Latest reviews

Yuliya Surnina reviewed: Beginner’s Soapmaking Workshop in Salisbury

"My husband and I had a fantastic time with Catherine, learning how to make soap. The information provided was in depth and thorough. We have left the workshop with two kilos of soap and a confidence to make more by ourselves in the future. The hardest bit is now though, having to wait for our creations to cure before we can use them [impatient foot tapping sounds]."

VMc reviewed: One day introduction to woodworking

"This is a great introduction into woodworking. Ciarain was very informative and professional. He encouraged questions, and as a result I learnt a lot. I would highly recommend if you are a beginner. I thoroughly enjoyed the day."

Samantha Q reviewed: Natural Vegan Cold Process Soap Making

"Loved the course. Learnt everything one needs to know about making beautiful vegan soap, including all the do's and don'ts, the correct measurements and temperatures needed for each element, all of the different herbs, flowers, oils, fragrances etc that you can put into soaps, how to keep safe whilst preparing the lye, how to mix and pour correctly, how long to mix for in regards to getting different desired textures of the finished soap, how to store the finished soap and how long to leave it for curing. There were cakes and tea/coffee in the morning and a lovely lunch. There was also the opportunity to buy a kit of ingredients needed to make more batches of soap at home. There were six of us in the class and we worked in pairs which was great because you got to bounce ideas off each other. Having six in the class was a nice small number because we were able to ask the tutor for help when we needed it. The tutor Lily was wonderful, very knowledgeable, professional, friendly, patient and encouraging."

David Henton reviewed: Intermediate woodworking course

"Excellent course. Ciaran led us through the various works needed in an easy to understand method and was always there to help you if you were having any problems. Friendly and sociable atmosphere. Above all it has given me confidence to go off to design and make my own items of furniture"

Gina Brondel reviewed: Frame Baskets, 2 days with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"I have just spent the last two days at Broadrake on a frame basket workshop led by Basketmaker Phil Bradley. What a wonderful couple of days in the most stunning setting. The workshop was great fun, extremely informative and I’m delighted with the basket I made! Rachel is an expert when it comes to hospitality and the constant flow of home baked goods really went down a treat. The accommodation in the newly renovated bunk barn is spotlessly clean and extremely reasonable for a stop over or longer break. I cannot recommend Broadrake highly enough!"

Angela Montgomery reviewed: Frame Baskets, 2 days with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"I have just enjoyed 2 great days on a frame basket workshop with Phil Bradley at Broadrake Farm. It was a very relaxed course with excellent tuition from a master basket maker, who always had another trick up his sleeve for the times when we came across difficulties. Everyone finished a lovely basket to take home, and some of us caught the bug and bought more materials to carry on with another at home! Phil's portfolio encompasses all possible uses of willow; from baskets, garden features, children's dens to sculptures in willow as he is tutor to several courses at Broadrake. The setting is a beautiful farmhouse within sight of the Ribblehead viaduct, the food provided was excellent, healthy and homemade. I enjoyed it so much I can't wait to go back and try something else."

Sunny Choi reviewed: Beginner’s Soapmaking Workshop in Salisbury

"Me and my friend went to the 8th June workshop and it was one of the best craft workshops I've been to. The location was fantastic and the workshop itself was very informative and full of fun. Catherine is really friendly and helpful. At the workshop, Catherine will demonstrate how to make a batch first and you will have opportunities to make two different batches of soap. I can't wait to cut my soaps this weekend!"

Suzanne Sheldon reviewed: Stained glass beginners workshop, Cardiff, Wales

"It was a really enjoyable day. The instructor was extremely patient and helpful throughout sharing ideas and providing advice. Lunch was included which was lovely and by the end of the day we took home our own panels. I’m now looking at doing the fused glass day too"

Gina Allen reviewed: Beginner’s Soapmaking Workshop in Salisbury

"A rare day out for me which didn't disappoint. Catherine was so knowledgeable, whilst being calm and friendly. On the day she had both complete novices and medical herbalists to deal with, which she did with ease and professionalism. We came away armed with a huge amount of knowledge and 2 boxes of our own hand made soap. Pure joy! I will definitely book again ?."

Hannah Bennett reviewed: Natural Vegan Cold Process Soap Making

"Really enjoyed the soap making course - exceeded expectations. Lily was really knowledgable and we came home with lots of soap and ideas for trying again at home. Would definitely recommend."

Kimberley Murriera reviewed: Art and craft of labyrinth

"Just wonderful! Thank you so much Daniel!"

Dan Emmerson reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"What a great experience! Mark was a very attentive and patient teacher, we came away from the course having gained many transferable craft techniques. The 'king' provided was absolutely delicious, with lots of fresh produce and a cake! Would highly highly recommend to anyone! 10/10"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Dan, thank you for the review. The day was a blast, I had a wonderful time. You all made great spoons. Long live the king ;)"

Bev reviewed: Flower portraits - weekend art workshops in Anglesey, North Wales

"Wonderful! Georgina is a fantastic teacher, I learned a huge amount and now feel so much more confident in my approach to painting. I stayed in the delightful loft room next to the studio, a really peaceful place. Highly recommended ! ?"

Helen Janice and Anne reviewed: Take raw fleece to finished fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"We were all novices and had a great couple of days with Elaine teaching us all about spinning from fleece to fibre! Elaine is generous with her knowledge and patience. I feel ready to have a go and have already ordered a spinning wheel and various other bits and bobs - excited to take this further. Teas and coffees and lunch were great. Thank you Elaine (and Chris)"

Rob Edlin reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking - make a stool or small table

"A great weekend and experience with lovely people and came away with my own stool that I had made with the guidance and help from enthusiastic and knowledgeable people - would recommend to anyone locally, down on holiday or as a fantastic gift idea"

Len Callan reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"Excellent four hour course with Andy, excellent tuition and demonstration, very experienced and knowledgeable, well worthwhile. If you are intending to book a course it’s advisable to take a drink with you."

Kathy reviewed: Lino cutting course - Laura Andrew Art Studio, Lincoln - Linocut lino printing

"Put quite simply - the course was inspiring. The studio is a really tactile and happening space and Laura conveys her expertise in a very natural and engaging way. There were so many special touches to the day - to list them all would be to spoil the surprise of attending one of Laura's workshops - which I wholeheartedly recommend should anyone reading wish to experience lino cutting and printing."

Muaz & Fatma reviewed: A complete introduction to wet felting

"We attended an intro to felting class, and we had such a fantastic time. Olga is an excellent teacher with extensive knowledge on the craft and materials. She was also a lovely host, and we really appreciated her family welcoming us into their beautiful home to learn this new skill. We definitely would recommend this to anyone interested in learning a new craft and trying something new in a relaxed and friendly environment."

Joanna reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"Fantastic course!!! Lovely atmosphere!!! I have learned a lot, made a beautiful hare !!! What can I say, just book it ;-)"

All Things Felt & Beautiful responded:

"I LOVED your hare! So good - good luck with your future work xx"

Jane Elms reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - 2 Day Beginners/Intermediate Workshop

"Absolutely brilliant! I didn't arrive at Ollie's peaceful and well-equipped workshop space thinking I would do French polishing, I originally signed up for the painted furniture course...but it was quickly decided that the cabinet I brought for renovation was too good to paint! Ollie is generous of spirit and knowledge, pragmatic and good humoured, a great tutor for my first foray into the world of woodcare. Couldn't have been a better intro. Sign up, you'll get so much out of it not least skills, tips, ideas and lots of inspiration."

Jane Elms reviewed: Contemporary Furniture Refinishing & Upcycling with Woodcare - 2 Day Workshop

"Wow, what a fantastic course! I got so much out of my two days, more than was on the course brief, essentially down to Ollie's passion and willingness to tailor and tweak the content to my needs and level of expertise. I learnt so much and have now got a beautifully restored and painted mirror to boot! The learning environment and teaching style were ideal for me - I like to explore and experiment, and just wanted to soak everything up, rather than be restricted to a definitive structure and timings. Ollie gives you the space and freedom, whilst keeping an eye on working towards an outcome, in a skilful and supportive way. It also helped that there were only 2 students, so lots of dedicated attention and time was amazingly refreshing and indulgent! Do the course, you won't regret it."

Peter Hales reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"I attended in May 19. I highly recommend it for beginners and those with some knowledge of hand tools as well. Peter’s informal teaching style is very effective and he effortlessly unites his course members on a journey through the mysteries of green wood working. Therapeutic and calming, this course offers a complete introduction to the use of all the hand tools required for green wood working and delivers a beautiful hand-made product to take home and use as well. Just plain excellent."

Chris Turner reviewed: Welding course: Mig, Tig, Stick, with the Iron Lady - Bradwell Blacksmiths

"I have just completed this one day course and have to say it was the best best fun I have had in ages. It is a full on day, but as well as enjoying it for the totally hands on approach, I learnt so much in such a short space of time. Natalie has an infectious passion for her work that she passes on with a warm and easy manner. She is easy to work with and gets you doing work that seemed impossible beforehand. If you think you can't weld then Natalie will quickly prove you wrong. Many thanks Natalie for such a great experience! (TIG rules from now on)."

Margaret Thurlow reviewed: Craft Workshop: Learn to make silver art clay jewellery in a day (beginner)

"I couldn't believe at the start of day when Sally showed us examples of pieces we could do that a beginner could achieve it. But we did! The day was amazing; good company and Sally was happy to help and answer all our questions, guiding us to make our finished pieces. I would recommend this to anyone interested in silver clay and will be looking at further courses run by Sally in the future."

Q Lin reviewed: Two day leather bag making workshop

"I did a two day leather bag workshop with Rosanna and had a lovely experience! Her studio is easy to access with parking and there is a nice cafe in the courtyard. We started the day exploring different designs for my bag - Rosanna is very good at interpreting and visualising ideas with very practical and constructive comments. She helped me with measurements for pattern cutting which is an interesting step in connecting the 3d and 2d object. Making accessories on the bag was also very interesting, where Rosanna taught me how to choose and fit buckles, rivets and make the shoulder strap. She also taught me how to use the sewing machine on leather. I really appreciate all the problem solving effort from her to rescue the bag from my mistakes. I am very happy with my handmade bag and will visit her again in the future to make a second one with different design!"