Latest reviews

Matt, Ben, Andrew & Peter reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"There's not much I can add to all the other entirely deserved 5 star reviews. Whilst the subject matter is already compelling, it's Adrian, Andy and Debbie's warm welcome, good humour, support and guidance that have brought me back to the forge on 3 occasions (so far!). I've no reservations in recommending the course to anyone who'd like to try something new; either as a passing fancy, as a taster for a new hobby or even a first step into new way of life. Everyone will leave a bit grubby, with a full stomach, a smile on their face and something they've made with their own hands -even if you've never so much as picked up a hammer before."

Avril Karl reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"My husband and I did this course together and it was fantastic - a really fun day. We would highly recommend Chris to anyone wanting to give it a go. He explains everything really thoroughly and is a great teacher, I can't believe how much we learned in a day! It was so great that we are planning to go back to learn some more!"

Lisa bruin reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"I came away from this 1 day workshop absolutely buzzing, what a fabulous day Jo is a brilliant tutor, her style of teaching is very clever, she immediately puts you at ease and yet she gets you to do an incredible amount of work in a very short space of time- so by the end of the day you go home with your very own mini masterpiece. Jo and her husband turn their home over to the students for the day, both are very welcoming and their home is a peaceful haven - a joy to work in. Highly recommend this workshop to anyone whether you’re an experienced artist or a beginner."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much for this heart warming review Lisa ;-) It was a pleasure having you at the workshop and also seeing your incredible pencil drawings; so talented! Glad to have activated another skill - please do not hesitate to make contact if you would like to chat over ideas. Jo x"

Joanne reviewed: Watercolour techniques for all - 4 week online course - Tuesday evenings via Zoom

"The class was excellent with Purnima giving attention to any issues that I might experience with the painting - she was very attentive and considerate. After the course she advised me of different online courses that I could do in the future."

Katherine reviewed: Intro to Green Woodwork

"Myself and my husband attended the green woodworking day course. We had a fabulous day. I am very new to any type of wood work, my husband has been carving for a couple of years. Mike made sure that we both knew what we were doing and was a constant source of knowledge. Highly recommend this day whether you are a complete beginner, have some experience it just want to give it a go. He also makes a pretty good cuppa too ☺️ And the day was even more complete by having the company of Jack, Mike’s lovely canine companion."

Nicola Joss reviewed: Beginners silver art clay with Hampshire School of Jewellery

"I did this class as a private lesson with Laura and had a fantastic time. Laura is a very knowledgable and patient teacher (which was great as I had a LOT of questions) and she makes the class really enjoyable. I will definitely be going back for more classes in the future and would not hesitate to recommend."

Hampshire School of Jewellery responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Nicola. I am so pleased you enjoyed your silver clay session and look forward to seeing you again :-) Hope you enjoy wearing your new creations. Laura"

Tracey Kinge reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Thank you all for such an inspiring day! My son had a fantastic day fully supported by you all in not just your valuable knowledge but for your understanding and time to explain your practice. From this, I had chatter all the way home about the skills my son had learned with such enthusiasm that I am now looking into college courses for him. Thank you so much for sharing your skills and being so welcoming. Tracey KInge"

Sam Nockolds reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"Theresa has the most beautiful studio and I had a marvellous day with her. I learned so much and got to really experiment with wheels, techniques and fibres. The day was just what I needed to really up my spinning game and I am reaping the rewards now I am back home working on my own wheel. Theresa was so patient with me while pushing me out of my comfort zone. I wanted to be able to spin lace weight yarn, and I did. The addition of a dog at my feet and a curious cat visitor at lunchtime really were the cherry on top of a beautifully iced and delicious cake. I hope to return again."

The Spinning Barn responded:

"Thank you so much for such a wonderful review Sam. I can't tell you how happy that makes me. It was such a pleasure to help you and I shall look forward to seeing all your progress. Ted, Possum and I would love to welcome you back for more spinning and cake! Theresa"

Jane Tattersall reviewed: Glass painting taster day

"The glass painting course I attended on Saturday was fantastic. Your tuition, split into two sections was easy to follow, everything was explained thoroughly and all questions answered throughout the day. It was an extremely enjoyable experience in your beautiful well equipped studio. I'm now very eager to use glass painting on my work. Thank you. Jane"

Derek Hunt Artist responded:

"So pleased you enjoyed the course Jane, it was a pleasure to paint with you!"

Kate Rieger reviewed: Glass painting taster day

"I had a relaxing and enlightening time on the one day glass painting course. The course content was well designed , and the facilities and resources were excellent. I enjoyed spending time in Derek's beautiful and inspirational studio. He is a great teacher who is very generous with his expertise and knowledge. Derek has demystified glass painting for me and I am excited to try more at home. Kate Rieger."

Derek Hunt Artist responded:

"Delighted you enjoyed the course ! Good luck with your glass painting journey Kate ?"

Rachel reviewed: Willow Plant Supports for your Garden FULL

"This was my first time at a craft course event, a workshop and at trying willow weaving but I was not disappointed! From the moment I stepped through the door I was made to feel welcome and at ease in the work area. Sue explained every step of the process, demonstrating at the start of each process. I was then able to work at my own pace with constant reassurance and regular input from Sue. A lovely experience and environment to work in, I will be booking again!"

Tricia Gillespie reviewed: Creative coil pots - Introduction

"Molly is an excellent tutor. She is attentive and patient, encouraging learners to 'have a go' and do things for themselves - so that they can learn by 'doing' - rather than stepping in and taking over. She gives very clear instructions, which make this much easier to do, and we have good fun too!...essential! x"

Molly Brown's Emporium responded:

"So glad you felt you could leran at your own pace. Many thanks for your kind words and lovely review."

Andrew Browning reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Just the most amazing day I went in and was given a very informative relaxed chat on all things forge, a piece of steel welded to a rebar by the end of the day went home with a proper finished knife that I am very proud off. Graham is a very easy going very skilful chap and hope to go back to learn some more from him sometime."

Harold Chrystal reviewed: Contemporary Furniture Refinishing & Upcycling with Woodcare - 2 Day Workshop

"Delighted and now inspired to do more. I very much enjoyed the 2 day course with Ollie and it was defintely wortwhile. With Ollie's guidance and very helpful instruction I now have a restored mid-century Ercol dining chair, that would otherwise have been left to languish in my garage, neglected and unloved, for years to come. I now feel confident about restoring the rest of the set, and highly recommend taking a furniture restoration course with Ollie."

Gavin Johnson reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Fantastic day! Such an amazing experience and delicious food! Thank you."

Dawn reviewed: Mosaic Summer/Autumn School (5 days) in the Peak District

"My husband and I went to the one-day course last week (June 2021) as our 2019 Christmas present from our children. It was worth the wait and delays. The location is beautiful and immediately makes you feel welcome and relaxed. Alison and Peter are a joy to meet and so accommodating. Peter took our course and was knowledgeable, approachable and so friendly. We were excited to be learning a new craft and were not disappointed with the whole process. Our mosaic actually looks like a mosaic (with some issues as beginners) but definitely a mosaic! It was so lovely to bring home our creation and be able to share it with our children. We cannot thank Peter and Alison enough for the whole day and the welcome. We now have a little knowledge about mosaic making and are hoping to do more at home. I have already bought the tools and cannot wait!"

Simone reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Warrington, Cheshire

"Educational and fun course is such beautiful settings. Thanks so much Jo for a really good day....I love my foot stool!!!"

The Boho Shed responded:

"I'm so pleased you enjoyed the day Simone. Your footstool is gorgeous!"

Rita Miles reviewed: 1 to 1 - Unraveling your Sewing Machine

"When I got my new sewing machine with its fancy gadets I was completely overwhelmed. Molly was a great tutor and took me through each of its functions and attatchments not moving on to the next one until I was happy and confident. Thank you Molly without your help and guidence it probably would have stayed in the box unused and unloved."

Molly Brown's Emporium responded:

"It is wonderful to know you and your sewing machine are now firm friends. Many thanks for your feedback."

Mr Neil Bradshaw reviewed: Creative coil pots - Introduction

"Really enjoyed my session, despite being "less than competent" Molly was a brilliant teacher and I was very happy with my pot."

Molly Brown's Emporium responded:

"It is good to hear you were happy with your pot Neil, many thanks for your review."

Kerry Davis reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"Fantastic Christmas gift, I was very much a beginner in this field, I spent one day learning with Ollie and can’t wait to go back and learn more. It was great fun, very informative and I felt like I could go home and achieve similar results. My mahogany box is beautiful and feels like silk! I can’t stop looking at it!"

Carrie & chris James reviewed: Craft Workshop: Learn to make silver art clay jewellery in a day (beginner)

"We have just returned home having had a wonderful and informative workshop with Sally. Great efforts had been made to keep everyone Covid safe and the same attention to detail had been put into ensuring everyone got the most out of their time regardless of confidence or experience. The course allowed us to be creative with our own ideas rather than following a set piece so we all gained knowledge from each other. We highly recommend Sally as an Instructor and fully intend to be back soon for more!"

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank you - it was great to meet you both and I am really pleased you enjoyed your Workshop. Look forward to seeing you soon. Sally"

Gill Peacock reviewed: Glass fusing workshop - 1 day

"I enjoyed a lovely day with Jill at the fired glass workshop. Jill's studio is very well equipped and her knowledge of glass is encyclopedic. I was interested to see how glass behaves in a workshop and Jill was very kind and patient as I fumbled around trying to fit a minute bee's head onto its body! I was given a lovely lunch in a convivial atmosphere. I would thoroughly recommend the day."

Fired Glass responded:

"Thank you Gill for your review, we are delighted that you enjoyed your day with us. Your bee hives look divine on your piece and well worth the time and effort you put into them. Thanks for recommending us that means a lot to us. Regards John and Jill"

Dominic reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"What a brilliant experience ! Graham and his wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm made for a really interesting and productive day. From a complete beginner to coming away with a lovely knife at the end of the day was fantastic. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a hands on and creative day in a forge/metal workshop. Thanks you."

Caroline reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"Fantastic course in every way!! The course was well structured and beautifully resourced, Adela is hugely knowledgable and enthusiastic, she assisted but never took over and there was so much freedom with design too. Highly recommend"

Victoria Hayns reviewed: Jewellery - carve a ring in wax, cast it and hey presto your own ring in sterling silver!

"Wonderfully thought out day course. Perfect for a beginner but one which really helps you hone your skill at crafting a one of a kind piece. Really pleased with the level of teaching Sue was able to offer me in a relaxed and friendly environment. Delighted with the finished product; piece of jewellery I'm really going to treasure. Highly recommend booking one of Sue's courses, whether you're planning on attending solo or with a group of friends. Will definitely look to book again!"

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Thank you Victoria, that is a lovely ring you made, well done! Hope to see you again soon. Best wishes, Sue"