Latest reviews

Florence reviewed: Private booking rustic Log stool making 18th August

"We made rustic stools as a family group and could not have enjoyed our day more! We are absolutely thrilled with our beautiful stools and will keep them forever. Pete and Jacqui were excellent, patient and kind teachers with such an appreciation for the pleasures of working with wood. I can't wait to do a second course. "

Steve Gifford reviewed: Coffee Table/Bench Making in the Woods - Beginner Green Woodworking course

"Being a complete novice to woodworking to making a bench from raw materials without electric tools was a little concerning, but our welcoming host Celi with her excellent tuition skill set was superb throughout explaining everything step-by-step to individuals or as a group. At the end of the course she ensured that all group members had a finished item to take home. The workshop setting was perfect. The home cooked food was delicious and all the other members of the group were lovely and always helpful. As you are only using hand tools, it can be quite physically demanding. So in all, a fantastic weekend and a great experience which made me appreciate the work put into handmade woodcraft."

Ruth reviewed: Woodturning half day taster

"Really enjoyed this course and came away with a perfectly formed vase. Paul was very patient and knowledgeable. A great half day spent learning this craft. "

Paul Hannaby Creative Woodturning responded:

"Glad you both enjoyed the session. Hope to see you on the next one!"

Mrs Michelle Schofield reviewed: One day fused glass course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"I had a really lovely day. Very relaxed, and enjoyable. Cant wait to return soon. "

North Norfolk Stained Glass responded:

"Many thanks Michelle 😊"

Jonathan Howell reviewed: Leather tooling course with Pip Davidson

"A delightful and deeply informative one-on-one (+ the occasional visiting dog). I came away feeling very positive about being able to continue with the skills that I had arrived hoping to learn & polish. The range of experience that Pip has had and the skills she has developed make for a very hands-on approach. Time passed as a summer's day should with bees humming just outside the open patio door - the gentle tap-tap-tap of tooling leather punctuated with a range of conversation from film, theatre & leather-armour to martial arts training. Thank you Pip - a valuable and memorable couple of days."

Chris Scriven reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"A fabulous day delivered by an inspirational teacher; its proper thumpnology and that's a very good 'ology to have!!! I would heartily recommend to anyone..... "

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Ha ha! Thanks Chris. I'm glad you enjoyed your lesson in 'thumpology' Thanks again for your great review Alex "

Jane B reviewed: Twisted Rope Ring Workshop

"This is our second trip for ring making, this time for the twisted ring making. My daughter Lia and I had a wonderful time. Superb and patient tuition, step by step made this seem so easy and it was. We came away with a beautiful twisted ring along with another memory made. We're looking forward to another booked session to make a necklace. Highly recommended!"

The Courtyard Workshop responded:

"Hi Jane! Was lovely to have you back in the workshop, looking forward to seeing you again soon. Nikki "

Reece porritt reviewed: Axe / Hammer Forging Day

"Brilliant experience, enjoyed every minute of the day. Passionate instructor who really made me feel at ease, he was really welcoming and took care of us. "

Mark reviewed: Axe / Hammer Forging Day

"Fantastic experience, highly recommend the course to anyone, you learn so much and Alex is brilliant and takes all the time you need to be confident and answers any question you might have. 10/10 excited to go back!"

Sue Cole reviewed: Suminagashi: Japanese Paper Marbling near Kington

"Interesting craft taught in a small group with good practical support from the tutor throughout. Relaxed and comfortable studio. Follow up notes and material sources provided - easy craft which would also be relatively inexpensive to set up and continue in a home environment. "

Sarah Amatt responded:

"Thank you Sue - I’m so glad you enjoyed it! All the best Sarah"

Steve Williamson reviewed: Building and weaving a round stool at The Quiet Workshop

"This was such a satisfying and enjoyable course, going beyond my expectations. The learning style from StJohn was perfect - demonstrating core hand tool skills, jigs, and tips and techniques; happy to explain as much or as little as needed and stepped in to support just at the right time. It's reassuring that the furniture can be made with hand tools, which gives me the confidence to have a go at home. The workshop setup was ideal with individual benches and plenty of natural light. I enjoyed meeting my fellow learners and the social conversations over Bryony’s excellent lunches and teas. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone with an interest in chair making or an interest in home made cakes and cookies, with some chair making in between!"

The Quiet Workshop responded:

"Steve, thank you so much for your very thoughtful review. We’re really glad you enjoyed the course and B’s catering. You made an excellent job of your round stool. We hope it serves you well in your workshop. StJohn & Bryony."

Stephanie Freeman reviewed: Beach Hut Picture Mini Felting Kit

"The packaging for this item was not adequate, it arrived in a paper envelope. This caused the card mount inside to be bent during postage. "

Frankie and Sidney responded:

"Hello Stephanie, I’m really sorry the item arrived in a damaged condition. We have not had this issue before. Would you like me to send you a replacement mount? "

Steve Wheeler reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"This was a great course, with David on hand to show you where you have made mistakes, but with enough time to just keep practicing at you own pace. A great way to refresh you skills, move away from poor practises, or just as a beginner. A well equipped workshop with proper kit, plus an extensively well stocked shop where you can buy any of the equipment you have used at sensible prices. Even if you have never welded, and have none of the safety kit needed, turn up and you can buy everything you need on site. "

Allied Welding School responded:

"Thank you for your great review Steve, pleased you enjoyed your day. I always try to make it a good mix of theory & plenty of bench time. Thank you also for the comments regarding our shop, we always try to stock what we believe clients require. Kind regards David "

Annie Shacklock reviewed: Peg Loom Weaving with high welfare fleeces

"Had an enjoyable fun and relaxing day learning a new skill in a tranquil setting. Becky is very passionate of her work with fleece and warmly guides newbie's in their own creations. Learnt an incredible amount of interesting information. Thank you so much for a lovely day. "

The Woven Briar Ltd responded:

"Thank you Annie it was a pleasure to spend the day with you talking all things sheep!"

Andrew reviewed: Frameless mosaic sun catcher or mandala class (AM)

"Excellent instruction, and we’re both so happy with what we’ve made. Chrissy was a lovely instructor. Would highly recommend!"

Maureen reviewed: Fascinator Hat millinery workshop

"Had a wonderful time making fascinators for an upcoming wedding. We really appreciated the instructors flexibility, allowing us to impart our own creativity on our pieces, resulting in perfectly unique pieces. "

Lou Rattray reviewed: Silver Ring Making Workshop

"What a fabulous experience and off the beaten track made it all the more wonderful! Darren is laid back, cool, patient and very very talented. Never did I think I would actually be able to make a ring of my choice in the time but there was lots of support and interaction all the way through. Cool as...."

Libby reviewed: Spoon carving in the woods

"Me and my partner had a fantastic time on the spoon carving course! The lovely Suz was a great teacher and we were really happy with what me made. It was a lovely spot in the woods with tea and coffee made over the wood fire. Highly recommend :) "

Richard Davis reviewed: Chicken wire sculpture workshop with Lynne Littler Sculpture

"We enjoyed our chicken wire sculpture course with lynne. We really weren’t sure we’d be able to make anything resembling a chicken or pig but by the end of the day we were both surprised and very happy with what we’d been helped to achieve. Great to share the experience with other complete novices. I’d encourage anyone to give it a try."

Lynne Littler Sculpture responded:

"Thanks Richard it was a fun day and so pleased you enjoyed it and your pig and chicken were fab - hope to see you both on another course soon thanks Lynne"

Linda Robinson reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Chillington Hall

"My son really enjoyed this course, he was well instructed and came away with a wonderful piece, this was a birthday gift for him, thank you, lovely environment to work in too. He’s keen to return!"

Amerton Arts Studio responded:

"Thank you for your review Linda, so glad James enjoyed the course. Best wishes Miranda"

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

"Had a wonderful day. Made a fantastic glass hanging. Met some lovely women. Taught by a great guy. Who could ask for more? "

North Norfolk Stained Glass responded:

"Hi Faye, Many thanks! Best wishes Paul"

Emma Harries reviewed: Coffee Table/Bench Making in the Woods - Beginner Green Woodworking course

"I made a bench! From having no knowledge, to being able to actually make a workable piece of furniture, is amazing! There was constant attentive tuition, in a lovely setting, gorgeous food and I met some lovely people. It is quite physically demanding however so be prepared!"

Helen reviewed: Mosaic Bird Bath Workshop

"Great workshop. Absorbing but relaxed, with scope to be creative."

Stu reviewed: Make Sea Glass Jewellery In Silver (South Wales) - Ring/Pendant or Earrings

"I arranged this for my mom's 70th birthday and she loved it! "A fabulous experience, unique. Jo very easy to get on with, obviously very talented and able to share her knowledge and expertise in an easy manner with clear instructions. Very encouraging with positive feedback - just what a learner needs! Great little workshop, well equipped. And after all that I went home very happy wearing my very own unique seaglass ring and special memories of a great day. Many thanks x""

Joelle Poulos responded:

"Aww I'm so glad your mum enjoyed her workshop, was an absolute pleasure to teach her!"

Shannon reviewed: SAORI weaving taster session

"Very good experience. Had loads of fun. It's really nice to take home something, feeling proud that you made it."