Latest reviews

Helen reviewed: Private or private group silver jewellery making/silversmithing workshop day at Silver Designed Personally

"What a treat. I was a little nervous going on my own but had a fabulous day. Sara is really welcoming and the one to one tutoring is excellent. It’s harded than you think so it was great to learn new skills and make a unique piece of jewellery; when people admire it I can say I made it. Sara’s workshop and gardens are so pretty and relaxing and it was a pleasure to meet Misty the dog. I would really recommend this day out a real treat."

Alison reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery - Textures in Nature' with Jo Dix: a 'Quirky Workshop'

"I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the Silver Clay day on 8th June. Jo the tutor was excellent, offering the right amount of guidance and help throughout the day and I'm thrilled with the pendant I made. Also the food was brilliant and a wonderful addition to a great day. I would certainly recommend you to others and will look out for the new dates for maybe more silver clay....maybe a class for those who have already done one, or for the silver jewellery course. Thanking you"

Chris Griffiths reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Brilliant day! Well organised & Martin provided very clear instructions plus he was very encouraging. I would definitely recommend the course to others."

Jo B reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"Came with three friends for a 50th Birthday celebration, Charlie was very welcoming and friendly. We had a really great time and lots of fun. If your looking for a different gift for someone or looking for something different to do would highly recommend. Thank you Charlie ?"

Annie Corcoran reviewed: Weekend upholstery class in Tarland, Aberdeenshire

"A brilliant introduction to upholstery - Michelle is a fantastic teacher who makes learning a pleasure. She gives plenty of individual tuition, is amazingly patient and creates a lovely atmosphere for her students. Classes are small and students bring their own projects so not only do you learn techniques for your own piece but you learn from the work of others. I would highly recommend classes with Michelle - I have already booked my next weekend !"

Kenyon-Roberts Upholstery responded:

"Hi Annie, Thanks for your lovely review. It really was a great weekend, with amazing results achieved by all. Look forward to seeing you again next month."

Maggie Burrows reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Just wanted to say thank you so very much for making us feel so welcome at your lovely home on Thursday. Meriel and I had a fantastic day and we were so pleased with our bowls. As you know I was feeling very nervous but I really needn't have, because you were so good at explaining everything and very patient and supportive."

Claire Nisbet reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Kerry’s class was excellent. She was a warm, friendly host and the number in the class meant interaction with everyone. She made everyone feel very welcome in her home and was full of great tips and ideas. Highly recommended!"

Liza Fowler reviewed: Children's mosaic course

"My children really enjoyed this session. Learnt a lot of new skills. Rachel presented the session very well in a professional yet friendly manner. Would definitely recommend"

Rainey Community Creations responded:

"It was lovely to meet your children. The elephant was beautiful. Hope to see you on more courses."

Sally Mills reviewed: Advance needle felt animal - characterful mice

"I had a very enjoyable day making a felted hare with Maxine and Cath. Starting with a very friendly and informal welcome, we set about learning the basics of needle felting and began creating our own hares from the bundle of wool in front of us. Everything was explained and demonstrated very clearly and any questions were answered as they arose. I found the whole experience to be very relaxing and therapeutic and was super happy with the little creature that I took home! To anyone who is thinking of having a go at needle felting, this is the perfect workshop for beginners and I would highly recommend it. Thank you Maxine and Cath."

Reg reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Spent a great day yesterday with a superb teacher (Martin). The course managed to cater really well for a wide range of abilities and previous knowledge as well as experience of working with glass. Martin is clearly very skillful at his craft and is an excellent teacher. He paced the day well, demonstrating every step and allowing everyone time to practice before moving on. He was constantly there for support and advice whilst still allowing us to learn at our own pace. We all came away with a well made piece of stained glass. I thoroughly enjoyed the day, learnt a great deal and would without reservation recommend this course for anyone wanting an introduction to the lovely craft of Stained Glass making."

Gillian Greenshields reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"What a lovely way to spend a Sunday morning, sitting in a beautiful kitchen with lovely people, learning how to make a soy candle, choose fragrances and blends, chatting about why it's important to trim the wick and burn your candle properly, highly recommend. Oh and added bonus of homemade crumble and amazing coffee!"

Lesley Sinclair reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"I had a wonderful day at the candle making course this morning .... who knew you should cut your candle wick each time you use a candle! Learned loads, Kerry was a fantastic, knowledgeable and enthusiastic host. Would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to spend a very relaxing morning creating lovely candles. A+++"

Kerry reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"My husband and I attended the soap making workshop and thoroughly enjoyed it! Paula is lovely. She is friendly, approachable and extremely knowledgeable and it felt like a real privilege to learn as much as we did from her. On our arrival we were offered some refreshments and then sat around the table while Paula provided us with detailed notes and explained some of the theory, processes and science behind soap making. Then it was time to get stuck in and have a go at making our own soap, which was so much fun! While we waited for our finished soap to harden enough to be able to take home, we were treated to a wonderful afternoon tea and had the chance to ask Paula further questions. I would highly recommend Paula's soap making workshop!"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you Kerry. I am so glad the course made your long journey worthwhile."

Dom Rudd reviewed: Leather Belt Bag Workshop

"I had a fabulous day with Richard...I was the sole participant and am very grateful that it still ran with just me. I'm really chuffed with my leather belt bag. I wanted it to fit a pair of mini binoculars and a bird identification book and we adapted the size and fittings to suit how I wanted to use it. I learnt so much about leatherwork...I have made a few things myself in the past and wish I'd been to Richard first... and I'm now feeling really confident in where to go for the best leather and kit, how to design and set out ideas, and then to make things. I have a design in mind already. I found Richard's teaching style really engaging. He has a great balance between instruction, information and letting me get on with things. I never felt rushed and I always felt that I could ask questions if I was unsure about things. His approach is to equip people with the skills and confidence to be able to head off on their own and make things. I highly recommend Richard's courses. I'd like to do his 2-day skills course."

Marina Mir reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course

"A huge thank you to Paula, who was able to give me 1-2-1 tuition on candle making. A lovely host/teacher. A lovely environment. I was impressed with the detailed explanation that was given, and the useful list of recommended suppliers. I have already made my order and ready to make my natural Soy based candles for family and friends. I recommend this course to any one who fancies doing something creative for themselves. I will keep you posted on my progress. I can’t wait to get making my own brand. Thanks Paula, you're a gem. :)"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Hi Marina, it was so great to meet you, I had such a great time in our candle making 121. Good luck!"

Hannah Whitmore reviewed: China mosaic workshop with China Petals

"Did a workshop yesterday with Diane, we were designing outdoor mosaics. I had so much fun and learned so much. I feel confident that I could do this at home but I would love to come back and do another workshop. I had a great time and I am really pleased with how my work turned out, with plenty of inspiration from Diane! Diane lovely, supportive and really informative and I would recommend attending a workshop with her if you want to try something new or if you just want to get some ideas for your own hobby."

China Petals responded:

"Thank you Hannah for such a lovely review. I'm glad that you had a great time and you should be really pleased with your mosaic, you did fantastically well. Hope to see you again sometime. Creative wishes - Diane"

James Storton reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"This was an amazing course, I can’t recommend it highly enough."

James Storton reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"This was an amazing course, I can’t recommend it highly enough."

Anick reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"I loved, loved, loved the soap making workshop it was beyond my expectation!! I didn’t know what to expect from either workshop, but I was not disappointed. The direction and explanation I received from Paula showed me how to make a much smoother and creamier natural soap. Paula is an extremely knowledgeable teacher about the research behind different natural soap products, ingredients, and processes. While the workshop was extremely informative, I didn't feel bombarded with new information and the tone was very relaxed. Paula is also extremely kind, personable, and approachable, her class size is small which made the workshop an even better experience. Overall, Paula's a knowledgeable soap maker who really understands the chemist and science of soap productive. It's worth it taking her workshop and I highly recommend her!! It's worth every penny and your time! She is open to any questions that we had. I look forward to taking more workshops soon! Anick, from Kent"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you Anick, loved meeting you and I hope you keep me posted on your progress!"

Helen reviewed: Introduction to English Willow Basket Making- Weekend Course

"This course was excellent. A thoroughly enjoyable day with a lovely basket to bring home at the end. Jonathan is a very good teacher. He is clear, patient, encouraging and more than happy to go over something again. Which was useful! Ably assisted by Willow the dog and plenty of tea, coffee and cake. I felt I learned a lot and would like to take another course and make a different basket."

Isobel Atlasi reviewed: Shibori & indigo dye at Cowshed Creative, the Lake District National Park, near Windermere

"What a wonderful day....cold and wet June outside but a warm welcome at the Shibori Dye workshop despite our late arrival! My 2 daughters and I really enjoyed learning about different techniques in the lovely company of other like minded crafters. We produced lots of samples following Kate's instructions, getting carried away in the process. A lovely lunch was provided followed by cake and refreshments from George. Can really recommend this course and great value for money. The only decision I must make now, what to do with the samples I produced....maybe incorporate into a quilt or some nice cushions! Many thanks to our lovely host and tutor and looking forward to visiting again at some point."

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thank you for such kind words. It was really fun to meet you and your daughters and we look forward to seeing you again."

Candida reviewed: Make a silver ring: one-to-one workshop

"What an amazing afternoon, Angela was so generous with her knowledge, time, and biscuits! I learned so much about silversmithing, not just how to make jewellery but about some of the properties of silver and how to get started a jewellery maker. Plus, it was a so much fun to create 3 rings from start to finish. Angela is great at offering suggestions and lots of support for creativity. I’m so thrilled with how they came out, I almost can’t believe I made them myself! Truly a wonderful way to spend an afternoon and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to understand how silver jewellery is made and wants to go home with something unique."

Eneyo Ilenbarenemen reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"I had fun and learnt a lot! Paula has structured the workshop perfectly. For a visual learner with a short attention span, this was very effective. I got to take home great smelling soaps I made myself too; can’t wait for them to cure so I can use it! Paula also provides a lot of useful information. Great value for money and time well spent."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"HI Eneyo, thank you for much for your review, it is great to hear. Good luck in your soap making journey."

Louisa reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"Thank you so much Charlie x x I utterly loved our time with you it was such a treat! Thank you for opening your studio to us. Feeling inspired to take on candle making. Kindest Regards, Louisa x"

Becca H reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"Candle making with Charliedoodle, a great way to spend a couple of hours. Friendly, welcoming and really knows her stuff! We enjoyed it, well worth it."