Latest reviews

Jill Walker reviewed: Building and weaving a simple stool at The Quiet Workshop

"I spent a wonderful two days - warmly welcomed into the workshop and home of StJohn and Bryony. I was so happy with the stool I made and grateful for the patient teaching from StJohn and wonderful refreshments from Bryony. I enjoyed it so much I am now planning to book my two sons and my husband in to catch the bug so we can have a new family hobby!"

The Quiet Workshop responded:

"Jill, Thank you so much for your lovely words. You and Alison were great company in the workshop and made two lovely stools. No wobble first time out! Really looking forward to meeting the rest of your family. StJohn & Bryony."

Alison Coggon reviewed: The Beautiful Craft of Needle Felting - Hare

"The course was absolutely lovely. A great location, great venue, very welcoming and the felting course had a brilliant tutor, outstanding, so friendly, the course was amazing, I even came home with a hare. Highly recommend. "

The English Country House responded:

"Hi Alison, That's very kind of you to say, it was a genuine pleasure to meet you and we hope to see you again soon! :) Thanks and best wishes, Jude"

Simon King reviewed: Carve your own picture-relief, with experienced woodcarving teacher in Devon

"Really enjoyed my day. Almut clearly knows about woodcarving and how to teach beginners. She is very patient and suportive, she guided me through producing a woodcarving that I could take home with a feeling of accomplishment (and pride!). "

Almut Woolard responded:

"Dear Simon, Your carving is beautiful. Thank you for the review. Best Wishes Almut"

Catherine Courtney reviewed: Dragon book box

"Had a fantastic time making our Dragon book boxes. Brilliant teacher, generous with her time, knowledge, snacks and drinks. Loved it"

Feline Fixins Powertex Fun responded:

"Hi Catherine, thank you for your lovely review. It was a pleasure to help you achieve your unique book boxes. I hope you got lots of compliments, your work certainly deserved it. Very best wishes Jan"

Rachel H reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I had a super day with Simon doing the woodturning. I'd never used anything like the tools and machinery before and was a little apprehensive, but it was all very gentle and well-paced. Simon was great at explaining the tools, the nature of the wood, and the reasons behind the techniques. I made a lovely little toggle and a beautiful bowl, and had a fantastic day."

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

"Hi Rachel, Thank you for a lovely review and so glad you enjoyed the day. Do get in touch if you need more guidance. --Simon"

Gerry cassidy reviewed: Bookbinding kit - make your own book!

"Excellent kit, loved the finished result of my first bookbinding exercise. I choose red cloth finish with black inside cover, my only gripe would be the length of cord to do the book could have been a little longer, I was not happy with my cutting of the cord on my book and in the end removed cord and purchased some wool/nylon thin repair thread in a nice red colour and used that. Happy to recommend this kit, you should be well pleased with the end result, good luck out there......... "

Gerry cassidy reviewed: Gel plate printing starter kit with handmade A5 gel plate, instructions and videos

"Great little kit, plenty of possibilities to extend image making using laser printed sheets on the gel sheet, look it up on you tube, also try leaves on the gel sheet and get some great results!. Good luck crafter!. "

Bev Evans Art and Print responded:

"Hi Gerry! Fab review, thank you! Your comment on laser print image transfer leads me to think that I should maybe do a couple of extra videos on this. I could add magazine image transfer too. Watch this space! Best wishes, Bev"

Chris G reviewed: Antiquarian bookbinding repair day

"Excellent experience. We planned out a series of topics to cover a week ahead. Stephen prepared material and examples so we could cover those topics with hands on practice. We addressed difficult to remove spine leather, reusing leather from older books and alternative technique for label making. We also have time to review a number of other subjects such a leather types and structure, disinfecting moldy books, and washing and sizing paper. It was a really productive and enjoyable day."

Boundbooks responded:

"Hi Chris, thanks for your review. Glad you enjoyed the session. It was a pleasure working with you. Many thanks Stephen "

R&D reviewed: 2-day blacksmithing courses

"My husband and I decided to do the 2 day course for our 6th wedding anniversary in order to learn a new craft skill, but also to make something practical for us to use and enjoy in the years to come. We enjoyed every moment of the 2 day course and Aaron was a fantastic teacher who guided us step by step through each process. The workshop was a great space to work in and was a real Aladdin's cave of interesting tools and metal work paraphenalia. Aaron got us working in no time whilst offering guidance where needed. On our first day we each made three wall hooks and by the end of the 2nd day, between the two of us, my husband and I had made a four piece fireside companion set, all under Aaron's expert guidance and instructions. We were thrilled with what we had achieved and learnt in the 2 days and can't thank Aaron enough for his patience and perseverance with us! We highly recommend this course to anyone who loves learning a new craft skill or who may have a 6th wedding anniversary coming up! "

A and T Petersen Ltd responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review and happy anniversary!"

Bob & Linda reviewed: Pottery throwing sessions on the potter's wheel in Norfolk

"We both thoroughly enjoyed our first ever session on the wheel. Pat was very friendly and welcoming and made us feel at ease. Great tuition with Pat on hand to help whenever needed. Looking forward to collecting our bowls. Anyone out there thinking of having a go - just book it - you won’t regret it!"

Pat Southwood responded:

"Thank you both, I am so pleased you enjoyed yourselves. Pat. "

Josie reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Excellent course x really inspired my partner and myself to continue with jewellery making !"

Tim Reed reviewed: One day fused glass course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"Really good day of glass fusing. Even absolute beginners can come away with something to be proud of. Paul is a patient and helpful teacher - there to assist but not getting in the way or involving himself where not needed and so allowing the pupil's creative juices to flow! The tools and raw materials were of very good quality and in plentiful supply with lots of time and glass to practise with. Highly recommended and we are thinking already about returning for more!"

North Norfolk Stained Glass responded:

"Hi Tim, many thanks, much appreciated. Best wishes Paul"

Caroline Brown reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"We loved our woodworking day. As complete novices, we were astonished to turn our rounds of cherry into such beautiful bowls! Our family couldn't believe we'd made them :-) Simon taught us how to use the various tools and make a range of cuts in the morning and then took us step by step through the process to craft the bowls in the afternoon. The woodturning studio is very well set up and Simon took great care over our safety. As an accident-prone person I thought the lathe might be a bit scary, but it's actually a surprisingly gentle craft. Lots of tea, biccies and a farmhouse lunch too! Highly recommended."

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

"Hi Caroline, So glad you enjoyed the experience - told you it was a gentle craft! Do get in touch if you need any further information or guidance. --Simon"

Helen reviewed: Gel plate printing starter kit with handmade A5 gel plate, instructions and videos

"I bought a gel plate from Bev Evans. The parcel arrived very quickly and there were some lovely added items to get me started. Very useful. I'm excited to try this craft - lots of tips included also. Thank you Bev!"

Bev Evans Art and Print responded:

"Hi Helen! Thanks for your review! I’m pleased to hear that the kit arrived promptly. I hope you enjoy getting to grips with the gel plate, as well as watching the videos and making some great prints 😊. Best wishes, Bev"

Meg reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Course was very good. Mark is a great teacher and very patient. I love my new step stool!!! Would recommend to anyone fancying a go at woodwork "

Terese reviewed: Round Basket Workshop in the Woods

"Great course. Teacher was very informative and helpful. Had a super day. "

Sarah reviewed: Embossed Pewter Notebook and pen

"This was a really enjoyable workshop from a skilled, experienced teacher. Mel was full of enthusiasm and happy to share advice on how to develop and adapt the techniques she demonstrated. As a lifelong crafter, I am always looking for techniques that I can use elsewhere in my practice. Mel was generous in her guidance and answered my many, many questions with patience and some really insightful suggestions. I went away with a beautiful notebook and pen and absolutely fizzing with ideas. Thank you Mel!"

Metallix responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review, Sarah. I hope you can use some of the ideas in your work …"

Tony and Kim reviewed: 1-to-1 Beginners Leatherworking Workshop

"A superb day with an incredible tutor. From the very outset it was clear we were in good hands with someone who was able to help complete newbies learn new skills. We left with something tangible and are already planning our next visit. We strongly recommend visiting ... a simply brilliant experience! "

Gary richardson reviewed: 1 Person Pen Making Experience. Make & take home the pen of your choice.

"Massive thanks to Duncan for an excellent course. I was concerned when I booked as I have been wood turning for some time and I wanted to understand the nuances of turning pens rather than basics of turning, I needn't have worried as Duncan ascertained my needs really early on and was flexible enough to meet those needs giving me room to work on the lathe without micro input once he was confident about my ability, The pen choices were extensive and he worked with me to find components that matched the pen to a wooden strapped watch I own. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Duncan in his well equipped workshop and came away with a pen that I will treasure. Thank you sir!!! Sincerely Gary"

Duncs Wood Turning responded:

"Gary, it was a pleasure to meet you and I'm pleased that you enjoyed the event and made a wonderful pen, your students will be impressed that you made it. Happy turning and many thanks. Rgds Duncs."

Sue reviewed: One day fused glass course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"My friend Judy and I thoroughly enjoyed our day, so glad we didn’t give up trying to find it! ( Craftcourses failed to send detailed instructions on how to find it, you definitely need them!) Paul was very patient, explained everything from safety, where to get tools and materials, to the techniques to use. Kept us well supplied with tea/coffee and supplied lunch (soup and roll). Awaiting our items to be delivered but very pleased with the look prior to firing. I am certainly going to have a go at home, would definitely recommend."

North Norfolk Stained Glass responded:

"Hi Sue, A good day methinks! Many thanks for coming on the class and your kind review. Get some stuff and get fusing! Best wishes Paul"

Jo Green reviewed: Spoon Carving at Manor Wood

"Wood spoon carving was a fabulous experience. Matt is an excellent teacher, showing patience and knowledge. We had a wonderful day, the course was brilliant and being within nature was perfect. I totally recommend this course and can guarantee, we will be back. "

Glyn reviewed: Printing with Gelli Plates - pictures or memory book pages

"A brilliant and enjoyable day learning about gelli printing with Barbara who is an experienced artist and an excellent teacher Highly recommended "

Valerie reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"What an amazing workshop to do. I attended this workshop yesterday with my niece Kim. Having no sculpting experience I decided to have a go and I more than exceeded my own expectations. Jo and Andy are fabulous hosts. The setting was so peaceful and tranquil that it was easy to forget about every day stresses. Jo is extremely organised in her delivery of the course, but also very attentive to needs of each individual in the group. We all had fun and.came away with our very own little masterpieces. Jo and Andy will encourage you to bring out your creative side (which I believe we all have, even if we don’t think we do!) I would highly recommend this workshop. Have a go, you really might surprise yourself! I did!. And I want to do it again!."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Valerie! So glad you and Kim had a great day and we could also help you with your home sculpture armature 🤗. You were so enthusiastic and it was a pleasure to discuss your project and move the idea forward. Have great fun! Jo xx"

MG reviewed: Make a copper bowl

"Great course. Highly recommended."

Stuart reviewed: Introduction To Welding & Basic Fabrication

"Excellent day with Joe. He was knowledgeable, interesting and really easy to get along with. Thank you Joe. "