Latest reviews

Hannah reviewed: Design & Make Your Own Jumper

"Did jumper making with my daughter who is 11 and usually very hard to please but she enjoyed it!. It was good fun, lots of materials and ideas to chose from. Love our jumpers. Kathy was very friendly and helpful. "

Beth Walker reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"This was an incredible course, jam packed with hands-on making, tools and information, but also the opportunity to make your own unique table / stool design which you take away with you at the end of the 2 days. Even with a wide range of learners and previous skills and experience, we all made quality pieces to take home. Peter is so knowledgeable and a wonderful tutor - very attentive, interested, kind and patient. Also, his apprentice Toby is a real asset to the course and workshop - such a knowledgeable and skilled young man who supports course participants throughout their time as well. You really are in good hands in this course, and I couldn't recommend it to anyone enough. Looking forward to going back in the new year some time for steam bending and more making!"

Clare reviewed: Introduction to copper foiling workshop

"A very well organised and well explained introduction to the copper foiling technique. We started with health and safety issues, then moved onto basic glass handling and various cutting methods. Then we experimented with cutting and Foiling a small design. During the afternoon we completed a larger piece. I felt that I had achieved something by the end and took home two very nice pieces with me. Sharon was very attentive throughout and quick to give advice. An excellent day!"

Manchester Stained Glass responded:

"Hi Clare, Thank you so much for attending the workshop and leaving a review, it was lovely to have you in the studio on Saturday. I am very glad you enjoyed the day and hopefully you will be able to have a go at home. If you need any reminders, please do not hesitate to get in touch. All the best Sharon "

Emilie Walton reviewed: Stained glass mosaic garden bird stakes in the Cotswolds

"We had a fantastic day making lovely bird garden ornaments. Yvette was a wonderful teacher and we learned so much about cutting glass techniques. I had done mosaics before but not with glass. My friend had not done anything like this before and mastered it with guidance from Yvette. So happy with the results. We would definitely recommend this lovely experience to people of all creative abilities. I’m hooked so I will be going back 😁"

Baobab Tree Mosaics responded:

"Thank you for your review. Both your little birds turned out fabulously, and it was a lovely day."

James reviewed: One Day Stained Glass Course for Beginners

"Absolutely loved this course. I found it extremely informative and educational and at the same time really fun. I was sceptical about maybe finishing my stained glass window in a day (with having zero experience with stained glass) but with the help of both tutors ,who were very knowledgeable and accommodating, it proudly sits in my living room at home! I’d highly recommend this course to anybody! "

Alison reviewed: 3 hour Fused Glass Course With Glass Quarter Designs

"I had a brilliant morning with Jane, on the 3 hour course. Once we were shown the technique of glass cutting and fusing Jane showed us examples of what we might like to make and provided a large selection of materials. Really relaxing! I would happily have spent a whole day there!! "

Jane reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"What a fantastic day we had, Siobhan is an excellent teacher who had so much patience with 6 beginners. Encouraged us all to produce so many pieces. Add a delicious lunch umpteen drinks and snacks - what more can you ask for! Can't wait to return to learn more! Thank you for my birthday treat!! "

Bee reviewed: Free form felt Cloche hat

"I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend course with Yolande. She understood exactly what I was trying to achieve (a Downton-style felt cloche) and assured me I could make it within the two day course - I managed it apart from a couple of finishing touches I could complete at home. She clearly demonstrated all the techniques and encouraged us at every step. She also shared a huge amount of knowledge about millinery, styles and equipment. Her shop where the course is held is a treasure trove of hats and she is able to supply a huge range of colours of felt to choose from along with lots of different embellishments. I’m really pleased with my hat and looking forward to wearing it. Thank you Yolande! "

Fiona reviewed: Christmas Wreath Making at Stanwick Lakes

"I have just done a Christmas wreath workshop and I highly recommend it. Sophie was very knowledgeable and very helpful and everyone produced a lovely ( but different) wreath. There was an abundance of greenery and dried flowers to choose from. I hope to go again next year! "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for such a lovely review. We are really pleased you enjoyed the course and shall look forward to seeing you again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Cara reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Absolutely loved the two day course with Lucy. She is such a good teacher, I loved the one to one sessions and Lucy made me feel very comfortable! The workshop is well equipped and her garden is so beautiful. She has taught me many useful skills and I can’t wait to go back and learn more 😊"

Exclusive Jewellery responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Cara. It will be great if you can come back for another session as you have a natural talent which you can continue to develop as you expand your technical knowledge."

Rowena reviewed: Modern Calligraphy (1 day) in the Peak District

"Thoroughly enjoyed the day. Learnt new skills and met lovely people. Lovely setting. Will recommend. Thank you. "

Zantium Studios Ltd responded:

"Thankyou so much, Rowena. Delighted to hear you enjoyed our course and will recommend us to your friends. Much appreciated."

Alyson reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"The whole day is a great experience. Adrian , Andy and Debbie very welcoming.A really relaxed atmosphere throughout the day. Good instruction, and as much or little help as needed. Lovely to have something to bring home. Excellent home made food, and plenty of it. Would recommend anyone, young or old to have a go"

Jane Hill reviewed: Gemstone Stacking Rings: Silver Jewellery Making

"Thank you so much Nina . A fantastic experience from start to finish . Such a fantastic fun day out and learning a new skill too . I can’t believe how beautiful the ring is that I made. I would recommend this course to everyone. "

Iasthai Original responded:

"Thank you, Jane! It was just the best surprise to see you and a fab way to wrap up the workshops for the year. Very well done to you, Dawn and Lisa on your excellent rings! Hope to see you again soon✨"

Hannah Willmore reviewed: Weave a Scarf in a Day - Harrogate

"I really enjoyed this workshop. Anne was patient and supportive and struck a really good balance between letting us practice for ourselves and stepping in to steer where needed. I was pleasantly surprised by the scarf I'd made by the end of the day and will definitely be weaving again in future. Yarn Etc was a lovely setting for the workshop too, and browsing the wool was a fun first step."

Brian Angell reviewed: 2-day blacksmithing courses

"I have just completed the two day course. Aaron was so welcoming and helpful in answering all my questions. I learnt so much as well as achieving what I wanted from the course - to learn some basic processes, make some products I feel worthy of and gain a proper understanding of what is involved. Although I was the sole trainee, Aaron was such good company the time flew by. Thank you."

A and T Petersen Ltd responded:

"Thanks for your review Brian, its unusual to get one to one tuition. We're really glad you enjoyed the course - Aaron and Trudi"

Bill and Caroline Heasman reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"We had a fantastic day! Mathew is an excellent teacher, which he needed to be as we were both complete novices. We learnt a huge amount in just six hours and had something to show for it at the end of the day. Would highly recommend the course to anyone."

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Bill and Caroline, thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I had a great day teach both of you and your pots look fantastic. Best wishes Mat"

Gyles Westcott reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"As a complete beginner, this one-day introduction to woodturning was just perfect. Simon is a great teacher - skilled, articulate and patient, with a great instinct for recognising when to step in and offer guidance, and when to step back and let the student learn. He's also great company - my only regret is that the day passed so quickly! I'm thrilled with the pieces I completed on the day, both of which are now in use at home. I now feel confident that I can work on a lathe safely and look forward to booking my next course (probably Simon's half-day sharpening clinic - sharpening his beautiful tools looked almost as much fun as working on the lathe!). Simon is also really generous with his advice, giving practical, sensible advice on tools and equipment, and which items to prioritise when starting out. Louise and Simon were lovely to deal with - friendly and welcoming, but also very professional in the way they run their business. If you're wanting to try something new, or looking for an original gift for someone special, I would thoroughly recommend Blended Monkey."

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

"Hi Gyles, Thank you for such a thoughtful review and for the company on the day. It was a fun day for both of us! If you need any help in the future, please get in touch. -- Simon"

Lynne O'Brien reviewed: Epoxy Resin Art Masterclass: Seascapes

"A very enjoyable and informative afternoon. We learnt a lot about using resin and Richard was very happy to answer all of our questions. I'm looking forward to receiving the finished pieces"

Gill reviewed: Weave a Scarf in a Day - Harrogate

"Anne was a very informative and helpful tutor. Really enjoyed the day and was pleasantly surprised to see that I created a beautiful scarf by the end of it. Really loved weaving, it is very therapeutic and everyone was very welcoming. I have no hesitation in recommending Anne. A truly amazing day. "

Sue Smith reviewed: Gemstone Stacking Rings: Silver Jewellery Making

"We had a lovely day. We were made to feel very welcome. A friendly tutor and nice group. The tutor gave guidance, was clear, and she was kind and encouraging . We had all the tools and equipment we needed. We went from a place of having two sticks of silver, to making ourselves two beautiful rings each and feeling very proud of what we’d produced. "

Iasthai Original responded:

"Thank you for you lovely review, Sue ✨ Very well done to you, Frankie and Rosie on your beautiful rings. You did a fantastic job! "

Jane reviewed: Seaglass jewellery workshop at Sea & Solder, Dorset.

"Great day. So many new tips we learnt on the day. Love my pendant I came away with."

Janet Ratcliffe reviewed: Willow Flying Owl or Chicken

"My friend and I had a wonderful day, in a very pleasant, friendly atmosphere. Very pleased with the result. Thank you Jo. "

Jo Sadler Willow responded:

"Thank you also for making it a memorable day too!"

Dawn Makin reviewed: Glass jewellery making class

"I spent a lovely few hours learning to make soap and a gift box to put it into. Chrissy, who ran the class, was a warm, friendly and patient teacher who was very knowledgeable about the subjects she taught. I would definitely recommend this course "

Chrissy Webster Mosaic & Craft responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely feedback. I'm so glad you enjoyed the class and hope to see you again in the future. "

Amanda Garton reviewed: Seaglass jewellery workshop at Sea & Solder, Dorset.

"Our teacher was knowledgeable and very easy to understand, she explained the processes well and was on hand to assist at all times. Her venue is lovely and fully equipped for four students. I loved this day course and would highly recommend it. "

MARIE-LOUISE SMITH reviewed: Christmas Wreath Making at Stanwick Lakes (Afternoon session)

"This was an excellent workshop and good value for money. Everything you needed was provided and it was not rushed. Would happily do again. "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for such a lovely review. We are really pleased you enjoyed the course and shall pass your feedback onto Sophie. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."