Latest reviews

Elaine & William Portch reviewed: Beginners spoon carving

"We had a thoroughly enjoyable day carving our spoons. Nick began the course by talking 'trees'! We were given good tuition in how to use the tools safely and effectively and were guided through the stages of creating our own spoons. Fantastic hospitality copious tea and homemade cake and scones! Thank you to you both."

Esther reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"What a great day - would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone. We had a lot of fun, learned some new skills and came away with a lovely reminder. Thanks Jo!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Esther ;-) It's rare that anyone has created a sculpture in the way I've developed, so it's great fun showing everyone what they can do with that sequence of processes. Well done on your lovely hare ;-) Jo x"

Marie and Tom reviewed: Spoon carving taster session

"We had such a fun time! Dave is very passionate and such a good teacher. We need more people like Dace in this world. Thanks for everything. :)"

Woodwyrm responded:

"Hi Marie, Many thanks for your review. It was great to meet you both and a pleasure to teach you. Happy carving!"

Bernard kelland reviewed: Blacksmithing Course (one to one) in a traditional forge on Dartmoor

"Thanks Greg on an enjoyable and instructive day."

Moreton Forge responded:

"Thanks Bernard, it was great working with you"

Claire Jennings reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"Just had a Fantastic day at this Hare workshop. Jo is amazing. I never thought I would be able to make something so lovely. I went with friends and we had such a fun day and all came away very proud of our creations. The studio is in the most beautiful setting and Jo and her husband made us feel so welcome. I can’t recommend this workshop highly enough."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Claire - we both really enjoy the workshops and love facilitating the day. Your hare was gorgeous - well done ;-) Jo x"

Sarah reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"What a fantastic day - great hosts, very knowledgeable - it completely exceeded our expectations. Would definitely recommend."

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

"Thanks for your lovely review Sarah! It was a pleasure to have you and Jo in the studio and I'm really pleased that you enjoyed your session :-)."

Gill starkie reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"What a fantastic day. Jo is an amazing teacher, we learnt so much and we are all delighted with our Hares. We laughed and giggled all the way through and Jo was so patient and kind with us. I can't wait to come on another course..."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much Gill! I so much enjoyed the day ;-) Well done on your Verdigris finished leaping hare! Jo xx"

Karen Harper reviewed: Fused glass workshop with Helen from The Butterfly Effect Studio in Halford.

"I really wasn't sure of how I would get on at the Fused Glass Workshop. I'd never done anything like it before and have never felt that I'm the 'creative' type. Well, of course I thoroughly enjoyed it! From the moment I walked in, Helen created a very relaxed atmosphere. We were given clear advice on how to begin and Helen had lots of examples of things that we might like to try. We were encouraged to just have a go. I found a number of things that I wanted to make. She is a very skilled tutor who really listens, and tailors her advice according to what you need. I had a very relaxing day, escaped normal life for a few hours, and came away with pieces that I am proud of. I highly recommend it."

Alia Allim reviewed: Make your own Sneakers

"Thoroughly enjoyed the day. The pace was gentle with time to undo misadventures. There was plenty of advice on hand throughout. The range of colours was brilliant and the step by step approach worked well. It was a refreshing way to immerse yourself in unfamiliar novel techniques. Loved it from beginning to end. To create so much in one day was thrilling. So much fun was had comparing the colours everyone had chosen. So many variations could be achieved. We all went astray at one point or another but that added to the excitement when you discovered it was not a catastrophe and could easily be remedied!!! Tracy unobtrusively helped with the process and shared our collective delight with the end result. She is a lovely, amiable, conversational teacher with endless patience. We were all able to relax and it was a fulfilling day. Tracy brought the best ever Welsh cakes too. All in all, truly splendid and I want to do another workshop soon."

Teresa Trangmar reviewed: Introduction to Ecoprinting

"What a fantastic day doing the 'Introduction to Eco Printing' with Fiona on Oct 2nd. Fiona taught us so much, about the different methods of eco printing, how different leaves and flowers worked with the different processes. I came home with a lovely wide range of prints on paper, wool and linen printed up in differing colours and styles. I am buzzing with ideas on how to use and develop what I learned and created on the day. Fiona's enthusiasm is infectious and she is a great teacher and covers a huge amount in one day. Also - The venue is lovely - the reading rooms are easy to get to and there is ample parking, lots of space inside as well. Fiona's cake and biscuits were great too! I thoroughly recommend this course with Fiona, you will have fun and learn an awful lot!"

Earthwise Ecoprints responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Teresa. It was really lovely to meet you and share the magical process of Ecoprint with you. So pleased you enjoyed it. xxx"

Cate reviewed: Introduction to Soap Making Workshop with Afternoon Tea, East Yorkshire.

"Highly recommend this course, interesting and informative with a small enough group that everyone could have hands on help if needed. I’ve held off reviewing because I brought ingredients away to try another batch of soap at home and wanted to see if I’d learnt enough to do it. I’m really happy with batch two too! Thanks Sharon, it was well worth the long (covid) wait!"

Beehive Wellbeing responded:

"?Thank you Cate for a wonderful review, I’m so pleased you enjoyed your workshop and the long covid wait was worth it. You have clearly mastered soap making doing another batch at home, I’m sure you will now have a nice supply. I try really hard to make all our workshops a fabulous learning experience in small groups as well as an enjoyable day out. It’s important to me that my workshops have that personal touch. I’m sure we will see you at another workshop soon. Kind regards Sharon ?"

Diana Mary De Lacey reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Good course, very informative, would have been good to have a handout for all the tips that were given during the workshop esp when it came to understanding what resin is suitable for what project and calculating the amount of resin required. I am looking forward to seeing what my piece of art looks like."

Brian Culbert reviewed: Cleft ash gate making with Gedwood

"Thoroughly enjoyed the gate making course lead by a great teacher. Learning new skills and techniques in a fab setting with encouragement from fellow students. A very uplifting experience that I highly recommend."

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks Brian. A great weekend of creativity and lively banter!"

Josh reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"First of all the information email received before arrival got me to exactly where I needed to be no trouble! Secondly Spike is a wicked guy! Welcoming, talkative and funny! Throughout the day we had demonstrations step by step on how to complete our work. While working he is not overbearing but will help show you correct any hiccups along the way! By the end of the day I walked away with a massive sense of accomplishment, an experience I’ll never forget and a potential new hobby! But always remember FIRE HOT!"

Mick and Jane Howey reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"With no previous experience of furniture making beyond simple DIY projects, we were amazed to complete the 2 day course each with a small table of which we are both very proud. The course guided us through each stage of the construction - every section clearly demonstrated by Peter with both he and his assistant, Toby, always there to provide help and advice. The course was a totally absorbing and an immersive experience with time flying by too fast! Would love to do another course. Thanks so much for a wonderful birthday present."

Gill reviewed: Metal jewellery and silversmithing, beginner to intermediate, 4 weeks.

"Excellent course for a complete beginner as well as more advanced, due to Tracey's knowledge, expertise and patience!! I would highly recommend!!!"

Charlotte Walker reviewed: Metal jewellery and silversmithing, beginner to intermediate, 4 weeks.

"Wow!!! Amazing teacher and course content, I would highly recommend!!"

clare wainwright reviewed: Wire Jewellery

"Spent a lovely day learning new skills to produce a unique piece of jewellery. Judith was an excellent patient tutor giving lots of help and encouragement. The lunch, tea and cake was also delicious and I think the day was very good value for money. Highly recommend!"

Judith Brown Jewellery responded:

"Thanks for your lovely review Clare!"

Nicola reviewed: Colour for ultimate well being: Retreat in Nature

"I found the colour retreat to be just what I needed after a difficult year – it was incredibly relaxing; I had the time and the space to forget about the stresses and strains of life, to take time out to replenish my depleted energy levels, and I found Lucy to be very warm and inspiring. Since the course I have found that I am noticing colour more, recognising the effect it has on me, and looking out for colourful clothes, food, and things for the home to brighten my family's time spent indoors, especially now winter is on its way. I loved the emphasis on autumn and connecting with nature, as Autumn is my favourite time of year, and I think we could all benefit from connecting with nature more. I really enjoyed the home-made cakes, herbal teas, and lunch, and the setting was beautiful – it really helped to create a sense of retreating from the everyday world."

Lucy Renshaw responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind review. I’m so glad you were able to get the rest and rejuvenation you needed! Enjoy your journey of discovering more about the benefits of colour and hope to see you again x"

Sam Elliot reviewed: Gifts and Presents to Make with Herbs

"Lovely simple and clear instructions to make a nice variety of gifts. I am looking forward to making some for my family at Christmas."

Jane Hauck reviewed: Throwing for beginners

"Had a lovely day. A course that was really hands on with a great tutor. Learnt a lot and the day just flew by. Would highly recommend it."

Charlie's Pots responded:

"Hello Jane Thank you for your lovely comments. It was a pleasure to meet you and I am glad that you enjoyed the day. Looking forward to seeing you again soon. Please get in touch if you have any further questions about the glazing. Best wishes Charlie"

Kevin Patterson reviewed: Cleft ash gate making with Gedwood

"A great 2 days trying something new, while being taught with a relaxed and patient approach by GED. As a complete novice, great to be able to walk away having completed a gate I am delighted with, met and enjoyed the company of some great people and learnt some skills I know will be helpful in the future. Well worth attending. Kev"

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks Kevin. It was a great group to teach and great banter too!"

T Simpson reviewed: Cleft ash gate making with Gedwood

"Highly recommend the tutor, the setting, the tools provided and even some home baking. Inspired to do more green wood working as I now have more knowledge and confidence. Thanks Ged!!!"

Gedwood responded:

"..always a pleasure Thys. A fine gate you can proudly display! Ged"

John reviewed: Introduction to Tiffany stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Kate is a patient and kind teacher. There was a lot to do in one day but she got me through it. I will definitely come back for another course, I'm hooked."

Henry James reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"I had a brilliant time on this course. Peter is clearly an expert in what he does and he and his apprentice Toby are both brilliant teachers. I was a complete novice before the course and I came away with an absolutely beautiful and unique stool. Thank you guys, I will be back for more."