Latest reviews

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

"I organised the day as a present for my husband’s birthday. His comments are below: “It’s always rewarding to make something from scratch and to come away with a memento of the day and a functional tool is a bonus. The course didn’t dwell on the theoretical but led quickly on to the practical. So, it was very much ‘hands on’. It involved several aspects through forging and forming and was, at times, fairly physical. Instruction was excellent, facilities good and friendly help constantly to hand. The ‘Smithy’ is a bit remote but accessible. Ludlow Is a close by place to stay if coming a long distance. Overall, I’d recommend this as an enjoyable and an unusual experience.” For myself I found the day really enjoyable and very rewarding. It was better for being a shared experience. Thanks Jake for a great day!"

Karen Cunnington reviewed: Bring Your Own Upholstery Project - 1 day workshop - Week Days

"A very enjoyable upholstery Taster Day with Sarah, she is a knowledgeable and patient teacher. I had an introduction into reupholstering an overstuffed chair in the traditional method. Sarah explained the processes very clearly and provided sanitised equipment along with mask and gloves. We each had our own designated work area to allow social distancing. I felt confident and secure with the way Sarah managed our welfare regarding Covid thoughout the day. Sarah has given me the confidence to have a go at continuing this project at home, although I'm sure I'll be needing more expert tuition along the way. Highly recommended. Thank you Sarah."

Cheryl Bowden reviewed: Sea glass silver jewellery making workshop at Yardley Arts in Northamptonshire

"I had a lovely time on this course along with my friends, it was great to have the opportunity to sit and make something together and learn a new skill. Beccy is a brilliant teacher, very patient. Beccy demonstrates the process step by step along the way, stoping at each stage for us to complete that step before moving on to the next, giving clear instructions and helping us when we needed it. She is very approachable and provided a relaxed environment. At the end of the course I learnt a new skill that I can’t wait to use again and we came away with a lovely finished piece of jewellery which I just love wearing and that my friends and family comment on, and also a memory of great day shared with the friends that came along on the course with me. I enjoyed it so much I signed up for the resin workshop and will definitely be signing up for more ?"

Jennifer Slater reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"Enjoyed a wonderful day at the giant seed pod willow workshop. Rachel and Mike are lovely welcoming hosts who make you feel immediately relaxed and what a stunning location! Phil Bradley is a brilliant and talented teacher and I am delighted with the results of my work. The facilities are excellent and homemade food delicious. I can't wait to go back again!"

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

"We had a great time on this workshop and produced lovely stacking rings. I had bought two places for a present. I have never done a jewellery class before but Beccy is an excellent tutor, giving simple instructions and demonstrations that gave me confidence. Very good value for money and a lovely way to spend the evening learning new skills and producing stacking rings that I’m proud to wear every day."

Jim reviewed: Woodworking - Workshop/Taster Day - Coat Rack

"A fantastic day was had making the coat rack. Tuition was spot on and the end product was great. Steve is a very knowledgeable tutor and spent the time passing this on. I can’t recommend the course and the company enough."

Dovetail Woodworking responded:

"Hi Jim, thanks very much for your rsponse, it's good to know you enjoyed the Workshop. Steve."

Stephanie Donnelly reviewed: Sea glass silver jewellery making workshop at Yardley Arts in Northamptonshire

"I attended a seaglass jewellery making evening with Beccy in July. Due to coronavirus, Beccy had had to change the normal set-up to accommodate for distancing and single-user tools, and I felt very safe throughout. I had brought my own seaglass and pottery, but the pieces Beccy had brought for us to use were beautiful. She talked us through each step at a level that was understandable, and made a necklace along with us. This made it so much easier to visualise each step we had to take, and video of her making along with us was projected onto a screen behind her so we could see without getting close-up. Beccy was able to come round and help us with anything we were uncertain of, and I always felt she was approachable and supportive of our efforts, with clear instruction where needed. The necklace turned out beautifully and I now have a wonderful piece of jewellery that I will treasure. I've already signed up to another course and intend to do more in the future. It was excellent value for 3.5 hours of teaching, plus all the materials required. I felt that I had truly learned a new skill, albeit at a novice level! I was surprised that we could all make such beautiful pieces without previous experience, which is testament to Beccy's teaching."

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

"Beccy is an excellent tutor and I absolutely loved this class. Social distancing was great and I felt comfortable in the classroom, with all of the measures in place. I was most impressed at how I ended up with perfectly round rings with no solder marks in my first ever class. I was not expecting to create something that I'd have chosen in a shop. Looking forward to talking more jewellery courses with Beccy."

Chris Organ reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Great day. Never done forge metalworking before but Spike explained and demonstrated every process clearly and then supported me through making my own knife, which I now have to keep."

Sue reviewed: Candle making with afternoon tea

"Excellent Course! We attended as a small family group and had a great day; informative productive and fun. Tracy is a very experienced instructor with a professional but relaxed approach to put all participants at ease, regardless of their experience and levels of confidence. We learned so much and had some fabulous products to take away with us. Plus a very good afternoon tea. We would all fully recommend this course and will be looking out for future workshops with Tracy."

Linda Mages reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"A last minute booking and had never worked with willow in any shape or form. I can hardly believe that I finished the day with an amazing giant seed pod and 3 giant rushes for my garden. Absolutely delighted and my friends barely believe that I made them! This was a fabulous day...wonderful hosts in Rach and Mike, an excellent patient tutor in Phil, scrumptious homemade food, a very safe carefully thought through covid environment, spotless spacious facilities, breathtaking location. Many thanks Linda ?"

Ian Mellor reviewed: Woodworking - Workshop/Taster Day - Wall Clock

"A really enjoyable day with Steve at Dovetail Woodworking The course was very informative, relaxed and it was good to learn various woodworking skills to make an excellent clock. I’d recommend this course to anyone looking for great gift experience."

Dovetail Woodworking responded:

"Hi Ian, Thanks very much for the review and recommendation, it's much appreciated. Steve"

Fiona Ibberson reviewed: Silver jewellery making course

"I bought this course as a 16th birthday treat for my daughter and we loved it. Unfortunately the first date had to be cancelled because of lockdown but Karen contacted us and offered alternative dates as soon as she was able. The studio was well set up to provide distancing measures. Both my daughter and I came away really pleased with what we managed to achieve with Karen's help. Karen was really friendly, patient and explained well what we needed to do. I would highly recommend the course"

Sue reviewed: Embroidery for beginners

"Thank you so much for yesterday, I enjoyed it so much, both the techniques and the excellent tuition and company. Sue"

Jamie Robinson reviewed: Metalwork Craft weekend with The Iron Lady - Bradwell Blacksmiths

"Awesome course, covered all the key metalwork skills in a really short time. There is so much to learn and the course gives you the opportunity to explore where you want to go and go for it. Natalie is a really natural instructor. Shows you the core steps and then observes your broader skill level to see where you need help, but if you don't need it, she lets you crack on until you do need it. Not only did I come away with my first ever metal sculpture but have the confidence to crack on at home with my kit car build with a solid of skills to employ. Thanks again Natalie."

Rebecca reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"I had such an enjoyable day attending this course. It was incredibly interesting and very informative. There was so much I had to learn and Kerry had kindly provided me with everything I needed to take away on the day to re-look at at a later stage. She also offers help and emails after the class ends so you don't feel like you have been overwhelmed and then left to go solo. I can now say I am very confident in starting my own business and thanks to this course I can hit the ground running! Would highly recommend :)"

Thomas Andrews reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Really good fun! I’d done some woodturning before, but it was really good to get some proper instruction on the matter. Both Simon and Louise were very friendly and made the entire day a real pleasure. I would definitely recommend this course to both newcomers and those with some experience as well."

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

"Hi Thomas, We're so glad you enjoyed the workshop, and it was lovely meeting you. Pleased you learnt something from the day, despite already having woodturning experience :-)."

john reviewed: ‘Sunset in wool painting' interactive online course with live tuition

"I had such a laugh with the people attending the workshop and the time passed so quickly that it was a fantastic day. I have never used Zoom online before and with Raya's support I was able to navigate the functions of Zoom. My wife loves poppy fields and I decided to create this fibre picture for our anniversary. I have made a wool picture that my wife couldn't believe the beautiful colours, and how the picture was formed and fixed into a frame. My wife likes the picture very much. I am proud of what I have achieved at Raya's interactive workshop with live tuition and I would recommend this course to anyone."

Magic Wool Art and Craft Studio responded:

"Dear John, Thank you for your comment. I am so glad that you enjoyed your online art course with live tuition. It is great that your wife likes your work and I hope it made your anniversary very special. I hope to hear from you soon and you are welcome to attend more online art and craft classes. Raya"

Ed Caine reviewed: Woodworking - Workshop/Taster Day - Wall Clock

"Half day woodwork Course An excellent experience. Steve was very friendly and helped us produce a very nice piece of work, in this case, a small wall clock. I feel I learnt a great many things, which will be very useful on future woodwork projects."

Dovetail Woodworking responded:

"Hi Ed, so pleased to hear you found the 'workshop' both helpful and enjoyable. Steve"

Andy Wenlock reviewed: Individual 'Bushcraft blade in a day' course in Shropshire

"We did a one day knife making course: Jake was great, extremely knowledgeable and talented and a great teacher. Jake adapted the course to better suit our needs without any complaint or hesitation. I would highly recommend this course or the blacksmiths course to anyone who is interested. The work shop is well equipped and in a beautiful location. 5 stars"

Cory Cunningham reviewed: Creative metalwork and welding, scrap metal sculpture.

"What a great day I had today with the WTF peeps. Clever, helpful & they know their stuff! Looking forward to booking another day workshop & will recommend to everyone I know. Thank you Felix & Annie"

WTF Workshops responded:

"We also enjoyed the day a lot! Your piece is totally stunning, and we loved your steady and open minded approach to the work. It would be lovely to see you again! :) P.S. I hope your walls are strong enough for it to hang!"

James Sturgess reviewed: Woodworking - Workshop/Taster Day - Coat Rack

"A thoroughly enjoyable day. The 'taster' course is just that - a taster for working with wood with a finished product to take home. There is no technical data or knowledge of tools to be understood (unless you ask) - it is a day making a useful item out of wood. Steve takes you through the steps to produce the finished article in a clear and simple manner. I would recommend the day to anyone who wishes to find out if they could have an interest in working with wood as I am sure the answer would be 'yes' at the end of the course."

Dovetail Woodworking responded:

"Hi Jim, thanks for the review, so glad you had an enjoyable day. Steve"

Lou reviewed: Taster pottery throwing lesson (various dates)

"We absolutely loved our taster course and found Jack to be an interesting and patient instructor. He clearly has a passion for what he does which translates to the experience he provides."

Yvonne reviewed: Sourdough workshop

"Super bread course from start to finish. Helen was welcoming and warm and provided us with fantastic instruction. A good balance of practical and theory. The setting is beautiful, lunch was delicious and coffee breaks were just right. I took home 4 delicious loaves that I made during the day. Crucially, I have started making sourdough bread at home, which is very edible! I learned lots. I would highly recommend this course."

White Cottage Baking School responded:

"Such a pleasure, Yvonne, to welcome you to White Cottage. We were lucky to be blessed with good weather to enjoy the cottage garden at lunch and break times! And so pleased to hear you're baking at home already! Just wonderful! Thank you for your kind words, Helen."

Susie Reeves reviewed: Private or private group silver jewellery making / silversmithing workshop half-day at Silver Designed Personally

"A wonderful way to spend a creative afternoon, in tranquil surroundings. Sara’s workshops were lovely, very professional with excellent range of tool and equipment. My daughter made an amazing neck cuff and I, with a great deal of help, thank you Sara, made a pendant. Sara was endlessly patient and helpful and very generous with both her time and sharing her knowledge, and answering any questions, plus she had the sweetest maddest dog that did a wonderful seal impression! We have both come home with unique pieces of jewellery and would love to go back again. We thoroughly recommend this course."

Silver Designed Personally responded:

"Susie, thank you so much for your thoughtful review ...... I am so pleased that you both enjoyed your time as that is one of the most important things for me. The extra time was well worth it to see your finished results :-). if you come back we can try some other techniques so you can try something else. Sara (and a lick from Misty)!!"