Latest reviews

Michelle Mills reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day with Jo and her gorgeous pup Blossom. The course was perfect and answered everything I needed to know about getting started in the candle industry. The setting was beautiful, easy to find, with plenty of parking and a very smiley Jo ready to greet you with a warm welcome. I left the course feeling excited to start making my own candles with the knowledge and advice Jo had shared. I would highly recommend this course for anyone interested in setting up their own candle making business or just for pleasure."

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thank you so much Michelle. Wishing you the best of luck with your venture! x"

stefan trebacz reviewed: Custom Leather Working Course

"I had a superb day with Nigel. He helped to improve my skills at every step in the way the ubiquitous veteran pilot talks down the rookie in the seat of the Jumbo Jet to a perfect landing. Nigel's style is relaxed yet he imparts so much knowledge and information in the day that you are just eager to get home to put it all into practice. The workshop setting and facilities are really good, endless coffee (or tea) humour, skills and patience. I came away not only better armed and less likely to damage myself or my tools but with a better knowledge of the best leather to use for distinct projects and a lot of encouragement to experiment. I will definitiely be back and thoroughly recommend the course to anyone wanting to improve and broaden their knowledge in leatherworking."

Neil reviewed: 'Watercolour Christmas cards' interactive online Art course with live tuition.

"I have attended Raya's online live tuition Watercolour Course and I have enjoyed every moment of jokes and laughs with the online Zoom. Raya is an amazing teacher and she has encouraged and supported me every week to become confident using watercolours and finding my inner artist. I have produced some experimental watercolours following Raya's clear online demonstrations and learnt different watercolour techniques and styles of work. Online tuition allows me to interact with different people in my own home without having to drive and rush around to get to Raya's workshop during peak traffic times. I would like to say thanks to Raya and I would recommend this course to anyone."

Christopher Doherty reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day at Leeds, West Yorkshire

"I would highly recommend a day with Jacek!! My wife bought a day long experience here for my 40th birthday and I too much fun to put in writing. Having watched many YouTube videos and Forged in Fire, I was really excited to get stuck in and that’s exactly what I did! Jacek was a fantastic teacher and Monika was the perfect host for my day at the forge.. plus I made a knife that will not leave my side!! Thanks for all your knowledge ??"

Jorgen Craft responded:

"Thank you very much for your feedback. We are glad you have enjoyed the class with is. Chris was a very good student with good manual skills. Thank you for choosing Jorgen Craft. :)"

Maria Sheridan reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Beginners glass fusing workshops in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"The Beginners Glass Fusion course is delightful! What a lovely way to spend a day. Melanie is a fab tutor and her enthusiam for the craft she teaches is very evident. After Melanie went through the materials and processes, we couldn't wait to get started. The class was very small, just the three of us due to Covid restrictions and every care was taken to ensure that we were safe. Melanie's studio is full of inspiration, I wanted to have a go at making everything I saw but of course I couldn't and which is why I'll be booking another workshop. The day passed by far too quickly, but by the end of it I had completed a star, a coaster, a slump dish and two pieces of jewellery. Don't hesitate in booking this workshop if you have an interest in glass fusion, it's great fun and you won't be disappointed."

Nicola reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Had a very pleasant day learning to make candles with Jo. She covered the required labelling and answered all of our questions about starting a candle business. Her workshop is easy to find, in a lovely setting and with plenty of parking. This is a great course to get you started if you're thinking about making candles to sell. Came home with a lovely bag of goodies that smell fantastic. Thanks Jo! x"

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thanks Nicola, glad you enjoyed yourself and wishing you the best of luck! x"

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

"My measure of any good training course is that you feel inspire to put in practice what you have learnt. I have. I've purchased an anvil and micro forge and started on honing my skills. Over the day course Jake paced the work so that I completed more than I thought I was capable of achieving. It's quite a skill to master the movement of steel over the anvil whilst hammering but the results are wonderful. 3 objects completed; Poker, wall hook and bottle opener. Family and friends are wow'd by the results so they can't be to bad. Thanks Jake for your patience, advice and having a laugh."

Alastair reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 2 (beginner) - Surrey

"I have just completed the Fundamentals of Woodworking 2 course which I have thoroughly enjoyed. I have dabbled a bit over many years without really knowing what I was doing! I have a keen interest and thought it was about time that I did something about learning "how to do things properly", or getting back to basics. This, however is certainly not a basic course and the time spent with Aidan was really well spent. So much so that I am already booked on another course! It is suitable for beginners as well as more experienced woodworkers and Aidan is very attentive and makes sure that all attendees get the support that they need. i learned so much, not just techniques, but also care and setting up of tools, including how to sharpen properly. There is more to it than you might think! The overall course had a good atmosphere across all attendees, and I feel more confident in my skills going forward. It is a good feeling to have created something myself and I am proud of my achievements. Looking forward to the next course. Thanks Aidan."

Nathan reviewed: TIG welding day

"Natalie was an excellent teacher. She made you feel comfortable and at easy with welding. It can be a daunting course if not done before, but she always made you at ease and answered any questions you had. Totally recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn Welding."

Chris Lambert reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 2 (beginner) - Surrey

"So glad I did this course as I learnt so much. What looked so simple at the start became quite the feat of engineering and precision for me. I have a lovely oak picture frame to show for it that I shall bore everyone who sees it how it was lovingly handcrafted with sweat and tears."

Helen Vine reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"What a great course to do if you're interested in candle making. I did this yesterday (21/7). Beautiful setting wonderfully friendly Jo and her gorgeous pooch Blossom. Learnt a lot and gave me so much to think about which I hadn't before in regards to legislation and wicks etc and also on top of that left with some great goodies in candles and melts we made that day. Relaxed and very friendly atmosphere. Highly recommended.. 5*.. Thank you Jo xx"

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thank you so much Helen. Good luck with the next step of yiur journey xx"

Alex reviewed: 'Watercolour Christmas cards' interactive online Art course with live tuition.

"I very much enjoyed this course and I think its relaxed nature has helped me to develop my skills in watercolour painting. I must say that I much prefer classes via Zoom. I feel as though I get more out of them. I would much prefer classes over Zoom even without the pandemic. I think, Raya, you have developed a great teaching method using Zoom. As you heard in all of our classes, we all very much enjoy your online classes. So, I am hoping they will stay. I’d like another watercolour class. The 5 week stretch was nice, it gives us a bit of break in the middle, but I would be happy to join a 10 week class too. Thank you very much!"

Gary Dennis reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

"Attended a introduction to leather work course with Nigel, and had an informative fun day. Nigel’s knowledge is second to none, and he explains things in a way that’s both interesting and easy to understand. So much so that I am in the process of obtaining my own tools so that I can progress my learning further. Once I have practiced, I will definitely be looking to do another course with Nigel again."

Julia Swann reviewed: Pottery taster session

"Enjoyed a lovely afternoon learning some pottery basics. Great bit of creative time out for me, thanks Ceramic Studio!"

Kate reviewed: Weekend Stacking ring making workshop (morning) with Jess at Yardley Arts Northamptonshire

"My children took part in a 1:2 session making rings. They both thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Finn and Liv are very creative but lack confidence! They really didn’t think they would be very good.Beccy’s teaching skills put them both at ease and the end results were superb. Both very proud of the rings they produced. A great gift for someone, something a little bit different. Or treat yourself. Hoping to take part in another one of Beccy’s workshops soon."

Beccy Gillatt Jewellery responded:

"I had such a great time teaching Finn and Liv to make a set of stacking rings. I loved their interested in all the tools and techniques and Finn’s enthusiasm was inspiring. Lovely to teach children new skills."

Sue G reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 2 (beginner) - Surrey

"Having attended Fundamentals Part 1 last year I was keen to explore Fundamentals Part 2 and have just completed this 4 day course. It was a revelation. Before these courses I'd had no prior experience of wordworking at all but I'm practically minded. This course gave me the confidence to use tools like saws, planes, chisels and spoke shaves including setting up and sharpening. It made me think about the use of markings and having faith in them - using the measure twice (at least!) and cut once rule. While I'll never need to go on and create fine furniture - just having this knowledge will see me in good stead for any home project - such as the larch wood store I wish to build - although I doubt it will have the beautiful jointing I learned on this course. Aidan is an amazing teacher - everything has a meaning and a purpose and he explains at a level that you understand. He's interested in everyone and creates a relaxed but focused atmosphere. Without question I recommend this course and Aidan /AM Fine Furniture"

Leona reviewed: Stained glass taster day in Worcestershire

"I did the copper foiling course led by Vicky and Vic. I had a fabulous day, making a feather and a heart to hang in the garden ( yes they are garden proof!). I learnt loads, met friends old and new, and had so many laughs. Vicky and Vic were sooooo helpful at showing us what to do, but importantly doing most of it ourselves. We were offered endless drinks and a delicious hot and cold lunch in the Orangery, where we chatted and it was really sociable. There was a generous amount of glass to choose from some were beautifully iridescent. I would wholeheartedly recommend this course to people who are used to working with glass or beginners... there is so much help on hand. I’m looking forward to doing more copper foiling work. Thank you to both Vicky and Vic"

Kingcot Gallery responded:

"Hi Leona, thank you for this and good to hear that you enjoyed the day. The feather will certainly look lovely in your garden and hopefully we'll see you again so you can do a companion piece. Thanks Vicky"

Maggie reviewed: Shimmer & Sparkle: polymer clay jewellery making

"Thank you Jo, a very enjoyable day. It was my first Foray after the Covid 19 lockdown and I was a little concerned about meeting others in a room but I have to say you had that room organised perfectly with plenty of sanitiser and other precautions. I felt very safe. You were an excellent teacher explaining each stage of the process so clearly. There was a vast selection of materials and colours to choose from and supported help when needed. I came away with a lovely necklace, more confidence to mix with others and eager to come again to the studio."

Jo Hunter Wearable Art responded:

"Hi Maggie, thank you for your feedback - I'm glad you felt safe and enjoyed your day. Thank you for coming, it was a pleasure to meet you. Jo"

Tim Wills reviewed: Woodworking - Workshop/Taster Day - Wall Clock

"My wife bought this course for me as a gift, to make a clock for our narrowboat. It was a brilliant course and I had a great day! The course numbers were reduced to meet the social distance guidelines and it worked well. The skills needed to make the clock were well taught and I had a thoroughly enjoyable day and happily left at the end of true day with my lovely clock! I would recommend Steve’s courses to anyone, he is a great teacher."

Dovetail Woodworking responded:

"Hi Tim, thanks for your feedback and glad to hear you enjoyed your day at Dovetail Woodworking. Steve."

Tumaini reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"Absolutely loved the leather accessories workshop. Kingsley you are truly inspiring. Thank you for all the little gems of knowledge."

Jessica reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Thank you so much Jo - had a lovely time on the candle making course. I learnt everything from the legislation required, to wick and wax recommendations - the course flew by and Jo was so lovely. Had lots of lovely goodies to bring home and would highly recommend to anyone - thank you so much Jo! X"

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thank you Jess. Was lovely to meet you (and your mum!) x"

June Marshal reviewed: Learn to Love your Sewing Machine

"We've had a wonderful day with Jennifer on this course. I learned so much and have come away full of enthusiasm and confidence to have a go at some projects. And the cake was wonderful - we'll be back, thank you!"

Charli & Aymeric reviewed: Make your own wedding rings - Bristol

"My partner and I had a fantastic day with Lucy when making our wedding rings this February. Lucy was patient and guided us through the process, helping to relief our anxieties as we went. Sadly, our wedding was cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic. But we feel so lucky to have had this experience before our wedding plans came to a halt. We had asked for our rings to be engraved with the date of our April 2020 wedding. When it was confirmed that our wedding wouldn’t be going ahead Lucy went the extra mile to try and intervene and stop the engraving. We were so relieved when she informed us she’d stopped them in time. We really appreciate her efforts, as having the original date would have made a difficult situation that little more painful. Although we haven’t been able to get married yet, we are very grateful for the positive and lasting memories we have of this day before lockdown. We found the process very interesting and I would highly recommend this workshop. Thank you so much Lucy."

Clare reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"I would highly recommend this course with Jo. Jo is super friendly, very experienced and generously transparent with her advice. I learnt technical aspects, legal requirements and lots of invaluable tips from Jo's experience of candle making and running a business. The setting in Suffolk is lovely. On top of all of that I came away with a bag full of goodies I had made on the day. A really relaxed and informative day - thank you Jo:-)"

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thank you so much! Look forward to seeing your onward journey! x"

Evie reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"I would highly recommend this course. Jo was very helpful and an excellent teacher. We made a variety of lovely scented candles and melts which we got to take home in a beautiful goody bag. I really enjoyed my day and would recommend this course as you gain experience . Also Jo was happy to answer questions and give general tips . Also the venue is beautiful."