Latest reviews

Lottie Lewis reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"My sister and I had such a great day with Alex learning how to create bird baths from sheet metal, using the dishing technique. We shared a one-to-one day experience, taking it in turns to work on our projects. It worked really well. Alex was a great teacher and generally excellent company for the day too. The historic Chalk Pit Forge is in such a gorgeous setting, very peaceful and rural. I can't recommend highly enough spending time at Chalk Pit Forge with Alex, I came away with an awesome bird bath, wanting to return to have a go at something else. (Alex also provided some awesome snacks, which are very welcome as it is a very physical day) If you are considering this course - do it, you won't be disappointed! "

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Lottie, Thanks so much for the great review. It's much appreciated. I'm glad you're happy with what you made and learnt and am very happy you found me excellent company. You and Liz were too! All the best Alex Smith "

Anne reviewed: Willow Pig Sculpture at Haymoor Studio

"Had booked a willow weaving day with my daughter on Saturday, and we had such a great time with Jo. Her teaching style was relaxed, she kept an eye on us all throughout the day to make sure nobody was struggling. Quite a long day, and we were both tired by the end, but we really enjoyed our day and are now the proud owners of willow pigs Pringle and Small Pig. The course was held in a lovely location, we are definitely planning on booking ourselves onto another course. "

Linda Vincent reviewed: Mosaic workshop at Jackie Nash Art

"Had an absolutely fantastic day with Jackie. She encouraged us to make whatever mosaic we wanted and let us loose on all her different colours and textures of tiles. She only has small groups so was always available to answer questions, help us out with anything. She is very passionate about mosaics and made the day a lot of fun. "

Jackie Nash Art responded:

"Thank you Linda for your lovely review. Your Hare will be grouted ready for collection early next week. See you soon. ?"

David Harrington reviewed: Pole lathe turning taster day: bowl turning

"Great day in a beautiful setting in the woods. An ancient art rediscovered. It is moderately physical. Initially a bit tricky but you soon get the knack and then it is good fun. Maurice is a nice bloke and a good teacher. Would highly recommend. "

Ross reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Fantastic day. Thoroughly enjoyable and learnt a great deal. The course had a good structure to it but flowed so naturally that you didn't really notice. Simon was a great tutor and very friendly and welcoming. Highly recommended."

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

"Thanks, Ross. So glad you enjoyed the day and learned so much. Do get in touch if you need further help or advice. —Simon"

Rob Radmore reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"Absolutely fantastic. I haven’t picked up a manual plane for some 25 years. I just wanted a refresher. Others had NEVER picked up a plane. Aiden is an excellent tutor, carefully explaining what to do with a practical demonstration and then following up with visits to each workbench. I cannot recommend this course highly enough whether like me it’s been a while and you’ve forgotten sooo much or if you’re a complete novice who just wants to have a go at woodworking. The end result - described as a chopping board - isn’t just ANY chopping board (to misquote M&S) this is an Aiden chopping board. I kind of run out of superlatives at this point. The fact that the course numbers are small means he can - and does - devote attention to each pupil’s needs. The workshop is excellently equipped as well. Aiden is a VERY skilled woodworker with that rare ability to communicate and teach as well. All in all 10/10. I’m about to book my next one."

Farnham School of Furniture Making Ltd responded:

"Wow, thank you for your positive feedback Rob! I am very happy you had a good time on the course and learnt a lot. Looking forward to welcoming you back at the workshop! All the best, Aidan "

Kevin Goodwin reviewed: Mosaics for Beginners - West Sussex

"I did this course with my partner last Friday in Wendy's workshop. We had not tried mosaics before. It was very instructive and good that she was working on a small piece in parallel with us. Wendy had a wide range of tiles to choose from, ranging from small squares to larger ones, offcuts of tiles, circular ones, shiny ones, pebble shaped ones, etc, in a diverse range of colours and hues. The 4 hours went surprisingly quickly and we opted to take the pieces home to grout after she demonstrated how to do this, although you can leave them with Wendy to do if you wish. The location is close to parking and the background music in the workshop great as you disappear into relaxing mosaic making. Definitely worthwhile doing and we are already thinking about mosaic projects to do at home having taken the course."

Lauren reviewed: NEW!! - 3 piece Russian style interlock ring at Simply Amazing Jewellery School

"Had a wonderful afternoon at this workshop. Viv was friendly and patient, and I came away with a piece of jewellery I really love. Would highly recommend."

Simply Amazing Jewellery School responded:

"Hi Lauren, thank you so much, this is a lovely review, but you worked really hard, listened well and followed instructions - your ring is beautiful, you made it!"

Jonathon Savill reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"I have just finished this course and enjoyed it immensely. I got constant attention and correction interspersed with humour and lots of ancillary information. It was tiring but such good fun that I regretted it ending on both days. Highly recommended."

Farnham School of Furniture Making Ltd responded:

"Thank you Jonathon, I very much enjoyed teaching and glad you've got a lot out of it. Looking forward to welcoming you back at the workshop. All the best! Aidan "

Mike Harrison reviewed: Damascus knife making in Grassington

"We had a fantastic day making Damascus steel knives. Richard, a master of his art, led us through every step of the process with patience and skill, allowing even rank amateurs like us to leave the workshop at the end of the day with pretty decent end product. Definitely back to do more - we're already booked in."

Neil reviewed: Furniture Painting Workshop (levels 1&2 techniques covered) in Warrington, Cheshire

"Day was brilliant...wanted to do this for some time so finally booked myself on..Jon was a great host and amazing tutor she was also very very patient ?...I learned many techniques and the session has given me the confidence to go forward and try more projects. I am also booking onto Jo's upholstery workshop later in the year 5 *"

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Neil. I’m really pleased you enjoyed the workshop and got so much out of it. I look forward to meeting you again later in the year for some upholstery. ? Jo. "

Alison H reviewed: Tree of Life Pendant and Earrings Workshop

"Such a lovely morning, Pat helped us all make a wonderful set - necklace and earrings. Encouraging and patient. All helped along with coffee and cake. I started the morning thinking I could not do it and ended it having made something to be proud of. Thank you. "

Pat Miller Jewellery responded:

"I’m so glad you enjoyed the workshop, you should be very proud of the gorgeous necklace and earrings that you made. Well done!"

Callum Wilsn reviewed: Learn the Basics of Blacksmithing and Forging- Beginner Experience Day

"I highly recommend anyone who has an interest in taking up blacksmithing to take this course! Jon is an excellent teacher and very knowledgeable. Very much enjoyed my time and will be taking up blacksmithing using all the basic skills Jon has taught me! "

Edu reviewed: Animal clay sculpture workshops with Jill Collier

"We had a great time with Jill making our figures! Would recommend for a one-day experience"

Lawrence O’donnell reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"just got back after a fabulous weekend in the lakes. the 2 day course was well paced and all of us left this afternoon with boxes we can be proud to say “I made that” ??… just goes to show that even an old dog can learn a new trick with the right guidance. Well equipped workshop in stunning scenery. mark was great with help and support to bring out the best in us. The only downside was he gave us a choice of several box designs to choose from but we only had the time to make one! "

Gavin Reid reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Mark is a top teacher. I learned more from him in 2 days than from many months of watching youtube. I felt Mark had just the right amount of guiding hands when the inevitable happens to steer you back on track. I expected to build a "workshop" storage box with my skills but what I produced was far fancier than I imagined. I now have a box that does not look out of place next to the ornate professional creations. Would I go back for another course? Without hesitation! "

Jules and Antony reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Beginners glass fusing workshops in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"We had a fabulous day. We were very well looked after and Melanie was friendly, relaxed and knowledgeable. As complete novices we were guided through the process and made to feel confident. At the end of the day we had produced 5 items each. Definitely recommend "

Valma Benfield reviewed: Tree of Life Pendant and Earrings Workshop

"Really enjoyed this morning , relaxed and friendly group and a very patient tutor! So pleased with my necklace. Thank you Pat"

Pat Miller Jewellery responded:

"Many thanks Valma, your necklace and earrings were beautiful and I am so glad you enjoyed it!"

Basilio reviewed: Kitchen Knife Course

"It was an excellent day and Dave was very knowledgeable and patient. He let me get on with making without hovering and I’m really happy with the results. "

Hand forged Yorkshire responded:

"Very kind indeed of you Basilio, I really appreciate you leaving a review and your kind comments. It was great to meet you and have you in the forge. You did a cracking job with your knife and I'm really pleased you enjoyed the day"

Valene Cremin reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Two friends and I booked the Salt Way Silver jewellery making course on 17th August with Jonathan Kettle. The course was very enjoyable and although the studio was cosy, we had all the equipment and space we needed and use of the facilities in the adjoining house. There were 4 people participating, which is the maximum number, so lots of individual attention was possible. We started the morning making copper key chains and necklaces, using a variety of techniques including bending, cutting, stamping and soldering. The afternoon was spent making our chosen silver piece. We were all very pleased with the pieces we made and agreed that the day was well spent. Jonathan was an excellent host, supplying tuition, drinks and lovely home-made cake. We all agreed we would recommend the course."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Valene. A very kind review.. I'm very pleased that you and your friends enjoyed the course. You all did very well with your new silver jewellery making skills and made some fine pieces. Thank you for choosing Salt Way silver, and it was a pleasure to meet you all. Jonathan"

Jocelyn reviewed: Mosaic/chat/create! with award winning mosaicist Emma Abel

"I recently attended Emma's mosiac day with my mum. I can truly say that it was a fantastic day! The art form of mosaicing is fascinating & harder than you realise but with Emma's knowledge, guidance & skill (and patience!) you create a piece that you never thought you could when you started! I would absolutely recommend this day, you don't need any experience as Emma guides you through the whole process. Emma's art is stunning & you are mesmerised by the beautiful pieces adorning her workshop. So much inspiration. We will definitely be returning! "

abelmosaics responded:

"It was lovely to meet you and your Mum Jocelyn, thanks so much for your kind comments. Your butterfly was beautifully made with great attention to detail so I am confident that your next mosaic will be equally good! Ann made a lovely Beehive with clever colour combinations too."

Julie Wright reviewed: Willow weaving with Pippa Tee - Taster sessions

"Me and my two sisters did a taster session with Pippa , she was very welcoming, friendly, patient and knowledgeable. We had a thoroughly enjoyable, relaxing afternoon in beautiful surroundings. We went home with a new appreciation of the art and craft of willow weaving. Would definitely recommend. Thanks Pippa ."

Pippas plants responded:

"I've sent a PM , but thank you for the kind words! I also had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon - a win for all! Pippa"

Harry reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"This was one of the most fun, interesting and fulfilling crafting courses I’ve done. Would 100% recommend. Mike was excellent at getting the most out of us; he taught us skills whilst also giving us room to be creative. We’re already looking forward to our next course. "

MC Woodcrafts responded:

"Thanks for your kind words Harry, I'm really glad that you both enjoyed the day"

Vanessa reviewed: A Summer Garden - Colour and Composition

"Really enjoyed the experience of this painting workshop yesterday. Helped that the weather allowed us to make the most of the beautiful garden. Looking forward to using what I learnt and finishing my painting at home ?"

Micklems Farm Creative Workshops responded:

"We're so pleased you enjoyed your day, we'll hope to see you again soon!"

Hazel reviewed: Line & Colour, an introduction to gouache with Louise Adams

"I really enjoyed this workshop, Louise is very helpful giving me advice without taking over the way I work. The other students were really friendly and supportive. I look forward to attending more workshops with Louise in the near future. It was definitely worth the 50 mile travelling distance. Many thanks Louise. "

Stockton Brook Studios responded:

"Hazel, Thank you! I loved meeting you and the work you made yesterday. I look forward to seeing you again in the future. Good luck with your regular art this Autumn and hope to see you again before too long. I’ll keep in touch about future workshops. Louise"