lot of care to explain each step. I feel like I really learnt and achieved something tonight. Will definitely be coming back to visit Fay at the Colchester shop soon!

Elli • Feb 2024

I really enjoyed the class, found it very helpful and Faye was lovely.
Looking forward to booking onto more in the future.

Pat Barritt • Feb 2024

My grandson loved this class and was inspired to do more. Very friendly and helpful teacher.

Phoebe Nezhad • Feb 2024

Sewing one to one - Helen is a really nice lady - thank you so much for all your help

Sarah Newman • Feb 2024

My daughter had a great time. Helen was very helpful and showed us how to set the machine up and they made a little drawstring bag. It's given her the confidence to start using the machine for her own projects

Karen Appleby • Feb 2024

The crochet class for beginners was fantastic. Fay was an excellent teacher and very patient. I was supplied with everything I needed. Fay has now given me the confidence to crochet.

Jenny Schofield • Feb 2024

I thoroughly enjoyed the beginners crochet class.
The teacher, Faye was brilliant. Very friendly and patient.
I do feel that a longer class would be more beneficial as when there are 3 in the group it takes time for the teacher to help each person separately when they get stuck.
Considering 2 balls of yarn & a crochet hook were also included in the price I feel it is good value for money.

Dawn Taylor-Williams • Feb 2024

Teacher was great, very patient and gave clear instructions. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic to share that knowledge and love of crochet.

Lorraine O'Kelly • Feb 2024

Cricut 1 hour. Thank you, the lady was very pleasant, we concentrated on smart iron on and the app available and how to personalize a pencil bag using Iron on vinyl. So much more to learn so will rebook as soon as I have trialed what I learnt today and go over the varied techniques available on the spp. Thank you very much.

Nanette • Feb 2024

Wanted to make some personalised gifts for birthday party. The teacher - Louise was fantastic, very patient and explained things clearly, giving lots of tips and advice. Materials provided. I learnt how to cut from the app. Great value for money. Very happy. Thanks

Vanessa • Jan 2024

Unfortunately there were several technical issues which meant the class was not as useful as we’d hoped. The instructor was lovely.

Naomi Chinnery • Dec 2023

Great class lots of help given and children enjoyed their craft. Very well hosted and friendly

Sarah McCurdy • Dec 2023

40 ClassBento workshops attended • 28 reviews

Thank you for another lovely workshop. The materials are great and my daughter had a lovely time painting the characters to add to the bauble.

Annabelle • Dec 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended

Brad was very good hosting the workshop, the kids had lots of fun and he was very patient as the smallest one was 3. She loved hanging the baubles on the tree.

Angela Bright • Dec 2023

Unfortunately my granddaughter wasn’t well, so couldn’t attend
The staff bagged up her bits to takeaway so she could make hers at home
Appreciate their kindness
Will book again and hopefully she’ll make it next time

Lucy Thompson • Dec 2023

Boys loved it guy was friendly, chatty and helpful. The baubles came out great. Thankyou for a great experience!

Chicky Fenning • Dec 2023

We had a lovely Crochet class with Fay, learning new stitches and techniques. We really enjoyed it. Thank you

Alice Duncan • Dec 2023

Helen was a great teacher. We really enjoyed the Christmas card making class. Thank you

Rajvi Sedani • Nov 2023

Excellent activity for kids and parents, nice and fun way to spend an afternoon, will definitely be booking another session, good value for money in the current climate
Nice calm and patient teacher
Thanks Hobbycraft Colchester!

Tara Barry • Nov 2023

Helen was amazing.
Great ideas for our Christmas cards and was so helpful with the children.
Would highly recommend

Alison Parkinson • Nov 2023

Really enjoyed the marbling bauble workshop . All the materials are provided within the price .
Louise the teacher was very helpful
. I bought my friend as a birthday treat and it didn’t disappoint we both would recommend this class

Anonymised ClassBento student • Nov 2023

Was a lovely class, had a nice teacher who helped and guided with no issues

Rachel Breame • Nov 2023

Really enjoyed the wreath making class. I’m not very creative, and the teacher was so patient, kind and encouraging. It was very relaxed and there was never any rush to keep up. The resources were all lovely and I am very pleased with my finished wreath.

Kezia Cudmore • Nov 2023

Great workshop great wreath I made & staff very knowledgeable. Overall excellent experience . Thank you again

Natasha • Nov 2023

Thoroughly enjoyed the crochet beginner’s class. Fay the instructor was very good and extremely patient with us. Having tried to crochet before (unsuccessfully) I didn’t think I would be able to grasp how to do it. However, after this class and with Fay showing us how to start and do the simple stitch, I have come away feeling a lot more confident that after practice I might actually be able to do it. Time will tell though. Thank you

Janet Bentley • Nov 2023

Fay was amazing & very patient with us all. I found the class very helpful and very enjoyable. Good value for money
Fay is an asset to your store

Lauren • Nov 2023

Really nice little class. The teacher was very friendly and got all the mums chatting which was nice. The class was quite basic but think that’s all you need for the younger kids, it’s a shame they changed to the basic pumpkin though as I think the old ones with the face cut out would hold their interest more. I wouldn’t book the same activity a second time but will definitely do future classes.

Chicky Fenning • Nov 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews

We had a lovely crochet class with Faye today. She's very knowledgeable and keen for you to learn. The class provides all the equipment you need. Faye was supportive and encouraging. We all had a good time. Thank you

Sophie Wraith-Lee • Nov 2023

Faye was an excellent teacher for me and my 8 year old daughter. She was very friendly and explained things with ease. I would defo recommend this workshop and thank Faye for making us feel welcome and comfortable.

Joanne Mitchell • Nov 2023

The lady taking the class was very friendly and helpful.
The equipment provided was a bit stingy. You couldn't make the pictured design with what was provided and I feel that the photo of the finished item was misleading.
But this was not the fault of the store, but head office.

Lesley • Nov 2023

Great lesson, really useful information and super teacher. Would highly recommend and plan to do more workshops.

Emma • Oct 2023

Fay was brilliant. She was patient and super helpful. She taught me some tips on how to use my Cricut and the Dedign Space.

Joshua Clay • Oct 2023

Helen was taking the 1 to 1 class with my son and was absolutely brilliant. She tailored the lesson around him and he learnt the basics of using a sewing machine as well as basic embroidery hand sewing to use when doing crochet and joining pieces together.
He went home with a cushion which was an added bonus to show off what he’d learnt.
Hopefully this will give him a big confidence boost in the future when it comes to using a sewing machine.

Louise Whybrow • Oct 2023

Our 3 boys loved it - teacher was great it’s not a huge class which makes it more fun as it’s more 1 to 1. Great options for sticking to the pumpkin

Anonymised ClassBento student • Oct 2023

3 ClassBento workshops attended

Excellent value for money, I've taken my daughter to a few of these workshops now and we've loved every one. Always really friendly and helpful staff.

Ellenanne Simmons • Oct 2023

My daughters really did enjoy this class
It was soo much fun
And Brad was so helpful and easy going
Would definitely recommend any class with him teaching

Juliet Borges • Oct 2023

The teacher was great and very chatty. My suggestion is a bit more space and maybe a jug of coffee.

Anonymised ClassBento student • Oct 2023

Great session my daughter loved it and the lady running it was so lovely and helpful we will definitely be booking more activities like this.

Fiona Harvey • Oct 2023

Excellent teacher and great crafting. Could benefit from a bigger area to work in there

Maddie Thompson • Oct 2023

Louise was very knowledgeable, helpful and patient. She covered all the aspects I'd asked for and related everything to the machine I have at home.
We spent most of the time looking at Design Space as that what I chose, but we also made a stick-on label and a gift tag.
I did think Louise should have had access to a laptop for the workshop as the app looks quite different on a tablet and the demonstrations would be more useful on the type of device the customer will be using. That said, it wasn't Louise's fault, obviously, and she took pains to point out most of the differences.
Overall a great experience and good value for money - the time flew by!

Chicky Fenning • Oct 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews

Fay was so kind, helpful and encouraging. The equipment provided was excellent and I will be able to practice at home. I felt that I have a good introduction to crochet and look forward to having more classes. Thank you

Angela Foster • Oct 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended

Fay was great, patient and helpful.
Made us feel welcome and able to do the lesson with confidence. Was great help when it was needed and was abke to teach my daughter and myself two different types of crochet.

Rachael Donnachie • Oct 2023

I really enjoyed the sewing machine workshop with Helen, she helped me pick out one which was simple in the ways I needed (I am autistic and struggle with some features) but not a basic machine. We tried it out together, did a few different stitches and then I got to make a little bag to take home for my daughter. She will love it as it has a Mickey mouse print which she loves.

Kate Walker • Sep 2023

3 ClassBento workshops attended

Learned so much - really appreciated how clear, patient and focused my teacher Louise was. I’m taking away lots of new info and can’t wait to get started!

Bethany Munson • Sep 2023

Teacher was friendly and welcoming and talking to each individual helping they out with any of their specific issues they were struggling with. Great fun and now I can crochet! :)

Nicola Earrey • Sep 2023

Really enjoyed it. Teacher was very helpful
I was really struggling with how to crochet but she answered all my questions and was so lovely

Caroline Watson • Sep 2023

Fay (teacher) was fabulous, really thorough and explained things clearly and with patience. The resources were great. Everything we needed was there, and we got to take them all home too.

Frances Tidbury • Sep 2023

Kids enjoyed it but I dont think 30 minutes was long enough for them to get into making what they wanted. Examples were pre-made and the supervisor didnt really show them what to do rather opened the packets of clay and let them get on with it. Cost was ok to cover materials but i wouldnt call it a class.

Anonymised ClassBento student • Aug 2023

6 ClassBento workshops attended

Great tutorial and engaging host.
My daughter had a great time and was thrilled with her work of art!

Maggie Johnson • Aug 2023

How amazing was Fay! She was so good with my autistic son whilst teaching him crochet. He’s inspired and super happy with all he achieved today. We will be back and please do pass on our thanks. She made todays session so enjoyable and bespoke to my sons needs. She’s just brilliant.

Sonya Herbert • Aug 2023

Lovely session and great fun for the children. Can make as many creatures as their imagination will allow. Will definitely be booking another.

Julia Stephens • Aug 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended

Clear instructions given to make the woven pen pots. Materials given gave choice of colours.

Sarah Robinson • Aug 2023

3 ClassBento workshops attended

Boys enjoyed making their rainbows. Plenty of beads available in different colours/shades. They made 6 arches each and the teacher found them a letter bead for their names to add on too.

Rachel Carter • Aug 2023

Really lovely little class and the lady that took the class was lovely. My 5 year old granddaughter loved it

Rebecca Chicken • Aug 2023

Good value for money, the lady that took the session was friendly and made the children feel at ease. We had lots of choice of colours and my son made quite a few clay animals to take away.

Bart Binczy • Aug 2023

It was a great activity, the lead teacher was very helpful and patient. My daughter and I we had grwat time.

Helen Ross • Aug 2023

My grandson said it was fantastic. I was also very impressed in how Brad worked with the three children in the group. Nothing was too much trouble for him. I hope you will offer similar workshops in other school holidays. Thank you.

Angie Trott • Aug 2023

Just finished my sewing machine class
Absolutely loved it teacher was lovely went above and beyond to make sure I had a good understanding of using the machine will be booking in for another class thank you

Poppy Langley • Aug 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended

Great experience for my an my son! Teacher was motivating, enthusiastic and kind.

We really enjoyed our workshop and ready to book more

Hannah Hargrave • Aug 2023

Fantastic value for money. Our teacher was very friendly and helpful and both children really enjoyed making their wind chime.

Sarah Seferi • Aug 2023

The lady was very kind and explained well. Kids had lots of fun, tools and materials were top quality

Noriko Haddock • Aug 2023

Due to unexpected traffic congestion, we were 30 minutes late, but staffs were happy to meet us. My daughter enjoyed learning new painting skill. Highly recommend and we will come back!

Isabelle Imms • Aug 2023

Had a great 121 with Louise. She explained everything very well and helped me to buy the right machine and bundle for me!

Charlotte Masters • Jul 2023

4 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

This is the second workshop we have attended with Brad at the Colchester store and once again it was a great holiday activity, and really enjoyed by children and parents alike!

Hazel Bohr • Jul 2023

My grandchildren loved the activity
Faith was a brilliant instructor and couldn’t have been more helpful
It was definitely good value for the money

Thank you we will certainly look at doing another workshop
My 4 year old grandson said The lady had a lovely soft voice

Clare Bone • Jul 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

Teacher was brilliant, patient and helpful with the children. Lots of ideas, encouragement, tips and information. Both children aged 4 and 10 loved it and are excite to try other sessions.

Laurie Rose • Jul 2023

Really fun and I learnt lots. The kit was really good too! Thank you Louise

Rebecca Benedetti • Jul 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended

Very nice patient teacher and it was very informative and lovely. Excellent supplies and everything we both loved it.

Mollie Bridewell • Jul 2023

Wow! Fay was brilliant today with my two daughters. Clear and calmly spoken which instantly put the children at ease. Lots of encouragement and help resulted in new skills learnt! Thanks so much Fay, you are a little gem.

Nichola Benjamin • Jun 2023

5 ClassBento workshops attended • 4 reviews

The teacher who taught me how to use the sewing machines was really good despite admitting she had not done it before.

The venue was lovely, we had an issue with power to the machines but it was sorted out efficiently by the manager.

The materials provided to learn on were very good.

It was definitely good value for money & I would do it again if I need more help in another area.

I learnt the basics of how to operate a sewing machine and now feel more confident with trying to use a small Hobbycraft sewing machine I purchased a while back but haven’t used as yet.

Learning the different stitches and getting more confident with how to use the machine & making a little bird.

I have to finish hand sewing the bird and I plan to add some button eyes & a felt beak but I don’t think I done too bad a job for a first attempt

Jenny Collecott • Jun 2023

Leah was very helpful and informative, my son left the workshop feeling positive and eager to start with everything he had been taught. We would definitely recommend Leah to anyone interested in booking the sewing one-to-one workshop.

Eash Jagota • Jun 2023

What a brilliant introduction to using my sewing machine

Thank you so much, the teacher was amazing !

Fabulous environment, with my actual sewing machine, set up and ready to go!

I’m ready to get sewing!

Crol Ford • Jun 2023

Very good value. Enjoyable hour spent in a small group. Friendly and helpful tutor; nothing too much trouble.

Emily Watson • Jun 2023

Teacher was friendly, chatty with the adults but less engaging with the children.
We were offered lots of materials and provided additional when requested so very good value for money. My daughter (5) really enjoyed it. I would book again as a nice half term activity.

Liliana Hurtado-Read • May 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended

The teacher was very kind and helpful. We had plenty of materials provided. Thank you!

Nicola Dawson • Apr 2023

The course was very informative. My teacher Fay was brilliant, very patient and explained everything in detail. I knew a little of how to crochet but know I know a lot more and am very glad I went to the class.

We were able to pick our own colour of wool which I thought was excellent, had a free crochet hook and a bag to carry it in. Most definitely value for money.

I would really appreciate more crochet classes please as I learnt a lot.

Thank you

Jo Wright • Apr 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

Fay was lovely, very passionate about crochet and very patient. I hope they continue with the courses, as I would love for her to teach me more. It is so much better having someone show you and help where you are going wrong.

Vicki Oliver • Apr 2023

Girls enjoyed it. Fay was great with them.
Would look to go again for sure.

Noreen Barker • Apr 2023

21 ClassBento workshops attended • 5 reviews

Excellent materials provided by Hobbycraft. My daughter had a great time going through all her stuff in the box and using them. Relaxed and the staff Jessie let the children get creative. We love it! Had been to so many Hobbycraft workshops and it’s always very good.

Carla Lane • Apr 2023

Lovely class, my daughter really enjoyed it. Jessie was great . I will be booking again.

Irene Beresford-Foster • Apr 2023

Very relaxed class with a lovely talented lady who took the class. Very enjoyable. Will definitely book another workshop.

Elizabeth Franks • Apr 2023

The girls had a lovely time. lots of fun and each created completely different designs.

Kate Steele • Apr 2023

Great facilitator - helped but also let us do our own thing!
Friendly atmosphere
Resources great!
Pleased with final outcome!

Holly Whatling • Apr 2023

A Very lovely lady helping the kids do their Easter craft would definitely visit again

Sue Knight • Apr 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended

Ok… not as good as last year . Lot more craft materials last year with coloured eggs etc . For £8 I think I’d just buy the bits hats are only £1 . Isla enjoyed it , just that materials were poor compared to last years session .

Rosemary Miles • Apr 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended

Great lovely assistant thanks so much the girls loved it and had a great time

Samantha Read • Apr 2023

Excellent , my daughter really enjoyed herself . And we bought some of the bits to do more at home.

Nicola Newton • Mar 2023

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

Teacher Fay was lovely and fun! Really good quality product. Class was very good value

Jo Wright • Mar 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

The lesson was fab, I was the only one there, so it was great to get a one on one lesson. Louise was lovely, she spoke very softly and calmly, she explained everything very well and I was pleasantly surprised at the goody bag that was given. Would definitely recommend.

Dom Rice • Feb 2023

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

A very fun class for the kids and the host, Fay, was very interactive and helpful with the children. 5 stars!

Noreen Barker • Feb 2023

21 ClassBento workshops attended • 5 reviews

It was okay. My daughter enjoyed it. For beginners, would have been better if children ( 8 year olds) were shown the basic techniques of using watercolours before letting them go freestyle on their own.

Charlotte Masters • Feb 2023

4 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

Excellent value activity for children, Brad was so helpful and delivered the workshop really well, with fantastic good grace about the chaotic mess we created!

Michele Gosling • Feb 2023

Great workshop, I took my 5 year old granddaughter who loved painting with acrylic paints for the first time.
The teacher was very friendly and helpful and all materials for the canvas painting were provided.
Great value for money.

Clare Bone • Feb 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

Teacher was great, really helpful with types of pens, angles for grip and variety of different ways to use the brush pens to not only do lettering but decoration too. Also left handed which was so helpful as a fellow left hander! Great knowledge of products, pens, paper and idea and resources. Well worth doing. Thank you.

Katherine Kirkman • Feb 2023

The teacher was very engaging with my daughter. My daughter really enjoyed herself and learnt a lot. She was very happy to bring home some practice things and equipment and she now feels confident and eager to set up her machine and start sewing at home! Thank you.

Heather Payne • Feb 2023

Teacher was excellent completed a square and now confident to crochet. Lovely kind teacher who was enthusiastic

Vicky Horner • Jan 2023

A great introduction to using the Cricut machine. A one to one practical guide through was so useful. I only wish it had been longer than an hour. 2 hours would have covered a lot more ground.

Jane Tucker • Jan 2023

Turned out to be the only one signed up for today. I have some understanding of lettering and am avid card maker but the teacher was excellent. Very friendly and explained things clearly. We discussed and experimented with other ideas to extend the principles of brush lettering. Goodie bag excellent. Couldn’t believe that an hour had passed! Strongly recommend this course.

Lisa Garlick • Jan 2023

The lady who took the class was very nice with lots of experience, she taught us double and single crochet stitches which made it easier to understand when looking at tutorials online we were provided with a kit to bring home which was nice, all in all I thought it was good value for money.

Elaine Moclair • Jan 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

The teacher was good. She has a lot of experience in crochet. There were only 2 people taking the course which was good for us. The materials we were given were very good.

Natasha McMahon • Jan 2023

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

Very friendly class and all the equipment was provided. My son was very happy with his Dinosaur fossil by the end.

Emma Maclay • Dec 2022

We had a really great class with Fay. She was very warm & friendly. The venue was small & intimate which was great for my 4 daughter & 3 year old niece. And making the disco ball was good value & all the materials we were provided with were great, except one product. The "foam clay" we were given wasn't great, - it didn't hold the gems in as it dried too quickly which meant the gems that were being stuck in kept falling out (very frustrating for a 4 year old). Fay kindly got some different more traditional clay (which my daughter didn't want to use) & some glue to stick the gems on. The gems were great & lots were given.

It hasn't put me off doing another class at Hobbycraft but it would be great if the materials were tried & tested before hand by whom ever puts the classes together (I'm imaging head office). Hopefully this is constructive feedback & I'll be keeping an eye out for more suitable classes.

Preeti Govinden • Dec 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended

Amazing! The teacher was so friendly and lovely with my daughter who was very enthusiastic! He answered her every question and was very patient. Thank you so much!

Naomi Chinnery • Dec 2022

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

Excellent class, well instructed. Great resources and excellent value for money. Friendly and helpful. My daughter enjoyed it and very happy to take keyring home for friends and family

Lucy Hook-Child • Dec 2022

Great fun. My 5 year old made a couple of things and was a great workshop for us both!

Sian Wharton-Goodman • Dec 2022

The idea of the workshop was great and the kids had lots of fun. The materials were a bit sparse though and the person running the workshop made far more keyrings than any of the children so used up a lot of the materials that could have been used by the children. It would also be better if we were shown how to do the craft and then given some time to do it ourselves rather than having the member of staff with us the whole time, especially as it was quite simple. Maybe just check back every now and then.

Michelle Grady • Dec 2022

This was great value for money and a relaxed atmosphere. The trainer was nice and friendly but he sat and made loads of button christmas tree Keyrings himself, using lots of the resources that should have been there for the children to use. Lots of the nice star buttons/beads also didn’t fit on the pipe cleaner. An easy, fun activity though.

Dom Rice • Dec 2022

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

The class was great fun with all the materials provided, we never ran out! Jessie, the leader, was very helpful and fantastic with the children. I would strongly recommend this class to everyone looking for some fun Christmas decorations!

Anastasia Hayhoe • Dec 2022

Granny and my daughter had a lot of funvery friendly setting, good value for money

Danny O'Missenden • Dec 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

The teacher had a great way with the children. We thoroughly enjoyed the session and will recommend to friends and family with young children.

Rachel McCullough • Dec 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended

Lovely class, finished the activity after 25 mins so they got to do crafts till the end of the hour

Loren Clarke • Dec 2022

Lovely set up daughter loved it. Lots of decorative things for my daughter to explore.

Hannah Clarke-Keens • Dec 2022

Great value easy to follow workshop for the kids. Fay was excellent really friendly and let the kids be creative. Will definitely book another.

Harry Tighe • Dec 2022

Jesse was fab with the kids, really helpful with the making side but interacted with them also. Will definitely reccomend

Diane Rowsell • Nov 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended

Leah was very welcoming and extremely helpful throughout. I was amazed at how many accessories/tools we were given included in the price. I really enjoyed the session and picked up lots of tips for going forward with the equipment at home. Excellent value for money but did get special offer

Laura Hardisty • Nov 2022

Leah was great fun. She was informative and clearly explained everything. She even came in on her day off as the original tutor phones in sick.
The course was great value and I was super pleased with everything I got to take home.

Pamela Constantinou • Nov 2022

Leah was engaging, funny and knowledgeable
The class was really good value. I had most of the clay still leftover to take home aswell as a good selection of other bits and pieces.

Karen Gray • Nov 2022

Fantastic teacher Louise, great fun, informative and great products. Would recommend it thoroughly
Thank you

Susanne Harknett • Nov 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended

Thoroughly enjoyed the session with Louise who was very encouraging and taught us many different uses of the brush pen. The time sped by and it was only afterwards that I realised how much we had packed into the time, without feeling rushed. The box that accompanied the course was very well equipped and generous. I will be definitely booking more courses in the future. Thank you Louise and thank you Hobbycraft Colchester!

Lynette Gu • Nov 2022

Excellent class with a great tutor Louise. My first time at a hobby craft workshop but will definitely try more. The time passed so quickly and came away with the complete kit to continue practicing at home. Very therapeutic and good value too!

Cheryl Wardle • Nov 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

Lovely social class. Enjoyed it immensely. Louise (tutor) very good at demonstrating. - The 1 1/2 hours just goes to quick

Christine Beedle • Nov 2022

Excellent. One to one is ideal and Helen answered all my questions and demonstrated how to do different stitches etc.

Deborah Bartram • Nov 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

A lovely session with the excellent instruction, guidance suggestions knowledge and tips from the Tutor

Sanders Denise • Nov 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

Such a lovely teacher. We had a fun and productive workshop. Look forward to doing another one

Michelle Atkins • Nov 2022

Helen was wonderful, she showed my young daughter how to start up a brand new machine, what the tools do and what to do if you have any difficulties. My daughter then made a pillow case with some lovely Christmas pattern. She had a great time. We asked lots of questions and Helen was so knowledgeable and answered and showed answers. We would highly recommend.

Louise Riley • Oct 2022

3 ClassBento workshops attended

Brad was super kind and knowledgeable. He was a joy to have hosting the craft. My little girl loved it.

Fiona Lane • Oct 2022

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

Fabulous as always! Really clear and fun class. My son wholly enjoyed it. Thank you!

Jo Larkin • Oct 2022

The workshop leader louise was lovely and knowledgeable- slight distraction for sitting in the shop, few distractions and questions from customer (not Louise’s fault). Pleased with the workshop.

Samantha Askew • Oct 2022

The overall session was fantastic. The staff member, Helen I believe, interacted well with children and parents and was patient, helpful and kind.

One parent and child turned up at the very end of the session however having got the time wrong, and this distracted from finishing the session - they were allowed to take part in the class, making an extension of time for them to basically have a 1-1 session which, is lovely that the child wasn’t let down, but took the overall feel of the session away from the divided attention we’d received as a group that did turn up on time.

Nonetheless, Helen managed it well and well done to her for such a creative session. Just a shame one person sort of spoiled the ending goodbyes.

Becky Plant • Oct 2022

Friendly staff and plenty of materials. It was too long for my 4 year old but she loved finishing it at home

Michelle Bevington • Oct 2022

Very friendly and welcoming host, who adapted our lesson according to our needs. It was useful to have access to the shop equipment. Length of session was good and value for money. The only downside was that the session took place in the middle of the store, with no privacy.

Danny O'Missenden • Oct 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

Nice and simple for the children and plenty of supplies for them to fill the time. We will definitely book future classes.

Laura Duggan • Oct 2022

My daughter had a fun time, Brad is lovely and very helpful will definitely book another class soon.

Alex Macgregor • Oct 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended

Just booked this for something fun to do on my week off - really enjoyed it! All inclusive kit, Helen who hosted it was so lovely and we got on really well. Would definitely book again!

Anne Walt • Oct 2022

The teacher was friendly and helpful. There were only two participants and the space allocated was very small.

Jane • Sep 2022

Great teacher, very knowledgeable and friendly. Nothing was too much trouble. She helped me to see the potential of my machine.

Hayley Smith • Sep 2022

Just what we needed to get us started using our Cricut machine, trainer very good at showing us the basics

Gill Buchanan • Sep 2022

Helen was amazing today, really informative,friendly and helpful. I wanted help with sewing patterns which she helped make sense of, where before I felt out of my depth. I'll definitely give them a try.

Jane Stewart • Aug 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended

Our girls thoroughly enjoyed their hour in the store. Thank you Faye for the time and help given.

Antonia Jenkinson • Aug 2022

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

The workshop was really good loads of choice and the employee who ran the class was excellent

Caroline Wade • Aug 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended

Totally worth the money, daughter is definitely going to do one again. Really helpful staff

Josephine Himsworth • Aug 2022

They weren't expecting me when I turned up for my lesson even though I had received a confirmation email and a reminder text. The lady who was meant to do the lesson was on holiday. A young lady was asked to stand in for her. She was helpful in the basics of setting up the machine but I had hoped to get some expert advice on hemming etc and I didn't feel she was able to provide this. While she should be commended for stepping in at the last minute and for making the lesson pleasant, I was disappointed in the poor organisation and the overall quality of the service. It wasn't worth the £15 I paid.

Paula Hatcher • Aug 2022

8 ClassBento workshops attended

Great experience. Helper (Brad) was friendly to all, chatty & helpful and also keen to learn about our crafting experiences too.
Materials were plentiful & children not expected to hold back on what they could use. The childrens creations were praised too. My children were aged 7 & 4.
A great find, lovely experience & great value for money!

Alix Cook • Aug 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended

The teacher was very friendly and chatty. Offered us lots of materials to use and explained how to do/use the materials. Lots of options given. Very happy with the class. Good value for money

Gemma Harper • Aug 2022

Lovely lil session will be keeping an eye out for more, my daughter enjoyed making some very colourful masks

Alan Stewart • Aug 2022

3 ClassBento workshops attended

It was good fun and we really enjoyed it. We made lots of different things.

Sharon Viljoen • Aug 2022

Today's sewing machine workshop exceeded all my expectations thanks to the talented and lovely hobby specialist Helen. If you are considering learning how to use a sewing machine properly, I would totally recommend booking a session, as Helen is a fantastic teacher, so kind and considerate, and it's great fun! Beginners don't need to take anything with you as she provides material with lines to follow to improve your stitching and there is an opportunity to make a little project before you leave. Helen is very approachable, knowledgeable and you'll go home full of positivity, ready to put your new skills into practice!

Helen Grimwade • Aug 2022

Great experience. Really enjoyed it and the time went so quickly. Really pleased with the painting set and canvasses that came with the course. Great value for money. Will Definately do this again or another class.

Kirsty Edwards • Aug 2022

Thank you for holding these events. My daughter enjoyed it.
My feedback is the table needed to be bigger, not enough space to work in.
The staff member needed to be more attentive instead of painting his own canvases, we had to ask for the water to be changed, paper towels, etc.

Edward Dor • Aug 2022

Thank you, we had a lovely time. The event was not as was advertised, but it was creative and to do with dinosaurs. We would definitely book another event at this store.

Emma Fletcher • Jul 2022

My teacher was so lovely and informative. Although the shop did not have my machine, we practiced on a similar one as I have never done any sewing before so I needed to learn the basics. We even made a lovely little bag to take home. I would defo recommend the workshop for beginners.

Jenny Pratt • Jul 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

An amazing 1-2-1 session which was tailored to my requirements. Helpful, constructive and answered all my questions/queries. Would certainly recommend or book again for further tuition
Thank you

Gill Powell • Jul 2022

Had a bit of difficulty at first as we found some projects needed a laptop. Equipment was provided and a good introduction to bigger things. Fay was lovely and helpful. Very enjoyable x

Claire Renn • Jul 2022

Very helpfull. Great value. Fay was very patient and I came away feeling confident to use my new machine.

Susan Jones • Jul 2022

Just what I needed. Teacher was great especially as she had not used my machine before.

Tina Plumridge • Jul 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

It was a great workshop, the teacher was a fantastic help and would recommend her to anyone thinking of doing a sewing lesson, she made me feel at ease and explained everything beautifully.

Hayley Mallott • Jun 2022

Fabulous lesson with Helen on how to use a sewing machine. I briefly used one at school 35+ years ago!
I needed to know everything about using one and found her 1:1 training informative and it really gave me confidence to use the machine.
I left having practiced winding the bobbin, threading the machine and making a sampler of different stitches and a pin cushion!
I purchased the same model machine that I practised on and look forward to starting my own sewing projects.
Helen, is warm, friendly and a great teacher. She has great knowledge and this shines through in her lesson.
Highly recommend to anyone thinking of purchasing a sewing machine.

Linda Gillick • Jun 2022

Fay helped well with any questions asked and made the machine look less scary. Came away a bit more confident.

Katie Giles • Jun 2022

I attended the cricut 1-1 with the lovely Fay from Colchester HobbyCraft. She explained everything so well and I left feeling confident in how to use the machine. Thank you again for a great 1-1.

John Saunders • Jun 2022

Young lady demonstrator ok but she needs more training . Not at all organised and had to keep going and getting bits and pieces.
Thought you would have a better place to demonstrate rather than just a table stuck in the middle of the shop.
Not a great demonstration and has not moved me to buy the machine especially its high cost .

Sarah Rose • Jun 2022

The workshop was a very calm and relaxing experience. Louise, who taught the workshop, was knowledgeable, welcoming attentive. The hour went so quickly and I really enjoyed learning how to do the brush stroke lettering techniques. The box of resources to take away is very good.

Noreen Barker • May 2022

21 ClassBento workshops attended • 5 reviews

My daughter likes anything with cardboard rolls. There were several samples available. An hour is quite short though but it was great fun. Lots of materials available and Brad was helpful.

Noreen Barker • May 2022

21 ClassBento workshops attended • 5 reviews

My daughter enjoyed it and Jessie was helpful. We will definitely be back for the next kids’ workshop.

Sally Martin • May 2022

Thank you Fay for a very enjoyable crochet jubilee bunting workshop. You have a lovely way of explaining that makes understanding crochet easier. I had a lovely time crocheting and chatting to you. See you soon. X

Fatima Rokotuibau • May 2022

Overall my 1-1 was excellent, Louise was informative, very friendly took her time to listen to what I wanted help with and she explained clearly, she even showed me different kinds of vinyl on display and gave me some handy tips etc, would highly recommend her, and it’s a great workshop aswel if you’re a beginner like me, learnt a lot today and can’t wait to get right into it, would come back for another workshop if I’m stuck but I’m so excited thank you hobbycraft

Catherine Humphrey • May 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

This was a really great workshop. Covered all the basics extremely well. The teacher was fabulous.

Catherine Humphrey • May 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

Great workshop, very helpful and friendly. Would thoroughly recommend.
It would be great if the workshop was maybe a 2 hour session.

Joyce Stewart • May 2022

Teacher was very good, knowledgeable and interested in her subject and helping us to gain the best. Did not rush us to finish and provided more ideas via email after the workshop.

Kazmyn Mower • May 2022

Thank you for helping me with some ideas for my clothes alterations. Class was great :)

Dianne Taylor • May 2022

Acrylic Paint Pouring. Had a most enjoyable workshop with Bradley who was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about this subject. The hour flew by, always a good sign, and we both managed to produce 4 canvasses. Looking forward to collecting mine later this week. I would recommend this workshop to anyone who enjoys trying out new ideas and doesn't mind getting very painty hands! Good value for money, too.

Marilyn Rogers • May 2022

I would reccomend the one to one class in using a cricut. Danielle was very good at explaining the things I wanted to know. There are lots of videos to watch on line but a one to one is better.

Abby Fairclough • Apr 2022

It was my first cricut class and as a beginner I must say I found Louis very helpful and answered all my question in detail I fully recommend her for more lessons and advice Very kind person

Lydia Barnard • Apr 2022

The teacher was amazing, she answered all my questions, Had prepared the class. More than anything she had a wonderful smile all the time. Brilliant teacher.

Simon Edney • Apr 2022

Brad was really helpful and encouraging only criticism I have is there was nothing to clean our hands with afterwards

Kate Hart • Apr 2022

4 ClassBento workshops attended

Excellent resources and really chilled out. Teacher was really helpful. Thank you - my 4 year old really enjoyed it

Laurie Rose • Apr 2022

4 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews

It was well delivered, great examples. Thank you for all your help and advice today

Elizabeth • Apr 2022

I had a brilliant session today! Exactly what I needed to get up and running. I came away having made some lovely bunting and feeling very proud of myself and so much more confident! Thank you!

Isla Hardes • Apr 2022

Very helpful in learning the basics. As an absolute sewing machine beginner… this class was great in enabling my little girl (12) to set her machine up and get started. Lovely to have a finished product by the end of session. Very patient teacher. Fabulous experience.

Miss Adams • Apr 2022

Jessie was fantastic and she had provided a great class. My daughter enjoyed herself. Cant wait to book other classes :-)

Anthea Rourke • Apr 2022

I had a class with Helen at the Colchester store. I wanted to learn how to read a pattern. Helen was amazing she explained everything to me and even gave me advice based on her experiences. I left the class with a lot more confidence and I’m even booking another class to learn more about sewing. Helen was warm and friendly and absolutely lovely in every way.

Angela Woodhead • Apr 2022

Fantastic value for money . The teacher Fay was brilliant with the children and very patient.

Colin King • Apr 2022

Young Nan very chatty informative friendly and polite. My granddaughter who has autism throughly enjoyed it. Thank you.

Kim Downes • Apr 2022

The teacher was lovely, really got involved with my twins and helped them.
Materials was great value and nothing was to much.
They said they had the best day ever (they are 3)

Fiona Lane • Apr 2022

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

Fabulous! So enjoyable for the children. Thank you! We’ll book another session soon and will recommend to friends.

Lucy Thompson • Apr 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

The kids had a great time, was very relaxed not rushed. Saved my house being covered in paint

Emma Miller • Apr 2022

The materials were excellent and the teacher was brilliant. I had a great time and look forward to using the materials for my own hobbies.

Jenny Pratt • Mar 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

First attempt at making floral wreath (Easter) and tutor was brilliant. Made me feel comfortable and confident with what I was doing. Would certainly look at other workshops available and certainly recommend

Fay Mathers • Mar 2022

Very relaxed and informative class. The first one I have attended at the Colchester Hobbycraft and I will be booking on more.

Julia Stephens • Mar 2022

5 ClassBento workshops attended • 4 reviews

Had a great time thank you. The teacher was very helpful and advised when asked. The materials were excellent and I believe good value

Nicola Newton • Mar 2022

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

Our teacher was Fay at Colchester she was amazing! Very very patient it took me a while for me to get the hang of it but Fay gave me such great support I did it in the end! I would definitely do it again.

Margaret Tyler • Mar 2022

Fay was a very patient teacher, i have learnt basics and with practise will be able to build on what i learnt. The class was good value for money, and the materials were excellent. I would definitely book again. Thank you

Caroline Widdowson • Mar 2022

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews

Fay was so patient as she helped me to learn the basics of crochet, I have always wanted to learn and now I think I might.
I think bigger hooks and thicker wool would be easier for beginners but the group was lots of fun

Dawn Taylor-Williams • Mar 2022

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews

Teacher was great - knowledgeable, helpful and encouraging. Class was a good size and kit provided was good.

Jennifer Smith • Feb 2022

Fab morning - thank you! Only thing to say is that it would be lovely for it to be a bit longer! But only because time flew so quickly. Really chill, learnt some nice skills.

Zoe De'ath • Feb 2022

Helen was very patient with my 8 year old , who throughly enjoyed and asked if she could come again.

Lynn Parker • Feb 2022

Learnt a new skill, box contained useful tools for the class and after. Loved the intimacy of the small class and Helen was an excellent teacher and genuinely helped us all get the most out of the class.

Maddison • Feb 2022

She was very calm, the lesson was very useful and it helped me alot. Thank you for helping me.

Diane West • Feb 2022

Received a warm welcome and our fluid art kits. The kit contained everything you need to do several pieces of artwork. Lovely bright colours and pouring gel, mixers, cups. We were talked through the process and then encouraged to try for ourselves. We asked questions and the trainer was very knowledgable, friendly and patient. All in all a very enjoyable hour and the kitis yours to take home

Caroline Widdowson • Feb 2022

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews

We had a second hour to really get the hang of sewing and made a pin cushion each, lots of skills to take home and practice thank you

Caroline Widdowson • Feb 2022

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews

My daughter and I had a lovely time learning how to use our new sewing machines properly, Helen was very patient and helpful

Laurie Rose • Feb 2022

4 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews

Fay was really friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Thank you very much we had a really lovely morning. Xxxx Thank you Fay

Elizabeth Swift • Feb 2022

Had a fantastic time with my grandaughter at the brush lettering class, Helen was great so good helping my GD to get her lettering right, but we will both need to practise more! But then she showed us drawing techniques and we LOVED it so easy to be really creative. The kit was super, lots of things we can do at home lables, note book ect and having the cheat sheets to practise our lettering will be so useful. A lovely class with a lovely teacher and a great kit, altogether well worth the money :)

Sarah Button-Smy • Feb 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended

Supplies were great. If an improvement had to be suggested, then I’d recommend a larger space.

Noreen Barker • Feb 2022

21 ClassBento workshops attended • 5 reviews

My daughter loved it. The materials are all of very good quality. The Hobbycraft staff (Jessie) was very helpful and has allowed children to be creative and imaginative. Superb and we will definitely do it again.

Jacky O'Sullivan • Feb 2022

Teacher was amazing. I was really well looked after and felt I learned lots while there.

Would book again!

Nicola Paton • Feb 2022

I joined a small group supported by a lovely teacher. Nobody could believe how quickly the hour vanished!
The pace was relaxing and the resources excellent.

Yvette Richardson • Feb 2022

The teacher was lovely. The class has helped me make my mind up to decide which printer I will need . My only criticism would be that I feel 10 pound would be a more acceptable fee for an hours course

Charlotte Wilkns • Feb 2022

3 ClassBento workshops attended

The session was fun and the kids enjoyed making things but this can’t be called a workshop as there was no teaching/guiding and the lady (who was lovely) clearly hadn’t used the clay before so let the kids do what they wanted. I thought this was going to be a lesson in how to use clay and techniques to learn but it was just a play session.

Susan Ambridge • Feb 2022

I had a very enjoyable and informative session with Louise, who put me at ease immediately, and was very knowledgeable about the Cricut maker 3.
She had so many tips to offer that I am about to spend the rest of the afternoon trying to remember all the pointers she gave me. Well done and thank you.

Maureen Pryle • Jan 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended

The teacher was really friendly and very informative. Encouraged everyone, and told us how good we were and how much better we will be with practice. Told us about the interesting workshops that were on offer. The box of goodies were very good quality and relevant to what we were doing. The hour went by quickly, and we weren’t rushed. The venue was good. Thank you, I’m definitely looking at other workshops, kind regards Maureen

Leah Scutcher • Jan 2022

All in all a great introduction to brush lettering with useful tips from the lady running the workshop who was helpful and friendly. I’m looking forward to practicing more at home with the box of materials provided. Great value for money. Would definitely recommend.

Alexandra Rolland • Jan 2022

Angela was fantastic at explaining what needed to be done. She literally had the patience of a Saint as I'm completely cack handed. I would recommend that Hobbycraft rethink the size of knitting needle supplied, also wool choice, as a chunky knit would be far easier to learn with.

Julie Mitchell • Jan 2022

6 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews

Really pleased with my one to one session. Very useful and informative. I would definately recommend it to anyone.

Dawn Taylor-Williams • Jan 2022

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews

Great class, lovely teacher. Bit disconcerting doing class on a table in the middle of the store but teacher dealt with all customer interruptions (customers asking where things were etc) smoothly and politely.

Gail Threlfall • Jan 2022

The workshop was with the machine I own which allowed me to realise its potential.
Sophie was patient and knowledgable and the hour flew by.

Julie Mitchell • Jan 2022

6 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews

Brush Lettering course was good and the kit was really nice too. Very pleased I attended.

Tracy Scarlett • Jan 2022

Brush writing course. All the materials supplied in a box to take home. Louise was a pleasure. Enjoyable morning, well worth the money. Would recommend

Janet Bentley • Jan 2022

5 ClassBento workshops attended • 4 reviews

Our teacher was very helpful with ideas and tips. I shall definitely sign up for another class

Lizzy Steward • Jan 2022

I learnt some great tips and techniques about how to get the most from my machine. The lady who took the class was really helpful and answered all our questions.

Sarah Keen • Dec 2021

Our two boys (8&5) really enjoyed the class. Their teacher was engaging and they had a lot of fun.

Chloe Parkinson • Dec 2021

Was very talk led so more a demonstration than a workshop would have been better to have 3 activities to rotate and try with an instruction sheet and guidance perhaps making a card, making a sticker and one other. The lady was very helpful but the set up was disorganised

Saima Qurban • Dec 2021

Fantastic and extremely helpful highly recommended
Best workshop attended so far
Makes easy to use the machine

Natalie Knight • Dec 2021

We had a great workshop with Georgia at Colchester store, she was fab with the children, brilliant value for money I couldn’t believe how much stuff we had in our boxes for the price we paid. My daughter enjoyed herself and we are still crafting from the items in the box at home.

Annabel Fern • Dec 2021

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

Georgia was amazing. It was a great class for my five year old.
The kit was amazing and we got to keep all of it and take home.
Would definitely book again.

Whilmari Worrow • Dec 2021

Really good and fun workshop, will do it again and recommend to my friends, thank you

Susan Dunn • Dec 2021

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

Louise the tutor was very helpful getting some smaller figures to put in the round baubles and showing the best way to glue the figures in. I was very pleased with the results and will recommend the class to friends.

Jayne Reeves • Nov 2021

The class was a lot of fun. Louise was an excellent teacher,very patient and friendly. Excellent value for money as well.

Michele Wilson • Nov 2021

Louise was brilliant. Received a box with everything that we needed and more. Looking forward to continuing project

Jan Hilliard • Nov 2021

For the money I thought it wasn’t worth it, spent an hour practicing writing letters

Tina Plumridge • Nov 2021

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

The workshop was fantastic, Louise was very helpful and easy to talk to, I would come back to have another workshop class anytime.
Well worth the money x

Susan Dunn • Nov 2021

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

The teacher was very good and helpful and gave many tips on how to decorate the wreath. We did the frosted one and I think it could have been more colourful.ie red berries, red ribbon but on the whole looked good when assembled. Found using the glue gun very easy to use.

Kelly Walls • Nov 2021

The workshop Lady (sorry I can’t remember her name) was lovely very friendly and helpful.
My friend and I had a lovely time and will definitely book another one in the future.
Thank you xx

Rosie Smith • Nov 2021

Our teacher was lovely and very friendly. There was plenty of equipment available. To begin with I was put off by the table being where it was, but once we got started I didn’t notice the customers around us. The clay decoration making was very fun and the time flew by.

Lisa Smith • Nov 2021

The host was a lovely young girl very friendly and polite.
The kits were lovely and she provided a few extra stamps to use which was much better to have the choice.

Denise Cantwell • Nov 2021

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

Instructor Louise was really good and very helpful. Explained everything well and showed us different techniques we could use. A really informative and enjoyable workshop.

Carola Markham • Nov 2021

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

Very nice materials and helpful tutor.
I felt that the time period was too short to complete the project and that we would have benefitted from an extra half hour.
Very pleased with the finished result.

Mary Reid • Nov 2021

2 ClassBento workshops attended

Mia was a lovely knowledgeable tutor and very patient. J would definitely recommend the class and Mia and will come to another class. Highly recommended for ages 11 to 100 .

Nikki Pickford • Nov 2021

2 ClassBento workshops attended

Teacher was knowledgeable, helpful and friendly.
Good value for money.
Good fun and would recommend.

Sylvia Jeffcock • Oct 2021

Really enjoyed this workshop. Our tutor, Bradley, was great. He was well organised and very friendly and supportive. Nice pack of materials. Particularly enjoyed the extra dried material provided which helped to make it more personal.

Clare Thornton • Oct 2021

Good fun especially for the money we paid, Bradley was very welcoming. Would have been good to have aprons to wear for the kids. Thank you!

Harriette Nicholson • Oct 2021

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews

Bradley was our teacher, and he was brilliant! So much fun and really engaged with us. We were also running 10 minutes late so Bradley kindly asked the others in the group if they wouldn’t mind waiting, and they were happy to do so which was wonderful.
The kit was stunning, and we got lots of extra goodies to add to our wreaths. They look great and mine is on my door!
We also definitely made the most of the discount and brought lots of bits to make more wreaths going forwards.
Can’t thank Bradley enough for a great day out. I will DEFINITELY be booking more workshops.

Natalie O'Neill • Oct 2021

Had a lovely time
Georgia was very helpful
Will definitely book again came away with 3 happy girls

Paula Adshead • Oct 2021

Very good workshop leader. Great kit. Thoroughly enjoyable hour and could have carried on! Thank you.

Harriette Nicholson • Oct 2021

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews

Louise taught our class and it was brilliant! She was lovely, and there was only two of us which made the class very personable. The equipment we received in our box was fantastic - the pens are to die for! I’ve been practising at home every evening since. Couldn’t recommend highly enough.

Iona Williams • Oct 2021

Teacher was clear, helpful, easy to approach, knowledgable and made me feel at ease. Was a great lesson and looking forward to booking more.

Judith Park • Oct 2021

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

Teacher Lauren B was excellent. She also used some of her experience as a florist to help us.
The venue wasn't great - right next to the front door, opening and closing. I believe this was because there is limited space in the Colchester branch.
Materials were good, especially since Lauren brought extras for us.

Janet Bentley • Oct 2021

5 ClassBento workshops attended • 4 reviews

Lauren was very friendly and helpful, she demo many products. Gave her personal ideas on how best to use the products.
My class was Very informative and I have decided to purchase a joy machine.

Denise Cantwell • Oct 2021

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

Nice small class. Instructor Louise was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Good quality materials provided. Very happy with the class.

Karen Hurren • Oct 2021

Good craft items supplied to make the wreath but not really what I would call a workshop as virtually no guidance given on how to make the wreath look good. Although the instructor sat with us the entire time we mostly worked in silence just sticking the flowers, leaves etc where we though best. I ended up making the wreath that I would have made had I just bought a kit or collected the items myself.

Karen Turner • Oct 2021

2 ClassBento workshops attended

Great fun this morning really enjoyed it. The team had not been notified of my changed booking but they got and got everything ready for me. The instructor was really chatty and gave lots of advice. Thoroughly recommended

Tracie Pelham • Oct 2021

Mia was a brilliant tutor. She was bright and chatty we got on well. She listened to exactly what I wanted to do.
We did an intro to quilting and helped me set my old machine up to use and familiarised me with it. We used lovely cottons and used suggested tools that would make things easier for projects I have in mind. I never felt pressure to buy anything. I will definitely be back to do more 1-1’s thank you very much. I wholeheartedly enjoyed it

Carola Markham • Sep 2021

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

A very enjoyable morning, very helpful teacher and good materials provided.
Good value for money and an attractive result!

Benjamin Bird • Sep 2021

2 ClassBento workshops attended

The staff member we had was knowledgeable and friendly, answered all our questions and was generally lovely.

Michelle Glover • Aug 2021

My teacher Mia was excellent. She really took the perfect amount of time to help me understand what I was doing with setting up my machine and getting started with sewing.

Rhona Gilder • Aug 2021

Really helpful and great teacher Mia was lovely and I now feel confident with my sewing machine thank you

Beverley Vickers • Aug 2021

The teacher was really nice and explained things very well, I assumed we would be in a room alone but we were on the shop floor using the display machines which was ok as we wasn’t disturbed.
She explained the different products as I’m a complete beginner. I was given a choice of what to make so I used iron on vinyl onto a cotton canvas bag.
I was involved with the practical process and was really impressed with the professional looking results.
I would definitely recommend this workshop and might do another if I get stuck and need further guidance.

Sian Coles • Aug 2021

I am so glad I booked this workshop. My teacher was knowledgeable and experienced with the cricut products. She was ready to provide the information I needed and answered all my questions. I was delightfully surprised with the practical demonstration and I appreciated her talking through all the accessories for me. Honestly a great learning experience and from such a lovely member of staff. Thank you.

Jacky Blowers • Aug 2021

lLauren was fantastic , she is a very good teacher, I learned a lot and really enjoyed it

Jane Howard • Aug 2021

Mia was a massive help with Setting up our new machine and teaching us the basics. It was fun too :-)

Tina Kelson • Aug 2021

2 ClassBento workshops attended

Well organised. Teacher was good. All the staff were really helpful and really friendly. We had difficulty however with the transfer tape. I will add this was not their fault in any way at all. One of the issues i had at home was being able to pick up the cut vinyl on standard transfer tape. We all had problems! The colleagues in store were absolutely brilliant and opened three different packs of tape to try! Unfortunately the Cricut standard tape falls short of basic expectations. Due to this we did not cover as much as I would have liked in the hour but again, it was not the fault of the staff. They were lovely and couldn't have been more helpful. I will be contacting Cricut about the poor quality of their tape. I wouldn't hesitate in doing another course with them.

Francis Minshull • Aug 2021

I’d give the staff 5/5 and the course itself 1/5 if I could. Em who hosted the course for me was so lovely and as helpful as she could be given the resources. It’s clear that the staff have been thrown in at the deep end and expected to host this based on their own self-taught knowledge. They really should have been given proper training for this as they clearly feel uncomfortable and I felt terrible asking questions that Em clearly hadn’t been taught the answers to. Numerous technical issues pairing machines and iPads resulted in the store manager refunding me. I still got answers to a couple of questions I had and hopefully when I next try them at home it will resolve the problem, if not Em said I am welcome anytime to go in and ask for help.

Millie Phillips • Aug 2021

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

Great value, throughly enjoyed it.
Would recommend it to any budding artist
Thank so you much

Alison Tomley • Aug 2021

Lauren was fantastic, very friendly was prepared with all the things i had requested to find out how to do. Answered all my questions. Gave simple instructions on how to do each step. Helped me choose the right products so i could complete the craft she was helping me with.

Hobbycraft Colchester

location_on Colchester

Reviews

Colchester