Latest reviews

Liz Stuart-Brown reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Hanbury Hall

"An absolutely lovely weekend. It was hard work but we both managed to produce some excellent carvings and I have no artistic ability. Miranda was lovely and very patient Really good value for mone"

Alison Brown reviewed: Silversmithing workshop

"Kami was wonderful, we all learnt lots about the process of silversmithing and came away with some lovely stacker rings. Really enjoyed our afternoon thank you Kami"

Barry Robinson reviewed: Key skills for converting vans into campervans 2 day course

"A great two days with Scott and some other enthusiasts. Scott is full of knowledge and delivers his teaching in a very accessible way. He's always open to questioning and give the best advice based on his extensive knowledge. Which is more than good enough for me. The course answered many questions I had and it's certainly started me on the course of looking at vans and collecting the things I need to start. Many, many thanks Scott. Oh, and by the way, thanks to his wife for the cakes. I'm already looking forward to the van woodwork course. !"

Chris reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"What a fantastic special birthday present! Thank you Alison and Milli for organising and sharing the experience. We thoroughly enjoyed our day. (Sat 6th July) Rudi wasn't phased by our late arrival, and was happy to guide us carefully and patiently, giving us confidence in using lots of practical blacksmithing skills. As complete beginners we were amazed at what we achieved; spiral key rings, a leaf handled poker and 2 candle holders (with a lot of help when needed and fuelled by Rudi's fresh coffee!) Thank you Rudi, for giving us a day to remember (and Rico too!)"

Rebecca reviewed: Wet felting class

"I really enjoyed my workshop today. Denise is a great teacher and helped me produce a seascape picture using wet felting. I'm impressed with how well it turned out and can't wait to hang it on the wall. Thank you."

Bradley Burgess reviewed: Portrait Paintings in Oils

"I did Lee's 3 day course last week, having never used oil paints or attempted portraiture before, and I found it to be exactly what I hoped for - expert knowledge and guidance with a positive 'can do' and hands on approach. Demos and discussion were just right, so we could get painting and learning. Also a nice laid back atmosphere in a beautiful old school house. Highly recommended, thanks!"

Sharon Elliott reviewed: Woodworking drop in workshop sessions - Tuesdays/Wednesday AM at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"I had an amazing day – I loved every bit of it! The people were ever so friendly and welcoming. I came along to the open workshop to make something from scratch in wood. I haven't made anything since school, which was over 26 years ago! Today, I made a bird box. Alan made it seem so easy – he was absolutely brilliant. He put me at ease and made everything look simple. I wanted to use as much machinery as possible, and I ended up using five, from a straight knife to a drill bit – it was all so much fun. I highly recommend this drop-in session. Thank you Alan and to all who were there to make me feel so welcome :)"

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Your very welcome Sharon. Please see us again to continue your journey into woodwork Regards Alan "

Andrew H reviewed: Upcycling workshop - Introduction to furniture upcycling

"Throughout the day, Amy was polite, patient, and shared her vast knowledge and experience in an easy to understand way. Her positive, infectious appetite to produce high-quality output spurred me on to do the best I could on my project. Pre course communication was clear and timely. Her notes from the day will also prove valuable as a reference point when I tackle new projects. A thoroughly enjoyable day."

Pinkyswifts responded:

"So pleased you enjoyed the day Andrew, it was an absolute pleasure having you in the workshop and you did a fantastic job! Can't wait to see what you create next. "

Joel reviewed: SAORI Weaving Discovery Session

"We loved our weaving workshop! It was really easy to get going (even as a complete crafting novice), and Nicola was so supportive and encouraging throughout - I'd highly recommend it to anyone."

Bruce Goodwin reviewed: Introduction to Greenwood Spoon Carving- Beginners Eating Spoon

"Great day. Anita really went the extra mile with some extra help and had a really nice style of teaching. I've already bought myself some knives and an axe."

Carolyn Pike reviewed: Exploring British Wool Fibres, Make a Small a Peg Loom Mat

"We had a great day! Penny was a really good teacher, and even as a complete beginner I came home with a lovely woven piece, that I am very proud of. "

Penny Jane Designs responded:

"Thanks so much Carolyn! It was great to meet you and your piece was just great :) Penny"

Marilyn reviewed: An Introduction to Sea Glass and Wire Wrapping

"Had a lovely morning with Rebecca who was very informative I learned lots about sea glass . She was very patient and helpful. I have a lovely sea glass necklace keepsake to remind me of the experience. Would recommend this course"

Andy Stewart reviewed: Axe Making Class

"Very good day. Enjoyed the experience. Be sure to be ready for some graft, you'll know you've done some work. But you'll learn a fair bit, and come away with something to show for your hard work. The trainer and team are always on hand to guide you should you need it. "

Bob Halsey reviewed: Leaded Stained Glass Workshop, Northampton

"Had a really interesting, informative and creatively stimulating today with Will making a leaded stained glass picture. Will is very approachable, enthusiastic and knowledgeable on the subject and his support in learning a new craft were excellent. I thoroughly recommend the leaded stained glass workshop with Will"

Sam reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"Alex is a fantastic teacher and blacksmith! The course is set at an excellent pace, but makes you go home feeling that you’ve put in some hard graft! An excellent range of techniques were taught, and Alex is a brilliantly engaging teacher and orator. I left feeling really well informed and interested about blacksmithing; he is the real deal!"

Roger reviewed: Lampwork bead making with Cheshire School of Glass

"Excellent. Well paced with plenty of materials and resources to explore this art. Tutor was amazing; patient and knowledgable, clearly with a wealth of experience. It goes beyond beads and opens up opportunities and possibilities. Tea/Coffee and biscuits a plenty, but don’t forget your lunchbox!"

Karen reviewed: Mixed Media Painting Workshop

"This was a great morning. The teacher was very approachable and made learning relaxed and fun"

Sarah Jewhurst reviewed: An Introduction To Making Hardened Fabric Jewellery Making

"I loved this class, Diane was very friendly and generous with her materials. It was a light and fun afternoon with friends, with take away gifts for family and/ or friends. Thank you Diane. "

Marissa King reviewed: Stained Glass Mosaic Workshop with April Pebble

"Absolutely wonderful! I was traveling from the US for a conference at Oxford and stumbled upon this class. It was the highlight of my trip! April is so kind, patient and enjoyable to talk with. She’s a wonderful teacher and her workshop with the seating outside is lovely. Can’t recommend the class enough! "

richard watts reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Hanbury Hall

"This was a really lovely two days at Hanbury Hall. My wife bought this for me as a birthday present, so I didn't really have any agenda, just enjoyed getting lost in the wood carving experience. I had never done this before, but Geraint was a knowledgeable and sympathetic tutor, and guided us through the course. I managed to produce a passable result, if not up to Michelangelo or Bernini standard. Geraint suggested I burn it afterwards (a finishing technique not a comment on my work!) which has given it a very nice look. Will need a few months for my fingers and back to go back to normal I expect, (despite plenty of coffee and lunch breaks) but well worth the effort!"

Aidan reviewed: Scandinavian Shrink Pots

"I thoroughly enjoyed the course. We started with a chunk of tree branch and ended up with a very attractive and unusual pot. Mike really knows his stuff and has a good balance between keeping a close eye on what we're doing while letting us get on with it and try different skills."

Jenny reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"I had a wonderful day working at Rudi’s forge learning a new skill with some fantastic teaching. I chose to make a knife but we also managed a keychain, coat hook. I’m very proud of the results! Rudi gave great explanations and then the perfect balance of letting me get on with it independently whilst still checking in on how I was getting on. I wholeheartedly recommend!"

Aardvark Blacksmithing responded:

"Thank you Jenny for your review It was a pleasure and I’ve rememberd the scientific bits regarding working tempratures That I usually forget so ta for asking … bright orange is around 1000degreas .! I Think you worked well on things and made some really nice peices Thanks Rudi "

Sharon reviewed: Fused glass workshop - make a colourful curve and two light catchers - Forest Row

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course. Jayne is an excellent teacher, who explains things really well. She has a mountain of resources to chose from and freely offers advice. I would like to do this course again- it was so good. "

Linda reviewed: 1hr Potter's Wheel Heskin, Chorley

"We had great fun doing the 1 hour pottery course. Hannah was a super instructor giving clear instructions, encouragement and help where needed. Inspired by The Great Pottery Throwdown, I’m so glad that we finally gave it a go ourselves and we didn’t do too badly either. "

The Crafty potter responded:

"Thanks for your lovely Review Linda, it was fab having you join us in the studio See you soon Sharon x"

Sally reviewed: Set of 3 sterling silver stacking rings in New Romney, Kent

"I thoroughly enjoy my time with Yoland and John making the staking rings. I will be going back at some point."