Latest reviews

Howard France reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Sorry for the delay in sending this review, I am not good at doing reviews as they usual sound naff if they're good. I came on the day out at the end of October after receiving it as a birthday present, I had bought a lathe in June this year and try to get to grips with it, making a lot of mistakes and with all the catches started to get anxious when using it. Did make a few things but wasn't very happy with finished item. So came to see Simon and we started at the very beginning with the basics, went through everything tools, sharpening, how to stand, and most important how to use the chisels the correct way! Well worth it, if I was paying for myself I might have had second thoughts, but I would have been wrong, definitely one to one tuition was ideal for me. I can now go to the lathe and with confidence start turning. Recommended Thank you, Howard"

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Howard, Thank you for such a considered and honest review ?. I'm glad you found it useful and that the course gave you confidence and encouraged you to pursue the craft. All the best and happy turning! Simon"

Gail Budd reviewed: Pastel Landscapes for Improvers

"I am currently following this intermediate course and am really enjoying it. The modules are challenging but you can take your time and send your work to Annabel for feedback at any time. Already I have learned so much about how to use pastels that I am eager to carry on. I would highly recommend this course."

Pastel Tuition by Annabel Greenhalgh responded:

"Thank you Gail, you are doing so well and its always wonderful to hear that students are enjoying the course. I spend a lot of time planning the modules and exercises and its great to hear that the feedback is helpful. Thank you, Annabel xx"

Gail Buss reviewed: Pastel Landscapes for Beginners

"I thoroughly enjoyed the course on Pastels by Annabel. The modules are easy to follow and Annabel gives you very useful and helpful feedback. It was a pleasure and joy to have discovered this course."

Pastel Tuition by Annabel Greenhalgh responded:

"Thank you so much for leaving this lovely review Gail. I am so glad you found the instructions easy to follow and delighted that you are now enjoying the intermediate course also. I am really enjoying working with you and seeing your work develop. Thank you, Annabel xx"

Sue reviewed: Pastel Landscapes for Beginners

"I spent years looking for a course like this. All the exercises are easy to follow and so enjoyable, plus, you can send each finished piece for a personal assessment by Annabel. She will help you with anything you are finding difficult. By the time I finished the six modules my artwork had improved immensely and I was selling at local exhibitions. It is ok to have every book ever published on pastel painting but it's certainly no substitute for a personal tutor!"

Pastel Tuition by Annabel Greenhalgh responded:

"Thank you so much for leaving this lovely review Sue and well done on your sales, I'm delighted for you and really enjoyed working with you. It is so very rewarding to see student's work and confidence develop, you have done so very well. Any time you want some work assessing, please let me know. All the very best, Annabel xx"

Mairi Mayfield reviewed: Learn to weave with Janet Renouf-Miller

"I have just started this course and am thoroughly enjoying it! The instruction videos are great and very clear and you get loads of additional information in the form of PDFs. It's a really lovely course if you're new to weaving and want to give it a go. Communication from Janet has also been great throughout and I've received very speedy responses to any queries! Excellent value"

Create With Fibre responded:

"Thanks for your kind comments hope you enjoy the rest of the course"

Victoria reviewed: Rings and Things - Soldering for beginners at Simply Amazing Jewellery School

"A fabulous day in which I learnt so much and amazed myself by the super copper and silver rings I made. It was all done in a super safe environment with all the health and safety rules followed. Viv was an extremely knowledgeable, encouraging, enthusiastic, creative and inspiring teacher and I’ve come away wanting to do and learn more silversmithing which is just what you want from a good craft course."

Simply Amazing Jewellery School responded:

"Wow! That was amazing! Thank you so much! I feel really proud about my achievements which is not what this is supposed to be about! I love my job and this is the reason - you, and others like you, make my day with your input, your determination and your achievements. You were complete beginners, like most of the people who attend my workshops, you take the opportunity and run with it, finding solutions to the difficulties you share and helping each other to success. Faith restored."

Kim McAree reviewed: Rings and Things - Soldering for beginners at Simply Amazing Jewellery School

"Really enjoyabke day.Viv was a great teacher and allowed us to gain confidence and provided help whenever needed. Viv made great efforts to ensure all the covid guidence was in place. It was great fun, give it a try , you will love it ."

Simply Amazing Jewellery School responded:

"Thank you for this lovely review, it means a lot to me - I am so pleased you enjoyed the day - you worked hard and made delightful rings you can wear with pride for many years to come x"

Mike reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"Had a great day on the "have a bash" blacksmithing. As a beginner Jake walk me through everything first before let me have a go only giving pointer as and when needed, & he defiantly tailors the course to your skill level, and a good laugh to be had between smashing at the iron. Also its great to have something to take back to show form your efforts. I would defiantly recommend that anyone gives it a go."

Tony reviewed: Rings and Things - Soldering for beginners at Simply Amazing Jewellery School

"This was such an enjoyable and informative course! The atmosphere was professional and safe, with plenty of room to watch demonstrations, learn and practice the techniques. The day was long enough to grow in confidence in order to express some personal creativity through the various methods of taking raw materials and turning them into wearable and polished rings. I managed to make some out of copper to practice using my finger measurements, then about four in silver I’d happily give as gifts. Just make sure to sneakily get everyone else’s finger sizes!"

Simply Amazing Jewellery School responded:

"Thank you for this very thoughtful response, I am aware the first half of the workshop is a huge learning curve and worry there won't be enough time to just enjoy; but to see complete beginners achieve so much, is extremely gratifying, I am not surprised you are proud of yourself. Loved your last comment - I should make it a booking condition! The chart is brilliant - I'll be using it from now on, thank you x"

Mike Rust reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - 2 Day Beginners/Intermediate Workshop

"Very enjoyable two days in the Cotswolds! I arrived with a really old, well used, badly treated side table, and left with a lovely piece of furniture, restored and French polished by myself - a new skill I intend to make full use of in future. Great learning experience delivered by Ollie who has a knack of explaining quite complicated "stuff" in a way I could quickly understand. Looking forward to my next restoration project with OP Woodcraft!"

Pat Dew reviewed: Mini Felt Floral Wreath Kit

"I bought the mini wreath kit as a gift for my sister. Normally we would be getting together so this year I wanted to give her something really special to show I was thinking about her and how she loves to decorate her home for the Christmas festival. She is thrilled with it! The perfect present, very nicely presented and at a very affordable price. Brilliant Thanks"

Crafting with Lyndsey responded:

"Thanks so much for your lovely feedback Pat. I am so pleased you both liked the kits. I hope you enjoy making them and have a lovely Christmas. Best wishes Lyndsey"

Tom Dixon reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"I really enjoyed myself on this course, it was everything I had expected and more. David and Mike were great teachers and demonstrators, always on hand to answer a question or to demonstrate a technique or give advice on the evolving spoon design. The day was informal but well run. Safety was a high priority given the sharp tools being used. There was plenty of opportunity to try out a variety of tools to help with deciding what you will want to buy afterwards when you get hooked in to spoon carving I have asked Santa for a set of spoon knives for Christmas so hopefully I will be able to pursue my new found interest, I just need to listen out for any chain saws so that I can go and get some freshly cut wood to practice on. Highly recommended!"

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Tom, thanks so much for this positive feedback. It was an absolute pleasure to tutor you and your fellow spoon carvers on Saturday and I’m so pleased we could spend much of the day outdoors. You’ll need a second mortgage for some of Mike’s axe recommendations, but they are beautiful heirloom tools made by very talented makers! I do hope Santa isn’t grounded by covid and brings you some nice sharp things to play with in the months ahead. Do stay in touch and let me know if you need a supply of green wood- I’m sure we can help! All best David"

Pauline reviewed: 2020 Crochet Advent Calendar

"I’ve actually stopped opening my calendar after getting a tea bag in an envelope. As the calendar cost £75 I was expecting something way better. Very disappointed."

Forest and Dot responded:

"I’m soo sorry you are disappointed with your calendar. The calendar is made by two small businesses souly by hand. A lot of time was spent producing the whole calendar from start to finish and everything was made by just two people. It’s not mass produced and made by hand. The calendar was listed and described accurately. The theme was a Scandinavian Christmas and the envelopes are in fitting with the theme of this. I’m soo sorry for your disappointment, I’m more than happy to discus this further and resolved if you get in touch :)"

Rupert Laslett reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"A great introduction course led by Richard, who is very thorough and talked through every single step in making the best resin pour. I feel very confident in doing this myself now. Thanks!"

The River Shop responded:

"Thanks for your feedback Rupert. Hope to see the results of your first solo project. Best wishes, Richard"

Upul Amarasinghe reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"I went into this class as an absolute beginner. Richard is a great instructor. He explained the even the silliest questions with patience and with a smile :) Thank you Richard for the fantastic class. I’m now more confident to try a resin project on my own."

The River Shop responded:

"I don’t remember any silly questions! Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for your feedback. Hope to see the results of your first solo project! Richard"

Gareth Evans reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"Wasn't quite sure what to expect, both in relation to the course content and especially with all the Covid restrictions etc in place. However, what a pleasant surprise. I had an enjoyable informative day and all necessary precautions both workshop H&S and Covid related were in place. The course was not prescriptive and once the basics were covered then students could focus on what was of personal interest. I returned home at the end of the day with my creation, and am looking forward to undertaking both more stained glass making and having some more tuition from Matt."

Kay Clarke reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Fantastic evening. Learnt so much and so relaxing and enjoyable . Thank you Jo for a great workshop. And thank you Rosie Clarke for the perfect Christmas surprise . My house smells beautiful and have lovely presents to give ."

pat dew reviewed: Christmas Twist Beeswax Candle Making Kit.

"This kit was bought as a Christmas gift for a friend who I shall not be able to visit. It arrived very promptly and well packed and my friend is delighted - she tells me it smells gorgeous. She also felt it was a very thoughtful gift as she needs things to do during what may feel like a very quiet Christmas."

Rowhill Candles responded:

"Pat - good morning I was pleased to hear your friend was delighted with the kit and the end result also, thank you for the positive review, which is appreciated. Kind regards Brian - Rowhill Candles"

Celia Jardine-Smith reviewed: Spoon carving workshop with Fazey Woodcraft

"Had a great day, despite the rain! Such an absorbing (and potentially addictive) activity! Jack’s teaching was excellent."

Fazey Woodcraft responded:

"Thankyou! It certainly helped you all remaining in good spirits despite the damp! See you again."

Alexandria reviewed: Lumen Printing

"I had a really great time at the wreath making workshop. Emma provided plenty of natural materials to chose from and offered really helpful advise whilst still encouraging us to use our own creativity to make the wreaths. We will definitely be back in the future."

Mapp of London responded:

"Thank you Alex - look forward to seeing you all again soon!"

Brooke reviewed: Mosaic Craft Kit - Unicorn

"Bought as a Christmas present for my niece so can't comment on putting it together, but it looked fab in the box and was delivered really quickly."

Michael Gendi reviewed: Spoon carving workshop with Fazey Woodcraft

"Had a really good time, even though it was raining and cold, we sat under a gazebo and everything was good. Made a spoon. Talked about interesting stuff. Enjoyed the other people there. Very welcoming relaxed atmosphere. Jack is very engaging. Really glad I did this. Wasn't sure what to expect. It was very good. Michael"

Fazey Woodcraft responded:

"Thanks Michael, it was great to meet you both. Good luck in your woodworking adventures!"

Mark Thornton reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Had a really fantastic day with Graham! He is very knowledgeable, and an exceptionally good teacher who gives simple, easy to understand instruction in bite sized chunks to all students, both young... and not quite so young! Thanks also to Dave (co-owner) and Declan for their help too. Clarkes Knives are in a proper engineering workshop, with plenty of tools, spaced out with plenty of room to work. On a Covid front, masks on at all times, plenty of hand sanitiser available and distancing maintained. My 15yr old son made a knife, starting at the forge with hammer and anvil, working through grinding on Grahams custom belt grinders and ending by wrapping in a paracord handle. Also available a 2 day knife course with a wooden handle and a leather sheath AND a 2 day axe course, complete with making & fitting your own ash handle. Very highly recommended. We are definitely going back! This review also posted on Google"

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks Mark, We thoroughly enjoyed having you with us and we all look forward to seeing both of you again."

Andy J reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"This was my second day with Siobhan having been totally hooked the first time. Don’t underestimate what you can achieve in a day and learn the whole time with the encouragement of an artist that knows her subject inside out. Superb lunch and every measure taken during the day to minimise the COVID risk. I will be back again to keep learning in such a super environment."

Jenny M reviewed: Christmas felted Mistletoe sprig with Purr & Wag It, Tabletop Workshops

"Great afternoon doing something different. Very pleased with the end product. Heather kindly allowed us to organise as a mini work Christmas social event and it worked really well. Thanks Heather!"