Latest reviews

Nick Shackleton reviewed: Kitchen Knife Course

"Had an absolutely brilliant day at the Forge with Dave. He walked us through every step of the way ensuring we ended up leaving with something I definitely didn't think I could have made! I did the course with my step-dad and a friend, and it was a full days experience from 10-4 ish with about 30 minutes lunch break. I can't recommend this experience highly enough. I have already told a few friends who are keen to book on. I have added some pictures to show what we started with and what we finished with. We all chose a different style of knife and a different wood for the handle too. Thanks again Dave (sorry it took me so long to write this review)."

Hand forged Yorkshire responded:

"Thank you so much for your amazing review Nick, it is hugely appreciated. It was a genuine pleasure to meet you all and have you in the forge. So glad everyone enjoyed it, I had a brilliant day with you all and you did an excellent job with your knives. You should all be very proud of what you made, cracking work chaps and I hope your knives serve you well for many years. Kindest regards Dave"

Sam reviewed: One day stained glass workshop London for beginners and enthusiasts

"I had an amazing one on one class with Tejal. The studio is a lovely warm garden studio. She let me come with my own ideas for a project and explained all the steps really well. I'm so pleased with my finished project! "

GlassSeasons responded:

"Thanks Sam, Appreciate your valuable feedback"

Val Morgan reviewed: It’s only natural - creating small wire sculpture in Derbyshire

"A truly wonderful day spent at The Slipper Studio with Liz. Myself and two friends used the course as a pre Christmas get together and we weren’t disappointed. The studio is in a wonderful setting with gorgeous views and with Christmas music playing in the background, copious amounts of tea, coffee and chocolate biscuits, we set about creating our small wire sculptures. We made a hanging ornament on a flower/dried grass theme and then some similar sculptures to stand in a small vase. After lunch we made Christmas baubles and a miniature Christmas tree with a cork as its base. I couldn’t quite believe how many beautiful goodies we came away with. Liz explained and demonstrated the skills needed for the day with clarity and patience with lots of praise and help when needed. A really enjoyable day that I would thoroughly recommend."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Val, Thank you for letting me know about your workshop at The Slipper Studio - it’s much appreciated. I’m sat with a huge smile on my face, basking in your exceptionally kind words. It was a very lovely day working with you all and being my last workshop of the year, it also put me in a very Christmassy mood. You all created some beautiful pieces and hope that you will have time to develop your new skills in 2024. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Tristan reviewed: Wood carving /sculpture

"Excellent time spent with Sebastian. Very knowledgeable and patient teacher! Would recommend!"

SBCW responded:

"Thank you so much Tristan. Keep carving, you did very well."

ChaNan reviewed: Learn to Spin on a Spinning Wheel

"It was a brilliant day, the tuition was superb with Amy taking the time to ensure each of us got to grips with the basics of spinning. She was incredibly informative and obviously had a depth of knowledge and really knew her stuff. I would not hesitate to learn from her again! Oh and the venue is amazing too!!!!"

Denmark Farm Conservation Centre responded:

"Thank you for joining us ChaNan and your most kind review. We hope to see you again very soon, until then Happy New Year. Mara "

Simon Jones reviewed: Natural (cold process) soap making workshop with afternoon tea

"We had an incredible time learning about soap making. Julie was a fantastic teacher and was very patient with all of us as we made our own soaps. The experience is great and I'd really recommend this for anyone interested - it's a great introduction. The lunchtime food was also lovely and thoughtful. "

Steph reviewed: Crochet workshops in Leeds City Centre

"Ann was very good with my daughter teaching her the basics of crocheting and getting her well underway with making her first Amigurumi piece. Ann was very patient and helped her when she went wrong. My daughter has gained lots of knowledge and confidence with crocheting "

Leeds Central Faith and Light responded:

"Thank you for your review. I am pleased your daughter found the session useful and I hope she is well on the way to making her amigurumi toys. She showed great enthusiasm for her work. Kind regards Ann"

Celia Kemp reviewed: 2024 Calligraphy Workshops in North Essex

"I really enjoyed my afternoon. Julie was very helpful and the whole group was friendly. Calligraphy obviously needs a long time to perfect, but this was a very good introduction."

Julie Chaney responded:

"Thank you, Celia, for coming to the class and taking the time to write a review. It was nice to meet you and I'm so pleased you enjoyed your session of italic calligraphy. I hope it is something you will continue with!"

Gill reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs woodturning workshop

"We spent an excellent morning woodturning with Simon who has so much knowledge to share. He's an experienced teacher and we both came away with finished items - impressive! We wholeheartedly recommend his workshop to anyone interested in woodturning - fun and informative."

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

"Hi Gill (& Tony), Thanks for a lovely review and so glad you enjoyed your experience; do get in touch if you need more help or advice. -- Simon"

Natasha Haggerty reviewed: Kintsugi Workshop for beginners

"I spent a lovely afternoon with Lucy yesterday to learn Kintsugi and really enjoyed it. It was a great mix of showing, doing yourself with help where needed. I would highly recommend it and you get to take home your lovely work. "

John reviewed: Pottery throwing sessions on the potter's wheel in Norfolk

"Had a wonderful morning. Pat was welcoming, helpful and supportive. She had me getting my hands dirty within minutes of arriving and I ended up with four pots for firing! I learned a lot in just two hours. Highly recommended. "

Pat Southwood responded:

"Thank You John, you were a splendid student & I am glad to hear that you are continuing your pottery adventure, a Tuesday is fine for pick up, I will let you know asap. Happy New Year. "

Mandy Weatherall reviewed: Children's Craft Classes - Half Term & Holiday Sessions

"My 6 year old daughter really enjoyed her craft course. A lovely session and she was so proud of what she’d made."

Ankarika Craft responded:

"Thank you Mandy for such a lovely opinion! I am so pleased she likes my classes, and I'm happy I've had a chance to meet her! :)"

Anna reviewed: Seaglass and Slate Jewellery Making

"A really great, informative & practical course. Thank you "

Naz reviewed: Pearl / Gemstone Knotting (Jewellery Making) - One Day Workshop - In Person, In London

"Had a fabulous time. Penny was patient with her instructions. My girls and I had a lovely time. "

Penny Akester Jewellery responded:

"Hi Naz, thank you for your review! I'm glad you all enjoyed the day "

Sarah Meredith reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"The bangle workshop was a lovely Christmas present for me and my 2 daughters. We had a wonderful time with Jo, she is a great teacher and her workshop is so inviting. Very pleased with our bangles and would not hesitate to book another course in the future. Thank you Jo! "

Felicity M reviewed: Introduction to Table Loom Weaving Workshop (Two-Day), Fisherton Mill, Salisbury

"My daughter and I took Ellie’s 2 day table loom weaving course in December 2023. We enjoyed it very much - Ellie was extremely welcoming, and she had prepared everything perfectly. The range of yarns and patterns she had available for us to try were very inspiring and fun. Ellie is a great teacher - she demonstrated and explained all the steps we needed to do clearly, and was very patient and kind when we took a bit longer to understand! She was flexible too and allowed us each to go at our own pace, allowing us time to absorb and put what we were learning into practice. A very enjoyable course which we would definitely recommend. Thank you Ellie!"

Elka responded:

"Thank you Felicity for taking the time to leave such a lovely and detailed review! I'm so glad you both enjoyed the workshop, it was a pleasure to spend two days weaving with you. Very best wishes, Ellie "

DavidP reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"Readers - do not hesitate! Louise is a wonderful tutor, (complete with a relaxing background audio playlist!) willing and able to share her ceramics skills in a clean and welcoming atmosphere. A few pottery failures (too tall, too wide, too thin... oops!) going into the recycling tub, but with lessons learned, six classy pieces achieved from my own hands with Louise's guidance and encouragement. A fine lunch included, shared with Simon and his trainee allowed for free conversation and shared experiences. The peaceful concentration achieved throughout the day helped make this course one of the best learning/doing days of my life - using a sensual material that transforms from lump to artwork before your very eyes. Slab, coil, and finally to the wheel - where subtle skills are learned to centre, spread, and raise the clay to form stable sides of dish or pot. Thank you Louise for your friendly tutoring, light touch, and plenty of tea! A brilliant day - can't wait to see my pieces fired and glazed, each to my choice of colours."

Fran reviewed: Private Whittling Workshop

"Pete and Jacqui provided a superb 1:1 wood working day for my 13 year old daughter. The activities they planned were engaging, exciting, perfectly pitched for her interest and experience levels and she was delighted with the things she made. They were so kind, supportive, encouraging and welcoming, I thoroughly recommend them. "

Inge Hill reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"A great experience and I learned a lot of helpful skills. Jonathan is an excellent trainer and workshop leader! I can highly recommend his course for beginners."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Inge for your kind words and recommendations - I'm very pleased that you enjoyed your day at Salt Way Silver and it was lovely to meet you."

Frank F reviewed: 2 Person Half Day Woodturning Tuition from Registered Professional Turner in Dorset, South West

"Joe is a great teacher, who is passionate and patient, but keeps safety as number one. We are so pleased with the bowls we created with Joe, such a wonderful time. We travelled for 2 hours and it was so worthwhile. Definitely worth spending a little bit of extra money to get professional tuition. He also makes a perfect cuppa too! "

Joe Creed-Kaile responded:

"Hi Frank, Thanks for your reply, you were a pleasure to work with. Thanks Joe"

Simon reviewed: Blacksmithing experience day

"I recently attended a 1 day blacksmithing experience day with Arian as a gift from my wife. Although it was the coldest day of the year so far it was great fun. Arian is an extremely patient and knowledgeable teacher and he made it a lovely day not withstanding his wife's amazing homemade soup we had for lunch."

Paul weare reviewed: Woodturning 2 day workshop

"What a great course with a huge amount of help and support to do as well as you can, l found Andy extremely helpful and willing to share a vast amount of knowledge, I will go back to extend my skills further. On whole well worth its value, very interesting and extremely enjoyable. Special thanks to the tea lady (Mary) and her ever faithful helper Angus. Thank you all"

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thanks Paul We are looking forward to seeing you again Andy Mary Angus "

Victoria Loula reviewed: Silversmithing-rings/bangles at Larkswold

"Fabulous silver making workshop in the heart of the beautiful Cotswolds. An amazing location with warm welcoming hosts, set by a bubbling stream with waddling ducks, twinkling fairy lights, endless pots of hot tea & an abundance of delicious homemade cakes - it’s just perfect! The workshop teacher was very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. We learnt a great deal and handcrafted several beautiful rings that will be treasured for years to come. Can’t wait to go back again soon! Thank you! V&A "

Larkswold responded:

"Thankyou so much Victoria for the glowing review and look forward to seeing you soon. All the best, Melinda & Emma"

James reviewed: Bladesmithing experience day

"Excellent, just do it! Steve was interesting, funny and really knows his stuff. His passion for knife making draws you in and his never ending enthusiasm makes you want to make the best knife you can. Great day, excellent knife made and new interests and knowledge gained. 10 out of 10."

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi James What can I say, but thank you for your review. As you know after spending a day in the shop with me, I do love knives and I think their worth and place in todays society is unnecessarily maligned. Being able to make them as a professional maker and help others to experience this craft is extremely rewarding. I'm really pleased that you enjoyed your day so much with me and the knife you created was quite beautiful. Kind regards Steve"

Wen reviewed: Silver Clay Course - Merseyside

"Very welcoming, learnt a lot and gained some useful ideas! Thank you"

La Jade responded:

"Thank you for your review Wendy. Hopefully, you get to put your newly learnt skills into use."