Latest reviews

Diane McLaughlin reviewed: Lino printing landscapes

"I thoroughly enjoyed the day and even though I am a complete beginner I came home with a print I was pleased with. Lee was a very good teacher, and with only 4 in the class was able to help everyone individually. The studio is well equipped and the atmosphere is relaxed and enabling. "

Sheila reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"My friend and I had a wonderful day making batik samples and using batik to create our own pieces of artwork. The workroom was well set out and well equipped. Alison was very knowledgeable and patient; teaching us the necessary techniques and allowing us to work at our own pace. Many examples of Alison’s work were displayed, which offered us inspiration. The venue is located on a working farm which was a very tranquil setting and a lovely place to eat our lunch. I would certainly recommend this course and Alison as a tutor and am likely to be booking on another course."

Bryan Hardy reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia - taster course

"As a beginner, Les was the perfect tutor. Would recommend to anyone who wants to learn to have a course. "

Pren responded:

"Many thanks Bryan...I'm really pleased that you enjoyed your session. Les"

AlisonR reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"My husband attended this course as a family gift for a big birthday. He thoroughly enjoyed it and was made to feel very welcome by Andy, Mary and Angus! Andy was very patient and happy to share his wealth of knowledge. The therapeutic nature of woodturning and Andy’s humour made this a day to remember. Thank you."

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thanks so much for your kind words 🙏🙏"

keith sharlott reviewed: Key skills for converting vans into campervans 2 day course

"What a legend Scott is! Full of useful information, drawing on his own experience, he provided a real insight into camper van life. His wife must also get a special mention for the delicious cakes. Thanks both!"

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Keith Thanks for a lovely review and I will let Sue know you liked the cake Scott"

Richard Melhuish reviewed: Group Maille Making Workshop

"Phil is very knowledgeable and a great communicator, the history of maille making was fascinating. I can heartily recommendation this course. "

Phil Parkes Maille responded:

"Thanks Richard, it was a pleasure running this course with the group."

Dawn reviewed: Epoxy Resin Art Masterclass: Seascapes

"I had a great day doing this course with my daughter and friend. Can’t wait to do some more courses really fun. The teacher was really informative too. Would definitely recommend to all ages. "

Jane Randle reviewed: Crochet Beginners - Tues Eve Bicton Inn

"Loved it Am hooked 🧶 Would love to do an intermediate class "

BeachBry Creations responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review. I will certainly be programming some intermediate classes into my schedule. Keep an eye on this page. If there is anything in particular you are interested in making or having a go at, please do let me know."

Zoe reviewed: Durham soap making workshop

"Really great experience. Clare was great, and lunch was delicious "

Susan Ward reviewed: Enchanted Forest Journal - Online Fabric Sculpting Workshop by Curiously Contrary

"I haven't done this yet. I just had hip replacement and surgery today, so bought this to do whilst convalescing. "

Rob and Louis reviewed: Introduction to Blacksmithing - One Day Experience

"This experience was a gift for me so I turned up with no idea what to expect. In a very short time we were forging hooks and leaves and toasting forks from red-hot metal. A great teacher who allowed us to work at our pace, by the end of the day we had tried a number of techniques and had the results to take home with us. I would thoroughly recommend Tom's courses. "

Alison Morgan reviewed: Lino printing landscapes

"What a wonderful day. Lee was a brilliant teacher and I came away with a lot of useful knowledge , not only in lino printing but also composition and colour. Not having done any formal art training I am lacking in technical skills so found this most helpful. I think I could repeat the course at some time and learn more , a day didn’t seem long enough to take it all in "

Kamalini Rankin reviewed: Carve your own picture-relief, with experienced woodcarving teacher in Devon

"I really enjoyed our wood carving day. Almut was knowledgeable, supportive, clear and genuinely cared about our progress and success. My son (15) and I were both very glad we attended this course."

Caroline reviewed: Willow Trug Basket Workshop

"Thanks Suz This course was great....I really enjoyed a day surrounded by beautiful bluebells, making the trug and learning about willow. The pouring rain all day just added to the outdoor experience!! Thank you and I would definitely recommend the day to others..."

The Coppice Co. responded:

"Hi Caroline! Thank you for your review. Thank goodness for the bluebells! It made the rain more bearable for sure. Thanks for coming along and well done on your basket!"

Andrew Cole reviewed: Introduction to Beekeeping - One Day

"Fantastic course , thoroughly enjoyed the whole day from start to finish , Chris was extremely knowledgeable and very good at presenting the talk throughout the day. Working with the live bees was good experience for when my bees arrive, can’t beat the practical side of actually handling the bees close up. Excellent cake and lunch was lovely too , I would definitely recommend attending a bee course with Chris, worth every penny ."

K reviewed: 1-2-1 Practical Leather Tuition & Consultancy with Georgie Tym

"My 1-2-1 tuition day with Georgie was a great experience. I wanted to be able to make eyepatches and I brought some examples with me but no concrete plan. Georgie helped to design a pattern and new style of adjustable strap. She then guided me through cutting, moulding, edge finishing, riveting and saddle stitching. I had no prior experience with leather or crafts generally, but this was no problem. With excellent tutoring, I finished the day with 3 eyepatches and many ideas for future variations. The end result is better than any of the ones previous ones I've had, and it's great to wear something I made myself. The workshop is a cosy and fun environment and Georgie is very easy to get along with. The day passed very quickly. I would definitely recommend it to anyone; it's great value considering the items you produce and the skills you acquire."

Connel reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Great one day course with Alex, made a crown, a bottle opener and a birdfeeder holder with time to spare! Alex clearly has a passion for smithing and passing on his knowledge, it shows in the way he explains the details. 10/10"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Connel, Thank you so much for your review. I am chuffed you gave the day 10/10 and that you enjoyed the experience. I hope you get lots of use out of the bottle opener. Alex"

Karen Boughton reviewed: Wax Sculpt a Floral Ring or Pendant Workshop; with Lindsay Forbes of Laconic - Sedgefield

"Absolutely loved using wax (for the first time) to sculpt my ring - going to pick up the finished silver ring in a few days, can't wait! This is the second silver ring course I've done with Lindsay - I highly recommend her!!"

Bench Box responded:

"Thanks for your lovely review Karen. I'm glad you enjoyed this course too. The ring you made is gorgeous, I hope you love it when you see it! "

SALLY HENBEST reviewed: Full day mosaic workshop for beginners - Meriden, West Midlands

"The whole experience was delightful from start to finish. The success of the day stems from Anne's delightful teaching which was thorough, reassuring and warm. Also, her workshop, which is set in such an idyllic location, the friendly and informal lunch break and the chance to create something that I had always wanted to create. It is a shame that there is not enough time to grout your work, but I understand that this is not possible due to the need for the mosaic pieces to set. Anne provides all the necessary grout and advice on how to do this at home. My slight nervousness about doing this was overcome by the final outcome. "

David Sykes reviewed: Pole Lathe Turning at Sallerton Wood

"Another great course at Sallerton Woods. As ever, Andy was superb at explaining the principles and demonstrating the methods - including the 'this is what will happen when you get it wrong!' The Delia Smith of the woodworking world! As part of the course I chose to make a spoon, initially by turning a 'baton' with a sphere, cleaving off half the sphere and then carving out the bowl of the spoon. I hadn't anticipated that the carving would be just as absorbing as the wood turning. Not only is the course good, the surroundings are fantastic, in the heart of a deciduous wood, with sounds of wildlife, and smells of moss, woodsmoke and coffee at refreshment time. A particular thanks for providing the Gluten Free food options Great fun! I will be back. Many thanks."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much indeed, David, for being the very first person to review our brand new course in pole lathe turning. Thanks for your kind words too, and for returning to Sallerton Wood for this, your second course. We're delighted that you enjoyed the course and its woodland environment, and we very much look forward to welcoming you back sometime in the future. "

Lindsay Taylor reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"What a brilliant day!! We tasked Rudi with helping us create a piece for the wall above our fireplace. He helped us through the design stage through the forging and shaping of the materials and finally even let us do some welding! We ended up with a really bit of beautiful art deco inspired artwork! Thanks Rudi!"

Janette Sbley reviewed: Botanical Linocut Workshop at Offley Hoo Farm, Hitchin

"I thoroughly enjoyed Kim's Linocutting course, she is a very, warm, generous person who loves to share her knowledge."

Louise Wills reviewed: Mosaic day workshop with Professional Artist Coralie Turpin- Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

"I had a lovely day making mosaics with Coralie, She is very welcoming and her studio is a fabulous space full of inspiration and amazing works. She taught me all the skills I needed to complete a mosaic on the day, she was very helpful and gave me lots of helpful tips. The studio is equipped with all the tiles you cold possibly want and lots of books for inspiration if you don't arrive knowing what you want to make. I would totally recommend this course to anyone wanting to have a go at mosaic making."

Coralie Turpin Artist responded:

"Thank you Louise, it was genuinely a pleasure to meet you. Your mosaic is beautiful and a credit to you. Best wishes Coralie "

Russ Barker reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I thoroughly enjoyed my 1-2-1 woodturning workshop learning all about woodturning as well as the equipment required, tools needed, wood (and grain). As a total novice who only had seen YouTube videos of woodturning, I ended up "proficient" enough to take home 2 pieces of my work that currently sit proudly on display for all to see! Simon was patient whilst explaining and demonstrating the techniques and tips needed. He is very easy to chat to, and quick to allay any fears or answer any questions. It doesn't seem to stop at the end of the day either - the post-course information notes (and some great photos) were gratefully received afterwards. Something for me to read up on, so I don't forget before the next time I am in front of a lathe...."

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

"Hi Russ, So glad you enjoyed the day - do get in touch if you need any guidance, especially purchasing kit. I can't promise I know it all, but I'll try to help if I can. -- Simon"

Andy reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"What a FANTASTIC experience! If you're on the fence about booking this for yourself or as a gift I'd encourage you to stop thinking and get involved! I've spent two separate days at the forge so far under the instruction of Mort who is extremely knowledgeable and encouraging. I've enjoyed it so much and have been so impressed with what I've managed to accomplish (with a fair bit of help of course) that I've got the itch and can't wait to book another day! Fire, Hammers and plenty of tea what more could you want. I highly recommend! "